Saint Elizabeth University Expands Access to College Through Dual Enrollment and Pre-Collegiate Programs

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MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Saint Elizabeth University (SEU) is helping high school students jump-start their futures through its expanding Dual Enrollment and Pre-Collegiate programs, giving motivated learners a chance to earn college credits before graduation – and at a fraction of the traditional cost.

The initiative reflects SEU’s founding mission of accessibility and inclusion in higher education. By partnering with local school districts and community programs, SEU is giving students an early and affordable introduction to college life that builds both academic confidence and financial readiness.

Access to higher education is central to Saint Elizabeth University’s mission and public responsibility," said Dr. Gary B. Crosby, President of Saint Elizabeth University. "By expanding Dual Enrollment and Pre-Collegiate programs, we are reducing financial barriers, accelerating time to degree, and intentionally building the future workforce and leadership of our state and region. This is how institutions create opportunity at scale, and how communities grow stronger as a result," said Dr. Crosby

Through SEU’s Dual Enrollment program, eligible high school students can take select college-level courses taught by Saint Elizabeth University and additional faculty with the requisite credentials and experience. Course offerings include English Composition I and II, Introduction to Psychology, U.S. History, College Algebra, Environmental Science, Principles of Sociology, Foundations of Business and Marketing, and Computer Applications. Classes are offered on SEU’s scenic Morristown campus, online, or through partnerships with participating high schools, providing flexibility for students to balance their academic schedules while earning credits that count toward a college degree.

The program is ideal for high-achieving students seeking an academic challenge as well as those looking to reduce the overall cost and time of earning a college degree. Each course is offered at a significantly reduced per-credit cost, allowing students to save thousands of dollars in tuition. “This program levels the playing field,” said Dr. Crosby. “Students who might not have thought college was within reach can now experience it, and thrive in it, before ever stepping onto campus as full-time undergraduates.”

Students who participate often begin college with several credits already completed, sometimes entering as second-semester freshmen. This not only gives them a head start academically but also makes higher education more affordable for families across the region. The benefits of dual enrollment extend beyond the classroom. Students who engage in college-level work earlier tend to demonstrate stronger study habits, improved time management, and greater self-confidence once enrolled in full-time degree programs.

One of the program’s most distinctive strengths is the immersive residential component of the Summer Pre-Collegiate Program, which helps students experience what college life is really like and learn how to be successful as college students.

Equally important, SEU’s emphasis on accessibility ensures that students from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who may be first-generation college applicants, can participate. The Pre-Collegiate program provides even broader access, allowing students who are not yet juniors or seniors to begin exploring college courses and gain early exposure to campus life. Dr. Crosby emphasized that the impact goes beyond individual student success. “When we help young people see themselves as capable college students, we’re investing in the future of our region – in its workforce, its leaders, and its innovators,” he said.

Saint Elizabeth University continues to build partnerships with local high schools across northern and central New Jersey to offer new courses and expand access. Participating districts benefit from the university’s academic expertise and commitment to student-centered education, while families gain an affordable path that reduces long-term college debt. The program aligns with SEU’s legacy of advancing education for all, particularly for underrepresented and underserved communities. As the University looks toward the future, its mission remains clear: to make quality higher education attainable, transformative, and inclusive.

As SEU celebrates its long tradition of service and opportunity, programs like these reinforce the university’s promise – helping every student see that college isn’t just possible, it’s already within reach. Students and families interested in SEU’s Dual Enrollment or Pre-Collegiate programs can learn more at www.steu.edu or contact admissions@steu.edu for course listings, eligibility details, and registration deadlines.

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