Why UA Early College

It’s a smart way to spend time and money.

You’ll save on tuition costs because a UA Early College Scholarship reduces tuition, making it affordable. And you’ll be able to get a degree sooner by earning up to 30 hours of college credit in high school.

It rewards hard work-with UA admission.

Sometimes a standardized test doesn’t tell the whole story. Students who graduate from high school and complete 17 credit hours in UA Early College with a 2.5 grade point average or higher are eligible for admission to The University of Alabama without submitting SAT/ACT scores. (Note that students who wish to apply for scholarships and/or University Honors will need to provide standardized test scores and any other items required for these applications.)

It gets you ahead-but not too far ahead.

UA Early College gives you more options and flexibility. You’ll still be eligible for freshman scholarships, activities and traditional admission to UA Honors College. You can study abroad or enter the job market sooner.

It gets you in the right classes at the right time.

Avoid the rush of getting into some of the University’s most popular on-campus freshmen classes. UA Early college provides the online, distance versions of freshmen general education requirements so that you'll have an easier time scheduling your first on-campus semester.

Your credit hours are good to go.

Because UA is fully accredited by SACS, your credits are ready to go anywhere you do. All courses are approved and delivered as bachelor’s-level credit and can transfer broadly to other colleges or universities, subject to the course acceptance policies of the transfer institution. The Alabama statewide articulation agreement (STARS) prevents the loss of credit hours upon transfer to an appropriate public four-year university in Alabama.

Online study, on your own time

UA Early College courses are online and available 24/7. That means students can access course material at any time, and can work ahead of their deadlines. Early College instructors are available by email and also by video conference at ’virtual office hours.’

Student-centered instruction

Early College instructors are SACS-accredited, masters of their respective disciplines. They are focused on the academic potential of their students, and are available by email, phone, webchat, and WIMBA videoconference to discuss coursework and assignments. Peer Coaches assist students in the transition from high school to college, helping them learn the ropes of eLearning, online resources, and other aspects of UA Early College.

Academic advising

At UA Early College, we help students make the best decisions about coursework. We carefully consider each student’s time commitments and academic obligations (high school courses, extracurriculars, athletics, part-time jobs, etc.), and help them decide which courses to take, and when to take them.

Parent Support

The UA Early College Student and Parent Services team provides continuous support to parents as well as students. We are available to help in all aspects of your transition - in understanding university systems, where to go for help, and how to prepare your student for success in college.

Summer

During summer terms, students will be eligible to classes on campus as well as participate in our On Campus Experience. This allows students to live on campus while attending classes and get a taste of the full college experience.

It complements your high school studies

UA Early College students are encouraged to take the most rigorous course of study available in their own high schools (advanced/honors diploma, AP/IB curricula, etc.) UAEC courses are designed to complement and supplement the options already available to students at their high schools.