Sam is the Director of Staff Development & Special Initiatives at Wichita State University's
Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Questions about dual credit courses? Reach out
at sam.morris@wichita.edu or (316) 978-5485.
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 concurrent@wichita.edu.