CUNY Start is an intensive and supportive program for students who need to take one or more skills development courses before beginning credit-bearing courses. At a maximum cost of just $75 for the semester, CUNY Start can help you save your limited financial aid dollars for courses that will earn you credit toward graduation.

Since coming to QCC in 2011, the CUNY Start programs have helped thousands of students prepare to thrive in college. By joining CUNY Start, you have the opportunity to meet all of your remedial requirements, prepare for the challenge of college-level work, and work with a dedicated adviser who will make sure that you have the tools you need to successfully navigate your first semesters of college.

For a quick introduction to CUNY Start, watch the video below.

All programs include advisement and weekly college success seminars.

Full-Time Math and English Program:

• Mondays through Fridays: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Part-Time Math Program:

• Morning, daytime, and evening options available. Classes that begin at the beginning of the semester will be 12 hours a week, and classes that begin mid-semester will be 15 hours a week. 

Part-Time English Program:

• Morning, daytime, and evening options available. Classes that begin at the beginning of the semester will be 12 hours a week, and classes that begin mid-semester will be 15 hours a week. 

As of Fall 2022, we will be offering in-person, hybrid, and online classes. Talk to a representative from our program to choose the best option for your needs.

Complete a CUNY Start interest form and we will contact you for an Information Session!

• It is the CUNY recommendation for building the math, reading, and writing skills necessary to both enter and thrive in credit courses
• Students receive regular one-on-one advisement to help them progress through our program and prepare for the next semester
• Students receive daily interaction with their instructors and frequent individualized feedback
• CUNY Start programs do not cost more than $75, so students can save money and financial aid toward classes that count toward the degree
• Students receive two chances to pass 
• Students gain a supportive learning community made up of classmates, instructors, advisers, and staff

To join CUNY Start, you need to:

• Have a high school or high school equivalency diploma
• Be an admitted student at Queensborough Community College
• Have been designated by CUNY to be in need of non-credit, developmental (also known as “remedial”) courses in Math and/or English before beginning credit course
• Submit a short data form and attend an information session with a CUNY Start staff member

Community College Research Center: Teaching Matters and So Does Curriculum: How CUNY Start Reshaped Instruction for Students Referred to Developmental Mathematics

CUNY Press Release: Study That Confirmed Excellence Of ‘CUNY Start’remediation Program Draws Highest Praise From U.S. Department Of Education

Inside Higher Ed: CUNY’s Intensive Remedial Ed Semester Showing Success

Freshta Mayar is studying Business Administration at Queensborough Community College and wants to open her own business someday.