College Readiness Program

Elon Bridge

Elon University students seeking a supported start to college in the Elon Bridge program, surround a professor in a field in an ecology course.

Elon Bridge is college readiness program that provides an opportunity for students with strong potential to grow academically and personally. This one-semester program offers a close-knit and supportive community, meaningful coursework and the full Elon University experience, setting you up to thrive when you officially enroll in the spring.

This program accommodates up to 50 non-degree-seeking students, allowing them to take 16 credit hours in the fall semester. Participants reside on Elon’s campus and engage in courses led by Elon faculty, with a curriculum designed to foster their academic success. Those who achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher and adhere to the Elon Honor Code will be eligible for admission as matriculating students starting in the winter/spring semester. As a member of the Elon Bridge cohort students can expect an engaging curriculum and support system to benefit the transition to being a full-time student.

Select Alternative Start 2026 application.
Priority Deadline: February 15 (Rolling Decisions)

Students chat on a bench in the historic area of campus.

Program Highlights

  • Engaging curriculum and personalized academic experience with small classes, supported by outstanding faculty mentorship
  • 1:1 advising model and a cohort experience that fosters a strong community
  • Dedicated Academic Coordinator monitors student progress and supports students beyond the fall semester
  • Get connected: join Elon’s robust clubs and organizations community, social activities and university athletics
  • Live in East Neighborhood with other Elon and Elon Bridge students. Your roommate will also be in the program

Academic Highlights

Students enroll in 16 credit hours (full course load) during the fall semester, with all courses taught by Elon faculty on campus. Coursework may include subjects like English, writing, and social sciences, along with a course focused on executive functioning to support student learning. Highly skilled faculty provide tailored academic support to help students succeed in their first semester and throughout their college journey. Since Elon Bridge courses are specifically designed to prepare students for college, not all credits may transfer toward degree requirements, and students are not permitted to drop any courses.

Participants who meet the transfer requirement of a 2.7 cumulative GPA across all Elon Bridge courses will be eligible for admission to Elon University as degree-seeking students in the winter and spring semester. Additionally, all candidates for both Elon Bridge and Elon University must have no conduct violations during high school or their first semester on campus.

 

Required courses include:

ENG 1000 English Writing Workshop (4 credits)
ENG 1100 Writing and Argument (4 credits)
ELN 1710 Executive Functioning and Learning (2 credits)
IDS 1150 Public Speaking (2 Credits)

Choose a Core Curriculum course from the following 4-credit courses:

CLA 1100 Classical Mythology
COM 1000 Communications in a Global Age
ESS 1110 Introduction to Exercise Science
POL 1110 American Government
PSY 1000 Introduction to Psychology
SCI 1210 Science Without Borders
SOC 1110 Introduction to Sociology
WGS 1100 Sex and Gender

 

A group of students are taking group tour of Elon.

Orientation and First Semester

Each year, first-year students engage in a robust orientation program sponsored by New Student Programs. Portions of the programming a designed specifically for Bridge Students integrating in the larger fall orientation including Call to Honor, New Student Convocation, Hall programs and academic advising.

Over the course of the fall semester, tap into the expansive network of Elon First-Year Experiences including club and organization fair, active residence life, introduction to the Core-Curriculum and campus recreation and wellness. Have access to the Learning Center, Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility, Truitt center for religious life, mentoring programs and much more.

 

An Elon University student at graduation who benefited from structure, consistency and skill-building in the Elon Bridge program in their first semester before their spring enrollment.

Beyond Elon Bridge

Elon Bridge students who successfully meet the university’s transfer requirements can seamlessly transition to degree-seeking status without needing to submit a separate application. This streamlined process allows students to focus on their success in the program and their aspirations for an undergraduate degree at Elon. Once admitted, they can explore a wide range of majors in Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, or any of the professional schools at the university, providing flexibility and choice.

Additionally, students who may not meet the transfer requirements or choose to explore other colleges will receive comprehensive support from our dedicated faculty and advising staff, ensuring they are guided throughout their academic journey.

 

Expenses

Elon Bridge students will be roomed together in one of Elon’s traditional residence halls, fostering a sense of community and support. The charges for the fall semester will include tuition, fees, food, and housing. While students are considered non-matriculating during the fall, which means traditional need-based aid and merit scholarships are not available, they do have the option to apply for low-interest loans offered by Elon University to help cover their enrollment costs.

To maximize potential financial aid for the spring semester, we encourage families to complete the FAFSA, along with the CSS Profile. This proactive approach will help determine eligibility for aid with degree-seeking status.

Two students laughing together in a classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Elon Bridge Program

What options are available if my student wants to go to college but isn’t academically ready yet? Many colleges offer structured transition or college readiness programs for students who need additional academic support before fully enrolling. Elon’s Bridge Program lets students begin coursework in a supportive environment and transitions them to full enrollment in the spring.

Contact Us

Headshot of James Thurnes

James Thurnes
Assistant Dean and Director of Transfer and Special Admissions
jthurnes@elon.edu