Getting your associate’s degree at CUNY? Start strong with CUNY Start, Math Start, and English Start — affordable courses that help you prepare for college-level coursework and meet CUNY’s English and math proficiency requirements.
- CUNY Start: Semester-long program covering English and/or math. Students can enroll in CUNY Start in either the fall or spring semester on a full-time (25 hours/week) or part-time (12 hours/week) basis.
- Math Start: 8-10 week accelerated math program offered year-round. Students attend class approximately 14-20 hours per week.
- English Start: 8-10 week accelerated English program offered year-round. Students attend class approximately 14-20 hours per week.
All programs are offered in-person, online, and hybrid formats with costs ranging from $35-75, including all materials. Students will have full access to campus resources, including academic and career counseling, accessibility supports, libraries, and athletic facilities.
Who is eligible
You may qualify for CUNY Start, Math Start, and English Start if you:
- Have a high school or equivalent diploma
- Have been accepted to a campus that offers CUNY Start
- Can benefit from extra support in English and/or math based on your CUNY proficiency index scores
Some campuses may have other eligibility criteria. Contact the CUNY Start program at your campus for more information.
How to apply
- Complete CUNY admissions requirements and apply to a campus offering these programs
- Attend an information session
- Meet with CUNY Start/English Start/Math Start staff at your campus
- Submit your high school or equivalency diploma and complete any other campus-specific requirements
- Pay your student fee ($75 for semester-long programs, $35 for accelerated programs)
Although students do not use their financial aid to enroll in CUNY Start/Math Start/English Start, students are encouraged to apply for financial aid as early as possible.
How to get help
Contact CUNY Start at your campus today:
- Borough of Manhattan Community College
Visit the website
(e) [email protected] - Bronx Community College
Visit the website
(e) [email protected]
(t) 718-289-5100 ext. 3141 - College of Staten Island
Visit the website
(e) [email protected]
(t) 718-982-3069 - Guttman Community College
Visit the website
(e) [email protected] - Hostos Community College
Visit the website
(e) [email protected]
(t) 718-518-6851 - Kingsborough Community College
Visit the website
(e )[email protected]
(t) 718-368-4500 - LaGuardia Community College
Visit the website
(e) [email protected]
(t) 718-482-5137 - New York City College of Technology
Visit the website
(e) [email protected]
(t) 914-768-8758 - Queensborough Community College
Visit the website
(e) [email protected]
(t) 718-281-5368
Get more information on the CUNY Start website.
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Updated August 12, 2025