SLAI’s program cost includes tuition, housing, and more.

The program cost for our on campus institute covers:

  • Room and board plan (housing and meals)
  • Course tuition
  • Class supplies
  • Books and materials
  • Activities and field trips
  • Personal laundry
  • Shuttle transportation to and from MSP Airport/campus

There is an additional fee of $250 for International students, the details of which are outlined on our International Page.

Application Fee

Each student will be required to submit a $75 application fee with their application. This covers the detailed processing and review time invested into our applications. Please allow 2 business days for the application fee to be marked as “received” on the student’s application dashboard.

Pay the Application Fee

Need-based scholarship applicants will have the opportunity to waive the fee after submitting their online application form via their application dashboard.

2024 Program Cost

$4,500

Our program cost is determined based on the length of the program and credits earned. This year, all programs will cost $4,500.

Need-based scholarships are available. Need-based scholarship applicants may identify with the following groups: low and middle income, DACA, first generation, and underrepresented demographic groups. If you question your eligibility for a need-based scholarship, please contact our office. Visit our apply page for information on the need-based scholarship application process.

First Tuition Payment

After acceptance, students will have to confirm their attendance to SLAI and submit their first payment of $500 in order to reserve their spot in the program. Need-based scholarship recipients may be exempt from submitting the first tuition payment.

Pay Tuition

Payment Plan Options

Payment plans are available for families who need extra time to submit payments or would like to work with SLAI to set up a payment schedule.

2024 Cancellation Policy

Our cancellation policy applies to all students that have applied or been accepted to our Institute and its programs.

Written withdrawals received by the Summer Liberal Arts Institute office:

  • on or before April 16, 2024 will receive a refund of all fees paid over and above the $75 Application Fee.
  • between April 17 and May 12, 2024 will receive a refund of 50% of all fees paid over and above the $75 Application Fee.
  • on or after May 13, 2024 will not receive a refund.

All cancellations and refund requests must be submitted in writing to summer@carleton.edu. Please allow up to 10 business days for your refund to be processed. Refunds are typically issued in the same form of payment as the original payment.

No refunds or discounts will be given for early departures prior to the end of the program. Any participant who is dismissed from the program due to disciplinary issues, or who voluntarily withdraws from their program for any reason, will not receive a refund.

In the event that SLAI must cancel a program, confirmed participants will receive a refund of all fees paid with the exception of the $75 Application Fee.

This written cancellation policy is always binding, and no verbal communication from SLAI staff can override this policy.