Pre-College Cost and Scholarships
Invest in yourself and in your future.
When you make the investment by enrolling in Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs, the cost includes:
- Tuition for college-level classes taught by accomplished ÓÕ»óÂÜÀò faculty.
- Housing on a vibrant and welcoming college campus (residential students only).
- Dining Services that offer diverse eating options emphasizing health, wellness, and delicious food! Dining options include (but are not limited to) vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and Halal.
- CMU ID Card with an Arts Pass providing free admission to a number of museums and venues in the Pittsburgh area.
- Free transportation on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) system to attend organized program activities, extra-curricular Student Affairs events, or to explore all that Pittsburgh has to offer.
Academic Program Costs 2026
AI Scholars
Program Length: 4 weeks
Residential Only - No Cost to Participant
Application Fee: $0
Enrollment Deposit: $0
Architecture
Program Length: 5 weeks
Residential - $11,120
Commuter - $8,542
Application Fee: $75
Enrollment Deposit: $800
Art
Program Length: 2 options below
6 Weeks:
Residential - $12,631
Commuter - $9,355
3 Weeks:
Residential - $8,223
Commuter - $6,400
Application Fee: $75
Enrollment Deposit: $800
Civil and Environmental Engineering
4 Weeks:
Residential - $9,975
Commuter - $7,481
Application Fee: $75
Enrollment Deposit: $800
CS Scholars
Program Length: 4 weeks
Residential Only - No Cost to Participant
Application Fee: $0
Enrollment Deposit: $0
Computational Biology
Program Length: 4 weeks
Residential - $11,126
Commuter - $8,322
Application Fee: $75
Enrollment Deposit: $800
Design
Program Length: 6 weeks
Residential - $12,631
Commuter - $9,172
Application Fee: $75
Enrollment Deposit: $800
Program cost includes supply kit - see program information for details.
Drama
Program Length: 6 weeks
Residential - $12,734
Commuter - $9,288
Application Fee: $75
Enrollment Deposit: $800
Program cost includes supply kit - see program information for details.
Global Cultures and Emerging Technology
Program Length: 5 weeks
Residential - $11,364
Commuter - $8,786
Application Fee: $75
Enrollment Deposit: $800
Human-Computer Interaction
Program Length: 4 weeks
Residential - $10,100
Commuter - $7,575
Application Fee: $75
Enrollment Deposit: $800
Leadership Development
Program Length: 5 weeks
Residential - $11,242
Commuter - $8,656
Application Fee: $75
Enrollment Deposit: $800
Music
Program Length: 3 options below
6 Weeks:
Residential - $12,047
Commuter - $8,610
3 Weeks:
Residential - $8,204
Commuter - $6,209
Application Fee: $75
Enrollment Deposit: $800
Commuter: Part-time Program:
Cost varies per lessons/activities.
No Application Fee or Enrollment Deposit.
National High School Game Academy
Program Length: 6 weeks
Residential Only - $13,746
Application Fee: $75
Enrollment Deposit: $800
Summer Academy for Math and Science
Program Length: 6 weeks
Residential Only - No Cost to Participant
Application Fee: $0
Enrollment Deposit: $0
Summer Session
Program Length: 6 weeks
Residential, 2 Courses - $15,202
Commuter, 1 Course - $7,668
Commuter, 2 Courses - $11,704
Application Fee: $75
Enrollment Deposit: $800
Writing & Culture
Program Length: 4 weeks
Residential - $9,973
Commuter - $7,539
Application Fee: $75
Enrollment Deposit: $800
Program Length: 6 weeks
Commuter Only - No Cost
Application Fee: $0
Enrollment Deposit: $0
Note: Both the Application Fee and the Enrollment Deposit are non-refundable.
Scholarships
Full scholarships covering tuition, housing, and dining are available to students demonstrating financial need. You can elect to be considered for a scholarship within the online application.
Scholarships will ONLY be considered under the February 1, 2027 application deadline.
Admitted students receiving scholarships will submit a $100 enrollment deposit. These funds will be available for student use on campus through their CMU ID Card during the duration of the program.
Please note: International students (non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents) are not eligible for scholarship consideration.
Financial Details and Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment Deposit
Admitted students will have 7 days from decision release to submit the $800 non-refundable enrollment deposit and the Enrollment Reply Form to secure their spot in the program.
Admitted students receiving scholarships* will have 7 days to submit the $100 enrollment deposit and the Enrollment Reply Form to secure their spot in the program. These funds will be available for student use on campus through their CMU ID Card during the duration of the program.
Students admitted to AI Scholars, CS Scholars, EDG:E, or Summer Academy for Math and Science are not required to pay an enrollment deposit. To secure their spot in the program, their Enrollment Reply Form must be received within 7 days of decision release.
IMPORTANT: To retain your enrollment in Pre-College Programs, requested enrollment paperwork must be completed by the deadline provided. Key enrollment paperwork will be requested within two weeks after the Enrollment Reply Form is received by our office.
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
Students in a Pre-College program who wish to withdraw prior to the start of the program must contact the Office of Pre-College Programs by email at precollege@andrew.cmu.edu. The withdrawal request will then be authorized by a Pre-College Academic Director and the Director of Pre-College Programs, thereby initiating a refund, if applicable.
Please Note: Enrollment deposits are non-refundable.
Students who wish to withdraw after the start of the program must first report to their Pre-College Academic Director before completing an official withdrawal form. The withdrawal will then be authorized by a Pre-College Academic Director and the Director of Pre-College Programs.
| Refund Amount: | Date Withdrawal Form is Received: |
| Full Program Cost, excluding enrollment deposit | On or before May 5, 2027 |
| 50% of Program Cost | May 6 - May 21, 2027 |
| No refund given | On or after May 22, 2027 |
Please Note: Students who are expelled will not receive a refund. Application fees and enrollment deposits are non-refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much spending money will I need?
On average, students can spend anywhere from $250-$350 during a six-week stay. This is dependent on what students want to purchase. Most meals per week are covered through the dining plan, but students will need spending money if they choose to eat off-campus. Students may also wish to purchase souvenirs at the bookstore or in nearby shopping areas.
Spending money is not required. However, if students choose to make purchases, they may want to bring spending money.
Typically, the best way to get cash to students is by sending them with an ATM card. There are PNC Bank and Citizens Bank ATMs conveniently located in Carnegie Mellon’s Cohon University Center.
Please Note: It is highly recommended that students do not bring large sums of cash. If students do have cash, we recommend that they always keep it with them or keep in under lock and key.
Will I have any other expenses while at Pre-College?
Typical additional expenses may include:
- Any medical expenses not covered by insurance either from University Health Services or outside medical facilities
- Library fines for late or lost items
- Off-campus trip tickets
- Any school supplies that are not covered as part of the program cost
- Transportation from your home to campus and back
- Private music lessons