About SummerStart

• Application opens: May 1, 2024
• Application deadline: June 15, 2024 (International students: May 29, 2024.)
• Program Dates: Saturday, June 29 - Friday, August 9, 2024
• Arrival and Orientation: Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30

All students should be moved in by Saturday, June 29th.

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.

Tentative Summer Course Offerings Include:

• ANT 111 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)
• ANT 121 Peoples & Cultures of the World (3 credits)
• ARI 200 Selected Topics, School of Art (1-6 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.

Math Tutoring:

• Days: Mondays - Thursdays
• Times: 6pm-9pm
• Location: Haven Hall
• Walk-ins welcome, no appointment needed!

Writing Support:

• Days: Sundays - Thursdays
• Times: 6pm-9pm
• Location:
  • Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - in-person at Writing Center, 101 Huntington Beard Crouse Hall
  • Sundays and Tuesdays - virtual via Zoom
• Appointment required - register here

Into the fall, you can expect continued support, including special events and referrals to programs.

SummerStart 2024 Rates

The cost of the program is substantially discounted compared to the cost of a typical summer session at Syracuse University.  The comprehensive fee for the six-week program is $7,805, which includes tuition, housing, meals and program activities. The breakdown is as follows:

• Tuition $5,250
• Program fee $2,555 (includes housing, meals and program activities)
• Total cost: $7,805

Please note, these numbers are pending Board of Trustees approval.

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

Financial Aid 

Limited scholarship support may be available for SummerStart.

Students not  participating in the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) or Student Support Services Program (SSSP) should contact the Office of Financial Aid directly at 315.443.1513 or finmail@syr.edu.

Students in the HEOP or SSSP should contact their program with any financial aid questions.

All SummerStart students will live in Haven Hall 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 are located within Shaw Hall. 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 activities, 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!

To join the SummerStart program, students must be incoming first-year full-time students for Fall 2024.

• Application Deadline for International Students: May 29
• Students for whom English is not their dominant language must register to take the English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE). The ELAE is offered through Blackboard.
  • Deadline to register for the ELAE: May 29
  • Directions emailed to applicants syr.edu email account regarding ELAE: May 30
  • Take ELAE: 12PM Eastern Time May 31 - 12PM Eastern Time June 1. The exam must be completed in one sitting once started.
  • If you have any questions regarding the ELAE please reach out directly to Professor Joseph Denn.

Students in the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and Student Support Services Program (SSSP) are required to enroll in the SummerStart program.