Early College High Schools (ECHS) blend high school and college curricula simultaneously to give students the chance to earn up to two years of college credit (60 hours) while they finish high school.  Historically, ECHS facilities were on a college or university campus; but, as the portfolio of ECHS has grown, variations of how the school is designed have developed. Early College High Schools make higher education more accessible and also help students become more comfortable in a higher education environment.