The Early College Access Program (ECAP) allows eligible Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) students to take approved AACC classes for free! That's right! You can earn college credit and the tuition, fees and course materials will be at no cost to you. Our classes are convenient to fit your schedule and are offered in person, online or in a hybrid format. We even offer select classes at your high school!
Learn more about ECAP and the various opportunities at your specific high school.
ECAP also allows eligible Maryland public school students outside of Anne Arundel County to take approved AACC classes for free! You may have your tuition, fees and course materials paid for and have the opportunity to earn college credit before earning your high school diploma. If you select a course that is not approved for ECAP benefits, complete the Maryland Public High School Tuition Discount Request Form to request a 25% tuition discount for your credit classes.
Learn more about enrolling in ECAP.
ECAP provides qualifying homeschooled students and students attending a private school within Maryland with a 25% tuition discount for credit classes.
Learn more about ECAP for private and home-school students.
Some AACC courses are eligible for dual credit, awarding both college and high school credit to the student. Dual credit must be preapproved by your high school.
View the current AACPS dual credit procedures and course list.
If you successfully completed the exam for your high school advanced placement course, you could earn college credit.
Review our AP credit college transfer comparison.
AACC has partnered with AACPS to identify high school programs aligned with our college course(s). If you are an AACPS student who successfully completes one or more of these preapproved programs, you can take an AACC college proficiency assessment at no cost. Pass the proficiency assessment with a minimum score to earn credit on your transcript for the AACC course.
For information on proficiency credit opportunities, email Melanie Coleman at emcoleman1@aacc.edu.
Learn how to apply for proficiency credit.
*The Childhood Development Associate (CDA) program requires a grade of "B" or better to earn proficiency credit.
AACC and AACPS have also partnered to create opportunities to earn articulated college credit. Students who successfully complete AACPS high school preapproved pathways can become eligible to receive free articulated AACC credit.
For information on articulated credit opportunities while in high school, contact Melanie Coleman at emcoleman1@aacc.edu.
Learn more about how you can earn college credits at your high school.
For a list of services available to all AACC students, visit our Student Services page.
Taking classes at AACC has definitely inspired me. It has really opened up my eyes to what college is, what to expect and how I should deal with myself when I get there. It's preparing me for my future as well, so I have a nice idea of what to do."
-Ishika Jain, high school student taking college classes, future doctor
Last year, high school student Sarah Noble found herself on staff at a college newspaper, mastering AP style, InDesign, and photojournalism. “I was worried they wouldn’t accept a 16-year-old in to the tightly knit newsroom. But after the first day was over I felt like I belonged,” said the 2018 Broadneck High School graduate.
Read the full story