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Earn College Credit in High School!

Manchester Community College has established an Early College initiative that specifically allows NH high school students to take MCC credit-bearing courses. 

The credits students earn through Early College at Manchester Community College can be applied to a degree at MCC or possibly transfer to another college or University. This allows students to get a jump on college at a reduced rate!

Read the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers or talk to your high school guidance counselor to learn more!

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Early College Frequently Asked Questions

That decision will be up to your high school. This is not a “dual” enrollment initiative. It is an avenue for motivated students to accelerate their timeline toward a college degree.

Yes, so it is important to understand that what MCC offers could be different from another NH community college.

Both Early College and Running Start provide opportunities to earn college credits. Running Start is taught by high school instructors at high schools. Early College courses are taught by college professors on the MCC campus, providing access to MCC labs and equipment.

To qualify for Early College, you need to be at least 16 years of age. Meet with your high school counselor to discuss early college. This individual will help you decide if you are ready and if the MCC Early College options are a good fit for you. You must meet with a MCC representative to complete your course registration.

Yes. Please work with a guidance counselor from either your area high school or an advisor associated with your home-school program. Follow the same procedures as if you were enrolled in high school.

The cost to take a course at MCC through the Early College program is currently half the current tuition of the college. This is a considerable discount. However, you must be prepared to pay for your own books and/or materials. You are also responsible for your own transportation to the college.

As a high school student, you are not eligible for Financial Aid. This is one reason why MCC has tried to make the tuition so affordable. Payment for the course is expected at the time of registration.

Call (603) 206-8016 or (603) 206-8012 to set up an appointment to learn more about Early College and register for classes.

Once you have registered for a college course, you are a college student and may enjoy the rights and privileges associated with this status. Among other things, you may get a Student ID, access student support services, and utilize the library. Upon course completion, you may request an official transcript.

Most courses at MCC are available to Early College students. Students must meet the prerequisite to register for classes.

Every NH high school student is eligible for MCC Early College, and we are not capping participation at this time. However, Early College students need to register no earlier than four weeks prior to the start of the semester. Early College students must register before the semester starts.

Pending enrollment, MCC cannot guarantee space in any of the listed courses, and waitlists may apply. We will, however, do everything we can to avoid such a scenario.

Your Early College record is part of your official Manchester Community College transcript. As long as you successfully complete the course, and it is required of the degree program in which you enroll, you will already have completed a course toward your degree.

The Learning Commons, which includes Academic Advising, Tutoring and Library Services is a good place to start or the Early College advisor.

For various reasons, students sometimes have to drop classes. If this happens to you, visit the Registrar’s Office and fill out an official drop form. Don’t just stop attending. The consequence of disappearing from a class without doing an official drop is an “F” on your transcript. Don’t let this happen to you. Be sure to review the Registration Policies and Deadlines sheet given to you at the time of registration.

Early College Contacts

For more information on Early College, contact:

Major Wheelock
Dual Enrollment Specialist/Academic Advisor
mwheelock@ccsnh.edu
(603) 206-8016


Please note: To qualify for Early College, students must be at least 16 years old. Cost per class is 50% of tuition due at the time of registration – lab fees apply for some courses. Students are also expected to pay for their own books and/or materials. Students are required to meet with their high school guidance counselor to discuss their interest in the early college program. Students will also be required to meet with an MCC representative who will make sure the Early College Registration is completed and students are signed up for the correct course.