subject: Early College High School: Saving Students Time And Money [print this page] A bold approach, early college high school combines rigorous academic studies with the opportunity to save time and money. This combination motivates students to work hard to meet educational challenges and career goals. These programs creatively blend high school and college coursework to cut the time it takes to earn a diploma and complete the first two years of college.
In addition, early college high school can potentially improve high school graduation rates. They also better prepare students for rewarding, high-skill careers. The demanding college prep curriculum compresses the number of years required to earn a college degree. Students have the ability to move much quicker into their field of study and career.
Why Early College High Schools Are Important
In todays economy, students need a college education to provide financial freedom and personal satisfaction. Studies show college graduates earn significantly more than students with only a high school education. Innovative programs such as early college high school help ensure more young adults earn the college credentials that will lead to improved financial security.
These opportunities have expanded over the last decade and will likely grow in popularity. Students have the ability to be enrolled in high school, but take college courses on a college campus.
Early college high schools attract students from a wide range of backgrounds. Although challenging, most students who apply themselves are able to complete the programs successfully. The future holds great opportunities for more and more young people to earn college degrees.
Whats included in these Programs?
Early college high schools create a unique learning environment for students. They typically have the following characteristics:
Students can earn an Associate degree or up to two years of transferable college credit while theyre still attending high school.
Students achieve a level of competency from college-level courses and basically receive two years of college education for free.
The time it takes to earn a two- or four-year college degree is compressed.
Schools and programs provide academic and social support to help students succeed with the demanding coursework.
The transition from high school to college is sometimes streamlined for students.
The Benefits of Early College High Schools
Students enrolled in early college high school programs are better prepared to complete the rigors of college coursework. In addition, the institutions of higher learning experience higher retention rates. Benefits also include:
Full integration of a students high school and college experiences, from both a social and intellectual standpoint.
The ability to earn up to two years of college credit toward a degree instead of just a few college credits.
High school and college-level coursework is blended into a single academic program that meets both diploma and Associate degree requirements.
Students can continue attending the college institution to earn additional credits toward a degree, or they can transfer them to another college.
A two-year college degree is the minimum requirement for young adults to earn a middle-class income. However, many students dont get to college after completing high school. Early college high school programs help promote and ease the transition into college and create the potential for higher paying careers for students.
