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 college actually starts, either through AP classes or by taking dual enrollment courses during high school. In fact, nearly 34% of U.S. high school students take college courses during high school thanks to either dual enrollment or Advanced Placement (AP) classes, up from about 10% in 2010, showing substantial growth over the past decade.
So what’s the difference between dual enrollment and AP classes, and how do you decide which route is best for you? Let’s break that down.
Dual Enrollment and AP Classes
Before we talk about which option is right for you, here’s a clear look at dual enrollment vs. AP classes: what they are, how they work, and the benefits you can earn from them. Both can help you save time and money in college, help you transition to college with ease, and give you a confidence boost along the way.
What Is Dual Enrollment?
If you’re in high school and you take a course through a college or university while still earning high school credit, that’s dual enrollment (also called dual credit). With dual enrollment, you’re taking actual college courses and earning credit for them. Unlike AP classes, where you must pass an exam to potentially get credit, dual enrollment credits are earned by passing the class itself.
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, rising to an estimated 2.8 million in the 2024-25 school year. That’s a massive jump from just a decade ago.
Why Do Students Choose Dual Enrollment?
Here’s why many students like dual credit vs AP classes:
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. Another noted that more than 80% of high school students who took dual enrollment classes went on to enroll in college immediately after graduation, showing just how much these courses can help with college transition.
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 classwork and extracurriculars.
What about cost? Well, it depends. Some programs are free or low-cost, while others can be pricey. The cost of an AP test is $99 as of the 2025-26 school year, but dual enrollment courses can range from free to several hundred dollars.
That said, 90% of U.S. high schools now offer dual enrollment as of 2026. 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 2024, nearly 3 million U.S. students took over 5.5 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:
More things to keep in mind on dual enrollment:
- Dual enrollment can be more expensive than AP exam fees, depending on your state.
- Taking a class at a specific college might help your application to that college stand out.
- AP classes are college-level courses taught in high school, with college credit awarded based on your AP exam score and the college’s credit policy.
- Dual enrollment (dual credit) courses are actual college classes that give you both high school and college credit when you pass the course.
- AP credit is not guaranteed. It depends on your exam score and where you enroll.
- Dual enrollment credit is usually guaranteed, but transfer policies vary by college.
- Colleges value both AP and dual enrollment when courses are rigorous and students perform well.
- Many students take a mix of AP and dual enrollment classes to maximize flexibility and college readiness.
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!
FAQs About Dual Enrollment vs. AP Classes
What’s the difference between dual enrollment and AP classes?
The main difference between dual enrollment vs. AP classes is how college credit is earned. AP classes require students to pass a standardized exam to potentially earn credit, while dual enrollment students earn college credit by successfully completing a college course.
Do AP classes count as college credit?
AP classes can count as college credit, but it depends on your AP exam score and the college you attend. Each school sets its own AP credit policy, and some require scores of 4 or 5 to award credit.
Do dual enrollment classes give college credit?
Yes. Dual enrollment classes typically give guaranteed college credit as long as you pass the course. However, how that credit transfers depends on the college you eventually attend.
Is dual enrollment better than AP?
There’s no single answer to whether dual enrollment is better than AP. Dual enrollment may be a better fit for students who prefer semester-based grading and want guaranteed credit, while AP may work better for students applying to selective or out-of-state colleges.
Do colleges prefer AP or dual enrollment?
Most colleges value both AP and dual enrollment. Admissions officers care more about course rigor, grades, and how your schedule challenges you than whether you choose AP or dual enrollment.
Does AP or dual enrollment look better on college applications?
Neither option automatically “looks better.” Strong performance in challenging courses (whether AP or dual enrollment) is what matters most to colleges.
Can you take both AP and dual enrollment classes?
Yes. Many students take both AP and dual enrollment classes during high school to balance standardized coursework with guaranteed college credit.
Which is better for earning college credit: AP or dual enrollment?
If your main goal is earning college credit before graduation, dual enrollment often provides more certainty. AP credit depends on exam performance and college policies, while dual enrollment credit is earned through course completion.
Does dual enrollment or AP affect GPA more?
AP classes are often weighted more heavily in high school GPA calculations, while dual enrollment weighting varies by school district. Colleges typically recalculate GPA during admissions, so rigor and grades matter more than weighting.
