Early College at Salem State

Salem State University’s Early College program provides students from Salem High School, Lynn English High School, Lynn Classical High School and Chelsea High School the opportunity to complete purposefully selected college credits at no cost, exposing students to college-level work and offering enhanced student supports while they are still in high school. Research on Early College programs in Massachusetts demonstrates that the Early College experience narrows opportunity gaps and increases the likelihood of college completion. Students reduce their overall cost to attain a degree, grow confidence in their ability to complete undergraduate coursework, and gain exposure to potential career paths. Students earning a C or better in Early College courses may transfer the credits to any of the public colleges and universities in Massachusetts. To hear more about our Early College programs, listen to our featured segment on WBUR’s Radio Boston.

Early College is distinct from our Dual Enrollment program, where students from 15 districts in the North Shore region may take one Salem State course per semester free of charge.

After participating in Salem State’s Early College program, some students may continue on to the Avanza Program for Early College Completers, a one-year extension in which students matriculate at Salem State and receive special benefits and supports.

Our staff is happy to assist students, families, and school districts with inquiries about our Early College programs.High school students interested in participating in the Early College program should work directly through their high school's college and career counseling office. Questions about the program may also be directed to earlycollege@salemstate.edu.