College Credit in High School
There are many options to challenge youself with college-level classes and earn college credit in high school.
Students who earn college credit before they leave high school are more likely to enroll in college and persist through their first year of college. Other benefits include the opportunity to challenge yourself with rigorous classes, see yourself as a college student, and earn college credit, potentially saving time and money.
HOW TO EARN COLLEGE CREDIT IN HIGH SCHOOL
Students can earn college credit while in high school (also known as accelerated learning) in a variety of ways. Talk to a counselor or teacher to see what options are available at your school.
- Advanced Placement (AP) – Students take classes at the high school, followed by a test that may potentially count for college placement or credit.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) – Students take a series of classes at the high school, followed by a test that may potentially count for college placement or credit.
- Dual Credit - Students take classes at the high school that count as both high school and college credit. These may be college prep classes like Writing or Math or career prep classes like Business or Welding.
- Direct College Enrollment - Students take college classes on campus or online that count as both high school and college credit. School districts often have programs that cover costs.
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School Dual Credit Direct Enrollment Program(s) Blue Mountain Community College ⚫ ⚫ Early College: Dual Credit, Expanded Options Central Oregon Community College ⚫ ⚫ College Now, Expanded Options, Concurrent Enrollment Chemeketa Community College ⚫ ⚫ College Credit Now, Early College, Expanded Options Clackamas Community College ⚫ ⚫ High School Connections: Advanced College Credit, High School Plus, Expanded Options/Early College, CTE, College and Career Readiness Clatsop Community College ⚫ ⚫ Simultaneous Enrollment, College Now, Coastal Commitment/Dual Credit Columbia Gorge Community College ⚫ ⚫ College Now, Expanded Options Klamath Community College ⚫ ⚫ High School Connections: Dual Credit, College Now, College Online Lane Community College ⚫ ⚫ High School Connections: College Now, RTEC/Expanded Options Linn-Benton Community College ⚫ ⚫ High School Partnerships: College Now, Campus High School Programs Mt. Hood Community College ⚫ ⚫ College Now, Middle College, Expanded Options Oregon Coast Community College ⚫ ⚫ Dual Credit, Early College Portland Community College ⚫ ⚫ Dual Credit, Expanded Options, Open Enrollment, Beaverton Early College, Jefferson Middle College Rogue Community College ⚫ ⚫ College Now, Early College Southwestern Oregon Community College ⚫ ⚫ Dual Credit/College Now, Enhanced Options, Expanded Options Tillamook Bay Community College ⚫ ⚫ Dual Credit, Expanded Options Treasure Valley Community College ⚫ ⚫ Col-Cred, College Choice, CTE College Credit Umpqua Community College ⚫ ⚫ Dual Credit, Expanded Options -
School Dual Credit Direct Enrollment Program(s) Eastern Oregon University ⚫ ⚫ Eastern Promise Oregon Institute of Technology ⚫ ⚫ Dual Credit, High School Transition Oregon State University ⚫ Ecampus, Expanded Options Portland State University ⚫ ⚫ Challenge, EXCEL, Senior Inquiry Southern Oregon University ⚫ ⚫ Early College Credit: Advanced Southern Credit, Early Entry University of Oregon ⚫ Prebaccalaureate, Duck Link Western Oregon University ⚫ Willamette Promise -
School Dual Credit Direct Enrollment Program(s) Corban University † ⚫ ⚫ Pre-College, Dual Credit George Fox University † ⚫ Special Student Lewis & Clark College ⚫ Templeton Scholars Linfield College ⚫ Pre-College Pacific Northwest College of Art ⚫ Pre-College Foundation Intensive Reed College ⚫ Young Scholars Willamette University ⚫ Gifted Scholars
COLLEGE CREDIT FAQ
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How might college credit affect my financial aid?
Taking too many dual credit or direct enrolled college classes while in high school may affect how long you can receive financial aid. Therefore, choose classes that fit into your future education and/or career plans.
College credit earned in high school may count towards:
► Federal Financial Aid Maximum Time Frame: Students can only receive federal financial aid for 150% of the number of credits or years required. For example, if a program takes two years, students can only get federal financial aid for up to three years.
► Oregon Promise 90-Credit Limit: Students can only receive the Oregon Promise grant for a total of 90 college credits. -
How do I get a record of my college credits?
You can order transcripts from the college(s) registrar. Some colleges charge a fee for ordering transcripts. Only students can request college transcripts, unless you have signed a waiver for someone else to do so.
You will need to submit all of your academic records when applying to colleges and again at the end of their senior year. This includes transcripts from the college(s) where you have taken dual credit or direct enrollment classes.
Whenever possible, have colleges send transcripts electronically directly to the college(s). Otherwise, mail the official transcripts directly to the college in the same sealed envelope they came in.
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How does my credit transfer?
College credit earned in high school may transfer several different ways:
► Lower-Division: Credit transfers and may fit within a student's degree or general education requirements.
► Direct Equivalent: Credit transfers as a specific course.
● Example: Math 111 – College Algebra from Western Oregon University transfers as Math 111 – College Algebra at University of Oregon.
► Degree Requirement: Credit transfers and counts toward a course needed for a student's selected major or program.
● Example: Speech 111 – Public Speaking from Lane Community College transfers as Speech 111 – Public Speaking at Oregon State University as a direct equivalent and is part of degree requirements for a Mechanical Engineering degree.
► No Transfer: Credit can’t be transferred.Most Registrar or Admission Offices can answer questions about how college credit earned in high school will transfer.
Information contributed by Oregon’s dual credit coordinators.
