This study determined the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and academic performance of first year college students according to age, sex, Intelligence Quotient (IQ), type whether working or non-working student, and the number of working hours and nature of work of working students. A total of 266 first year students were selected as participants, 115 of which were working students. Their EI was measured using the Bar-On QQRR to measure their IQ. Data were analyzed using Pearson r, t test, and ANOVA. The study reveals that there is a significant relationship between EI and academic performance of the students. It concludes that all aspects of factors of EI show significant relationship with academic performance in varying degrees.