Earn College Credits as High School Student

SMCC offers a number of learning opportunities for high school students who want to save time and money by getting a head start on their college education.

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Benefits of Earning College Credit as a High School Student

  • Potential to graduate earlier.
  • Demonstrate academic ability and self-motivation to colleges you apply to.
  • May lessen your course load in your first few semesters.
  • Allows you to take more electives once in college.

On Course for College – Early College Offerings

SMCC provides high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to experience college work, tuition-free, and earn college credits from SMCC while still attending high school. These credits can be applied towards a degree at SMCC and may be accepted at other colleges and universities.

Take Classes at SMCC (Dual Enrollment)

Take tuition-free courses at SMCC with SMCC instructors – online or in-person – while still in high school. This is a great opportunity to become a part of the SeaWolves community and provides you access to the same facilities and resources as other SMCC students. Learn more now.

Take Classes at Your High School or Career & Technical Education School (Concurrent Enrollment)

Take tuition-free SMCC college courses at your high school or Career and Technical Education School (CTE). Courses are taught by SMCC-approved high school teachers during the regular academic day. Learn more now.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Articulation Agreements

These agreements offer juniors and seniors at select Career and Technical Education Centers (CTE’s) an opportunity to earn college credit through a proficiency-based system. Learn more now.

SMCC Degree Scholarship Opportunity: Take 15 Credits for the Cost of 12

If you’ve taken an SMCC dual or concurrent enrollment course while in high school and enroll in a degree program at SMCC the fall following your graduation, you can take 15 credits for the cost of 12. If you’re interested in this opportunity, please contact mcaso@smccME.edu or 207-741-5605.

Additional High School Programming

Embark

Embark is a high school-to-college transition program to help high school students who are undecided about their future learn more about their college options. Embark offers students individualized encouragement and guidance through the college admissions process, and personalized financial aid support. Embark students who choose to attend a Maine community college are eligible for a two-year scholarship and continued personalized support and guidance in college. High schools select students to participate in their junior year and then nominate seniors for the scholarship opportunity. The program is offered in over 80 high schools statewide. For more information, ask your high school guidance counselor or visit the Embark website.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

SMCC accepts many courses with a score of 3 or higher for credit toward your degree or certificate. Credits are considered for both a one- or two-semester course sequence. To see if you have AP courses that can earn you credit, download the list of SMCC Course Equivalencies for AP Tests.

Costs Associated with Earning College Credit as a High School Student

Tuition and fees are waived for all students who have met the necessary requirements to participate in each program and complete registration by the deadline provided.

Keep in mind that if your school does not provide the required course textbooks or supplies, you will need to cover these costs.