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About UMass Early College

UMass Early College provides students from eligible high schools the opportunity to take UMass courses taught by UMass faculty in partnership with their high school teachers. Taken as part of a student’s regular high school day, these early college courses fulfill college and high school requirements, saving students time and money while providing access to courses and content that may otherwise not have been available to them.

a group of UMass Early College students on a tour of UMass Dartmouth

Students can earn up to 30 college credits

Decreases the cost of college by 25% (one full year of education)

Courses count for both high school and college

A group of UMass Early College students sitting on the steps at UMass Lowell

Taught by UMass professors

Students gain insight into college expectations

Students are better prepared for learning at the college level

a group of UMass Early College students touring UMass Lowell

Courses delivered both remotely and in-person

Classes run during the regular school day

Scheduled for the convenience of high school students and teachers

The UMass Early College Difference

One system, statewide reach

Flexible & Accessible Learning
Courses are taught in a variety of flexible modalities on our campuses and in our partner high schools. The program is designed to break down socioeconomic and geographic barriers to Early College.
Faculty Depth & Teacher Support
UMass faculty across the system have expertise in a breadth of content area and work closely with high school teachers and staff to support student success.
Gain College Experience
UMass Early College teaches students what to expect in college, both inside and outside the classroom by providing students with opportunities to experience UMass campus life and optional summer programs to further enrich their experience.
Experience Career Pathways
Offers Early College pathways in a wide breadth of academic content, including Business, Engineering, Education, the Arts, Health, and other STEM and Liberal Arts fields.

Learn more about UMass Early College | Frequently Asked Questions

"I'm a first-generation college student. The world is a wonderful, amazing place and there's so much of it that we don't understand. What college does for you is it allows you to develop your perspective and really learn about the world around you."

Lori Weeden

Professor, UMass Lowell

"As a parent with a child in college myself, I know being able to take advantage of these opportunities while the kids are still in high school is just phenomenal. I was a first-gen student myself. I wish I had this type of opportunity when I was in high school."

Francine Coston

Associate Director, Early College Initiatives

"I’m guilty of procrastination and one skill that the early college program helped me fine tune is time management. I learned how to use a calendar and to plan my study time. CCA taught me how to pace myself."

Alexa Palladino

Student, Greater Lowell Technical High School

"I am in love with this program. It is transformative for the students. It's not just their mastery of the content they learn in the courses, but how they develop personal skills, self-advocacy, and their sense of responsibility and maturity."

Kate Copans

Director, UMass Early College

"My typical day with dual enrollment courses integrated into them is pretty much the same as how it was without them because everyone works to make these classes fit well into my schedule. It doesn't interfere with anything."

Mamady Camara

Student, Greater Lowell Technical High School

"Don't be afraid to put applications in, whether it be to UMass Lowell or other schools, because not every school is the right fit for every person. And work with your teachers and your guidance counselors to make sure you're getting paperwork in on time."

Mike Stack

Co-Teacher, UMass Early College

"My proudest memory is when we finished that summer program; we had a project to create this this essay about social issues, and I had never written something as detailed as that. And I felt like it was like my masterpiece of writing."

Sneyker Madrano

Student, Greater Lowell Technical High School

"Students who participate in early college are more likely than their peers to attend college, to complete their degree, and to realize an increase in their lifetime earning potential."

Marty Meehan

President, University of Massachusetts

"I would certainly recommend this early college program. It's just a huge opportunity. I mean, not only do you save a lot of money, but you also get to experience what it's like being a college student"

David Barbosa

Student, Greater Lowell Technical High School

UMass Early College, Earlier Success

Our Story
UMass Early College launched in the Fall 2022 semester, providing approximately 250 students at ten high school with access to UMass courses and faculty, at no cost to students or families. Today, our four undergraduate campuses enroll around 1500 UMass Early College students in high schools across the Commonwealth, accelerating college momentum and a path to and through college.

Ten of our partnerships are Designated Massachusetts Early College programs, who have demonstrated alignment with the guiding principles. You can read more about Early College Designation here.

The following Massachusetts high schools will offer UMass Early College courses this fall: