Two variables drive almost all of the price difference for a pre-college summer program at any university: whether the student lives on campus or commutes from home, and whether the course awards college credit. Residential pricing often includes housing, meals, evening programming, and weekend excursions, which explains most of the gap between the two options. Credit-bearing courses also tend to cost more than enrichment courses because they mirror an undergraduate class and end with a transcript entry.
At Tulane, our pre-college summer program tuition runs between $995 to $6,795, depending on whether the course offers college credit and whether you participate as a commuter or as a resident. Keep reading to learn more, or contact our office with any questions by emailing summer@tulane.edu or calling (504) 314-7619.
How Much Do Tulane Pre-College Programs Cost?
The rates below reflect the Summer 2027 tuition for Tulane Pre-College Programs. Rates are set annually, so families should confirm current-year pricing on our Tuition + Aid page or by contacting our office before budgeting.
| Tulane Pre-College Experience | Course Length | Tuition | Housing and Meals | College Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commuter, Enrichment | 1 week | $995 | Lunch included; student commutes daily | No college credit earned |
| Commuter, Credit-Bearing | 2 weeks | $2,595 | Lunch included; student commutes daily | College credit earned |
| Residential, Enrichment | 2 weeks | $5,795 | Residence hall housing, campus dining, and all activities included | No college credit earned |
| Residential, Credit-Bearing | 2 weeks | $6,795 | Residence hall housing, campus dining, and all activities included | College credit earned |
What Tulane Pre-College Tuition Covers
There is no fee to apply to Tulane Pre-College Programs, and all course supplies and materials are included in the price of the program.
A commuter student receives:
- Lunch at the Malkin Sacks Commons
- College workshops
- Drop-in social programming after class until 5:30 p.m.
A residential student receives:
- A room in a single-point-of-entry, first-year residence hall
- Meals on campus
- Access to the Reily Student Recreation Center
- Live-in professional staff supervision
- Themed Krewe excursions into New Orleans
- Options for a variety of evening activities and weekend excursions
Other Costs to Budget For
There are a few things students should be prepared to budget for that are not included in the tuition to Tulane Pre-College Programs:
- Travel. Flights or driving costs to and from New Orleans are not part of tuition.
- Spending money. Students may want funds for outing souvenirs, Tulane merch from the bookstore, and personal purchases.
- Additional sessions. Students may attend more than one session, and each subsequent session carries its own fee.
Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Payment Schedule for Tulane Pre-College Programs
Tulane Pre-College Programs award a limited number of need-based scholarships. Families request financial aid within the program application itself, and applicants must first be admitted before an aid request is evaluated. Awards go out on a first-come, first-served basis and each application is reviewed independently, so applying early matters. The Tuition + Aid page also outlines the Louisiana Promise Scholarship, available discounts, and a dependent tuition waiver for eligible Tulane employees.
Payment follows the Tulane Pre-College admissions timeline. A student accepts an offer within one week, pays a 10% non-refundable deposit within two weeks of accepting, and submits the remaining balance by the mid-May deadline published for admitted students. All payments run through the student portal or parent portal.
How Tulane Pre-College Compares to Other Pre-College Programs
Pricing across universities varies widely, and the listed price doesn’t always show the full cost. Some pre-college programs add separate charges for applications, housing, materials, or outings, while Tulane Pre-College Programs pricing is all-inclusive. That makes Tulane Pre-College a lower-cost option than many programs that price these pieces separately. Writing for Forbes, Dr. Aviva Legatt advises families to weigh academic fit and cost together rather than treating price as a proxy for quality.
Pre-College Program Cost Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to apply to Tulane Pre-College Programs?
No. Tulane Pre-College Programs charge no application fee, which keeps the application open to every student regardless of budget.
Are course materials and activities included in tuition for pre-college summer programs?
It depends on the institution. Some pre-college programs charge separately for applications, housing, course materials, or outings, while Tulane Pre-College Programs offer an all-inclusive price. There is no fee to apply, all course supplies and materials are covered, and a loaner laptop program is available for students who need one. Commuter tuition includes lunch and afternoon social programming, and residential tuition includes residence hall housing, campus dining, and all activities, from Krewe excursions to evening activities and weekend outings.
Does Tulane Pre-College offer financial aid?
Yes. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available to admitted Tulane Pre-College students. Families request consideration when applying, and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
How large is the enrollment deposit for Tulane Pre-College Programs?
The deposit is 10% of the program cost and is non-refundable. It is due within two weeks of accepting an offer of admission.
Can a student attend more than one session from Tulane Pre-College Programs?
Yes. Students can select multiple sessions when submitting their application and can choose different experience types (credit-bearing or enrichment) across those sessions. All classes run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., so a student cannot enroll in two courses that run during the same dates. To add a session to an application that has already been submitted, email us at summer@tulane.edu or call our office at (504) 314-7619. Each additional session carries its own fee.