Early College Programs

Choose your pathway

Ways to Earn College Credit

Yavapai College offers courses for college credit at high schools throughout Yavapai County, along with opportunities for high school students to take classes through YC campuses and online.

Take college courses while in high school

At your high school

Dual Enrollment

Take approved YC courses at your high school and earn both high school and college credit.

Dual enrollment courses are taught at your high school by college-certified instructors and fulfill both high school and college requirements.

Students who earn a C or higher receive college credit from Yavapai College. The effect on high school GPA depends on the grading scale used by the high school.

Talk with your high school counselor to learn whether you are eligible and what tuition costs may apply.

At YC or online

Concurrent Enrollment

Take college-level courses taught by YC faculty on campus or online.

Concurrent courses are college-level classes taught at Yavapai College or online by YC faculty.

Ask your high school counselor whether your school will award high school credit for concurrent coursework. Students who earn a C or higher receive college credit from Yavapai College.

Many courses transfer to Arizona universities. Meet with your YC advisor to discuss how courses may apply to your goals. Appropriate placement scores are required for courses with prerequisites.

Career and technical education

CTED Programs

Build career skills while earning high school and YC college credit.

CTED programs offer college-level coursework in career and technical fields such as allied health, business, pre-engineering, automotive technology, welding, and additional areas.

Courses may be taught at YC campuses by YC faculty or at participating high schools by instructors who meet college accreditation requirements and use YC-approved curriculum.

Students generally must be in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and meet applicable placement requirements. Tuition is free, and textbooks may be provided by the high school.

West Yavapai County:
Mountain Institute, opens in a new tab

East Yavapai County:
VACTE, opens in a new tab

Cohort experience

Early College Academy

Join a supported high school cohort taking courses on a YC campus.

The Early College Academy is a cohort opportunity offered through partnerships involving Prescott High School, Bradshaw Mountain High School, Mingus Union High School, and Yavapai College.

Students begin taking courses on a YC campus as juniors or seniors while earning college credit and meeting high school graduation requirements.

Each cohort has access to YC resources, direct contact with an academic advisor, and a high school contact who helps students navigate college life.

Students interested in the Academy should speak with their high school counselor.

Earn credit through examinations

College Board coursework

Advanced Placement

Complete an approved AP course at your high school and take the corresponding examination.

Advanced Placement courses are taught at high schools by high school teachers using curriculum approved by College Board.

Speak with your high school counselor to determine whether you qualify to take AP courses and what fees may apply.

Many colleges and universities award college credit to students who earn qualifying AP examination scores. Credit policies differ by institution, and receiving credit may not reduce the total number of credits required for graduation.

Credit by examination

CLEP

Demonstrate knowledge in a subject by earning a qualifying score on a CLEP examination.

The College-Level Examination Program allows students to demonstrate knowledge and potentially receive college credit by earning qualifying examination scores.

High school students should ask their YC advisor whether a voucher is available to cover the CLEP examination fee.
Register and pay any applicable examination fee through the CLEP My Account portal.
After receiving a registration ticket, schedule the CLEP assessment through the YC Testing Center. A proctoring fee may apply.

Your next step

Become a Yavapai College Student

Before beginning the YC admission application, have your Social Security number, mailing address, and student and parent email addresses and phone numbers available.

Apply to Yavapai College Already enrolled? Open the Toolbox

Individual guidance

Find Your Early College Advisor

Early College advisors are assigned by high school and service area. Find the advisor who works with your school, send an email, or schedule an appointment.

Forms, guides, and support