Start College Now (SCN) & Early College Credit Program (ECCP)
Start College Now (SCN)
Under Act 59, which restructured and replaced Youth Options in 2017, Start College Now (SCN) is a program that allows eligible high school Junior and Seniors to take college courses at Wisconsin technical colleges while earning college and high school credit. Eligible students must meet certain criteria set by legislative guidelines:
Eligibility Criteria
- Students can take up to 18 credits in 11th-12th grade offered by all Wisconsin Technical Colleges.
- Students enrolled in a technical college may not be enrolled in another post-secondary institution.
- The grades earned are included in the student’s GPA.
- The student may not exceed 9 high school credits during the school year.
- The course(s) cannot be comparable to a course offered in the high school.
- The course(s) need to satisfy a graduation requirement.
Application Deadlines:
- October 1st – Spring semester
- March 1st – Fall semester
Cost
Wisconsin public schools are required to cover 100% of the tuition costs and materials.
Early College Credit Program (ECCP)
Similar to Start College Now, Early College Credit program (ECCP) is another dual-enrollment opportunity for Wisconsin public school students.
ECCP allows high school students to take college courses and earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.
The main difference between the programs is ECCP focuses on Wisconsin public and private universities (such as the University of Wisconsin System, private colleges, and tribal colleges).
Students must meet the academic requirements of the college or university where they wish to enroll.
Cost
If approved, Wisconsin public schools are required to pay 75% of the tuition and provide the material. The State pays 25% of the tuition costs.
If a student is approved for “College Credit Only”, the school district still pays 25%, the State pays 50%, and the student/family pays 25%.
Marshfield High School and ECCP and SCN
- Students and families work directly with technical schools or UW Colleges. The application process is prompted with the student/families.
- Marshfield high school counselors have become very familiar with Start College Now and Early College Credit Program. They work directly with students and families who apply for either program.
- Guidance is provided through the Director of Teaching and Learning who works/ collaborates directly with the Department of Public Instruction and high school staff for local decision-making.
- Information is provided to students each year in the course handbook under “Credits Beyond High School”.
Common Benefits
Opportunity to start accumulating college credits while still in high school, which may reduce the time and cost of earning a college degree.
Access to courses that are not offered at a local high school.
Broader exposure to university-level academics, which can help prepare students for the rigors of college life.
Common Challenges
Challenges with transportation, scheduling conflict, course availability, or credit transfer, especially when students move out of state.
Cost for local public schools.
Comparison of Start College Now (SCN) & Early College Credit Program (ECCP)
| Feature |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Available To | 11th-12th grade students | 9th-12th grade students |
| Institution Type | Wisconsin Technical Colleges | Wisconsin public/private universities |
| Maximum Credits | 18 credits | 18 credits |
| Credit Limitation | Cannot exceed 9 high school credits per year | Cannot exceed 9 high school credits per year |
| GPA Inclusion | Grades are included in GPA | Grades are included in GPA |
| Comparable High School Courses | Course cannot be comparable to a high school course | Course cannot be comparable to a high school course |
| Graduation Requirement | Courses must satisfy a graduation requirement | Courses must satisfy a graduation requirement |
| Application Deadlines | Oct 1 (Spring), March 1 (Fall) | Oct 1 (Spring), March 1 (Fall) |
| College Credit Only Option | No | Yes, if denied for graduation requirement |
| Cost Coverage | 100% covered by public schools | 75% public school, 25% state |
| Cost for College Credit Only | N/A | 25% school, 25% state, 50% family |