Fees & Scholarships

2023 Program Fees

Year-round Programs

  • Early College Scholars Program: $3,540 per course
  • Exploration Courses: $985 per course

For students participating in one of our year-round programs, Early College Scholars Program or Exploration Courses, the total program fee is due at the time of registration to process enrollment. 

Middle School Summer Challenge

  • $785

For students admitted to Middle School Summer Challenge, the total program fee is due at the time of registration to process enrollment.  

High School Summer Residential Programs

  • High School Summer Launch: $1, 385
  • High School Summer Institutes: $2,985 
  • High School Summer Academy: $7,595
  • High School Summer Scholars Program: $7,345 for one course and $10,885 for two courses. 

A $50 nonrefundable application fee is due upon submitting an application for a high school summer residential program.

Once a student has been admitted to one of the above listed programs, we require a $500 nonrefundable deposit. The nonrefundable deposit will hold a student's place in the program and is deducted from the total program fee due. 

Program fees for residential programs cover:

  • Tuition for course work as follows:
    • High School Summer Scholars Program: one or two undergraduate courses (up to 6 units of credit)
    • High School Summer Academy: one undergraduate course (3 units of credit) and one noncredit research skills course
    • High School Summer Launch: noncredit course curriculum
    • High School Summer Institutes: noncredit course curriculum 
  • Academic success enrichment activities including: tutoring, specialized workshops, advising, and group study sessions
  • College readiness enrichment activities including: seminars/webinars, panel discussions, informal Q&As, and digital learning badges
  • Community enrichment activities including: social activities and weekend outings
  • Housing in a secured, air conditioned residence hall on campus
  • Meal stipend to cover three meals a day
  • Laundry services
  • Transportation pass for light-rail and buses
  • Use of South 40 Fitness Center

Textbooks, travel to and from the program, personal expenses, or other expenses related to online course work including computers or WiFi are not included in a program fee. 

Scholarships, Fee Waivers, and Discount Information

Need-based Scholarships

We do offer need-based scholarship assistance for all of our programs. In order to be considered for a need-based scholarship, we must receive a completed application for scholarship assistance by the deadlines indicated below. Please note that our pre-college programs are not eligible for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarships are determined based on family income. There are no income cut-offs for scholarship assistance; all students are welcome and encouraged to apply. Scholarships typically start at $100. Full scholarships are available. 

Scholarships do not cover travel to and from campus, personal expenses, or other expenses related to online course work including computers or WiFi access. Scholarship awards are non-transferable between pre-college programs.

How to Apply

When completing your program registration or application online, you will indicate your interest in applying for a scholarship and will then be automatically prompted to complete your scholarship application.

  • For year-round programs and Middle School Summer Challenge, scholarship applications are reviewed as received and you will receive a response between 7-10 business days.
  • For high school summer residential programs, scholarship applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis and there is no advantage to applying early. Scholarship decisions are emailed to admitted students along with admission decisions on April 6, 2023.

Application Fee Waiver Request

We are happy to waive our application fee for high school summer residential programs when it presents a financial hardship. Please review the information below to see if you qualify for an application fee waiver. If you do qualify, simply indicate so on your program application. 

If you meet any of the following requirements you qualify for an application fee waiver:

  • Your family annual income is $75,000 or less.
  • You receive or are eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.
  • You are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL).
  • Your annual family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
  • You are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
  • You participate in a community-based organization that partners with our programs.
  • Your family receives public assistance.
  • You live in a federally subsidized public housing, a foster home or are homeless.
  • You are a ward of the state or an orphan.
  • You can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.

Returning Student Discount

A 10% discount is awarded to students who have previously attended an A&S Pre-College Program and are admitted to a new program the following year. Those receiving the returning student discount are also eligible to apply for need-based scholarships using the application described above.

WashU Employee Discount

We offer a 10% discount to all admitted students of benefits-eligible WashU employees. In order to qualify for the discount, a student must be admitted and be a dependent child both by relation (birth, legally adopted, or step-child) and financially to a benefits-eligible WashU employee. This information is verified during the program application process. Those receiving the WashU employee discount are also eligible to apply for need-based scholarships using the application described above.

Community-Based Partnerships

We partner with a number of community-based organizations and schools across the country to provide financial assistance to students who identify as first generation, low income, and/or from underrepresented populations. To become one of our partners, please contact our office.

Summer Program Cancellation Policy

Should unforeseen circumstances require a student to cancel registration for the program, we must receive the intent to cancel registration in writing to precollege@wustl.edu by June 5, 2023 at 11:59pm CT to receive a 100% refund excluding the nonrefundable deposit. If a student cancels after June 5, they will receive a 50% refund excluding the nonrefundable deposit up to the first day of the program. After the program has started, no refunds will be issued.

In the event that the University decides to cancel a program or course, students will receive a full refund of the program fee including the nonrefundable deposit or registration fee if they choose not to enroll in another course or program. 

If a student's request for a medical or religious immunization exemption is not approved by the University, we will issue a full refund of the program fee. Students may also choose to transfer their enrollment to an online Exploration Course and be refunded the difference.

No refunds will be issued to students who leave a program early.

Washington University is not responsible for reimbursing costs not included in the program fee including travel, textbooks, technology, or personal expenses.

If a student is unable to attend a program as a result of travel or visa restrictions enacted by the U.S. government, the student will receive a full refund of the program fee including nonrefundable deposit. Please note, that the U.S. government will not issue refunds for SEVIS fees or for non-immigrant visa fees. WashU is not responsible for refunding SEVIS or non-immigrant visa fees.

Please note, application fees are nonrefundable.

COVID-19 Specific Refund Policies

  • If a student tests positive for COVID-19 prior to arrival on campus, the student must not travel to the program. We will issue a full refund of the program fee. The student should contact our office and provide official medical documentation of the positive test that includes the student's name and date of birth in order for a refund to be issued. Students may also choose to transfer their enrollment to an online Exploration Course and be refunded the difference.
  • If a student tests positive for COVID-19 after arriving to campus, they will be moved to short-term isolation housing and must be picked up within 24 hours by a parent/legal guardian or an individual over the age of 21 designated by the parent/legal guardian.
    • We will do our best to support students with completing course work, but student wellness is our top priority. We must also consider the short-term nature of our programs and the accelerated pace in which courses are taught over the summer. It is possible that a student may be withdrawn from course work. If a students is withdrawn from courses, a full refund of tuition and fees as well as a prorated refund for room and board will be issued.