Cornell University Precollege Studies
Ithaca, NY
Ithaca, NY
Earn college credits and a Cornell transcript this summer or winter.
Earn college credit at Cornell University this summer over three or six weeks as an on-campus residential student, a commuter student, or from afar as an online student. Students can also apply for precollege courses during the Precollege Online Winter Session.
As a Precollege student, you’ll:
• Earn up to 8 college credits
• Experience Ivy League academics
• Study with Cornell instructors
• Explore potential majors
• Build essential study skills
• Receive a Cornell transcript
Choose from:
• Summer On-Campus Residential: Live and study on the beautiful Cornell campus
• Summer Online Learning: Take Cornell undergraduate courses from anywhere in the world
• Summer Commuter Program: Stay in the Ithaca, NY area with a parent/guardian and commute to campus
• Winter Online Learning: Take a two-week, online Cornell undergraduate course in January
Areas of study
You can choose from hundreds of regular undergraduate Cornell courses in areas such as:
• Architecture
• Art
• Business
• Economics
• Health
• Hospitality
• Human Rights
• International Relations
• Marketing
• Media Studies
• Psychology
• Science
• Sustainability
• Technology
• Veterinary Medicine
…and more!
Apply now
Applications for Summer 2026 will open on January 12, 2026!
Summer online and commuter courses are offered between June 1 and July 31, 2026. Summer residential courses are offered between June 22 and July 31, 2026. Winter online courses are offered in early January.
Type of School: Cornell University’s Precollege Programs are for high school students entering their junior and senior years. They offer a unique opportunity to study at a world-renowned Ivy League institution comprising 16 private and public colleges and schools
Number of Students: About 1,500 students from around the world participate every summer.
Number of Faculty: Over 200 instructors
Colleges, Programs, and Degrees: College credit offered through more than 100 undergraduate courses
Geographic Diversity: Students representing 45 countries and more than 40 states
Student Budget: Tuition is $1,940 per credit, which includes enrollment in a regular undergraduate course with college credits and an official Cornell transcript.
Test Score Requirements: You must show English language proficiency by enrollment in a high school whose overall instruction is provided in English, or a test score of 100 or above on TOEFL, 7.5 or above on IELTS, or 130 or above on Duolingo English.
Application Deadlines and Fees: $75 nonrefundable application fee. Application deadlines vary; the first is April 28, 2026. See precollege.cornell.edu for details.
"A life-changing experience. Cornell fostered my curiosity and helped me grow so much. The class was immersive, fun, and eye-opening. My professors were wonderful. I gained an advantage in the college admissions process, as I now know what I’m looking for in a school. I’m addition, I feel less anxious about college life."
"The class was very interesting and while it was condensed to three weeks, it was still very informative without being too heavy. The fact it was online made it very appealing for me since I am an international student, and even though I’m not a Cornell University student, I had the great opportunity to learn from the University."
"An amazing experience...An awesome way to get a feel for college before you start applying, and you'll learn so much about yourself, your coursework, and even other cultures. The experience was one of a kind and has motivated me to work hard to achieve my dreams."
"My online course was awesome! The professor was very easy to reach out to for help. Her video lectures were clear and a great resource. The course provided transferrable skills that I can put on my résumé."