College is expensive—both in terms of time and money. But what if you could skip some of it? Fortunately, there are several ways high school students can earn college credit before they ever set foot on campus. These programs not only save money, but also help students graduate faster, lighten course loads, or explore advanced subjects early.

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options: AP classes and exams, dual enrollment, college placement tests, and other methods for earning or skipping college credits.

1. Advanced Placement (AP) Classes & Exams

What it is:

AP courses are college-level classes taught in high school and designed by the College Board. After completing the course, students take an AP exam (scored 1–5). Many colleges award credit for scores of 3 or higher, though policies vary.

Pros:

• Nationally recognized: Nearly all U.S. colleges accept AP scores for credit or placement.
• Wide variety: Over 30 subjects available, from Calculus to Art History.
• Boosts GPA: Often weighted higher on transcripts.
• Flexible credit use: Some schools use AP for placement into advanced classes, even if they don’t give direct credit.

Cons:

• High-stakes testing: Credit depends entirely on one standardized exam.
• Varied college policies: Some colleges only accept 4s or 5s—or none at all.
• No guaranteed credit: Just because you take the class doesn’t mean you’ll get college credit.

2. Dual Enrollment

What it is:

Dual enrollment allows high school students to take actual college classes—usually at a local community college or through an online program—and earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.

Pros:

• Guaranteed credit: You earn real college credit by passing the course.
• More accurate preview of college: Courses mimic the pace, grading, and expectations of college-level work.
• Great for core classes: Often used for general education requirements, like English 101 or College Algebra.
• Inexpensive or free: Many programs are state-funded or deeply discounted for high schoolers.

Cons:

• Transferability varies: Credits from community colleges don’t always transfer to 4-year universities.
• Less recognized nationally: Unlike AP, there’s no standardized curriculum.
• Mature environment: Students may be in class with adult learners or college-aged peers.

3. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

What it is:

CLEP exams, also offered by the College Board, allow students to "test out" of intro-level college classes by demonstrating proficiency. Exams are about 90 minutes and cover over 30 subjects.

Pros:

• Self-paced: Study independently and take the exam when ready.
• Cost-effective: Exams cost less than $100 and can save hundreds in tuition.
• Efficient: Can skip through required courses with a single test.

Cons:

• Limited recognition: Not all colleges accept CLEP, and many cap the number of CLEP credits allowed.
• No instruction: You're responsible for learning the material on your own.
• Can’t replace all classes: CLEP mostly applies to introductory general education classes.

4. International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

What it is:

IB is a rigorous two-year program with standardized curriculum and exams, offered in select high schools. Students can earn college credit based on their scores in HL (Higher Level) courses.

Pros:

• Globally recognized: Accepted by many international universities.
• Challenging curriculum: Great for academic depth and preparation.
• College credit: Many colleges grant credit for HL exam scores of 5 or higher.

Cons:

• Availability: Not many schools offer IB programs.
• Intense workload: Comparable or more demanding than AP.
• Selective college credit: Only HL courses usually count, and credit varies widely.

5. College Placement Tests / Departmental Exams

What it is:

Some colleges offer their own placement tests or departmental exams (especially for math, language, or writing) to determine if a student can skip introductory courses.

Pros:

• Skip intro courses: Can move directly into higher-level classes.
• No cost: Usually free for admitted students.
• College-administered: More likely to be accepted at that institution.

Cons:

• No transferable credit: You can skip a class, but you don’t earn credit for it.
• Only applies to the admitting school: Other colleges won’t recognize your placement.

6. Articulation Agreements (CTE or Career/Technical Credit)

What it is:

Some high schools partner with local colleges to offer career or technical courses that count toward associate degrees or certificates. These credits are often secured through articulation agreements.

Pros:

• Great for vocational students: Welding, auto tech, healthcare, etc.
• Leads to career-readiness: Often applied directly to workforce credentials.
• Real credit: Earned as part of high school programs.

Cons:

• Not transferable to 4-year colleges: Usually only applies to local or partner schools.
• Limited to specific career paths: Not for general education or academic majors.

Which Path Is Right for You?

Method	Best For	Transferability	Cost	Key Risk
AP	Strong test-takers	Widely accepted	Low	Score-based
Dual Enrollment	Hands-on learners	Varies	Free/cheap	Credit may not transfer
CLEP	Independent learners	Limited	Cheap	Limited subjects
IB	Academically elite students	Widely accepted (in IB schools)	High	Not widely available
Placement Tests	Skipping intro classes	Not transferable	Free	No credit, just placement
CTE/Articulation	Career-focused students	Local 2-year colleges	Free/inexpensive	Not for bachelor’s degrees