Early College Access Program (ECAP) Requirements

Did you know eligible AACPS students can take classes at AACC tuition free? That's right! Eligible AACPS students who submit an ECAP form approved by their school will no longer be charged tuition and fees. Be sure to discuss courses that interest you with your parents and high school counselor.

Eligible AACPS affiliated home-schooled students or students that attend a partnering private school can take classes with a 50% tuition discount. Learn more about course options.

Note: Graduating seniors are not eligible for ECAP discounts for summer term courses.

ECAP eligibility requirements for high school students taking classes at AACC:

• Minimum 2.0 GPA 
• 16 years or older, or meeting additional admissions requirements*
• Submit completed ECAP form
• Meeting course prerequisites (see our college catalog)

*Students under 16 years old must meet AACC's criteria for Gifted and Talented including demonstrating ENG-101 eligibility, meeting with the director of admissions, Cassandra Moore, as well as permission of department prior to enrolling in a course.

To Enroll in ECAP

If you wish to enroll in ECAP, please complete and follow the five steps below:

1. Complete ECAP Application Form

AACPS Students

• Eligible AACPS students who submit an ECAP form approved by their school will no longer be charged tuition and fees. Print and complete the ECAP application form. Contact the AACPS help desk, help-desk@aacps.org, if you have trouble accessing your ECAP form.
• Provide your AACPS username and password and the form will populate with your student information.
• Both the student and parent/guardian must complete and sign the form. 
  • Obtain the necessary signatures from your high school counselor and principal. This may be done through scanning/email.
• Send the completed form to AACC’s cashier’s office. Be sure to white out/scratch off your birth year, leaving only the day and month visible.

Private and Home-schooled Students

• Print and complete the ECAP Application for Private and Home School Students.
• Request verification forms by contacting the Home Instruction Office at homeinstruction@aacps.org. 
• Send the completed ECAP form to the AACC cashier's office, cashiersoffice@aacc.edu, so that the 50% tuition reduction can be applied to your bill. When emailing the ECAP form, be sure to white out/scratch out the birth year, leaving only the day and month visible.

For questions regarding the ECAP form submission, email AACC's cashier's office at cashiersoffice@aacc.edu or call 410-777-2236. Do not send any sensitive information, including credit card, birth year or Social Security number, via email.

2. Complete AACC Application

All first-time credit students must apply to AACC. When completing the online application, be sure to:

• Select "Apply Online".
• Use only your legal name - no nicknames.
• Enter your birthdate mm/dd/yyyy.
• For Educational Goal, select "I am here to take classes while I am a high school student."
• Select "Nondegree seeking".
• Be sure to select your correct high school.
• Set a password that is at least six characters and remember your username/password.
• If you will be applying for the Early College Access Grant, provide your Social Security number on the application.

Once you submit your application, you will receive a welcome email and a second email that contains your AACC ID number, PIN and username. Be sure to keep this information safe. The link in the email will expire so you should immediately click it and set up your MyAACC account. Your MyAACC account allows you to register, view financial aid, view and pay your bill, view your grades, request a transcript, and communicate with AACC.

If you have trouble setting up MyAACC, email helpdesk@aacc.edu or call 410-777-4357. For help with the online application, reach out to admissions@aacc.edu or 410-777-2246.

3. Register for classes

Whether you are a new or returning student, register for classes through your MyAACC account or complete the credit registration form. Students who are ECAP participants under the age of 16 years old, having completed seventh grade, must use the credit registration form. Our admissions officers can help with course selection and help determine if you’ve met the prerequisite requirements for the course(s) you want to take. Find your admissions officer or contact our office at 410-777-2246 or admissions@aacc.edu. 

If your course has any prerequisites:

• Ask your high school for a copy of your transcript and email it to records@aacc.edu.
• Email your ACT, SAT and any IB or AP scores to records@aacc.edu. You can find these scores on the College Board website or from your AACPS high school Naviance site. If you haven’t taken a placement test and need to test, learn how to do so with our testing office.

4. Apply for Financial Assistance

Maryland residents attending a public or private school and AACC, who demonstrate financial need, should complete the Early College Access Grant (ECAG) application and email it to finaid@aacc.edu. You can receive $200 in the fall term and $200 in the spring term. Home-schooled students are not eligible for this grant. Learn more on the Financial Aid website. 

5. Pay Your Bill

Log in to your MyAACC and pay according to the payment deadlines listed. Learn more about setting up a payment plan.

If payment is not received before the due date, you will be dropped from your class. We recommend paying the required tuition and fees at the time of registration. Any overpayment after the ECAP tuition reduction or ECAG award will be refunded. 

Dropping and Withdrawing From Classes

ECAP students must adhere to the same standards and policies of all students. This includes dropping or withdrawing from a course. It must be done on time! 

To check for drop and withdraw dates, log in to MyAACC. Note: A withdraw on your transcript may affect future financial aid benefits.