Are you comparing college credit programs for high school students?
Are you comparing college credit programs for high school students?
Dual Credit programs allow high school students to earn high school credits at the same time as college credits. Students should pick the best Dual Credit program for their goals and family situation.
This comparison is an example of common paths for high schoolers who also spend two years in a college credit program, starting as a junior.
| Running Start | Advanced Placement & International Baccalaureate | College in the High School | CTE Dual Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goal | Graduate high school with an AA degree to enter university as a junior, or earn some college credits. | Take college-prep classes for college credit while at high school. | Do college-level work to earn college credit while at high school. | Graduate high school with college credits toward professional / technical degree. |
| Credits | Earn up to 15 credits per quarter, 90 total. | Pass three examps to earn up to 15 credits. | Pass one CiHS class to earn 5 credits. | Complete two technical classes to earn 10 CTE credits. |
| Cost | Pay fees & books, $0 tuition. | $94 each exam, $282 total. | Up to $150 per CiHS class. | $0 for CTE credits. |
| Location | SPSCC campuses, online, or hybrid. | High school. | High school. | High school. |
| More Info | Running Start lets juniors and seniors attend community college and earn college credits. | AP gives students college-level work while in high school to earn credit and placement. IB programs challenge students and encourage personal and academic achievement. | CiHS provides college-level courses in high schools for qualified students, taught by high school teachers. | CTE Dual Credit, formerly known as Tech Prep, provides career pathways for high school students. |
