High School to College Programs

At Marymount, we believe that high school students have the potential to achieve great things. By participating in our specially designed programs, you can seize the opportunity to accelerate your college career, reduce tuition expenses, and achieve your academic goals in a flexible, convenient, and innovative way. We’re here to support you every step of the way, helping you unlock your full potential and achieve success beyond high school.

Join the Marymount community today by enrolling in one of our Early College Programs!

Student Eligibility

The eligibility requirements are:

• High school juniors and seniors in good standing.
• Students who have a cumulative 3.0 or better GPA.
• Obtain approval from a high school counselor and parent/guardian.

Current Early College Program Offerings

High school students can earn college credit through various options at Marymount University. Each course is taught at a college-level standard.  

• Dual Credit: Through our partnership with high schools, we provide college-level courses in high school classrooms, allowing students to earn dual college and high school credit.
  • Contact your school counselor to see if a partnership is in place so that they can guide your application
  • Email Dr. Louis Frisenda for assistance with your application.
• Early College Continuing Credit Program: Through this program, you will earn college credits while attending Marymount University. Marymount offers online or on-campus classes.  This experience would be for students who want to take an extra course on top of their current high school schedule. Click here for more information. 
  •  Get permission in writing from your high school to take a college course in addition to your high school courses.
  • Discuss your options with your parents
  • Email Dr. Louis Frisenda for assistance with your application.
• Pre-College Experience:  These are offered in the summer as the Summer Institutes.  Intense short periods (2 weeks) to earn college credits in fields like Maker-neering, STEM, Psychology, Communications/Journalism, or Criminal Justice.

Benefits

Participating in a program provides many advantages. Here are a few to consider:

1. Academic Advancement

• Accelerated Learning: Students can advance through their education quicker, potentially allowing for early college graduation.
• Preparedness: Exposure to college-level coursework prepares students for the rigors of higher education, facilitating a smoother transition to college.

2. Financial Savings

• Cost-Efficient: Early college programs often come at a reduced cost or even free of charge, helping families save on tuition fees.
• Shorter Time to Degree: By earning college credits in high school, students can potentially graduate college sooner, reducing the overall cost of their higher education.

3. Career and Educational Benefits

• Exploration of Career Interests: These programs allow students to explore potential career paths and academic interests early on, helping to ensure they choose the right major or career path later.
• Competitive Edge: College credits can give students a competitive edge in college admissions and, later, the job market.

4. Personal Growth

• Maturity: Engaging with more complex materials and being responsible for college-level work can foster personal growth and maturity.
• Confidence: Completing college courses while still in high school can boost students’ confidence in their abilities.

5. Enhanced Skills

• Critical Thinking: Early college programs often emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, preparing students for higher education and the workforce.
• Improved Writing Skills: College courses tend to have a rigorous focus on writing, which can help students develop more vital writing skills that will benefit them in college and their future careers.

6. College Experience

• Network Building: Students can build networks with college professors and fellow students, which can be beneficial in the future.
• Familiarity with College Life: Experiencing the college environment early on can reduce anxiety and make students more comfortable transitioning to college full-time.

7. School Engagement and Graduation Rates

• Increased Engagement: Research has shown that students in early college programs are more engaged in school.
• Higher Graduation Rates: These programs are associated with higher high school and college graduation rates than traditional high school programs.

Benefits of attending Marymount University 

As a Marymount Early College Program student, you receive the following benefits:

• Student Access to library resources.
• Student Access to support and learning services
• Request an official Marymount transcript verifying the college credits and courses.
• Marymount University ID for campus and event access
• Students have the option to attend an orientation/tour at Marymount University

Early college, Dual Enrollment, and Pre-College programs offer many benefits, from academic advancement and financial savings to personal growth and enhanced skills. By giving high school students a taste of the college experience, these programs can help set students up for success in both their academic and professional futures, fostering a smoother transition to college and encouraging a deeper engagement with learning. Participation in such programs can be a strategic move for students, aiding them in building a solid foundation for their impending college years and beyond.