AP and Concurrent Enrollment programs offer high school students opportunities to earn college credit, but they differ significantly in structure and outcomes. AP courses require a full year of study and culminate in an exam, while Concurrent Enrollment classes typically last a semester and provide direct college credit. The pass rates for AP exams show that about 60% of students score a 3 or higher, while Concurrent Enrollment boasts a 95% rate of students earning at least a D-. Understanding these differences is crucial for students and parents making informed decisions about college readiness and credit transferability.

Key Points

  • AP courses require a full academic year, while Concurrent Enrollment classes usually last one semester.
  • AP exams have a pass rate of approximately 60% for scores of 3 or higher, whereas Concurrent Enrollment has a 95% pass rate for grades D- or higher.
  • Concurrent Enrollment credits are recognized as regular college credits and can transfer seamlessly within Utah.
  • AP courses are designed to prepare students for a challenging exam, while Concurrent Enrollment focuses on real college course experiences.
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DIFFERENCE ADVANCED PLACEMENT CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT
COST
$94 per AP test $40 one time admission fee, plus $15-$20 per class ($5 per credit)
PASS RATE
60% earn a score of 3 or higher 95% earn a grade of D- or higher, 80% earned a grade of C or higher
TRANSFERABILITY
While most institutions accept AP exam scores of 3 or higher, it is
up to the discretion of the institution how that is recorded on the
student’s transcript. In some cases, an institution will award credit for
a particular course (which may or may not fulfill a requirement for the
student’s program of study). In other cases, an institution may choose
to simply waive a required course. While at first this may seem like
it helps the student graduate sooner, if the course that is waived is a
pre-requisite for another higher level course, the waiver will not satisfy
the prerequisite and the student will have to re-take the course at the
college or university.
CE credit is recognized as regular college credit and is transcripted the
same way as credit for courses taken on a college campus. If a student
transfers this credit to another college or university in Utah, it counts as
if the student took the course there. Colleges and universities outside
of Utah will also accept transfer credit, but it may count only as elective
credit if the receiving institution does not have an equivalent course.
TIME COMMITMENT
For most AP courses, one full year is required. For most CE courses, one semester is required.
RIGOR
Rigor is a difficult thing to measure though many claim that AP is more rigorous than concurrent enrollment. While some make AP out to be the
more rigorous option this is simply not true. Both CE and AP are designed to award college credit (or opt out of college credit) for similar classes
and are currently recognized nationwide as viable options for earning college credit. Failure rates on a challenging final exam is not a sole or fully
legitimate measure of rigor for AP.
TEACHER
QUALIFICATIONS
AP instructors must meet requirements that have been established by
the College Board.
CE Instructors must possess the academic and industry credentials
required by the SLCC academic department for adjunct faculty.
RISK
AP carries a slightly lower amount of risk. If a student fails an AP class,
that class is not recorded on a permanent college transcript.
Concurrent enrollment carries a slightly higher risk than AP. Grades
earned in a concurrent enrollment class (including failing grades and
withdrawals) become part of a student’s permanent academic record.
Just as with other college students, concurrent enrollment students can
retake courses for grade replacement (but only after graduating from
high school.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
The primary focus of AP is helping students get a head start on college
by earning college credit, and to give students a rigorous classroom
experience that prepares them for college.
The primary focus of concurrent enrollment is also helping students get
a head start on college by earning college credit. Additionally concurrent
enrollment allows students to learn college processes such as
admission and registration for classes, how to advocate for themselves
when there are issues that need to be resolved in these processes, how
to monitor a college transcript, attending student orientations, and
meeting with college advisors to begin the college academic planning
process.
Data sources include; College Board AP Report to the Nation, College Board & AP websites, Utah high schools, 2015-2016 SLCC concurrent enrollment registration data. Updated 1/2019.
AP OR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT | WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
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FAQs

What is the main difference between AP and Concurrent Enrollment?
The primary difference between AP and Concurrent Enrollment lies in their structure and outcomes. AP courses are typically year-long and culminate in an exam that can earn students college credit based on their scores. In contrast, Concurrent Enrollment classes are semester-long and provide students with direct college credit upon successful completion. This distinction affects how each program is perceived by colleges and universities.
How do AP and Concurrent Enrollment impact college credit transfer?
AP exam scores are accepted by many colleges, but the acceptance of scores and the credit awarded can vary by institution. Some colleges may grant credit for scores of 3 or higher, while others might waive course requirements. Concurrent Enrollment credits, however, are generally recognized as regular college credits and are more likely to transfer seamlessly, especially within Utah. This makes Concurrent Enrollment a more straightforward option for students looking to earn college credit.
What are the risks associated with AP and Concurrent Enrollment?
The risks differ between AP and Concurrent Enrollment. If a student fails an AP course, the grade does not appear on their permanent college transcript, allowing for a lower risk. Conversely, grades from Concurrent Enrollment classes, including failures, become part of the student's permanent academic record, which can impact their future college applications. Students should consider these risks when choosing between the two options.
What qualifications do instructors have for AP and Concurrent Enrollment courses?
AP instructors must meet specific qualifications set by the College Board, ensuring they are equipped to teach advanced material. Concurrent Enrollment instructors, on the other hand, must possess the academic and industry credentials required by the respective college's academic department. This ensures that students receive quality instruction in both programs.

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