In today’s fast-paced academic world, ambitious high schoolers seek ways to stand out on their college applications — striving to gain college credits and save on tuition while getting a head start on their higher education.
One increasingly popular avenue for high school students equipping themselves with college-ready experience is concurrent university enrollment (CUE). This innovative program allows students to take college-level courses while still in high school, giving them a jumpstart on their higher education journey.
But how exactly does CUE work, and what are its advantages? Let’s dive into the benefits of this program and how this game-changing opportunity can get you on the fast track to a fulfilling personal and professional future.
CUE 101 — what is concurrent undergraduate enrollment?
First launched in 2018, University of Bridgeport’s CUE program opens doors for high schoolers to begin earning college credits by enrolling in approved courses taught at their schools. Once students successfully complete the course, they receive academic credit equivalent to the same course offered at UB.
Participating students can earn a maximum of 30 credits — the same number of credit hours typically completed in one year of full-time undergraduate studies.
UB’s CUE program offers pathways to prepare you for success in rewarding fields like STEM, education, health sciences, business, and more. UB’s partner institution, Goodwin University, offers credit in advanced manufacturing courses for students interested in manufacturing, providing a diverse array of academic opportunities.
How much does CUE cost?
CUE enables you to take college courses at a reduced cost.
At UB, CUE courses typically cost $50 per credit. With most courses amounting to 3-4 credits, each CUE class ranges from $150-$200 — less than the cost a matriculating undergraduate pays per course.
If the expense of CUE doesn’t meet your family’s needs, this doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t benefit from the program. At UB, we waive CUE credit fees for high school students qualifying for free or reduced lunch prices — enabling eligible learners to take CUE classes for free.
Key advantages of CUE for high school students
CUE isn’t just a cost-saving option for college-bound students. It also paves the way for your future success.
So, what are some of the advantages that CUE at University of Bridgeport can offer you? Let’s break down the key benefits.
1. Jumpstart your college journey
One of the biggest advantages of CUE is that students can earn credits that count directly toward their future college degree while completing their high school graduation requirements. This means less time in college and less money spent earning your degree.
Better still, CUE programs provide unique benefits compared to other college prep courses. Unlike Advanced Placement (AP) programs, where credit is based on a single exam, UB’s CUE program awards credit as long as students pass the class — making it a more reliable option for earning college credits.
Whether you choose to attend UB or another institution, these credits provide a head start on your academic journey, potentially reducing your time to graduation.
2. Prepare for academic expectations
CUE gives you early exposure to the rigor of college-level academics — offering a valuable preview of what will be expected of you while embarking on a degree journey.
CUE courses, though taught by high school teachers, undergo a rigorous evaluation to guarantee college-level quality. University of Bridgeport faculty meticulously review and approve each syllabus to ensure the courses align with the University’s academic standards. As a result, you’ll experience genuine college-level coursework, equipping you to thrive when you transition to higher education.
3. Kickstart your career growth
For many freshly-minted college graduates, one of the most significant obstacles when entering the workforce is a lack of “soft skills,” or transferable skills like problem-solving, effective collaboration, and office communication. When you choose to get an early start with CUE, you also get an early start in developing these essential professional skills.
By balancing college coursework with high school responsibilities, you learn to manage your time effectively, stay organized, and more — accelerating you ahead of the curve as you begin your university studies.
4. Access an extensive professional network
When you commit to UB’s CUE program, you gain access to the coveted international and domestic network within the UB community.
University of Bridgeport maintains countless connections with diverse businesses, community organizations, and industry leaders. UB’s annual spring event — UB RISE — allows high school students to see research, innovation, scholarship, and entrepreneurship conducted by our undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, faculty, and staff. As a CUE student, this can present valuable networking opportunities — helping you establish ties in the professional realm before completing your high school diploma.
Wondering what CUE can do for your future? Visit our CUE page today and discover if UB’s CUE program is available at your high school!
CUE in action — Gracie Soler’s success story
CUE isn’t only a transformative experience in theory. Students from as close to home as Bridgeport and as far away as El Salvador have benefited from this program. Moreover, UB’s CUE team is dedicated to establishing partnerships with additional high schools, making this opportunity accessible to as many learners as possible.
Exemplifying the positive impact CUE has on the road to higher education is first-year UB student Gracie Soler. Soler began taking CUE courses at University of Bridgeport in 2023 as a senior at Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science and Technology Center (BRASTEC). Although Soler first envisioned herself becoming a marine biologist, her professional path took a different direction after taking CUE courses in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS).
CUE didn’t simply inspire new aspirations for Soler. Through her studies, she got an early start fine-tuning her time management and notetaking skills in addition to technical lab skills such as micro pipetting techniques. She also became well acquainted with the UB community, attending an open house on our seaside campus and connecting with faculty to learn more about the MLS degree program.
Feeling welcomed by the UB community — and appreciating its proximity to home — Gracie Soler applied and was accepted to the University, saying “yes” to becoming a Purple Knight. Now balancing work and school as a commuter student, Gracie is well on her way to a successful career in medical laboratory science.
Future horizons for CUE
Since its inception in 2018, UB’s CUE program has gained increasing momentum — thanks, in part, to a CT State Department of Education grant and institutional matching funds from UB’s Provost’s Office. These funds have played a crucial role in helping UB expand its presence in local high schools and attract more students to the program. Furthermore, the University is preparing for accreditation from National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) – further enhancing the quality and distinction of our CUE program.
In addition to joining forces with Goodwin University to provide manufacturing courses, UB has forged relationships with community organizations and industry leaders. Our prestigious partnerships have elevated the potential of what CUE can offer eager young minds.
Some partnerships presenting exciting possibilities include:
- Avangrid’s Offshore Wind Workshop
- Mutual Security Credit Union’s Financial Literacy Training
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2025 Greater CT Student Visionaries of the Year event
- And more!
These collaborations equip CUE students with even more opportunities to engage with their community and gain practical experience as they begin blazing their professional trails.
A head start worth taking
If you’re a high school student looking to get ahead academically and financially, concurrent university enrollment creates a compelling opportunity. With early exposure to college coursework, significant cost savings, and a competitive advantage in admissions, CUE sets you up for success in both high school and beyond. At University of Bridgeport, we’re proud to provide an incomparable CUE program — helping young minds unlock their full potential as they set their sights on future success.
Are you ready to rise to the top of your class? Discover UB’s current CUE course offerings, answers to frequently asked questions, and more!