Commuting to Campus

Students who live in residential housing on campus gain the full benefit of building community, making friends with peers, and experiencing the life of a college student. Although the vast majority of students enrolled in our on-campus pre-college programs live in residence together, 2 and 3 week students who live in the Chicagoland area are eligible to commute.

Only students in the 2 Week Experience and 3 Week Immersion programs who live in the Chicagoland area will be offered the option to commute. Students admitted to any other residential program are required to live in on-campus housing, as are students who do not live locally with their parent(s) or guardian(s). If you apply to a 2 or 3 week program, live in the Chicagoland area, and would like to commute, you can indicate this preference on the "Supplement" page of the application.

Commuter students will eat lunch with their peers each class day in the dining hall. They may also choose to participate in program activities and excursions outside of class, including late afternoon activities, that take place right after class, as well as in the evenings and on weekends. Commuter students will be expected to secure their own transportation to and from campus for class and any activities they decide to participate in.

Costs for commuter students:

• 3 week Immersion: $6100

• 2 week Experience: $4100

CPS-UChicago Summer Scholarship Program (formerly Summer Bridge):

Students who attend high school at a Chicago Public School are encouraged to apply for this scholarship designed for commuter students. Further details about the application process and other details for this summer-only opportunity may be found on the Costs and Aid page.

Need-based aid for commuter students:

Summer Session awards aid to pre-college students based on demonstrated financial need on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who require aid to attend should apply by the Priority Deadline, as the number of awards is limited. In general, admitted students whose annual household income is $125,000 USD or below are eligible for financial support. There is space on the application to provide additional context for the additional aid requested.

To be considered for need-based financial aid, students must complete the Financial Aid section of the application and submit all required supporting documentation when they apply. Awards cannot be made after an admissions decision has been released.