Earning college credit in high school is one of the most financially valuable academic strategies available to families, but it only pays off when you understand which credits will actually transfer to your target schools.
AP Exams
Advanced Placement exams administered by College Board are the most widely accepted source of high school college credit in the United States. Over 4,000 institutions grant credit for AP scores. Scoring 3, 4, or 5 (the required score varies by school and subject) earns credit at most colleges. The specific amount of credit awarded also varies. Check each school's AP credit policy on their registrar website, do not assume a 4 or 5 automatically earns credit everywhere.
IB Higher Level Exams
International Baccalaureate Higher Level (HL) exam scores of 6 or 7 earn college credit at many universities, often comparably to AP. Some schools grant more credit for IB HL than for AP 5s. Standard Level (SL) scores may earn limited credit at some schools. Check each school's IB credit policy specifically.
Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment courses earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. These credits transfer most reliably to in-state public universities within the same state system. Private college acceptance is more variable, some selective schools do not count dual enrollment credits toward degree requirements. Crucially: dual enrollment grades become part of your permanent college academic transcript, which follows you to graduate school applications.
CLEP Exams
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams allow you to demonstrate college-level mastery by passing a one-time standardized test. Scores of 50 or above earn credit at over 2,900 colleges. Particularly useful for introductory-level requirements and foreign language proficiency. CLEP exams cost $93 each, significantly less than a college course.