Press Release  New Department of Elementary and Secondary Data Shows Early College is Steering More Students Towards Higher Education

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration has released a new data analysis that shows the state’s investment in Early College is paying off, reaching more students who previously were less likely to attend college by allowing them to earn at least 12 college credits at no cost while still in high school. Massachusetts Early College graduates are leaving high school already having taken an average of at least two college level classes. 

The new data released also shows that 66 percent of Early College graduates immediately enroll in higher education after high school, with the majority enrolling at a public college or university in Massachusetts. Once enrolled in higher education, former Early College are also persisting - with 87 percent staying in college through a second term and 82 percent returning to college for a second year.

“The numbers don’t lie — Early College works. It gives students the confidence, skills and head start they need to succeed in higher education and the workforce,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re especially proud that this program is opening doors for students who have historically been left out of these opportunities, and that students are inspired to go onto higher education right here in Massachusetts, which means they are more likely to build their career and post-grad lives here. We’re going to keep expanding Early College so that more students, families and employers can benefit.” 

“Massachusetts has the best public schools in the nation, but we know that access to higher education is not equal for all of our students. Early College is one of the most effective ways to close opportunity gaps and put young students on the path to success,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This new data confirms what we’ve seen firsthand: when we invest in Early College, we’re investing in brighter futures for our students and a stronger workforce for our state.”

Early College programs are a core part of the administration’s Reimagining High School initiative, ensuring Massachusetts students are prepared for college or careers when they graduate. This school year, there are 69 high schools and 32 higher education institutions participating, supporting approximately 10,000 students. Families can use the Massachusetts School Finder to search for schools near them that offer Early College.

Massachusetts’ Early College programs promote participation of students historically underrepresented in higher education. Hispanic or Latino students have the lowest college-going rates in the state at 43 percent, but 56 percent of Hispanic or Latino students who participate in Early College go onto college after high school. Early College participation is nearly even between low-income and middle/high income households. Forty-one percent of Early College graduates were Hispanic or Latino, and 16 percent were Black or African American.

“We’re seeing remarkable outcomes because Early College does exactly what it’s designed to do: help students see themselves as college material, earn real credits before they graduate, and get the guidance they need to stay on course,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “We’re committed to ensuring every student who wants these opportunities can access them, no matter where they live or what their background is.”

“Early College is one way students can graduate from high school ahead of the game, already knowing that they can handle college classes and having earned college credits,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “I hope the data we’re seeing today will encourage many more high schools and colleges to help us expand this work.”

“Early College is proving to be one of the most powerful tools we have to increase access to higher education in Massachusetts. This data shows that Early College not only inspires more students to continue their education, but also helps them persist once they get there,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “We are grateful to our high schools and higher education institutions who are partnering to bring these life changing opportunities to students across the Commonwealth.”

Continued investments in Early College have been a key part of Governor Healey’s Reimagining High School initiative. In June, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced 18 new Early College partnerships between high schools and colleges, bringing the statewide total to 73. These new partnerships will create up to 3,913 additional seats by 2030, with the goal of providing Early College access to as many as 20,000 Massachusetts students by the end of the decade.   

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