About Early College
The Early College Program offers high school age students access to college-level courses & opportunities. Often called Dual Credit or Dual Enrollment, courses are offered in a variety of ways and locations. Participants must meet eligibility requirements. Students are responsible for the outcome of their coursework and are subject to college policies and expectations. Grades earned are recorded on a permanent college transcript.
Regardless of location, course content, materials, and curriculum are the same for Early College students as for all students at CEI. College coursework may contain sensitive content that will not be waived for Early College participants.
Idaho Advanced Opportunities funding is available to most students to pay for tuition. If a student uses Advanced Opportunities funding to pay their tuition, they are subject to rules set forth by that program. It is the student’s responsibility to request funding in the Advanced Opportunities portal. Charges not allowed by Advanced Opportunities are the responsibility of the student. If the student neglects to apply for Advanced Opportunities funds, runs out of funds, or has a hold for prior course failure/incompletion, they will be billed. Charges not allowed by Advanced Opportunities must be paid on or before the term fee deadline.
- Students are responsible for meeting college deadlines. Drop and withdrawal options are available to early college students under the deadlines posted on the Early College website. CEI tuition/fee refund policies apply to early college students regardless of who paid for the class (3rd party pay such as Advanced Opportunities or self-pay)
- Early College students are limited in the number of credit hours of college work that can be taken per semester with CEI. 11th & 12th graders are limited to 15 credits per semester. 9th & 10th graders are limited to 10 credits per semester. A student may appeal to take a higher credit load after successful completion (C- or higher) of their first-semester course(s). Early College students are not allowed to take more multiple block classes concurrently in their first semester through campus.
- Students must be 16 years old by the first day of class to take classes on the college campus or CEI online.
- College of Eastern Idaho is not responsible for how CEI credits transfer back to a high school. It is recommended that the student consults with their high school counselor to verify how credits will transfer back to their high school before course registration.
- Prerequisites May Apply: Some courses have placement requirements that can be satisfied with ACT, SAT, ALEKS, ACCUPLACER, or prior coursework. CEI must receive applicable proof of prerequisites at the time of registration. CEI Testing Services is available for ALEKS and ACCUPLACER testing (fees apply). Call 208-535-5438 or visit the Testing Center Website to arrange testing.
- Once payment is finalized for the semester, changes cannot be made to student accounts.
Academic Support Services
- Academic Advising is available to all high school students regardless of participation in CEI courses.
- Academic tutoring is available to all high school students regardless of participation in CEI courses.
- CEI offers disability accommodations to students under college guidelines and policies.
- All Early College students are issued CEI student credentials and accounts including a college email address. Students are sent instructions to activate their accounts upon admission to CEI.
- All college communication is sent through college accounts and platforms. It is the responsibility of the student to check their college accounts on a regular basis.
FERPA Notice: College of Eastern Idaho is required by federal law to keep student records confidential regardless of age. Without express permission, we cannot share student records with anyone but the student. If a student wishes to allow CEI to disclose records to a third party, the student must submit a Release of Information form to CEI and show a government-issued ID. The Release of Information Form is located on the forms section of the Early College website. For more details about FERPA please visit the CEI Registrar website.
Early College FAQ's
Who can participate in Early College?
Idaho high school students
What are the minimum requirements for Early College?
3.0 high school GPA for 9th and 10th grade students. 2.7 GPA for 11th & 12th grade students. College placement exams and placement testing is also required for some courses.
Can homeschooled students participate in Early College?
Yes. Students must meet the same GPA and course prerequisite requirements as public school students.
How much does Early College cost?
CEI charges high school age students enrolled in the Early College Program a tuition rate of $75/credit.
Funding assistance is available to many students through the Idaho Advanced Opportunities program. Students attending an Idaho public school can qualify for $4,625 in assistance. Students attending an accredited private school can qualify for $2,500 in assistance. Advanced Opportunities funding has limitations and rules. Fees and books are not covered by state funding and are the responsibility of the student.
What is the difference between admission and registration in Early College?
Admission happens only once. That is how you become an official student at CEI and get a CEI ID number. • Registration happens each time you take a course. To get both the high school and college credit, you have to be registered at BOTH the high school and with CEI.
Where do I take Early College classes?
CEI dual credit courses are taken at local high schools or through IDLA. CEI also offers students who are 16 years old the option to take dual credit courses on campus or through CEI online.
Can I take a Early College classes on campus?
Yes. You must be 16 years old by the first day of class.
Do I have to pay for books?
Sometimes. Dual Credit books are often provided by your high school when a course is taken at the school. When students take on-campus classes or online classes, books are the responsibility of the student.
What is the maximum amount of credit I can take in Early College?
Eligible 9th & 10th graders can take up to 10 credits per semester. 11th and 12th grade students can take up to 15 credits per semester. Students are allowed to request a higher course load after their first successful semester.
Can I earn an associate degree while in high school?
YES! Earning an associate degree in high school takes careful planning and has many aspects to consider. If you are thinking about this option, your first stop should be an appointment with an Early College Academic Advisor.
How do college grades affect my transcripts for Early College Students?
CEI courses are applied to your permanent college transcript. Students should take their courses seriously. Early College students are held to the same academic standards and rules as all CEI students. Since students earn both high school and college credit, grades will also be recorded on an official high school transcript.
What is a prerequisite?
A prior class or placement score needed to qualify for a single course.
How do I submit a prerequisite for Early College?
Unofficial transcripts can be submitted to the Early College office.
Can I test out of a college class as an Early College Student?
Sometimes. Please speak to an Early College Academic Advisor to explore your options.
How do I sign into my CEI account?
Instructions are emailed to students the first time they take a class from CEI. You log in from Falcon Central selecting “Self Service”.
What should I do if my account is locked?
The IT Help Desk can assist you. Please call 208-535-5444.
How old do I need to be take a class?
Dual Credit courses taught at local high schools and IDLA are open to 9th-10th graders with a 3.0 high school GPA. Students must be 16 years to take a classes on campus or through CEI online.
What if I am getting a bad grade?
If you’re struggling in a course, reach out for help as soon as possible. Your course instructor, high school counselor, or college advisor can talk to you about resources that can help you succeed. Stay ahead of the problem; once your final grade posts, it is permanent.
What does it mean to drop a CEI course?
If you drop a college course prior to the drop deadline, you receive a tuition refund and the course is erased from your college transcript
What does it mean to withdraw from a CEI Early College course?
Withdraws do not affect your college GPA. A “W” counts as an unsuccessful attempt with Advanced Opportunities. If you withdraw, you are required to pay for and pass another course before you can access future AO funding
Can I retake a class in Early College?
Yes, however, AO does not cover repeated courses. Repeated courses are subject to college policies for transcripts.
Am I considered a “real” college student when enrolled in Early College classes?
Yes, once you get admitted to CEI, you are eligible for a lot of student services. This includes access to the library, CEI tutoring services, and much more! • As a CEI Early College student, you are expected to meet course prerequisites, deadlines, follow college rules, abide by the student code of conduct and are responsible for your academic choices.
Can my parents see my college grades?
Under federal FERPA rules, college records are considered private information and will not be released to anyone other than the student (regardless of student age). If you would like to grant another person access to your college record, you can submit a release form to the CEI Registrar’s office.
Can I get a college ID card?
Yes. To get an ID card, please visit the Student Affairs office in building 3. Make sure to bring a government issued picture ID, and your CEI number.
I missed the sign-up deadline, can I still get credit for the class?
No. In college, you must register and pay your tuition by the deadline if you want to earn the credit. If there was an extenuating circumstance that prevented registration, CEI has a petition process that a student could utilize to request an exception.
If I have a question, who can help me?
There are many people around you that want you to succeed. You have a college advisor, high school counselor and many others that want to help! Contact one of these people for assistance: Dual Credit Instructor, High School Counselor, Early College Staff or Advisor ecp@cei.edu phone: 208-535-5309
What are the guidelines for dual credit accommodations?
Students with a disability are welcome to participate in CEI Early College Programs if they meet eligibility requirements. College educational accommodations are often different than high school accommodations. Early College students with a disability, 504, or IEP should contact the CEI Disability Resource Center to establish accommodations for CEI classes.
College accommodations cannot alter the course material or the course outcomes.
The same work is always completed, but it may be completed or accessed in a different way.
The standard that is followed with all accommodations is “access”. We want all students to have
fair access to material, and to be able to show what they have learned.
Examples of appropriate accommodations:
“The student will be provided with extended time on all in class exams and quizzes.”
“The student will have access to all books in digital format to allow for the use of a screen reader.”
Examples of inappropriate accommodations for dual credit:
“The student will only complete the even answers on homework assignments.”
“The student will be allowed to use their textbook on all tests.”
If you have questions about specific accommodations for early college students, please call the Disability Services Center at College of Eastern Idaho at 208-535-5462.