Arkansas State University-Beebe’s Early College program streamlines services for high school students seeking to get a jumpstart on their college courses.
“We have restructured the Regional Career Center and Concurrent Enrollment Office into a more unified Early College program,” said Dr. Blake Perkins, vice chancellor for academics. “The program serves area high school students earning college credit and credentials, whether they are pursuing career and technical education or general education transfer pathways in higher education.”
Early College is a collaborative partnership between the college and the participating school districts. The program allows high school students to experience the rigor and expectations of college-level learning in a supportive environment. Courses may be taken at the student’s high school or on one of the ASU-Beebe campuses, helping students build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and prepare for full-time college studies.
ASU-Beebe Early College enrollment had a 25.45% increase from 1,324 students enrolled in fall 2025 compared to 1,661 students in fall 2026.
According to a report by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships released in October 2024, eighty-one percent of dual enrollment students attended college in the first year after high school, compared with about 70% of students overall, indicating that participation in dual-credit pathways increase high school to college enrollment.
Courses offered through the Early College program provide academic credit toward high school graduation, as well as college credit and workforce-ready credentials in high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, welding, medical professions, and other career pathways.
“By earning college credit and industry-recognized credentials while still in high school, students can create a seamless pathway to success—whether their plans include entering the workforce, continuing their college education, or both,” Perkins said.
Students have the option to take general education courses through the Early College program that can lead to an ASU-Beebe associate degree and transferable pathways to four-year degree programs across the state. General education courses approved through the Arkansas Division of Higher Education’s Arkansas Course Transfer System are guaranteed to transfer to all public colleges and universities in the state.
Students interested in participating in the Early College program should contact their high school counselor for approval before enrolling in concurrent courses. They must then complete the Early College admissions application and submit the Early College Enrollment and Policy Form, along with scores from a college-approved placement exam, for registration. A new form must be submitted each semester.
For more information about early college opportunities, students and families are encouraged to reach out to their high school counselor or contact the ASU-Beebe Office of Early College at concurrent@asub.edu or (501) 882-8832.
Additional details about the ASU-Beebe Early College program can be found at https://www.asub.edu/early-college or on the ASU-Beebe website at www.asub.edu.
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