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How to earn college credit in high school

Three women in red graduation robes pose with their diplomas

Photo: Klamath Union High School graduates who also earned a certificate from Klamath Community College.

Challenge yourself with college-level classes and earn college credit in high school.

There are many benefits of earning college credit in high school:

  • Challenge yourself with rigorous classes
  • See yourself as a college student
  • Earn college credit, potentially saving time and money
  • Be more likely to enroll in college and continue past your first year of college

How to earn college credit in high school

You can earn college credit while in high school in a variety of ways. Talk to a counselor or teacher to see what options are available at your school.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Classes at the high school, followed by a test that may count for college placement or credit.

Dual credit

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.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A series of classes at the high school, followed by a test that may count for college placement or credit.

Direct college enrollment

College classes on campus or online that count as both high school and college credit. School districts often have programs that cover costs.

College credit FAQ

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. So, 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: You can only receive federal financial aid for 150% of the number of credits or years required. For example, if you are in a two-year Associate degree program, you can only get federal financial aid for up to three years.
  • Oregon Promise 90-credit limit: You 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. You will need to submit your academic records when applying to colleges and again at the end of your 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 to the college in the same sealed envelope they came in.

How does my credit transfer?

College credit earned in high school may transfer several different ways. Most Oregon colleges have agreements about what classes will transfer and whether you can use credit for general education and/or degree requirements.

There also may be times when credit can’t be transferred. Talk to the Registrar or Admission Office at your college for questions about how college credit earned in high school will transfer.

Information contributed in part by Oregon’s dual credit coordinators.

Dual credit and direct enrollment programs at Oregon colleges

Explore opportunities to earn college credit while in high school at a college near you. The programs may have many different names including College Now, Early College, and Expanded Options. Talk to a counselor at your high school to learn more.

Community colleges
College credit programs Type of college credit
Blue Mountain Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Central Oregon Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Chemeketa Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Clackamas Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Clatsop Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Columbia Gorge Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Klamath Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Lane Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Mt. Hood Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Oregon Coast Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Portland Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Rogue Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Southwestern Oregon Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Tillamook Bay Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Treasure Valley Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Umpqua Community College
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Public universities
College credit programs Type of college credit
Eastern Oregon University
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Oregon Institute of Technology
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
Oregon State University
  • Direct enrollment
Portland State University
  • Dual credit
Southern Oregon University
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
University of Oregon
  • Direct enrollment
Western Oregon University
  • Dual credit
Private colleges
College credit programs Type of college credit
Corban University
  • Dual credit
  • Direct enrollment
George Fox University
  • Direct enrollment
Lewis & Clark College
  • Direct enrollment
Linfield University
  • Direct enrollment
Pacific Northwest College of Art
  • Direct enrollment
Reed College
  • Direct enrollment
Willamette University
  • Direct enrollment