Launching College from Everywhere: Alternative First-Year Programs Students Should Consider

Universities have found some creative ways to fill their class ranks while not overcrowding residence halls. Increasingly, colleges are offering innovative ways to begin college—abroad, on satellite campuses, or through community-college partnerships. These alternative start programs offer students a vibrant, enriching way to transition into higher education—with global exposure, tight-knit communities, and structured pathways into top universities. Students should be aware that these programs may require opt-in choices on applications or specific admission routes. And yes, often indicating that you would consider one of these optional pathways can significantly increase your chance of being admitted!

Here are a few standout examples that you might want to have on your radar.

Northeastern University – Global Scholars & Scholars Programs

Perhaps the most well known example of this practice comes from Northeastern University. Northeastern has a few different pathways that culminate in a full NEU Degree. London Scholars is a full first-year experience at Northeastern’s London campus, including courses that fulfill general education and major requirements Students live and learn in London for a year, then decide to stay or transition to the Boston campus for their sophomore year. NU Oakland allows students to start their education in Oakland (Bay Area, California) with the option of heading to Boston for their Sophomore year. The N.U.in Program is a first-semester global experience rooted in Northeastern's core belief that students should be engaged citizens of the world. Launched in 2006, N.U.in students begin their studies as a cohort in a global location before matriculating to the university and transitioning to the Boston campus in January for the second semester. Previous program locations include Germany, Greece, Ireland, and more. New for fall 2025, the New York City Scholars Program allows students to begin their academic journey at the Marymount Manhattan College campus as a cohort of fellow first-year Northeastern students.

University of Maryland – Freshman Connection

Freshmen Connection (FC) is offered to all incoming freshmen students who are admitted for the spring semester. This optional program allows students to live on campus during the fall semester and enroll in up to 17 credits, keeping them on track to graduate in four years. Students are eligible to participate in UMD activities and organizations but face some restrictions on course timing (although if you ask our previous students, being “forced” to only enroll in afternoon and evening classes is a feature and not a bug!).

Elon University – Bridge & Global Start Programs

Elon offers the Elon Bridge program for students who fall slightly below admission thresholds. Similar to UMD’s Freshman Connection, Bridge welcomes a small cohort of up to 50 students to immerse themselves on campus while earning credits to meet the transfer admissions requirements and begin as a traditional student for the spring semester. Elon also offers the Elon Global Start as a pathway to full time enrollment in the spring semester. A cohort of up to 25 students will be accompanied by an Elon faculty member and earn credits while studying in Dublin, Ireland. 

Syracuse University – Discovery Programs

Certain majors can choose this global pathway and opt to spend their first semester in Florence, Madrid, or Strasbourg and then return to the main campus for spring semester.

Pennsylvania State University – 2+2 Program

Students who are not admitted to University Park can start at one of 20+ Penn State campuses, then transition to the flagship for their last two years.

University of Tennessee – Rocky Top Transfer Program

An invitation-only alternate start path for first-year students to spend a year at Pellissippi State Community College, earning 24+ credits before automatically transferring to UTKnoxville.

These are just a few opportunities we’ve had students take advantage of!