Achieve an Academic EDGE at Purchase College! Prepare for college success, build confidence, and earn valuable college credit. Sharpen essential academic skills in this immersive experience while empowering you to excel both in the classroom and beyond.
Picture yourself thriving as a college student - all within a supportive, inspiring environment. Academic EDGE isn’t just a name - it stands for what you’ll achieve:
E - Experience a college campus. D - Discover your potential. G - Gain college credit. E - Equip yourself for success in college.
Daily Schedule
Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Fridays off)
These credit-bearing classes aren’t just about earning college credit - they’re a chance to explore subjects that align with your interests and potential majors. These courses help you discover your academic passions while building a strong foundation for college success. Plus, the credits you earn can give you a head start when you begin your college journey.
Each day, you’ll enjoy lunch in the Purchase College dining hall - where good food meets great company. It’s the perfect time to relax and recharge with new friends. Whether you’re swapping notes from class, planning your next campus adventure, or just laughing over dessert, these midday meals help build the sense of community that will make your Academic EDGE experience unforgettable.
Twice a week, dive into EDGEworkshops that build your college readiness and confidence. Topics may include:
Time Management & Study Skills
Library Research & College Writing
College Admissions & Interview Prep
Application & Essay Writing
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Maximizing Your College Experience
In addition to skill-building, students will enjoy a wide range of enrichment activities that bring learning to life beyond the classroom. These may include a campus tour, visits to the Neuberger Museum, Purchase Performing Arts Center, Native Garden Labyrinth, a Sculpture Walk, and other activities.
Why Choose Academic EDGE?
It’s an immersive academic experience designed for your next step. Whether you’re preparing for senior year, transitioning to college, or exploring during a gap year, EDGE gives you the tools to succeed.
Get a head start on college-level coursework
Build confidence in your academic skills
Strengthen your college applications with earned credits
Transition smoothly into college life and expectations
Earn credits that count toward your degree
Explore academic interests before committing to a major
Stay academically engaged during your break
Accumulate college credits without full-time enrollment
Gain clarity on future goals while sharpening essential skills
2026 Courses
Academic EDGE courses are led by distinguished, full-time Purchase College faculty / experienced educators who bring their expertise, passion for teaching, and commitment to student success into every classroom. These professors are not only subject matter experts but also mentors dedicated to helping students thrive academically and personally.
Two worlds of discovery - which will you explore? Creative Writing or Cosmic Exploration? The choice is yours:
This introductory course in creative writing allows students to explore various genres. Poetry, the short story, and memoir are among the forms discussed. Students should be prepared to write, revise, and share portions of their work with other members of the class, and to read a selection of works by contemporary authors.
Explore the nature of life, examine the history of life on Earth, look for life among the rocky planets and icy moons of our solar system, hunt for extrasolar planets, and join in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Are we alone in the universe?
Registration for Academic EDGE opens March 2, 2026. Submit your application - including transcript, recommendation letter, and cover letter - via email, secure upload, or mail to the School of Continuing Education at Purchase College. Please see the details below.
A high school transcript (official or unofficial) that reflects an 85 percent or B average
A letter of recommendation from the student’s guidance counselor or principal
A cover letter, written by the student, including phone, email, and course desired (course number and CRN), and alternate course(s) in case the first option is not available.
Mail or deliver in person to: School of Continuing Education Purchase College, State University of NY 735 Anderson Hill Road Purchase, NY 10577
5000
Frequently Asked Questions…
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<a href="/live/blurbs/793-how-do-i-get-to-the-campus-by-car">How do I get to the campus by car?</a>
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<p> Purchase College is easily accessible from Westchester, Lower Fairfield counties and the greater tri-state area. <a href="/admissions/visit/travel-and-transportation/#Directions">Directions</a>.</p>
<a class="more" href="#">keep reading <span class="lw_sr_only">FAQ</span>»</a>
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<a href="/live/blurbs/3657-how-can-i-transfer-credits-i-earn-through-the-academic-">How can I transfer credits I earn through the Academic Edge program?</a>
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<p> Keep in mind that each college and university sets its own policies on accepting transfer credits. We recommend keeping a copy of your course syllabus along with your official Purchase College transcript. <strong data-start="47" data-end="105"><a href="/offices/registrar/transcript-request/">How to request an official Purchase College transcript.</a></strong></p>
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<a href="/live/blurbs/3656-do-students-live-on-campus-during-the-academic">Do students live on campus during the Academic Edge program?</a>
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<p> The Academic Edge program is designed as a <strong data-start="645" data-end="665">commuter program</strong>. Participants commute to campus daily and arrange their own housing.</p>
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<a href="/live/blurbs/791-do-i-need-a-student-id-more-card">Do I need a Student ID (More Card)?</a>
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<p> Students registering for Academic EDGE are not required to <a href="/offices/more-card/">obtain a More Card</a> (a Purchase College student ID),but the cost is covered by your tuition and look at the benefits! </p>
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<li>Free use of athletic facilities, including pool and fitness center </li>
<li>Free entry to the Neuberger Museum (located on campus) </li>
<li>Discount at the Performing Arts Center (located on campus) </li>
<li>Check out materials from the Purchase College library </li>
<li>Receive student discounts at museums and other venues in New York City </li>
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<a href="/live/blurbs/794-how-can-i-get-to-the-campus-if-i-dont-have-a-car">How can I get to the campus if I don’t have a car?</a>
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<p> The Westchester County Bee Line #12 bus stops on campus. Use the following link to access a more complete <a href="/admissions/visit/travel-and-transportation/">travel and transportation information</a>. </p>
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<a href="/live/blurbs/3658-how-do-i-request-a-transcript">How do I request a transcript?</a>
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<p> You will need to <a href="/offices/registrar/transcript-request/">submit a request for an official Purchase College transcript.</a> Transcripts can be sent directly to your high school or future college either electronically (PDF) or by mail (USPS). </p>
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Program Details
Discover everything you need to know about Academic EDGE - program costs and other important information, so you can plan your summer with confidence!
Student Type
Tuition Total for One Credit-Bearing Course
EDGE Workshop Tuition
Total Cost for Academic EDGE
NYS Resident
$1,332
$595
$1,927
Fairfield County, CT Resident
$1,509
$595
$2,104
Out-of-NYS Residents
$3,096
$595
$3,691
Tuition Total for one course includes tuition, college fee, campus services fee, and technology fee, ID Fee, and Transcript Fee. For more information, please visit the Student Financial Services Tuitions and Fees page under Summer Session 2026. Note:Textbooks are not included in the cost and housing is not available.
EDGE Workshop Tuition includes lunch in the Dining Hall.
Disclaimer
Rates and fees listed above are subject to change without prior notice. The total cost shown is an estimate and may vary based on individual circumstances, optional services, or institutional adjustments. Please confirm all charges with Student Financial Services if you have any questions.
Optional Fee: Students who plan to drive and park on campus are required to obtain a parking permit from the Office of Parking and Transportation. This permit is available for an additional fee.
Pell and TAP-eligible students who have been accepted to Purchase College and submitted their deposit for Fall 2026 may qualify for scholarship funding. If you meet these criteria, please email your request to conted@purchase.edu.
Information contained on the website is subject to change and the College assumes no liability for errors or omissions. Purchase College, SUNY expressly reserves the right whenever it deems advisable to change or modify its schedule of tuition and fees; withdraw, cancel, reschedule, or modify any course, program of study, degree, or any requirement or policy.
