There are many ways for high school students to get a head start on college—at no cost! Through programs like Credit by Exam (CBE), College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP), and Concurrent Enrollment, students can earn college credit while still in high school.

Here’s a simple overview of each opportunity:

CCTE (College, Career, and Technical Education)

Students taking CCTE courses in career fields like health, digital media, business, and more may qualify to earn college credit for their high school classes. These courses are aligned with community college programs and help prepare students for both college and the workforce.

Credit by Exam (CBE)

In many CCTE classes, students can earn college credit by passing a special test at the end of the course. This is called Credit by Exam. If a student shows they’ve learned college-level skills, they can earn credit from a local community college without ever leaving their high school campus.

CCAP (College and Career Access Pathways)

CCAP lets students take real college classes—taught by college professors—during their regular school day. These classes are free, happen on your high school campus, and count for both high school and college credit. Students can explore subjects like business, political science, or even start a college certificate in areas like child development or computer science.

Concurrent Enrollment

Some students take community college courses after school or in the summer through programs like CCAP or general concurrent enrollment. These classes give students college credit and can help them complete degrees faster after graduation.

Why This Matters?

• Save time and money on college

• Explore future careers

• Gain confidence with college-level learning

• Build your college transcript while in high school
  
  

Talk to your counselor or CCTE teacher to learn which early college credit opportunities are available at your school. Whether you want to explore a career, earn a certificate, or to just try something new, there’s a pathway for you!