Both AP classes and dual enrollment let you earn college credit in high school. But they work very differently. The right choice depends on your goals, your target colleges, and what's available in your area.
AP classes are College Board courses that end with a standardized exam. Dual enrollment means taking actual college classes, usually at a local community college, while still in high school.
The fundamental difference is who runs the program and how you earn credit.
College Board creates the curriculum for all 38 AP subjects. Your high school teacher delivers the content. In May, you take a standardized exam scored 1-5.
Earning credit depends on your score. Most colleges require a 3 or higher. Selective schools often want 4s or 5s. Some don't grant AP credit at all.
You enroll in actual college courses, usually at a community college. You sit in class with college students or take online sections. You earn a grade that goes on a real college transcript.
Credit transfers based on your grade, not an exam. Pass the class and you have the credits. Whether they transfer depends on your future college's policies.
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| Factor | AP Classes | Dual Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Where you learn | High school | College campus or online |
| Credit earned | If you pass the exam (3+) | If you pass the class |
| Transcript | High school only | College transcript |
| Standardization | National exam | Varies by institution |
| Cost | $99 per exam (2025) | Often free or reduced |
| Course variety | 38 subjects | Hundreds of options |
Standardized and recognized everywhere. Colleges know exactly what AP US History covers because every student takes the same exam. This consistency helps at selective schools.
Strong college prep. AP classes train you for college-level work while keeping you in your high school environment. You build skills without the full college experience.
No enrollment hassle. You register through your school like any other class. No college applications, placement tests, or separate enrollment processes.
Credit depends on one exam. A bad test day can erase a year of work. Some students struggle with standardized tests even when they know the material well.
Selective schools are picky. Many elite universities only grant credit for 4s and 5s. Some don't give credit for certain subjects. A few don't accept AP credit at all.
Limited subjects. College Board offers 38 AP courses. If you want accounting, criminal justice, or other specialized subjects, AP doesn't have them.
Guaranteed credit upon passing. Get a B in the class, you have the credits. No high-stakes exam determines your fate.
Real college transcript. Credits appear on an actual college transcript from day one. This can speed up graduation or allow double majors.
More course options. Community colleges offer hundreds of subjects. You can explore career interests or take classes that don't exist in AP.
Often cheaper. Many states subsidize dual enrollment for high school students. Some programs are completely free.
Transfer isn't guaranteed. Your dream school might not accept credits from a community college. Selective universities are especially hesitant.
Quality varies. Not all dual enrollment programs are equally rigorous. Some community college classes don't match AP difficulty.
Logistics can be tricky. You might need to travel to campus, work around college schedules, or manage two different academic systems.
It depends on the college. Public universities and state schools generally accept dual enrollment credits readily. Selective private universities tend to favor AP.
The standardization matters. A 5 on AP Chemistry means the same thing whether you took the class in California or Maine. Dual enrollment chemistry could be rigorous at one school and easy at another.
Selective admissions officers also know AP curriculum intimately. They can't evaluate every community college's standards.
State universities often have transfer agreements with community colleges in their state. Credits from in-state dual enrollment usually transfer cleanly.
These schools also value students who've proven they can handle real college coursework. A transcript with college grades demonstrates readiness.
Your decision depends on where you plan to attend college and what opportunities exist in your area.
Ivy League and similarly competitive schools give more weight to AP. Your credits are more likely to transfer, and the rigor is universally recognized.
AP also makes sense if you want to keep your high school experience intact. You stay at your school, with your classmates, following a familiar schedule.
If you're heading to a state university, dual enrollment credits often transfer directly. You could enter college as a sophomore.
Dual enrollment also lets you explore subjects outside the AP catalog. Interested in nursing, business, or criminal justice? Those classes exist at community colleges but not in AP.
Many students mix AP and dual enrollment. Take AP classes in your strongest subjects where you can score 4s or 5s. Use dual enrollment for subjects you want to explore or where guaranteed credit matters more.
Before committing to either path, get answers to these questions:
For dual enrollment:
For AP:
Talk to your guidance counselor and research your target colleges' specific policies.
If you choose the AP route, strong preparation is essential. The exams cover a lot of material and require specific test-taking skills.
Fiveable offers study guides for all 38 AP subjects, 10,000+ practice questions per course, downloadable cheatsheets, and live review sessions. Our students have a 96% pass rate.
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Do colleges prefer AP or dual enrollment?
Selective private universities tend to prefer AP because it's standardized nationally. State schools and public universities often readily accept dual enrollment credits, especially from in-state community colleges. Research your target schools' specific policies.
Is dual enrollment easier than AP?
It varies. Some dual enrollment classes are less rigorous than AP. Others are equally challenging. The key difference is that dual enrollment credits come from passing the class, while AP credit requires scoring 3+ on a standardized exam.
Do dual enrollment credits always transfer?
No. Transfer depends on your future college's policies. Public universities usually accept credits from in-state community colleges. Selective private schools often don't accept dual enrollment credits or limit how many transfer.
Is dual enrollment free?
Many states subsidize or fully cover dual enrollment costs for high school students. Some programs are completely free including tuition and textbooks. Check with your school counselor about costs in your state.
How much does an AP exam cost?
In 2025, AP exams cost $99 each in the United States. Fee reductions are available for students with financial need. The course itself is free since it's taught at your high school.
Can you take both AP and dual enrollment?
Yes. Many students mix both programs. Take AP in subjects where standardized credit matters for your target schools. Use dual enrollment for subjects outside the AP catalog or where guaranteed credit is more important.
What happens if you fail a dual enrollment class?
A failing grade goes on your permanent college transcript and affects your college GPA before you even start. This can impact college admissions and financial aid. AP has lower stakes since a bad exam score doesn't appear on transcripts.
Does dual enrollment look good on college applications?
Yes. Dual enrollment shows you can handle actual college coursework. Admissions officers recognize it as rigorous. However, selective schools may value standardized AP credentials more since they can compare students nationally.
Can dual enrollment help you graduate college early?
Yes. If your credits transfer, you could enter college with sophomore standing. This can save a semester or year of tuition. Just verify that your target school accepts the credits toward your intended major.
Which has more course options: AP or dual enrollment?
Dual enrollment offers far more variety. AP has 38 subjects focused on traditional academics. Community colleges offer hundreds of courses including career-focused subjects like nursing, business, and criminal justice that AP doesn't cover.