Early College Credits

College costs continue to rise, and many families feel the pressure. As a result, high school students now seek ways to reduce both time and expenses on their journey through higher education. One of the most effective ways to do that is by earning early college credits.

Early college credit opportunities enable students to complete college-level coursework while still in high school and potentially save on tuition fees. This pathway allows students to enter the workforce earlier with a competitive edge and real-world momentum, saving thousands in tuition. But not all paths to early credit are created equal. As educators and parents, we must understand the pros and cons of each option to help students and our children make informed, personalized choices.

AP Course/Testing: Pros and Cons

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are one of the most well-known options for earning early college credit. Administered by the College Board since 1954, participation in AP has grown by 65% over the past decade. In 2021 alone, nearly 2.6 million students took about 4.6 million exams, generating close to half a billion dollars in revenue.

These three-hour tests span 38 different subjects and promise college credit to students who score a 3, 4, or 5. The tests also boost academic transcripts and may strengthen college applications. That sounds like a win, but here is the catch: AP credit acceptance varies widely among institutions.

Some states, like Texas and California, require their public colleges and universities to accept credit for a score of 3. Yet, elite institutions often reject AP scores altogether. Dartmouth, Brown, and Caltech do not recognize AP exams. Harvard and MIT only accept scores of 5, and even then, only in select subjects. That leaves many students investing significant time and energy for little or no credit.

Even more concerning, most students do not achieve passing scores. Nationally, over 40% of test takers fall short. In subjects like English Literature, failure rates exceed 56%. In Los Angeles County, just 28.6% of all AP exams earned a score of 4 or 5. The majority of students gain no financial benefit from taking AP exams, despite the pressure, preparation, and hard work required.

So, while AP exams still offer value, particularly for competitive college admissions, they do not guarantee college credit. Families and districts must examine credit policies at their target colleges and consider other paths for students who may or may not perform well on high-stakes standardized tests.

College Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements provide an innovative and low-pressure alternative. These formal partnerships between high schools and community colleges align course content so that high school classes count toward college credit.

The process is simple: teachers from both institutions meet to ensure consistency in course outcomes. When students complete these courses in high school, they earn college credit automatically with no exam required. The only responsibility students hold is to inform the partnering college upon graduation.

For example, in Los Angeles County alone, over 625 articulation agreements yielded college credit for more than 3,600 students in one year. The benefits are clear: students save money, avoid course repetition, and secure an official college transcript before even leaving high school. This avenue is fitting for students who excel in traditional classroom learning but may struggle with standardized assessments. 

Dual/Concurrent Enrollment Programs

Another growing solution includes dual and concurrent enrollment programs. These enrollment programs enable high school students to enroll in actual college courses for credit either at their own high schools or on a college campus.

Under California’s College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP), dual enrollment students can complete up to 15 college units per term. These courses fulfill both high school and college requirements while accelerating graduation and degree progress. Textbooks and materials are usually free, and tuition is often waived or reduced.

Concurrent enrollment is similar, but the courses take place on a college campus, and the permitted units may vary between 6 and 12. Both models offer a remarkable benefit: students earn genuine, transferable college credit without the stress of a high-stakes exam.

In Los Angeles County, more than 26,000 students earned early college credit through dual enrollment alone in 2023, far surpassing the number who received credit through AP testing. These programs allow students to grow beyond the standard high school curriculum and explore new academic frontiers at their own pace.

Importance of Skill Acquisition Over Degrees

We must also reconsider our focus. Early college credit is not just about speeding up degrees. It is about building skills that matter.

Employers prioritize adaptability, problem-solving skills, digital literacy, and effective communication.

Many modern jobs value what a candidate can do over where that person went to school. Employers prioritize adaptability, problem-solving skills, digital literacy, and effective communication. These skills often emerge from experience-based learning rather than rigid work and testing. Articulation agreements, dual enrollment, and early college credit programs offer invaluable opportunities for learners to develop these skills. These academic programs help learners achieve workplace readiness while saving valuable time and money. 

A Better Path Forward

As educators and parents, let’s guide students with informed decisions. AP exams may still be a viable option for some, but students should be aware that it is not the only choice. Articulation agreements and dual or concurrent enrollment offer real credit, lower risk, and greater flexibility for learners. More importantly, the programs align with what matters most: relevant, applicable skills that lead to future success.

Our goal must shift. Let’s stop chasing prestige and start building pathways. Let’s embrace early college credit intelligently, strategically, and equitably.

It is time to expand access, inspire purpose, and rethink the way we prepare learners for what comes next. 

Maintaining Strategic Relevance

If you are an educator, administrator, or policymaker committed to keeping your education pathways and programs relevant and responsive, Maintaining Strategic Relevance is a must-read. In this insightful and timely book, explore one of the most overlooked aspects of career and technical education: how to strategically and responsibly discontinue programs that no longer serve students or the workforce. Through statewide policy analysis and real-world interviews, identify best practices, uncover the influence of institutional culture, and offer eleven practical recommendations to guide decision-makers through program discontinuance with integrity and purpose. This book equips you with actionable strategies to align educational offerings with evolving industry needs while maximizing limited fiscal and human resources. Whether you are updating policy, leading program review, or navigating tough decisions, Maintaining Strategic Relevance will be your essential guide to keeping education adaptive, focused, and future-ready.

Ready to inspire your colleagues? Together, we will plan a tailored professional development keynote specifically designed for your audience, customized to your message. In-person and virtual options are available, with the option to provide attendees with copies of one of my best-selling books, such as Maintaining Strategic Relevance. (And yes, bulk discounts and book signings are also available.) My frequently requested topics are posted here at https://www.kevinjfleming.com/speaking. 

Amazon

Preview

Bloomsbury

My mission to improve education has expanded globally. If you’re ready to join me, let’s connect.