Overview
The Early College FAQ page is designed to help students and families better understand the program by providing clear answers to commonly asked questions. From eligibility requirements and application steps to tuition details and course options, this resource offers helpful guidance for every stage of the Early College experience. Whether you’re just exploring the program or already enrolled, you’ll find the information you need to feel confident and prepared at WVU Parkersburg.
General Information
What is Early College?
Early College is a partnership program created between WVU Parkersburg and area schools, including homeschools, allowing eligible students to take college-level courses and earn both high school AND college credit for the courses, with their school’s permission.
How do I sign up for Early College at my high school?
Students interested in participating in the Early College program should reach out to their counselor or school administrator. Your counselor can provide you with information on the application process and other aspects if the program. There are deadlines for registering each semester. Feel free to reach out to WVU Parkersburg with further questions at earlycollege@wvup.edu.
What courses are available to Early College Students?
Early College students are able to take general education courses in all subject areas. Some courses may require course or test prerequisites. Your Early College advisor can assist you with questions on specific coursework.
Will Early College credits transfer to other colleges?
Early College courses will transfer with students to colleges all over the country. WVU Parkersburg is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the same body that accredits public institutions of higher education in West Virginia. The General Studies and Course Equivalency Transfer Agreement exists among public West Virginia institutions which helps students who desire to transfer to another institution. Students planning to attend a private or out-of-state college should check with that individual college for more information on course transfers. Most states support programs like Early College because they help students graduate sooner with less debt.
What else can Early College do?
Early College students have the opportunity to complete general education courses while earning their high school diploma. Depending on a student’s academic program, they may be able to complete a semester or even an entire year of college credit. By participating in Early College, there is a significant savings on future tuition costs due to the reduced rates.
Are homeschooled students eligible to participate in Early College?
Yes, homeschool students can and do participate in the Early College program. Homeschool students must meet the same requirements and follow the same steps as all other Early College students.
Application and Registration
Is there an application?
The online Early College admission application must be completed for a students wanting to earn dual credit. You can apply online at wvup.edu/earlycollege or if you are taking courses on your high school campus, you can apply at myec.wvup.edu. You will need to know your Social Security Number to complete the application.
What is FERPA and how does it apply to me as an Early College student?
FERPA is an acronym for The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), also known as the Buckley Amendment of 1974. FERPA is a federal law that describes how schools and colleges keep and/or distribute student information and records. Part of the law covers students under 18 and enrolled in public schools; the other part covers students enrolled in colleges and universities. The act was created to safeguard student privacy. FERPA rights belong to WVU Parkersburg students when they enroll as a college student. Because the student controls these rights, WVU Parkersburg will release a student’s educational records only with the consent of the student. Some examples of educational records include grade reports, transcripts and judicial reports. That means that, unlike in high school, parents will not have direct access to the above records without the student’s consent. Parents who wish to know their student’s grades must ask the student for that information. For more information about FERPA, please contact the Center for Student Services at 304-424-8310 or email records@wvup.edu.
Do Early College students need to submit a high school transcript to WVU Parkersburg?
Early College students are not required to submit a high school transcript to participate in this program. Test scores may be required for certain courses.
Who should I contact if my high school counselor is unavailable?
If your counselor is unavailable you may be able to speak to your principal or you can reach out to the WVU Parkersburg Early College Program.
Who do I contact if I'm having trouble with my application?
Our Early College Staff is happy to help. Email us at earlycollege@wvup.edu or call our office.
While in Early College
How do I register for courses?
Some Early College courses may be offered on your high school campus. If so, your counselor and the Early College Team will work together to help you with the registration process each semester. If you plan to attend Early College courses on WVU Parkersburg campuses, please contact the Early College Team at earlycollege@wvup.edu or call 304.424.8237 to set up an advising appointment.
I am an Early College student and I attend classes on my high school campus. Do I need a WVU Parkersburg photo ID?
Students who attend Early College classes at their high school campus are not required to have a WVU Parkersburg issued photo ID but are welcome to have one.
Am I able to earn credits and graduate from WVU Parkersburg as an Early College student?
Yes! If you successfully complete the appropriate courses, you can apply to graduate. For more information, please contact earlycollege@wvup.edu.
What should I do for my Early College course(s) when my high school is closed due to weather or other issues?
In the case of a delay or shift to remote learning due to inclement weather or power outages, WVU Parkersburg will notify students via a Rave Alert. Students are automatically registered for a Rave Alert with their WVU Parkersburg email address and the phone number provided on their application. Early College students need to check their college email and Blackboard for information as WVU Parkersburg does not follow any county schools systems delays, closures or shifts to remote learning.
What is Academic Standing?
Early College students are held accountable for their academic performance in the Early College program. An overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 in the WVU Parkersburg courses is required for Early College students to continue in the program. Academic Standing is based on a student’s final grades, and there are three levels of academic standing: Good Standing, Academic Watch, and Academic Probation. Each academic standing indicates the academic progress and ensures success in the program.
Successfully completing courses and earning at least a 2.5 GPA are important as your performance in Early College courses impacts your eligibility for financial aid funding as a college student.
Are Early College Students assigned WVU Parkersburg student accounts?
Yes. After applying to WVU Parkersburg, you will need to complete the Find MyID Process at findmyid.wvup.edu. This process will give you your WVUP ID Number, your Network ID and your college email account. Early College students must learn how to access their WVU Parkersburg accounts, including their Online Student Information System (OLSIS), Blackboard, and college email.
I am taking an Early College course. What happens if I withdraw?
Early College students who wish to withdraw must submit a withdraw request through WVU Parkersburg’s Withdraw Portal using their WVU Parkersburg username and password. Even if you change your schedule with your counselor at the high school, it is your responsibility to complete the withdraw process at WVU Parkersburg. There are financial penalties and deadlines related when withdrawing from a course that applies to all students.
Course withdrawals have a negative impact on students in their collegiate career. Potential problems could include poor academic standing or not meeting the standards of Satifactory Academic Progress for financial aid eligibility.
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?
Regardless if a student pays for their Early College courses themselves or recieves a scholarship, these courses are included in the calculation of Satisfactory Academic Progress, usually referred to as SAP. If a student does not meet the SAP requirements detailed below, they risk permanently losing their ability to qualify for federal financial aid to assist them in completing their education. Students must do their best to earn a passing grade in each course and avoid withdrawing from courses if at all possible.
- Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA for all college level courses taken
- Complete at least 67% of college courses attempted with a passing grade (no Fs, FIWs or Ws)
- Be on track to graduate within the required time frame for the degree program in which the student is enrolled (90 credit hours or fewer for Associate and 180 credit hours or fewer for Bachelor’s)
What WVU Parkersburg services are available to me as an Early College student?
Early College students are able to use the same services offered to our students, including the Library, Tutoring & Testing Center, and Career Services.
Payment Information
What is the cost for one Early College course?
Early College tuition is set at a flat rate of $50 per credit hour. Most courses are 3 credit hours, so it is typically $150 per course. There may be additional fees for some courses.
Who pays for Early College?
The Early College student is responsible for paying the cost of their Early College course(s). Please contact your counselor or principal to determine if your school district pays a portion of the tuition charges.
What information will the Business Office need to locate my student’s account?
Please have the student’s WVU Parkersburg student ID number (usually starts with the number 9 and has a total of nine digits).
Should I fill out the FAFSA as an Early College Student?
No, Early College students do not need to fill out a FAFSA Form.
Can Early College students use the Hope Scholarship at WVU Parkersburg?
- Yes! Funds from a student’s Hope Scholarship can be used for Early College tuition charges at WVU Parkersburg. Please contact the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office at help@hopescholarshipwv.com for more details.
Will I receive a bill?
Paper bills are not distributed or mailed. Please contact the WVU Parkersburg Business Office during regular business hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at 304-424-8223, for tuition deadlines and a complete breakdown of all charges. Early College students are held to the same standards and responsibilities regarding payment deadlines as all students attending WVU Parkersburg. You may receive a reminder notice for payment via USPS.
When do I have to pay?
The deadlines for each semester can be found under Tuition and Fees at wvup.edu/tuition-fees or by contacting the WVU Parkersburg Business Office via phone.
What payment options are available?
- You can call the Business Office during regular business hours to pay over the phone or to discuss payment options.
- To pay online, visit wvup.edu/payment.
- Mail payment to:
WVU Parkersburg
ATTN: Business Office
300 Campus Drive
Parkersburg, WV 26104
Note: The student’s full name and/or WVUP ID number needs to be included on the memo line.
Are scholarships available for Early College?
Early College scholarships are available to students who demonstrate financial need. The completed scholarship application must be submitted to WVU Parkersburg by the deadline.
Why did I receive a 1098T tax form at the end of the calendar year?
This form is provided to students who have made tuition payments during the prior calendar year which may be eligible to deduct from your taxes. Please consult with a tax professional for more information.
After High School Graduation
Am I considered a WVU Parkersburg alum?
Yes, if you successfully complete one three credit hour course, you are considered a WVU Parkersburg alum. Email alumni@wvup.edu for more information about WVU Parkersburg Alumni Association.
Do I need to complete a new application to attend WVU Parkersburg?
If you are planning to attend WVU Parkersburg after you graduate from high school, including the summer term after high school graduation, you will need to complete a new admissions application. Please select the Admissions Application option, as you have graduated high school and will be considered a first-time freshman.
If I completed a dual credit course at a different college or university, how do I get the credit to WVU Parkersburg?
You will need to request an official transcript to be sent to the WVU Parkersburg Records Office from every college or university where you earned college credit. Your high school transcript cannot be used to transfer any college credit.
How can I send my Early College credits to another college or university?
To request an official transcript to be sent to another college or university, you will need to complete WVU Parkersburg’s transcript request form. You can do so online by visiting the college website at wvup.edu and select Services. From that menu, select Registrar/Records, scroll down and choose Transcript Request.
Do I need to fill out the FAFSA?
If you plan to use federal or state financial aid funds to cover the cost of your tuition and fees, you will need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid here or by using the myStudentAid app. Please make sure to indicate on the FAFSA you will be a first-time freshman. Even though you have earned college credits, you have not attended college as a high school graduate.
If you plan to attend WVU Parkersburg, please make sure to enter our school code 003828 on the FAFSA so we can receive your information.