Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is making it more affordable for homeschool students throughout Southern Illinois to begin earning college credits before graduating from high school.
Through its Early College Homeschool Tuition Waiver, eligible students can receive tuition discounts of up to 70 percent while taking college courses during their junior and senior years.
The program is available to homeschool students living within the IECC district, which includes Frontier Community College in Fairfield, Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, Olney Central College and Lincoln Trail College in Robinson.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible students will pay just $42 per credit hour for priority courses, compared to the regular in-district tuition rate of $140 per credit hour.
Elective courses are offered at a reduced rate of $70 per credit hour.
That means a three-credit-hour priority course would cost $126 in tuition instead of the regular $420, while a three-credit-hour elective would cost $210.
Students can receive discounted tuition for up to six credit hours during each fall or spring semester, with a maximum of 24 credit hours per student. Additional courses may be taken at the regular tuition rate.
Student fees still apply, and some courses may require additional expenses for materials, supplies or other program needs.
IECC Director of Dual Credit Erin Volk says homeschool students are an important part of the college community, and the program provides an affordable opportunity to get a head start on higher education and career goals.
Eligible courses include composition, college algebra, introductory biology, psychology and public speaking, along with classes connected to career and technical education programs.
IECC Director of Dual Credit Megan Black says college advisors can help families select courses that align with a student’s academic readiness and future educational or career plans.
Students who have completed eighth grade, are at least 14 years old and demonstrate college readiness may enroll as nondegree-seeking students. However, the discounted tuition waiver is limited to eligible in-district homeschool juniors and seniors.
To participate, students must complete an online application, provide a homeschool transcript signed by their homeschool administrator, complete ACCUPLACER placement testing and meet with an IECC dual credit advisor before registering.
Additional information about the program, course eligibility and fees is available through Illinois Eastern Community Colleges.