Billings Early College Students Started Campus Classes
Juniors at the Billings Early College School have begun taking college courses at Montana State University Billings.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Billings Early College School juniors have officially transitioned to taking classes on the Montana State University Billings campus. This program allows students to earn up to 60 college credits while finishing their high school diplomas.
Why it matters
The program aims to provide students a head start on their degrees while helping families mitigate the impact of rising higher education costs. It serves as a practical model for easing the financial transition from secondary to post-secondary education.
Students can earn up to 60 college credits before graduating high school through the program. Eligible participants may utilize the Montana University System One-Two-Free program to cover tuition for six of those credits.
The players
Billings Early College School
This institution was the first of its kind in Montana and focuses on preparing students for college success.
Montana State University Billings
This university campus hosts the high school students for their college-level coursework.
The details
Students at the Billings Early College School balance their standard high school coursework with college-level classes taught at the university. While tuition for these courses is covered, families remain responsible for purchasing textbooks and paying any additional course fees.
Timeline
The Billings Early College School first opened in 2023.
The current junior class began taking courses on campus in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This program reflects a broader trend in American education where high schools and universities integrate to combat rising degree costs. It follows the model established by the Montana University System One-Two-Free program to expand early college access.
Families with students in the program must budget for textbook costs and potential course fees not covered by tuition waivers. Students are required to manage the logistical challenge of balancing high school and university schedules throughout the year.
The takeaway
Early college programs offer a significant opportunity for families to reduce future tuition debt by front-loading credit completion. Students interested in these paths should prioritize building strong study habits early to handle the academic rigor of university-level coursework.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic initiatives in Billings Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KULR-8 Local News.
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Would you encourage a high school student to pursue college credit programs to save future costs?
