About SummerStart

• Financial Aid Priority Deadline: May 24, 2026
• Application Closes:
  • Domestic students: June 14, 2026
  • International students: May 27, 2026
• Program Dates: Saturday, June 27 – Friday, August 7, 2026
• Arrival and Orientation: Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28, 2026

SummerStart students will receive a copy of their class schedule to their syr.edu email account by June 24, 2026 at the latest.

All students should be moved in by Saturday, June 27, 2026.

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 2025 Course Offerings Included:

• ANT 111 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)
• ANT 121 Peoples & Cultures of the World (3 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.

SummerStart Rates 

The cost of the program is substantially discounted compared to the cost of a typical summer session at Syracuse University.  The comprehensive fee (TBD for 2026) includes tuition, housing, meals and program activities. For last year (SummerStart 2025), the breakdown was as follows:

• Tuition $5,250
• Room & Board $2,292
• Program fee $300
• Total cost: $7,842

The costs for SummerStart 2026 are TBD,

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

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 24, 2026. Please ensure your Financial Aid To-Do List is fully completed, as it is necessary to determine eligibility. Please be aware that Fall financial aid cannot be applied to the cost of the SummerStart program.

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

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

All SummerStart students will live in a residence hall on campus (specific hall for 2026 is TBD) 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 for SummerStart 2026 are TBD. 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 Engagement, 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!