As a high school student, you already have a lot on your plate. You're likely taking challenging courses, building up extracurriculars, and thinking about college applications. As you prepare for your college years, you're probably also considering how to pay for college and make the most of your time there.
One smart answer to both concerns: take college classes in high school. Even though this means more work for the average high school student, the payoff is usually worth it.
But can you actually take college classes in high school? And can high school students take college classes online? The answer to all these questions is yes! In fact, there are several ways to start building college credit while you're still in high school that don't have to be expensive or time-consuming.
Let's explore the benefits of taking college classes in high school and how you can earn credits months (or even years!) before freshman orientation.
Can High School Students Take College Classes?
Can you take college classes in high school? Yes, you can take college classes in high school.
Can high school students take college classes? Yes, and there are multiple pathways to do so; dual enrollment is one of them. You can also take college courses through recommended online platforms, such as StraighterLine.
Can I take online college classes while in high school? Definitely — online options provide the most flexibility for busy high school students.
What is it called when you take college classes in high school? This practice is most commonly called "dual enrollment," though it may also be referred to as concurrent enrollment, early college, or college in the high school programs.
Why It's a Smart Move to Take College Classes in High School in 2025
Taking college classes in high school offers benefits that extend far beyond just getting ahead. Here's why savvy students are increasingly choosing this path:
1. Save Thousands on College Tuition
College costs continue to rise, with the average four-year degree now exceeding $100,000. By taking college classes in high school, you can:
Reduce your total college tuition costs by up to 25-50%
Save on expensive campus housing and meal plans
Minimize student loan debt before you even start college
Graduate earlier and begin earning a professional salary sooner
Consider this: The average college class costs approximately $1,300 when including tuition, fees, and materials. By completing just 10 college courses in high school, you could save over $13,000 on your education!
2. Build College-Ready Skills and Confidence
Many freshmen struggle with the transition to college-level expectations. Taking college classes in high school helps you:
Experience college-level workloads before full immersion
Develop the time management skills critical for college success
Learn how to communicate with professors and navigate college systems
Build academic confidence through early success
Research shows that students who take college classes in high school are significantly more likely to complete their degrees on time compared to those who don't.
Did you know? StraighterLine also offers college prep courses to help high school students build the skills and confidence they need for college success.
3. Explore Potential Majors Early
Not sure what you want to study? College courses in high school let you:
Test-drive potential majors before committing
Discover your academic strengths and interests
Make more informed decisions about your college path
Build specialized knowledge in fields that interest you
4. Focus on Your Major Sooner
By completing general education requirements early, you can:
Dive into specialized courses in your major earlier
Take more electives that align with your interests
Pursue double majors or minors more easily
Have more flexibility for internships and study abroad
5. Graduate College Earlier
With enough credits, you might:
Complete your bachelor's degree in 3 years instead of 4
Enter graduate programs or the workforce earlier than peers
Gain a competitive edge in the job market
Start earning professional income sooner
How to Take College Classes in High School: 5 Proven Methods
How to take college classes in high school depends on your goals, schedule, and learning preferences. Here are the five most effective ways college courses for high school students can be accessed:
1. Dual Enrollment Programs (Most Popular Option)
What are college classes in high school called? Dual enrollment is the most common term for programs that allow you to take classes at a local community college or university while still enrolled in high school.
Pros:
Credits usually count toward both high school and college requirements
Experience an authentic college classroom environment
Often heavily discounted or free through high school partnerships
Builds your college transcript before applying to universities
Cons:
May require transportation to campus
Can create scheduling conflicts with high school classes
Course availability may be limited
Transfer policies vary between institutions
Many states now offer robust dual enrollment programs with guaranteed credit transfer to state universities. Check with your high school counselor to learn about specific partnerships in your area.
2. Advanced Placement (AP) Courses and Exams
AP courses are college-level classes taught in high school, culminating in standardized exams scored on a 1-5 scale.
Pros:
Widely recognized by colleges nationwide
No additional commute beyond regular high school
Can significantly boost your college application profile
Available in numerous subject areas
Cons:
Credit usually requires scoring 3+ on AP exams (some selective colleges require 4+)
May not align perfectly with college course equivalents
Focuses heavily on test preparation
Limited to subjects offered at your high school
For 2025, College Board has expanded AP course offerings to include new options like AP Precalculus and AP African American Studies, providing more opportunities to earn credit in diverse fields.
3. International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
The IB Diploma program offers a rigorous, internationally recognized curriculum with comprehensive assessments.
Pros:
Highly respected by colleges worldwide
Develops critical thinking and research skills
Can earn significant college credit (sometimes a full year)
Provides a cohesive educational philosophy
Cons:
Only available at certain high schools
Very demanding workload
Requires commitment to the full program for maximum benefit
May limit elective choices due to required courses
Recent studies show IB diploma holders have up to 22% higher acceptance rates at prestigious universities compared to traditional applicants.
4. Online College Courses for High School Students
Online college courses for high school students from accredited institutions or approved platforms (such as StraighterLine) offer maximum flexibility for busy schedules.
Pros:
You can take classes on your own schedule
Access college courses for high school students not available at your high school
Often more affordable than traditional college classes
Study from home or anywhere with internet access
Cons:
Requires strong self-discipline and time management
Less in-person interaction with professors and peers
Credit transfer policies vary between institutions
Quality and rigor can vary between providers
When choosing online college courses, look for those with ACE (American Council on Education) learning evaluations, as these are most widely accepted for transfer credit.
StraighterLine courses are ACE-recommended and transfer to 3,000+ colleges and universities. Try the Free Preview to get a sneak peek of what StraighterLine is really like.
5. College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
CLEP exams allow you to demonstrate college-level knowledge and earn credit without taking a class.
Pros:
Earn credit through a single exam
Extremely cost-effective ($89 per exam + administrative fees)
Available in 34 different subjects
Self-paced preparation options
Cons:
Requires independent study
Not all colleges accept CLEP credits
Some subjects require significant preparation
No classroom experience component
For self-motivated learners who already have knowledge in specific subjects, CLEP exams offer the most efficient path to earning college credit.
How to Get College Credits in High School: Strategic Course Selection
How to get college credits in high school requires strategic planning. What college classes should I take in high school? Follow these guidelines when choosing which classes to take:
1. Target General Education Requirements First
Nearly every college degree requires general education courses regardless of major. Focus on these universal requirements:
These courses are most likely to transfer to any institution and fulfill requirements for virtually any degree program.
2. Research Credit Transfer Policies
Before enrolling in any course, verify that credits will transfer to your target colleges:
Check the college's website for transfer credit policies
Contact admissions offices directly with specific course questions
Look for course equivalency databases on university websites
Focus on regionally accredited institutions for maximum transferability
Many colleges now offer pre-approval processes for high school students planning to take college courses.
3. Consider Your Intended Major
If you have a specific field of study in mind, strategically select courses that:
Fulfill prerequisites for your intended major
Introduce you to fundamental concepts in your field
Help you determine if the major is a good fit
For example, future business majors might take Introduction to Business, Microeconomics, or Business Communication, while pre-med students could benefit from Biology, Chemistry, or Medical Terminology.
4. Balance Workload and High School Responsibilities
Be realistic about your capacity to handle college coursework alongside high school:
Start with 1-2 college courses per semester
Consider online asynchronous options, such as StraighterLine, for maximum flexibility
Plan around high school exam periods and extracurricular commitments
Summer terms often provide an ideal opportunity to focus on college courses
Common Challenges and Solutions for High School Students Taking College Classes
Challenge: Balancing High School and College Workloads
Solution: Use a detailed calendar system to plan assignments weeks in advance. Communicate with both high school teachers and college professors about potential conflicts.
Challenge: Navigating Different Academic Expectations
Solution: Take advantage of college resources like tutoring centers, professor office hours, and academic success programs specifically designed for early college students.
Challenge: Transferring Credits Successfully
Solution: Maintain detailed records of all course syllabi, learning outcomes, and assignments. Request official transcripts promptly after course completion and understand the credit petition process for your target colleges.
Challenge: Adjusting to College-Level Assessments
Solution: Seek feedback on early assignments and adjust your study approaches accordingly. College courses often emphasize critical thinking over memorization, requiring different preparation strategies.
Best College Classes to Take in High School (2025 Recommendations)
What are the best college classes to take in high school? College classes in high school should be chosen strategically. Here are the most valuable and widely-transferable online college courses for high school students to consider:
General Education Requirements
Business Track
STEM Track
Healthcare Track
Humanities Track
How Can You Take College Classes in High School: Step-by-Step Guide
How can you take college classes in high school? Ready to begin earning college credit? Follow these steps:
Meet with your high school counselor to discuss your college credit options and ensure you're on track to meet graduation requirements.
Research colleges you might attend to understand their credit transfer policies.
Explore program options (dual enrollment, online courses, AP classes) available in your area.
Create a realistic academic plan that balances college courses with high school requirements.
Apply for any available financial assistance (many states offer funding for dual enrollment).
Register for appropriate courses that align with your academic goals and schedule.
Set up success systems like calendar reminders, study schedules, and support resources.
Keep detailed records of all courses, syllabi, and completed work.
Taking College Classes in High School: Save Time and Money
Taking college classes in high school represents one of the smartest strategies for academic and financial success. With proper planning, you can:
Graduate college earlier
Save thousands on tuition costs
Enter your career with less student debt
Gain valuable experience that sets you apart from peers
Whether through dual enrollment, AP classes, or online college courses for high school students, the path to college credit in high school has never been more accessible. Start exploring your options today to gain these advantages and position yourself for future success.
Explore Flexible, Affordable Online College Courses for High School Students
Looking for college courses for high school students that fit your schedule? Our online courses are specifically designed for motivated high school students, with:
Self-paced learning options
24/7 access to course materials
Tutoring and academic support
Guaranteed credit transfer to over 180 partner colleges
Complimentary transcript delivery to your school
Our courses cost a fraction of traditional college tuition while providing the same quality education and credits. Start your college journey today while still in high school!
