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.
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.