Hone your talent. Find your path.
Session A - 3 Weeks: June 30–July 18, 2025
Session B - 3 Weeks: July 22–August 8, 2025
Session C - 1 Week: August 11–August 15, 2025
NYC Commuter Summer
The commuter option is open to students entering grades 9–12 and freshman year of college. Students who choose to live off-campus can still enjoy most campus resources, including special events, activities and commuter-specific lounges.
Academics
Students will choose from over 70 courses in a dozen subject areas, spending about four hours in class every weekday with a two-hour midday break. Classes are taught by expert instructors who will challenge students to think independently, critically, and creatively, with both open-mindedness and precision.
I took a course that I absolutely loved; I made new friends from around the world; and I had access to a sprawling campus in the heart of a beautiful city.”
– Lena K. | Brooklyn, New York
Courses
World-Class Instructors
Credentials
Upon successful completion, students will earn a Columbia University Certification of Participation and an evaluation letter reflecting their performance in the program to further set them apart in the college application process.
The Commuter Program
Students enrolled in either our 1-week or 3-week program who are entering grades 9–12 and freshman year of college are eligible to commute to campus. About 40% of our program participants commute, where they still enjoy many campus resources.
Commuting to Campus
Daily Schedule
Classes meet twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, separated by a 2-hr midday break. All students are encouraged to use their midday breaks to enjoy campus resources, activities, and events. Commuter students are also welcome to take part in early evening programming that ends before 6:30pm, but should plan to leave campus no later than 6:30pm Monday–Thursday. They may attend weekly community-building events on Friday evenings with permission from a parent/guardian.
Because students self-register in order to choose the course that works best for their schedule, details will vary for each student. Visit the course pages for more information.
Commuter Schedule 1
NYC Residential Commuter Program, Schedule 1
Commuter Schedule 2
NYC Residential Commuter Program, Schedule 2
Dining
Although meal plans are not available to commuter students, they are welcome to purchase meals at campus dining halls, where a wide variety of food is served cafeteria-style, including vegetarian and vegan options. Kosher and halal meals are also available and can be requested upon enrollment. There are many other dining options available on campus as well, such as cafes.
Food Allergies
Columbia Dining Services can accommodate virtually any allergy-based restrictions—our culinary team is trained in proper food allergy handling and our managers are certified by AllerTrain to manage food allergies. Dining Services will arrange special menus for students with more uncommon or complicated restrictions. Students and parents who have special requirements, questions, or concerns are welcome to contact Dining Services to connect with a registered dietitian.
Program Costs
Program costs are subject to Board of Trustee approval and may change.
1-Week Commuter Program Cost: $2,825 per session
3-Week Commuter Program Cost: $6,300 per session
Each amount above includes the fee for the program itself along with activity, health services, and technology fees. The non-refundable $1,000 deposit, due upon notification of acceptance to the 1-week commuter program, is credited toward the program cost. The non-refundable $2,000 deposit, due upon notification of acceptance to the 3-week commuter program, is credited toward the program cost.
Not included are the application fee ($80) and varying course-specific fees. Students are advised to budget at least $50 toward course materials, such as textbooks and supplies. Any required course materials will be listed at the bottom of the relevant course page.
Program Options
The NYC Commuter Summer program offers the following options:
- Session A - 3 Weeks: June 30–July 18, 2025
- Session B - 3 Weeks: July 22–August 8, 2025
- Session C - 1 Week: August 11–August 15, 2025
- Session AB - 6 Weeks: June 30–August 8, 2025
- Session ABC - 7 Weeks: June 30–August 15, 2025