Start Earning Valuable College Credits During High School!

High school students in their Junior or Senior year and at least 16 years of age, may apply for the Bridge Program to begin earning college credits. Union County College requires Bridge students to have a cumulative ‘B' average in their high school studies and permission of their high school counselor. Bridge Program applications are available in the high school guidance offices or the Admission Office on any UCC campus. Basic Skills Testing is required and students must test out of developmental courses to be eligible for the Bridge Program.

The Bridge Program is one more way Union County College helps families beat the high cost of a college education. At UCC’s affordable tuition rates, students can earn valuable credits that they can take with them when they begin their college education, either at a four-year college by gaining transfer credit, or a head start towards an Associate’s Degree at UCC. It is possible that a Bridge Program student can earn enough credits at UCC to accelerate their studies at a four-year college by a semester or more (subject to transfer credit policies at the college they attend).

Bridge Program FAQ’s:

Is College Credit Earned?

College credit earned as a Bridge student is accepted at UCC toward any relevant degree or certificate program. These credits are also transferable to other colleges under the terms and requirements of the receiving college. UCC counselors will assist you with this.

Will Dual Credit be awarded?

It is at the discretion of your high school as to whether the credits you earn at UCC may also be used to meet high school graduation requirements.

How many Courses can Students Take at One Time?

Bridge students may register for no more than 2 courses per semester.

Will I Have a Choice of Attending Day, Evening or Weekend Classes?

Yes, in most cases you will select your course from the regular schedule of classes. All regular UCC requirements and pre-requisite policies apply. Daytime attendance requires special permission from your high school.

What Does It Cost to take Courses as a UCC Bridge Program Student?

Bridge students pay the same tuition and fees as other UCC students. Tuition for the 2008/2009 academic year for in-county residents is $90 per credit plus applicable fees; most courses are three (3) credits. Information on tuition rates and course fees, where applicable, are available in the UCC catalog, on the UCC website, or from the Student Accounts Office.

Will I Attend Classes With Regular College or just Bridge Students?

Bridge students are not isolated from the rest of the UCC population; they attend classes with regular UCC students.*

How Will I Receive My Grades?

At the completion of each semester, you must retrieve your grades from the UCC website select “Online e-services,” then “Enter Student Services” and follow the instructions. UCC does not mail grade reports to students. If you later apply for admission to a four-year college, you should contact the Office of Records and Registration to request that an official transcript be sent to the college/s you are applying to so they can determine your transfer credits.

May I Take Courses at Any UCC Campus?

Yes, you may choose to take your courses, as available, at our Cranford, Elizabeth, Plainfield or Scotch Plains campuses.

Will I Be Eligible for Financial Aid?

No, you will not. Students who have not yet earned their high school diploma or its equivalent are not eligible to receive any Federal or State grants, work-study or loans at a post-secondary institution.