Early College Overview
Chattanooga State’s Early College Program gives motivated students like you the opportunity to get a head start on your college education while simultaneously obtaining your high school credits necessary for graduation. College credits earned through Early College can be applied toward high school and college graduation and can be transferred to other colleges and universities. Early College eases the transition to college by giving you first-hand exposure to challenging, college-level courses taught by college instructors. As an Early College student, you remain enrolled in your home high school while taking courses through Chattanooga State.
Many Early College students earn enough college credit during high school to continue as a second semester freshman or even a sophomore when they graduate. This saves thousands of dollars in tuition and accelerates students towards degree completion
Am I Eligible?
If you are a high school (public, private, or home school) student and have earned a sufficient score on the PLAN,ACT, or SAT, then you may eligible for Early College at Chattanooga State. But don't worry, if you do not have one of these test scores by the application deadline, you can take our Residual ACT test at the Chattanooga State Testing Center. You must also have permission from a parent/guardian and your school counselor.
Watch our video of students involved in the Early College Program sharing their enjoyment of the interaction, involvement, and challenge of college classes.
Your Options for Learning
Once you have become an Early College student at Chattanooga State, you have the opportunity to take college courses on your High School campus, online, or at any of the Chattanooga State campuses. Your counselor will have the information about which courses are offered, where they are offered and which courses will meet your educational plan.
Still Not Convinced? Here Are More Advantages
- Accelerates your college career and provides a quality educational experience close to home
- Saves money on room/board and tuition/fees
- Allows exposure to college atmosphere
- Provides a wider range of course options for high school
- Offers challenging coursework
- Provides highly qualified teaching faculty who meet the criteria of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
I participated in Early College through Red Bank High School where I received 30 credits. I then entered Richmond, the American International University in London as a Sophomore. It saved me $26,000 in tuition and board and means that I had a BA at the age of 20 from a school in the United Kingdom. Taking classes through Chattanooga State was one of the smartest decisions I have ever made. Many, many thanks.-Jennifer Line