What Is Early College?

Earn College Credit For Free

Join the Early College program to enroll in college-level courses while still in high school, reducing both the time and the money needed to earn a college degree.

The Early College program offers two ways for you to earn college credit: dual credit and dual enrollment. High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old are eligible to participate. If you are younger than 16 and want to participate in Early College, you must get approval from the college president or vice president of your desired City Colleges location.

Enroll in Early College and you can:

Save time and money on the cost of a college degree.
Train for a high-demand career, helping you get a job right out of college.
Access to the same great teachers and quality resources that other City Colleges students enjoy.
Receive personalized advising help, allowing you to take charge of your education.
Develop important time management and study skills that will serve you well in college and the workplace.

Dual Credit

If you’re a junior or senior at a participating high school, you can take college credit classes at your school through the dual credit program with City Colleges. You’ll get both college and high school credit without having to adjust your weekly schedule.

Dual Enrollment

As a high school junior or senior, you can enroll at one of the City Colleges of Chicago and attend classes on campus. Classes cover subjects like English, math, foreign languages, and science. Students can also register for career pathway courses, which are designed to prepare them for work in a high-demand industry. Career pathway areas of study include aviation, construction, culinary, IT, nursing, and more.

View Dual Enrollment Class Schedules

Enrollment Information Sessions

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See Upcoming Information Sessions

Student Success Stories

See Early College Events and Info Sessions

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How to Enroll Today

Talk to your high school counselor about Early College.
Get approval from your advisor and the dual enrollment coordinator at your preferred City Colleges location.
Complete the City Colleges application at applyearly.ccc.edu.
Choose a class schedule that fits your interests.
Connect to an Early College coordinator to discuss the next steps.
- Attention: Please do not enroll in any class at City Colleges or pay for any classes before you have discussed your academic journey with a member of City Colleges’ Early College team. Unauthorized payments are non-refundable.

Student Eligibility Requirements

Must be a resident of the City of Chicago
- Currently enrolled at a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) high school, or
- Enrolled in high school, including home-schooled students
16 years old, or a junior or senior in high school
- High school students under age 16: recommended by their principal & approved by the college president or designated college official (see high school student policy)
2.5 GPA (recommendation letters are accepted if GPAs are less than 2.5)
90% attendance rate
Meet all course entry (prerequisites) and academic program requirements