Savanna Hoffman
Early college programs are designed to allow students to work towards a high school diploma and an associate degree or college credits simultaneously. Early college programs are often partnerships between school districts, charter management organizations, or high schools, and two- or four-year colleges or universities. Some examples of four-year universities that accept early college students include Yale, Columbia, Wisconsin, Utah, Chicago, Louisville, Fisk, Goucher, Lafayette, Morehouse, Oberlin, Shimer, the University of Washington, Mary Baldwin University, and Bard College at Simon's Rock. These programs offer benefits such as a seamless transfer of credits, support with the college application process, and reduced costs for attending a four-year university.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Four-year universities with early college programs | Bard College at Simon's Rock, Yale, Columbia, Wisconsin, Utah, Chicago, Louisville, Fisk, Goucher, Lafayette, Morehouse, Oberlin, Shimer, University of Washington, University of Illinois, Ohio State University, NC State, Boston College, Dartmouth College |
| Early college program benefits | Students can earn up to 60 college credits, associate degree, or two years of college credits toward a bachelor's degree by the time they finish high school; receive support with the college application process; save on the cost of attending a four-year university |
| Early college program structure | Early colleges are partnerships between school districts, charter management organizations, or high schools, and four-year colleges or universities; early college programs can be whole school, within school, or college-based |
| Early college admission process | Early admission programs are typically due Nov 1 or Nov 15, with decisions released within 4-6 weeks; students can apply early decision or early action, with early decision being a binding commitment to attend if accepted |
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What You'll Learn
Early college high schools
The concept of early college dates back to 1966 with the founding of Bard College at Simon's Rock, a private college that admits students after the 10th or 11th grade. However, the current model of early college high schools gained traction after the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation launched its Early College High School Initiative in 2002. This initiative aimed to increase access to college education for students of colour and those from low-income backgrounds.
Early college programs provide students with the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credits, which can significantly reduce the cost of attending a four-year university. Students can choose to enter a four-year university as transfer students or as new first-year students. These programs also offer support with the college application process, which is especially beneficial for first-generation college students.
As of 2024, there were over 1,200 early college programs in the United States, with studies indicating positive impacts on students' attendance, graduation rates, and completion of college preparatory courses. Early college students are also more likely to enrol in postsecondary education and receive postsecondary credentials.
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Early entrance programs
In the late 1940s, Bard College at Simon's Rock was founded as a private college that admits students after the 10th or 11th grade. This was followed by the University of Chicago's experimental College program, which admitted students beginning in the sophomore year of high school in 1937. Shimer College, a small institution, adopted a similar program in 1950, which continues to this day.
More recently, early entrance programs have evolved to offer students the opportunity to earn an associate's degree or up to two years' worth of college credits towards a bachelor's degree while in high school, often at no or low cost. These programs also provide support to students as they transition to college-level courses and plan for their future college education. Examples of universities with early entrance programs include the University of Washington, Shimer College, Mary Baldwin University, CSULA, and Bard College at Simon's Rock, which is exclusively for younger students.
When applying to four-year universities after completing high school through an early college program, students can choose to enter as transfer students or as completely new first-year students. Early college programs often provide assistance with the college application process, which can be particularly beneficial for first-generation college students. Additionally, the credits earned through early college programs tend to transfer more seamlessly to four-year universities compared to credits earned through Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.
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Early admission requirements
Early admission to college has been a feature of the US education system since at least the 1930s, when Little Rock Junior College in Arkansas began admitting students in the top 25% academically as freshmen after their junior year of high school. The University of Louisville also pioneered early admission in 1934, and its programme is still active today, although it now only admits high school students on a concurrent enrolment basis.
The University of Chicago adopted a more radical approach in 1937, admitting students from the sophomore year of high school. This programme was eventually abandoned, but it was adopted by Shimer College in 1950, where it continues in a modified form.
During World War II, the US government made academic acceleration a high priority to ensure recruits were as highly educated as possible. In 1942, the Educational Policies Commission recommended that colleges admit academically skilled high school students after their junior year.
Today, early admission requirements vary from college to college. Some colleges have specific early admission or early action programmes, while others allow advanced high school students to enrol in college courses. Bard College at Simon's Rock is the only four-year college designed exclusively for younger students, while programmes like the University of Washington's Transition School and Early Entrance Program allow academically advanced students to enrol as freshmen after completing a one-year college preparatory programme.
Early college high schools are designed to allow students to work towards both a high school diploma and an associate degree or other college credential. Students who attend these programmes can graduate with a significant number of college credits, which can lower the cost of attending a four-year university. Early college students can also expect help with the college application process when it comes time to move on to a four-year university.
If you are considering applying for early admission, it is important to research the specific requirements of your chosen college. Early decision is a binding commitment, so you should be sure that the college is your first choice. You will also need to consider your financial situation, as you will be required to commit prior to knowing your aid eligibility.
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Early decision and early action
Early Decision
Early decision is a binding commitment, meaning that applicants must attend the college if they are accepted. Students can only apply to one school as an early decision due to this binding commitment. Early decision applications are typically due on November 1 or November 15, with decisions released four to six weeks later. Colleges often have higher acceptance rates during early admission rounds, especially for early decisions. For example, Dartmouth College in New Hampshire accepted 17% of early decision applicants for its graduating Class of 2028, compared to 5.3% of students overall.
Early Action
Early action is not a binding commitment, and applicants can decline offers of admission. Some schools have a restrictive early action policy that prohibits students from applying early decision or early action elsewhere. Early action applicants can receive their decision as early as late January if they apply for fall admission.
Early Colleges
Early colleges are partnerships between school districts, charter management organisations, or high schools, and two- or four-year colleges or universities. Early colleges often offer students the opportunity to earn an associate's degree or up to two years of college credits towards a bachelor's degree in high school, at no or low cost. Early colleges also provide support to students to help them succeed in their college courses and plan for college after high school.
Examples of Early Colleges
- Bard College at Simon's Rock is the only four-year college designed exclusively for younger students.
- The Advanced Academy of Georgia and The Clarkson School are special programs within larger colleges.
- The University of Washington's Transition School and Early Entrance Program allows academically advanced students to attend a one-year college preparatory program following enrolment as matriculated freshmen.
- Shimer College, Mary Baldwin University, and California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) have early entrance programs where early entrants study alongside traditional college students.
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Dual enrollment
The concept of dual enrollment was first introduced in 1955 by the University of Connecticut to offer more rigorous academic experiences to high school students and address the issue of senioritis. Since then, many universities have adopted dual enrollment programs, and some states have instructed their public universities to collaborate with local schools to offer these programs.
There are a few different models for dual enrollment programs. In some cases, college courses may be taught at the high school by approved high school faculty members. In other cases, high school students may take courses directly at a college or university, following the college's semester system. The length of dual enrollment courses typically aligns with the academic year of the high school or college, respectively.
Students interested in dual enrollment should be aware of the potential challenges, such as increased academic demands, heavier workloads, and time management between high school and college courses. Additionally, the impact of grades in dual enrollment courses on the overall high school transcript and GPA can be a concern, as poor grades may affect acceptance rates at other colleges and universities. However, dual enrollment can demonstrate a student's initiative and ability to handle college-level coursework.
When considering dual enrollment, it is essential to research the policies of the colleges and universities to which the student may apply. While some colleges may accept dual enrollment credits, others may have specific requirements for transcripts and course reporting. Meeting with academic advisors or admissions offices can help ensure that dual enrollment credits will be recognized and transferred smoothly.
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Frequently asked questions
Many four-year universities in the US accept early college entrants. Some of the more notable ones include Yale, Columbia, Wisconsin, Utah, Chicago, Louisville, and Shimer.
Early college programs are partnerships between school districts, charter management organizations, or high schools, and two- or four-year colleges or universities. These programs allow students to earn an associate's degree or up to two years of college credits toward a bachelor's degree while in high school, often at no or low cost.
Early college programs provide students with a head start on their college education, allowing them to graduate earlier or with a reduced course load. They also offer cost benefits, as students can earn college credits at a lower cost while still in high school.
The application process for early college programs varies depending on the specific program and institution. Some programs may have selective entrance requirements, while others may be open to all ability levels. It is best to research the specific requirements and application process for the program(s) you are interested in.
Early decision is a binding commitment, meaning that if you are accepted, you must attend that college. You can only apply to one school using early decision. Early action, on the other hand, is non-binding, and you can apply to multiple schools using this option. Both options typically have deadlines in November, with decisions released within a few weeks.
