As November rolls around, many high school students are finalizing their class schedules for the next semester. It’s an exciting time to think ahead, but it’s also a great opportunity to make some smart financial moves for the future.
If you or your student are starting to plan for college, now’s the perfect time to look into classes that offer college credit opportunities. These programs can make a big difference when it comes to saving money on college tuition later.
Take Advantage of College Credit Options
Across Minnesota—and many other states—students can earn college credits while still in high school. These programs come in a few different forms:
Concurrent Enrollment Courses – These are college-level classes offered right at your high school. Students stay on campus but earn real college credit through partnerships with local colleges or universities.
PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options) – In Minnesota, this program allows eligible high school juniors and seniors to take courses directly on a college campus or online for free. That means students get a head start on their degree without paying college tuition.
Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) – Depending on the test scores and the college you attend, AP and IB courses may also translate into college credit or advanced placement.
Why It Matters
Every credit earned in high school is one less you’ll need to pay for later. In some cases, students graduate from high school with an Associate’s degree already completed or start college as a sophomore or junior. That makes it not just a time-saver, but a major financial advantage.
Plan Ahead
Even if your student is still a freshman or sophomore, it’s worth exploring what your high school and nearby colleges offer. Planning early gives you more flexibility to fit these courses into your schedule and makes more time to take advantage of the savings.
The Bottom Line
College is expensive, but there are ways to start saving before you even get there. Earning college credits in high school is one of the smartest and most overlooked strategies to make higher education more affordable. Want to learn more? Click the link here to watch Adell’s short video where she shares tips on how to make the most of these opportunities and set your student up for success: both academically and financially.