About SummerStart

Two smiling students holding orange pendants with writing "Welcome Home"

SummerStart is an exclusive opportunity for incoming first-year students to get ahead prior to starting their fall semester at Syracuse University. Easing the transition to college life, students will get ahead by earning credits toward their degree, making friends, experiencing all that campus life has to offer, and connecting with faculty and staff — all before the fall semester has started!

SummerStart application opens May 1, 2025.

  • Application Opens: May 1, 2025
  • Financial Aid Priority Deadline: May 25, 2025
  • Application Deadline:
    • Domestic students: June 15, 2025
    • International students: TBA
  • Program Dates: Saturday, June 28 - Friday, August 8, 2025
  • Arrival and Orientation: Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29

SummerStart students will receive a copy of their class schedule to their syr.edu email account by June 25, 2025 at the latest.

All students should be moved in by Saturday, June 28.

Through the SummerStart program, you will take foundational courses that help complete required coursework early and classes tailored to your program and interests.

You will receive personalized attention from faculty in a small and supportive classroom setting. Your schedule will consist of two courses (3 or 4 credits each) and the required one-credit SummerStart seminar. Course registration is done by an academic advisor in your specific school/college to ensure you are taking courses that will apply to your curriculum.

SummerStart 2024 Course Offerings Included:

  • ANT 111 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)
  • ANT 121 Peoples & Cultures of the World (3 credits)
  • ARI 200 Selected Topics, School of Art (1-6 credits)
  • CLS 100 SummerStart Seminar (1 credit- required)
  • EAR 111 Climate Change Past and Present (3 credits)
  • ENL 207 Advanced Integrated Skills for Non-native Speakers of English (3 credits)
  • MAT 121 Probability and Statistics for the Liberal Arts (4 credits)
  • MAT 193 Algebra-Infused Precalculus (4 credits)
  • PHI 107 Theories of Knowledge and Reality (3 credits)
  • PSC 123 Comparative Government and Politics (3 credits)
  • PSC 124 International Relations (3 credits)
  • PSY 205 Foundations of Human Behavior (3 credits)
  • WRT 105 Practices of Academic Writing (3 credits)
  • Other course options (TBD)

During the summer, you will meet with academic advisors, connect with your school/college, learn about the many campus resources, and receive support from the Office of Retention and Student Success.

SummerStart offers free Math tutoring and Writing support.

SubjectDaysTimesLocationAppointment
MathMonday-Thursday6-9 pmTBAWalk-ins welcome, no appointment needed.
WritingSunday-Thursday6-9 pmWriting Center, Huntington Beard Crouse (HBC)Register for an appointment.

Into the fall, you can expect continued support, including special events and referrals to programs.

 

SummerStart 2024 Rates

The cost of the program is substantially discounted compared to the cost of a typical summer session at Syracuse University.  The comprehensive fee for the six-week program is $7,805, which includes tuition, housing, meals and program activities. The breakdown is as follows:

  • Tuition $5,250
  • Program fee $2,555 (includes housing, meals and program activities)
  • Total cost: $7,805

The costs above are from Summer 2024 and will be updated in Spring 2025.

Please also remember that the cost of textbooks and educational supplies is estimated to be an additional $200–$250.

Financial Aid 

Limited scholarship support may be available for SummerStart. To be considered please indicate your interest on your SummerStart application and submit it by the financial aid priority deadline, May 25, 2025. Please ensure your Financial Aid To-Do List is fully completed, as it is necessary to determine eligibility. 

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship Programs can be contacted at 315.443.1513 or via their email contact form

Students in the the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), or Kessler Scholars Program should contact their program directly with any financial aid questions. 

All SummerStart students will live in TBA Hall during the six-week program, offering an opportunity to build community, make friends and acclimate to the residential living experience.

Skilled professional and student resident hall staff will live with students and provide guidance and support, host programming, and build community within the residence hall. Staff are trained to provide a supportive and secure environment that encourages a sense of community conducive to study and relaxation. The majority of rooms are double occupancy and roommates are randomly assigned.

Temporary housing and meal plan are available for students who need to remain on campus between the end of SummerStart and beginning of the fall semester for an additional cost. Student must apply for temporary housing through Housing, Meal Plan, and I.D. Card Services.

Dining facilities are located within TBA Hall. A full meal plan is included in the program cost and is available seven days a week. The meal plan offers options that include deli, grill, salad and a dessert bar. Vegetarian and kosher selections are available.

Students receive 114 meal swipes during SummerStart. We recommend students  stick to 19 meal swipes per week. Most students use 3 meal swipes during Monday through Friday and 2 swipes on Saturday and Sunday.

Temporary housing and meal plan are available for students who need to remain on campus between the end of SummerStart and beginning of the fall semester for an additional cost. Student must apply for temporary housing through Housing, Meal Plan, and I.D. Card Services.

College life is about both academic and social integration. This involves becoming an active member of the Orange community. Through SummerStart you will:

  • Make friends and establish a social network
  • Become a campus leader and increase your self-confidence
  • Enjoy recreational and social activities offered by the Barnes Center at The Arch, student activities, and various cultural centers
  • Explore the campus and learn about the resources Syracuse University has to offer, including campus libraries, writing center, and computer labs

Learn more and take the Virtual Campus Tour today!

To join the SummerStart program, students must be incoming first-year full-time students for Fall 2025.

  • Application Deadline:
    • Domestic Students: June 15, 2025
    • International Students: TBA
  • Students for whom English is not their dominant language must register to take the English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE)The ELAE is offered through Blackboard.
    • Deadline to register for the ELAE: TBA
    • Directions emailed to applicants syr.edu email account regarding ELAE: TBA
    • Take ELAE: TBA. The exam must be completed in one sitting once started.
    • If you have any questions regarding the ELAE please reach out directly to Professor Joseph Denn.

Students in the the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) are required to enroll in the SummerStart program.

View Student Testimonials