Early Start is a 5-week 2 summer session bridge program that offers newly admitted freshman students the opportunity to earn up to six (6) hours of graded credit while meeting other similarly motivated students and learning about what resources are offered.  The program is offered in a residential setting with Early Start covering the cost of room and board. 

Any freshman student admitted to the University of North Texas is eligible to apply.  The program is specially designed to assist students who are first-generation and low-income.

NOTE:  For TAMS students looking for the TAMS Early Start program, please contact send an email to: russ.stukel@unt.edu. 

The 2024 priority deadline is on April 26th, 2024

Please note that enrollment in Early Start is on a first-come, first-served basis, so you are advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Early Start will be held during summer session two (5W2) at the University of North Texas. Students will begin on June 24th, and end on July 26th.

Students will follow their course schedules, which include in-person and online meetings at set times, in addition to attending all cohort meetings and one small group meeting per week.  Please review the Expectations and Schedule page for details. 

FREE SUMMER HOUSING, FREE MEALS, AND FREE TEXTBOOKS FOR THE 5-WEEK PROGRAM

There is a significant benefit in beginning your academic journey a summer session earlier, though there is also an added cost in doing so.  The Early Start program hopes to ease some of the financial burdens by covering the cost of textbooks for the required summer courses (up to $250) and by covering the cost of room and board during the program.   

STUDENTS COVER THE COST OF SUMMER CLASS.

In addition to any personal expenses, students are responsible for the cost of tuition and fees for their coursework. Please see the Student Financial Aid Services website for more information regarding estimated cost of attendance. 

YES!  Financial aid is available to students enrolled at least half-time (2 courses) in a degree-seeking program.  Be sure to review all the information available through our Student Financial Aid & Scholarships office. 

Please note that “financial aid” includes more than just grant money.  This term also includes scholarships and loans.  We strongly encourage all applicants to the Early Start program to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so you are aware of the resources available to assist with educational expenses. 

Many students may have already submitted the 2024-2025 FAFSA in preparation for the Fall 2024 semester.  Note, however, that for the summer 2024 semester, you’ll need to also complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA and UNT Summer Financial Aid application.  Check with the Financial Aid Office to determine the official FAFSA deadline. 

As a reminder:
EagleConnect is the official UNT email system for students.  To ensure you are receiving emails from campus departments, please monitor your EagleConnect account and ensure you use it for all UNT related communication.

Students will be responsible for enrolling in classes during their Orientation Session. The Early Start program will begin each day at 4:00 pm so students are expected to be done with classes by 3:00 pm each day.  Please review the Expectations and Schedule page for details. 

Early Starters are required to participate in any New Student Orientation session that occurs BEFORE June 24th, 2024. The earlier your date, the better. For more information, please visit the New Student Orientation website. 

You may request to have the fee for Orientation deferred by completing the Orientation Fee Deferment Request Form.

Participants are required to attend any orientation conducted before June 24th [Orientations 1 through 4].

Certainly. Individuals admitted to UNT, irrespective of nationality, are welcome to partake.

Unfortunately, late enrollment is not accepted. Full participation throughout the five-week duration of the Early Start program is required.