Fees and Financial Aid
Thanks to the generous donations of our supporters, the Summer Science Program’s life-changing experience is financially accessible for all participants.
A student’s need for financial assistance is not factored into admissions decisions, and we commit to providing financial aid to cover 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students. This can include round-trip airfare and/or financial support for other travel expenses. When evaluating financial need, we take into account all relevant circumstances, including the number of dependents and unusual costs.
Fees
In 2026, the Summer Science Program fee was $11,800, which included tuition, room, board, supplies, and local field trips and transportation for the entirety of the five-week residential program. This represents our cost per participant to operate the program (~$14,600) minus subsidized support provided by donations. Full fee costs for 2027 will be available in December 2026.
Financial Aid
In 2026, the Summer Science Program granted over $4,100,000 in fee discounts, travel aid, and cash stipends. Over 50% of participants received some form of aid.
In 2027, the program fee will remain scaled to what each family can afford. We anticipate that participants whose families have typical expenses and assets for a family of four and with an annual family income of approximately $140,000 or less will receive full aid or a partially discounted fee. No one pays more than the program fee.
Stipends
Additionally, the Summer Science Program has a limited amount of $3,000 “lost wages” stipends in addition to attending the program for free that are available by request at the time of admission for students who typically need to work during the summer.
Application Fee
It’s completely free to apply. Don’t let financial worries deter you! The Summer Science Program is committed to making science accessible.
“We received the answer from the financial aid committee. Please tell them how thankful we are. It’s the worst feeling for a parent to see all the potential and thirst for learning of one’s child and worry that we can’t afford a program that would be perfect for him. My son will be finally surrounded by peers with his same drive and interest. I know that SSP will push him to see how much more there is to learn, and I assure you that the rest of the group will benefit from getting to know him, not just because he’s so smart, but because he’s an amazing human being.”
Summer Science Program Parent
“My mom applied for financial aid because my sister was about to start college. The grant made it possible for me to attend SSP. And I’m glad I did! All the work, memories, and emotions I experienced made it the best summer of my life.”
Summer Science Program Alum
Frequently Asked Questions
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A parent or guardian can apply for financial aid on your behalf after admissions decisions are released. You can request a financial aid application on the status page of the applications portal.
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Admitted students will be invited to apply for aid at the time of admission. Deadlines for the aid application will be shared at that time.
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The financial aid application is designed to help the Financial Aid Committee determine how much your family can reasonably afford. Major considerations include income, assets, number of dependents, college expenses for your family members, and special circumstances such as unusual expenses or unemployment. Participants with an annual family income of approximately $140,000 or less and typical expenses and assets will likely receive full aid or a partially discounted fee.
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No, the financial aid application is available after admission decisions are announced. This means that your need for aid has no impact on whether you will be admitted or not. We aim to make the Summer Science Program accessible to all participants and encourage you to apply regardless of financial need. We will do our best to make Summer Science Program possible for all students with financial need.
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No, never.
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Yes, international applicants can also request a financial aid application at the time of admission. We ask that English translations of income tax forms and other documents be provided.
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Yes. Your parent or guardian may request assistance with required travel on the financial aid application. When determining eligibility, the program considers the overall cost of participation, including travel from the student’s home to the program location. Please note that travel support is provided for the participating student only. The program does not arrange or cover travel for parents or guardians who choose to accompany their student.
