9 College Summer Camps for High School Students
College summer camps offer high school students a valuable way to explore academic interests, build practical skills, and experience life on a college campus. These short-term programs, typically lasting a few days to a few weeks, cover subjects like STEM, the arts, business, and leadership.
Often more affordable than full pre-college programs, these camps give you access to college faculty, campus facilities, and peers who share your interests. Whether you're looking to explore a potential major or just try something new, these programs can help you prepare for college and beyond.
In this list, we’ve highlighted 9 college summer camps for high school students, each offering structured experiences during the summer.
1. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Stanford University, CA, and online
Cost: Varies based on session
Program Dates:
Session One (Online): June 16 – July 4
Session One (Residential): June 22 – July 18
Session Two (Online): July 7 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (grades 10–11)
At Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC), you'll explore advanced mathematical ideas through daily lectures, teamwork problem-solving activities, and research initiatives. The program offers two tracks: one focusing on abstract algebra and number theory, and another on algebraic topology, both of which extend beyond typical high school curricula. You'll engage with topics like error-correcting codes, cryptography, and the properties of shapes, all while developing proof-based reasoning skills. SUMaC fosters a non-competitive environment, emphasizing exploration and deep understanding over grades.
2. Summer Physics Camp – Los Alamos National Laboratory
Location: New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe, NM
Cost: None; stipend available upon completion
Program Dates: June 2 – 13
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Students from New Mexico, NM tribal communities, or East Hawaii Island who have completed Algebra I
In this camp, you’ll spend two weeks diving into applied physics, renewable energy, and engineering alongside scientists from Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories. Through hands-on experiments and interactive demonstrations, you’ll tackle projects centered on solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear power. You’ll engage in a multi-day engineering project that showcases real-world energy solutions and helps you develop practical skills such as data analysis and experimental design. You’ll also tour Los Alamos National Laboratory and participate in career-focused sessions on resume writing, job application strategies, and insights into STEM pathways.
3. UT Health BEAT (Biomedical Excellence and Academic Training) Academy
Location: UTHSA Lozano Long Campus, San Antonio, TX
Cost: $1,000
Program Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; 16+ years old
At UT Health San Antonio’s BEAT (Biomedical Excellence and Academic Training) Academy, you’ll dive into a week-long exploration of biomedical science and clinical medicine. Through hands-on lab sessions, you can explore topics such as anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, and neurodegeneration. Activities include visits to the human anatomy lab, biomolecular experiments, and simulation-based training in patient care. The camp also features faculty-led seminars that provide insights into current biomedical research, while college preparation sessions offer guidance on pursuing careers in the fields of health and science.
4. University of Minnesota’s IMA-MathCEP Math Modeling Camp
Location: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: High school students who have completed a full year of single variable calculus
At the University of Minnesota's IMA-MathCEP Math Modeling Camp, participants take part in a week-long, in-person experience centered on using mathematical models to address real-world issues. Working in teams, you'll explore topics such as predicting disease spread, analyzing traffic flow on infrastructure, and assessing the impacts of climate change on resources. The camp emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and culminates in presenting your findings to peers and faculty. While the camp is non-residential, a limited number of remote participation slots may be available for students outside the Twin Cities area.
5. Canada/USA Mathcamp
Location: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Cost: Free for families earning under $100,000; for everyone else, the base cost is $5,500, which includes tuition, room and board, activities, and transport to/from Seattle-Tacoma Airport; financial aid is available
Program Dates: June 29 – August 3
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: Students between 13 and 18 years of age, including international students
At Canada/USA Mathcamp, you'll spend five weeks immersed in advanced mathematics alongside peers who share your passion. The program provides a wide range of courses, including abstract algebra, topology, quantum computing, and cognitive science, enabling you to customize your learning journey. With the freedom to choose classes that match your interests and skill level, you'll engage in lectures, problem-solving sessions, and collaborative projects. Beyond academics, Mathcamp aims to foster a vibrant community through evening activities, weekly competitions, and guest lectures on topics such as string theory and origami mathematics.
6. iDTech Camps at Caltech
Location: California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, CA
Cost: Varies by course; week-long camps start around $1,000. Scholarships available
Program Dates: Multiple sessions available between June 23 – August 15 (exact dates vary by selected course; refer to the program website for specifics)
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Ages 7–18 (courses segmented by age and skill level)
At iD Tech Camps at Caltech, participants take part in practical courses on subjects such as coding, robotics, game development, and artificial intelligence. The program emphasizes project-based learning, allowing you to build real-world tech skills through creative challenges and collaboration with peers. Small class sizes ensure that instructors can provide personalized guidance tailored to your learning pace. Beyond the classroom, you’ll experience campus life by dining in university halls, exploring Caltech landmarks, and participating in outdoor activities.
7. KU School of Engineering Summer Camps
Location: University of Kansas, School of Engineering, Lawrence, KS
Cost: $750 per session (includes meals, housing, materials, and events). Need-based scholarships are available.
Program Dates:
Session 1 (Rising 9th - 10th graders): July 6 – 11
Session 2 (Rising 11th - 12th graders): July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: Limited enrollment
Eligibility: High school students
At the University of Kansas School of Engineering Summer Camp, you’ll spend a week immersed in hands-on projects and interactive sessions led by KU faculty and graduate students. You can choose from various engineering tracks, including aerospace, bioengineering, mechanical, civil and architectural, chemical and petroleum, computer science, and computer engineering. During the camp, you'll participate in lab sessions, group projects, and lectures that replicate college engineering experiences. Beyond academics, you'll also engage in recreational and social activities, offering a comprehensive glimpse into campus life.
8. Mississippi State University’s Veterinary Camp
Location: Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Cost: $750
Program Dates: Varying dates, typically 4–5 days. Find more info here!
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Students aged 10 – 17
At Mississippi State University’s Veterinary Camp, you’ll acquire practical veterinary skills through engaging labs and field activities led by university faculty and veterinary students. You can explore topics like animal anatomy, microbiology, and radiology, and participate in clinical simulations that reflect real-world veterinary practices. The program also introduces you to various career paths within animal health, including public health, research, and rehabilitation. Designed for students aged 10 to 17, the camp offers both day and overnight sessions.
9. Florida Atlantic University - Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop
Location: Florida Atlantic University's SeaTech Campus, Dania Beach, FL
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 9 - 12
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 to 17
At Florida Atlantic University’s Ocean Engineering Summer Workshop, you'll join a four-day camp exploring the intersection of engineering and marine science. Throughout the program, you can explore topics such as underwater robotics, ocean exploration, and sustainable marine technologies. Activities involve assembling and programming small robotic carts and drones to carry out basic autonomous functions. Additionally, students design and build miniature boats following naval architecture principles, culminating in a team race. You'll also gain insights into fluid mechanics and its applications in real-world scenarios. Guided by FAU faculty, these projects aim to provide a practical understanding of ocean engineering concepts.
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Image source - Stanford University