Early Middle College (EMC)

At Delta, all students who are currently attending high school and Delta College are considered dual enrolled students, no matter where you live, you’ll pay our lowest tuition rate, the in-district tuition rate. And families save money on college costs, because school districts usually pay the tuition and fees for dual enrollment students.

Each high school is different in terms of whether it covers most or all of the costs. Check with your high school guidance counselor to find out how to get started in classes at Delta College.

School sponsored enrollment

All students should meet with their high school counselor or designated high school official to discuss eligibility and dual enrollment opportunities. Once approved, the dual enrollment authorization form (PDF) will be filled out by your high school guidance counselor with you and your parent/guardian's signature is required. In many cases your high school will make full payment for you to take classes. If the amount your school pays does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the difference by the payment deadline. 

Self-pay enrollment

Tuition and fees are due by the payment due date each semester. Students who have not paid for their classes by the end of the business day on the payment due date may be dropped from their classes.

Payments may be made online through Student Self-Service. Or contact the Cashier’s Office at 989-686-9394 to pay by phone.

Participation in an EMC may begin as early as grade 9. Students must declare their intent to participate in the EMC before they begin grade 11. EMC participants follow a deliberately designed course of study. Students may earn a college degree and/or a certificate by taking some college classes during grades 9-12 and then attend college full time during grade 13.

Classes are taken at high school, a college campus or in a blended format (part on-line and part classroom). The student’s Educational Development Plan (EDP) must reflect the 5th year of instruction and is signed by the student, the parent and school official. Students can walk with their class at graduation; however, their diploma will be held until the completion of their 13th year. 

Research clearly demonstrates the value of completing post-secondary training. Students earning an associate’s degree (or higher) or a vocational certification have a lifetime earning potential of nearly $1 million more than a student who completes a high school diploma with no additional training. 

An Early College provides a 5th year of support and college/vocational funding to high school students who choose to take advantage of this opportunity. Students electing to participate in the college path benefit from entering their new college with college credit, while maintaining freshman scholarship opportunities. 

Early College students have full graduation privileges. They will walk with their graduating class and are eligible to participate in the same activities afforded to students with senior class status. However, learner’s high school diplomas are awarded following the completion of their fifth academic year in the Early College program.

High School students are eligible to participate in high school athletics through their senior year. 

In November of 2022 the House Bills 6039 and 6040 were passed amending the Postsecondary Options Act and Career and Technical Preparation Act regarding Early Middle College (EMC) fifth year students participating in collegiate athletics. 

Starting in the fall of 2023, fifth year Early Middle College students may participate in collegiate athletics if the student has completed all their high school graduation requirements, exhausted their high school athletic eligibility, and received written approval from the NJCAA prior to participation in NJCAA athletics.

NJCAA student athletes must be enrolled full-time at the college, which is 12 or more credits, and they are allowed two seasons of intercollegiate eligibility.