Penn Pre-College Residential Program is a 5.5-week summer program in which high school students enroll in credit-bearing Penn undergraduate courses, taught by Penn faculty and visiting scholars, alongside enrolled Penn undergraduates — held to the same academic standards. Students live on campus throughout the program.
Program dates (2026):
- Move-in: June 30
- Orientation: July 1
- Classes: July 2 – August 7
- Move-out: August 8
Curriculum options: Students choose one of four course loads upon admission: | Option | Course units | Includes | |---|---|---| | 1 c.u. | 1 course | One standard course | | 1.5 c.u. | 1 course + lab | Biology 101 or Physics 101 with lab | | 2 c.u. | 2 courses | Two standard courses | | 2.5 c.u. | 2 courses + lab | Biology/Physics with lab + one additional course |
2026 costs (all-inclusive: housing, meals, activities, gym access, linens): | Course units | Program fee | Tuition | General fee | Total | |---|---|---|---|---| | 1 c.u. | $9,100 | $5,608 | $484 | $15,192 | | 1.5 c.u. | $9,100 | $8,412 | $484 | $17,996 | | 2 c.u. | $9,100 | $11,216 | $484 | $20,800 | | 2.5 c.u. | $9,100 | $14,020 | $484 | $23,604 |
Does not include: $100 application fee, $1,500 enrollment deposit (applied toward total), travel, airport transfers, course materials, off-campus meals, or personal expenses.
Financial aid: No scholarships are available for the Pre-College Residential Program. The only scholarship opportunity within Penn's summer programs is for Philadelphia School District public/charter school students attending Summer Academies or Online Seminars.
Sample 2026 courses (Summer Session II):
- Introduction to Biology (with optional lab)
- General Physics: Mechanics, Heat and Sound (with optional lab)
- Introduction to Microeconomics
- Introduction to Experimental Psychology
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Law and Society
- World Film History
- Medicine in History
- Heartbreak, Death, and Sometimes a Rainbow: Young Adults and Literature
Credits: Upon successful completion, students may request an official Penn transcript from the Registrar (fee applies). Transfer credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution, including Penn itself.