CPS offers qualified students at participating high schools the opportunity to attend courses at any of the seven CCC campuses and earn college credit at no cost. Participating in the Dual Enrollment program strengthens students' college applications, demonstrates college readiness, and reduces the amount of time and money students will spend on college.
Through a partnership with CCC, the cost of tuition, materials, and laboratory fees can be covered for participating CPS students taking courses in any of the following subjects at one of the seven CCC campuses: Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English, Foreign Languages, Humanities, Mathematics, Psychology, Social Sciences, and Speech.
Students may enroll for one course per semester during the fall, spring, and summer semesters beginning the summer before junior year. During the period of their enrollment, students have access to all CCC resources, such as the computer labs, symposia, library, and the gymnasium.
College credits may be applied towards graduation at CCC as well as most public and private colleges and universities in Illinois.
Program Qualifications
All students, including those who are undocumented are eligible to participate in this program provided they meet the qualifications listed below.
- Gain support from the student's high school counselor and guardian to participate.
- Have junior or senior standing at a Chicago public, charter or options high school.
- Maintain at least a 90% attendance rate and a 2.5 cumulative grade point average in high school.
- Obtain a counselor recommendation if above listed requirements are not yet met.
- Provide college placement scores to access coursework with prerequisites, there are courses available each semester that have no prerequisites.
- Complete the Early College Registration process once per academic year with your high school for Dual Credit or with the Early College Office at the campus selected for Dual Enrollment.
- Earn a “C” or better in all college coursework and avoid withdrawing from any coursework to maintain eligibility for Early College Programs.
Course Selection
Coursework is available with various scheduling options as well as learning formats so Early College students can select the options that best fit their availability and learning style.
Early College students can choose to pursue general education coursework or explore a career or special interest at one of the seven CCC campuses in a variety of subjects, including but not limited to: Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English, Foreign Languages, Humanities, Mathematics, Psychology, Social Sciences, and Speech.
View the Early College Course Guide for more information about courses, placement and transferability.
For students interested in pursuing career-based coursework, you may be interested in the Jumpstart Pathways Program.
Registration Guide
View the Dual Enrollment Registration Process for information on course offerings, steps for registration, links to dual enrollment forms, and placement test information.