AP Classes vs. DE Classes

Attribute	AP Classes	DE Classes
College Credit	May earn college credit based on exam score	Earn college credit upon successful completion of course
Course Selection	Wide variety of subjects available	Limited to courses offered by partnering college
Cost	Cost associated with taking AP exams	May be free or reduced cost depending on school or program
Curriculum	Curriculum set by College Board	Curriculum set by partnering college
Prerequisites	May have prerequisites depending on course	May have prerequisites depending on course

Course Content

Advanced Placement (AP) classes are designed by the College Board and offer a standardized curriculum across high schools in the United States. These classes cover a wide range of subjects, from English Literature to Calculus, and are meant to prepare students for the corresponding AP exams. Dual Enrollment (DE) classes, on the other hand, are college courses that high school students can take for both high school and college credit. These classes are typically offered by local colleges or universities and cover a variety of subjects.

One key difference in course content between AP and DE classes is the level of rigor. AP classes are known for being challenging and rigorous, with a curriculum that is designed to be equivalent to a college-level course. DE classes, on the other hand, may vary in rigor depending on the college or university offering the course. Some DE classes may be as rigorous as AP classes, while others may be less challenging.

Another difference in course content is the flexibility of the curriculum. AP classes have a standardized curriculum set by the College Board, which means that all students taking the same AP class will cover the same material. DE classes, on the other hand, may offer more flexibility in the curriculum, allowing students to choose from a wider range of courses and topics.

College Credit

One of the main benefits of taking DE classes is the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school. By successfully completing a DE class, students can earn both high school and college credit, which can save them time and money in the long run. This can also give students a head start on their college education and allow them to take more advanced courses once they enroll in college.

AP classes also offer the opportunity to earn college credit through the corresponding AP exams. If a student scores well on the AP exam for a particular class, they may be able to earn college credit for that course. However, the amount of credit awarded and the specific requirements vary by college and university. Some schools may only accept certain AP exam scores for credit, while others may require a higher score for credit.

One advantage of DE classes over AP classes in terms of college credit is that DE classes are typically accepted for credit by a wider range of colleges and universities. Since DE classes are actual college courses, they are more likely to be recognized for credit by institutions of higher education. AP classes, on the other hand, may not always be accepted for credit, depending on the policies of the college or university.

Cost

Another factor to consider when comparing AP and DE classes is the cost. AP classes are typically offered at no additional cost to students, as they are part of the regular high school curriculum. However, students may need to pay a fee to take the corresponding AP exam at the end of the course. This fee can range from $94 to $124 per exam, depending on the school and location.

DE classes, on the other hand, may come with a cost. Since DE classes are college courses, students may need to pay tuition and fees to enroll in these classes. The cost of DE classes can vary depending on the college or university offering the course, but it is important to consider this factor when deciding between AP and DE classes.

One advantage of DE classes in terms of cost is that students can potentially save money on college tuition by earning college credit while still in high school. By taking DE classes and earning college credit, students may be able to graduate from college early or take fewer courses, which can result in cost savings in the long run.

Preparation for College

Both AP and DE classes can help prepare students for the rigors of college-level coursework. AP classes are designed to be equivalent to college-level courses, so students who successfully complete AP classes and exams may be better prepared for the academic challenges of college. Additionally, the experience of taking AP classes can help students develop important skills such as critical thinking, time management, and study habits.

DE classes also provide valuable preparation for college. By taking actual college courses while still in high school, students can gain experience with the expectations and demands of college-level coursework. This can help students transition more smoothly to college and may give them a competitive edge in the college admissions process.

One advantage of DE classes in terms of college preparation is that students have the opportunity to experience a real college classroom environment. By taking DE classes on a college campus or online, students can get a taste of what college classes are like and learn how to navigate the college environment before actually enrolling in college.