Early College & Dual Credit
Earn College Credit in High School
OCCC Early College Program
The faculty, staff, and administration at Oregon Coast Community College want to ensure that all college-ready Lincoln County high school juniors and seniors have the opportunity to begin their post-secondary education and become successful college students. OCCC’s Early College Program is committed to serving all students in the community, including students of color, first-generation and low-income individuals.
The benefits of OCCC’s Early College Program include:
- Earn high school and college credits concurrently (high school credit is granted at the discretion of the high school you attend).
- Get a head start on academic and career goals
- Experience the academic rigor of college classes
- Save time and money
Are You Ready for College?
Students in Early College are Juniors and Seniors in high school that are mature enough socially, emotionally and educationally to operate in the adult college setting.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Juniors and Seniors from Lincoln County School District, including home schools and charter schools, who are college-ready are eligible. College-ready is defined as having course placement into 100-level or above classes.
Worried About Paying for College?
OCCC Early College is a program designed to give students the opportunity to earn college credit. Tuition for one course per term is at no cost to the student. If other classes are taken in the same term, tuition is reduced by half for those courses. Students are required to pay for fees and books. Limited scholarships are available.
Free Tuition is Great, But What About the Fees?
If you are a student who is interested in Early College, but cannot participate due to fees, please contact Student Services to be referred additional resources.
Is Transportation Available?
Students provide their own transportation or use public transportation to attend OCCC.
How do I sign up?
Complete the admission form. Important: Please enter “High School” in the Program box and “Early College” for What is your major?.
Schedule an appointment with a Student Success Coach to discuss course placement by using the online scheduling tool. If possible, bring your high school transcript to this appointment.
Attend the mandatory Early College Program orientation and fill out the success agreement.
How many classes can I take?
Students can register for one class per term tuition-free and students will receive a 50% tuition reduction for additional classes taken in a term.
Which classes can I take?
Most general education courses are eligible for the Early College Program. This includes Writing, Speech, Music, Science, Math, History, Psychology, and more! Please see your advisor for a complete list of courses.
For more information about the Early College Program, please email Ben Kaufmann or call 541-867-8501.
What's Next?
Applying as an Underage Student
Click here for complete details about how to register as a student under age 16.
Dual Credit
Dual Credit is a program in which Lincoln County students can earn college credit at Oregon Coast Community College while still in high school. The courses are taught by LCSD instructors. Discuss Dual Credit options with your guidance counselor(s) and teacher(s). Offerings can also be found in the Student Handbook below. You will apply to the college and register all in the same form.
Dual Credit agreements between Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) and Lincoln County School District (LCSD) have been in place since before 2003, with over two thousand Lincoln County students earning credit and getting a head start on college and careers. In June 2014 the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission HECC adopted new Dual Credit Standards following a revision in national standards. Consequently, all community colleges and school districts in Oregon were required to submit a Program Approval Renewal to continue to offer Dual Credit under the new standards.
Transferability
OCCC credits are transferable to all public college/universities within the Oregon University System and most other institutions outside the state. It is always important to check with the college or university you plan to attend to know how these credits will be applied. The credits you earn provide an advantage whether you use them at OCCC, another college, or on your resume as you explore employment opportunities.
Enrollment Requirements
You must be enrolled in a participating high school.
Registration
For new OCCC Dual Credit Students – There is a 2-step process for students who wish to receive college credit for the high school course work through Oregon Coast Community College. Students must first apply to OCCC before they are able to register for dual credit courses. Returning students (bypass applying to OCCC) and only register for Dual Credit courses.
What are OCCC’s standard costs of attendance?
Review the OCCC Cost of Attendance Page
What’s Next?
Check with your high school counselor to find out which classes at your high school are part of the OCCC Dual Credit program. You will receive a registration form from your high school counselor.