Early College
Do you find yourself bored in your high school classes? Are you eager to get a jump start on college? Mary Baldwin University’s co-ed Early College program offers gifted 16- and 17-year-old students the chance to skip their final years of high school and get a head start on their undergraduate degree.
About Early College
Early College isn’t a dual-enrollment program or another set of honors classes. Its a real, residential college experience for mature, motivated high schoolers who are ready to take the next step.
- Choose from 25+ bachelor’s degree programs
- Receive individualized attention thanks to our low student-to-faculty ratio
- Study with instructors at the top of their fields
- Access student resources, including the McCree Center for Career Success and Academic Resource Center
Residential Life
Early College students live in Mary Baldwin residence halls and experience all that campus life has to offer. Female Early College students under the age of 18 may choose to live in Tyson Hall, an all-female supervised dormitory where our
Program for Exceptionally Gifted students also reside.
Outside the Classroom
Enjoy all of the activities and events MBU and our hometown of Staunton have to offer:
- Taste delicious gelato and witness world-renowned Shakespeare performances in the vibrant City of Staunton
- Participate in beloved MBU traditions like Apple Day, Spring Fling, and the Capstone Festival
- Compete on any of our NCAA Division III athletic teams and embrace your inner Fighting Squirrel
- Pursue your passions and friendships by joining a Mary Baldwin honor society or any of our student-led clubs
Ready to Apply?
The Early College program is open to applications from high school students ages 16 and 17.
Submit an application here. The application requires:
- A High School Transcript (homeschool transcripts must have parental authorization)
- Two Teacher/ Administrator Recommendations
- Essay
- Test scores (PSAT, SAT, or ACT accepted)
- Geometry must be completed before joining the Early College Program.
*Non-native English speaking applicants will request additional materials. MBU requests an English Language Proficiency test. We accept TOEFL (internet based 78), IELTS (internet based 6.5), Duolingo (105).
Financial Aid
We believe that a college education should be within reach for all. That’s why we offer an affordable tuition structure, with merit awards, along with need-based aid and other opportunities for financial assistance. Our commitment to accessibility extends to studying abroad, attending conferences, and accessing donor-funded scholarships.
FAQ
Students are accepted based on:
- Intellectual capacity and motivation
- Consistent academic achievement
- Social and emotional maturity
- A serious sense of purpose
Early College is a highly selective program and is not appropriate for all students. Our application process is intended to make certain all of our students are right for our program and that our program is the right fit for each of our students!
Strong test scores and GPAs are a good start, but drive, maturity, and excitement about starting college early are the attributes we’re looking for in candidates. Early Colleges students:
- Tend to feel bored in high school classes and misaligned with their peers
- Have an insatiable academic curiosity
- Are eager to advance to graduate school or a career
- Want to be challenged while at the same time supported
- Want to build meaningful connections with other young teenagers
Sound like you? Contact our admissions office to schedule an on-campus visit or arrange a virtual tour.
For young women ages 12-16, Mary Baldwin offers the Program for the Exceptionally Gifted (PEG). Much like Early College, PEG is an immersive academic experience and significant jump start on college and post-graduate education.
Contact Us
Email: admit@marybaldwin.edu
Phone: (540) 887-7019