Rogue Community College’s Early College program allows high school students to take college classes while still in high school. Getting a head start on college credit can help students earn credits sooner and begin working toward their future goals.
Many participating high schools may cover all or part of the cost of tuition and supplies. Students should check with their high school to understand available funding and eligibility.
While there are many benefits, students enrolled in Early College are held to college expectations and responsibilities.
Costs and Financial Responsibility
Early College courses may be offered at a discounted rate with approval from the high school. Students should work closely with their high school and RCC liaison to understand:
- Whether their high school participates in Early College.
- What costs are covered, including tuition and books.
- Which courses are approved and eligible for funding.
Students are responsible for any costs not covered by the high school. If a student does not drop a course by the deadline, they are financially responsible for the course.
Access to Student Records
At the college level, students have ownership of their educational records. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents do not automatically have access to a student’s records.
Information may be shared with parents only under certain conditions:
- The student provides written consent
- A valid subpoena is issued
- The parent claims the student as a dependent for federal tax purposes, in limited circumstances related to financial aid or payment
Students can grant access by completing the FERPA Consent Form, which must:
Specify which records may be shared.
State the purpose of the disclosure.
Identify who may receive the information.
Be signed and dated by the student.
Before Registering for Classes
Students should understand expectations before enrolling in college courses. Encourage your student to:
- Review RCC policies and procedures.
- Know important deadlines for registration, dropping and withdrawing.
- Understand that grades become part of a permanent college transcript and may affect future financial aid eligibility.
Review Expectations for Early College Students
Dropping or Withdrawing from a Course
Understanding deadlines is important for academic and financial reasons.
- Students can drop a course by the second Tuesday of the term. Dropped courses do not appear on the transcript.
- After the drop deadline, students may withdraw until several weeks before the end of the term. A “W” grade will appear on the transcript.
- After the withdrawal deadline, the student will receive the grade earned.
- A “W” grade may impact Satisfactory Academic Progress [6.4.6.10] and future financial aid eligibility. Students should stay in communication with their instructor to ensure progress in the course.
Supporting Your Student’s Success
Parent and guardian involvement can support student success in college courses.
Ask questions:
- What are you learning in your college class?
- How are you managing the coursework?
- What are your goals for this class?
- Have you reached out to your instructor?
Be available:
- Encourage your student to ask for help when needed.
- Help them stay organized and manage their time.
- Remind them that RCC tutoring and support services are available.
Encourage effort:
- Acknowledge the time your student spends on coursework.
- Recognize their progress and accomplishments.
Get Started with Early College
The Early College program allows high school students to take college classes and begin earning college credit while still in high school.
Students should start by connecting with their high school’s RCC liaison to learn how Early College fits into their academic plan.
Visit the Get Started page for step-by-step instructions on how to apply, complete the Placement Process and register for classes.