Earn College Credit in High School

Early College Credit Program

Get a head start—on us. Qualified students may be able to enroll in pre-approved university courses through the Early College Credit Program (ECCP), which allows students enrolled at Wisconsin public, charter, and private high schools to take up to 18 credits of college courses at a UW, private, or Tribal college located in Wisconsin (for high school and college credit or college credit only). As long as a course fulfills a graduation requirement, there is no cost to the student—costs are shared between the state and the school district.

How to Apply for ECCP

Your high school counselor will be your guide—but here is what the general process looks like:

  1. Talk to your high school counselor. Discuss how ECCP fits your goals and whether you meet the course prerequisites. Ask about timelines and required materials.
  2. Request information from the UW university where you’d like to take classes.
  3. Complete the ECCP application form. Get the form from your counselor or download it here.
  4. Submit your form to your high school by their deadline. Every school has its own process, so double-check.
  5. Apply to the UW university you want to attend. Follow their admission and course registration instructions.
  6. Submit any required documentation, like your high school transcript or AP/IB exam scores.
  7. Enroll and start learning!
  8. Monitor your progress. It’s up to you, not your high school counselor, to make sure you are on a path to success.

Pro Tip: Connect with a Dual Enrollment Coordinator

Every UW university has someone who can answer questions and walk you through ECCP options. Reach out to a Dual Enrollment Coordinator to make sure you are on the right track.