What’s the Difference Between AP, Dual Enrollment and Early College?

Choosing the right educational options can feel overwhelming. With so many acronyms and programs—AP, Early College, Dual Enrollment—how do we determine what’s best for our kids? As a parent who has navigated this often confusing landscape with my daughter, I’ve found a few key tips to identify the right option. Let’s break down these options together.

What are AP classes?

AP courses are college-level classes offered in high school that allow students to earn college credit through standardized exams. One of the biggest benefits of AP classes is the rigor. They’re designed to challenge students, preparing them for the academic demands of college. Scoring well on an AP exam can lead to college credit, potentially saving time and money down the line.

My family’s experience with AP classes
While my daughter enjoyed her AP classes and thrived in the challenging environment, I noticed that the experience could sometimes feel like a high-stakes race. The pressure to perform well on exams can be intense, since college credit is awarded based on the AP exam grade and not the holistic grade of the course.

Who should take AP classes?
AP courses tend to benefit students that perform well on tests and who are less concerned about how the credit will transfer into a college degree.

What is dual enrollment?

Like AP courses, Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take courses at their local high school, but the credit is awarded from a partner college or university that certifies and supervises the teacher and syllabus of the course.  This option offers the best of both worlds—students earn high school and college credits simultaneously.

My family’s experience with dual enrollment
From my experience, this can be an excellent way to expose students to a college environment, helping them ease into higher education.  The course format and assessment methods are most similar to the high school experience that a student is used to. One downside I encountered is that not all high schools have dual enrollment programs, and sometimes the process of transferring the credits can be confusing if there are multiple higher education partners involved. Students are also limited in terms of course offerings in their area of interest.

Who should take dual enrollment courses?
Dual Enrollment courses are especially beneficial for students who are ready for college coursework, but not confident in standardized tests.

What are early college courses?

Early College programs combine high school and college, allowing students to complete their high school diploma while earning significant college credits, often leading to an associate degree or a substantial number of transferable credits.

My family’s experience with early college
From my perspective, the biggest advantage of Early College is the holistic approach to education. My daughter enrolled in an Early College program, and I watched her grow in confidence and independence. The structure of the program fosters not only academic skills but also crucial life skills such as time management and self-advocacy. She had the chance to explore subjects in-depth which helped her decide on her major and get a full year head start in college.  Now she plans to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in only 3 years giving her a head start on graduate school.

Who should take early college courses?
This path is particularly appealing for students looking for a more immersive college experience while still benefiting from high school support.

Which path is right for your child?

Choosing the right option really depends on your child’s learning style, goals, and readiness for a more rigorous academic environment. Here are a few questions to consider:

• What are your child’s academic strengths and interests?
• How does your child handle stress and pressure?
• Are they ready for the independence that comes with college coursework?
• What are your family’s financial considerations regarding college credits?

Early college and dual enrollment at Houghton University

If your student is considering early college credit as part of their high school program, I highly recommend looking into Houghton University’s early college courses.

Houghton’s supportive approach and affordability for first time college students ensures a positive experience for first time college students. The balance of academic rigor and personal growth from a distinctly Christian perspective is something our family valued immensely during my daughter’s experience at Houghton University. And, if your student attends one of our partner schools, you can choose from our dual enrollment offerings as well. Whichever path you choose, enjoy the journey!