Early College Programs

Central Arizona College’s Early College Programs give students a jump-start on preparing for their futures. Our programs allow academically prepared & eligible students the ability to earn college credits while still in high school, saving time and money.

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Registering for college classes is a big step in the next part of your educational journey.

Learn more about our different Enrollment Programs !

The Early College Scholarship allows you to take 6 free credits per semester. starting the summer after your sophomore year. The first semester a student will be eligible for Early College funding is the summer term prior, to starting 11th grade at their high school.

To qualify for the Early College Scholarship:

  • Attend a Pinal County Eligible High School and enrolled in 11th or 12th grade (homeschool ineligible – many homeschool students use their ESA funds to cover the cost of tuition, books, and supplies for college classes).
                 Or, you have successfully COMPLETED the 10th grade and it is the summer before the 11th grade fall semester*.
                 Or, it is the term after your high school graduation (summer term for May graduates, spring term for December graduates).
  • Classified as IN-STATE by Central Arizona College (students are REQUIRED to provide proof of State Residency).
  • Register for courses using the Concurrent Registration Forms.
  • Must be enrolled into College Level Courses. Typically, courses numbered 100 or higher…
  • After the first Semester at CAC, Maintain a 2.0 cumulative CAC GPA.

Dual enrollment courses are taught at your high school campus (by college certified instructors) and fulfill both high school and college requirements. Students who earn C’s or higher, earn the transfer credit at Central Arizona College and grade will be reflected on Transcript.

The Central Arizona College Educational Board awards students a Dual Enrollment Waiver to cover all costs related to Dual Enrollment Courses.

Talk to your high school counselor to find out what courses are available and if you are eligible to take dual enrollment classes.

Concurrent classes are college level classes taught at Central Arizona College or online by our faculty.  Students who earn a C or higher in their concurrent courses earn the transfer credit at Central Arizona College. Many courses will transfer to AZ universities. However, it is important to meet with your CAC Outreach Coordinator to discuss how your credits might transfer.

We encourage you to take the appropriate placement exams to determine if you are ready for college level coursework.

6 IN-STATE credits are covered each semester, if you qualify for the Early College Concurrent Scholarship mentioned above. However, you may still register for concurrent enrollment courses and cover all cost out-of-pocket, if you do not qualify for Early College.

Direct-to-work training programs through Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology (CAVIT). Credits earned may count towards both high school graduation and college degree requirements!

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are taught at your high school by high school teachers who use curriculum approved by College Board.

Speak with your high school guidance counselor to see if you qualify to take AP courses and what fees apply.

Many, but not all colleges and universities award college credit to students who earn 3, 4, or 5 on AP exams.

Please visit AZ Transfer and review all of the incredible tools available to help navigate your higher education options in the State of Arizona.

TRIO Programs: To learn more about our TRIO Programs visit the bottom of this page.

Forms and Applications

*Admissions Application is ONLY completed once.

*Courses taught by qualified high school instructors.

TRIO Programs

*Federal TRIO Programs are educational opportunity outreach programs designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

A motivational free pre-college, academic support program that prepares high school students to become successful college students.

 Supports college students through graduation by providing academic support, mentorship, and other resources.

Contact Information:

Phone: 520.494.5528
E-Mail: dual.enrollment@centralaz.edu
Address: Central Arizona College
8470 N. Overfield Road
Coolidge, AZ 85128

Hazel Rossi

Assistant Director - Early College Programs and Outreach

Phone: (520) 494-5528
Email: hazel.rossi@centralaz.edu

Gloria Suarez

Dual Enrollment Specialist- Early College Programs

Phone: ((520) 494-5528
Email: gloria.suarez@centralaz.edu

Students and Parents, please contact your high school guidance counselors for more information on Central Arizona College’s High School Programs. If you have Admission or technical questions, please contact CAC’s Central Helpdesk at (520) 494-5111 or centralhelpdesk@centralaz.edu.