CE or concurrent enrollment classes are college level classes that can be taken in high school to earn college credit early. Concurrent enrollment classes offer both college credit and high school credit allowing the student to earn dual credit. 

Like AP courses, CE courses are more challenging than regular high school courses, but CE students are not required to take the end of year pass or fail test that AP students are required to take to receive credit for the class. All the students must do to receive credit is pass the class. However, CE credits only apply to colleges in Utah, and some schools are picky about which credits they will or will not accept. 

Signing up for CE classes is effortless, students simply sign up for CE classes as they build their schedule for the next year with their counselors. When the class starts, students register through the college for that class as a CE class and pay a $30 fee. “CE provides prepared high school students with a challenging and rigorous college-level experience,” said Christy Perkins, the CTE coordinator at Woods Cross High School. “The program allows students to become better prepared for the world of work or to complete general education courses needed for any college major and the great thing is, you can save time by earning both high school credit and college credit at the same time.”

Perkins said students who take CE classes in high school can save on average $1,000 per course. “Who wouldn’t want to save money and time?" questioned Perkins. "Another great advantage is that you get a sneak peek of how college works, and you can explore a potential college major.”

College costs a fortune compared to the small $30 fee required for CE courses. Not only are CE classes an investment toward a student’s education, but they are also an investment toward future savings. On average an associate degree has a net cost of around $10,950. High schoolers can save thousands of dollars by applying themselves in high school. 

High schools offer a variety of CE classes beyond core classes like English, math and science classes; there are art classes, welding, nutrition and even child care classes. There is an abundant amount of CE classes, and a class for everyone. “I think CE classes are really great because students are able to choose how much they want to do,” said Natalie Paget, senior at Woods Cross High School who will get her associate degree this coming May when she graduates. “Some students will only take one CE class while others might take enough to get an associate degree. Either way, people are still getting a head start on college and saving money. In my life, they have relieved so much stress I’ve had toward paying for college. I honestly wish I would have taken more CE classes.” 

Students can take up to 30 college credits a school year and can earn their associate degree if they work hard. “CE classes have a college curriculum, but with more time,” said Loni Beckman, teacher at Woods Cross high school who teaches a few CE courses. “Taking CE classes in high school can be beneficial because you have more individualized help and smaller classes. CE classes really open a window for students to get ahead in life and have their feet planted in the right direction.” λ