If you are a high school student based out of South Carolina wanting to get a taste of college life, college summer programs for high school students in the state can be accessible avenues to do so.
South Carolina has many universities (such as Clemson University and the University of South Carolina) that offer a range of college summer programs for high school students each year. From intensive pre-college courses to hands-on research labs and project-based mentorships, these programs can help you strengthen subject knowledge, develop technical skills, and get an authentic feel for campus life.
These programs can offer opportunities to attend undergraduate-level lectures in a wide range of subjects, from STEM and business to the arts and social sciences. Additionally, college summer programs for high school students in South Carolina can also help reduce travel and housing costs and may offer reduced tuition fees to local residents.
Below are 15 college summer programs for high school students in South Carolina. They also include a few virtual college summer programs that allow students in South Carolina to apply.
15 College Summer Programs for High School Students in South Carolina
1. University of South Carolina – Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series
Location: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Cost/Stipend: $665 (commuter), $750 (commuter plus evening), $1,150 (residential); early bird discount and partial scholarships available | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective | 20 students per course
Dates: Rising 6-9 grade students: June 8 – 13, July 6 – 11 | Rising 9-12 grade students: June 15 – 20, June 22 – 27, July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: Rolling; opens January 27
Eligibility: Rising 6th–12th graders meeting gifted/talented criteria | 3.25 GPA OR score at or above the 93rd percentile nationally in reasoning ability on a standardized aptitude test or score at or above the 94th percentile nationally on a standardized achievement test
This series immerses academically advanced students in week-long university-level courses, each capped at around 20 participants. You’ll choose from fields like law, medicine, game design, or engineering, attending daily workshops and labs that culminate in a final project or presentation. In a course such as Graphic Design and Content Creation, you might learn zine production, covering sketching, layout, sequencing, and printing, building a portfolio-ready piece by week’s end. The program combines rigorous academics with structured campus life and peer collaboration and emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and exposure to advanced topics, providing a glimpse into college-level academics and potential future careers.
2. University of South Carolina – Summer Seniors
Location: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; preference for underserved and first-generation students
Dates: Session I July 9 – 12 | Session II: July 23 – 26
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in South Carolina | Priority for first-gen students, select counties, or those qualifying for lunch/fee waivers
Summer Seniors is a four-day residential program designed to give rising seniors a firsthand look at college life at USC. You’ll explore academic departments, participate in admissions and financial aid workshops, and join peer-led discussions about campus resources and major pathways. You will stay in university dorms, getting a firsthand taste of residential college life. The program also includes a student talent showcase and dedicated sessions for families on navigating costs. Emphasis is on practical preparation for college application processes and understanding the academic environment, especially for first-generation students. The program’s focus also helps to create a supportive community and provide underrepresented students with a taste of university life.
3. Furman University – Summer Keyboard Institute
Location: Furman University, Greenville, SC
Cost/Stipend: $640 (residential) | $520 (commuter); private lessons $35 each; scholarships available | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 22 – 27
Application Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Students ages 12–18 who read music and train in piano or organ
This program offers intensive study for pianists and organists looking to advance technical proficiency and performance confidence. You’ll select a primary focus in classical piano or organ with secondary work in ensemble piano, organ, or improvisation. You will be guided by Furman’s experienced keyboard faculty, who are active performers, teachers, and scholars. You will engage in primary area small group lessons daily, along with dedicated practice time. Optional add-on private lessons are also available. Daily schedules include musicianship classes, small-group coaching, and masterclasses, all building toward a final recital. Evening faculty performances provide additional exposure to professional technique and interpretation, supporting skill refinement in a rigorous setting.
4. Presbyterian College – School of Pharmacy Summer Camp
Location: Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC
Cost/Stipend: $400 (residential) | $200 (commuter); scholarships available | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 22 – 28
Application Deadline: Early Spring
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in pharmacy or biomedical sciences
This camp explores pharmaceutical sciences, combining daily labs and workshops with lectures from faculty in pharmacy, medicinal chemistry, and biomedical science for a week. You’ll perform experiments, gather and analyze data, and discuss the broader impact of pharmacy on patient outcomes and public health. You may also practice counting medications, learn about compounding (prepare custom medications), and undertake practical activities related to pharmaceutical sciences. Residential students stay on campus to get a full college experience, while commuters join for all academic activities. It’s well suited for students considering careers in pharmacy, medical research, or healthcare.
5. Furman University – Young Artist Vocal Experience
Location: Furman University, Greenville, SC
Cost/Stipend: $640 (resident) | $520 (commuter); private lessons $35 each; scholarships available | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited spots
Dates: July 6 – 11
Application Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: Students ages 14–18 with prior vocal experience and two performance-ready pieces
This one-week intensive is tailored for high school singers aiming to develop vocal technique and stage presence. You’ll study a broad repertoire inclusive of musical theater, opera, art song, and sacred music, through daily voice classes, acting workshops, masterclasses, and faculty-led recitals. Optional private lessons offer additional individualized coaching with the Furman voice faculty. The program culminates in a student recital, giving you practical performance experience while living on campus, which helps simulate a collegiate conservatory environment. Overall, the program provides a supportive and challenging environment for young singers to grow their musical and performance skills, learn from experienced faculty, and connect with other passionate musicians.
6. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stiped: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10-25%
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Winter (December – February), and Spring (March – June).
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program that offers high school students extensive research opportunities across a broad range of subject areas. You can choose research topics from subjects such as finance, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. It pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project, and at the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! Upon successful completion of the program, you will also be eligible to earn credit from the University of California at San Diego (UCSD). You can find more details about the application here.
7. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stiped: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available) | None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: AI Scholars: generally accessible, AI Fellowship: moderately selective | AI Scholars: 5:1 student/mentor ratio, AI Fellowship: 1:1 student/mentor ratio
Dates: 10–15 weeks (summer cohort options available)
Application Deadline: June 22 (for Summer Cohort II)
Eligibility: AI Scholars: all high school students | AI Fellowship: for students who have either prior experience with Python or have completed the AI Scholars program
Veritas AI is a program founded by Harvard alumni that offers two core specialized programs for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The program focuses on hands-on machine learning, guiding you through supervised and unsupervised modeling projects using Python. In the AI Scholars track, you’ll apply tools like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and pandas to datasets in healthcare or sustainability. The Fellowship is a more advanced program that involves personalized mentorship with researchers from top academic institutions and supports independent research under expert mentorship, typically ending in a paper or formal presentation. You’ll also explore topics like algorithmic bias and ethics, gaining both technical fluency and an understanding of responsible AI applications.
8. Clemson University – Summer Scholars Program
Location: Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $1,300 + $200 registration deposit + $100 airport shuttle (each way) | Commuter: $575 (3-day) or $700 (5-day) + $200 registration deposit; scholarships & early-bird discounts available | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Weekly sessions throughout the summer (typically early June to late July)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; opens January 21
Eligibility: Rising 7th–12th graders up to age 17
This program offers one-week courses across subjects like biology, engineering, creative writing, SAT prep, Vet camp, piano workshop, nursing academic program, crime scene investigation, architecture, computer science, and more all led by Clemson faculty. You’ll take part in lectures, lab tours, and small-group projects, gaining exposure to field-specific tools and research spaces. Evenings feature campus activities with undergrads, from games on Bowman Field to organized socials, providing an informal look at campus culture. Residential students live in Clemson dorms, blending academic exploration with peer networking. You will develop essential skills such as time management, sleep management, cohabitation, social interactions, diet and health, etc.
9. College of Charleston – Upward Bound
Location: College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
Cost/Stipend: Free | $40-$60 per month
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited spots per cohort
Dates: Four-week summer component plus five-day out-of-state college tour
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising 9th–11th graders from select Charleston County schools | Must be low-income and/or first-generation college-bound
Upward Bound supports first-generation and low-income students with year-round academic and college prep programming. During the summer, you’ll live on campus for four weeks, take preparatory courses, attend workshops, and participate in cultural activities, capped by a multi-state college tour. The academic year portion continues with Saturday sessions focused on leadership, test preparations, and application guidance. You will also receive support on personal growth and development, peer networking and leadership skills, career counseling, and community service opportunities. The program also offers a tuition-free college course after high school graduation, giving you early exposure to university-level study.
10. Furman University – Fantastique! Band & Orchestra Camp
Location: Furman University, Greenville, SC
Cost/Stipend: Resident: $650; commuter: $525; private lessons $35; discounts & scholarships available | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 8 – 13
Application Deadline: May 25
Eligibility: Ages 12–18 | At least 3 years of study and ensemble experience on their concert band or orchestral string instrument
This week-long camp allows you to be part of concert bands, string orchestras, or a full symphony based on audition and ensemble needs. You’ll participate in daily rehearsals, sectionals, and electives covering conducting, music history, or improvisation. The camp also includes two optional private lessons personalized to your playing level that offer focused instruction with professional musicians. In these sessions, you learn tone production, technique, maintenance, and musicianship. The program includes residential campus life and supervised activities, giving you a pre-college immersion while advancing ensemble technique and musical interpretation. The camp culminates in a concert where all ensembles perform, showcasing what they’ve learned throughout the week.
11. College of Charleston – STEM 360
Location: College of Charleston
Cost/Stipend: $300; limited scholarships available | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 18 students per session
Dates: July 14 – 18
Application Deadline: June 13; rolling until full
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders
STEM 360 is a week-long day program running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that introduces high school students to advanced STEM topics such as marine biology, chemistry, environmental geosciences, engineering, computer programming, and more. You will be part of lab sessions, engage in project-based learning, and be part of workshops. With a small cohort capped at 18, you’ll get hands-on experience across multiple STEM disciplines and personalized feedback on exploratory projects. You may also take tours of companies or fieldwork at the Stone Preserve and Grice Marine Laboratory. This compact format provides an intensive look at college-level STEM work in a small-group setting.
12. The South Carolina School of the Arts – Art & Design Camp
Location: Anderson University, Anderson, SC
Cost/Stipend: $75 | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 4
Application Deadline: May 28
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders
This day camp introduces high school students to artistic practices and design techniques in a supportive environment. The program gives high school artists structured time to develop technical and creative skills across multiple studio disciplines. You’ll receive direct instruction and critique from professional artists and educators, focusing on refining techniques and exploring different media. You will be part of hands-on projects, explore various creative disciplines, build confidence, develop self-expression, enhance technical skills, and gain a deeper understanding of art and design. The program emphasizes portfolio-building and personal artistic growth. The camp culminates in an exhibition of student artwork, allowing you to showcase your creations.
13. Anderson University – Choir and Vocal Camp
Location: Anderson University, Anderson, SC
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $495; day-only option $350 ; $100 discount for All-State or ACDA Honor Choir members | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: July 21 – 25
Application Deadline: June 15
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders through rising college freshmen
Anderson University’s Choir and Vocal Camp focuses on preparing high school students for the next steps in their musical journey and developing their vocal skills. This five-day program helps vocalists advance ensemble skills, technique, and musicianship through intensive work with Anderson University’s voice and choral faculty. You’ll focus on areas like audition preparation, vocal health, and interpretation while rehearsing in ensemble settings and refining solo work. You will develop fundamental vocal skills such as breath control, vocal health, tone production, singing posture, slight-reading, etc. The camp blends structured vocal training with peer collaboration, providing targeted preparation for collegiate music study.
14. Anderson University – Engineering Summer Institute
Location: Anderson University, Anderson, SC
Cost/Stipend: $60 | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 13, June 20, July 11, July 25
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders through incoming college freshmen
This institute introduces students to STEM education with a focus on engineering through a series of four one-day sessions. Each day pairs a tour and interaction with a local engineering company with a hands-on project led by AU engineering faculty. You will get to interact and collaborate with engineers and professionals currently working in these industries, gaining valuable insights into potential career paths and the daily life of an engineer. You’ll explore practical applications in areas like mechanical design or process systems, gaining direct exposure to industry environments along with guided experimentation. The low-cost format makes it an accessible way to build early engineering insight and technical problem-solving skills.
15. Anderson University – Trumpet Camp
Location: Anderson University, Anderson, SC
Cost/Stipend: $250 | None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: May 27 – 30
Application Deadline: May 22
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders
This short intensive program led by Trumpet Professor Chris Imhoff from the South Carolina School of the Arts trumpet faculty, is designed to strengthen ensemble and solo performance skills. The program focuses on practical improvement and musical engagement of participants. You’ll play in trumpet ensembles, refine section work, and receive targeted coaching on individual techniques. You can also undergo a masterclass session wherein you can perform for the faculty and receive constructive feedback on technique, musicality, and interpretation. The program wraps with each student developing clear practice goals and strategies, providing a practical framework to continue improving beyond the camp.
Image source – University of South Carolina