Dual enrollment can allow you to save money on future college tuition by earning credits early, potentially shorten the time to degree, and increase college readiness by exposing you to the rigor of college-level work.

Leveraging dual enrollment and advanced placement credits

You’ve put in the work, so let’s finish the job. We have a built-in plan to reward your effort and get you the credit you deserve — a strategy that can save you money by earning your degree quicker, while still walking away with a robust resume and high marketability for the job you want or the graduate school you desire.

Flexing Advancement Placement Credits

McKenna Zellers, nursing major
“Getting some of my gen ed requirements done in high school allowed me to really get into my core nursing courses early, and that made my freshman year even more exciting and fulfilling.” — McKenna Sellers, nursing major who's using her scheduling flexibility to also work as a patient care technician with the Geisinger Health System.

Knowing how to best utilize your AP credits, you can optimize your college experience to save time and money while pursuing your academic goals at your chosen pace.

  • Align your AP choices with your intended major and career path to maximize the relevance and ensure your credits transfer properly.
  • Consider taking AP courses that fulfill college general education requirements, potentially allowing you to skip introductory classes and focus on more advanced coursework in your major.
  • Explore opportunities for internships or research programs with the time you've saved by using AP credits to skip introductory courses.

Consult with your college advisor to determine the most effective way to utilize your AP credits within your chosen major and curriculum.

The Dual-Enrollment Advantage

With enough earned credits, you’ll have scheduling room to maximize your classes with an academic focus to further enhance your career pursuits.
“Having a biology minor allows me to get my foot in the door into some amazing science classes and helps me understand animal anatomy and genetics. Being involved in biology also opens up more opportunities to get hands-on experience with marine life, outside organizations, and unique research opportunities.” — Katie Gavek, psychology major with a special interest in animal behavior.
  • Pursue a minor. You’ll have the scheduling flexibility to pair your earned credits with a minor aligned with your major — like criminal justice with sociology — or focus on a personal interest, such as art, Black studies, dance, or gender studies.
  • How about a second major? With enough earned credits, you’ll have scheduling room to maximize your classes with an academic focus to further enhance your career pursuits, such as marketing and visual arts or international business and political science.
  • Land a scholarship. Having already taken college-level courses, you’re ahead of the game in handling the academics. You’re coming in with enhanced critical thinking skills and improved time management abilities, making you a great candidate to earn achievement awards through your major like theatre arts, music, or environmental, geographical, and geological sciences.

The AP Dual Enrollment Payoff

  • Cost savings: Skipping introductory courses can lead to graduating earlier or taking fewer courses, saving you money on tuition and fees.
  • Time savings: Using AP credits can potentially shorten your degree program, allowing you to enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies sooner.
  • Schedule Flexibility: Having fulfilled certain course requirements allows for more elective choices — such as dance, art, music, a minor — or the opportunity to take core major courses early.