Urban College of Boston, a private nonprofit institution based in Massachusetts, opens new pathways to opportunity through individualized, supportive, and multilingual education. Through our critical partnerships, we help empower a diverse community of learners.

We offer courses in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole, and instruction is offered via in-person, online, and hybrid formats. We provide robust support to our students throughout their time with us, from offering guidance through the application and financial aid processes to registering for courses and seeking tutoring or technology support, to considering post-graduation options.

Embrace your dreams. Empower your life --

At Urban College of Boston, we're committed to empowering you to boldly pursue your dreams and lead within your communities. With our multilingual community and affordable online classes, we provide a supportive learning environment that guides you every step of the way. Together, let’s turn your dreams into achievements!

MISSION:

Urban College of Boston opens new pathways to opportunity through individualized, supportive, and multilingual education that prepares a diverse community of learners to pursue career advancement and transform their lives.

VISION:

Urban College of Boston graduates are gainfully employed, leading in their communities, and on the path to building financial security for themselves and their families.

OUR HISTORY:

Originally founded in 1993 by Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), a leading Boston-based anti-poverty agency, UCB is a private, non-profit college accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

A federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) with thirty years of experience providing multilingual college course offerings in Boston, UCB has long served an ethnically- and racially- diverse student body. Of the over 1,100 students enrolled at Urban College, 59% identified as Hispanic or Latinx, 14% as Black or African American, 10% as Asian, 6% as white, 3% as another race or ethnicity, and 8% did not indicate their race or ethnicity. During the same period, 92% of students were women and the average age was 37. 

 
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UCB at a GLANCE


1996: FIRST UCB GRADUATION

UCB had four graduates at the first Commencement ceremony. UCB's 2023 Commencement recognized 72 associate degree and certificate graduates.

AVERAGE STUDENT AGE IS 36

During the 2022-2023 academic year, students ranged in age from 15-75. Whether you are a high school student interested in dual enrollment, have been out of school for decades, or anywhere in between, you are welcome at UCB.

OVER 70% SPEAK ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

UCB offers credit-bearing courses in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole, as well as a robust English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) sequence and free tutoring.