Early College Overview

High school students can earn college credit even though they have not yet graduated from high school through Southwestern Michigan College’s Early College Program. There are several opportunities at SMC for high school students to get a jump start on their college education and impact their future.

In addition, opportunities exist for home schooled students to earn college credits that also count for high school graduation. Home schooled students may also participate in the transfer courses for dual enrollment credit.

Academy Program

The Academy Program provides high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to participate in several occupational studies offered at SMC. High school juniors and seniors must meet the academic requirements.

Direct Credit

Direct Credit courses are high school courses that are eligible for college credit and meet high school requirements. The courses are taught by high school teachers at the respective high school the student attends.

Grades and credit are recorded on an official SMC transcript as college-level courses. Tuition and fees combined are a flat $75 per course and are paid by either the student or the high school, depending on the school district’s policy.

Dual Enrollment

Designed for eligible high school students, the Dual Enrollment Program offers students the opportunity to enroll in college courses at one of the SMC campuses. The college course may be used for credit at both the high school and college level.

The classes are taught by SMC faculty. Grades and credit are recorded on an official SMC transcript as college-level courses. Full tuition and fees are charged to the student. In some cases, the student’s high school may pay for the tuition and fees.

Online Course Opportunities

Students can receive college credit and meet Michigan’s graduation requirement of an online learning experience through SMC’s Ed2Go Online Course Opportunities. This is great way for students to fit college-level courses into their high school schedule. The Online courses can be done from the student’s home, high school or at an SMC computer lab.

Requirements

High school students are required to have written permission from their high school counselor or principal. Students under 16 years of age are required to obtain permission from their parents or legal guardian and the appropriate SMC academic dean. If you wish to take college courses while you are still in high school, ask your counselor to sign the Enrollment Authorization form referenced under Related Links.