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.

Get Started by registering

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

Learn more about our different Enrollment Programs !

Early College Concurrent Scholarship

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 11^th or 12^th 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

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 Enrollment

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.

CAVIT

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

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

High School Programs Admissions Application

*Admissions Application is ONLY completed once.

High School Programs Dual Enrollment Registration Form

*Courses taught by qualified high school instructors.

High School Programs Concurrent Enrollment Registration Form

*Courses taught by CAC instructors.

High School Programs Resources:

High School Programs How to Apply for Admissions
High School Student Checklist for Enrollment in CAC Courses [PDF]
High School Programs Student & Parent/Guardian Success Guide [PDF]
Early College Programs: How to Upload Arizona Residency Documents [PDF]

High School Counselor Resources:

Master Academic Plan

Central Arizona College provides Pinal County high school counselors with a MAP (Master Academic Plan) to assist college-ready students with selecting appropriate college-level coursework.

~DOWNLOAD HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS MAP HERE~

Pinal County High Schools Eligible to Participate in the Early College Scholarship:

Comparison Chart:

What is the difference between Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Enrollment?

	Dual Enrollment	Concurrent Enrollment
Where are the classes located?	High school campus	CAC Campus: Signal Peak, Aravaipa, Maricopa, Superstition Mountain, and San Tan or Online ( Virtual or Hybrid)
Which students are eligible?	High school-age students in participating high schools	9th-12th grade students are eligible to take concurrent courses. Only 11th-12th grade students qualify for the Early College Concurrent Scholarship.
Who pays for tuition?	There is a College tuition waiver, so zero cost to the student	Eligible for 6 free credits per semester: Student pays current CAC tuition fees directly to the College for any additional credits taken
Who teaches the courses?	High school instructors who have been approved by the College to meet Higher Learning Commission credentialing and curriculum standards	CAC instructors
When are the courses?	During the high school day	Whenever the CAC course is offered according to the current College class schedule
What courses can you take?	Courses vary by high school (dependent on agreement between CAC and the high school) It is recommended that the course(s) are reviewed by their school counselor.	Students can take any course at CAC that they meet prerequisite requirements for. It is recommended that the course(s) are reviewed by their school counselor. Students must maintain 2.0 GPA to continue qualifying for Early College Concurrent Scholarship

What is the difference between Dual Enrollment and AP courses?

	Dual Enrollment	Advanced Placement
College Transfer	Acceptance varies university to university out of state, but is transferable to all in state as credit or elective credit. Visit AZ Transfer for additional resources.	Must take the final AP Exam and Score 3, 4, or 5 (depending on student’s chosen college/university).
		Acceptance varies dependent on University of choice

Financial	Dual Enrollment allows students to take classes at no cost to student	The cost of each AP Exam taken
GPA	Must obtain approval from high school counselor to take requested course	Weighted GPA, typically on a 5.0 scale
Other Benefits	Access to CAC Student Services, evidence that Dual Enrollment supports post high school education	Boost GPA, potential AP scholarships
Final Grade	The grade that a student receives on their high school Dual Enrollment course, goes on their college transcript.	AP Exam scores do not affect class final grade or GPA

Upload Documents to Student Portal:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can participate in CAC’s Dual Enrollment and Concurrent Programs?

Any high school student* may take courses at Central Arizona College. Interested students must complete a CAC Admission Form and a High School Programs Registration Form which requires an electronic signature from the student and a high school counselor or authorized representative.

*If you are not yet a high school student and wish to take classes, please complete the special admit process by contacting cristina.gonzalez@centralaz.edu to schedule an appointment.

** If you are under 18 but have graduated high school, you do not need to register for courses using the concurrent registration form. If you have a registration hold on your account, please contact the Admissions Department at admissions@centralaz.edu.

What is dual enrollment vs concurrent enrollment?

Dual Enrollment: courses held at the high school and taught by a high school instructor.

Concurrent Enrollment: courses held at a CAC campus or online and taught by a CAC instructor.

Additional FAQ’s:

Frequently Asked Questions

TRIO Programs

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

Upward Bound

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

Student Support Services/ Summer Bridge

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 Early College Programs. If you have Admission or technical questions, please contact CAC’s Central Helpdesk at (520) 494-5111 or centralhelpdesk@centralaz.edu.