Summer programs at universities.

What it is: A four-week residential program for gifted/talented rising seniors combining special-aptitude study in one of eight fields (sciences, math, music, drama, visual arts, etc.) with conceptual-thinking and personal/social development; no academic credit awarded.

Cost: Free — state funds cover tuition, room, board, and instructional materials

Selectivity: Highly competitive; ~400 students statewide; requires high-school nomination during junior year (one shot), then committee/audition review across 8 aptitude fields

When: Four weeks in summer (June-July) on the ATU campus in Russellville

Applying: Students must be officially nominated by their high school before applying; apply in junior year. See atu.edu/ags for the nomination/application timeline.

Official program page →

What it is: Qualified local seniors enroll in actual Bates courses tuition-free each semester and can request an official Bates transcript on successful completion.

Cost: FREE tuition for courses; scholars pay only for required books/materials and any additional fees

Selectivity: Competitive for qualified local applicants (counselor-nominated)

When: Academic-year semesters (not strictly summer); apply by early June for the upcoming year

Applying: Apply by ~June 2, 2026 (materials due June 5; decisions June 15) at apply.bates.edu/register/highschoolscholars; counselor submits transcript and recommendations. admission@bates.edu.

Official program page →

What it is: High schoolers earn Baylor college credit in core-curriculum courses taught by Baylor faculty, with a conditional-admission pathway for strong performers.

Cost: Paid for-credit tuition; Accelerate2Baylor pathway can offer conditional admission. Confirm aid on program page.

Selectivity: Competitive; expects strong GPA (mostly A/B record)

When: Summer (course-length sessions)

Applying: Apply via the Baylor Accelerate site; rolling/term-based deadlines.

Official program page →

What it is: A grant-funded residential camp helping rural West River students explore majors and careers through hands-on activities, faculty interaction, a Sanford Underground Research Facility trip, and college-life experiences.

Cost: $50 attendance fee; remaining costs covered by a U.S. Dept. of Education Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) grant (effectively near-free)

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (must attend a West River SD school); applications accepted until full

When: June 1-4, 2026 (inaugural year)

Applying: Apply via the Qualtrics application linked on the BHSU summer camps page; 2026 deadline was May 22 (2026 applications now closed — watch for 2027).

Official program page →

What it is: Students live and learn at BC (or online for Honors), taking college-level courses grounded in Jesuit values plus college-admissions workshops, networking and Boston cultural outings.

Cost: Tuition-based; 6-week Honors is for-credit (up to 2 courses); see BC 'Program Costs' page for pricing/aid

Selectivity: Selective for Honors (GPA threshold); broader access for the 2-week non-credit program

When: Two-week non-credit sessions; 6-week Honors online June 29-Aug 7, 2026

Applying: Apply online via BC Experience; 2026 applications closed (Honors extended deadline was April 14); 2027 info posted Dec 2026

Official program page →

What it is: Students live on Bowdoin's campus for several weeks taking college-prep classes (science, writing, math, language, social justice), do a senior college-application seminar, and take New England college visits.

Cost: FREE (federally funded TRIO program)

Selectivity: Eligibility-based: must be first-generation (no parent with a 4-year degree) and below federal income guidelines

When: Multi-week residential experience in summer (before sophomore, junior, and senior years)

Applying: Apply spring of 9th/10th grade; priority by Dec 1. Submit student application, parent eligibility form, transcript, counselor + teacher recommendations. upwardbound@bowdoin.edu / 207-725-3559.

Official program page →

What it is: Advanced seniors earn real Brown college credit by taking undergraduate Summer Session courses (sciences, social sciences, humanities) that can count toward advanced standing.

Cost: $8,973 for 1 course (7 weeks); $17,935 for 2 courses. Scholarships, partner and Providence Public Schools scholarships, and fee waivers available; earns Brown credit.

Selectivity: Highly selective; students enroll alongside Brown undergraduates in for-credit courses.

When: June 15 - July 31, 2026 (7 weeks: 6 weeks instruction + 1 week finals)

Applying: Apply via precollege.brown.edu; rolling. Fee waivers available.

Official program page →

What it is: 200+ non-credit courses taught at first-year-college rigor across all disciplines, paired with residential campus life to simulate the college experience.

Cost: Residential ~$3,748 (1 wk) to $10,858 (5-wk hybrid); commuter ~$3,096-$8,902; online $3,364-$6,520. Scholarships, partner scholarships, and application-fee waivers available; non-credit.

Selectivity: Open enrollment / lightly screened (transcript + statement); not competitive admit, but popular courses fill and waitlist. Enrolls ~4,000+/yr.

When: June 15 - July 25, 2026; 1-, 2-, 3-week and 5-week hybrid sessions

Applying: Apply via precollege.brown.edu (rolling; courses fill to waitlist). Submit transcript and short statement; fee waivers available.

Official program page →

What it is: A residential, cohort-based program taught by Carleton faculty with undergraduate mentors, emphasizing seminar discussion, fieldwork, lab and archival projects, and campus life.

Cost: Tuition not posted on landing page (3-week for-credit is the premium tier); $500 deposit on admission; scholarships available via dedicated tuition/scholarships page

Selectivity: Selective; rolling admission rounds for academically motivated students at a top-10 liberal arts college

When: July 2026 — 3-week for-credit July 5-24; 1-week sessions July 12-17 and July 19-24

Applying: Apply at carleton.edu/summer/pre-college/apply; rolling rounds with confirmation deadlines March 18 and April 17, 2026; $75 application fee for full-pay/international applicants

Official program page →

What it is: High schoolers take ~30 for-credit CMU undergraduate courses across science, humanities, engineering, CS, and the arts in a college-style environment.

Cost: Paid: ~$14,688 residential (2 courses) / ~$7,409 commuter (1 course); full need-based scholarships covering tuition, housing, and dining available (apply by Feb 1).

Selectivity: Selective (transcript, recommendation, two essays); no published acceptance rate.

When: 6 weeks, June 20 - Aug 1, 2026

Applying: Early deadline Feb 1, 2026 (scholarships); final deadline Mar 1, 2026; part-time commuter through July 4. Apply at cmu.edu/pre-college.

Official program page →

What it is: Free college-prep program providing six weeks of intensive summer academic instruction (math, science labs, English, study skills, computer science, foreign language) plus year-round tutoring, college visits, and test prep.

Cost: Completely free.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (low-income and/or potential first-generation; US citizen, national, or permanent resident; partner high schools)

When: Year-round, with a six-week summer component (June-July)

Applying: Apply through the program's online application portal; partner high schools (Collinwood, JFK, Euclid). Federally funded TRiO program.

Official program page →

What it is: A flagship five-week residential academic and leadership program for Kentucky's top rising seniors, combining academic study, self-development, and community engagement on a college campus.

Cost: Free — selected students attend at no charge (state-funded). Completing GSP also unlocks automatic scholarships at participating Kentucky colleges (e.g., Centre offers a $140,000 GSP scholarship).

Selectivity: Highly competitive — ~2,000+ applicants statewide each year, ~1,000 selected. Based on academics, recommendations, activities, and a writing entry; no application fee.

When: Five weeks in summer (staggered start dates by campus). 2026 sites: Centre College (Danville), Morehead State, Murray State.

Applying: Students must be nominated through their high school; applications available in the guidance office in late September. School-level competition then statewide selection. Apply via gsp.ky.gov.

Official program page →

What it is: Weeklong residential pre-college sampler where campers take a hands-on themed course (engineering, forensics, medicine, arts and more) taught by Clemson instructors, live in residence halls, and experience campus life.

Cost: $1,400 residential tuition (room, board, materials, meals, field trips included). $150 early-bird discount if paid by March 2, 2026. Do Something Big Scholarships referenced for aid.

Selectivity: Open enrollment; courses fill quickly so register early. No academic screening noted.

When: One-week sessions. 2026: Session One June 7-13, Session Two July 12-18.

Applying: Register online via clemson.edu/summer/summer-scholars; $200 nonrefundable deposit. No hard deadline but sessions fill; early-bird pricing ends March 2, 2026.

Official program page →

What it is: Umbrella of College of Charleston summer pre-college offerings spanning honors academics, a five-day STEM sampler (biology, marine biology, chemistry, engineering, programming), studio art, dance, theatre, and chamber music.

Cost: Cost not published on the index page; multiple day-program options. Confirm pricing per program on CofC youth/pre-college pages.

Selectivity: Honors Summer Institute targets 'highly motivated' students (application); others more open enrollment.

When: Summer 2026: Honors Institute = three separate week-long programs; STEM 360 = five-day; Studio Art Immersion = two weeks; dance/theatre/chamber music = roughly one week each.

Applying: Apply per program via College of Charleston Youth and Pre-College Programs pages.

Official program page →

What it is: Students live on campus and take one intensive for-credit course under the Block Plan in fields like environmental studies, history, economics/business, or human anatomy.

Cost: $7,250 domestic / $11,050 international (tuition, housing, meals, programming, fees). Limited need-based aid (submit parent/guardian 1040); no payment plans.

Selectivity: Highly selective; strong academic record required

When: Two and a half weeks, July 13-29, 2026 (move-in July 12)

Applying: Apply via ccbasecamp.coloradocollege.edu. NOTE: 2026 has reached capacity and is no longer accepting applications; check back for future cycles.

Official program page →

What it is: A free federally funded college-prep program providing tutoring, advising, test prep, FAFSA help and a residential six-week summer academy for eligible local students.

Cost: Completely free; no financial obligation for families (federally funded TRIO program)

Selectivity: Eligibility-based: first-gen or income at/under 150% federal poverty level, plus academic-need criteria; U.S. citizen/permanent resident

When: Six-week summer program with on-campus residential living, instruction, and a week-long college road trip

Applying: Apply via the Colorado Mesa Upward Bound 'How to apply' page; year-round and summer components.

Official program page →

What it is: Non-credit intensive where students pick from 70+ courses in a dozen subject areas (business, engineering, law, sciences, writing, etc.), spending ~4 hours/day in class plus academic, social, and cultural activities; residential students live on Columbia's Morningside campus.

Cost: High tuition (multiple thousands of dollars per session) plus $80 application fee and $1,000 nonrefundable deposit on acceptance; residential adds housing/dining. Limited financial aid; confirm on the program's costs page.

Selectivity: Application-based but broadly accessible (not credit-bearing); high-achieving cohort

When: Summer; 1-week and 3-week sessions across June-August

Applying: Apply online at precollege.sps.columbia.edu (application + $80 fee). Rolling admissions; $1,000 deposit due on acceptance. U.S. and international deadlines differ.

Official program page →

What it is: High school students take real Cornell undergraduate courses (100+ options across business, engineering, humanities, science, hospitality, etc.) for college credit, taught by Cornell faculty, and receive an official Cornell transcript. Residential students live in dorms with supervision.

Cost: Credit-bearing and expensive: roughly $9,274 for a 3-credit residential 3-week session (incl. ~$3,287 residential fee); commuter ~$5,987; online ~$5,820. $1,500 nonrefundable enrollment deposit. Limited need-based scholarships available; apply early.

Selectivity: Selective application (transcript, personal statement, recommendation, 3.0+ GPA expected); not open-enrollment but admits ~1,000 students/summer

When: Summer 2026; 3-week sessions and a 6-week session running approximately June 21 - August 1

Applying: Apply online via the Precollege Studies portal (application form, personal statement, transcript, teacher/counselor recommendation). Rolling-style review; apply well before the session start. See sce.cornell.edu/pc-apply.

Official program page →

What it is: Students live on Dartmouth's campus and take a single, non-credit college-level course designed and taught by Dartmouth faculty and instructors, with hands-on experiential learning plus residential life and weekend activities. Earns a Dartmouth Certificate of Completion.

Cost: Tuition $7,999 per residential session; $1,500 deposit on enrollment, balance due April 1. Need-aware aid via the Precollege Summer Scholars Fund and partnerships with community-based organizations (e.g., Minds Matter, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation). Not free.

Selectivity: Competitive application process; not open enrollment

When: Multiple multi-week sessions across summer (June-August 2026)

Applying: Apply online via the Precollege site; submit application plus financial aid application separately if needed. Check the program's How to Apply / deadlines page for the 2026 cycle dates.

Official program page →

What it is: A 4-year college-access program: scholars live and learn on campus for a summer institute with enrichment courses, then receive year-round mentoring from Dartmouth students. Founded 2001; near-universal college enrollment among graduates.

Cost: Free / tuition-free for accepted scholars; multi-year wraparound support at no cost.

Selectivity: Selective, cohort-based; targets under-resourced students who meet eligibility (first-gen/low-income)

When: About one week of residential summer institute each year (four summer institutes across the 4-year model), plus quarterly immersion days and ~25 Saturdays/year

Applying: Apply through the Dartmouth Social Impact / SEAD program; recruitment focuses on partner under-resourced high schools (notably the NH Upper Valley). See the SEAD page for application details.

Official program page →

What it is: A four-night residential program introducing students to DePauw's liberal-arts model: living in a residence hall, taking faculty-led classroom experiences, and being mentored by current DePauw students.

Cost: Paid residential program (four nights/five days); see DePauw pre-college page for fees and any aid

Selectivity: Application-based; broadly accessible to college-curious students

When: Four-night, five-day sessions; five separate sessions between June and July 2026

Applying: Apply via DePauw's pre-college portal (apply.depauw.edu/portal/precollege)

Official program page →

What it is: Students take one intensive subject (30+ courses across STEM, business, medicine, humanities, law, psychology) taught by Duke faculty and PhD students, with a capstone project plus afternoon leadership and college-prep programming.

Cost: $6,050 residential (2026). Scholarships available through collaborations with state/local organizations targeting low-income and first-generation students.

Selectivity: Open enrollment (first-come registration), not a competitive admit. 3.0+ GPA recommended.

When: Three 12-day sessions in summer 2026: June 13-24, June 28-July 9, July 13-24.

Applying: Register online at dukeprecollege.org/register; enrollment deposit deadlines around April 1-2. Contact precollege@duke.edu.

Official program page →

What it is: A free one-week commuter day program of academic exploration, college preparation, and social activities taught in small classes by Eastern's full-time faculty.

Cost: FREE — offered at no cost via a grant from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

Selectivity: Open to eligible local residents; application-based but access-focused (not academically competitive)

When: One week, Monday July 13-Friday July 17, 2026 (~9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily)

Applying: Applications open 10 a.m. Friday May 22, 2026 and close Thursday June 18, 2026; apply at easternct.edu/pre-college-summer

Official program page →

What it is: Highly motivated high schoolers take non-credit undergraduate courses (100+ options, e.g. astrophysics to creative writing) taught by Emory faculty while experiencing residential college life.

Cost: Paid tuition (non-credit; several thousand dollars for a 2-week session, housing extra for residential). Need-based aid is limited; check the program site.

Selectivity: Selective application (essays, transcript, recommendation); not open enrollment. Some tracks fill early (Pre-Med Institute reached capacity by mid-February).

When: 2-week sessions in summer: June 14-27, June 28-July 11, July 12-25 (2026)

Applying: Apply online via precollege.emory.edu; 2026 application deadline was May 1 (now closed). Apply earlier in spring for future years.

Official program page →

What it is: A federally funded TRIO program providing free year-round and summer-residential college-prep instruction (math, English, science, language) plus advising for first-generation, low-income students.

Cost: Free; fully grant-funded by the U.S. Department of Education, FSU, and partners. No cost to participants.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (first-gen and/or low-income at partner schools), not academically competitive; capacity-limited.

When: 6-week summer component (5 weeks living on the FSU campus + 1 week virtual)

Applying: Apply through FSU CARE's Upward Bound 'How to Apply' page; must attend a partner/target school and meet federal guidelines.

Official program page →

What it is: Free seven-year college-access program for low-income Greenville students providing three four-week residential summers at Furman plus mentoring and college-transition support.

Cost: Free for participants (program funded ~$425,000/yr via endowments, grants, donors).

Selectivity: Highly selective: ~25 students chosen each year via nomination, application, and interview, based on need.

When: Four-week summer residential program on Furman's campus for three consecutive summers, plus year-round Saturday sessions.

Applying: Students are nominated in 9th grade by teachers/counselors/community members, then complete an application and interview.

Official program page →

What it is: A free, four-week residential program for Georgia's top gifted students offering rigorous coursework in a chosen area plus cultural and social enrichment, very different from a normal high school classroom.

Cost: Completely free — the entire cost is covered by the State of Georgia (housing and meals included; students cover travel and incidentals).

Selectivity: Highly competitive — teacher nomination, then semifinalist/interview rounds; only a small fraction of nominees attend.

When: Four weeks: June 14-July 11 (2026)

Applying: Teacher nomination required; semifinalist notifications ~February 6, 2026. See gosa.georgia.gov/governors-honors-program and your school's GHP coordinator.

Official program page →

What it is: An intensive, non-credit on-campus program where students take a college-level course (no letter grades) and live in Harvard dorms with international peers.

Cost: $6,100 tuition plus $75 application fee (Summer 2026); some need-based financial aid available

Selectivity: Selective admission emphasizing maturity, motivation and academic readiness

When: Two weeks; choice of three separate 2-week sessions across the summer

Applying: Apply online via the Harvard Summer School Pre-College application; $75 application fee; check site for current deadline

Official program page →

What it is: Students earn actual college credit by taking 1-2 of 200+ college courses alongside undergraduates and adult students, experiencing authentic college life.

Cost: Tuition varies by number of courses/format (4-week vs 7-week); need-based financial aid available

Selectivity: Selective admission based on academic record and readiness for college-level work

When: 4-week (residential) or 7-week (residential, online, or commuting) sessions

Applying: Apply online via Harvard Summer School; select 4- or 7-week option; check site for current deadline

Official program page →

What it is: A six-week residential academy where scholars take high-school-support and college-prep coursework, plus evening recreation; year-round tutoring and study-skills support continue during the school year.

Cost: Free - 100% federally funded (U.S. Dept. of Education).

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (first-gen/income + target schools); not academically competitive

When: Six-week summer academy each June-July, plus year-round Saturday Academy

Applying: Apply via the ISU TRIO Upward Bound office (isu.edu/trio); serves students at designated partner high schools.

Official program page →

What it is: A free weeklong residential camp where rising seniors live in a residence hall, connect with IU faculty/staff and other college-bound students, and preview the college experience and admissions process.

Cost: Completely free; tuition, housing, meals, and transportation to campus provided at no cost

Selectivity: Selective by criteria (rising seniors, 3.0+ GPA, application required), but not a competitive academic gauntlet; quick ~5-minute application

When: One week, July 5-11, 2026

Applying: Apply via the Office of Admissions precollege page; short online application. Detailed 2026 info posted April 2026; join mailing list for the deadline

Official program page →

What it is: A federally funded college-access program where qualifying students live on the IU Indianapolis campus, take academic classes in math, science, and language arts, and receive tutoring and college counseling.

Cost: Completely free (federally funded TRIO program); includes academic instruction, residential housing, tutoring, and counseling

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income/first-gen criteria and partner-school enrollment); not academically competitive

When: Summer residential component (typically several weeks in June-July), part of a year-round program

Applying: Apply through the IU Indianapolis TRIO Upward Bound office (ub.indianapolis.iu.edu); enrollment is via participating high schools

Official program page →

What it is: Motivated high schoolers take rigorous university-level courses (medicine, neuroscience, psychology, and more) taught by Hopkins instructors, earning academic credit alongside academically oriented peers.

Cost: Credit pre-college courses ~$1,950 each; non-credit online ~$562; on-campus residential packages roughly $6,000+. Dean's Fellowship partial tuition awards (~$450 avg, ~200 students/yr); financial aid available for qualified applicants.

Selectivity: Selective; requires ~3.0 GPA minimum, application with transcript and recommendation. Not open enrollment.

When: Three 2-week sessions, late June to early August

Applying: Applications open in early winter and fill on a rolling basis; apply at least 7 days before on-campus / 4 days before online sessions. Financial-aid (Dean's Fellowship) applicants must complete the application by early March. Apply online at summer.jhu.edu.

Official program page →

What it is: A nonprofit academic center of Johns Hopkins delivers accelerated, intensive courses for academically advanced students across STEM, humanities, and writing at day, residential, and online sites.

Cost: Paid tuition (varies by course/format); need-based financial aid available.

Selectivity: Selective; requires qualifying test scores / eligibility for CTY's gifted program.

When: Multiple 3-week sessions across summer (starting late June)

Applying: Enrollment opens winter and fills on a rolling basis; courses fill fast. Register at cty.jhu.edu.

Official program page →

What it is: Selected students study one of ten academic/arts disciplines on either the East (Meredith) or West (Greensboro) campus, exploring cutting-edge ideas with no grades, tests, or credit.

Cost: State-funded; historically tuition-free or low-cost to selected students (a modest student fee may apply; confirm current year with NC DPI). Need-based fee assistance available.

Selectivity: Highly competitive; students must be nominated by their school unit, then selected through a statewide process. Oldest statewide gifted summer program in the U.S.

When: 5.5 weeks, June 21-July 18, 2026.

Applying: Students are nominated by their public/non-public school unit (you cannot apply directly); contact your school's gifted coordinator. Questions: ncgovschool@dpi.nc.gov.

Official program page →

What it is: A free college-prep program giving first-gen, income-eligible Denver students academic support and a required summer component to prepare for college success.

Cost: Free (federally funded TRIO program)

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income and first-generation criteria)

When: Academic-year component plus a mandatory summer component

Applying: Apply via MSU Denver TRIO High School Upward Bound; targeted to students at the partner Denver high schools.

Official program page →

What it is: Academically talented rising juniors/seniors live on the Oxford campus for a week, diving deeply into a single academic module with Miami faculty through discussion and hands-on projects.

Cost: ~$1,080 total ($350 enrollment fee + $730 program fee) covering instruction, materials, double-occupancy housing, all meals, and daily activities; transportation not included. Limited need-based scholarships (free/reduced-lunch verification).

Selectivity: Selective; strong academic record expected (typically 3.5 GPA)

When: Two one-week sessions in July (e.g., July 5-10 and July 12-17, 2026)

Applying: Applications open early March, deadline around May 1 (rolling decisions begin April). Contact SummerScholars@MiamiOH.edu / 513-529-2531.

Official program page →

What it is: Selected scholars attend single-session classes taught by humanities professionals across African American studies, literature, history, communication and philosophy, with experiential learning and field trips.

Cost: $250 for the full week, covering all meals and residence-hall housing (heavily subsidized)

Selectivity: Highly selective; only 15 scholars accepted statewide via competitive school nomination

When: One week, June 7-12, 2026, in Starkville

Applying: School nomination (up to 2 students/school); nominees submit a 300-500 word statement; nomination forms open Nov 3, 2025, deadline Feb 13, 2026

Official program page →

What it is: High-potential students from across Mississippi take a four-hour morning major-area course (e.g., psychology, entrepreneurship) plus an afternoon interest course, blending academic, leadership, cultural and recreational experiences.

Cost: Tuition-free; meals, housing, coursework and activities all included, plus free college credit upon completion. State-funded statewide program.

Selectivity: Highly competitive statewide selection; ~60 scholars accepted each year

When: Two-week residential program in summer (June), on the MUW campus in Columbus

Applying: Applications open Oct 1 and close Nov 1; apply through the MUW Governor's School portal (counselor/teacher involvement typical)

Official program page →

What it is: A free, month-long residential program where gifted juniors/seniors live on a university campus and pursue an intensive academy in arts, humanities, STEM, medicine, engineering, or marine science.

Cost: FREE / state-funded by the General Assembly; only a nominal student-activities fee that can be waived for need.

Selectivity: Highly selective; students apply through their home high school during the school year, with slots allocated per division.

When: Up to four weeks during the summer on a host college campus.

Applying: Nominated and selected via your local Virginia public school division; see the Virginia DOE Governor's Schools page. Academies include Engineering & Marine Science (Christopher Newport U), Agriculture (Virginia Tech), Humanities and Visual/Performing Arts (Radford), Math/Science/Technology (U of Lynchburg), and Medicine & Health Sciences (VCU).

Official program page →

What it is: A year-round, free college-access program whose summer term offers academic classes, tutoring, college visits, and cultural/career enrichment on a college campus.

Cost: Free — federally and state funded; serves first-generation and low-income students

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income / first-generation), not competitive academics

When: Summer (about a 6-week summer session at host campuses, e.g., SMSU runs ~6 weeks)

Applying: Apply through the host campus's Upward Bound office (each campus runs its own application)

Official program page →

What it is: A federal TRIO program where eligible students attend a six-week summer academy of daily classes and workshops to prepare for college in math and science fields.

Cost: Free - 100% funded by a U.S. Department of Education TRIO grant; targets low-income and first-generation students

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income/first-gen criteria and target schools), not academically competitive

When: Six-week summer program, Monday-Friday, on the NM Tech campus

Applying: Apply through NM Tech's Upward Bound office; see the program page or contact the office for enrollment criteria and dates.

Official program page →

What it is: High schoolers take up to two real NYU courses alongside undergraduates across 30+ academic areas, earning up to 8 college credits, with optional on-campus residential life in NYC.

Cost: Credit-based and costly: ~$700 to ~$16,000 depending on credits taken (up to 8 credits). Scholarships referenced; housing extra for residential. Confirm aid on the tuition page.

Selectivity: Application-based (academic records; 3.0 GPA minimum); moderately selective

When: 6 weeks; Summer 2026 classes July 1 - August 12

Applying: Apply online via NYU's application portal. U.S. deadline ~June 15, 2026; international ~March 13, 2026. Decisions in 2-3 weeks after a complete application.

Official program page →

What it is: A federally funded year-round college-access program whose residential summer component provides academic enrichment, tutoring, and a post-graduation bridge with paid NDSU college credits for first-gen and income-eligible Fargo-Moorhead students.

Cost: Free; federally funded TRIO program. Students earn modest pay for participation, and UB covers two NDSU college courses the summer after graduation.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income and/or first-generation), not academically competitive.

When: Summer enrichment program plus year-round services; summer bridge after senior year.

Applying: Apply via the NDSU TRIO Upward Bound program (ndsu.edu/trioub/apply).

Official program page →

What it is: A free college-prep program offering instruction in math, science, reading, writing, and foreign language, tutoring, college visits (e.g., Minneapolis, Chicago), and chances to earn high school/college credit.

Cost: Completely free (federally funded TRIO; room, board, tuition, and books covered)

Selectivity: Eligibility-based: low-income and/or potential first-generation college students

When: Five-week residential summer program (plus twice-monthly school-year meetings)

Applying: Apply by speaking with a school counselor or contacting Northern's Upward Bound staff; eligibility verified.

Official program page →

What it is: High schoolers live on the Evanston campus and either take a 2-week seminar series or enroll in undergraduate courses for college credit, taught by Northwestern-affiliated instructors.

Cost: Tuition runs into the thousands per course/session; need-based scholarships offered for students who show high potential and inability to pay. A separate College Bridge Program admits 25 Chicago Public Schools juniors each summer with FREE tuition and textbooks.

Selectivity: Selective admissions — builds a cohort; not open enrollment

When: Summer; 2-week IN FOCUS seminars and 2-4 week credit courses (June-August)

Applying: Apply via the SPS College Prep application; Summer 2026 IN FOCUS and credit-course applications close in spring (now closed for 2026). Online program accepts applications year-round.

Official program page →

What it is: Week-long college-immersion academy with morning career-focused tracks (e.g., computer science, kinesiology, outdoor products, art+media+technology, natural resources, political science) plus afternoon outdoor recreation in Bend.

Cost: Overnight $1,500 / day $1,000; completers earn a $500 scholarship toward OSU-Cascades fall tuition

Selectivity: Open registration (no formal selective application)

When: Two one-week sessions: July 19-24 and July 26-31, 2026

Applying: Register online; registration closes June 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. Contact events@osucascades.edu

Official program page →

What it is: Six-week residential college-prep program with courses in math, science, and English plus world language, theatre, and STEAM hands-on career-exploration activities.

Cost: FREE - federally funded TRIO/Upward Bound program (U.S. Dept. of Education).

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income/first-gen criteria), not merit-competitive.

When: 6 weeks in summer

Applying: Apply through Penn State Behrend Upward Bound; contact 814-898-6871.

Official program page →

What it is: An umbrella of 30+ for-credit residential and online short courses (business, pharmacy, agriculture/STEM, and more) letting high schoolers sample college majors on Purdue's West Lafayette campus.

Cost: Paid (tuition varies by course/length, many residential one-week credit courses); some scholarships/financial assistance available — contact the office

Selectivity: Open to qualified applicants; priority deadline favors early applicants; more than 1,000 spots across 31 programs

When: Summer 2026 (various one-week and short-term sessions June-July)

Applying: Application opened Dec 1, 2025; priority consideration for those who apply by Feb 1, 2026. Apply via the Office of Summer and Winter Sessions

Official program page →

What it is: A long-running residential enrichment program (45+ years) where gifted students live in residence halls and take challenging, fast-paced courses across disciplines plus recreational activities.

Cost: Tuition $1,495 residential (younger) up to $2,990/session for Star/Pulsar; $100 refundable application fee; limited partial need-based scholarships (first-come)

Selectivity: Selective for gifted students: requires an essay and two qualifying documents (transcripts, test scores, or recommendations)

When: Two-week sessions; June 28-July 11 and July 12-25, 2026

Applying: Apply online with essay and two qualifying documents; contact geri@purdue.edu or (765) 494-7243

Official program page →

What it is: Free year-round TRIO college-access program whose six-week summer residential component delivers college-prep courses, tutoring, counseling, and (for selected students) August internships.

Cost: FREE. No cost to students/families for summer room and board, application, or any services (federally funded TRIO).

Selectivity: Highly selective and competitive; ~70 students invited annually. Must be US citizen/permanent resident, first-gen and/or low-income, under 20 at selection.

When: Six-week residential program each summer (2026); Saturday classes during the school year

Applying: Apply via online form (linked from RIC Upward Bound page); contact mmuccio@ric.edu or 401-456-8783. No fixed public deadline.

Official program page →

What it is: A two-week residential program in Memphis where students take credit-bearing college-level courses in fields such as coding, chemistry, medicine, entrepreneurship, and business alongside campus-life activities.

Cost: Tuition charged (two-week residential pre-college); contact summeracademy@rhodes.edu for current pricing and aid

Selectivity: Selective for motivated high school students (application-based)

When: June 21 - July 2, 2026 (two weeks)

Applying: Applications open (opened November 1); contact summeracademy@rhodes.edu; apply via rhodes.edu

Official program page →

What it is: High school students earn college credit in accelerated summer courses (e.g., economics, physics) taught by Rice faculty in small classes.

Cost: Reduced summer tuition ~$1,300 per credit hour; no published need-based aid on this page.

Selectivity: Capacity-limited / rolling (classes fill fast); not strictly competitive

When: Six flexible blocks, May-August 2026 (3-10 weeks)

Applying: Block deadlines range May 4-June 29, 2026; complete the online application with documents and fee, then await registrar acceptance.

Official program page →

What it is: Long-term college-access program that identifies first-gen/low-income students in middle school and provides free mentoring, tutoring, enrichment, and summer institutes to get them to and through college.

Cost: Free — college-access program providing services at no cost to selected scholars

Selectivity: Selective by mission/geography — students are selected from five partner NJ communities where Rutgers has a campus (Camden, Newark, New Brunswick/Piscataway, Rahway)

When: Year-round, with a summer institute each year

Applying: Selection happens in partner middle schools in the five designated communities; apply via futurescholars.rutgers.edu (eligibility tied to partner districts)

Official program page →

What it is: High schoolers enroll in real Rutgers undergraduate courses (60+ options across subjects) for college credit and grades alongside university students.

Cost: Paid per-credit Rutgers tuition (each course is a 3-credit Rutgers course); scholarships referenced on a dedicated Scholarships page. Exact tuition on /scholars/tuition.

Selectivity: Open enrollment / minimally selective — enroll in genuine Rutgers credit courses (must meet age/grade requirement)

When: Summer 2026, multiple sessions (Session I and Session II); application opens early Feb 2026

Applying: Apply online via precollegesummer.rutgers.edu; Session I deadline ~May 17, 2026 and Session II deadline ~June 28, 2026 (verify on /scholars/dates)

Official program page →

What it is: Themed one-week residential certificate academies where students take an intensive deep-dive into a single field (e.g., engineering, astronomy, mock trial) with Rutgers faculty.

Cost: Paid one-week residential tuition (amount on the program Costs page); financial details not stated on overview

Selectivity: Open enrollment / minimally selective (application-based but not highly competitive)

When: One-week sessions in July/August 2026

Applying: Apply at precollegesummer.rutgers.edu/apply; the 2026 application is currently shown as CLOSED — recurs annually, 2027 interest list open. Domestic deadline historically ~late May.

Official program page →

What it is: Federally funded college-prep program providing free tutoring, SAT/test prep, STEM enrichment, counseling, and a six-week summer institute for first-gen/low-income students.

Cost: Free — federally funded TRIO program at no cost to eligible students

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (must meet first-gen and/or income criteria; from partner schools)

When: Year-round; six-week summer institute typically late June to early August 2026

Applying: Online applications open mid-September and close mid-December; apply via Rutgers Upward Bound. Contact upwardbound@echo.rutgers.edu.

Official program page →

What it is: Statewide honors program where top rising juniors/seniors take morning and afternoon experiential seminars across sciences, humanities, social science and fine arts.

Cost: Tuition, room, board and field trips provided (program value >$1,500/student, subsidized by Samford and donors); students pay a $500 application/process fee.

Selectivity: Highly selective — ~80-90 students enrolled statewide each year; school-nominated

When: ~13-day residential program in June

Applying: Nomination/application through Alabama high schools; apply via the AGS at Samford page.

Official program page →

What it is: DFW-area high schoolers take for-credit, university-level summer courses to get a head start and experience college rigor.

Cost: For-credit tuition (use SMU's tuition/financial-aid calculator); Intersessions Scholarship available.

Selectivity: Open enrollment / application-based, not highly competitive

When: Summer sessions (dates on the Intersessions deadlines page)

Applying: Apply via the SMU Pre-College student application; see Intersessions Dates & Deadlines page for cutoffs.

Official program page →

What it is: Pre-college residential programs at a leading HBCU: CPI builds SAT prep, essay writing, career exploration, and leadership; Early College offers actual college credit in English and Biology.

Cost: Paid tuition (see Spelman Pre-College Program Fees page); specific amounts and aid not listed on the overview.

Selectivity: Selective application; 2026 applications closed (interest forms accepted for 2027).

When: CPI I June 5-19; CPI II July 3-18; Early College June 20-July 17 (2026)

Applying: Apply via spelman.edu summer programs; submit Summer Program Interest Form for 2027 updates.

Official program page →

What it is: Students take one intensive, discussion-based single-subject course (~50 options across STEM and humanities) in small online classes with daily synchronous attendance.

Cost: Tuition $3,200 for the two-week course (plus up to $100 materials); need-based financial aid available through Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies.

Selectivity: Competitive; application-based admission with course ranking, but broader access than the flagship research camps.

When: Two two-week sessions: June 15-26 and July 6-17, 2026 (synchronous daily classes Mon-Fri).

Applying: 2026 application has closed (deadline was March 13, 2026). Apply online at summerinstitutes.spcs.stanford.edu; rank up to 3 single-subject courses.

Official program page →

What it is: Students take college-level courses (100+ options across STEM, architecture, art & design, healthcare, and more) taught by Syracuse faculty, live in residence halls, and can earn college credit plus a Certificate of Completion.

Cost: Tuition varies by course length (1-4 weeks); scholarships and discounts available (including a 50% discount historically for Native American/Indigenous and military-dependent students). Apply for aid via the program.

Selectivity: Application-based with 3.0 GPA expectation; broadly accessible

When: Summer 2026; 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-week sessions running approximately July 5-31

Applying: Apply online at precollege.syr.edu; submit transcript and required materials. Rolling-style admissions; apply before session start.

Official program page →

What it is: One-week intensive day courses (e.g., Earth Lab climate/ocean science, Leadership) taught by OSU faculty, staff, and grad students with hands-on projects.

Cost: $550 per one-week course (materials, lunch, snacks included); 10% sibling discount. Limited need-based partial aid; course-specific scholarships (e.g., The Earth Lab).

Selectivity: Open enrollment (register until full)

When: One-week courses in early June (9am-4pm, Mon-Fri)

Applying: Register online by early May (May 3 for 2026). College of Arts and Sciences future-students page.

Official program page →

What it is: Combines intensive ACT test prep with an immersive on-campus college-life experience covering admissions, majors and student resources.

Cost: Paid program fee (residential, includes housing/meals); fee not listed on news page — verify on Early College site.

Selectivity: Open enrollment / registration-based (not academically selective)

When: Two June/July sessions (June 15-18 and July 13-16, 2026)

Applying: Register via UA Early College; deadline May 15.

Official program page →

What it is: A taste of Longhorn campus life: students take non-credit courses across fields like business and medicine with residential-life activities and field trips.

Cost: Paid tuition varying by session length and residential vs. commuter; run with third-party Summer Discovery. No published need-based aid.

Selectivity: Open enrollment (apply/register, not competitive)

When: Summer; Session 1 ~June 14-26, Session 2 ~June 28-July 17 (2026)

Applying: Rolling; apply via the Summer Discovery website linked from the UT admissions page (no hard deadline stated).

Official program page →

What it is: Wide menu of college-level intensives (Engineering with AI, computer science, business, health science, social impact) taught by Tufts faculty, with residential or commuter options on the Medford campus.

Cost: Fees vary by length; limited need-based financial aid and scholarships (typically 75-100% of fee)

Selectivity: Moderately selective; no prior experience required for most intensives

When: 1-6 weeks; main 2-week sessions ~July 5-17 and July 19-31, 2026

Applying: Apply online via Tufts University College 'How to Apply'; rolling/early deadlines, courses fill

Official program page →

What it is: Non-credit weeklong/two-week enrichment courses across Tulane's academic units (e.g., sports medicine, coastal climate change) giving high schoolers a taste of college life and academics.

Cost: Tuition not listed on overview page; need-based tuition assistance available with priority to Louisiana residents

Selectivity: Selective-ish but accessible: motivated students; requires report card, essay, rolling admissions

When: Summer; two-week residential sessions with complementary one-week enrichment courses

Applying: Apply at summer.tulane.edu (rolling admissions; apply early). Submit current report card and essay.

Official program page →

What it is: A near-free residential college-access program for first-generation Louisiana students combining college visits, readiness workshops, and a pre-college enrichment course at Tulane.

Cost: Sticker price $5,495, but every admitted student receives a scholarship covering 75%-100% of cost (effectively free to low-cost for most)

Selectivity: Competitive but mission-driven: ~30 students enrolled; minimum 2.3 GPA, no test-score minimum

When: June 14-27, 2026 (college visits/workshops June 15-18; enrichment course June 22-25)

Applying: Apply at summer.tulane.edu; opens Dec 5, 2025, deadline March 6, 2026, decisions March 30, 2026. Submit transcript, two essays, optional rec/scores.

Official program page →

What it is: A slate of June day camps spanning creative writing, journalism/media, painting, dance, guitar/band, beginning Japanese, psychology, political science, forensic anthropology, and chemistry, taught by UAA faculty.

Cost: Fee-based general registration, but FREE for Title I school students via the ConocoPhillips Access Scholarship (covers tuition, lunch, and transportation, first-come).

Selectivity: Open enrollment via online registration (epay.alaska.edu); not competitive.

When: One-week day camps throughout June

Applying: Register online (epay.alaska.edu); contact uaa_cascamps@alaska.edu. Title I scholarship is first-come.

Official program page →

What it is: Residential college-prep program where rural and Alaska Native students live on UAF's campus, take real college courses (earning ~9-10 credits), and build skills and confidence for college success.

Cost: Completely free, including tuition, room and board, and travel to/from Fairbanks (stated value ~$9,000). Fully funded.

Selectivity: Competitive but mission-driven; requires ~3.0 GPA, rural/Alaska Native focus. No published acceptance rate. 42+ years running, 1,896 graduates.

When: About six weeks in summer (May 26 - July 10, 2026)

Applying: Applications open January 1 and close March 1, 2026. Apply online at uaf.edu/rahi; contact uaf-rahi@alaska.edu / (907) 474-5876.

Official program page →

What it is: A residential program that helps rising seniors complete the U of A admissions application, begin the scholarship search, and network with academic departments across campus.

Cost: Free to apply; $40 program fee if selected (waived for free/reduced-lunch students); housing, meals, supplies covered

Selectivity: Competitive, application-based

When: July 18-21, 2026

Applying: Apply via the U of A forms portal (forms.uark.edu/xfp/form/1003); deadline March 22, 2026 — no late applications. Contact cai@uark.edu.

Official program page →

What it is: A college-access program giving eligible students multi-week residential summer instruction in math, science, English, literature, languages, ACT prep, and project-based STEM, with mentoring and college/financial-aid planning.

Cost: Free — federally funded (U.S. Dept. of Education); covers instruction, room/board, and a weekly stipend

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income/first-gen criteria), not academically competitive; enrolled-participant program

When: Summer (2-week Sophomore Summer; 6-week Summer Academy for rising juniors/seniors; 5-week Summer Bridge for graduates) plus weekends in the school year

Applying: Year-round enrollment program; apply through the U of A Upward Bound office (ub.uark.edu). Must meet TRIO income/first-gen eligibility.

Official program page →

What it is: High schoolers enroll in regular UC Berkeley summer courses for college credit alongside undergraduates, via residential, commuter, or virtual tracks.

Cost: Tuition by units (paid college credit); residential housing additional. Some financial aid; cost varies by track.

Selectivity: Accessible/open-style admission (3.0 GPA minimum), not highly selective.

When: Summer 2026 sessions (typically June-August).

Applying: Application opens February 17, 2026; deadline June 1, 2026. Apply at precollege.berkeley.edu; choose Residential, Commuter, or Virtual track.

Official program page →

What it is: A 40+ year enrichment program offering challenging accelerated courses to motivated secondary students, in person at Berkeley or online.

Cost: Tuition per course (moderate); financial aid/fee assistance available for qualifying families.

Selectivity: Selective-but-accessible; requires application and recommendations but serves a broad motivated population.

When: Summer 2026, in-person on the UC Berkeley campus and remote (live online via Zoom).

Applying: Apply through atdp.berkeley.edu (Secondary Division). Recommendation-supported application.

Official program page →

What it is: High-achieving high schoolers earn UC credit in courses alongside undergraduates while living on campus and attending workshops on research, college navigation, and leadership.

Cost: Program fee $1,675 + $385/unit + $350 registration + housing from ~$2,745. Limited scholarships via Summer Scholars Support (California students).

Selectivity: Highly competitive; strict 3.8 GPA minimum and selective admission for exceptional students.

When: 6 weeks, June 22 - July 31, 2026.

Applying: Application opens February 18, 2026; deadline May 1 (domestic) / April 1 (international). Apply at summer.ucla.edu.

Official program page →

What it is: Students live on campus and take a graded, credit-bearing undergraduate course (100 units) in subjects from economics and policy to STEM and the humanities.

Cost: Tuition-based (several thousand dollars per course); need-based financial aid/scholarships available via the Costs & Aid page.

Selectivity: Competitive — requires teacher recommendation, transcript, and essay

When: Two 3-week sessions: June 15-July 2 and July 7-23, 2026 (classes M-F, 9am-3pm)

Applying: Submit the Summer Session application; Priority deadline Feb 11, 2026 and Regular deadline Mar 12, 2026 (2026 cycle now closed).

Official program page →

What it is: A free four-week academic and residential bridge giving incoming students college credit, scholarships and a head start before their first fall term.

Cost: Free: free housing and meals, free 6 credit-hour college courses, a participation stipend, plus renewable scholarships ($2,000/yr Ignite for 5 yrs or $10,000/yr for 4 yrs)

Selectivity: Selected; requires prior completion of a CU or statewide partner precollegiate program

When: Four weeks during the summer before first year

Applying: Contact precollegebridge@colorado.edu; offered to eligible incoming students via precollegiate program partners.

Official program page →

What it is: Students take a one-week immersive college-level course (STEM, fine arts, digital media, pre-med, pre-law, nursing, business, social work, and more) taught by UConn faculty while experiencing campus life.

Cost: Paid tuition; Grey Scholarship (50% off for families under $100k income), Blue Scholarship (87% off for families under $80k), and a full-tuition Climate Science Scholarship (5 spots)

Selectivity: Open enrollment / non-competitive admission (registration-based, meets eligibility requirements)

When: One-week sessions at Storrs: June 21-27, July 5-11, July 12-18, July 19-25, 2026; non-residential Hartford session June 29-July 3, 2026

Applying: Applications open now; apply online at connect.pcs.uconn.edu/apply. Register before sessions fill

Official program page →

What it is: A year-round federal college-prep program with a six-week summer institute of college-level coursework, tutoring, mentoring, SAT/PSAT prep and college tours.

Cost: Free to students and families; federally funded (room, board, instruction) plus a weekly stipend. SAT-prep scholarship for juniors.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income/first-gen/academic need) and competitive; seats fill fast

When: Six-week summer institute (Mon-Fri), part commuter / two weeks residential at UD

Applying: Apply through the program; eligibility based on income/first-gen status. See sites.udel.edu/upwardbound for application.

Official program page →

What it is: A free residential week at UD where selected Delaware students pursue either a themed academic track (lectures, debates, films) or a visual/performing arts track culminating in a performance or exhibit.

Cost: Free. Funded by the Delaware Governor's Office with the DE Dept. of Education and UD PCS.

Selectivity: Highly selective; students are nominated by their schools through a competitive statewide application

When: One week, July 12-17, 2026 (47th annual)

Applying: Nomination + competitive application via the student's high school. See pcs.udel.edu/govschool for deadlines/requirements.

Official program page →

What it is: Students live on campus and take 1-2 real UD courses for up to six transferable college credits, plus college-readiness workshops, leadership and social programming.

Cost: $5,495 program fee + $100 non-refundable deposit (covers tuition, housing, meals, activities). Limited need-based scholarships on request after acceptance.

Selectivity: Competitive/selective; requires strong academics, 3.0+ GPA, maturity, teacher recommendation and video essay

When: Multi-week residential summer session (confirm exact 2026 dates)

Applying: Priority deadline May 1 (domestic), Feb 15 (international). Apply online with 30-60 sec video essay, teacher recommendation, transcripts.

Official program page →

What it is: Qualified high schoolers earn DU college credit by taking real undergraduate courses across business, STEM, social sciences and humanities while finishing high school.

Cost: $65 application fee; admitted students receive an automatic half-tuition scholarship but pay remaining tuition and course fees

Selectivity: Selective; minimum 3.5 GPA required, some courses need auditions/prerequisites

When: Quarter-based (including a summer quarter); 1-2 college classes per quarter alongside high school

Applying: Online EEP application with parent/school approval, transcripts, course list and $65 fee. Summer quarter deadline May 1 (Fall Aug 1, Winter Dec 1, Spring Feb 15).

Official program page →

What it is: Demystifies the college application process — financial aid, scholarships, and finding fit programs — while students experience residential campus life at UGA.

Cost: About $530 for the weeklong session.

Selectivity: Open enrollment; limited spots.

When: Weeklong sessions in June (e.g., session B June 22-26, 2026)

Applying: Register via UGA Georgia Center Summer Academy (georgiacenter.uga.edu).

Official program page →

What it is: A free, federally funded college-access program: students live on campus and take college-level courses, explore careers, and get authentic college preparation.

Cost: Completely free — federally funded TRIO program; all costs covered.

Selectivity: Eligibility-gated (target schools, first-gen/income); rolling enrollment to 210 spots with interview.

When: Intensive six-week residential instructional program in summer (plus year-round support)

Applying: Submit application, transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, and parent tax forms; staff interview. Apply via ossa.uga.edu/trio.

Official program page →

What it is: A six-week residential program where students take credit-bearing classes, get tutoring and college-prep support, and join cultural and recreational activities.

Cost: Free — federally funded TRIO program; also covers tutoring, advising, SAT/ACT fee waivers, and paid college tours. Students live in the dorms.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (first-gen/income/potential to benefit), not academically competitive; serves target high schools.

When: Six-week residential summer academy

Applying: Complete an Upward Bound Interest Card; contact ubhilo@hawaii.edu or (808) 932-7517. Enroll with a target high school cohort.

Official program page →

What it is: Qualified high schoolers are admitted for the summer term only and enroll in real UH Mānoa courses alongside college students, earning transferable college credit.

Cost: Per-credit Summer Sessions tuition (students pay regular UH Mānoa summer course tuition); no dedicated scholarship pool listed. No on-campus housing offered.

Selectivity: Open with a bar: requires 3.5 cumulative GPA (incl. Fall 2025), maturity/motivation, and parent approval; not a lottery or competitive cohort.

When: Six weeks in summer; sessions May 26–Jul 2, Jun 15–Jul 24 (midsummer, designed for HS calendars), and Jul 6–Aug 14, 2026

Applying: Apply by Apr 15, 2026 (May 26 / Jun 15 starts) or May 15, 2026 (Jul 6 start) via Outreach College Summer Scholar application; work with a Summer Scholar Coordinator.

Official program page →

What it is: Six weeks of core academics (math, science, writing, languages), study skills, career exploration, cultural activities, and college planning, with residential living for off-island students.

Cost: Free — federally funded TRIO program; supervised dorm/apartment living provided for off-island students, plus a mainland college tour.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (first-gen/income), not competitive on merit.

When: Six-week summer program

Applying: Apply via the Maui College Upward Bound 'Apply Now' page; check eligibility page first.

Official program page →

What it is: A federal college-access pipeline that gives low-income and first-generation students tutoring, advising, and a summer academic program to prepare for college.

Cost: FREE — all federally funded TRIO Upward Bound services and the summer component are free to enrolled students.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income/first-gen criteria), not academically competitive; requires school recommendation

When: Nine-month academic year plus a six-week summer component

Applying: Apply via the UIC TRIO site with student application, parental income statement, counselor and teacher recommendations, and consent forms.

Official program page →

What it is: Long-running (since 1966) federal college-access program providing tutoring, advising, and summer academics to help under-resourced students reach and succeed in college.

Cost: FREE — federally funded TRIO program; no cost to participating students.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income/first-generation), not competitive on academics

When: Academic-year programming plus a summer component

Applying: Apply/inquire via the Jeffries Center TRIO Upward Bound page (trioupward@illinois.edu, 217-333-1889).

Official program page →

What it is: High schoolers take 50+ real UMaine courses online, in person on the Orono campus, or in residential formats (e.g., a 2-week marine science course at the Downeast Institute) and earn transferable college credit.

Cost: FREE tuition for Maine public-school students and homeschoolers (up to 18 lifetime tuition-free credits for Class of 2027+); out-of-state and Maine private-school students $149/credit. Some courses add room/board fees (e.g., Oceanography ~$1,500 + $75 materials).

Selectivity: Open enrollment with counselor approval; not competitive

When: Multiple summer sessions, roughly May-August 2026 (4-7 week sessions)

Applying: Apply via the 'ExplorEC' portal; complete applications due one full week before class start; requires student/parent signatures + counselor approval. Contact um.earlycollege@maine.edu / 207.581.8024.

Official program page →

What it is: High schoolers earn three university credits in a single college course (topics across engineering, business, environment, and more) while experiencing UMD campus life.

Cost: Paid program-package fees (roughly $1,500-$3,000 range depending on format); some scholarships available.

Selectivity: Application required (transcript-based); not highly selective but not open enrollment.

When: 3 weeks, July 13-31, 2026

Applying: Applications open in early January; separate domestic and international application portals. Apply at exst.umd.edu Extended Studies.

Official program page →

What it is: Students live in residence halls, eat in dining commons, and take a project-based intensive course taught by UMass faculty/grad students across STEM, art & design, business and more.

Cost: Program fees apply (residential, by 2-week session); scholarships offered — contact pre-college office for need-based aid

Selectivity: Open/moderately selective; over 40 courses across STEM, arts, business, humanities

When: Two-week sessions: Session 1 June 28-July 11, Session 2 July 12-25, Session 3 July 26-Aug 8, 2026 (one philosophy program July 19-Aug 8)

Applying: Apply online via University Without Walls pre-college portal; 2026 applications now closed — reopens for 2027

Official program page →

What it is: High schoolers earn six college credits in three weeks by choosing one academic track (e.g., engineering, business, law, marine science, music, sports administration) with hands-on coursework, labs, and field trips.

Cost: Paid tuition (program earns 6 college credits; cost is several thousand dollars, not headlined on page). Residential add-on for housing; no broad free option advertised.

Selectivity: Moderately selective; seeks engaged students/leaders. Acceptance criteria not published as a hard cutoff.

When: 3 weeks (2026: June 27 to July 17)

Applying: Apply through UM's pre-college application portal (apply.miami.edu); rolling/spring deadline. Advisor consultation available.

Official program page →

What it is: High schoolers take actual University of Minnesota courses on campus or online for simultaneous high school and college credit.

Cost: Free during fall/spring (tuition, fees, textbooks covered by the state PSEO program); note summer-session tuition is NOT covered by PSEO funding

Selectivity: Admission threshold based; GPA-gated rather than competitive cohort

When: Year-round college terms; summer sessions available (May Session, Summer I/II, Summer Term)

Applying: Apply through CCAPS; new students register for courses in July with a PSEO advisor

Official program page →

What it is: Students live on the Oxford campus and take college courses for credit in specialty tracks including Explore the Arts (art/film/music/theatre), Business, Pre-Health Professions, and Pre-Pharmacy, with field trips and faculty interaction.

Cost: Paid tuition (varies by track/credit hours); need-based scholarships and financial aid available through Pre-College Programs. Students earn college/dual credit.

Selectivity: Selective by track; some tracks (e.g., Pre-Pharmacy) require min 3.5 GPA and 24 ACT

When: Four-week residential program; sessions in June and July

Applying: Apply online via umprecollege.myschoolapp.com; contact Office of Pre-College Programs (662-915-7621, precollege@olemiss.edu) for deadlines

Official program page →

What it is: A three-week residential academy for academically gifted Missouri juniors featuring major/minor courses, community service, and signature traditions like the Problem of the Day.

Cost: $200 scholar fee; otherwise state-funded (Missouri's gifted-education Governor's school)

Selectivity: Highly selective; students are nominated by their schools through a statewide selection process

When: Three weeks, June 7 - 27, 2026

Applying: By school nomination only; see moscholars.missouri.edu selection-process/important-dates

Official program page →

What it is: Rising high schoolers live or commute on the UM campus in Missoula, choose a college-level course, and earn two transferable college credits while experiencing campus life with faculty and peers.

Cost: Residential $3,250 (course, housing, meals, activities); commuter $1,250. Limited scholarships: $750 residential / $375 commuter. Earns 2 college credits.

Selectivity: Selective-ish but accessible: application-based, seeks 'mature, academically motivated' students; not open enrollment but no published acceptance rate

When: Two weeks, July 6-17, 2026

Applying: Online application + parent/guardian consent, unofficial transcript, and 500-word personal statement. NOTE: 2026 applications are CLOSED; 2027 interest form available. Contact Becka Simons (becka.simons@mso.umt.edu).

Official program page →

What it is: A multi-year college-access program that brings low-income, first-generation students to UNL each summer to experience college life, build skills, and earn a path to a full scholarship.

Cost: Free; NCPA scholars who complete the program and meet academic guidelines receive full UNL scholarships covering tuition, fees, books, room and board. Targets Pell-eligible students.

Selectivity: Competitive/selective; chosen on academic ability and income eligibility from partner schools (Grand Island, Omaha, Winnebago)

When: Summer residential camps (each grade has its own session); multi-year program

Applying: Apply via the NCPA site (ncpa.unl.edu/future-scholars/apply-ncpa); students typically enter as freshmen through their high school. Check site for current deadline.

Official program page →

What it is: Exceptionally gifted teens enroll as University of Nevada, Reno students and earn six university credits in a college-level course taught by UNR faculty while living in a residence hall with academic peers.

Cost: Tuition approximately $4,350 (residential). Need-based financial assistance available from the Davidson Institute, though awards never cover 100% of cost; aid applications due March 1.

Selectivity: Highly selective; holistic review requiring an SAT or ACT score report (no fixed minimum), transcripts, three essays, and a recommendation. Among the most competitive gifted programs in the US.

When: Three weeks in summer, roughly mid-July to early August (e.g. July 13 - August 3).

Applying: Apply via the Davidson Institute. Application typically opens in winter; financial-aid deadline March 1. Confirm current-year deadline on the program page.

Official program page →

What it is: Free year-round and summer college-prep services (tutoring, advising, a residential summer experience) that build academic skills and college readiness for first-generation, low-income students.

Cost: Free. Federally funded TRIO program; no cost to eligible students and families.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (first-generation and income criteria), not academically competitive; limited to students at partner high schools.

When: Summer component spans roughly six weeks, including a residential week at the UNR Lake Tahoe campus followed by commuter weeks on the Reno campus.

Applying: Apply through your high school's application link on the Upward Bound site, or contact upwardbound@unr.edu / (775) 784-4978.

Official program page →

What it is: Eligible students live on campus for six weeks taking grade-appropriate Math, Literature & Composition, Lab Sciences, Foreign Languages, and Success Studies, with mentoring, college counseling, and SAT prep.

Cost: Free / no cost to eligible students (federally funded U.S. Dept. of Education TRIO program).

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income/first-gen criteria and enrollment at a partner school), not academically selective

When: Six-week residential summer academy

Applying: Apply through the UNH Upward Bound program; eligibility verified for income/first-gen status. See the program's application form.

Official program page →

What it is: Qualified high schoolers enroll in real introductory college-level UNH courses for credit, exploring career pathways and demonstrating ability to college recruiters.

Cost: Tuition $300 per credit hour; most approved courses are 4 credits ($1,200/course). Free to apply. Not free overall.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (3.0+ GPA), not highly selective

When: Available during summer and academic terms

Applying: Free application via UNH Continuing Education CATS page; choose an approved UNH course.

Official program page →

What it is: Qualified rising seniors enroll in one or two regular UNC undergraduate courses alongside college students, earning transferable college credit.

Cost: Pay per-credit-hour tuition for the UNC course(s) taken; standard summer tuition rates apply (no separate program fee).

Selectivity: Selective admission as a visiting student; honor-roll standing required.

When: Rising seniors may enroll in Summer Session 2 (typically mid-June to early August 2026).

Applying: Apply through UNC Summer School with transcript, personal statement to the Academic Director, and a teacher/counselor recommendation.

Official program page →

What it is: A six-week residential college-prep program where eligible students live in UND residence halls and take credit-bearing courses (Pre-Bridge earns high school credit; Bridge earns up to nine college credits) plus college-readiness seminars.

Cost: Free; federally funded TRIO program. Participants may also earn a stipend; Bridge students get two paid college courses post-graduation.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income and/or first-generation status), not academically competitive; serves current UND Upward Bound participants.

When: Six weeks, late May/early June to early/mid July

Applying: Apply via the UND Upward Bound program (und.edu/student-life/trio/upward-bound/apply.html); contact Phillip Coghlan, 701-777-3427.

Official program page →

What it is: Students spend two intensive weeks on campus taking a college-level course (chosen from 25-30+ areas of study) taught by Notre Dame faculty, with the chance to earn one transferable college credit.

Cost: Paid tuition program (~$3,000+ plus a $75 application fee); need-based financial aid is available — check the Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid page

Selectivity: Competitive; requires strong academic standing, transcript, counselor report, and a teacher recommendation

When: Two weeks; Session I June 6-20, 2026 and Session II June 27-July 11, 2026

Applying: Applications opened Oct 15, 2025; deadline Feb 18, 2026. Submit online application, transcript, counselor report, teacher recommendation, and $75 fee at precollege.nd.edu

Official program page →

What it is: Federally funded TRIO program giving first-generation and low-income students academic-year and summer support to prepare for and enroll in college, free of charge.

Cost: Free; participants can earn stipends for participation/attendance

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (federal TRIO criteria); ~63 students from designated schools, space limited

When: Year-round with a summer residential/academic component

Applying: Apply via OU Access and Opportunity; applicants contacted in order of submission, space limited

Official program page →

What it is: Discipline-specific day camps where students work directly with OU faculty in spaces like the National Weather Center, exploring one academic field in depth over a week.

Cost: $260 per session (discounts for siblings $250 and OU faculty/staff $240); no financial-aid program advertised

Selectivity: Open enrollment; limited seats per session

When: July 2026 — two one-week sessions: Meteorology (Jul 6-10) and Entrepreneurship (Jul 20-24)

Applying: Register online via OU Precollegiate Programs; no firm deadline posted, register until full. Contact precollegiateprograms@ou.edu

Official program page →

What it is: Week-long residential program that builds a cohort of college-bound Indigenous students, covering the application process, financial aid, and campus life in a culturally affirming environment.

Cost: Free; housing and meals provided (students arrange own transportation)

Selectivity: Application with essays; priority to juniors/seniors and members of Oregon's 9 federally recognized tribes

When: One week, July 19-26, 2026

Applying: Apply online via Qualtrics form (essay responses required); deadline Friday, May 29, 2026

Official program page →

What it is: Free weeklong multidisciplinary academy where high schoolers learn from UO faculty through hands-on, social activities; designed as a college-access pipeline and students can earn high school credit.

Cost: Free; residential week includes housing and meals at no cost

Selectivity: Open enrollment / first-come; 'open until filled' (popular, fills fast)

When: One week each: residential July 12-17, 2026; day program July 20-24, 2026

Applying: Register online via UO First-Year Programs; no hard deadline but programs close when full (often early). Contact sailstaff@uoregon.edu / 541-346-4668

Official program page →

What it is: Students enroll in credit-bearing Penn undergraduate courses taught by Penn faculty and sit alongside Penn undergrads, living in campus residence halls for the term.

Cost: Paid (Ivy League pre-college tuition, several thousand dollars per course unit plus housing). The program page explicitly states there are no scholarships for Pre-College.

Selectivity: Selective admissions (academically curious students); no published acceptance rate.

When: Roughly 6 weeks, late June to early August (2026: June 30 - Aug 8)

Applying: 2026 applications are now closed; recurs annually. Apply online via hs.sas.upenn.edu.

Official program page →

What it is: Award-winning weeklong residential or commuter camps where students explore a career or academic topic (robotics, nursing, forensics, marine biology, entrepreneurship, law, and more) while sampling USC student life.

Cost: 2026: Residential $1,150-$1,250, Commuter $675-$750 depending on registration window (lab/transport fees may apply). Partial scholarships available.

Selectivity: Selective: requires 3.25+ GPA or 93rd-percentile aptitude scores; holistic review of transcript/test scores. Capped at ~20 per course.

When: Weeklong camps across summer 2026. Early-bird pricing ends Feb 28, 2026.

Applying: Register online; submit transcript/report card or test scores. Early bird 1/28-2/28, regular 3/1-4/30, late 5/1-7/6. Contact adventures@sc.edu / 803-777-9444.

Official program page →

What it is: Short residential college-readiness program for first-gen-bound rising seniors covering admissions, academic prep, and student life while living on the Columbia campus.

Cost: Application fee required but fee waivers available (request via high school counselor); residential experience appears low/no cost to participants. Strong access focus.

Selectivity: Selective with priority review: all SC rising seniors eligible, but priority to certain counties, free/reduced-lunch, and first-gen students.

When: Four-day/three-night sessions. 2026: July 8-11 and July 15-18.

Applying: Apply by May 1, 2026 via Undergraduate Admissions; requires three essay prompts and unofficial transcript. App fee or fee waiver required.

Official program page →

What it is: Federally funded multi-year pre-college program giving low-income/first-gen students academic support, college placement services, and a six-week residential summer experience on the USC campus.

Cost: Free. No cost to participate (federally funded TRIO program).

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (family income and first-generation status), not academic competition. Serves 100+ students.

When: Six-week residential program each summer, plus year-round Saturday sessions.

Applying: Apply through USC TRIO Programs office; eligibility based on family income and parents' education. Contact USC TRIO Programs.

Official program page →

What it is: A residential STEAM enrichment week with nine hands-on sessions (robotics, 3D printing, bird banding, music), team-building, and guest speakers; students live in dorms and eat in the dining hall.

Cost: $550 all-inclusive ($520 early-bird by April 15); scholarship applications available

Selectivity: Non-selective (open registration online)

When: July 19-23, 2026

Applying: Register online; registration open until June 1.

Official program page →

What it is: Outstanding high schoolers take a college-level course (e.g., business, product design, sciences), balance academic and campus life in LA, and earn USC credit.

Cost: Paid 4-week college-credit program (tuition plus optional housing); some aid information via USC Pre-College.

Selectivity: Selective application-based admission; broad subject menu (20+ courses).

When: 4 weeks, June 23 - July 17, 2026 (class 9am-3:30pm).

Applying: 2026 applications have closed. Apply at precollege.usc.edu/summer-programs; earn 3 units of college elective credit.

Official program page →

What it is: Accelerated, college-style seminars in specialized topics (nursing, sports medicine, dance, digital media, polymer engineering, etc.) with hands-on work, campus facility visits, and USM faculty.

Cost: $900 per 3-day session (or $2,630 for all three); commuter option available

Selectivity: Selective; requires qualifying ACT/SAT scores (academic) or portfolio (artistic)

When: Three 3-day sessions in June 2026 (June 15-17, 18-20, 22-24)

Applying: Apply online via usmforms.formstack.com (Karnes Center)

Official program page →

What it is: An immersive residential pre-college program where students study classic literature and philosophy in seminars with Honors faculty and earn 3 college credit hours, with cultural activities led by current Honors students.

Cost: $1,200 (housing, meals, activities included); grants 3 hours of transferable college credit

Selectivity: Selective (application required); details not fully published

When: Mid-to-late June 2026 (~two weeks; 2025 ran June 15-25)

Applying: Apply online via the U Tulsa Honors College page; contact Dayne Riley, dcr148@utulsa.edu

Official program page →

What it is: Intensive 6-week residential academic program where students live in dorms, take high-school courses for credit, and join workshops, field trips, and career exploration, earning up to 1.25 high-school credits.

Cost: Completely free to eligible participants (federally funded TRIO); meals and housing included.

Selectivity: Highly selective by eligibility: must be admitted to Upward Bound first, then selected based on school-year participation; not all UB students attend the Summer Academy.

When: Six weeks, late June through early August (students reside Sun-Fri, home on weekends)

Applying: Applications open late April with final selections late May; apply online through the U's Upward Bound site.

Official program page →

What it is: A residential or commuter pre-college week at UVM (an R1 university) themed around 'People and Planet' with hands-on workshops, lab/SIM sessions, and a Lake Champlain boat tour, plus an optional 3-credit college course earning real UVM credit.

Cost: Residential program fee $2,550 (reduced from $3,000); commuter $2,295; $200 non-refundable deposit. Credit-course tuition is separate: Vermont residents with state Dual Enrollment vouchers pay $0 tuition (+$30 fee), VT without voucher $346/credit, out-of-state $930/credit. The program page states financial aid/scholarships are NOT available, but VT residents can effectively get the credit course free via Dual Enrollment vouchers.

Selectivity: Open/non-competitive — admits academically motivated students meeting age/grade criteria; no published acceptance rate.

When: On-campus week July 6-11, 2026; paired online credit course runs July 13 - August 7, 2026.

Applying: Apply online via the program page; application deadline June 19, 2026. Contact 802-656-2085.

Official program page →

What it is: A six-week summer college-immersion at UVM with intensive academic enrichment taught by college faculty and teachers, plus overnight college visits, tours, and admissions/career programming.

Cost: Free — federally funded TRIO program; participants can also receive stipends up to $15/week.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income + first-gen + target high schools), not competitive merit selection; up to 50 students.

When: Six-week summer residential program (June-July), part of a year-round program.

Applying: Apply via UVM's TRIO Upward Bound office; serves students at partner high schools. See program page for contact and process.

Official program page →

What it is: A statewide network of intensive residential summer institutes hosted on Vermont college campuses (UVM, Champlain, Norwich, Vermont State University-Castleton and -Lyndon) where students live in dorms and dive deep into one subject through hands-on projects and expert instruction.

Cost: Sliding-scale tuition — families pay only what they can afford, as little as ~$10; $25 application fee waivable for hardship. Effectively free/near-free for low-income Vermont families (state-funded).

Selectivity: Application-based but broadly accessible — open to any Vermont 9th-11th grader; requires two adult recommendations. Not a competitive-acceptance-rate program.

When: One- to two-week residential institutes running late June through mid/late July 2026 (e.g., Math Sciences at UVM June 21-28; Health & Medicine at UVM July 12-18).

Applying: Apply online at giv.org; deadline March 31, 2026. Two adult recommendations and $25 (waivable) fee required.

Official program page →

What it is: A four-week residential pre-college program where students take two undergraduate courses (one designed for the cohort plus one elective), earn six transferable UVA credits, and live in a residence hall with college-prep workshops.

Cost: Paid tuition for 6 transferable UVA credits (several thousand dollars); financial aid available, with a March priority aid deadline. Exact tuition on the Cost & Payment page.

Selectivity: Competitive/selective; targets highly-motivated students; requires transcript, recommendation, and essay.

When: Four weeks, roughly mid-July to early August (Summer 2026: July 11 - Aug 7).

Applying: Apply online via UVA Summer Session with supplemental forms, transcript, one recommendation, and a short essay. Priority/financial-aid deadline ~March 18. Note: Summer 2026 applications have CLOSED; recurs annually (join list for 2027).

Official program page →

What it is: An accelerated, rigorous enrichment program with college-style courses (geometry, physics, mock trial, essay writing, literature) for advanced young scholars.

Cost: Tuition-based; need-based financial aid available (contact Robinson Center)

Selectivity: Application-based; for academically advanced/gifted students

When: Five-week summer program, three days/week

Applying: Apply through the Robinson Center; contact rcsummer@uw.edu / 206.616.0785

Official program page →

What it is: Flagship pre-college program where students live like college students, take a college-level course in a chosen academic area, and learn from UW-Madison faculty.

Cost: Domestic residential $4,450; commuter $2,600; international $4,800; $100 nonrefundable application fee. Full scholarships for Wisconsin residents on free/reduced lunch; partial scholarships up to 50% of tuition for qualifying students (limited funds).

Selectivity: Competitive: 3.0+ unweighted GPA, demonstrated interest, related coursework, strong essays; rolling holistic review.

When: July 19-31, 2026 (two weeks)

Applying: Apply online (opens Jan 12, 2026; deadline May 1, 2026) with two ~500-word essays and unofficial transcript; rolling decisions on the 2nd and 4th Monday monthly.

Official program page →

What it is: Three-week intensive residential camp where students focus on one accelerated college-level course with morning, afternoon, and required study sessions daily.

Cost: Tuition covers housing and meals (residential). Non-credit single-course format; a separate for-credit option offers one 3-credit university course with residential programming. Scholarships available via Badger Precollege.

Selectivity: Selective; aimed at academically advanced/gifted students seeking rigorous fast-paced coursework.

When: Three weeks in summer (late June-July 2026; international arrival June 27, 2026)

Applying: Apply through Badger Precollege (application opens Jan 12, 2026). See program page for deadlines and required materials.

Official program page →

What it is: A three-week residential pre-college program (since 1985) where rising juniors take two college-style courses (one STEM, one Humanities), live in residence halls, and do community service and social activities.

Cost: $325 activity fee per student; room, board, and instructional supplies are paid by the Wyoming Legislature (effectively near-free for accepted students). Students cover travel and personal expenses.

Selectivity: Competitive statewide selection; up to 75 students chosen annually from across Wyoming through cooperation between high schools and UW ('intellectually talented' students)

When: 20 days in June (June 7-27 in 2026)

Applying: HSI 2026 applications are closed; HSI 2027 applications reopen in fall 2026. Apply via uwyo.edu/hsi/how-to-apply during sophomore year.

Official program page →

What it is: A five-week residential program introducing Upward Bound students to university life with college-level coursework in English, math, science, and language, plus research projects presented at a symposium.

Cost: Completely free; federally funded TRIO program covers books, supplies, meals, housing, activities, and student stipends

Selectivity: Must be an enrolled Upward Bound participant; serves eligible (low-income / first-gen) students rather than competitive merit selection

When: About five weeks, June into early July (June 1-July 3 in 2025; similar window expected)

Applying: Ask your Upward Bound coordinator for an application; contact seo@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-6189.

Official program page →

What it is: A six-day residential pre-college program exposing Native American high schoolers to UW through campus living, academic workshops, cultural activities, and mentorship to encourage college enrollment.

Cost: Free; sponsored/donation-supported, no tuition charged

Selectivity: Application required with tribal documentation; small cohort (specific numbers not published)

When: 6 days in June (June 7-13 in 2026)

Applying: Deadline April 1. Apply via online form; submit Certificate of Indian Blood / Tribal ID / proof of descendancy separately to reinette@uwyo.edu or mharri57@uwyo.edu.

Official program page →

What it is: Free summer component of UVU's Upward Bound where students come to campus to take college courses and earn college credit while preparing for higher education.

Cost: Free to accepted Upward Bound students (federally funded TRIO); students can earn up to 7 college credits.

Selectivity: Selective by eligibility; must already be an enrolled UVU Upward Bound participant.

When: Summer; about 40-50 students rotate to campus each week

Applying: For enrolled UB students; apply/enroll through the UVU TRIO Upward Bound office.

Official program page →

What it is: Two-week residential deep-dive courses led by Vanderbilt faculty where juniors and seniors explore a single subject in depth on the Nashville campus.

Cost: Tuition charged (multi-week pre-college; roughly $3,000+ range); need-based financial aid available through Programs for Talented Youth

Selectivity: Competitive; application-based pre-college program for high-achieving students

When: Two-week sessions in June and July 2026

Applying: Applications open in fall/winter via pty.vanderbilt.edu; 2026 application cycle opened early 2026

Official program page →

What it is: One-week residential pre-college courses on Vanderbilt's Nashville campus where students live on campus and take a single intensive faculty-designed course in their area of interest.

Cost: Tuition $2,600 (rising 9/10) and $2,750 (rising 11/12) per one-week session; need-based financial aid offered by Programs for Talented Youth

Selectivity: Competitive/gifted-identified; run through Programs for Talented Youth and aimed at high-achieving students (qualification via prior PTY participation, test scores, or application materials)

When: One-week sessions across June and July (e.g., rising 11/12 sessions June 7-13, June 21-27, July 5-11, July 12-18, 2026)

Applying: Applications for Summer 2026 have closed; typically open in late fall via pty.vanderbilt.edu; Summer 2027 dates announced late Fall 2026

Official program page →

What it is: A free college-prep program providing summer academic enrichment, campus experience, and ongoing support to first-gen, low-income students.

Cost: Free (federally funded TRIO grant)

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income + first-gen + partner school); not test-selective

When: Summer enrichment program (multi-week) plus year-round support

Applying: Apply through WSU TRIO Upward Bound / collegebound.wsu.edu; eligibility-based intake

Official program page →

What it is: Rising seniors enroll in actual WashU undergraduate courses for college credit (up to two), taught by university faculty across humanities, social and natural sciences, plus a noncredit Exploration course.

Cost: 2026 tuition ranged ~$4,075 (one online/commuter course) up to $12,135 (two courses residential, incl. housing/meals); need-based scholarship assistance available; $50 application fee

Selectivity: Moderately selective; requires application, short essays, transcript, and a teacher recommendation

When: Five weeks, June 7 - July 11, 2026

Applying: 2026 cycle closed (early deadline Mar 2, regular Apr 1); 2027 applications open Dec 1. Apply online via precollege.washu.edu

Official program page →

What it is: Provides instruction, tutoring, academic and career guidance, counseling, and residential summer life to prepare under-resourced students for college.

Cost: Free; federally funded TRIO program at no cost to eligible participants.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income/first-generation criteria) rather than academically competitive; serves ~150 students.

When: Six-week summer component plus year-round support

Applying: Apply through Wayne State's Federal TRIO office; students must meet TRIO eligibility and typically attend a target high school.

Official program page →

What it is: High schoolers complete semester-length college courses (writing, literature, government, biology, data analysis, and more) in ~4 weeks in small seminars for full Wesleyan credit.

Cost: Paid per-course tuition; courses carry full Wesleyan college credit

Selectivity: Application-based admission; small seminar courses (capped ~20)

When: Session I: May 27-June 23, 2026; Session II: June 29-July 24, 2026 (registration opens March 25, 2026)

Applying: Apply at wesleyan.edu/summer/precollege; registration opens March 25, 2026. Email summer@wesleyan.edu

Official program page →

What it is: Statewide residential honors academy where top juniors take daily classes and workshops led by WVU faculty across engineering, health sciences, business, computer science, media, and the arts, plus cultural and social activities around an annual theme.

Cost: Free — no cost to students or families for tuition, activities, books, or materials (state-funded). Families cover only travel and personal expenses.

Selectivity: Highly competitive — approx. 175 scholars selected statewide via rigorous application; 3.5+ GPA or top 10% of class required, no grades below C; standardized-test/AP performance preferred.

When: Three weeks, July 11-25, 2026, in Morgantown

Applying: Deadline April 3, 2026. Apply via WV Department of Education Governor's Schools portal through your school counselor; requires teacher recommendation.

Official program page →

What it is: Lets current high schoolers earn real WVU college credit by taking university courses online, on campus, or at participating high schools at a reduced tuition rate.

Cost: Reduced per-credit tuition (rate on the ACCESS site); textbooks, access codes, and lab kits not included. Grades become part of the official WVU transcript.

Selectivity: Open enrollment for non-restricted 100-299 level courses (subject to prerequisites).

When: WVU summer sessions (multiple start dates); online (asynchronous) or on-campus options

Applying: Enroll through the WVU High School ACCESS program; search courses.wvu.edu for non-restricted 100-299 courses. Note: students who graduate in May/June are not eligible for that summer.

Official program page →

What it is: Long-running (since 1983) residential enrichment program; gifted students take advanced college-professor-taught classes in physics, math, computer programming, environmental science, creative writing, and the arts, with daily activities.

Cost: $1,500 for two weeks (room, board, classes); $950 for one week residential; day-camper discount of $260; 10% multi-child discount. Limited scholarship aid available periodically.

Selectivity: Must be identified as gifted by the school or score at/above the 97th percentile on a standardized test; capped at ~50 students, 10:1 ratio, first-come basis.

When: Two weeks, June 21 - July 4, 2026, in Buckhannon

Applying: Registration deadline June 7, 2026; $200 deposit at registration, balance at check-in. Register at wvwc.edu/summergifted.

Official program page →

What it is: A college-immersion week where students live in a residence hall, complete a real college course for 1 credit, and learn the admissions process.

Cost: Tuition-based (around $800 reported); financial assistance/scholarships available

Selectivity: Open enrollment

When: One week in July (e.g., July 15-20)

Applying: Enroll via WWU Extended Education College Quest page (ee.wwu.edu/collegequest)

Official program page →

What it is: A residential program where students take a 4-credit college American history course, learn at historic sites, and work with historians, curators, and archaeologists.

Cost: Paid tuition for a 4-credit course (cost on the program's dedicated cost page); confirm aid directly.

Selectivity: Open to students who have completed at least their freshman year; application required, not highly selective.

When: Two ~3-week residential sessions (Summer 2026: Session 1 June 21-July 11; Session 2 July 12-Aug 1).

Applying: Apply online via W&M NIAHD; indicate preferred session and course. National Institute of American History & Democracy.

Official program page →

What it is: Students live on Yale's campus for two weeks and study one interdisciplinary track (Innovations in Science & Technology; Politics, Law & Economics; or Solving Global Challenges) through seminars, lectures, and collaborative projects. No grades or course credit.

Cost: ~$7,000 tuition per 2-week session; over $3 million in need-based financial aid distributed annually, plus 'Partners for Access' scholarships; many students attend at low or no cost

Selectivity: Highly competitive; received 14,000+ applications for 2026 (admitted roughly 1,800 in recent years, ~15-20%)

When: Three 2-week residential sessions in summer: roughly June 21-July 3, July 5-17, July 19-31, 2026

Applying: Application for summer 2026 has closed; reopens around September for the next cycle. Apply online via globalscholars.yale.edu with essays and transcript

Official program page →

What it is: Pre-college students enroll in actual Yale undergraduate courses alongside Yale students, complete the same work and exams, and earn Yale credit while living in the residential colleges.

Cost: Tuition ~$5,070 per credit plus ~$4,075 per session for residential housing; financial aid available to eligible students

Selectivity: Competitive admission; students take real Yale College courses for Yale credit and graded transcript

When: Session A approx. May 25-June 26, 2026; Session B approx. June 29-July 31, 2026

Applying: Apply online at summer.yale.edu; rolling/early deadlines in spring. Contact summer.session@yale.edu or (203) 432-2430

Official program page →

What it is: A free college-prep program providing tutoring, academic enrichment, college/career guidance and a summer experience to help low-income/first-generation students prepare for and enter college.

Cost: Free; federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education (TRIO). No cost to participants.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (first-generation / income / target schools), not academic-merit competitive

When: Summer academic component plus year-round support

Applying: Apply through the JSU Upward Bound office / online application portal

Official program page →

What it is: Students take accelerated college-style coursework (e.g., drawing, cybersecurity), tour labs, attend performances and galleries, and meet with admissions to preview undergraduate life at the Honors College.

Cost: Paid residential program; confirm fees and aid with the USM Honors College

Selectivity: Selective (Honors-track talented students)

When: Summer residential session on the Hattiesburg campus

Applying: Apply via the USM Honors College; confirm current dates and deadline on their site

Official program page →

What it is: Young women take college-level coursework in STEM, psychology, international relations and writing taught by Wellesley faculty, plus leadership programs focused on building confidence and voice.

Cost: Tuition-based; confirm pricing/aid on the Wellesley summer site

Selectivity: Selective pre-college admission

When: Summer (multi-week sessions)

Applying: Apply online via the Wellesley summer term site (note: domain recently migrated to intranet.wellesley.edu/administrative/summer-term); verify current application page

Official program page →

What it is: A pre-college preparatory TRIO program where students live on campus, attend classes, do work-study and get a simulated college experience to support high-school completion and college transition.

Cost: Free; federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education. On-campus meals, housing and transportation provided.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income / first-generation / target counties)

When: Six-week summer residential phase plus academic-year support

Applying: Apply through Alcorn State's Upward Bound office (applications typically open in fall)

Official program page →

What it is: Online, live-instruction summer courses that let Arkansas high schoolers earn high-school credit for prerequisite coursework to unlock more advanced STEM and AP classes at their home school.

Cost: Grant-funded; check site for current cost (offered at low/no cost in recent years)

Selectivity: Open to Arkansas students; enrollment-based

When: Summer (online, live instruction)

Applying: Register via asmsa.org/outreach; for-credit prerequisite courses, taught online by ASMSA instructors.

Official program page →

What it is: A free six-week residential summer institute giving first-gen/low-income students college-prep or credit-bearing courses, campus living, tutoring and college-readiness activities at no cost.

Cost: Free — federally funded TRIO program; participants receive a small stipend; rising seniors may do a paid internship

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income/first-gen) rather than competitive academics; must enroll in the year-round program

When: ~Six-week summer residential institute (on a college campus)

Applying: Apply through the host campus's Upward Bound office (e.g., bu.edu/ub, UMass Boston/Amherst); year-round enrollment required

Official program page →

What it is: A free college-access program providing core academic prep (math, English), electives, workshops, and field trips to help low-income/first-gen students prepare for college.

Cost: Free - federally funded TRIO Upward Bound program for eligible students; no tuition.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income and first-generation criteria), not academically competitive; serves students needing college-access support.

When: 6-week summer program (two concurrent levels).

Applying: Apply via the CSULB Upward Bound program office (csulb.edu/student-affairs/upward-bound-program). Eligibility-based application.

Official program page →

What it is: 100% online, mostly asynchronous courses with video lessons by CWRU instructors and mentor access, earning a Certificate of Completion.

Cost: Paid tuition (per-course); see program site for current pricing.

Selectivity: Open enrollment

When: Two-week sessions over summer (also 4-week fall/spring); ~30 hours total

Applying: Enroll via case.precollegeprograms.org; contact precollege@case.edu. Verify the official .edu vs. partner-hosted enrollment portal.

Official program page →

What it is: A one-week residential college-readiness immersion where rising seniors connect with FSU faculty, staff, and students and get feedback on application materials like personal statements and resumes.

Cost: Free / low-cost college-readiness program run by FSU CARE; no headline tuition (state/university supported).

Selectivity: Application-based; aimed at access populations across Florida.

When: 1 week in summer

Applying: Apply via FSU CARE's Summer Seminoles page; spring deadline.

Official program page →

What it is: A federally funded TRIO college-prep program providing eligible high schoolers a summer academic academy on campus plus tutoring, advising, and college/financial-aid guidance at no cost.

Cost: Free / no cost to eligible students (federally funded U.S. Dept. of Education TRIO program).

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income/first-gen criteria), not academically selective

When: Summer academy (multi-week) plus academic-year support

Applying: Apply through the Keene State Upward Bound office; eligibility verified.

Official program page →

What it is: A free federally funded TRIO program providing college-prep coursework, ACT prep, and support to first-generation and income-eligible high schoolers.

Cost: Free (federally funded TRIO program; no cost to qualifying participants)

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income / first-generation criteria), not academically competitive

When: Summer term roughly June through early July

Applying: Apply through LSU's Upward Bound office; serves eligible students from target schools

Official program page →

What it is: Louisiana's oldest, most comprehensive residential gifted enrichment program: morning academics (college-level for the Senior Division, taught by McNeese faculty) plus afternoon fine arts, drama, debate, music, and art.

Cost: State-supported residential gifted program; tuition/fees set per year (contact program). Long-running state institution.

Selectivity: Competitive admission based on gifted identification/qualifications

When: Seven weeks, summer 2026 runs June 7 - July 25

Applying: Apply via gpgc.org; contact 337-475-5446

Official program page →

What it is: College-bound students join Great Books faculty to read and discuss classic texts addressing enduring human questions in a seminar-style college experience.

Cost: Paid program; tuition/aid details on the Mercer summer programs page (afp.mercer.edu).

Selectivity: Application-based for college-bound students; not mass open enrollment.

When: Summer (week-long; check Mercer summer programs calendar)

Applying: Apply via afp.mercer.edu/summer-programs.

Official program page →

What it is: Rising juniors/seniors live on campus and take rigorous, college-style courses across humanities, sciences, arts, and technology at a historic HBCU.

Cost: Paid college-style courses; costs/deadlines set per individual program — check each track's page.

Selectivity: Application-based; note the 2026 admissions Summer Programs application is closed.

When: Summer (dates vary by sub-program)

Applying: Apply via morehouse.edu Summer Academy; deadlines set by individual program directors. Contact academicsuccess@morehouse.edu.

Official program page →

What it is: Year-round and summer academic, college-prep, and enrichment support (classes, college visits, leadership) to help disadvantaged students succeed in high school and enroll in college.

Cost: Completely free for eligible students; federally funded TRIO program.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income and first-gen criteria) plus enrollment from partner high schools; not academically competitive.

When: Multi-week summer academies, typically June-July (e.g., 6 weeks at Morgan State)

Applying: Apply through your local host institution's Upward Bound office; check eligibility and the target high schools each program serves.

Official program page →

What it is: A federally funded college-access program offering academic instruction (English, math, science), college admissions and financial-aid guidance, study skills, tutoring, and mentoring.

Cost: Free (federally funded TRIO program).

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income/first-gen criteria), not academically competitive.

When: Six-week summer program, June 15-July 25, 2026.

Applying: Apply through the A&T TRIO/Upward Bound office (ncat.edu/provost/academic-affairs/usso/trio/upward-bound.php).

Official program page →

What it is: Immersive full-day, small-cohort programs taught by Northeastern faculty on the Boston campus, with access to clubs, admissions counselors and campus resources.

Cost: Tuition-based; program cost covers activities, housing and dining — confirm exact pricing/aid on site

Selectivity: Selective, rolling admissions

When: Summer sessions on the Boston campus (also Oakland and London)

Applying: Apply online via precollegeprograms.northeastern.edu; Summer 2026 open on a rolling basis

Official program page →

What it is: A selective scholarship that lets local high schoolers take a full-credit Reed College course alongside their high school studies; included for accessible/affordable college-rigor options though it runs during the school year rather than summer.

Cost: Largely free; student contributes ~$100 per semester (some districts cover it)

Selectivity: Highly selective scholarship program for outstanding students committed to serious study

When: Academic-year concurrent enrollment (not a summer-only camp; note the distinction)

Applying: Apply via reed.edu/young_scholars; see program page for deadlines

Official program page →

What it is: Qualified high schoolers take a real SHU college course (e.g., Academic Writing, Digital Animation & Computer Gaming, College Math, Intro to Criminal Justice) for 3 transferable college credits over three weeks.

Cost: Paid per-course tuition; students earn 3 college credits per course

Selectivity: Selective by record: minimum B average and guidance-counselor recommendation required

When: Three-week session, roughly July 9-27 (morning or afternoon sections)

Applying: Apply via sacredheart.edu with counselor recommendation; confirm exact 2026 dates with the registrar

Official program page →

What it is: High schoolers sit in real SLU undergraduate courses for college credit on the St. Louis campus, in Madrid, or online.

Cost: Per-credit college tuition (dual-credit pricing); see Summer & Extended Studies for current rates

Selectivity: Qualified students by application/eligibility

When: Summer term (and academic year) 2026

Applying: Apply via slu.edu/summer-and-extended-studies; contact summer@slu.edu

Official program page →

What it is: A free college-access program providing academic instruction, tutoring, college visits, and a residential summer experience to help first-generation and low-income students prepare for and enter college.

Cost: Free to enrolled students (federally funded TRIO program; room, board, tuition, and materials covered)

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income and/or first-generation criteria) rather than merit-competitive

When: Summer residential component (multi-week); school-year services run throughout the year

Applying: Apply through the SDSU Upward Bound office or a participating high school's counselor; eligibility verified.

Official program page →

What it is: Selected high schoolers live on the Columbus campus for two weeks, taking one intensive faculty-taught course plus daily workshops on admissions, study skills, and career planning.

Cost: Approx. $3,900 per 2-week session (covers course, housing, dining, activities). Limited need-based scholarships, mostly partial awards with some full awards; optional scholarship request form in the application.

Selectivity: Selective application (single intensive course; instructional hours equal a 2-credit course but non-credit)

When: Two 2-week sessions in June

Applying: Online application with transcript and scholarship request option; contact precollege@osu.edu. Verify current dates/deadline on the OAA page each cycle.

Official program page →

What it is: A federally funded TRIO Upward Bound program where students from rural target schools live on the UAF campus for several weeks, exploring STEAM careers and college life through experiential projects, field trips, and college-prep coursework.

Cost: Free (federally funded TRIO program); no cost to students.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based, not competitive: limited to ~160 low-income, first-generation students at designated partner schools (e.g., Bethel, Chevak, Haines, North Pole, Seward, Wrangell).

When: Multi-week residential session in summer (introductory and advanced sessions; ~3-6 weeks)

Applying: Apply through your participating school or the T3 Alaska / UAF Upward Bound site (t3.alaska.edu); eligibility verified through TRIO criteria.

Official program page →

What it is: A new two-week residential pre-college program where high schoolers take a faculty-taught course and earn three transferable college credits.

Cost: Paid pre-college tuition (new for 2026); pricing being finalized. Earns 3 college credits.

Selectivity: Application-based pre-college program; new offering so selectivity not yet established.

When: Two weeks in summer 2026 (inaugural year) on the Tucson campus

Applying: Apply via U of A Outreach, Distance and Continuing Education (azo.arizona.edu) pre-college programs; confirm dates and deadline.

Official program page →

What it is: A scholarship offered by the UCLA Summer Sessions Office to help California 9th-11th graders afford college-credit summer courses at UCLA.

Cost: Need- and merit-based scholarship that reduces or covers UCLA Summer Sessions costs for qualifying California high schoolers - an affordability pathway.

Selectivity: Need- and merit-based award; tied to enrollment in UCLA summer courses.

When: Summer 2026 (aligned with UCLA Summer Sessions, late June-September).

Applying: 2026 cycle has closed. Normally apply via summer.ucla.edu Summer Scholars page in spring alongside course enrollment.

Official program page →

What it is: A year-round college-access program whose summer component brings students to a UConn campus for multi-week coursework (English, math, science, economics, human rights), research skills, college prep, and career exploration.

Cost: FREE — federally (TRIO/Upward Bound) and state (ConnCAP) funded for eligible students

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (low-income and/or neither parent holds a 4-year degree); not academically competitive

When: Mandatory ~6-week non-residential summer program (year-round program overall)

Applying: Apply through the partnered high school / UConn CAPS office (caps.center.uconn.edu); rolling recruitment

Official program page →

What it is: Provides tutoring, academic coaching, mentoring, a summer academic-enrichment residential experience and financial-literacy support to prepare underrepresented students for college.

Cost: Free - 100% federally funded (U.S. Dept. of Education TRIO).

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (first-gen/income criteria + target schools); not academically competitive

When: Multi-week summer residential academy (typically June-July)

Applying: Apply through the U of I INSPIRE Center / TRIO office; serves students at designated partner high schools.

Official program page →

What it is: Native American high schoolers live on campus for a week, attend seminars and campus field trips, explore majors, and connect with Native culture and community at Iowa.

Cost: Free: lodging, meals, and activities provided at no cost upon admission; admitted students have received travel reimbursement (up to ~$300).

Selectivity: Application-based; open to eligible students in good standing. Not highly competitive.

When: One week (Monday-Friday, five nights) in summer

Applying: Apply via the UI Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office (diversity.uiowa.edu); deadline varies by year, check current cycle.

Official program page →

What it is: A free, rigorous eight-week bridge where rising college freshmen take two credit-bearing courses with tutoring, supplemental instruction, writing support and mentorship to ease the high-school-to-college transition.

Cost: Free — full summer scholarship covers tuition, meal plan, textbooks, housing, transportation, excursions and fees, plus a $500 fall scholarship on completion

Selectivity: For admitted/conditionally admitted UMKC students (program application)

When: Eight weeks during summer 2026

Applying: Apply through UMKC; see umkc.edu/hscp and UMKC admissions for the Summer Bridge application

Official program page →

What it is: Free multi-year college-access pipeline where students live on campus each summer for a college preview and prep workshops; 94% of completers enroll in higher education.

Cost: Free to participants (state/grant-funded pipeline program); priority to economically disadvantaged students per USDA guidelines.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (2.75 GPA Madison / proficiency standards Milwaukee) but space-limited; meeting requirements does not guarantee admission.

When: Summer residential programming each year (Summer University I for new students; College & Career Kickstart for juniors)

Applying: Apply online only; applications open late January, decisions by May each year.

Official program page →

What it is: Six-week college-simulation experience where eligible students live on campus, take faculty-taught academic courses, do college visits, and build college-readiness and social skills.

Cost: Free — federally funded TRIO program for eligible students.

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income and first-generation criteria), not academically competitive; serves students from the target service area.

When: Six-week residential summer program in Beckley

Applying: Apply via the program application on the WVU Tech TRIO Upward Bound site; contact 304-929-1290 / TechTRIOUB@mail.wvu.edu.

Official program page →

What it is: Federally funded college-access summer programming providing academic enrichment, college prep, and support for eligible first-generation and income-qualified students.

Cost: Free; federally funded TRIO/GEAR UP college-access programs

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (income, first-gen, or target-school criteria), not academically competitive

When: Summer (multi-week)

Applying: Apply via WSU TRIO/GEAR UP office; see the WSU summer camps TRIO page

Official program page →

What it is: Xavier's ~50-year-old flagship pre-college program building rigorous analytical reasoning skills to prepare students for college-level math and science.

Cost: Tuition not posted on page; long-running flagship pre-college initiative (contact program for current fees/aid)

Selectivity: Application-based; established pipeline program

When: Summer (multi-week)

Applying: Apply via Xavier pre-college / XOCOM office (summerprograms@xula.edu)

Official program page →

What it is: A free federally funded TRIO program providing STEM prep, ACT prep, and college-level coursework, with a residential Summer Bridge for rising seniors.

Cost: Free (federally funded TRIO program; Summer Bridge covers tuition, room, board, and meals for qualified recipients)

Selectivity: Eligibility-based (first-gen / income), not academically competitive

When: 6-week residential summer component

Applying: Apply through Xavier's Upward Bound office; serves eligible students from target schools

Official program page →