Earn College Credit While in High School
Start College Now Courses
What is a ‘Start College Now’ Course?
Start College Now courses are one of two dual enrollment options – the other being Dual Credit courses. Start College Now courses enable eligible 11th and 12th-grade students to enroll in Moraine Park courses online or on campus, earning both high school and college credit simultaneously.
The school district will pay 100 percent of the tuition, fees, required textbooks and course materials for approved courses. Course approval is at the discretion of the school board.
The credits earned can transfer to Moraine Park programs, Career Academies, and many colleges and universities through transfer agreements.
Start College Now Benefits
- No tuition fees, save both time and money on future college courses.
- Challenge yourself with college-level courses while still in high school.
- Take classes online or on a college campus to experience college life.
- Save time and money by getting a head start on college coursework.
- Earn dual credit, high school and college credit at the same time.
- Graduate with a career-ready certification through a High School Career Academy.
- Enjoy greater flexibility in courses compared to Dual Credit courses.
The following 11th and 12th grade Wisconsin public high school students are eligible to apply for Start College Now:
- Must have completed 10th grade. 10th grade students in the spring semester can apply for the upcoming fall when they will be in 11th grade
- Must be in good academic standing and have no disciplinary/enrollment issues.
- Must have approval from the high school and parent/guardian. Review parent/guardian state guidelines for more information.
- Must exhibit social and emotional maturity and the self-motivation needed to take college-level coursework.
Notes:
- Students who attend a private high school or are homeschooled are ineligible for the Start College Now program.
- There is the potential for mature subject matter in Start College Now courses. In addition, parent/guardian communication with the College is limited by the Family Educational Rights Protection Act (see MPTC FERPA Information). If you have questions, you can contact the recruitment office at recruitment@morainepark.edu or by calling 920-924-3208, TTY/VP: Use Relay/VRS
- MPTC courses typically use the online learning platform Canvas. Canvas does not work well with Chromebooks. Read the FAQs for online learning.
- Moraine Park has a maximum limit of 22 credits per semester to support the success of students. Students may request credit limit exceptions on a case by case basis. This limit also includes any combination of dual enrollment (dual credit, contract and Start College Now.)
- Start College Now students are eligible to use College support services such as tutoring, disability resources, advising and more. Exception: Students under 18 years of age who seek mental health or personal counseling will be referred to services at their respective high school.
- Start College Now students are not eligible for Moraine Park Foundation scholarships or Financial Aid.
- Meet with your high school counselor to determine if Start College Now (SNC) is right for you.
- Students submit a completed and parent/guardian signed Start College Now (SCN) application to their high school by March 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester.
- High schools approve and send SCN applications to recruitment@morainepark.edu AND include an unofficial high school transcript and ACT test scores (if available). MPTC must receive by April 30 for the fall semester and November 30 for the spring semester.
- MPTC will text students when their SCN application has been received. Note: This does not mean “you’re in” just yet.
- Applications are reviewed by MPTC to ensure students meet course requirements. Next steps will be communicated by email to the student, high school, and parent/guardian within four business days.
- Course registration details will be sent via email to each student.
- Students register for their course(s) by phone, or in-person at one of our three campus locations, or an online form.
- Courses are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Students must identify themselves as SCN at the time of registration to ensure proper payment coding.
- Orientation details will be emailed to students and parents. MPTC will review rules, expectations, coursework standards, accessing MPTC student accounts, and more.
2025-26 Academic Year
- August 13 Orientation Session (online 11:30 am and 5:30 pm, on campus 2:00 pm)
- August 25 Start of Fall 2025 semester
- October 1 Spring semester student application due to high school counselor
- November 11 Spring semester registration for MPTC program students (this includes students admitted in High School Career Academy (HSCA) programs)
- November 12 Registration Session (online 11:30 am and 5:30 pm)
- December 3 Spring semester registration for all SCN students
- December 19 Last day of Fall 2025 semester
- January 7 Orientation Session (online 11:30 am and 5:30 pm)
- January 19 First day of Spring 2026 semester
- March 1 Fall semester student application due to high school counselor
- April 14 Fall semester registration for new MPTC program students (this includes students admitted in High School Career Academy (HSCA) programs)
- April 14 Registration Session (online 11:30 am and 5:30 pm)
- April 29 Fall semester registration for all SCN students
- May 15 Last day of Spring 2026 semester
High School Career Academies
What is a Career Academy?
Students can apply their Start College Now course credits to one of several High School Career Academies to earn a college-level certification while still in high school at little to no cost.
Each Career Academy is a set of classes focused on a specific career area, such as Business, IT, Healthcare, or Manufacturing.
Choose from a variety of Career Academies to start building your future today!
Abby Roecker
Driven by her passion for making a meaningful impact in people’s lives, Roecker is part of Moraine Park’s Pre-Health Academy, where she’s gaining a strong foundation in the field.
She’s already completed courses like Medical Terminology, General Anatomy & Physiology, and Nursing Assistant, setting herself up for success in her future health care program at Moraine Park.
As an Academy student, Roecker is earning college credits in two ways: Dual Credit, where she takes college-level courses at her high school, taught by her own teachers, and Start College Now, which allows her to attend classes at Moraine Park, taught by college faculty, all at no cost.
No, but there are exceptions. Students who plan to take the Nursing Assistant (CNA) or EMT class or are completing a certificate or degree as part of a high school academy, must complete program admission with the required application fee. Nursing Assistant and EMT also have a $45 criminal background check. These fees are the responsibility of the student.
Start College Now is not available for summer.
High school credit earned is at the discretion of the high school district.
No. Class sizes are limited and times, dates, campus locations, and delivery formats vary. Classes are filled on a first come, first-served basis. We encourage SCN students to register for their classes as soon as they are allowed for the best possible choices. Students may want to list alternative courses on the original SCN form so that their high school can pre-determine the acceptability of back-up options.
No. Per state statute 118.55, 2(a), sub. (7t) (c), students may alternate by semester but cannot participate in both programs concurrently. Students may still enroll in contracted courses and/or dual credit with the technical college while enrolled in ECCP. This statute only refers to concurrent enrollment in SCN and ECCP.
There is no limit on courses a student may take; however, high school districts may have a policy which limits the total number of college credits earned through SCN and ECCP (Early College Credit Program).
No. A SCN student is expected to follow Moraine Park’s academic calendar and may need to be in class when their high school is off. Semester start and end dates will also be different.
No, not if it was approved by MPTC and your high school as part of Start College Now. If you receive a bill, please contact MPTC recruitment at 920-924-3208 or recruitment@morainepark.edu to ensure your course registration is properly coded.
Yes, BUT you will be responsible for all costs. You also must meet all pre-requisites listed for the class, just as you would for Start College Now. Additionally, if it is during the school day, your high school must approve it under the compulsory attendance law.
There are several reasons that a high school may deny a class. Please check with your high school.
Moraine Park typically denies a class because you don’t meet the class pre-requisite or co-requisite. The recruitment staff can provide details.
A pre-requisite is a requirement that must be completed before you can enroll in a class. A co-requisite is a requirement that must be taken at the same time as the class you wish to take.
A. If you started your class but want to withdraw, immediately reach out to your assigned recruiter. They will discuss the withdrawal process, refund rules and impact of dropping a class that has already begun.
B. If your class(es) hasn’t started yet, you are responsible for notifying your college recruiter, using self-service, OR contacting MPTC Student Services office to officially drop from classes you do not intend to begin! Any student absent the first day of a class (online or in-person) will be administratively withdrawn and receive a grade of WN (withdrawal non-attendance.) Additionally, the high school will be refunded at 80% AND the student may be held responsible for the 20% difference, based on the policy of their high school.
See MPTC’s College Catalog for more details about the No Show procedure.
Accommodations are available for Start College Now students. You must work with both your high school and an Accommodation Specialist at the College to ensure that needs will be met. This should be done at least eight weeks before classes begin. Start by submitting an accommodation request and creating an Accommodate Account.
Purchase your books online at Moraine Park’s eCampus – or through other online vendors of your choice. Order at least a week before classes begin.
TIP: Find your course, click the green down arrow and look what books are needed here.
Yes. This decision is up to the high school district. Check your high school’s policy.
MyMPTC Student is a portal where a student will add/drop classes, pay for classes, add or update contact information, access their class schedule, MPTC email, Canvas and more. Canvas is the College’s online Learning Management System. The VIP Account is used to submit your college admission application.
Questions? Contact MPTC recruitment. Email recruitment@morainepark.edu or call 920-924-3208 TTY/VP: Use Relay/VRS
DPI oversees the rules and information about Start College Now and the ECCP. Please visit the WTCS website for more information.
Questions?
Review our Resources and First Steps section to learn more about dual enrollment courses and how to get started. Explore upcoming online and in-person events and reach out to our friendly recruiters if you have any further questions.
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