The Early College Pathway Program through Mineral Area College allows Farmington High School students to earn or begin to earn either a 42 hour general education transcripted block from Mineral Area College transferable to most Missouri four-year universities or a 62 hour Associate’s of Arts degree from Mineral Area College.  The Early College Pathway Program is designed to help parents reduce the ever-increasing costs of higher education by offering students the ability to earn transferable general education blocks and degrees students at Mineral Area College before pursuing a more costly coursework at a four- year university. For example, the University of Missouri at Columbia’s tuition cost is $235 per credit hour compared to Mineral Area College’s cost of $79 per credit hour1.  Additionally, the Early College Pathway Program is a student option that will make the junior and senior year of high school both relevant and rigorous for our students.  High school students’ performance excels when students believe their coursework is relevant to their future.  Early College Pathway participants are directly earning their college credits and degrees now—students are working for their future today.  To be eligible for the program, students must meet the following criteria: (1) have a minimum 3.0 cumulative average on a 4.0 scale; (2) be at least 16 years of age; (3) have junior or senior standing at Farmington High School.

We also offer competitive annual academic scholarships for the Early Pathway Program.     Students eligible for the Early Pathway Program with a composite A.C.T. of 24 or higher are encouraged to apply for the scholarships. These scholarships  reduce the per hour cost for courses pursuant to the Mineral Area College Pathway 42 block or Associates degree programs by two-thirds for up to a total of 21 hours annually.  Scholarship award winners will be responsible for only one-third the total tuition and fees for up to 21 total college credit hours during the fall 2007, spring 2008, and summer 2008 academic term including: (1) dual enrollment courses taken at Farmington High School during the school day; (2) Mineral Area College classes taken at the Farmington Outreach Center from 3:30-7:00; (3) Mineral Area College taken on the main Park Hills campus; (4) Mineral Area College classes taken on-line, through any other outreach center, or any other Mineral Area venue.   

Early College Pathway Degree Plan

If you have any questions regarding the program please contact us:

Brian Reeves
Academic Advisor
Farmington High School
(573) 701-1310
breeves@farmington.k12.mo.us

Jay Springstead
Academic Advisor
Farmington High School
(573) 701-1310
ejspring@farmington.k12.mo.us

Melissa Yount
Junior/Senior Counselor
Farmington High School
(573) 701-1310
myount@farmington.k12.mo.us