Early college refers to programs allowing high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credits before graduation, often saving significant time and money on higher education.
What is Early College?
Early college encompasses various pathways for high school students—including homeschoolers—to begin college coursework before receiving their diploma. While the term is sometimes used interchangeably with dual enrollment, early college most accurately describes structured programs where students blend high school and college work to potentially earn both a diploma and an associate degree within 4-5 years. For homeschoolers, early college typically means enrolling part-time at a community college while continuing home education, offering maximum flexibility to integrate college courses into a personalized curriculum.
Key Takeaways
- Dual enrollment is the umbrella term; early college high schools are full-time structured programs
- Most programs require students to be at least 16, though some accept younger students with demonstrated readiness
- Credits from regionally accredited colleges generally transfer, but policies vary by receiving institution
- Many states fund dual enrollment for homeschoolers, making courses free or heavily discounted
- Homeschoolers typically benefit more from dual enrollment than formal early college high school programs
Dual Enrollment vs. Early College High School
Understanding this distinction matters for homeschoolers. Dual enrollment lets students take individual college courses while remaining primarily enrolled in their homeschool, earning both high school and college credit simultaneously. Early College High Schools are full-time programs where students leave traditional schooling entirely and attend classes on a college campus following a prescribed pathway. Most Early College High Schools require enrollment in a public high school, making them unavailable to families who want to maintain homeschool status. For this reason, dual enrollment is generally the better fit for homeschoolers.
Benefits for Homeschoolers
The advantages compound quickly. Financially, college courses during high school cost a fraction of post-graduation tuition—often free in states that fund dual enrollment. Every college course can count as a full high school credit since homeschoolers determine their own curriculum. Students get exposure to college-level rigor while still having parental support at home. And completing an associate degree (60 credits) during high school can save $10,000-$30,000 or more in future tuition while accelerating time to a bachelor's degree.
Getting Started
Credit Transfer Considerations
Not all dual enrollment credits transfer to all colleges. Credits from regionally accredited institutions with grades of C or better generally transfer, but individual institutions set their own policies. General education courses (English composition, math, sciences) transfer more reliably than specialized courses. In-state public university transfers are typically smoother than out-of-state or private school transfers. Before enrolling, research whether your student's target colleges accept credits from the dual enrollment institution—this homework upfront prevents disappointment later.
The Bottom Line
Early college opportunities give homeschoolers a genuine head start on higher education while saving substantial money. Dual enrollment, specifically, offers the best of both worlds: college-level academics with the flexibility of home education. Start by researching your state's policies and connecting with local community college admissions offices. With proper planning, your student can graduate high school with meaningful college credit—or even an associate degree—already completed.
