Early College
Earn College Credit While Still In High School
Get on the fast track to earning college credit while still in high school with our Early College Programs. Triton College Early College offers several ways to jumpstart college, while saving money.

Dual Credit
College level courses taken at partnering high schools. College credit and high school credits earned.
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Dual Enrollment
College courses taken on Triton's Campus. College credits earned and can be used as reverse credit for high school requirements.
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Dual Degree
The Dual Degree program provides selected in-district high school juniors the opportunity to complete their Associate in Arts or Associates in Science degree while they complete their high school diploma simultaneously.
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Career Academy
Career-focused college courses taken on Triton's Campus. College credits earned and aligned for reverse credit for high school requirements. Select programs lead to certification and/or eligibility for state or national certification exams.
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Overview
Triton College Early College programs offer high school students the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school. Triton College and its high school partners worked together to align curriculum to meet the learning objectives, course content, and academic rigor of college-level courses. Enrollment is available to academically motivated high school students. Upon successful completion, students earn college credit or a certificate of completion. Contact your high school counselor for additional information.
Participating High Schools
Triton College has also partnered with the following out-of-district high schools for select dual credit opportunities in academic programs not offered through their home community college:
* After graduating high school, out-of-district students that are interested in completing an Associate of Applied Science or certificate program not offered at their home community college may also be able to receive in-district tuition at Triton College by applying for a Joint Agreement 30 days prior to the start of the semester. *
Student and Parent Information
Parents & Guardians of Prospective Students
Is the Triton College Early College program the right fit for your student? To succeed in this program, your child should have excellent study skills, self-discipline, and motivation. Students also need to attend class and participate at the same level as regular college students.
What are the benefits? Your student will:
- Experience what college is like, which can help make the transition from high school to college easier as well as provide information for future educational decisions
- Partake in a college atmosphere that may help your child excel in learning
Please remember to talk to your student’s high school teachers and counselors about whether Early College is a good match for your child. Remember that as an Early College student, your child is considered a college student and must accept responsibility for his or her education as the academic outcomes will be a part of their official college record and transcript. It is important to consider the maturity level of your student; some students who may be academically ready, may be overwhelmed by the independence and the rate of college classes.
Consider this…
Taking classes on the high school campus can save hundreds of dollars in tuition and books! However, for classes taken on the Triton College campus, you may be responsible for the cost of books, supplies, non-course related fees and transportation to and from college. Fees are subject to change, and financial aid is not available for Early College students. Contact your high school counselor for more information.
Participating in the Triton College’s Early College program puts the student at an advantage. At Triton, we know that two credits are better than one. High school students can earn multiple college credits prior to graduating from high school. The Advantages:
- Seamless transition from high school to college
- Reduced cost of enrolling in higher education courses
- Access to college facilities and resources such as tutoring services, computer labs and counseling services
Triton College also has a long history of helping students succeed. Early College students enjoy the advantage of academic support from the community college and its faculty due to the close relationship between the local high school and the college. This local support makes all the difference. Benefits of community college Dual Credit/Career Academy/Dual Enrollment/Dual Degree courses include the following:
- Students attend classes at the local college campus or on their high school campus
- Instructors are more accessible
- Class sizes are often smaller, creating a lower teacher/student ratio
- Students have access to college facilities and resources such as 24/7 tutoring services, computer labs, libraries, and counseling services
The Triton College Early College Program can create a new and open experience in your child's academic, social and personal life while they continue to participate in high school sports, clubs or other extracurricular activities. Be aware that the student will most likely miss some of the high school experience due to the additional commitment of taking college courses.
Upon enrollment in Early College, your child will be considered a college student. Your child is expected to conduct themselves as a responsible adult. This includes, but is not limited to, attending class, seeking academic help, and addressing any problems they may have directly with their instructors.
Triton College is required by law to inform students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which involves keeping student records confidential. Without a student’s written permission, Triton WILL NOT share student records with anyone but the student and appropriate college and high school representatives. Students who wish to share information with their parents must complete the FERPA Release Form.
Current Students
Welcome to Triton College! We are excited that you have chosen to get a "jump-start" on your higher education & careers goals by enrolling in our Early College program. This section contains some helpful information and resources for first-time students, returning students, and graduating high school seniors with Early College coursework.
Congrats! You've completed registration and now you're all set to prepare for the semester ahead.
All qualified students are issued a MyPortal account where they will be able to access their student email, information about grades, finances and courses. Blackboard is where students will be able to locate specific course information and syllabi for courses they are enrolled in as well as access to online only courses. Please follow the directions on the MyPortal account page to login to your account.
The college credits you receive from Early College are separate from the high school credits earned. In order for your college credits to transfer to your school of choice, you will need to request your official Triton transcript to be sent to that institution and not just your high school transcript. Please contact the Transfer Center for more information. Transcripts may be requested through the Records Department here.
APPLY TO TRITON and complete the Undergraduate form
Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships (Optional)
Submit Official Transcripts & Documents
- All documents should be dropped off in the Records Office, Room B-220, or mailed from your school. Official college transcripts and ACT scores may also be submitted, if applicable. All incoming transcripts are automatically evaluated. If you have questions or would like to check on the status of an evaluation, contact the Records Office at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3213 or email records@triton.edu.
Take the Placement Exam (if applicable)
Complete the New Student Orientation
Register for classes!
- Registering for classes can be done in-person, over the phone, or through the student portal. Classes fill quickly, so it is important to register early for the best selection of courses and class meeting times. Students who completed orientation online must meet with an advisor to register for class. Advisors are available to all students seeking assistance in course selection and academic planning.
Class Tuition Payment
- After registration, students should pay their tuition or make payment arrangements as quickly as possible to avoid being dropped from classes. * Payments can be made at the Cashier’s Office, located in the Student Center, Room B-130. Students receiving Financial Aid will receive additional information about any portion of tuition they may still owe.
Academic Advising Department
Advisors facilitate a smooth transition for incoming students through course placement,
registration, academic planning and assistance with obtaining relevant information
and services.
Academic Success Center
FREE, individual and group tutoring, mentoring and learning communities, as well as ongoing
academic review workshops.
VitaNavis - Career Assessment
Discover majors and in-demand careers and education based on your interests!
Center for Access & Accommodative Services
The Center for Access and Accommodative Services (CAAS) arranges access and academic
accommodations for students who submit a completed AIM form and provide current documentation of a medical condition and/or disability that
affects their academic performance.
College Book Store
Locate the required textbook(s) and course materials for your dual credit classes.
The bookstore also has a wide selection of school supplies and Triton College clothing
and accessories for purchase to show your Triton Trojan Pride!
Online & Flexible Learning
The Library is the student support center for all Online/Blackboard courses. Contact
the Library at 708-456-0300, Ext. 3215, or complete the Library Services Help form.
Triton College Library
The library provides many resources, including in-person and on-line research assistance, database and digital book access, as well as library services for book and technology loans, access-related technology issues (Triton email and portal, MFA, Blackboard), and study room reservations. For additional information, please contact Library Services via email at libraryservices@triton.edu, through the Library Services Help form, or by phoning (708) 456-0300, ext. 3215.
Student Life
The Office of Student Life has something for everyone. From leadership opportunities
and community service to social events and entertainment, getting involved is easy!
Find something you enjoy or challenge yourself to do something new. Either way, don't
let your college years pass you by. GET INVOLVED!
Testing Center
The Triton College Testing Center provides testing services for Triton students, staff,
and community members, and adheres to the Professional Standards and Guidelines of
the National College Testing Association.
Transfer Center
The Transfer Center provides a variety of services to assist students in the transfer
exploration process. The mission of the Triton College Transfer Center is to provide
comprehensive support services and resources that will enhance awareness and empower
students to transfer into four-year institutions.
Contacts
Triton College
2000 Fifth Avenue, Room B-120
River Grove, IL 60171
(708) 456-0300, Ext. 3980
earlycollege@triton.edu
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (June & July)
Early College Staff
Dean, Early College Programs
Room B-120F
(708) 456-0300, X-3593
brandiewindham@triton.edu
Click HERE to send any questions and/or comments you may have