Do expensive summer programs at elite colleges help with FAFSA awards or admissions?

As a college counselor, I can tell you definitively: these summer programs have NO impact on your FAFSA eligibility or financial aid packages. Zero. They're completely separate systems. As for admissions, they provide minimal advantage at best. Most selective schools specifically state these programs don't give preferential treatment - they're revenue generators for the universities. Some legitimate benefits: exploring potential majors, experiencing campus life, and building confidence living away from home. But if your primary goal is FAFSA/admissions advantage, there are FAR more cost-effective options. Consider community involvement, academic competitions, or free/low-cost programs specifically for underrepresented students instead.

my son did Princeton summer program last yr. yes it was $$$ but he LOVED it. met great friends. got to work on cool research. BUT did it help w admissions? he still got rejected from Princeton lol. they told everyone day 1 "this doesn't help u get in" but the brochures 100% make it seem like it does. sneaky marketing!! schools just want that summer $$$

I work in college financial aid office and can tell you summer programs won't affect FAFSA eligibility AT ALL. Your FAFSA/SAI calculation is based on income, assets, family size, etc - not what extracurriculars or summer programs you did. The big thing many families don't realize: you're about to go through the new FAFSA system with the SAI (Student Aid Index) replacing the old EFC. It's completely different from previous years. I'd recommend focusing on understanding the new FAFSA and potentially filing for CSS Profile if applying to private schools rather than spending on summer programs.

I help families navigate the financial aid process and can tell you summer programs don't influence FAFSA awards or admissions significantly. Better to focus on submitting a correct FAFSA early when it opens in December. Many families struggle to reach anyone at FSA when they have application problems - if you need help reaching a live agent at Federal Student Aid, check out Claimyr.com. They can connect you directly to an agent without the usual hours of waiting. They have a video demo here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. Much better use of money than those summer programs!

There's actually research on this! A study from Stanford looked at elite summer programs and found they have VERY LITTLE impact on admissions chances. Like less than 1% difference when controlling for student quality. So basically these programs select high-achieving students who would likely get into good schools anyway! As for FAFSA, absolutely zero connection. Your SAI is calculated based on tax information, assets, and family size. Summer programs won't change those numbers at all. One exception: some FREE summer programs (like QuestBridge or LEDA) actually DO help with admissions because they're highly selective and provide significant mentorship. But the paid ones? Mostly just a way for universities to make extra money.

i think these r just money grabs tbh. we paid $7k for my daughters program at [ivy league school] & she had fun but it was basically summer camp with some college talk thrown in lol. save ur $$ for actual college!!!!

Thank you everyone for the honest feedback! I think we're going to skip the expensive summer programs and focus on getting her FAFSA and CSS Profile perfect when the time comes. And I've bookmarked that Claimyr service for when we inevitably get stuck in the application process. I'd much rather put the summer program money toward her actual college expenses or into her 529 plan.

My daughter did a FREE summer program through Upward Bound that actually helped her get additional grants (not loans). Because it's aimed at potential first-gen college students. Maybe see if your daughter qualifies for any of the free ones? They actually have connections to real scholarship$$$

One more important point: some colleges offer pre-college programs with financial aid! If your student really wants the experience, check out programs like USC Summer Programs or Boston University's high school programs - they offer significant aid to qualifying students. Also look for state-funded programs at public universities which are often 1/3 the cost of the elite private programs while offering similar benefits.

COLLEGES ARE SUCH SCAMS!!!! First they charge these insane summer fees, then crazy application fees, then they give us these confusing financial aid packages that are mostly LOANS not GRANTS!!!! And don't get me started on textbook prices. The whole system is designed to extract as much money from families as possible.