Early College at Salem State

 Salem State University’s Early College program provides local students from underserved areas the opportunity to complete purposefully selected college credits in their high school setting at no additional cost, exposing students to college-level work while benefiting from their high school support systems. Research demonstrates that Early College programs significantly narrow opportunity gaps and increase the likelihood of college completion.

By successfully earning college credits through the program, students reduce their overall cost to attain a degree, grow their confidence in their ability to complete undergraduate coursework, and gain exposure to potential career paths with opportunity and earnings potential. In fall 2024, Salem State offered Early College courses to 358 students at Salem High School, Lynn English High School and Lynn Classical High School. Students complete the program with a semester to a full year’s worth of college credits, all of which can be applied to general education requirements at public colleges and universities.

After participating in the Early College program, many students choose to continue on through the Promise Year program, a one-year extension in which students matriculate at Salem State. Students earn additional college credits through Promise Year with tuition, books and supplies all at no cost. 

High school students interested in participating in the Early College program should work directly through their home school's college counseling office.