2026
Early College Program Summer Institute ON-CAMPUS (ECPSI)
Image: Samantha D.
ONLINE (ECPOSI)
Immersive. Creative. Life-Changing. Early College Program Summer Institute—on–campus or online—at the Nation’s Most Influential Art and Design School
World-Class Resources
Merit scholarships and financial
• Take classes taught by acclaimed practicing artists, designers, and scholars
aid are available to offset some of
• Explore SAIC’s state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the largest art museums in the US
courses. A large number of
• Learn from visiting artists and peers from around the globe
the costs of ECPSI and ECPOSI Summer Institute students also receive top merit scholarships to our undergraduate degree
SAIC IS DIFFERENT
program. Visit saic.edu/ecpsi or
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saic.edu/ecposi for details.
Ideas Matter At SAIC, you will be empowered to bring your ideas to life, whatever form they may take. With the freedom to work in multiple mediums, you'll leave our program a more confident artist with innovative, portfolio-quality work.
The Critique Because contemporary artists need to experiment, be bold, and take risks, work is evaluated by critique. You’ll discuss your ideas and processes, and collaborate with your instructors and peers.
Prepare for Your Creative Future • Earn college credits that may be transferable to the college you choose to attend • Create a college-ready art portfolio with guidance from our admissions counselors • Make art in Chicago or online with peers from around the world • Waive the portfolio requirement for admission to SAIC’s undergraduate program upon completion 3
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES
Freedom to Explore Different Media SAIC believes meaning and making are inseparable. You begin with an idea and choose the media that best helps you realize your vision. In a painting class, but want to experiment with installation? Want to create performance art based on photography? Or are you passionate about animation and want to study that exclusively? At SAIC, anything is possible.
Create a College-Ready Portfolio Receive portfolio feedback from your instructors and fellow students and meet with SAIC undergraduate admissions counselors to receive one-on-one advice about constructing a portfolio that best represents you. Rising seniors who successfully complete the program receive:
• Portfolio requirement for SAIC undergraduate admission waived • Fee waiver for SAIC’s application via the Common Application • Priority consideration for a merit scholarship
“ IT TAUGHT ME TO FOCUS ON PROCESS, HOW THE WAY WE MAKE ART IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE ART WE MAKE. IT ALSO PUSHED ME TO STEP OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE.” — ECPSI Student, Advanced Painting and Drawing Studio
Immersive Classroom Experience Whether you’re taking courses online or on campus,
our programs provide you with an SAIC undergraduate experience and an opportunity to see what it’s like to be a practicing artist or designer. On-campus classes meet from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and include Tuesday and Thursday evening mandatory workshops designed to help you gain new skills and explore your ideas. Online classes feature extensive one-on-one mentorship with SAIC faculty, frequent live feedback sessions, and allow for plenty of studio time to work on your projects.
Acclaimed Faculty SAIC is known for its faculty, and many of our instructors also teach in the undergraduate degree program. Our instructors are accomplished educators and practicing artists, designers, writers, and scholars. They are deeply passionate about artmaking and will challenge you to think, question, and discover. Visit saic.edu/ecp to see faculty profiles and learn more about the incredible educators who lead these programs.
“THE STUDIO TIME AND AUTONOMY WITH OUR PIECES AND PROCESSES WERE VERY CHALLENGING AND PUSHED ME TO GROW AND EXPERIMENT WITH MORE MEDIUMS.” — ECPSI Student, Advanced Projects
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SESSION 1: June 15–26 | SESSION 2: June 29-July 10 | SESSION 3: July 13-24 | SESSION 4: June 29-July 24 | SESSION 5: July 27-31
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM SUMMER INSTITUTE 2026
Early College Program Summer Institute 2026
(ECPSI)
Session
Commuter
Residential
COLLEGE CREDITS
One week, One credit
$1,908
$2,563
Two weeks, Two credits
$3,816
$5,126
Upon successful completion of each session, students receive college credit, which may be applied toward an undergraduate degree at SAIC and is often transferable to other accredited institutions of higher education.
Four weeks, Four credits
$7,632
$10,252
Participants must be between 15 and 18 years old and have completed their sophomore year of high school to join the ECP Summer Institute.
Includes $100 non-refundable tuition deposit.
HOUSING AND MEALS
SAIC FINANCIAL AID
Residential students get $105 each week loaded into their SAIC account to spend at campus cafés and food halls.
This aid supports talented artists with financial need. Students awarded financial aid generally report a household income of less than $60,000.
Each residence hall kitchenette is equipped with a cooktop, microwave, and fridge—perfect for easy, home-cooked meals.
SAIC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP This scholarship recognizes students whose artwork and dedication set them apart. Recipients may receive up to $1,200 in merit-based funding.
PLANNING YOUR SUMMER Tuition prices listed above do not reflect any potential scholarships the student may be awarded. Housing and meal plans are required for all students living on campus. Students should budget $300 per week to cover art supplies and other personal items.
Image Credit: Adiya T.
Students must be at least 15 years old and not older than 18 years of age, and have completed their sophomore year of high school to enroll in the ECP Summer Institute.
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Image Credit: Liliana C., Jenny H.
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EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM SUMMER INSTITUTE (ECPSI)
SESSION 1: June 15–26 | SESSION 2: June 29-July 10 | SESSION 3: July 13-24 | SESSION 4: June 29-July 24 | SESSION 5: July 27-31
CLASS SCHEDULE
ECPSI COURSES
ECPSI SESSION 1: 2 WEEKS, JUNE 15–26 Session 1 includes the Juneteenth holiday. On Juneteenth, regular classes will pause, and students will take part in special programming—lectures, activities, and other curated experiences in place of scheduled coursework.
• 2D Animation • Advanced Painting and Drawing Studio • Advanced Projects • Alternative Comics and Graphic Novels • Architecture: Analog and Digital Processes • Drawing: Urban Landscape • Experimental Drawing • Fashion Construction • Fashion Design • Oil Painting • Portfolio Prep Studio • Urban Canvas: Street Art & Community in Chicago • Visual Communication Design ECPSI SESSION 2: 2 WEEKS, JUNE 29–JULY 10 Independence Day Observation (no classes): July 3. Regular classes will pause, and students will take part in special programming—lectures, activities, and other curated experiences in place of scheduled coursework.
• 2D Animation • 3D Animation • Advanced Painting and Drawing Studio • Alternative Comics and Graphic Novels • Architecture: Analog and Digital Processes • Digital Illustration and Motion Graphics • Experimental Drawing • Fashion Construction • Figure Drawing • Oil Painting • Portfolio Prep Studio • Sculpture: Materials and Methods
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ECPSI SESSION 3: 2 WEEKS, JULY 13–JULY 24
2D Animation
• Advanced Digital Photography • Advanced Painting and Drawing Studio • Advanced Projects • Alternative Comics and Graphic Novels • Architecture: Analog and Digital Processes • Architecture: Chicago in Perspective • Experimental Drawing • Fashion Construction • Figure Drawing • Material Manipulation: Introduction to Fibers • Portfolio Prep Studio • Sculpture: Flat to Form
3D Animation
ECPSI SESSION 4: 4 WEEKS, JUNE 29–JULY 24 Independence Day Observation (no classes): July 3. Regular classes will pause, and students will take part in special programming—lectures, activities, and other curated experiences in place of scheduled coursework.
• Advanced Painting and Drawing Studio ECPSI SESSION 5: 1 WEEK, JULY 27–31
• Advanced Projects • Alternative Comics and Graphic Novels • Experimental Drawing • Oil Painting • SAIC Painting and Drawing Studio
Advanced Digital Photography Advanced Painting and Drawing Studio Advanced Projects Alternative Comics and Graphic Novels Architecture: Analog & Digital Processes Architecture: Chicago in Perspective Digital Illustration and Motion Graphics Drawing: Urban Landscape Experimental Drawing Fashion Construction
Read full course descriptions, session dates, and times:
Fashion Design Figure Drawing Material Manipulation: Introduction to Fibers Oil Painting Portfolio Prep Studio SAIC Painting and Drawing Studio Sculpture: Flat to Form Sculpture: Materials and Methods Urban Canvas: Street Art & Community in Chicago Visual Communication Design
saic.edu/ecpsi
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM SUMMER INSTITUTE
Chicago is a vibrant city with many fun events happening all summer long in the downtown area. To see what is going on during your class, visit choosechicago.com.
Session 1
2 weeks
J une 15-26
Session 2
2 weeks
June 29-July 10
Session 3
2 weeks
July 13-24
Session 4
4 weeks
June 29-July 24
Session 5
1 week
July 27-31
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WHAT TO EXPECT ORIENTATION Summer Institute students attend a series of orientations to get settled in and have their questions answered. • Students and families can join a virtual orientation before the program begins. • During move-in day orientation, students will meet program staff and learn more about what to expect in the coming weeks. • Residence Life staff will host orientations for students living on each
CHICAGO—OUR URBAN CAMPUS CHICAGO: VIBRANT, EXCITING, & FRIENDLY Woven into the fabric of vibrant downtown Chicago, SAIC’s campus is your ideal home base.
floor of the residence hall. During this meeting, students are provided
Chicago has one of the country’s
important campus life information and are introduced to their floor-
largest concentrations of working
mates and Summer Resident Advisor.
artists and universities. You’ll be
• During the first days of the program, students will attend an
“I LOVED THIS CLASS! THE CITY, THE SCHOOL, THE PEOPLE, ALL OF IT IS BURSTING WITH SO MUCH CREATIVITY.” — ECPSI Student, Advanced Painting and Drawing Studio
inspired by its iconic architecture,
orientation led by SAIC staff which outlines safety protocols and
innovative public art, and world-
community guidelines.
class museums and galleries. Our faculty will help you explore it all.
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING
Beyond the art scene, Chicago in
On-campus housing is available. Living on campus is not required
bike along the lakefront, explore
but strongly recommended for easy access to classrooms and studios,
Chicago’s famous neighborhood
meeting other students, and joining residence life activities.
murals, or walk through the
Visit saic.edu/ecpsireslife for more information, including a list of what to pack.
the summer is simply fantastic:
Loop and view world-famous architectural masterpieces.
VOTED THE BEST BIG CITY IN THE US For nine years in a row, Chicago has been voted the “Best Big City in the US” by readers of Condé Nast Traveler.
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SAIC’s Museum The Art Institute of Chicago’s museum was founded as a teaching resource for its students. Today, the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the largest art museums in the United States, and an integral part of the education of every SAIC student.
Only at SAIC Step outside the studio and into the city—explore, document, and create art in direct response to Chicago’s dynamic streets, communities, and skyline. These Chicago-focused classes blend hands-on learning with real-world exploration.
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM ONLINE SUMMER INSTITUTE 2026 (ECPOSI)
Image Credit: Lia N.
Explore our city: Architecture: Chicago in Perspective Urban Canvas: Street Art & Community in Chicago Drawing: Urban Landscape Advanced Digital Photography
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM ONLINE TUITION AND FEES Session Dates
Tuition/Credit
2 weeks Monday, June 15– Friday, June 26, 2026
$1,908* — half-day course, one college credit
*Includes $100 nonrefundable tuition deposit. Half-day course supplies: up to $300.
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COLLEGE CREDITS Students must be at least 15 years old and not older than 18 years of age, and have completed their sophomore year of high school to enroll in ECPOSI courses. Upon completion, students receive college credit, which may be applied toward an undergraduate degree at SAIC and is often transferable to other institutions.
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EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM ONLINE SUMMER INSTITUTE 2 WEEKS Monday–Friday, June 15–26 Juneteenth Observation (no classes): June 19
CLASS SCHEDULE • Online: Animation and Video Projects
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Online: Architectural Design
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Online: Drawing / Painting / Comics and Graphic Novels
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Online: Fashion Design and Construction
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Online: Portfolio Prep Studio
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• Online: Studio Intensive: Advanced Projects in Drawing & Painting
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
IMPORTANT DATES Registration Opens Saturday, November 1
Visit saic.edu/ecpsi for Early College Program Summer Institute registration details or saic.edu/ecposi for Early College Program Online Summer Institute registration details. Early registration is highly encouraged due to limited class capacities. Financial aid and merit scholarships are available.
Priority Merit Scholarship Deadline March 1
COLLEGE CREDITS
International Student Registration Deadline March 1 Priority Need-Based Financial Aid Deadline March 1
Image Credit: Kris M.
Students must be at least 15 years old and not older than 18 years of age, and have completed their sophomore year of high school to enroll in the ECP Online Summer Institute. Upon successfully completing the program, students will receive college credit that may be transferable to accredited institutions.
Read full course descriptions, session dates, and times:
Financial aid applications will be accepted and processed as space and funds allow after this date. Note: Financial aid is available to US residents only. International students may apply for a merit scholarship.
AREAS OF STUDY: Animation • Architecture • Comics and Graphic Novels • Digital Photography • Drawing • Fashion • Fiber • Film, Video, and New Media Interdisciplinary Studies • Graphic Design • Painting • Sculpture
42 STATES 18 COUNTRIES STUDENTS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
saic.edu/ecposi
Payment Deadline May 1
CONTACT US Enrollment Office Financial Aid and Billing
Please visit saic.edu/ecp to find additional details regarding ECPSI and ECPOSI rules and regulations, policies and FAQs. Please note that this information is subject to change.
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312.629.6170 312.629.6600 cs@saic.edu saic.sfs@saic.edu
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116 South Michigan Avenue, 6th floor Chicago, IL 60603
EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM SUMMER INSTITUTE High school students who are at least 15 years old and not more than 18 years of age who have completed their sophomore year are eligible to enroll in the on-campus or online Early College Program Summer Institute. Merit scholarships and need-based aid are available.
Image Credit: Brandon D.
On Campus
Session 1: June 15–26 Session 2: June 29–July 10 Session 3: July 13–24 Session 4: June 29–July 24 Session 5: July 27–31
Online
Two weeks: Monday—Friday, June 15–26