Get Ahead With UNH Early College Online
Earn College Credits While in High School!
The University of New Hampshire (UNH) has partnered with the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS)
to offer high school students a unique opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. Through UNH
Early College Online, students can take college-level courses that count toward both their high school graduation
requirements and future college degrees, giving them a head start on their academic journey.
What is UNH Early College Online?
UNH Early College Online is a dual enrollment program designed for motivated high school students who want to challenge themselves with college coursework. These fully online courses provide a flexible learning experience, allowing students to explore subjects of interest while earning transferable college credits.
Why Dual Enrollment is a Smart Choice for Students
Earn College Credit in High School
Get a head start on your degree by earning four (4) transferable UNH college credits for each course you successfully complete. Students may earn up to 28 credits through Early College.
Explore Subjects That Interest You
Early College Online lets you dive into college-level coursework in subjects that match your passions and career goals—all in a flexible, high-quality online learning environment.
Big Savings
Through our partnership with the NH Department of Education and VLACS, students only pay $150 which includes instructional materials—making college more affordable than ever (this represents a savings of $1170 per course at the regular UNH CPS tuition rate)!
Prepare for College Success
Experience college-level expectations while still in high school, helping you build confidence and academic skills that will set you up for success.
How Does It Work?
Students must meet these criteria to enroll in Early College Online courses through UNH CPS and VLACS:
Be a current high school student (sophomore, junior, or senior)
Homeschool students aged 15 or older are also eligible
Complete courses before turning 21 years old
Have not yet earned a high school diploma
Not be expelled from a school or diploma-granting program
Create a VLACS student account (required for funding and enrollment)* Visit VLACS
IMPORTANT: Students who do not create a VLACS account will not receive high school credit and will be charged full tuition for a UNH College of Professional Studies course.
Explore Our Early College Courses
Browse available Early College Online courses through UNH and VLACS. Start dates will align with UNH CPS semesters.
How to Register and Enroll in UNH Early College Online Courses
1. Check Eligibility: Your school counselor and members of the VLACS team can help you and your family choose courses that align with your future plans while also ensuring you’ll be on track to meet all necessary graduation requirements.
2. Register: Once you confirm that the course aligns with your schedule and graduation requirements, you’ll complete the enrollment process directly with VLACS.
Go to their enrollment page, select K-12 (part-time) and create an account.
3. Start Learning: After completing the enrollment steps, VLACS will assign the student to the class and will provide the student with information needed to access course and reference materials.
FAQs
Have questions about UNH Early College Online? Below are some common inquiries to help you understand the
program and how it works.
What is Early College enrollment?
Early College through UNH and VLACS is an Early College program that allows high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to pursue college level coursework and simultaneously earn credit toward both college and high school graduation requirements.
How long are Early College courses?
UNH courses are offered for a full semester (approximately 16 weeks long). Fall semester runs from late August to early December. Spring semester runs from mid-January to early May. See our Early College Academic Calendar section.
I have an IEP or a 504 plan. Can I take Early College classes?
Yes, VLACS will work with you to obtain a copy of your educational plan. VLACS will create an accommodation plan (approved by UNH) for the student to access while taking the Early College class.
Are these courses fully online?
Yes, all Early College courses will be taught online through VLACS.
What classes should I enroll in?
Early College courses serve the purpose of completing high school requirements while simultaneously earning college credits. Students should meet with their high school counselor or advisor to ensure that the courses are meeting the academic needs or interests of the student.
Who can enroll in Early College courses?
Sophomores who have completed sophomore English, juniors, and seniors are eligible to register for Early College classes.
Are homeschooled students eligible for Early College enrollment?
Absolutely, UNH and VLACS welcome students to enroll in Early College courses if this coursework aligns with your academic interests and needs.
What should I expect when I take an Early College course?
Students should be prepared to step up for the challenge of taking a college course. Expectations such as working hard, managing your time wisely and communicating effectively with your instructor will be pivotal in succeeding in a college level course.
How many Early College courses can I take?
Students are eligible to take up to 7 classes (28 credits) as a part of the Early College program with VLACS and UNH.
How much does an Early College course cost through VLACS and UNH?
For NH families, fees are $150 per 4-credit course to cover administrative costs. An online course at UNH is currently $1320 so this is a significant savings to start your college education.
For out-of-state students, VLACS charges a tuition fee. For more information, please access the VLACS tuition page here.
Is there financial aid available?
Each college course is tuition free and resources to complete the course are included so financial aid is not available. The $150 fee per course covers administrative costs.
Do I need to purchase any textbooks for my Early College course?
No, each course will be using open resources so there will not be any cost to purchase textbooks.
What resources will I have access to if I enroll in an Early College course?
Each student will have access to the UNH Online Library. Once a student is enrolled in the class, they will receive instructions from VLACS on how to access the library.
What courses are available to take UNH Early College?
View UNH Early College courses on the VLACS website here.
How do I register for an Early College course with UNH and VLACS?
Students will register for Early College classes by first creating an account on the VLACS website.* *Students must register for dual enrollment Early College courses through VLACS and not through UNH to receive “free tuition.”
Students will select the Early College class they wish to enroll in and request it through the VLACS website.
Students will complete the registration process and VLACS will assign them to the class.
Once enrolled, students will complete the UNH Account Form. This form is necessary for students to access the UNH Online Library and receive a UNH transcript.
What if I sign up for a class but am unable to complete it?
Students should communicate this directly with their VLACS professor. Students can view the deadlines to drop or withdraw from a full semester course in the Early College Academic Calendar section.
What is the difference between dropping and withdrawing from a course?
If a student drops a course within the first two weeks of the course, which is within the window of the drop deadline, they can drop the course without an academic penalty. Withdrawals will remain on the student’s college transcript. Students can view dates in the deadlines section.
Will I receive a grade for both high school and college when the course is complete?
Yes, you will receive a high school grade that will be listed on your VLACS transcript and a UNH grade that will be listed on your UNH transcript.
Will my grades be weighted on my high school transcript?
Students should check with their high school counselor or principal to find out the weighting policies of dual enrollment classes on the high school transcript.
Will my grades for Early College courses count towards my college GPA?
Yes, if the student enrolls as a student at the University of New Hampshire. The courses taken through Early College are identical to those taken through UNH both on campus and online. The course content and assessments are the same. The grade and GPA value will be included as part of the student record at UNH.*
*It is the student's responsibility to check with other colleges and universities to ask about the transfer policies for Early College classes taken through UNH.
Will my credits transfer to UNH and other colleges and universities?
Early College courses earn credits through the University of New Hampshire and will appear as college credits taken at UNH. It is the student's responsibility to check with other colleges and universities to ask about the transfer policies for courses taken at another institution.
Will I receive college credit when I complete each course?
Yes, students will earn four (4) college credits per course if they successfully complete the course. Some institutions may require a final grade of C- or higher to receive transfer credit. It is the student’s responsibility to check with other colleges and universities to determine how their credits may be applied toward their degree plan.
How do I request a transcript from UNH once I have completed the course?
Transcripts should be ready approximately 2 weeks after an Early College course is completed. You can request a transcript here with the following steps:
1. Visit the Parchment website.
2. Follow the step-by-step instructions to place your order, including delivery options and fees. View this video for how to create a Parchment account.
3. View this video for a tutorial on how to order transcripts in Parchment.
4. Order updates will be emailed to you.
Important Dates:
First Semester | |
|---|---|
Date | Information |
August 1-September 12 | Classwork may begin. |
September 12 | Last day to enroll. |
October 24 | Last day to withdraw. |
December 19 | Coursework must be complete. |
Second Semester | |
|---|---|
Date | Information |
January 2-February 6 | Classwork may begin. |
February 6 | Last day to enroll. |
March 27 | Last day to withdraw. |
May 15 | Coursework must be complete. |
The UNH Advantage
No matter your learning style or life plans, UNH has a path for you after Early College. Whether you’re looking for an on-campus experience or the flexibility of online learning, you’ll find nationally recognized programs, supportive faculty, and a community ready to help you succeed.
- Top-Tier Research University
UNH is a Carnegie R1 institution—recognized for the highest level of research activity—and a national leader in innovation and public service. - Top-Ranked Online Programs
UNH’s College of Professional Studies is consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best in the nation for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, offering flexible 8-week courses designed for students balancing school, work, or other commitments. - Accredited and Respected
As a public, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), your credits hold weight, whether you continue at UNH or transfer elsewhere. - Affordable
The University of New Hampshire is the No. 7 “Best Value” public university in the country according to the U.S. News & World Report Best College rankings. - Transfer-Friendly
Early College credits can be applied toward associate and bachelor’s degrees at UNH, or reviewed for transfer to other colleges and universities. - Dedicated Support
From admissions to career advising, our team helps you map out a clear path to college and career success.
Resources for School Counselors
Help your students get a head start on college! UNH Early College Online offers flexible, accredited courses that allow high school students to earn college credit before graduation. By sharing this opportunity, you can support students in exploring college coursework, saving time and money, and building confidence for their future. Visit our School Counselor Resource Page for program details, registration steps, advising tools and working with VLACS.
Making College More Accessible, Affordable, and Achievable
UNH Early College Online is the dual enrollment program of the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies, offered in collaboration with VLACS. Together, with support from the NH Department of Education, we’re providing an exciting option for motivated high school students (who have achieved sophomore English or equivalent) to register for challenging college-level coursework.
As New Hampshire’s flagship public university, we’re committed to delivering a flexible, high-quality online learning experience. Students who successfully complete a course (with a C- or better) will earn four (4) transferable UNH college credits—giving them a valuable head start on their college journey.
The best part? Thanks to our partnership with VLACS and the NH Department of Education, students only pay $150 which includes instructional materials—making college more affordable than ever.
By working together, UNH and VLACS are making college more accessible, affordable, and achievable for high school students.