Skip to main content
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is making college courses more affordable for eligible homeschool students through its Early College Homeschool Tuition Waiver, offering tuition discounts of up to 70%.
The waiver is available to in-district homeschool students during their junior and senior years of high school. Students may receive reduced tuition for up to six credit hours per fall or spring semester, with a maximum of 24 credit hours per student.
“Homeschool students are an important part of our college community, and we want families to know there is a path for them to begin earning college credit,” said Erin Volk, IECC director of dual credit. “This tuition waiver can help make that opportunity more affordable while giving students a head start on their education and career goals.”
For the 2026-27 academic year, eligible students pay $42 per credit hour for core priority courses and priority career pathway courses, compared with the regular in-district tuition rate of $140 per credit hour. Elective courses cost $70 per credit hour.
A three-credit-hour priority course costs $126 in tuition, compared with the regular rate of $420. A three-credit-hour elective course costs $210.
Students may enroll in more than six credit hours per semester, but additional hours are billed at full tuition rates. All courses carry student fees; some courses may carry additional fees for materials, supplies, insurance or other program needs. For more information about fees, please see the IECC Course Catalog or request more information when meeting with a director of dual credit.
Priority courses include general education classes aligned with IECC’s Three to Your Degree program, such as composition, college algebra, introductory biology, psychology and public speaking. Priority career pathway courses align with career and technical degree or certificate programs.
Students can take college courses while continuing their homeschool education. Courses may serve as individual learning opportunities or be included on a homeschool transcript.
“The right courses depend on where a student wants to go next,” said Megan Black, IECC director of dual credit. “We can help students explore general education courses for a transfer degree or classes connected to a career and technical program. Advising helps families understand their options and choose courses that fit the student’s goals and readiness.”
IECC recommends students typically begin college coursework during their junior or senior year, allowing time to develop the academic foundations and study habits needed for success.
Students who have completed eighth grade, are at least 14 and demonstrate college readiness may enroll as nondegree-seeking students. Eligibility to enroll does not automatically qualify a student for the tuition waiver, which is limited to eligible in-district juniors and seniors.
To get started, students should apply online, submit a transcript signed by the homeschool administrator documenting completion of eighth grade, and complete ACCUPLACER testing to demonstrate college readiness. Students should then meet with a director of dual credit and complete an advising appointment before registering and arranging payment. Some courses have additional prerequisites, program admission requirements or age restrictions.