Early College Access Program
Early College Access Program
What is the Early College Access Program?
The Early College Access Program is designed to give high academic achievers the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. To participate in the Early College Access Program, each Washington County Public School (WCPS) student must meet the college and career readiness standards set by the state of Maryland. All non-WCPS students must be 16 years old and have a 2.5 high school GPA to be eligible for the program. Early College Access Program students can be in local high schools, local private schools or homeschooled. Students are in the Early College Access Program regardless of where (at HCC or at their high school) or how the courses are offered (lecture, hybrid, or online).
Taking Classes at HCC or Online
The Early College Access Program (ECAP) at Hagerstown Community College (HCC) is for high school and home school students who are 16 years old and have a 3.0 high school GPA.
Learn More
The Early College Access Program (ECAP) at Hagerstown Community College (HCC) is for high school and home school students who are 16 years old and have a 3.0 high school GPA.
Taking Classes at Your School
Classes offered for college credit at our local high schools provide both high school and college credit. Instructors who teach college courses in the high schools are paid HCC adjunct staff who use...
Learn More
Classes offered for college credit at our local high schools provide both high school and college credit. Instructors who teach college courses in the high schools are paid HCC adjunct staff who use...
Cost of Participation
Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) Students
WCPS students do not pay tuition, fee, or book costs for Early College classes (up to 60 credits per student). This applies to all semesters (fall, spring, and summer) while a student is enrolled at WCPS.
Private School and Home School Students
Private and home school students receive a 25% discount on tuition costs for Early College classes, which are based on residency. Students are responsible for fees and books/materials.
You can view your schedule and tuition statement (non-WCPS student) on Self-Service. You can pay your bill online through Self-Service. Instructions on how to pay your tuition including the NelNet Payment plan can be found here. WCPS students do not pay tuition, fees, or books for Early College Access classes. The Early College Access Program Supplemental Scholarship is available to non-WCPS students who qualify. Each student must be a Maryland resident, declare a major at HCC, have their social security number on file and complete the FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov. Homeschool students or full-time Access students are not eligible for this scholarship. Review the scholarship application criteria and download the form.