How Much Do High-School Summer Programs Cost?

The range is enormous.

Some excellent programs are free and may even provide stipends. Others cost thousands of dollars per week.

The price generally depends on several factors:

• Program type: Research programs funded by universities, foundations, or government agencies may be free, while private enrichment and university pre-college programs frequently charge tuition.
• Residential vs. commuter: Housing, meals, supervision, and activities substantially increase the price of residential programs.
• Length: Comparing total prices can be misleading. A $6,000 six-week program and a $4,000 two-week program have very different weekly costs.
• Location and facilities: Programs operating on university campuses or in expensive locations may have higher costs.

When comparing programs, calculate the cost per week and check what is included.

Also look carefully for:

• Application fees
• Housing
• Meals
• Transportation
• Materials
• Field trips
• Financial aid
• Scholarships

Don't assume price correlates with quality or selectivity. Some of the most competitive programs are heavily subsidized, while some expensive programs operate primarily on an enrollment basis.

The better comparison is cost relative to the experience being provided.