How to Earn College Credits While Still in High School

July 18, 2025 byCharlotte Davies

4 min to read

An online high school student looking at her laptop and holding a pen

As high school starts to wind down and students begin planning for what comes next, they might start to feel anxious to move on to the next step sooner rather than later. For students interested in exploring how to earn college credits in high school, read on to see how you can get started simply and easily.

Why Earn College Credits in High School?

The reasons why you might want to earn college credit while you’re still in high school depend on your unique situation, but broadly speaking there are a few distinct advantages:

Strengthens your college applications: Earning college credit while still in high school can help show schools you’re applying to that you’re capable of the elevated course load, which can help you stand out as an applicant.
Helps save money on college: Earning college credit before graduating high school can help lower costs for tuition by completing some of the general education requirements at typically reduced cost.
Graduate faster: Earning college credit in high school can make you exempt from certain general education courses, which can allow many students to start their major focus much sooner than their peers.

Different Ways to Earn College Credits in High School

Finding college credit options in high school often depends on what your specific school system offers; however, many programs can be completed with little or no disruption to your schedule and even during the summer months!

Some common ways high school students earn college credit:

Dual Enrollment Programs

Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to register at a local community college and earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Many community colleges partner with nearby universities to help make sure that all credits transfer one-to-one, so students can be sure the classes they take work toward their degree program. However, not all universities accept courses from community colleges. Many private or out-of-state universities, for example, may have different requirements for their degree programs. So, while the student may enter their university with college credit hours, they may be required to retake general education courses if the course numbers do not align.

AP® Classes

Unlike dual enrollment, Advanced Placement®* classes are not college courses themselves but courses taught in high school at a college level. Instead of earning high school and college credit at the same time, in AP classes, students earn college credit based on how they perform on their AP exams with the potential that students could earn full, partial, or no college credit at all. While AP courses are available in a variety of subjects, they do not perfectly match general education requirements at a university. When a student earns college credits through AP courses, the credits often apply to the general education course that most closely relates to the course. For example, a fully passing score on an AP calculus exam may exempt a student from taking a required freshman-level math course. While credit hours depend on how students perform on their exam, AP courses may be better suited for students who would like flexibility in how their college credits are applied to their degree program.

CLEP Exams

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) gives students the chance to earn college credit by passing a standardized test in various subjects. Unlike AP classes, students don’t need to be enrolled in a specific class to take CLEP exams in high school. Instead, they’re multiple-choice exams that cover what’s typically taught in lower-level college classes that students can study for on their own, which makes them a flexible option for self-motivated students. However, not all colleges and universities accept CLEP exams the same way, so students should check their options with their chosen schools to ensure their credits apply.

Other Online Options

Beyond these options, Connections Academy has options built a tri-credit approach into its curriculum to help students earn college credit for over 150 bachelor’s degree programs around the United States alongside their high school credits, all while earning a career certification or vocational credit at the same time.

Benefits of Earning College Credits in High School

Earning college credits in high school can come with a few longer-term benefits, such as:

Improved college readiness: Engaging in college-level work helps students prepare for the rigor of a more demanding curriculum and can give them practice with developing good study habits and self-discipline.
Expanded opportunities: Having some college credits already earned before beginning university can free up a student’s schedule to allow them time to explore other courses they may not have time for otherwise or to complete two degrees within the same four years.
Personal exploration: Taking college classes while still in high school can help you explore different subjects and decide on a major or future career path with more insight.

Ready to Explore Online School?

Learn more about how online schools like Connections Academy can help tailor your child’s education to what their plans are for senior year and beyond. Download our free eGuide to learn more or contact us to speak to an enrollment representative.

*AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.