Early Access High School Students
High school students may attend West Virginia Northern while still in high school any semester after the end of their sophomore year. This option is also available for home-schooled students. Early Access students who successfully complete college-level courses may use the credits toward graduation at Northern and/or have the credits transferred to other colleges and universities.
To get the best plan for your future, check in with your high school designee - they’ll help you choose the right program path and classes!
How to Apply & Register
In order to register for college coursework while in high school, a student must:
- Complete the Online Early Access Application. When choosing Major Code, make sure to select Early Access 025.
- Complete the Early Access Registration Form listing the courses in which you would like to enroll for the year.
- The form must be approved by your parent/guardian as well as a high school principal or designee.
- If staff are unable to register you due to missing prerequisites, active holds, or other errors, you will be contacted to resolve the issue.
- You must use your WVNCC student email when contacting the college and address your message to earlyaccess@wvncc.edu.
Early Access students are eligible for a reduced tuition rate which is published on the College's Schedule of Tuition page.
If Early Access students wish to have transcripts of grades sent to any third party, they may do so by completing transcript request forms and paying the appropriate fees. See the Request a Transcript page for details.
Check out the Let’s Get Started Guide for information about the student portal, student email, registration, payment, books, college services, and more.
How to Choose Your Program & Courses
High school students can take WVNCC classes for college credit as long as they meet the course prerequisites. However, some programs, like Nursing, are not included.
There are two ways to enroll:
- Concurrent Enrollment - Earn college credit only.
- Dual Enrollment - Earn both high school and college credit (check with your school to see which classes qualify).
If you have a degree or career in mind, consider taking classes that align with that path. Even if you're unsure, Early Access gives you a great head start on college and your future!
- Explore Programs - Visit the Career Pathways & Programs page to see available degrees and certificates.
Note: The Early Access tuition discount does not apply to Short-Term Training, Non-Credit, or Community Education courses. - Select a Program - Choose a One-Year Certificate or Two-Year Degree program. Click Additional Information to see recommended courses.
- Review Courses - Click course titles to read descriptions and check prerequisites.
- Check Dual Credit Eligibility - Talk to your high school counselor to see which courses count for both high school and college credit.
- Register for Early Access - Complete the registration form (you’ll need a WVNCC Student ID, which is created during admissions).
- Plan Your Schedule - Visit Schedule Planner to choose your classes. Some high school onsite courses may not be listed but can be noted on the registration form.
The WVNCC Early Access team is here to help! Reach out to us at earlyaccess@wvncc.edu with any questions.