A large group of NYU SPS Career Pathways Bridge Program students stand in an NYC park

Expanding Access to NYU for Recent New York Graduates

The Career Pathways Bridge Program offers PELL and TAP eligible students across NY an affordable and accessible pathway into associate degree programs at the NYU School of Professional Studies. Students have a smoother transition from high school into college. Earn early credits, gain foundational college and career skills, build a community of peers, understand how to navigate NYU and all it has to offer, and earn a full scholarship to an NYU associate’s degree.

Quick Facts

Bridge Student Numbers at a Glance

90%
Identify as first generation
94%
Maintain jobs on and off campus
100%
Receive Pell and TAP funding
95%
Students of color
85%
Enrolled in at least one AP course in high school

Why the Career Pathways Bridge Program

Starting in the fall, the Bridge program helps recent high school graduates prepare for college by offering:

Academic Support
  • Personalized academic advising and peer tutoring to help you succeed
  • Recognition for earning a 3.0 GPA or higher
Social & Emotional Support
  • Community-building events like bowling at Chelsea Piers, Yankees games, ropes courses, and on-campus hangouts
  • A dedicated team that’s here to support your well-being
Financial Support
  • Full 2-year scholarship to complete an NYU SPS associate’s degree
  • Semesterly stipends to cover the cost of transportation, course materials, and college life
  • Free meal plans each semester
Career Coaching
  • Expert help with resumes, interviews, and finding internships—on and off campus
  • Connect with industry employers to build your professional network
  • Access to digital career-based tools: NYU Handshake, HelloHive AI Resume Builder, and BASTA Discovery Program
Workplace Learning
  • On-campus paid positions like a financial aid ambassador, peer mentor, business associate, or operations intern
  • Off-campus internships like a junior coder apprentice at Amazon, a home health aid at Americare, or a receptionist at the Royal Regency Hotel

How to Apply

  • NY Resident
  • Commuting distance from NYC campus
  • Receives Pell & TAP funding (must complete FAFSA and TAP applications!)
  • High School GPA of 2.8+
  • Intention to matriculate directly into NYU SPS associate degree program after Bridge.

*Associate programs are fully paid for through the Bridge Scholarship.

  1. Prepare your documents: 
              a.  Statement of Purpose and Short Answer Essay respons
              b.  Resume
              c.  Ask a teacher/coach/counselor to submit a recommendation on your behalf
              d.  Transcripts from high school and any college you have earned credit(s) from
  2. Create an application account here: https://apply.sps.nyu.edu/register/bridge 
  3. Once you submit your account registration information, check your email for a link to begin the application
  4. Apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) using the SPS code 002785 and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).
              a.  Submit confirmation that both FAFSA and TAP forms have been submitted. 

To be considered for financial aid you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

File the FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov using the SPS code 002785. We also encourage students to seek out additional scholarship and funding opportunities.

If you file the FAFSA and are admitted to SPS Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies, you will be issued a financial aid award that will include all of the aid you are eligible to receive.

You may earn up to half your required degree credits through:

  • Previous accredited college coursework such as CUNY CollegeNOW or NYU SPS Launching Leaders 
  • Prior Learning Assessment portfolios
  • Examinations such as CLEP, AP, and foreign language proficiency

NYU SPS accepts a maximum of 30 advanced standing credits for transfer into the associate’s programs.

Our Funders

Amazon logo with a transparent background
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation logo with red text and a white background
James and Judith K Dimon Foundation logo with black text and a white background
Schultz Family Foundation logo with black text and a white background

Have a Question?

Interested in applying but have outstanding questions?
Email the Pathways Team