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.
Financial Aid
In 2024, Summer Science Program granted over:
- $1,360,000 in fee discounts
- $100,000 in travel aid
- $60,000 in cash stipends
Summer Science Program offers fully discounted to partially discounted fees depending on household income:
- Under about $75,000 will likely qualify for free attendance in addition to travel expenses
- Under about $140,000 will likely qualify for a partially discounted fee
- Over $140,000 may qualify for a partially discounted fee, depending on individual circumstances
In other words, the program fee is scaled to what each family can afford. No one pays more than the program fee of $9,800 (2025), which represents our cost per participant to operate the program (~$14,600) minus subsidized support provided by donations.
Whatever fee is paid, it is all-inclusive, covering room and board, tuition, supplies, and local transportation.
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! 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
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.
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.
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, college expenses for your family members, and special circumstances such as unusual expenses or unemployment. Summer Science Program is typically free for a student with a family income of less than $75,000 (assuming typical expenses). A family income under about $140,000 will likely qualify for a discount.
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.
No, never.
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.
Yes. Your parent or guardian may request travel aid for you on the financial aid application. Determination of financial need also takes travel expenses into account. Please note that the Summer Science Program only provides airfare to you (the student) and not your parents or guardians if they decide to travel with you.
