Get a head start, earn college credit while in high school.
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!
Knock out general education requirements to gain a competitive edge on college admissions. Earned credits can be applied to a CCBC associate degree or transferred to a four-year college.
Take college courses to explore passions, possible career goals and interests. Get familiar with college resources and develop strong study habits.
Reduce the cost of tuition and the number of years it takes to earn a degree, certificate or to enter the workforce with skilled training.
Tap into a network of supportive faculty committed to student success, be immersed in new experiences and make lifelong connections.
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!
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.
If you attend Baltimore County Public Schools, there may be additional ECAP programs you’re eligible for.
It's our goal to provide your student with a quality education, a safe and welcoming learning environment and endless support for their academic and career goals.
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.
ECAP savings can fall under one of the following programs, depending on your eligibility. Please consult with a BCPS counselor for more details.
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.
The Tuition Discount Program covers 50% of tuition for non-CCR students, or CCR students who’ve reached the free course limit. Half of tuition, as well as fees and books, are the students’ responsibility. There are no limitations on the number or timing of courses that can be taken.
Adding CCBC classes to your schedule is easy with our flexible formats, including:
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.
ECAP savings can fall under one of the following programs, depending on your eligibility. Please consult with a BCPS counselor for more details.
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.
The Tuition Discount Program covers 50% of tuition for non-CCR students, or CCR students who’ve reached the free course limit. Half of tuition, as well as fees and books, are the students’ responsibility. There are no limitations on the number or timing of courses that can be taken.
Adding CCBC classes to your schedule is easy with our flexible formats, including:
Through ECAP I developed strong study habits, time management techniques and critical thinking skills.
Application for Early College Access
After submitting your application, you’ll receive a CCBC ID. Please wait 24 hours to finish setting up your myCCBC account and multi-factor authentication.
Once the consent form has been signed and processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Please follow the instructions carefully.
Get to know CCBC through this self-paced online orientation module. You can explore on your own time. Just be sure to take the completion assessment to verify that you've finished the module.
Discuss class options with your school counselor or a CCBC Academic Advisor. An academic advisor can assist with:
Now you're ready to register online or in person at an Enrollment Services Center.
Purchase your textbooks.
Before paying your student bill, please confirm that ECAP discounts have been applied. Once your bill is posted in SIMON, it can take some time for the tuition and/or fee waivers to be added. Please check your account regularly.
For general inquiries about ECAP.