Jefferson College Logo

Early College

Jefferson College offers several options to students who wish to accelerate their academic careers by earning college credit while still in high school. Students attending public or private high schools and homeschooled students may apply. Tuition is greatly reduced in these programs, providing substantial savings for students and families seeking to keep college affordable.

These early college programs provide numerous benefits. Students will:
  • encounter challenging learning opportunities that enhance and extend the high school curriculum.
  • avoid unnecessary duplication in coursework when moving from high school to college.
  • access academic and social support services and materials available to college students, including advising, library, and tutoring services.
  • increase college readiness, easing the transition from high school to college.
  • complete degree programs in a shorter time period.
  • participate in college activities.
  • save money. Jefferson College has agreements with many local high schools that allow the student to only pay one-third of an already discounted tuition rate, resulting in a cost of only $75 per three credit hour course. In comparison, a three credit hour course at a public university in Missouri can cost more than $1,000.
High school and homeschooled students have the following options for early college programs through Jefferson College.

Qualified high school students may take general education college courses through Jefferson College in cooperation with Jefferson County school districts. These courses are completed at the student’s home high school and are taught by high school instructors holding Jefferson College credentials. The credits earned can be applied toward both high school graduation and a college degree.

Students may choose to earn college credit by taking courses on a Jefferson College campus or online while simultaneously attending high school. These courses may count for both high school and college credit.

Jefferson College was the first community college in the state designated as an Area Technical School that allows county high school students to participate in several career/technical education programs. Courses in some of these programs also earn college credit. Students may complete technical skills assessments and earn highly marketable industry recognized credentials through these programs, enabling them to present themselves as especially qualified to employers. Bus transportation is provided for students to and from their high schools to attend classes at the Jefferson College campus in Hillsboro.

Jefferson College is a postsecondary institutional member of NACEP, the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, Inc.

Jefferson College’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is now available. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for Jefferson College. The policy statements address Jefferson College’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, for example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses.

Additionally, this report contains information regarding campus security and personal safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, fire safety, Jefferson College Campus Police Department enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures, and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus. Also included are crime statistics for three previous calendar years which were reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the school, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.

This report is available online at: /wp-content/uploads/old_files/files/PR/Web/Consumer-Info/2023/annual-security-fire-safety-report.pdf.

You may also request a paper copy from the Jefferson College Police Department by phone at 636-481-3500 or at Jefferson College Hillsboro - 802 Mel Carnahan Drive, Apartment 214, Hillsboro, MO 63050; Jefferson College Arnold - 1687 Missouri State Road, Arnold, MO 63010; or Jefferson College Imperial - 4400 Jeffco Boulevard, Arnold, MO 63010.

Â