Early College Program

Get started on College credits for an associate degree while in high school. This track is for high school seniors.

Sample Program Plans

• Associate in Arts
• Associate in Science

Earn your high school diploma and an associate degree (Associate in Arts or Associate in Science) by the time you graduate high school.

Sample Program Plans

• Associate in Arts
• Associate in Science

EMSA is open to all high school juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing a college curriculum focused on science or engineering. EMSA has three unique tracks tailored to college majors:

• Engineering Track
• Pre-Professional Track
• Pre-Nursing Track

Learn More

• Academic standing in high school to guarantee high school graduation.
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application.
• High school sophomore or junior (going into junior or senior years) at the time of application.
• Completed one year of algebra and geometry with a grade of “B” or higher by the start of the program.
• Completed two years of English with a grade of “B” or higher by the start of the program.

1. Express interest in the program to a high school counselor.
2. Complete the Kishwaukee College online application as a high school student.
3. Submit the Early College Program application to your high school counselor.
4. Place into college-level math and English.
   1. Placement testing
   2. SAT/PSAT scores
   3. ACT scores
   4. GPA 3.5+ over five semesters or 3.0+ over six semesters (English only)
5. Complete Welcome Packet materials.
   1. Participation agreement
   2. Consent agreement (for students under age 16 at the start of the program)
   3. Media release form
   4. Transcript release form
6. Attend program orientation.
7. Create course plan with your Kish and high school advisors.
8. Complete registration for the upcoming semester.

• Dual Credit courses are $50 per class.
• Kish College on-campus or online courses are $160 per credit hour.

• Dual credit courses taught at the high school.
  • These can account for up to 50% of degree requirements.
• Dual enrollment courses on the Kish campus or online.
• AP or CLEP tested credits.*
• Transfer courses.*

*These will be applied after 15 residency credits are earned through dual credit or dual enrollment.

The Early College Program allows high school juniors and seniors to take college-level courses at Kish while completing their high school requirements. Depending on the track, students can earn college credit, complete major-specific coursework, or even finish an associate degree by the time they graduate high school.

Early College is open to motivated high school juniors and seniors who meet placement requirements and receive approval from their school counselor. Some tracks, such as the two-year associate degree option or EMSA, may have additional academic expectations.

Costs vary by high school district. Some districts cover all or part of the tuition for Early College courses, while others require students to pay a portion or full tuition. Your counselor can provide details specific to your school.

Dual Credit courses are taught at your high school by high school teachers who meet Kish’s credential requirements.

Early College includes a structured pathway of college courses—either at Kish or online—that help students advance toward an associate degree or career-focused program. Early College may include a mix of Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment courses.

Many Early College courses transfer to other Illinois community colleges and to public and private universities. Transferability depends on the course and the receiving institution, so students should check transfer policies or speak with a Kish advisor.

Some Early College courses may count toward high school requirements depending on your district’s policies. Your school counselor will help you choose courses that support both your high school and college goals.

Some courses require students to meet certain reading, writing, or math placements. Placement may be determined by GPA, standardized test scores, or Kish’s placement assessment. Your school counselor will help you determine if testing is needed.

Early College students have full access to Kish resources, including tutoring, advising, library services, disability services, and technical support. Students may also receive additional guidance from their school counselor and from Early College program staff.