Early College

Use this steps for OnCourse enrollment guide to create your first account.

Taking college courses while you are still in high school is a great way to explore career interests and build confidence for college. In fact, there is a growing body of research that suggests that students who participate in dual and concurrent enrollment opportunities are more likely to:

• develop a realistic understanding of college expectations while building academic skills and confidence
• attend college
• transfer successfully from a community college to a four-year college or university
• complete a college degree ahead of or on time
• succeed in their college program

Taking dual and concurrent enrollment classes now also mean you have multiple layers of support; your high school, perhaps your CTE, your instructors, your family, and your college advisors will all be ready to support you.

Maine’s community colleges are committed to providing equitable college access through our various On Course and Early College programs. For that reason, our colleges waive course fees for high school students in the following programs:

Maine Aspirations Program

The Maine Aspirations Program provides access to early college courses by funding tuition costs; this program is managed by the Maine Department of Education. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a public high school or be home schooled and meet the requirements below.

Eligibility for Aspirations includes:

• Minimum public high school grade point average of at least a 2.0 (on a scale of 4.0), or the equivalent of a “C” average or, in lieu of a 3.0, they are recommended for participation by a school unit’s administration.
• The eligible institution has determined that the student has satisfactorily completed any course prerequisites.
• The school unit approves.
• The student’s parent or caregiver approves.
• The eligible institution has space available for the secondary student.
  See full eligibility requirements here.

Lifetime Aspirations Credit Eligibility

Beginning with the Class of 2027, students will be able to access a lifetime total of 18 credits. The one exception to the 18-credit lifetime limit will be CTE students in designated early college career pathways. Students in approved CTE pathways will be able to access an additional 6 credits on the career pathway. Students must be enrolled in a Maine CTE program that aligns with their early college pathway and have enrolled in an aligned pathway in OnCourse. Pathways are available to students within the OnCourse application portal. The 6 additional Aspirations credits are only available to students with demonstrated progress and commitment to a given career pathway.

Course limits per semester (totals within and across systems)

In order to promote both intentionality and student success, early college students are limited how many courses they can take in a given semester.

• Summer: 2 courses, cannot meet during the same shortened session.
• Fall: 3 courses
• Spring: 3 courses
• Semester limit exceptions may be made for year-long concurrent enrollment courses and specialized programs (Spring Ahead, etc).
• EC offices have the right to deny enrollment to a student based upon their prior academic history.

Students who choose to take courses beyond the lifetime cap may apply for additional credits as self-pay students at the Early College tuition rates. These annual and lifetime credit totals include courses taken at Maine’s community colleges and public universities.

Early College Tuition Rate at Maine’s Community Colleges

Students who either do not qualify for or have exceeded their individual Aspirations funding that are attending a Maine High School will be charged an Early College rate.

• Maine’s community colleges will waive regular course fees.
• Courses on campus or online are charged at the regular tuition rate (currently $96/per credit.)
• Courses taught concurrently in Maine high schools are charged at a reduced rate (currently $60/per credit.)

Special Programs:

• These rates will apply to Bridge Academy students unless the college has a preexisting arrangement for those students.
• Students in the Telstar Early College Program and Spring Ahead have preexisting arrangements.

While your school may offer a wide variety of college courses, it’s important to select those that either help you explore potential career interests or align with your intended college path.

If you’re still in high school, it’s completely normal not to know what you want to study in college or what career you want to pursue. However, taking too many college courses in unrelated areas can make it harder for those credits to transfer—and less likely to support your progress once you’re in college.

Start slowly and thoughtfully. Use the resources below to guide your decisions, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your school counselor or local college staff for support.

Use the OnCourse Career Pathway module.

• How To Navigate OnCourse & Career Pathways – Students
• CTE Credit & Pathways Explained for Students and Schools
• Credits with a purpose
• Career pathway map

Taking early college courses is a great opportunity to explore college-level learning while still in high school. Whether your course is on-campus, online, or taught at your school, you are considered a college student—and that comes with new responsibilities and systems to navigate.

One key area to understand is accommodations for students with disabilities. The rules and processes for receiving accommodations in college are different from those in high school. In high school, services are guided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504, Subpart D. In college, they follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504, Subpart E. When you are in a college course—even if it is taught inside your high school or CTE—you can only use the accommodations in the college Accessibility Office letter.

Overview of ADA Accommodations

Overview of ADA Accommodations – Print Version

Contact Accessibility Offices at Maine’s Community College:

• Central Maine Community College Accessibility Office
• Eastern Maine Community College Accessibility Office
• Kennebec Valley Community College Accessibility Office
• Northern Maine Community College Accessibility Office
• Southern Maine Community College Accessibility Office
• Washington County Community College Accessibility Office
• York County Community College Accessibility Office

Your Next Steps

1. Explore Your College and Course Options Use OnCourse and individual community college websites to search for courses. Make sure the course aligns with your IEP or learning plan.
2. Connect with the Accessibility Office As soon as you register for a course, reach out to the college’s Accessibility Office. Each college has its own process, and accommodations cannot be applied retroactively. It’s your responsibility to initiate this contact. The office will let you know what documentation they require.
3. Gather Your Documentation Colleges require documentation of a diagnosed disability. Make sure you have access to all current evaluations of your diagnosed disability and keep them in a safe place for future use. Your high school and parent/guardians may be able to assist you in gathering this information.
4. Meet with the College Once you have all your documentation, schedule your intake meeting with the college. This may be in person  or virtually but it is important to have a personalized discussion about how to plan your academic success.
5. Begin Your Course and Use Support Services Share your accommodations letter with your instructor if applicable. You’ll also be introduced to tutoring centers, learning labs, and other student support services.

Search and apply for courses through our OnCourse application portal.

Linked below are resources for schools, students, and families. These are meant to be easy-to-use, overview resources. Please see other areas of this website for more comprehensive information if needed.

Understanding Early College in Maine

For Students and Families – Aspirations Program Explained
For Schools & Partners – Aspirations Program Explained
CTE Credit & Pathways Explained for Students and Schools
Maine Early College Report, June 2022

Navigating the OnCourse Portal

Steps to On Course Enrollment
How To Navigate OnCourse & Career Pathways – Students
Language for OnCourse Agreements
Homeschool Parent-Guardian Guide for OnCourse

Student Support Materials

ADA Accomodations
Overview of ADA Accommodations – Print Version
Credits with a Purpose
Career Pathway Map

The following is the text of the student and parent/guardian agreements as they exist in OnCourse – the online application portal for dual and concurrent enrollment at Maine’s community colleges.

To translate this into languages other than English, use your browser translation tool.

OnCourse for College application portal: oncourse.mccs.me.edu

For questions/concerns/inquiries about these agreements contact: OnCourseHelp@mainecc.edu

Text of Parent/Guardian Agreement in OnCourse

I consent to enrollment of my student in the Early College Program and agree to abide by the guidelines of the Program and applicable Community College policies and procedures. Please read this entire waiver as it contains information about:

• For eligible students, if students exceed the current Aspirations credit limit, they will be billed for excess credits.
• If students earn a W, D, or F in a college course, they will not be eligible to take another course without an appeal to the college’s Dean.
• Taking a course from a college means following all college requirements and the Student Code of Conduct.
• If taking courses for transfer, it is the student’s responsibility to confirm courses will transfer to the intended institution and program.

I understand that as a condition of participation in the Early College program, I consent to release of my child’s education records to appropriate administrators of the high school, the Community Colleges, and the University of Maine System (if enrolled), and the Maine Department of Education solely for recording grades on transcripts, managing appropriate tuition reimbursement from the Department of Education, facilitating appropriate course selection and academic counseling, and avoiding duplicate course enrollment.

GRADES

I understand all final grades become a permanent part of the student’s Community College transcript. The Community College may also provide grades to high schools so that courses can also be reflected on high school transcripts.

According to Policy 311 of the Maine Community College System, students who do not successfully complete an early college course cannot repeat that course during that academic year while in either program or register for additional courses. Success in this instance means earning a grade other than a W, D, or F in a given course.

While most early college credits will transfer, it is the student’s responsibility to confirm individual courses will transfer into their desired institution and program.

TUITION & FEES

I understand that my student may be eligible for up to 18 tuition-free lifetime credits across all public institutions (including the University of Maine System and Maine’s Community Colleges) under the Aspirations Program operated by the Maine Department of Education (DOE). I acknowledge that to receive tuition-free credits my student must meet the Aspirations Program eligibility criteria established by DOE, which includes without limitation my student being a public high school/secondary school student or qualifying home-schooled student, with approval from the Maine school unit. I understand and agree that I or my student shall be responsible for course specific fees and any tuition fees for courses in excess of the Aspirations Program credit limit or for any and all tuition fees if my student is not eligible for participation in the Aspirations Program. Non-Maine residents may incur additional tuition charges.

I understand that the community college may share my personal contact information with the Maine Department of Education in order to confirm or pursue Aspirations program eligibility for my student.

DROP/WITHDRAW FROM A COURSE

I understand that my student must use the Class Application or Drop/Withdraw Tab in the OnCourse Portal to drop a course within the add/drop period or the course will appear on the college transcript.

COLLEGE-LEVEL CONTENT

Within the various early college programs, we strive to provide our students with exceptional opportunities to take courses that may be of interest to them or that fulfill general education and academic program requirements. We recognize that students who are enrolled in our programs are looking for engagement and enhanced learning at the college level. As such, selected courses may contain content which may include, but is not limited to, explorations of diverse perspectives and topics on race and ethnicity, gender, and gender-based violence, religion, politics, human sexuality, and various other topics of diversity, equity and inclusion. Learning about sensitive topics allows students to be engaged with real world issues; develop their own understanding and opinions; and enhances their ability to view other perspectives and viewpoints. If you are not comfortable with your student being exposed to the materials or viewpoints as described in the syllabus or assigned content, we encourage families to make independent decisions about continuing enrollment in the course.

DISABILITY-RELATED ACCOMODATIONS

The legal requirements for college-level disability accommodations are different from the legal requirements for K-12-level requirements. As such, all disability-related accommodation requests must be coordinated with and approved, in advance, by the college’s ADA coordinator in order for the student to be eligible to receive college credit for any affected concurrent enrollment classes. For additional information regarding disability accommodations at the college level or coordination efforts, please connect with the Early College advisor.

FERPA

I understand that my Early College student is subject to the Community College’s Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policy. Pursuant to FERPA, my student’s education records will be kept confidential and may only be shared directly with me by the Community College if the student provides written consent or if disclosure is otherwise permitted by law. If my student completes the FERPA waiver form, I understand I will need to provide the PIN created for me by my student for verification purposes when I call the Community College or Early College Administrator.

Text of Student Agreement in OnCourse

I acknowledge that I am enrolling in Community College courses for which I am eligible. Please read this entire waiver as it contains information about:

• For eligible students, if you exceed the current Aspirations credit limits, you will be billed for excess credits.
• If you do not earn a successful grade in a college course, you will not be eligible to take another early college course without an appeal to the college Academic Dean.
• Taking a course from a college means following all college requirements and the Student Code of Conduct.
• If taking courses for transfer, it is the student’s responsibility to confirm courses will transfer to the intended institution and program.

I understand that as a condition of my participation in the Early College program, I consent to release of my education records to appropriate administrators of my high school, the Community Colleges, the Maine Department of Education, and the University of Maine System, in the event I also enroll in university courses, solely for recording grades on my transcripts, managing appropriate tuition reimbursement from the Department of Education, facilitating course selection and academic counseling, and avoiding duplicate course enrollment.

I acknowledge that I am responsible for my own conduct while participating in Early College programs and I agree to comply with the Community College’s Student Code of Conduct. I understand that the Community College’s Student Code of Conduct and Early College guidelines are provided in order to inform me of my rights and responsibilities and of the Community College’s expectations for my behavior. I also understand that violation of the Student Code of Conduct is subject to enforcement and possible sanctions, up to and including my dismissal from Community College programs.

GRADES

I understand all grades become a permanent part of my college transcript. The Community College may provide my grades to my high school so that my courses can also be reflected on my high school transcript. I understand I may request a copy of my official transcript from the college.

According to Policy 311 of the Maine Community College System, students who do not successfully complete an early college course cannot repeat that course during that academic year while in either program or register for additional courses. Success in this instance means earning a grade other than a W, D, F, etc. in a given course.

While most early college credits will transfer, it is the student’s responsibility to confirm individual courses will transfer into their desired institution and program.

TUITION & FEES

I understand that I may be eligible for up to 18 tuition-free lifetime credits across all public institutions (including the University of Maine System and Maine’s Community Colleges) under the Aspirations Program operated by the Maine Department of Education (DOE). I acknowledge that to receive tuition-free credits I must meet minimum eligibility criteria established by the Aspirations Program which includes without limitation being a public high school/secondary school student or qualifying home-schooled student, with approval from the Maine school unit.

I understand and agree that I shall be responsible for course specific fees and any tuition fees for courses in excess of the Aspirations Program limit or for any and all tuition costs if I am not eligible for participation in the Aspirations Program. Non-Maine residents may incur additional tuition charges.

DROP/WITHDRAW FROM A COURSE

I understand that I must use the Class Application or Drop/Withdraw Tab in the OnCourse portal to drop a course within the add/drop period or the course will appear on the college transcript and course specific fees will be incurred.

COLLEGE-LEVEL CONTENT

Within the various early college programs, we strive to provide our students with exceptional opportunities to take courses that may be of interest to them or that fulfill general education and academic program requirements. We recognize that students who are enrolled in our programs are looking for engagement and enhanced learning at the college level. As such, selected courses may contain content which may include, but is not limited to, explorations of diverse perspectives and topics on race and ethnicity, gender, and gender-based violence, religion, politics, human sexuality, and various other topics of diversity, equity and inclusion. Learning about sensitive topics allows students to be engaged with real world issues; develop their own understanding and opinions; and enhances their ability to view other perspectives and viewpoints. If you are not comfortable with your student being exposed to the materials or viewpoints as described in the syllabus or assigned content, we encourage families to make independent decisions about continuing enrollment in the course.

FERPA

I understand that as an Early College student, I am subject to the Community College’s Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). My education records (including enrollment, grades and payment information) will be kept confidential and may only be shared with my permission or as otherwise permitted by law. My parent(s) or guardian(s) will not be able to access my records directly from the Community College unless I complete the FERPA waiver form and assign a 4-digit personal identification number (PIN) to each person and share that number with them.

I do understand that the Community College will inform my parents/guardian and school of my Aspirations status and eligibility if a course application will not be covered by the Aspirations program funding.

DISABILITY-RELATED ACCOMODATIONS

The legal requirements for college-level disability accommodations are different from the legal requirements for K-12-level requirements. As such, all disability-related accommodation requests must be coordinated with and approved, in advance, by the college’s ADA coordinator in order for the student to be eligible to receive college credit for any affected concurrent enrollment classes. For additional information regarding disability accommodations at the college level or coordination efforts, please connect with your Early College advisor.

Student FERPA Page Language

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides students with certain rights regarding their education records. Maine’s Community Colleges comply with FERPA and have adopted the policy that can be found here: 502 (Uniform FERPA Notice and Policy).

Without your consent or a FERPA exception to consent, the College does not disclose or provide certain information from your student records to your parent(s) or guardian(s), such as information on class schedule, grades, student accounts, financial aid, discipline records, or official transcripts. You may grant the College permission to disclose different types of student record information to parents or guardians upon request, by submitting this form. Your records may be disclosed to your parent(s) or guardian(s) for as long as the release is valid. Your consent will remain in effect unless or until you complete another form and revoke access.

You may authorize the College to disclose information from your education records to more than one person. At a minimum, you are encouraged to authorize release to your parent(s) or guardian(s). You may also authorize release to your high school counselor or other person you select. You will need to assign a four-digit personal information number (PIN) of your choosing to each person and share the PIN with them. They will need to provide the PIN as verification of their identity if they contact the College or the Early College Program Administrator.

A NOTE ON DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The College is authorized by law to disclose certain information from your education records without

your consent. This information is referred to as “directory information,” and for Early College students includes your name, address, college email address, date of birth, photograph, and enrollment status. The College discloses directory information under very limited circumstances, as described in its FERPA policy. If you do not want the College to disclose your directory information, please contact the registrar of the college in which you are enrolled in Early College courses and request a FERPA Directory Information Opt Out Form.

Text of Parent/Guardian Agreement in OnCourse

I consent to enrollment of my student in the Early College Program and agree to abide by the guidelines of the Program and applicable Community College policies and procedures. Please read this entire waiver as it contains information about:

• For eligible students, if students exceed the current Aspirations credit limit, they will be billed for excess credits.
• If students earn a W, D, or F in a college course, they will not be eligible to take another course without an appeal to the college’s Dean.
• Taking a course from a college means following all college requirements and the Student Code of Conduct.
• If taking courses for transfer, it is the student’s responsibility to confirm courses will transfer to the intended institution and program.

I understand that as a condition of participation in the Early College program, I consent to release of my child’s education records to appropriate administrators of the high school, the Community Colleges, and the University of Maine System (if enrolled), and the Maine Department of Education solely for recording grades on transcripts, managing appropriate tuition reimbursement from the Department of Education, facilitating appropriate course selection and academic counseling, and avoiding duplicate course enrollment.

GRADES

I understand all final grades become a permanent part of the student’s Community College transcript. The Community College may also provide grades to high schools so that courses can also be reflected on high school transcripts.

According to Policy 311 of the Maine Community College System, students who do not successfully complete an early college course cannot repeat that course during that academic year while in either program or register for additional courses. Success in this instance means earning a grade other than a W, D, or F in a given course.

While most early college credits will transfer, it is the student’s responsibility to confirm individual courses will transfer into their desired institution and program.

TUITION & FEES

I understand that my student may be eligible for up to 18 tuition-free lifetime credits across all public institutions (including the University of Maine System and Maine’s Community Colleges) under the Aspirations Program operated by the Maine Department of Education (DOE). I acknowledge that to receive tuition-free credits my student must meet the Aspirations Program eligibility criteria established by DOE, which includes without limitation my student being a public high school/secondary school student or qualifying home-schooled student, with approval from the Maine school unit. I understand and agree that I or my student shall be responsible for course specific fees and any tuition fees for courses in excess of the Aspirations Program credit limit or for any and all tuition fees if my student is not eligible for participation in the Aspirations Program. Non-Maine residents may incur additional tuition charges.

I understand that the community college may share my personal contact information with the Maine Department of Education in order to confirm or pursue Aspirations program eligibility for my student.

 DROP/WITHDRAW FROM A COURSE

I understand that my student must use the Class Application or Drop/Withdraw Tab in the OnCourse Portal to drop a course within the add/drop period or the course will appear on the college transcript.

COLLEGE-LEVEL CONTENT

Within the various early college programs, we strive to provide our students with exceptional opportunities to take courses that may be of interest to them or that fulfill general education and academic program requirements. We recognize that students who are enrolled in our programs are looking for engagement and enhanced learning at the college level. As such, selected courses may contain content which may include, but is not limited to, explorations of diverse perspectives and topics on race and ethnicity, gender, and gender-based violence, religion, politics, human sexuality, and various other topics of diversity, equity and inclusion. Learning about sensitive topics allows students to be engaged with real world issues; develop their own understanding and opinions; and enhances their ability to view other perspectives and viewpoints. If you are not comfortable with your student being exposed to the materials or viewpoints as described in the syllabus or assigned content, we encourage families to make independent decisions about continuing enrollment in the course.

DISABILITY-RELATED ACCOMODATIONS

The legal requirements for college-level disability accommodations are different from the legal requirements for K-12-level requirements. As such, all disability-related accommodation requests must be coordinated with and approved, in advance, by the college’s ADA coordinator in order for the student to be eligible to receive college credit for any affected concurrent enrollment classes. For additional information regarding disability accommodations at the college level or coordination efforts, please connect with the Early College advisor.

FERPA

I understand that my Early College student is subject to the Community College’s Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policy. Pursuant to FERPA, my student’s education records will be kept confidential and may only be shared directly with me by the Community College if the student provides written consent or if disclosure is otherwise permitted by law. If my student completes the FERPA waiver form, I understand I will need to provide the PIN created for me by my student for verification purposes when I call the Community College or Early College Administrator.

Language as of May 26, 2026.

Enrolling in this program is a great way to explore the benefits of a community college education. Your Embark advisor will meet you at your high school and guide you to the academic, personal, and financial resources you need for success in and beyond community college.

Available for students at about 80 participating high schools, Embark offers:

• Personalized encouragement and advising in high school and college
• Guidance through the college application and financial aid processes
• For scholarship recipients:
  • Continued support and guidance as you enroll at a Maine community college
  • A scholarship to a Maine community college (up to $2,000 over 2 years)

Since 2003, Embark students have been more likely to both return for their second year and graduate on time than typical community college students. Embark serves Maine students beginning in their junior year of high school and continuing through their second year of community college. If you’re interested in learning more, check with your school counselor or contact an Embark staff member.

What are the eligibility requirements for the program?

To be selected, a student must be:

1. A junior or senior in good standing and a responsible member of the school community;
2. A Maine resident for at least one year before entering the first year at a Maine community college;
3. Upon acceptance into college, able to attend college full time (minimum of 12 credit hours per semester) for consecutive semesters in a program of study; and
4. Able to do college-level work, but uncertain of college plans.

In addition, schools may take into consideration a student’s financial need and whether that student would be the first family member to attend college.

What’s the timeline for selecting program participants and scholarship recipients?

We ask schools to list the juniors who will participate in the spring and to decide which seniors will receive the scholarship by April 15.

How does my school work with the Embark staff assigned to our students?

Your school provides a contact—usually a school counselor or the student services director—to coordinate with the Embark staff and ensure that students meet with the program at school on the days when meetings are scheduled.

Are there other expectations of the high schools that participate in Embark?

We ask schools to identify students in their junior year and give us two to three times the number of students we have scholarships for.

Schools invite students to participate in the program. However, if you are interested, you should contact your high school or CTE counselor’s office. To qualify, you must be at least a junior attending a school that is partnering with Embark. You must be on track to graduate with your class and be “in good standing.” You must be a Maine resident and have not (yet) made plans for college. In choosing applicants, schools may consider financial need and whether students would be the first in their family to go to college.

See your school counselor to complete the quick and easy application and then have it signed by your parent or guardian.

Education or training beyond high school gives you more choices and opportunities in the job market as well as higher earning power. A Maine community college is an affordable, accessible option for college that will prepare you for a career or for transfer to a four-year college or university. Of Maine’s community college graduates, 92 percent land jobs or continue their education. It’s real education for real life.

Scholarship students receive $500 per semester: up to $2,000 for a two-year program or $1,000 for a one-year program. Scholarship funds can be used for community college tuition and fees, books, and on-campus housing. Scholarship funds are applied to a student’s college account.

Each school that participates in the Embark program is able to nominate a number of participants to receive a community college scholarship. Your school will notify you if you have been selected. Scholarships are awarded to nominees who 1) have filed for federal financial aid (Embark will help with this), 2) are accepted into a Maine community college program of study for the fall term following high school graduation, and 3) enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester for consecutive semesters.

Embark staff help you and your parent or guardian complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Filing this application as soon as possible after October 1 makes it possible for you to be considered for a number of types of financial aid, including the Maine State Grant.