Dual Enrollment Savings Calculator
Compare cheap dual-enrollment credits earned in high school against full university tuition to see how much you save and how many semesters you skip.
How it works
University cost = credits × university per-credit · Dual cost = credits × dual per-credit · Savings = university cost − dual cost · Semesters skipped = credits ÷ 15
Dual enrollment lets high-school students take college courses at a steep discount — sometimes free — and earn credit that transfers to a degree. The savings come from the gap between the low dual-enrollment rate and full university tuition per credit, multiplied across every credit earned. As with exam credit, roughly 15 credits equals a full-time semester, so a strong dual-enrollment run can shave a whole semester or more off a degree.
Worked example
Twenty-four credits that would cost $600 each at a university ($14,400) are earned at $100 each in dual enrollment ($2,400). That is $12,000 saved and about 1.6 full-time semesters of college skipped.
Frequently asked questions
Will dual-enrollment credits transfer?
Credits from a regionally accredited college usually transfer, especially within a state system, but the receiving university decides. Confirm the transfer policy before enrolling to be sure the savings materialize.
How is dual enrollment different from AP?
Dual enrollment is an actual college course with a college grade on a college transcript, while AP is a high-school course with credit granted only if you pass the exam. Dual-enrollment credit is often more widely accepted but carries a real GPA.
Is dual enrollment really cheaper?
Usually yes — many states subsidize or waive tuition for high schoolers, so per-credit costs run far below university rates. The exact savings depend on your program’s fee, which this calculator lets you enter.
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Educational estimate only. Financial-aid, loan and tuition rules change and vary by school, state and program — confirm figures with your school and loan servicer.