Dual Enrollment vs. AP Classes: Here's How to Decide

Getting into college is a big focus for most high school students. But here’s the twist: more students are thinking one step ahead and looking for ways to earn college credit before they even get there.

About 1 in 3 high school students now graduate with college credit already under their belt, thanks to either AP exams or dual enrollment classes. That number has been climbing steadily over the last decade.

If you want to graduate with college credit, there are two main ways to make this happen: through dual enrollment or Advanced Placement (AP) classes. So what’s the difference, and which one might be the better fit for you? Let’s break it down.

Dual enrollment and AP classes

Let’s explore what makes these programs different, their benefits, and how to decide which works best for you. Both can help you save time and money, and give you a confidence boost along the way. Both of those benefits will help you transition to college with ease.

What is dual enrollment? How does it work?

If you’re in high school and taking a course through a local college or university, while getting high school and college credit, that’s dual enrollment. Unlike AP classes, where a single test score determines whether you get college credit, dual enrollment credits are earned by simply passing the class.

And it's more popular than ever. In the 2022–23 school year, 2.5 million high schoolers took at least one dual enrollment course. That’s a massive jump from just a decade ago.

Why do students choose dual enrollment?

If you're a student who likes learning by doing, dual enrollment might be your jam. Here’s what it offers:

College credit: You’ll start building your college transcript before finishing high school. One study found that dual enrollment students were more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree. And that number was even higher for first-gen college students.

Real-world experience: These are college classes, usually taught by professors or adjuncts. So, you’ll get a firsthand look at what college coursework is really like.

College prep: "College classes can be more challenging than high school ones," said Litza F. Echeverria Rubio, dual enrollment coordinator at the University of Florida. “If classes are chosen carefully, students can advance in their quest for college degrees.”

Flexibility: Some colleges offer online dual enrollment classes, which can be helpful for busy students who struggle to manage class work and extracurriculars. 

What about cost? Well, it depends. Some programs are free or low-cost, while others can be pricey. The current cost of an AP test is $97, but dual enrollment courses can range from free to several hundred dollars.

That said, 88% of U.S. high schools now offer dual enrollment. Many states even subsidize the cost, and some community colleges charge less than $100 per class. Be sure to ask your school counselor or the college itself about financial help or scholarship options.

How to get started with dual enrollment

The first step is to talk to your school counselor. They'll help you determine whether you're eligible and will guide you through the process.

“Whether or not dual enrollment is the right option depends on the student, their academic load, and how many extracurriculars they’re juggling,” said Marian Anderfuren, a spokesperson for Tidewater Community College.

Some colleges may require that you pass a proficiency test or be at a specific grade level before enrolling, so it's essential to get all the details before you dive in.

What AP classes are and how they work

Advanced Placement classes, or AP classes, are high school courses with college-level curricula, with final exams created by the College Board. You may earn college credit if you take the class and pass the final AP exam (usually with a score of 3, 4, or 5).

Unlike dual enrollment, which often happens on a college campus, AP classes are taught right at your high school, usually by teachers you already know.

It’s important to note that AP classes alone don’t guarantee college credit. It all depends on your score and the policies of the colleges you apply to. Some schools only award credit for scores of 4 or 5, while others may limit how much AP credit they accept. 

That said, the AP program is widely recognized. In 2003, nearly 1.2 million U.S. students took over 4.1 million AP exams. About 21.7% of graduating seniors scored a 3 or higher, up from 19% a decade earlier.

Why students choose AP classes

There are some strong reasons why AP classes continue to be a favorite among high schoolers:

Schedule-friendly: Because they’re taught at your high school, they’re easier to fit into your schedule than a college class might be.

GPA boost: Many schools calculate AP grades on a 5.0 scale, so doing well in an AP course can seriously help your weighted GPA.

National consistency: AP classes follow a standardized curriculum, so they cover the same material no matter where you live. That means there are tons of test prep resources available.

College credit potential: According to the College Board, in 2024, more than 60% of all AP exams taken resulted in a 3 or higher. Top-performing students often enter college with a semester’s worth of credits already earned.

AP credit transfers

Countless colleges and universities offer credit or advanced placement for qualifying AP scores. You can use the AP Credit Policy Search tool provided by the College Board to find specific institutions and their AP credit policies. This resource allows you to search for colleges that recognize AP exam scores and details the scores required for credit or placement.

Meanwhile, dual enrollment credits may be more straightforward at first glance (you get a grade and a transcript), but whether those credits transfer depends on where you go to college. Most public colleges and state schools accept them, especially when they're earned through in-state partnerships.

Bottom line? Check with the schools on your list. Ask which they accept so you can plan smart.

How to get started with AP classes

Signing up for an AP class is a lot like signing up for any other class at your high school. Some AP courses might require prerequisites, and in some schools, teachers or counselors help decide if you're ready.

A solid GPA and a good work ethic will definitely help you get in and succeed once you’re there.

Dual enrollment vs. AP classes: Which one should you choose?

Still not sure which path to take? That’s totally okay. Here's a quick side-by-side to help you compare:

By the numbers:

• AP classes: Available at ~80% of U.S. public high schools.
• Dual enrollment: Offered at 88% of high schools; 2.5 million students enrolled in 2023.
• Credit recognition: AP exam scores are widely accepted and standardized; dual enrollment credits are guaranteed if you pass, but they may have variable transferability.
• College outcomes: Students in both programs are more likely to enroll in and graduate from college, and many students do both.

More things to keep in mind:

• AP classes: One big exam determines whether or not you get college credit.
• Dual enrollment: Your entire course grade matters. Not just one test.
• Dual enrollment: Can be more expensive than AP exam fees, depending on your state.
• AP: Easier to fit into your high school schedule.
• Dual enrollment: Taking a class at a specific college might help your application to that college stand out.

Learn your chances of getting into any school

Now that you know the key differences between dual enrollment and AP classes, you’re one step closer to crafting a high school schedule that supports your college goals.

Both options have serious perks, and you don’t necessarily have to choose just one. Many students do a mix of both, and that flexibility can give you the best of both worlds.

Want to know how your course choices might affect your chances of getting into your dream school? Click the button below to find out!