Manchester Early College Experience
Get a Head Start on College!
Earn real college credit before you even graduate high school through Manchester University’s Early College Experience program.
Take up to two courses each semester
This isn’t your typical dual-credit setup. Instead of professors coming to your high school, you step into real college classes, either on our North Manchester campus or online.
By joining us, you experience college life firsthand. You’ll learn alongside Manchester students, taught by Manchester professors, in a genuine classroom environment. Ultimately, this hands-on approach helps you build confidence, stay motivated, and prepare for the academic expectations of college.
Enjoy full access to campus resources
- Funderburg Library
- The Success Center
- Academic Advising
- The Office of the Registrar
- The Office of Admissions
- The PERC – Manchester’s very own workout and athletic facility
Altogether, these resources ensure you’re supported from day one academically, personally, and professionally.
Application Requirements
- GPA of 3.0 (9.0 on a 12.0 scale) or higher
- Junior or senior standing
- Maximum of 2 courses per semester
- 100–200 level courses only
Pricing
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Online: $50 per credit hour
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On-Campus: $85 per credit hour
Class materials not included. No additional fees.
Helpful Links
Earn Credits That Count Toward Your Future Degree
Did you know the credits you earn through the Early College Experience count toward your future Manchester University degree? That’s right, every course credit is fully transferable. As a result, your hard work now moves you closer to your goals later.
Plus, you’ll pay reduced tuition and no student fees. You’ll also gain valuable experience. For instance, building relationships with professors and classmates, and getting a true preview of college life. In short, you’ll graduate high school with both momentum and direction.
Choose Your Pathway
Next, find the direction that fits your interests and career goals. Each pathway lets you earn real Manchester University credit while exploring what inspires you most.
Business Pathway
First, discover how ideas become successful ventures. In the Business Pathway, you’ll build a foundation in business management, marketing, finance, accounting and professional sales. gaining skills that prepare you for leadership in any organization.
Education Pathway
Make a difference by shaping the next generation. The Education Pathway helps you start your journey toward a teaching degree with fully online courses designed to build your confidence in the classroom.
Exercise Science Pathway
Turn your passion for movement and health into a career. Through this pathway, you’ll earn credits toward degrees in fields such as physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, chiropractic, and human performance.
General Core Pathway
Keep your options open while earning transferable core credits. This flexible pathway fits any major and helps you move closer to your college goals, no matter which field you choose.
Health Science Pathway
If you’re curious about medicine and healthcare, this pathway is a great place to start. You’ll explore a variety of health science courses and, as a result, begin building credits that support future study in nursing, biology, or other medical fields.
Human Services Pathway
Serve your community and advocate for others. This pathway introduces you to professions such as social work, case management, sociology, probation, and public administration, helping you turn compassion into action.
Nursing Pathway
Begin your journey toward a career in nursing. Most courses are available online, with on-campus options for math and chemistry, giving you the flexibility to start preparing for one of today’s most rewarding professions.
Psychology Pathway
Lastly, explore how people think, feel, and connect. The Psychology Pathway offers a strong start for careers in therapy, counseling, education, human resources, and beyond, wherever understanding people matters most.
Course Offerings
High school students can take advantage of courses available throughout each semester. Click on one of the areas below to expand and view courses.
SPRING 2026 ONLINE SESSION 1/28/2026 - 5/15/2026
HIST-114 United States Hist Since 1865 – 3 Credits
PSYC-110A Intro to Psychology – 4 credits
PSYC-110 Lab
COMM-110A Foundations of Human Communication – 3 credits
FYWS-111 First Year Writing Seminar – 3 credits
PEAC-110A Intro to Peace Studies – 3 credits
EXSC 107 Medical Terminology – 3 credits
*All classes offered are asynchronous
SPRING 2026 IN-PERSON SESSION 1/28/2026 - 5/15/2026
BIOL-204 Fund of Human Physiology – 3 Credits
M/W/F 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
PSYC-225 Behavior Disorders – 4 Credits
T/Th 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Prerequisite: PSYC-110
*Must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.
PSYC-225L Behavior Disorders Lab online
CHEM-101 Chemical Science (3 Credits)
M/W/F 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
It’s easy to apply to Manchester University’s Early College Experience program. Just follow these steps:
- Apply online
- Then, Complete the Parent Permission Form — sent directly to your parent or guardian’s email after you apply.
- Next, Submit your official high school transcript.
- Once you’ve applied, Undergraduate Admissions Counselor Jacob Sweet will contact you directly to guide you through the next steps.
Join Ensembles at Manchester
If you love music, we would love to have you join us!
- Symphonic Band
- Jazz Ensemble
- A Cappella Choir
