Academics & Competitions
Youth Programs
Early Entry
College Coursework for High School Students
Early Entry
Early Entry students, also known as non-degree seeking students, have the option to attend courses at the SOU campus (in Ashland or Medford), online, or remotely. As an Early Entry student, they study alongside current university students, taking courses taught by the university professors and faculty.
Taking college courses on the SOU campus while in high school offers students a head start on their education, exposure to university life, and the chance to earn credits early. It also encourages independence and time management skills, helping to ease the transition to full-time college later.
Students interested in Early Entry must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a Junior or Senior with a minimum age of 16.
- Currently attending an Oregon public or private high school, or an accredited charter school.
- Should have an impressive academic record demonstrating success in college-level coursework (Advanced Southern Credit, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and/or Honors courses).
- Availability in their schedule is required to attend in-person classes at the SOU campus.
- Students must also meet high school attendance requirements and make progress towards timely high school graduation.
What courses are available?
Each quarter, Early Entry students submit their desired course selection for approval by the Youth Programs office. Typically, EE students enroll in 100 and 200* level courses provided by Southern Oregon University. If students have fulfilled all necessary prerequisites at the college level, Youth Programs staff may allow a student to enroll in a 300 and 400 level course.
For examples of courses offered in a given term, visit the SOU Course Schedule.
Students cannot take courses at SOU that are already offered at their high school or charter school.
*Courses numbered as 100 and 200 are designed for freshmen and sophomores as lower-division courses, while 300 and 400 level courses are intended for juniors and seniors focusing on upper-division coursework.
What is the cost?
Costs vary depending on the course level:
- The cost per credit hour for 100 and 200 level courses is half of the undergraduate, in-state tuition rate, with no additional fees. Therefore, the Early Entry rate for lower-division coursework would be $113.00* per credit hour.
- Early Entry students opting for 300 and 400 level courses pay the equivalent of the undergraduate, in-state tuition rate. The Early Entry rate for upper-division coursework would be $452.00* per credit hour.
*These figures are for the 2024-2025 academic year. To view the current tuition rates, visit SOU Tuition and Fees.
Do the courses transfer to other schools?
The courses offered through Early Entry are Southern Oregon University classes taught by university professors and transcripts will reflect that information. EE courses are transcribed on an official SOU transcript and accepted by most institutions as SOU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Most universities and colleges have transfer tables that explain if and how SOU courses would be transferred to their institution; however, calling the university’s Admissions or Registrars office is also encouraged if the information is not found on their website.
How do I apply?
If you meet the criteria for Early Entry and are interested in learning more, please contact the Associate Director of Outreach and Engagement, Miranda Stiles (stilesm1@sou.edu) to set up an informational session and interview.
