In 2009, the College Board calculated that families can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $25,000 per year for a private four-year college (up 5.9 percent from last year), and $6,585 for a public four-year college (up 6.4 percent from 2008).

I wonder… if more families know about opportunities to get a free, or partially free, college education, starting in the high-school years, would they encourage their college-bound children to give it a whirl?

Not only can students who earn college credit in high school reduce their time in college, but they can do so at no cost to their families. I know this firsthand because I did it way back in the 80s, and now there are even more options for students to consider:

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Probably the most popular and widely known choice for high schoolers, AP classes are college-level courses delivered by high school teachers. If your school does not offer the class you want, try looking online. The nonprofit Consumers Guide to Online AP Courses provides information, reviews, and links to state AP programs. Student who score three or higher on an AP exam qualify for college credit.

Direct Credit: College courses offered at your high school are referred to as direct credit. In some cases, a college will offer a post-secondary education at a high school by sending a professor or training a high school teacher to deliver college-level course material, which may be applied to high school exit requirements and count toward college credit.

Dual Enrollment: With a dual enrollment program, qualified high school students are able to earn college credit by spending part of their school hours in high school and the rest of their day taking classes with college students. Families may be responsible for some fees and textbook purchases, but classes are usually covered by the school district. Dual enrollment students should get their course selection pre-approved by a guidance counselor and have the discipline, drive, and maturity to work at the faster college pace.

Early Admission: A form of dual enrollment, early admission lets qualified high school students in good standing attend college full-time. Before being admitted, students must earn a specified number of high school credits and meet test criteria set by the institution. Once enrolled, students are required to take classes that fulfill high school graduation requirements. Like dual enrollment, most college costs are waived.

Middle College: Middle College High Schools are located on or near college campuses and give students the opportunity to take classes to earn their high school diploma and up to 60 transferable college credits at no cost. This collaborative effort targets student populations that are historically under-served and underrepresented in college.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program: Known for high standards and pedagogical leadership, IB-designated schools are an alternative for students who wish to be pushed academically and develop greater intercultural understanding. Some colleges will grant credit for IB students who who demonstrate mastery in the rigorous junior and senior programs and associated assessments. Course costs are covered by school districts, but families are expected to pay for the assessments.

Any high school student is eligible to earn college and high school credit at the same time, but families should be aware that some programs have prerequisites and not all colleges welcome every form of credit. Interested students can ask their high school guidance counselor for program recommendations, information about which colleges are likely to accept AP or IB credits, and possible social or emotional ramifications.

While the above options are certainly not suited to all students, those who feel ready for an increased challenge can earn credit toward high school graduation while simultaneously getting a jump start on their college courses… plus a potential reduction in tuition.