How to Earn College Credits in High School

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The American Council on Education (ACE) allows alternative learning programs to help high school students seek college credits while completing high school graduation requirements. Dual enrollment online can help students at Excel High School earn ACE recommended credits and get a head start in college.

How Dual Enrollment Online Works

ACE credits allow students to earn college credits through the Excel High School dual enrollment program. Students can take two types of classes:

  • Lower-level college courses (3-semester credits)
  • General education courses (3-semester credits)

College courses are comprised of required general education credits, including math, science, English, humanities, and others that are not part of required classes specific to your degree. Many students will go to a community college to try and take some of these classes, but high school students can get credit for these online college courses while simultaneously finishing the requirements for their high school diploma.

Students get a jump start on their college careers, which can have a significant impact on the rest of their lives.

At Excel High School, we allow juniors and seniors, with a minimum of 12 credits, to apply for dual enrollment with Washington Online College and ACE credits. The student will be taking their college courses alongside their high school courses, accelerating their future in the post-secondary process.

Dual Enrollment FAQs

Can Earning College Credits in High School Save Me Money?

The average college credit costs over $590, and this figure can be much higher, depending on the college or university. Students save 50% to 80% on the cost of their credit when they learn through the Excel High School ACE program.

Students will not have to pay for expensive college credits, nor will they have to take out massive student loans that only lead to more debt.

Saved time while study at Excel

Taking just four courses can lead to one less semester of college. When students can get through their degree program quickly, they’re able to:

  • End college with less debt
  • Start their careers earlier

Entering a career earlier allows for a lifetime of benefits, including promotions, higher salaries, and job security. Dual enrollment can save students money initially on the cost of their degrees and lead to lifelong financial benefits.

How Do I Know the Credit I Earn Will Be Accepted by Colleges?

ACE credits online may or may not be accepted, depending on the college or university you attend. All courses are recommended for college credit, but it’s important to choose a college or university that accepts ACE Credit to ensure that the credits will transfer over.

There are over 400 colleges regionally that accept ACE Credits, including:

  • APU
  • Bellevue
  • Wilmington University
  • Capella University
  • 400 more

You can view the entire list of colleges that will accept the credits you earn through dual enrollment online. If your desired college or university is not listed on the site, inquire with admissions to see if your ACE recommended credits will transfer.

What Classes are Offered Through Dual Enrollment Online

ACE Credits online offer numerous courses that high school students can take online at the same time that they’re earning their high school diplomas. The courses that are available and offer college credits are:

  • American Government
  • American Literature I
  • Bankruptcy
  • Biology
  • Business Communication Skills for Managers
  • College Algebra
  • Criminal Law
  • English Composition
  • Introduction to Business
  • Introduction to Law
  • Legal Terminology
  • Personal Injury Law (Torts)
  • Principles of Accounting
  • Principles of Economics
  • Principles of Macroeconomics
  • Principles of Management
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Principles of Microeconomics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • U.S. History

Adults that are finishing their high school diploma online can also benefit from the dual enrollment option. Multiple class options are available.

Excel High School offers dual enrollment online that helps students save time and money when seeking their degree. Students earn ACE credits online that help high schoolers earn lower-level and general education credits before they even have a high school diploma.

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