More Minn. High Schoolers Try For College Credit

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A new study finds a surge in the number of Minnesota high school students who took classes worth college credit.

The report from the Center for School Change at Macalester College analyzed data from the Minnesota Department of Education on participation in so-called dual-credit courses from 2005-2006 to last year.

There are several programs that give students a chance to earn both college and high school credits. The most popular is the Advanced Placement program, which offers college-level courses in high schools.

The report says about 21,600 students took AP exams in the 2005-2006 school year, but that increased to just over 35,000 by 2010-2011.

Study author Joe Nathan says students who take the classes can save thousands on tuition.

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