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Early College

Early College is a program for high school students within the Grand Traverse region and Wexford-Missaukee ISD to earn college credits and up to an associate degree by completing course work at their home high schools, at Northwest Ed Services (formerly TBAISD), or WMISD Career-Tech Centers, and on Northwestern Michigan College's campus. Participating students and parents will recognize significant tuition cost savings and be on a faster track to obtaining a college degree. Course tuition is funded through Michigan school aid funds.

Early College Programs

  • Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS)
    • Learn more about the TCAPS Early College Program
      • Application Steps
        1. Meet with your high school counselor
        2. Submit an online application form at nmc.edu/apply-now
          1. Select "High School Early College" as your student type
          2. Your program of study should be "Liberal Arts & Science, ASA"
        3. Request an official transcript from your high school to be sent directly to NMC
        4. Submit a two paragraph essay to NMC on why you want to enroll in the Early College Program
        5. Submit your Enrollment Authorization Form to request classes you may want to take.
    • For more information on the TCAPS Early College Program please contact:

Simply Put, Early College is:

  • Public, tuition-free
  • An extended high school program including a 13th year
  • Integrated with high school courses
  • Includes college campus experience
  • Degree and career-focused

Find information on Dual Enrollment here

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Benefits of Early College

  • Tuition cost savings
  • Career fast track
  • High-value/low cost
  • Accelerated learning
  • Reduced time in college
  • Blended learning

RETURNING EARLY COLLEGE STUDENTS