Topic guide · The 13th year
Early Middle College in Michigan
An Early Middle College is a five-year high school program in Michigan where students stay a fifth year to finish an associate degree, 60 college credits, a certificate or part of an apprenticeship, with tuition generally covered by the district. Michigan has about 190 approved Early Middle Colleges for 2026-27, and students must be enrolled by the fall of junior year.
Last checked: October 2026 against the Michigan Department of Education.
Quick facts
| Length | Five years of high school (grades 9-13, 10-13 or 11-13) |
|---|---|
| Students earn | A diploma plus an associate degree, 60 transferable credits, a professional certification, the statewide EMC technical certificate or apprenticeship progress |
| Cost to families | Tuition generally paid by the district. Fees, books and transportation vary by program. |
| How many | About 190 approved programs, in nearly every county |
| Deadline | Enrolled by the fall of junior year. Many programs take applications in grade 10. |
| Also called | Early College, Middle College or the 13th year |
How does the 13th year work?
Students take college courses alongside high school classes, usually more each year, and stay enrolled in high school for a fifth year to finish. Normally a student who meets graduation requirements stops counting for school funding. Early Middle College is the exception, so the district keeps receiving per-student funding for the fifth year and uses it to pay the college. That's why it can be free to families.
There are three kinds: a whole Early Middle College high school, a program inside a regular high school, and a consortium where several districts share one program, often run by the county ISD. Some are career-focused, like health careers, cybersecurity or advanced manufacturing, and some build in a paid youth apprenticeship.
Is Early Middle College free?
Tuition is generally covered by the district. Fees, books and transportation depend on the program, so ask. After graduating, Early Middle College students can still use the Community College Guarantee for more free community college.
How do you find an Early Middle College near you?
- Search the MI School Data Early Middle College map.
- Check MDE's 2026-27 list of every approved program, by county.
- Use our district finder, which links the Early Middle College for 34 of Michigan's ISDs.
Many programs only take students from their own district, so ask whether yours accepts students from outside.
Can a district start one?
Yes. A district partners with a college (or several), sends a team to two required MDE workshops and applies to the state. For 2026-27 the Opening an Early Middle College workshop is Oct. 28, 2026 in Lansing, a virtual application meeting is Dec. 3, 2026 and new applications are due Feb. 5, 2027. Districts can also join an ISD consortium instead. Career-focused programs can get planning grants of up to $50,000, applied for through the ISD with a matching contribution.
Sources: MDE, Early Middle Colleges · MDE workshop memo, Sept. 17, 2026 · MDE EMC events 2026-27 · MCL 388.1661b
Common questions
Is Early Middle College free in Michigan?
Tuition is generally covered by the school district, which keeps receiving state funding for the student's fifth year. Fees, books and transportation vary by program.
Source: Michigan Department of Education
When do you apply for Early Middle College in Michigan?
Students must be officially enrolled by the fall of their junior year, and many programs take applications in grade 10. Some, like whole Early Middle College high schools, start in grade 9.
Source: Michigan Department of Education