Dual credit: Get a head start on college

Want to get a big head start on college? High school students can earn high school and college credit at the same time with dual credit programs. Students who earn college credit are more likely to graduate high school, enroll in college, and complete college degrees.

Each dual credit program is a little different, but there are three main ways you can earn college credit while in high school: 

• Credit by passing a college course: 

  • College in the High School provides college courses that are taught at the high school, by high school teachers, with college curriculum, college textbooks, and oversight by college faculty and staff. 

  • Running Start students enroll in courses taught on-campus at Washington’s community and technical colleges, and at select four-year colleges. Some schools offer remote learning courses.

• Credit by exam: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and  Cambridge International offer rigorous courses, taught in the high school by high school teachers. Upon completion of a course, students can take a standardized exam. Depending on how they score, they may earn college credit.

• Credit by articulation: Students can earn credit through some career and technical education (CTE) courses with CTE Dual Credit. 

Not all dual credit programs are available at all high schools. Talk to your counselor for more information. Visit the WSAC website for more resources to plan your future college or career pathway.