Early College

What is "Early College?"

"Early" or "Middle College" is a partnership between a college and high school or Intermediate School District (ISD) that provides high school students the opportunity to receive a high school diploma in addition to one of the following: an occupational certificate, an associate degree, or up to two years of credit toward a bachelor’s degree. To complete college credits, students begin taking college courses in their 9th, 10th, or 11th grade years, continuing in their senior year and beyond. Early/Middle College students attend a fifth year of high school, in which they spend most of their time taking Bay College courses. To ensure that students meet their goals, the Dual Enrollment Coordinator, Bay College advisors and high school counselors help students select and schedule courses that work for their plans.

Early College Benefits

Acceptance to early college is done through participating high schools and Intermediate School Districts (ISDs).

• Have a Certificate, Associate’s Degree, or up to 60 college credits paid for, saving thousands on their first two years of college.  Tuition and fees for the college courses are paid for by the public school  as part of the district’s per pupil state funding.  Please note: There could be additional course fees and textbooks that will be out of pocket expenses for students/families.
• Students complete up to two years of college, a year ahead of their peers.
• Bay College credits are highly transferable, so students will have a great start on completing their Bachelor’s
• Degree at a chosen university or college.
• Certificates and Associate in Applied Science Degrees allow students to enter the workforce immediately upon completion.