Early College Students
Early college (also known as middle college) blends high school and college into a multi-year program combining high school graduation with an OCC associate degree in grade 13. In this program, students work simultaneously toward their high school diploma and their OCC associate degree. There is no cost to the students for OCC tuition, fees, or books. Students in early college programs often go on to complete their bachelors' degree studies at a four-year college or university.
Currently, OCC hosts two early college experiences as well as an early college program through Oakland Technical Schools. Interested students should visit the program websites for specific information:
- Oakland Early College
- Oakland Early College is a Schools of Choice program through the West Bloomfield School District.
- Located at OCC’s Orchard Ridge Campus and supported by the West Bloomfield School District
- Open to students from all Oakland County districts
- High school students (grades 9-12) take a mix of high school and OCC courses, gradually increasing their college workload
- Includes a 13th year, during which students take a full college course load
- Earn 30+ transferable college credits or an associate degree at no cost
- Serves approximately 150 students each year
- Oakland ACE (Accelerated College Experience)
- Oakland ACE is an early college program through Oakland Schools for students in participating Oakland County districts
- Begins in 11th grade
- Blends high school and OCC coursework
- Features a 13th year, during which students are full-time OCC students
- Earn up to 62 college credits—equivalent to an associate degree
- Tuition, fees, books, and course materials are covered
- Serves approximately 150 students each year
- Oakland Technical Early College
- Oakland Technical Early College is an early college program through Oakland Schools Technical Campuses for students in participating Oakland County districts
- Begins in 11th grade
- Designed for students in high-demand technical career pathways
- Fulfill high school requirements while attending one of the Oakland Schools Technical Centers and taking OCC courses aligned with a technical degree pathway
- In the 13th year, attend OCC full-time, earning a high school diploma and potentially an associate degree
- Tuition and book costs are covered
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More to Explore
Interested in Early College? You may also be interested in these programs:
Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment allows high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school by taking courses with OCC. These college credits can be transferred to colleges and universities across the state and country. For most students, dual enrollment is free! Learn more about Dual Enrollment.
CTE Articulated Credit
Articulation of credit allows students to earn college credit in their high school CTE courses. This means that students can earn OCC credit by taking a course already offered as a part of their high school coursework! OCC has a number of agreements with area school districts. Learn more about CTE Articulate Credit.
Contact Information
Morrison Borders - Oakland Early College (OEC) Head of School
Phone: (248) 522-3542
Ben Morin - Oakland Technical Early College (OTEC) K-12 Career Readiness Consultant
Phone: (248) 209-2584
Dr. Amanda McKay - Oakland Accelerated College Experience (ACE) Program Director
Phone: (248) 804-4366
Oakland Community College Admissions
Email: admissions@oaklandcc.edu