Program Overview
Adult Collegiate Education (ACE)
The Adult Collegiate Education (ACE) program is an accelerated bachelor's degree program designed for high school graduates aged 25 and older, as well as those with GEDs and foreign equivalencies. This program allows students to apply for up to 36 tuition-free life achievement credits based on personal or professional experience.
Program Overview
Queens College's ACE program is recognized as one of the best values in U.S. higher education, offering an affordable cost of attendance. Since its inception in 1963, the program has enabled thousands of adults in the New York metropolitan area to begin or return to school, with over 5,500 graduates and currently more than 200 enrolled students.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the ACE program, applicants must be at least 25 years old with a high school diploma or its equivalent. Transfer students are also welcome, provided they have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Candidates must complete either a CUNY freshman or transfer application.
Life Achievement Evaluation
The ACE program offers a life achievement evaluation, which allows students to document notable prior learning gained through work and/or outside interests for potential academic credit. A maximum of 36 credits can be awarded through this evaluation, with no fees or charges involved in applying for credit.
Tuition
The cost of attending Queens College for degree students is as follows:
- New York State residents: $305 per credit
- Non-residents: $620 per credit
Transfer Credit Evaluation
Admitted students can access their Transfer Credit Evaluation on CUNYfirst. Transfer credits are considered for liberal arts courses completed at accredited, degree-granting U.S. institutions with a minimum grade of C- (or any passing grade from a CUNY college). A maximum of 75 transfer credits may be counted toward the 120 required for graduation.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to qualified full-time and part-time students.
Curriculum Components
The ACE student's curriculum consists of four major components:
- Core Curriculum Requirements: 14 courses, minimum of 42 credits, including the Required Core, Flexible Core, and College Core.
- Evaluation of prior learning for life achievement credits.
- The academic major.
- Elective courses.
Academic Advising
ACE students are invited to take advantage of the Academic Advising Center's services, which include explaining degree requirements, campus services, student life, and educational opportunities. Advisors help students tailor their educational experiences and provide an ACE advisement sheet and educational plan for future course registration and graduation projection.
Policy on Transfer Credits
Transfer of credit will be considered for liberal arts courses completed at an accredited, degree-granting U.S. institution with a minimum grade of C- (or any passing grade from a CUNY college). A maximum of 75 transfer credits may be counted toward the 120 required for graduation.
Class Scheduling
Classes take place in the evening and on weekends, offering a personally rewarding education that provides a secure foundation for career advancement and graduate or professional study. Some academic departments offer evening majors, and flexible scheduling allows students to earn a degree in most other majors.
Requirements for Acceptance
Candidates apply to Queens College with either a CUNY freshman or transfer application. The application fee for freshmen is $65, and for transfers, it is $70. Official transcripts from high school and any previously attended colleges must be submitted.
Completion of Bachelor's Degree
Completion of the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree depends on the student. 120 credits are required to complete a bachelor's degree, with at least 45 of those credits earned at Queens College. The length of time needed to complete a degree is determined by the number of courses and credits taken each semester, the number of credits available through life achievement, and the number of transferable credits.