Spend your summer learning alongside motivated peers and Harvard instructors through the Secondary School Program. Whether you live on campus, study online, or commute from home, you’ll challenge yourself with college-level courses and experience what it’s like to be a Harvard student.
Below are how the different program options vary so you can compare and choose the one that works best for you. Continue reading for more information about each option.
The Harvard Summer Experience
No matter how you take part in the program, you’ll:
- Enroll in for-credit, graded college-level courses taught by Harvard faculty and visiting instructors
- Study alongside students from around the world who share your curiosity and drive
- Access academic support and student services, including tutoring, advising, and the Harvard Writing Center
- Participate in social activities alongside your peers, offered both in-person and online
- Become part of a welcoming and inclusive community that values learning and exploration
Residential Options
Experience Harvard up close by living in the residence halls, dining in Harvard’s historic dining facilities, and taking classes right on campus.
There are two residential options: 4-Week and 7-Week.
In both variations, you’ll live in Harvard College dorms or undergraduate Houses and have a meal plan for the dining hall. Students also have access to Harvard Athletics Facilities, Libraries, and other academic resources during their time on campus.
Proctors, who are nearly all Harvard College students, will get to know residential students by hosting various residential meetings and activities to promote community, can connect you to academic resources, and participate in on-call rotations in case of emergencies. Resident Deans support the proctors and oversee residential life on campus. Learn more about our resident staff.
4-Week Residential Program
In just four weeks, you’ll experience an intensive, focused session on Harvard’s campus. Take one 4-credit course, connect with peers, and participate in college-readiness activities — all while living and learning like a Harvard student.
Students in the 4-Week program will be in class 2.5 hours per day, 4 days/week.
- Credits: 4 (one 4-credit course)
- 2026 Cost: $9,100 (includes tuition, room, and meal plan), plus a non-refundable $75 application fee
- Best for: Students who want a shorter but equally immersive residential experience
7-Week Residential Program
Spend seven weeks fully immersed in college life. Take two courses (8 credits total) and balance academics with social and college-prep activities.
- Credits: 8 (two 4-credit courses)
- 2026 Cost: $15,735 (includes tuition, room, and meal plan), plus a non-refundable $75 application fee
- Best for: Students seeking a full college immersion experience
Commuting Option
If you live within commuting distance of campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, you can experience Harvard’s campus life while living at home or with a relative.
- Commute from Home: Those who live within a reasonable commuting distance from Harvard (MA, ME, NH, RI, CT, VT) commute from home to campus in order to attend classes and other campus activities.
- Commute from Relatives: For the summer, you may reside with a relative or other adult (above the age of 25) who lives within a reasonable commuting distance of Harvard (MA, ME, NH, RI, CT, VT). They will assume responsibility for you during the summer term while you commute from their home to campus in order to attend classes and other campus activities. The adult host and the living arrangement must be approved by your parent or legal guardian and the SSP.
7-Week Commuting Program
Commuting students attend classes in person or online, access campus resources, and join the same activities as residential students — all without the cost of on-campus housing.
- Credits: 4 or 8 (one or two 4-credit courses)
- 2026 Cost: $4,180 (4 credits) or $8,160 (8 credits), plus a non-refundable $75 application fee
- Best for: Students living in New England or nearby areas who want to attend classes in person or online while living off campus, but have access to campus resources
Online Option
Join the Harvard community from wherever you are. As an online student, you’ll have access to many of Harvard’s resources available online, like the libraries; however, you do not receive a student ID, so you cannot access campus buildings.
If you live near Cambridge and want to participate in campus life, but want to take online classes, we encourage you to look into our Commuting program format.
7-Week Online Program
Take Harvard courses and connect with classmates across the globe through live and asynchronous learning. You’ll participate in virtual activities and college-readiness events designed to help you prepare for your future — all from home.
- Credits: 4 or 8 (one or two 4-credit courses)
- 2026 Cost: $4,180 (4 credits) or $8,160 (8 credits)
- Best for: Students who prefer the flexibility of online learning or who want to experience Harvard from outside the U.S.
Cost & Financial Aid
Program costs vary by format and number of credits. Each option includes tuition, fees, and — where applicable — housing and meal plans.
All formats require a non-refundable $75 application fee.
| Program Option | Credits | Cost (2026) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Week Residential | 4 | $15,735 | Tuition, room, and meal plan |
| 7-Week Residential | 8 | $9,100 | Tuition, room, and meal plan |
| 7-Week Commuting | 4–8 | $4,180 (4 credits) or $8,160 (8 credits) | Tuition and fees |
| 7-Week Online | 4–8 | $4,180 (4 credits) or $8,160 (8 credits) | Tuition and fees |
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for financial aid.
Learn about cost and financial aid.
Applying to the Program
Ready to take the next step toward your Harvard summer?
Learn more about how to apply, review important dates and deadlines, and explore our frequently asked questions to prepare your best application.
