Four Differences Between Dual Credit and Advanced Placement

There are a lot of questions out there about dual credit and advanced placement. This post will help clear up the four main differences between AP and dual credit and what students should consider.

Who is offering the course

• Dual Credit: These are being offered by a college and are available to high school students, and are taught by university approved teachers
• AP: These are organized and taught by the high school

How credit is awarded

• Dual Credit: Students are awarded college credit for passing the course.
• AP: Students take a standardized test at the end of the school year. If they meet the minimum score determined by the college they attend, they receive credit.

Course length

• Dual Credit: These classes can last for one semester to one academic year – depending on the way it is laid out at the high school. Often they will be one semester long like a traditional college course.
• AP: Classes last a whole school year.

Cost

• Dual Credit: Courses can be as little as $100 per course (like here at Wichita State) and go up to $100 per credit hour ($300 per course), or more.
• AP: Exams cost $96 per exam.

In summary, dual credit options are an incredible way to obtain college credit at substantially discounted rates and potentially drastically reduce the time you spend in college.

Want to learn more about dual credit opportunities at Wichita State? Reach out to us at mariavo@wichita.edu or sam.morris@wichita.edu.