Jumpstart to College
Framingham State’s Jumpstart to College program is available to students at any local high school who are ready for college coursework. You can choose from combining a college course or two while also taking high school courses at the same time, or attend FSU full time (3 or 4 courses) that will also satisfy your remaining high school requirements. Students will pay for these courses.
Early College Rams Program
Framingham State’s Early College Rams Program is available to students at our partner high schools: Framingham, Milford and Waltham high schools. This program provides free, select, college courses to students during the day at their own high school, along with significant academic support, family engagement and college readiness programming.
Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership (CDEP)
This program provides opportunities for Massachusetts high school students to take college-level courses for free or at a discounted price and earn credit toward high school completion and their future college degrees. Priority is given to low-income and first-generation applicants.
Choosing the right program
Use the comparison below to determine which Framingham State University program best matches your goals. Each option allows eligible high school students to earn college credit, but eligibility, cost, and program structure vary.
Which program is right for me?
| Program | Jumpstart to College | Early College Program | Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Program (CDEP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | High school students from any local high school or approved homeschool program | Students attending partner high schools: • Framingham High School • Milford High School • Waltham High School | Eligible Massachusetts high school students seeking dual enrollment opportunities. |
| Purpose | Provides flexible pathways for students to begin earning college credit before high school graduation through part-time or full-time enrollment at Framingham State. | Integrates college coursework into the high school experience while providing structured academic, family, and college-readiness support. | Helps eligible students earn both high school and college credit through state-supported dual enrollment opportunities. |
| Eligibility | • Currently enrolled in high school or approved homeschool program • Completed at least sophomore year • Minimum 2.5 GPA • Parent/guardian acknowledgement • High school counselor approval • No GED or high school diploma | Acceptance is determined through their school's Early College application. | • Currently enrolled in high school or approved homeschool program • No GED or high school diploma • School/district approval • Course must count toward both high school and college credit • Priority given to low-income and/or first-generation students |
| Cost | Student-paid • $1,000 per course • $50 library fee per semester • Some courses include a $25–35 lab fee | Free | Free or reduced cost, depending on available state funding and eligibility. |
| College credit | Yes. Students earn official Framingham State University college credit and receive a permanent university transcript. | Yes. Students earn college credit through designated Early College courses. | Yes. Students earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. |
| High school credit | Yes, when approved by the student's high school. | Yes. Courses are designed to satisfy high school graduation requirements while earning college credit. | Yes. Courses must count toward both high school graduation and college credit. |
| Course delivery | Flexible scheduling including: • On campus • Daytime • After school • Evening • Online (select courses) | Primarily offered during the regular high school day at partner high schools, with additional campus experiences and activities. | Varies by participating institution and approved course offerings. |
| Course load | Part-time (up to 2 courses) or full-time (up to 4 courses) while completing remaining high school requirements. | Determined through the students' Early College pathway at their high school. | Based on student eligibility, school approval, and available funding. |
| Academic support | Regular academic check-ins and course planning through the Office of Family Engagement. | Extensive support including academic advising, family engagement, college readiness programming, campus visits, and college planning. | Course selection guidance, application assistance, academic check-ins, tutoring (when available), accommodations, and ongoing student support. |
| College experience | Students attend Framingham State classes, learn from university faculty, and experience campus life before graduating high school. | Students experience college expectations while remaining in their high school community, with opportunities to visit campus. | Students begin building a college transcript while completing high school. |
| Primary benefits | • Flexible scheduling • Broad selection of university courses • Part-time or full-time options • Early exposure to college academics • Earn transferable college credit | • Free college courses • Strong academic and personal support • College and career readiness programming • Family engagement • Structured pathway to higher education | • Affordable access to college coursework • Earn dual credit • State-supported financial assistance • Priority access for low-income and first-generation students |
Contact Us
To learn more or apply, email us at dualenrollment [at] framingham.edu (dualenrollment[at]framingham[dot]edu).