Programs where high school students take a planned path of college classes, some aiming for an associate degree by graduation. Here is what each one says about who can enroll, cost and applying, in its own words.
Early college or dual enrollment?
Early college is a planned path of college classes, often on a college campus, that can add up to a certificate or an associate degree; regular dual enrollment is single college classes you add one at a time.
Pick your county and the kind of program. Programs with a dated deadline or opening come first, soonest first.
24 programs
ACE and similar college cohorts
ACE (Achieving a College Education) at Mesa Community College
Offered by: Maricopa Community Colleges · Mesa Community College
Mesa · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“Must be a current sophomore who has taken at least six high school credits at the time of application submission”Official page
Cost
“ACE is a nationally recognized Maricopa Colleges scholarship program that has been in the Maricopa district for 36 years.”Official page
What you can earn
“With connections to more than 100 local high schools, ACE walks with you every step of the way—helping you finish high school strong, figure out what comes next, and earn up to 24 credit hours toward a degree or certificate”Official page
How to apply
“High school sophomores are recruited annually between October through December from Mesa Public Schools, Tempe Union High School District, and local charter schools to participate in this program.”Official page
When to apply
In short: Apply by Dec 1, 2026.
Next date: Dec 1, 2026
“APPLY NOW - Deadline to submit your application is December 1, 2026”Official page
ACE (Achieving a College Education) at Paradise Valley Community College
Offered by: Maricopa Community Colleges · Paradise Valley Community College
Phoenix · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“The ACE program is looking for high school sophomores who have taken at least 6 high school credits at the time of application submission and who meet at least one of the following criteria:”Official page
Cost
“ACE is an early college two-year scholarship preparation program designed to help first-generation, financially disadvantaged college-bound students succeed.”Official page
What you can earn
“With connections to more than 100 local high schools, ACE walks with you every step of the way—helping you finish high school strong, figure out what comes next, and earn up to 24 credit hours toward a degree or certificate”Official page
How to apply
“Applications are available in the high school counseling offices or at the PVCC Student Development Office.”Official page
When to apply
In short: Applications are due to your high school counselor by Dec 12.
Next date: Dec 12, 2026
“Student applications are due to high school counselors by December 12th.”Official page
ACE (Achieving a College Education) at Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Offered by: Maricopa Community Colleges · Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“The ACE program is looking for high school sophomores who have taken at least 6 high school credits at the time of application submission and who meet at least one of the following criteria:”Official page
Cost
“ACE is an early college two-year scholarship preparation program designed to help first-generation, financially disadvantaged college-bound students succeed.”Official page
What you can earn
“Through the program, you can earn up to 24 college credits during your junior and senior years of high school.”Official page
How to apply
“You will be notified by letter on the status of your application by January of your sophomore year.”Official page
When to apply
In short: The window is open now; apply by Dec 15.
Next date: Dec 15, 2026
“The CGCC ACE Program window is now open! Submit your application by December 15.”Official page
ACE (Achieving a College Education) at South Mountain Community College
Offered by: Maricopa Community Colleges · South Mountain Community College
Phoenix · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“The ACE program is looking for high school sophomores who have taken at least 6 high school credits at the time of application submission and who meet at least one of the following criteria:”Official page
Cost
Two official statements differ — confirm with the program:
“As a high school student in Maricopa County, you can start earning real college credits now, for free, putting you ahead before you ever set foot on campus.”Official page
“Parents/Students must pay for all Registration and class fees each semester and any books needed for their class.”Official page
What you can earn
“Successful ACE students can possibly earn 24-college credits by the end of two years, become familiar with college life, gain tools for success socially, academically, and personally.”Official page
How to apply
“High school sophomores are recruited annually between August through December from Phoenix and Tempe Union high school districts and local charter schools to participate in this program.”Official page
AAEC Paradise Valley (Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center)
Offered by: Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center (AAEC) · Paradise Valley Community College
Phoenix · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“Any Arizona student entering grades 9–12, subject to capacity.”Official page
Cost
“No. AAEC is tuition-free, and so are the college courses students take.”Official page
What you can earn
“This means that your student has the possibility of attaining an associate’s degree at the time of their high school graduation with no cost to the family.”Official page
Two official statements differ — confirm with the program:
“~30% of graduates earn an Associate's degree with their Diploma.”Official page
“Each year, approximately 25% of AAEC graduates complete the requirements for an Associate Degree.”Official page
How to apply
“Apply online. Complete the application from any device.”Official page
When to apply
In short: Applications are accepted all year while spots last.
“Applications are accepted year-round; spots are limited, so earlier is better.”Official page
AAEC South Mountain (Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center)
Offered by: Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center (AAEC) · South Mountain Community College
Phoenix · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“Any Arizona student entering grades 9–12, subject to capacity.”Official page
Cost
“No. AAEC is tuition-free, and so are the college courses students take.”Official page
What you can earn
“Many of our students graduate not only with their high school diploma, but also with an Associate degree, setting them apart and positioning them for success beyond graduation.”Official page
Two official statements differ — confirm with the program:
“~30% of graduates earn an Associate's degree with their Diploma.”Official page
“Each year, approximately 25% of AAEC graduates complete the requirements for an Associate Degree.”Official page
How to apply
“Apply online. Complete the application from any device.”Official page
When to apply
In short: Applications are accepted all year while spots last.
“Applications are accepted year-round; spots are limited, so earlier is better.”Official page
ACE (Achieving a College Education) — Maricopa district overview
Offered by: Maricopa Community Colleges
Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“If you recognize yourself in any of the below and you’re a sophomore who has earned at least 6 high school credits, we want to hear from you.”Official page
Cost
Two official statements differ — confirm with the program:
“As a high school student in Maricopa County, you can start earning real college credits now, for free, putting you ahead before you ever set foot on campus.”Official page
“Tuition and fees are free for ACE program students. Students must purchase required textbooks and provide their own transportation to and from the campus.”Official page
What you can earn
“With connections to more than 100 local high schools, ACE walks with you every step of the way—helping you finish high school strong, figure out what comes next, and earn up to 24 credit hours toward a degree or certificate”Official page
How to apply
“A personal essay (300 words)—your chance to tell us your story”Official page
ACE (Achieving a College Education) at Estrella Mountain Community College
Offered by: Maricopa Community Colleges · Estrella Mountain Community College
Avondale · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“The ACE program is looking for high school sophomores who have taken at least 6 high school credits at the time of application submission and who meet at least one of the following criteria:”Official page
Cost
“Tuition and fees are free for ACE program students. Students must purchase required textbooks and provide their own transportation to and from the campus.”Official page
What you can earn
“Upon graduating from high school, an ACE student will have earned up to 24 transferable college credits.”Official page
How to apply
“Students can also contact the ACE Program to receive an application and more information. All high school sophomores are eligible to apply for the traditional ACE Program.”Official page
ACE (Achieving a College Education) at Glendale Community College
Offered by: Maricopa Community Colleges · Glendale Community College
Glendale · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“The ACE program is looking for high school sophomores who have taken at least 6 high school credits at the time of application submission and who meet at least one of the following criteria:”Official page
Cost
“The ACE Program is a two-year early college scholarship program that helps students prepare for college success while earning college credit in high school.”Official page
What you can earn
“Through scholarship support, students can earn up to 24 college credits.”Official page
How to apply
“Students that move onto the next step after application review will be invited to interview at the beginning of January.”Official page
ACE (Achieving a College Education) at Phoenix College
Offered by: Maricopa Community Colleges · Phoenix College
Phoenix · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“High school sophomores who have taken at least 6 high school credits at the time of the application submission and who meet one or more of the following criteria:”Official page
Cost
“If you are accepted into the ACE program, you will receive a scholarship offer to attend the Phoenix College ACE program for your junior and senior year.”Official page
What you can earn
“With connections to more than 100 local high schools, ACE walks with you every step of the way—helping you finish high school strong, figure out what comes next, and earn up to 24 credit hours toward a degree or certificate”Official page
How to apply
“The ACE scholarship recruits in the Phoenix Union High School District and other participating high schools during the fall semester. Only Sophomore students can apply for the ACE program.”Official page
When to apply
In short: Recruiting is each fall, and each high school sets its own dates. Ask your counselor.
“Check with your high school counselor for recruitment dates and application deadline date(s) at your school.”Official page
ACE (Achieving a College Education) at Rio Salado College (online)
Offered by: Maricopa Community Colleges · Rio Salado College
Tempe · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“The ACE program is looking for high school sophomores who have taken at least 6 high school credits at the time of application submission and who meet at least one of the following criteria:”Official page
ACE (Achieving a College Education) at Scottsdale Community College
Offered by: Maricopa Community Colleges · Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“The ACE program is looking for high school sophomores who have taken at least 6 high school credits at the time of application submission and who meet at least one of the following criteria:”Official page
Cost
“Scholarships: ACE provides scholarships so you can experience college life at SCC—tuition-free.”Official page
What you can earn
“Earn While You Learn: Graduate high school with up to 24 transferable college credits.”Official page
How to apply
“During the first half of your sophomore year, look for SCC ACE staff at your school!”Official page
When to apply
In short: Applications open each October. No deadline is posted.
“Ready to start? Applications open every October!”Official page
ACE Next GEN 3-Year Program at GateWay Community College
Offered by: Maricopa Community Colleges · GateWay Community College
Phoenix · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“The ACE Next GEN 3-Year Program is designed for high school freshmen who are interested in getting a head start on college while receiving support throughout their high school and college journey.”Official page
Cost
“Tuition assistance through the ACE scholarship, with the opportunity to earn up to 38 transferable college credits.”Official page
What you can earn
“Tuition assistance through the ACE scholarship, with the opportunity to earn up to 38 transferable college credits.”Official page
“ASU Prep Digital: Full-time online public school serving grades K–12. Students work from anywhere with highly qualified online teachers providing live lessons and personalized feedback. No cost for full-time students living in Arizona.”Official page
Cost
“Learn about financial aid and save money through tuition-free college credit in high school.”Official page
What you can earn
“Students can take 2 college-level courses (up to 6 credit hours) per semester, helping them earn college credits early and accelerate their path to a degree.”Official page
How to apply
“New students can connect with an admissions advisor to choose the ASU Prep program that fits their goals to start earning college credit while in high school.”Official page
“A tuition-free, PreK–12 public charter school offering personalized paths to college and career success.”Official page
Cost
“ASU Prep covers the cost of these courses so families don’t have to!”Official page
What you can earn
Two official statements differ — confirm with the program:
“Our goal is that each ASU Prep student will graduate with a minimum of 12 ASU college credits at no cost to our families.”Official page
“In addition to our standard college-preparatory curriculum, our goal is for students in high school to begin taking ASU courses freshman year, and graduate with at least 15 credits.”Official page
How to apply
“New students can connect with an admissions advisor to choose the ASU Prep program that fits their goals to start earning college credit while in high school.”Official page
Offered by: Maricopa Community Colleges · GateWay Community College
Phoenix · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“Students living in any area of Maricopa County have access to a quality high school education at no cost to the student.”Official page
Cost
“Students who qualify also have the opportunity to take college courses during their school day at no cost to the student. All tuition, books and fees are paid by the high school.”Official page
What you can earn
“At GateWay Early College High School (GWECHS), students have the unique opportunity to earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree or certificate, concurrently within four years.”Official page
Two official statements differ — confirm with the program:
“students have the unique opportunity to earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree or certificate, concurrently within four years.”Official page
“This year will conclude your pursuit of a high school diploma; however, your college graduation still awaits (18 credits/45 total – You have completed 75% of your degree!)”Official page
How to apply
“Each year, we welcome 100 incoming 9th-grade students. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and all prospective students must submit an application to be considered.”Official page
When to apply
In short: Applications for the current school year: contact the school.
“Applications for the current school year are available now by contacting the school directly.”Official page
“Must be a registered member of a state or federally recognized tribal nation.”Official page
Cost
“Students who are accepted into the HOL program will receive a scholarship offer.”Official page
What you can earn
“HOL students can earn general studies college credits towards an associate’s degree and/or transfer to a university to earn their bachelor’s degree.”Official page
How to apply
“To apply, complete the online admission form and have the following documents readily available:”Official page
When to apply
In short: Apply in the fall of 9th, 10th or 11th grade; most cohorts start in the summer.
“Applicants can apply in the fall semester of their 9th, 10th or 11th grade year. Most programs start a new cohort of students in the summer semester.”Official page
Offered by: Maricopa Community Colleges · Phoenix College
Phoenix · Maricopa County
Official text
Who can enroll
“As a public charter high school, Phoenix College Preparatory Academy adheres to the open enrollment policies prescribed by the Arizona Department of Education.”Official page
Cost
“PCPA does not charge tuition for high school classes. Students in good academic standing may qualify for free college tuition as well.”Official page
What you can earn
“Phoenix College Preparatory Academy (PCPA) provides students with an opportunity to complete an Associates Degree with a high school diploma concurrently, in four years.”Official page
Two official statements differ — confirm with the program:
“provides students with an opportunity to complete an Associates Degree with a high school diploma concurrently, in four years.”Official page
“It is also possible that by graduation students can complete several community college courses.”Official page
How to apply
“PCPA accepts 75 new 9th grade students annually, and other grade levels based on availability. Completed applications are accepted on a first serve basis.”Official page
When to apply
In short: First come, first served. No dates are posted; contact the school.
“Interested applicants should contact pc.prepacademy@phoenixcollege.edu.”Official page
Offered by: Prescott Unified School District · Prescott High School · Yavapai College
Prescott · Yavapai County
Official text
Who can enroll
Two official statements differ — confirm with the program:
“Motivated seniors meet graduation requirements and earn college credits through courses taken on the Yavapai College campus.”Official page
“Prescott High School Early College progression plan for AGEC-A with Junior and Senior Year on YC Campus.docx”Official page
Cost
No cost is published on the pages we checked. Ask the program.
What you can earn
“Participants take 3-5 Yavapai College courses on the YC campus each semester, earning an average of 24 credits each year.”Official page
How to apply
“If accepted to participate in the PHS Early College Program, non-PUSD students must enroll as a student in PUSD for the upcoming school year.”Official page
“This exciting program is designed for motivated high school students (sophomores, juniors and seniors) with good academic and attendance records who wish to get a jump start on college.”Official page
Cost
“Students in the Puma Early College program have the opportunity to apply for the Maricopa Grant. However, if the student is not eligible for the grant, the student is responsible for payment. Tuition is $97 per credit.”Official page
What you can earn
“While still in high school, students will make progress toward earning their AGEC Certificate or Associate's Degree, typically enrolling in 6-9 credits a semester.”Official page
How to apply
“Unofficial High School Transcript with a minimum of 2.6 GPA”Official page
When to apply
In short: Applications are open for the 2027 cohort.
“We are now accepting applications for the 2027 cohort.”Official page