CUNY Early College (EC) creates, grows, and supports high schools committed to early college programs and college readiness outcomes for traditionally underrepresented students in higher education. We support strong outcomes for early college schools through professional development for high school teachers and leaders and oversight of campus partnerships. Our network of schools is one of the nation’s largest early college networks, enabling high school students to earn an associate’s degree or up to two years of college credits at no cost.
Through collaborations with CUNY colleges, New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), and key industry leaders, the EC network serves over 13,000 students in grades 6-14, facilitating a smooth transition from high school to college and paving the way for successful futures.
19
NYCPS middle
and high schools
13
CUNY
Colleges
5
NYC
Boroughs
$19K
potential savings in
college tuition/expenses
Our Impact
Graduation Rate
In 2023, CUNY Early College network wide on-time graduation rate was 93.7%, compared to the city-wide rate of 83.7%.
College Credits
Overall, 75.6% of Early College graduates earned college credits before graduation, with the average being 23.9 credits, and 78% of graduates enrolled in postsecondary education within 6 months of graduation.
Associate’s Degree
65.7% percent of the June 2023 graduates at Kingsborough Early College Secondary School graduated with an Associate’s Degree and 38% of the June 2023 graduates from Hostos-Lincoln Academy for Science earned an Associate’s Degree from Hostos Community College.
Program Models
6-12
Early College secondary schools offer integrated academic experiences and support beginning in middle school that allow students to begin taking college courses as early as grade 9. Students may earn up to 60 college credits and/or an associate’s degree in liberal arts.
9-12
Early College high schools provide accelerated academic programs, including four years of rigorous math and science coursework. Students receive a substantial head start when applying to college by earning a significant number of college credits.
9-13
Located on LaGuardia Community College’s campus, our Middle College National Consortium high schools utilize portfolio-based assessments. This five-year program enables students to earn an associate’s degree while still in high school.
9-14
Early College & Career Schools, also known as NYC P-TECH schools, offer a carefully integrated STEM curriculum over the course of six years. Each school is part of a partnership with a founding employer partner and an undergraduate CUNY college that offers an associate degree. Visit NYC P-TECH within the CUNY Early College Network to learn more about it.
How to Apply
All students currently residing in New York City can apply for an EC school. Students must list Early College schools in the order of their preference on their school applications. Undocumented students have access to the full education experience in their EC school and can enroll in college courses.Applying to an EC school follows the same process as other NYCPS schools. When available, an application can be submitted any of the following ways:
Application Deadline: NYCPS middle school and high school applications are typically made available from October through December. For the most up-to-date application deadlines, check the current NYCPS application timeline. Please note that application dates may change, so we recommend signing up for updates via NYCPS Admissions.
Our Schools
FAQ
Early College schools are NYC public schools.
Like all public schools, attendance at EC schools is free to all NYC students and their families. The cost of textbooks, transportation, college course fees, and support services is covered by NYCPS and CUNY.
Yes, Early College schools follow the transfer policies outlined by NYCPS.
Initially, students take college courses with their high school peers. As they progress, they may join blended courses with traditional college students to build independence and skills.
Students receive support from high school and college staff, including tutoring centers, writing support, and direct communication with instructors. High school teachers may also offer additional tutoring.
Yes, students can earn an associate’s degree through 11 of our early college high schools. 9 schools in our early college network offer students up to two years’ worth of college credits.
Graduates work with counselors to set post-secondary plans, including college, careers, or military service. EC programs prepare students for various paths after graduation.
Early College credits are designed for maximum transferability within the CUNY system. Graduates apply as first-year students to ensure full access to support, though they may be eligible to declare a major earlier based on completed coursework.
