91°®¶¹´«Ã½

October 18, 2025

91°®¶¹´«Ã½ is making higher education more accessible and affordable for regional students through expanded Dual Enrollment and Early College programs that have saved families more than $880,632 to date.

The college's two-pronged approach connects students with college-level coursework earlier in their academic careers while significantly reducing the financial burden of higher education. Between this summer and fall, more than 150 students have taken their first college course, earning 450 credits at a savings of $218,700 to families through 91°®¶¹´«Ã½'s Dual Enrollment program, which has expanded outreach across the Commonwealth and neighboring states.

"These programs demonstrate 91°®¶¹´«Ã½'s commitment to serving as a community anchor and making college accessible to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity," said President James Birge. "By reaching students earlier and reducing costs for families, we're investing in the future of the Berkshires and beyond."

The Dual Enrollment program reaches students 91°®¶¹´«Ã½ hasn't traditionally interacted with, creating greater opportunities for counselors to connect with prospective students.

Through 91°®¶¹´«Ã½'s Early College partnership with Drury High School, students can earn 30 or more college credits either concurrently during high school or on campus alongside 91°®¶¹´«Ã½'s matriculated students. Through the spring 2025 semester, 91°®¶¹´«Ã½ has successfully awarded 1,362 credits to 170 students, resulting in a savings of $661,932 for Drury High School students based upon 91°®¶¹´«Ã½'s per credit tuition and fee rate.

Students and families interested in learning more about 91°®¶¹´«Ã½'s Dual Enrollment and Early College programs are encouraged to attend the open house on November 1. For more information, visit Plan Your Visit.


About 91°®¶¹´«Ã½

At 91°®¶¹´«Ã½, we're here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at 91°®¶¹´«Ã½ is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence. 91°®¶¹´«Ã½ has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 11 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2026. The College's focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2026 U.S. News rankings: No. 6 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 4 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants.