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Early College Access Programs

Get a head start, earn college credit while in high school.

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Ready to get ahead?

CCBC’s Early College Access Programs (ECAP) give ambitious students like you the opportunity to earn college credit in high school.

ECAP can help you discover career options and prepare for college life, all while saving you time and money. The best part—ECAP is open to all 9-12th grade Maryland residents, including students in homeschool, public and private high schools!

If you are an 8th grade student in a Gifted and Talented program, you can also take CCBC classes before starting high school!

How ECAP works

Discover the benefits

How it works

As a Maryland high school student (public, private or homeschooled) you can take advantage of the Parallel Enrollment Program (PEP) and register to take CCBC courses at a 50% tuition discount! You would be responsible for half of the tuition, as well as fees and books/supplies.

Through PEP you can register for any credit or non-credit course you meet the prerequisites for, earning college credits or working toward a certificate/credential. Classes are held online or at one of CCBC's six locations.

Speak with your counselor to make sure you are ready to take college courses and evaluate what CCBC courses best fit your schedule and interests or academic goals.

Get started

If you attend Baltimore County Public Schools, there may be additional ECAP programs you’re eligible for.

Profile photo of Safia Kiran

ECAP helped me complete 46 college credits while still in high school. With just one more semester at CCBC, I’m now ready to graduate with my associate degree!

BCPS students at CCBC

CCBC partners with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) in a variety of ways. Students must consult with a BCPS counselor before enrolling in any CCBC courses to determine eligibility for certain programs and review requirements.

You can take any course at CCBC as long as you meet the prerequisites (and it works with your schedule!). This includes credit courses, for which you will earn college credits, and non-credit/continuing education courses that lead to a certificate or credential.

Through the Dual Credit Program, you can earn high school and college credit for the same CCBC course. Courses must be on the BCPS Dual Credit course list to qualify, which is subject to change each school year.

In addition, the CCBC ECAP Curriculum Map is a guide that outlines course options and credit pathways, empowering you to align your high school experiences with future academic and career goals.

As an ECAP student, you’ll receive a 50% tuition discount through CCBC’s Parallel Enrollment Program (also known by BCPS as the Tuition Discount program).

For students who attend BCPS, you may also be eligible for additional savings:

The Tuition Free Program covers tuition, fees and books for students who have met the standards of College and Career Readiness (CCR), as determined by BCPS. Limitations apply to the number of free courses a student can take and when they can take them. Please consult with a BCPS counselor for more details.

Adding CCBC classes to your schedule is easy with our flexible formats, including:

  • Online
  • At one of our six CCBC locations
  • At your BCPS high school (offered during the school day or after school). Check with your high school counselor to see if your school offers this option.

Profile photo of Simbo Tadesse

Through ECAP I developed strong study habits, time management techniques and critical thinking skills.

Ready to get started?

Follow these steps to complete your Early College Access Program (ECAP) enrollment. Each step will guide you through the process, ensuring you're all set to begin your college journey at CCBC!

Questions? Contact us!

Early College Access Programs (ECAP) Department

For general inquiries about ECAP.