Start College Now High School Students Can Earn College Credit

Two students review the contents of a petri dish in a lab

Get a head start on college

Start College Now is a great way to earn college credits while still in high school. Students can take a wide range of courses across all NWTC locations, plus online and distance learning options.

  • Earn college credits: Get a jump on your degree and potentially graduate college sooner. 
  • Explore career options: Try out college-level courses to see what interests you.
  • Save money:  If your high school board approves, you won't pay for these classes!

Who is eligible?

Public high school students in grades 11 and 12 who have completed 10th grade, and are in good academic standing with no disciplinary/enrollment issues.

How to get started:

  1. Meet with your high school counselor: Discuss your career path and see if Start College Now aligns with your goals. Your counselor can also help you select classes that will fit into your high school schedule.
  2. Submit your applicationGet your parent or guardian's signature and submit it to your school board by the deadline:
    • March 1st for Fall semester
    • October 1st for Spring semester
  3. Get approved by NWTC: Once your application is approved by your school board, NWTC will contact you with next steps.

What classes are available?

Start College Now offers a wide range of courses across all NWTC locations, plus online and distance learning options. You can take any Associate Degree or Technical Diploma course as long as you meet the prerequisites.

Important Note:

  • Limited Spots: Classes fill up fast!  Register early to secure your spot.
  • No Summer Courses: Unfortunately, this program doesn't cover summer classes.

Distance Learning Option:

Our distance learning option allows you to participate in real-time web-conferencing courses with NWTC instructors. Students utilize Microsoft Teams to access courses with other high school students from around the state from the comfort of their classroom or on their own device.

Get started:

  1. Submit the online enrollment form for the semester you will be taking classes:
  2. Complete the Start College Now application.
View Distance Learning classes

Need Help?

Start College Now Specialist

Logan O'Leary
Logan O'Leary
Specialist Dual Credit

Distance Learning Specialist

Kimberly Story
Kimberly Story
Specialist Dual Credit
Loading