Spend your summer at VCUarts!

2026 Program Dates: July 12-31, 2026

The Summer Pre-College Program at VCUarts is a three-week program that offers rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors the opportunity to take one non-credit course at VCUarts.

In this program, you will hone your creative skills, develop portfolio-ready art and design work, or craft your performance and audition skills while studying with distinguished VCUarts faculty. You will have the option to live on the VCU campus in Richmond and explore what makes it the perfect location for a top-ranked art school.

February 1: Priority Deadline and Scholarship Consideration

Students who apply by February 1 will receive a decision by March 1. You must confirm your intention to enroll and submit your tuition deposit by March 15. Full program fees are due by June 1. Apply now!

2026 Program Fees
Residential students: $4,300
Commuter students: $2,900

Accepted students who applied by February 1 must submit a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit by March 15. This deposit is applied toward the total program tuition. Program refunds will not be issued after June 1.

A limited number of partial scholarships are available. In the application portal, you will be prompted to provide the email address of your recommender.

We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions, please email us at summerarts@vcu.edu.

Courses & Student Experience

Summer Pre-College Program course offerings

View the course offerings for Summer 2026.

Courses

Summer Pre-College Program student experience

View program information about packing, housing, dining, and more.

Student experience

About VCUarts

We are a top-ranked art and design school housed within Virginia Commonwealth University, a pioneering public research institution in the heart of historic Richmond, Virginia. Known for advancing and combining the arts with innovation and technology, VCUarts has been the creative heart of VCU since 1928.

At VCUarts, you’ll find a diverse community of creators, performers and scholars dedicated to pushing boundaries and tackling challenges beyond traditional arts practices. You’ll delve into both emerging and traditional mediums, seek out possibilities for interdisciplinary experiences, and master the skills you need for a creative gamechanger.

Student work

Apply Now

for the Summer Pre-College Program

Students who apply by February 1 will receive a decision by March 1. You must confirm your intention to enroll and submit your tuition deposit by March 15. Full program fees are due by June 1.
Apply Now