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This spring, many Chicago Public Schools (CPS) seniors are graduating with more than just diplomas. Through early college programs, they have gained college credits and saved significant tuition costs.
“We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2025 for making history in our early college programs,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “These graduates are not just walking away with high school diplomas—they’re leaving our schools with college credits, real momentum toward their degrees, and thousands of dollars in tuition savings for their families. This is what it looks like when we invest in students and help them thrive beyond graduation.”
In 2025, 211 seniors earned both a high school diploma and an associate degree. Over 1,000 graduates completed at least 15 transferable college credits. More than 6,600 CPS students from the Class of 2025 earned over 66,000 early college credits, representing an estimated $10 million in tuition savings.
“This remarkable number of CPS students isn’t just finishing high school — they’re accelerating toward their college and career ambitions,” said Chief Education Officer Chkoumbova. “This is what we mean when we talk about high-quality, rigorous public education. These students embody the academic excellence and determination we work to cultivate every single day.”
The achievements highlight CPS's dedication to providing access to challenging coursework that prepares students for future success.
To celebrate these accomplishments, leaders from CPS's Office of College and Career Success joined City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Chancellor Juan Salgado and DeVry University Dean Dr. Brian Niro at a celebration event at UIC’s Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum.
The progress stems from the Chicago Roadmap initiative between CPS and CCC, allowing free access to college-level courses during high school.
“Through the Chicago Roadmap, we’re opening more doors for high school students to take free college courses—helping them save time and money on their path to a degree,” said Chancellor Salgado of CCC. “In partnership with CPS and our communities, we’re creating clear, seamless pathways to higher education and in-demand careers for Chicago’s young people.”
The Class of 2025 set new records across various milestones:
- Over 1,000 students earned at least 15 college credits.
- A total of 320 students earned 30 or more credits.
- The number of graduating seniors earning an associate degree increased by nearly half compared to last year.
- Recognition was given to 80 schools for early college achievement.
Miguel Diaz from Lindblom Science Academy will graduate with both his diploma and an associate degree from City Colleges of Chicago. He plans to attend the University of Illinois Chicago.
“Participating in the early college program helped me develop a growth mindset,” Miguel said.
His mother Lina Diaz expressed pride in her son's accomplishments as a first-generation family from Mexico.
“This has prepared him for the university level so he knows how to handle college classes when he is still in high school,” she said.
