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Introduction to the Early College Program

The Early College Program offers dual credit courses (courses earning both high school and college credit) to high school students at their high school, on an ISU campus, and online. Students enrolled in dual credit courses learn college processes and procedures, experience college level coursework, have access to university services, complete their degree earlier, and can transfer their ISU credits to other colleges and universities.  

Requirements to Participate

  • Be enrolled in a high school dual credit course.
  • Have a 2.70 high school GPA.
  • Be at least 16 years old (at start of course) or have successfully completed at least one-half of high school graduation requirements as certified by the high school.
  • Obtain recommendation from a high school counselor if the requirements listed above are not met
  • Apply to Idaho State University as an Early College Program Student at apply.isu.edu.
  • Submit a Consent Form with student and parent/guardian signatures

Enrollment Options

  • Classes offered at a high school
  • Classes offered on an ISU campus

Students who want to take courses on the ISU campus must be 16-years old and meet all course prerequisites. Students are limited to 7 credits a semester of 100- and 200-level courses. They must also pay class fees, purchase required textbooks, and possibly a parking permit.  In order to register for an on-campus course the student will need to be admitted to the Early College Program and submit a signed and notarized Assumption of Liability Waiver, and meet with an Early College Program advisor at least two-weeks prior to the start of the course. On-campus courses are subject to on-campus registration and payment deadlines and may have additional fees. Prior to their first time taking an on-campus course, students must complete a new ECP student orientation. Please contact the Early College Program Office at 208-282-6067 for additional information.

Cost of Attendance

  • Courses offered at the High School are $75/credit
  • Courses offered on an ISU campus are $75/credit + applicable fees

Advanced Opportunities   

  • Students are allocated $4,125 from the State of Idaho
  • Pays for dual credit courses, overload courses, and college-credit bearing exams
  • Available to students in grades 7-12
  • Fast Forward Funds are used to pay for dual credit courses
  • Additional information can be found at Advanced Opportunities Idaho 

Student Responsibilities                       

  • Discuss enrollment options with parents, Early College Program staff and/or high school counselor
  • Take ACT/SAT/ALEKS placement tests if needed
  • Apply to the Early College Program and submit consent form
  • Register online through my.isu.edu
  • Request Fast Forward funding
  • Pay fees for dual credit courses not covered by Fast Forward funds through my.isu.edu by appropriate deadline
  • Purchase textbooks and materials, if required.
  • Inform instructor if accommodations are needed - contact ISU Disability Services at 208-282-3599 for assistance
  • Check ISU email regularly for announcements
  • Study - It is recommended that you study 2-3 hours a week outside of class for every 1 credit hour registered
  • Drop or withdraw from a dual credit course by the deadline if:  

 a) decide not to take the course for college credit

 b) transferred out of the high school class

 c) transferred to another high school

Note: No refunds are given for withdrawals. Students who do not withdraw and/or fail to complete the course will likely receive a failing grade for the class, which will become part of their permanent college academic record. Withdrawal deadlines are strictly enforced.      

Academic Integrity       

Academic integrity is expected of all students. Academic dishonesty, including cheating and plagiarism, is unacceptable. Please see ISU's Policies and Procedures on Student Conduct for more information.

CHEATING is using or attempting to use materials, information or study aids that are not permitted by the instructor in examinations or other academic work.          

PLAGIARISM is representing another person's words, ideas, data or work as one's own.