Career & Tech Ed Academy

How the CTE Academy Works

The CTE Academy is a half-day program that fits into a student’s high school schedule. Students spend part of the day at an STLCC campus and return to their home high school for the rest of the day.

Schedule and location
Students take classes at an STLCC campus in the morning. Many high schools provide transportation to campus.

Courses and college credit
Students take two to three college classes each semester. Students can earn up to 13 college credits in one school year.

Cost
If you’re taking classes through the CTE Academy, you only pay half the normal cost per credit hour. Rates below include a $7 activity fee, a $11 technology fee and a $5 service fee per credit hour:

In-district: $72.50
Out-of-district: $97
Out-of-state: $128
International: $133

Books and material costs vary, but average $150-$200 for the year. Some high schools cover the cost of tuition and/or books and materials.

College pathways and support
College credits apply to STLCC programs and may transfer to four-year colleges and universities. High school counselors help students with eligibility and the application process. STLCC advisors help students choose classes and plan their pathway.

 

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Who Can Apply?

The CTE Academy is open to high school juniors and seniors who are ready to take college-level classes.

To apply, students must:

• Be a high school junior or senior in 2026–2027.
• Have a 2.0 cumulative, unweighted GPA or higher.
• Meet college-level reading proficiency.

To be considered college-level reading proficient, students must meet one of the following:

• 2.5 cumulative GPA and an A average in most recent year of high school English.
• B average in last two years of high school English.
• 250 or higher on the Reading Accuplacer.
• 18 or higher on the ACT Reading.
• 500 or higher on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW).
• 3 or higher on a non-math AP exam.
• C or better in a college course at STLCC or another college.

Students who have a 2.0 GPA but do not meet one of the college-level reading proficiency requirements can take the Accuplacer placement test, which is free and available at any STLCC campus.

High school counselors review transcripts and confirm eligibility as part of the application process.

 

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CTE Academy Pathways

Students choose a pathway based on their interests and career goals. Pathways are offered at select STLCC campuses and may vary by location.

 

To read more information about each course, visit the STLCC course catalog.

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Important Dates

Priority application window: Jan. 7–Feb. 27, 2026
Applications are accepted until seats are filled.

Priority dates in the application process

• Feb. 27: Student submits the online application. A parent or guardian must approve by email.
• March 6: School counselor submits the student transcript and eligibility form.
• March 13: STLCC sends acceptance emails with next steps.

 

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CTE Academy FAQs

Is the CTE Academy free?

Some school districts pay tuition for participating students. If tuition is not covered, students pay half the STLCC tuition rate (see rates above). Books and materials may be covered by some schools or scholarships.

Does this count for high school and college credit?

Students in the CTE Academy earn college credit. Most high schools will also grant high school credit for CTE Academy coursework. Please talk to your high school counselor to make sure you stay on track for high school graduation.

Will this affect sports or extracurricular activities?

Classes are held in the morning so students can still attend their high school classes and participate in activities.

Is the program hard?

CTE Academy students must meet the same class requirements as all STLCC students. Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, libraries, disability support services and career guidance. We provide the tools for your success and ensure you have a confident start in college.

Can college credit transfer to other colleges?

Credits apply to STLCC programs and may transfer to other colleges and universities.

How does transportation work?

Many school districts provide transportation to STLCC campuses, but some students may need to arrange for their own transportation. All CTE Academy students are able to pick up a free Metro U-Pass at the beginning of the semester. Students can use the U-Pass to ride public transit throughout the St. Louis region, including to any STLCC campus.

 

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