Precollege Studies Residential Program

The Cornell Precollege Studies Residential Program is a summer program that lets high school students live on Cornell University's campus while taking real undergraduate courses for college credit. It is open to students who have finished 10th grade. Participants choose a three-week or six-week course, covering roughly a semester's worth of material in that short window, and earn credits that can transfer to other colleges. Subjects range widely, from architecture and business to computer science, engineering and science. Students live in a residence hall, eat in campus dining centers, and are supervised with one staff member for every ten students. The 2026 residential sessions ran June 22 to July 10, July 13 to July 31, and June 22 to July 31 for the six-week option. The program charges tuition, a student health fee and a residential fee; on the rate schedule for fall 2026 through summer 2027, a three-week, 3-credit residential course totals $9,274, and six-week options cost $18,402 to $22,282.

Students must have completed 10th grade and be 16 to 18 years old when their class begins. Apply online with a high school transcript, the most recent grade report, one teacher or counselor recommendation, a personal essay, and an $85 nonrefundable fee. Admissions are rolling and seats often fill early.