No Tuition Cost for High School Students
Getting a head start on college has never been more accessible. Through Northeast’s Early College program, motivated high school students can earn college credit while still completing high school—without the burden of tuition costs. This opportunity not only accelerates academic progress but also helps students build confidence and readiness for college-level coursework.
Students can take both dual credit and college credit courses, with all grades and credits earned applying toward a degree at Northeast or transferable to another institution. This gives students a valuable jumpstart on their academic and professional goals. For those still exploring their options, Early College also offers exposure to a variety of career pathways.
Whether aiming for a bachelor’s or associate degree, or seeking a fast track into the workforce, Early College allows students to save both time and money. With support from their high school counselor and/or a Northeast Early College Navigator, some students even complete a technical diploma or associate degree before they graduate high school.
The benefits of Northeast’s Early College program are extensive. Ready to take the next step toward your future? Enroll today and start building a strong foundation for success.
Please note: While all dual credit and college credit courses offered through Northeast’s Early College Program are tuition-free for high school students, some courses may require the purchase of textbooks or supplies. Students are responsible for the cost of any required course materials.
Take your next steps
The Early College Program allows currently enrolled high school juniors and seniors to register for college credit courses, including dual credit, college credit-only, Fridays @ Northeast, and Pathways 2 Tomorrow.
High school freshmen and sophomores interested in joining the program may have their school guidance counselor submit a Northeast Grade Level Waiver to the Office of Admissions and Registration for consideration. The waiver can be found in the counselor toolkit. Please note that review and approval are at the discretion of the division dean and are not guaranteed.
All Early College students must complete an Early College application. Students are encouraged to consult with their high school counselor or Early College staff for guidance throughout the application and enrollment process.
Early College students may enroll in courses at the 1000 level or higher. Multiple Measure requirements apply to anyone taking math and/or English courses. Detailed guidelines are available in the counselor toolkit or by contacting the Northeast Testing Center.
For students who do not qualify for 1000-level math courses, an alternative is offered at the high school in partnership with Northeast. The Nebraska Math Readiness Project (NMRP) is a free early intervention program designed to help prepare high school students for college-level math. Reach out to our office to learn more.
Click the Apply button above and follow these steps:
- Step 1: Fill Out Your Contact Information
Provide your personal contact details to begin the application process. - Step 2: Create a Password & Account
Set a secure password and create your account to move forward. - Step 3: Activate Your Account
Check the email you used to sign up. Find the activation message and follow the link to activate your account. - Step 4: Sign In & Begin Your Application
Once your account is activated, log in and start your application. - Step 5: Verify & Complete Additional Information
Review the information you've entered and provide any additional details required. - Step 6: Certify & Submit Your Application
Ensure all information is accurate, then certify by typing your name and submit your application. - Step 7: Confirmation Message
Once your application is successfully submitted, you'll receive a congratulatory message! - Step 8: Claim Your Account
Look for an email with instructions to claim your account. If you don't receive it within two days, contact the service center at help@northeast.edu or (800) 348-9033.
To register, login to your My Northeast account.
Different ways to earn college credit in high school
Dual Credit courses allow students to earn both high school and college credits at the same time. To offer a Dual Credit class, a school must follow guidelines that are set by the Nebraska Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission. These rules cover teacher credentials, amount of time spent in class, and coursework rigor.
Dual Credit Online and Virtual OpportunitiesA notable difference between College Credit only and Dual Credit courses is that the instructors are qualified to teach only at the college level, not at the high school level. You can take College Credit only courses in the following ways:
- With an online course, which is conducted over the internet through Canvas where the instructor and students exchange information, assignments, and tests
- By attending classes on-campus or at one of Northeast’s extended campuses.
- Virtually using a video conferencing tool, such as Zoom. The course is synchronous and will meet via video conferencing at the day(s) and time shown in the course schedule.
The Fridays @ Northeast program is a unique opportunity for high school seniors to spend Fridays on the college campuses as college students using our lab spaces and classrooms. The courses offered through Fridays @ Northeast will introduce a variety of career and technical programs and will lead into a program of study upon high school graduation. You will receive high school credit in addition to college credit per approval of the high school.
The Pathways 2 Tomorrow (P2T) program is a consortium consisting of eight school districts who pool their resources together to provide hands-on, career and technical education for students. P2T consists of five pathways: Building Construction, Welding, Health Science, Education, and Computer Science. The students also have the option to enroll in classes to earn their Commercial Driving License (CDL). All the programs offered by P2T are aligned to ensure transferability to all Nebraska public post-secondary institutions.
You've completed your application, now what?
Claim your My Northeast Account - Guide for Early College students
Send your High School Transcripts to the Admissions Office.
Admissions Mailing Address
Northeast Community College
ATTN: Admissions Office
P.O. Box 469
Norfolk, NE 68702-0469
Send your Previous College Official Transcripts to our Registrar's Office. Include any dual/college courses taken at another institution. Include any foreign college transcripts.
Registrar's Mailing Address
Northeast Community College
ATTN: Registrar's Office
P.O. Box 469
Norfolk, NE 68702-0469
Submit your ACT, SAT, MAP, or Accuplacer scores to the Admissions Office.
If you don't have current placement test scores, contact our Testing Center to schedule a MAP test. Scores are good for up to five years.
Test scores are required before you register for classes. They are used to ensure you are enrolled in the correct level of math and English courses.
Admissions Mailing Address
Northeast Community College
ATTN: Admissions Office
P.O. Box 469
Norfolk, NE 68702-0469
