What is New Start?

About New Start, cover image

What is New Start?

Join the 50 year UA Tradition

For 50 years, the New Start Summer Program has been offering new Wildcats the opportunity to get a head start on their college degree while getting to know the UA campus and meeting new people. That's over 14,000 students! 

By participating in New Start, you will:

  • Earn 6-7 units of academic credit
  • Get connected with returning Wildcats who not long ago were in your shoes
  • Meet hundreds of other new UA students

You'll get connected with faculty, learn about what UA has to offer, get crucial advice from peer mentors and resident assistants, and academic support from tutors. By the time you complete New Start, you'll be a half a semester closer to your degree! You will feel like a UA expert ready for your first year, and will meet some of the best friends you'll ever have!

While that all sounds great, here are some numbers to convince you even more. New Start students continue into their sophomore year at a rate 6-10% higher than their peers who did not participate in New Start. Plus, New Start is very affordable, providing reduced tuition and fees for Arizona residents and covering all costs for Pell recipients through our Pell Promise.

And it doesn't stop after summer! With the support of the Thrive Center, New Start students now have the opportunity to get support and community throughout their entire fall semester with drop-in hours and planned social and educational events! Come, join the New Start family!