College faculty early retirement plans at four-year private colleges in New England are compared to determine requirements for an early retirement policy. Findings from survey responses from 82 colleges included: 20 of the colleges had an early retirement plan; 90% of schools with an early retirement plan had a tenure policy; 25% of the schools with early retirement plans have a mandatory retirement age of 65; 67% indicated that first-time eligibility for retirement occurred between ages 60 and 62. Among schools without early retirement plans, 71% indicated ages 60 to 62 as the choice for first-time eligibility. The number of years of service required for early retirement eligibility among those with plans showed that 41% required at least 10 years. Health insurance was reported to be the major benefit offered by schools with retirement plans, and schools without early retirement plans listed health benefits as most important. Recommendations included: analyze the college's formula for early retirement; prepare computerized profiles of faculty ages and years of service; and offer faculty retirement preparatory seminars that include planning for financial, health, and psychosocial needs of retirees. The questionnaire and list of participating colleges are appended. (Author/SW)