Early College Credits

If you are a high school sophomore, junior or senior, you can jump start your college education by earning early college credits at RVCC. To enroll in college level courses at RVCC's Branchburg campus, you must complete an RVCC application and an Early Credit Registration Form, have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) and obtain approval from your parents.

The Early Credit Form must be submitted by:

December 20 for Spring semester
April 30 for Summer semester
August 1 for Fall semester

Top 3 Benefits of Participating in the Early College Credit Program

Get Ahead Academically

Complete college-level courses while still in high school. You’ll early credits that may transfer, helping you start college ahead of the game.

Strengthen College Applications and Career Readiness

Successful completion of college courses demonstrates academic initiative and readiness, strengthening applications to colleges and universities.

Save Money on Tuition

Although Early College Credits students do not receive a discounted rate, the cost of credits at Raritan Valley Community College is significantly lower than most other colleges and universities – making us a smart, budget-friendly choice!

HOW TO APPLY

To participate in the Early College Credit (ECC) Program, students must first apply and be admitted to Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC).

*Please note: Applying to RVCC does not guarantee acceptance into the ECC Program. Students must meet specific GPA requirements and submit all materials by the stated deadlines to be considered.

Applying and Registering: Step by Step Directions listed below

FAQs

Can I take any class I want to?

Students may choose from a wide variety of courses. View our Course Schedule. Students participating in a specific program/institute should check their acceptance letter regarding which course(s) to take. Students interested in taking a science lab course must be 16 years of age.

Is there an application fee?

As of October 7th 2022, there will be no application fee.

Can I apply if I’m being homeschooled?

Yes, but since you will not have an academic transcript, homeschooled students need a high school portfolio (list of courses, grades, GPA, and estimated completion date).

Will my credits transfer?

All credits taken with the Early College Program at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) will transfer to a RVCC degree. For other colleges/universities, we strongly recommend the student to contact them directly and review their transfer policy when choosing which Early College course(s) to take.

How do I apply? What is the deadline?

Students can complete an online application by clicking here. Please apply as an EARLY CREDIT STUDENT. Once your application has been received and processed, you will receive a Welcome Letter from the Office of Admissions.

Once you have received your student G# and password, please complete the Registration Form. The registration form can then be submitted via Adobe Forms.

*Please note: Applying to RVCC does not guarantee acceptance into the ECC Program. Students must meet specific GPA requirements and submit all materials by the stated deadlines to be considered.

The Early College Form must be submitted by:

December 20 for Spring semester
April 30 for Summer semester
August 1 for Fall semester

When does the semester start/finish?

View the Academic Calendar here.

Please note: Early Credit Students are only eligible to take the 15- and/or 12-week sessions. These courses begin within the first two months of the semester. Early Colllege Students are not eligible for the 10- or 7-week courses in the Fall or Spring semesters.

Can I apply for financial aid/scholarships? What is the cost?

High school students are not eligible for financial aid. At this time, we do not offer scholarships for students taking courses as Early College Credit.

Tuition fees can be found here.

Can I audit a course?

Early College Students are NOT eligible to take courses as an audit.

Is there any placement testing required?

We encourage all of our Early College Students to take the English and Math Placement Test if they do not already have other forms of testing exemptions. Please see here for the list of exemptions.

If you are interested in signing up for any Math, English, Science or any other courses that require placement and/or pre-reqs, placements must be on file.

Early Credit Students are not allowed to take developmental courses. These are courses that have a course number beginning with 0 (example: Math 020, Engl 060, etc.)

I was admitted, what do I do next?

Please review the Early College Credit Step by Step Directions listed below for guidance.

What services can I use on campus?

As an Early College student, you will have access to:

Library
Computer Labs
Gym
Tutoring Services
Advising and Transfer Services
Workshops, Events and more!

What you should know as a parent? What is FERPA?

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, also known as FERPA is a federal law passed in 1974 that protects the privacy of a student’s education record.

You can read more on RVCC’s confidential information policy here.

What is the difference between Early College and Concurrent Enrollment Programs?

Early College – Take classes on campus or online with Raritan Valley Community College professors and students.
Concurrent Enrollment – Take RVCC college classes at your high school through the Concurrent Enrollment Program.

How do I find my way around campus?

Here is the link for the interactive campus map.

What are my options for transportation, if needed?

Click here to learn more about the bus schedules to campus, carpool information, shuttles, NJ Transit student discounts and more.

Students parking on campus do not need to pay for parking.

I am in need of an accommodation, who do I contact?

Please contact the Center for Accessibility and Inclusive Education.
Hours - Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 5pm
Location – Lower Level Library L-029
Contact – caie@raritanval.edu or 908-526-1200, x8534

Apply Today Course Options

Applying and Registering: Step by Step Directions

Program Overview

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors can jump-start their college education by enrolling in college-level courses through RVCC’s Early College Credit (ECC) Program.

To participate:

Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Those slightly under 3.0 may submit a letter of recommendation from their high school counselor.
Parental approval is required.

Registration Deadline:

All required documents must be submitted two weeks prior to the start of the semester.

Steps to Enroll in the ECC Program

Complete the RVCC admissions application
- Make sure to submit proof of exemptions and/or the pre-requisite requirement prior to your next step.
Meet with an Early College Admissions Coach (2 options)
- Early College Enrollment Overview (30 mins)
  - Learn about Early College benefits, programs, and application steps
- Course Planning and Registration (45 mins)
  - Choose courses, complete registration form (parent/guardian approval required)
    Schedule an appointment today
Meet with an Academic Advisor
- Attend a mandatory 1 on 1 advising session to finalize your academic courses.
- Learn about expectations, financial responsibility, and the resources available to you as a new college student.
  - Learn about Lion's Den - Student Profile, Concise Schedule, RVCC Campus Map, Class book requirements, etc.
- Parent/guardian participation is highly encouraged.
  
  The appointment link will be shared with you once you’ve completed the course selection with an Early Admissions Coach.
Pay Semester Tuition
- ECC tuition is not discounted
- FAFSA is not applicable to ECC courses
- Payment Methods:
  - Via Lion’s Den Account
  - In person at the Student Accounts
    - Payment Plans available