Early College Information

What are Early Colleges?

Mid partners with several high schools and ISDs to provide Early Colleges. Early College is a five-year high school program designed to allow a student to earn a high school diploma and one of the following: 60 transferable college credits, an associate degree, a professional certification, the Michigan Early Middle College Association (MEMCA) technical certificate, or the right to participate in a registered apprenticeship. These programs receive State of Michigan designations, recognizing the Early College as a 5-year, state-funded entity. In most examples, the high school district pays for all Early College courses.

To complete the 60 college credits, students can begin taking college courses in their 10th grade year. Early College students attend a fifth year of high school, in which they spend 100% of their time taking Mid courses on campus or online. To ensure that students meet their goals, Mid Mentors and high school counselors help students select and schedule courses that work for their plans.

Current Early Colleges

Currently, Mid partners with six schools to offer Early Colleges.

• Beal City High School
• Clare High School
• Farwell High School
• Flex-Tech/Shepherd High School
• Ithaca High School
• Mecosta-Osceola ISD

How Do Early Colleges Benefit Students and Families?

• Students complete up to two years of college, a year ahead of their peers.
• Students can have up to an associate degree paid for, saving thousands on their first two years of college.
• Mid degrees are highly transferable, allowing students to transfer credits and continue their bachelor's degree at the university or college of their choice.
• Some programs, particularly occupational or trade, allow students to enter the workforce immediately upon completion.