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A group of students looking at AACC mascot, Swoop.

Free college classes? That’s right!

We have great news for Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) students. Currently enrolled AACPS students can take classes at AACC without paying for tuition, fees or required course materials!

AACPS students who meet the requirements of their school will be able to earn college credit at no cost at AACC before earning their high school diploma. 

The college credits you earn here at AACC may be transferable to a four-year college or university. This opportunity allows you to tackle your first-year basics with math, English, psychology or science, or you can start exploring career options in architecture, business, information technology, homeland security, teaching and so much more.

Take the first step to enrolling in classes.


Our Classes Fit Your Schedule and Needs

Many of our classes are conveniently offered at 12:30 and 2 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. That way you can earn college credits before your after-school activities begin. If those classes don't fit your schedule, take one in the evening or on weekends. 

We also offer classes in a variety of formats to fit your needs. Take an in-person class at our Arnold campus, or stay closer to home at our Glen Burnie Town Center or Arundel Mills locations. If you prefer online or hybrid classes, we have those too! We may even offer classes at your high school!

No matter what classes you take, we've made sure that you can take them conveniently! 


Why Should I Take a College Course Through ECAP?

Save Time

Did you know our general education courses transfer to all of Maryland's public four-year schools? This helps you reduce the time it takes to graduate from college.

Save Money

Why wait and pay for classes later when you can take classes now for free? As an AACPS student, you can submit your ECAP application form for each term and have all of your tuition and fees paid for by AACPS. Required course materials like textbooks or supplies will also be covered at no cost to you. After you've completed the ECAP form and it's been processed by the cashier's office, the AACC Bookstore will automatically ship your required textbooks and course materials to the address on file. 

Increase Your Competitive Edge

More colleges and universities want to see college coursework prior to admission.

Discover Your Passion

Try out a course in your desired field to see if it’s a good fit for you. Browse our areas of study to explore courses that help you identify your talents and interest. Take a course that aligns with your signature or magnet program, or start down the path toward your career.

Enjoy the Full Benefits of Being an AACC Student

Once you are enrolled in an AACC credit course, you are an AACC student, just like every other enrolled student, and you have the exact same benefits. You will receive student discounts on performances and will have access to the gym and library. Be sure to tap into our student services including tutoring and access to the math, writing and technology labs. You are not limited to taking classes during traditional school hours, nor are you limited to taking courses on the Arnold campus.


What Courses Should I Take?

You can take any course for which you’ve met the prerequisites. Just submit the minimum test score or take the required prerequisite course. There are no special sections dedicated to ECAP students, except those taught at the high schools. The college's full course schedule, including evening and weekend classes, is available on the AACC website. Fall, winter, spring and summer courses taken during high school qualify for the payment of tuition, fees and course materials by AACPS for its students. Courses taken after the spring term of your senior year are not eligible.

Visit our online course search for our latest offerings. Contact your admissions advisor to help plan your schedule or if the courses you selected were not approved by your school principal or counselor.


How Many Courses Should I Take?

We want you to succeed. College courses are hard, and your grade will follow you beyond high school graduation. We recommend that most high school students enroll in no more than two courses per term.

There are exceptions, so check with your admissions advisor well in advance of registration, if you plan to pursue a heavier course load.