Expanding Access to NYU for Recent Tri-State Area Graduates
The Career Pathways Bridge Program offers PELL or TAP eligible students across the tri-state area an affordable and accessible pathway into associate degree programs at the NYU School of Professional Studies. Students earn early credits, gain foundational college and career skills, build a community of peers, understand how to navigate NYU and all it has to offer, and earn a full scholarship to an NYU associate’s degree.
Quick Facts
Bridge Student Numbers at a Glance
Why the Career Pathways Bridge Program
Starting in the fall, the Bridge program helps recent high school graduates prepare for college by offering:
Meet Our Future Leaders
Discover what drives students to pursue their degrees through the Career Pathways Bridge Program.
Be yourself. The reason you’ve gotten this far is because you’re the best at being you, so don’t mess up the formula."
From Wiring Circuits to Building Futures
Read Angelo's Story
Be yourself. The reason you’ve gotten this far is because you’re the best at being you, so don’t mess up the formula."
Balancing course work, internships and social life has allowed me to take charge in my own life in a way that I enjoy.”
Cultivating Growth and Taking Chances
Read Giavanni's Story
Balancing course work, internships and social life has allowed me to take charge in my own life in a way that I enjoy.”
You will always find your people because of the endless amount of clubs we have at NYU."
Embracing Opportunity and Community
Read Ronald's Story
You will always find your people because of the endless amount of clubs we have at NYU."
Build connections with your peers, professors, and staff because they are all here to support you!"
Finding A Professional Path
Read Fathima's Story
Build connections with your peers, professors, and staff because they are all here to support you!"
I believe this hands-on experience will be a major step in shaping the kind of work I plan to do in the future."
Finding Purpose and Creating Lasting Change
Read Tyrik's Story
I believe this hands-on experience will be a major step in shaping the kind of work I plan to do in the future."
Hear from Students
How to Prepare for Your First Year of College, According to the Experts
The NYU School of Professional Studies Career Pathways Bridge Fellows know exactly what it’s like to navigate the surprises, challenges, and opportunities that come with being a first-year college student. Learn more about how our students navigate these changes while balancing coursework, extracurriculars, internships, and personal lives.
Attend an Event
Virtual Bridge Program Information Session
Wednesday, October 7
5:30 - 6:30 PM
Register Here!
Virtual Instant Decision Day
Wednesday, October 7
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Register Here!
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, October 10
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
NYU School of Professional Studies
7 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
Register Here!
Hospitality Management Instant Decision Day
Thursday, October 29
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
NYU School of Professional Studies
7 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
Register Here!
Campus Tour & Bridge Student Panel
Wednesday, November 4
4:00 - 6:30 PM
NYU School of Professional Studies
7 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003
Register Here!
FIND US AT THE FOLLOWING COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIRS:
UFT College Fair
Thursday, October 8
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Brooklyn College, West Quad
Earl Monroe College and Career Fair|
Wednesday, October 28
12:00 - 2:00 PM
Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball High School
UFT College Fair 2026
Friday, November 6
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Borough of Manhattan Community College
How to Apply
Eligibility Requirements
- US citizenship or legal residence, and eligible to work in the USA
- Commuting distance from NYC campus
- Receives Pell or TAP funding
- High School GPA of 2.8+
- Intention to matriculate directly into NYU SPS associate degree program after Bridge.
Application Requirements
- Prepare your documents:
a. Statement of Purpose and Short Answer Essay response
b. Resume
c. Ask a teacher/coach/counselor to submit a recommendation on your behalf
d. Transcripts from high school and any college you have earned credit(s) from - Create an application account here: https://apply.sps.nyu.edu/register/bridge
- Once you submit your account registration information, check your email for a link to begin the application
- Apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) using the SPS code 002785 New York residents must also apply for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
a. Submit confirmation that the form(s) have been submitted.
Application Deadlines
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. The sooner applicants apply, the sooner they’ll receive a decision.
Priority 1
Application Submission Deadline: November 1, 2026
Decision Release Date: December 15, 2026
Priority 2
Application Submission Deadline: January 15, 2027
Decision Release Date: March 3, 2027
Regular
Application Submission Deadline: April 15, 2027
Decision Release Date: May 1, 2027
Final
Application Submission Deadline: June 7, 2027
Decision Release Date: June 15, 2027
Commitment Deadline
The commitment deadline for accepted students to confirm their seat in the Fall 2027 Career Pathways Bridge - Spring 2028 Associate Degree Program is June 21, 2027.
The sooner accepted students commit, the greater their chances are of securing their standing in the tuition-free Bridge-Associate Program.
Applying for Financial Aid
To be considered for financial aid you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
File the FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov using the SPS code 002785. We also encourage students to seek out additional scholarship and funding opportunities.
If you file the FAFSA and are admitted to SPS Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies, you will be issued a financial aid award that will include all of the aid you are eligible to receive.
Transferring Credits
You may earn up to half your required degree credits through:
- Previous accredited college coursework such as CUNY CollegeNOW or NYU SPS Launching Leaders
- Prior Learning Assessment portfolios
- Examinations such as CLEP, AP, and foreign language proficiency
NYU SPS accepts a maximum of 30 advanced standing credits for transfer into the associate’s programs.
Our Funders
