About

Penn State’s Pre-College Programs encompass a range of academic and enrichment opportunities across the Penn State system. Rather than a single summer session, the university provides multiple pathways, including dual enrollment for undergraduate credit (with a 50% tuition grant-in-aid) and discipline-specific non-credit academies. Offerings span architecture, musical theatre, agricultural sciences, and forensic science, reflecting the research strengths of various Penn State colleges. Students may participate residentially at University Park, commute to regional campuses like Penn State Brandywine or Beaver, or engage in virtual certificate programs. Residential programs, such as the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Summer Camp, allow students to live in campus residence halls and utilize professional design studios. Admission is selective; programs like S.C.O.P.E. and the School for Excellence in Agricultural Sciences require a 3.0+ GPA and formal nomination or application review. For families seeking flexible options, Penn State offers multiple entry points tailored to diverse interests and campus environments.