Summer Courses

Two students sitting next to a fountain

Summer Term Overview

Before deciding to take Summer courses, it’s important to understand how the Summer term works and whether it fits your transition to college. Most new students choose not to take Summer courses because the accelerated pace can be a challenging adjustment. If you’re admitted for the Summer, you are not required to enroll before Fall or change your admit term.

Important things to know:

  • Any Summer coursework will begin your UNL GPA if you haven’t taken University of Nebraska courses before.
  • There are five Summer terms to choose from:
    • One 3-week session
    • Two 5-week sessions
      • Most new students choose the mid-June to mid-August sessions because they offer the most course options
    • Two 8-week sessions
  • The Summer course schedule is published by mid-February. To view available courses, use the Class Offerings tool and filter by “In Person,” “Online Distance Class” or “Web-Conferencing,” as these are the modes available to new students.
  • Most Summer courses are online. In-person courses typically meet daily and may require 10+ hours in the classroom per week. Web-conferencing courses meet live on Zoom or other platforms.

Summer Term Course Enrollment

Most students explore Summer course options during their advising appointment for Fall. You can enroll in both Summer and Fall courses during that same meeting. All Summer and Fall admits must complete orientation, advising and Fall course enrollment—whether or not you decide to take Summer courses.

Refer to the Academic Calendar for Summer term registration dates and deadlines.

Important things to know:

  • If you want to take a Summer course that begins before your advising appointment, email nse@unl.edu for next steps based on your major and college.
  • Some colleges do not allow new first-year students to enroll in Summer classes before their advising appointment. NSE will clarify your college’s policy.
  • If you schedule a separate advising meeting to talk specifically about Summer courses, that appointment is in addition to—not a replacement for—your advising appointment for Fall.
  • No matter which Summer session you're considering, it’s essential to connect with an academic advisor to ensure your course choices fit your major and keep you on track.

Paying for Summer Courses

Summer financial aid works differently than aid for the Fall/Spring terms, and most questions about billing or funding are handled by Husker Hub.

Here’s what to keep in mind as you explore Summer classes:

  • The Summer term is the final term of the current academic year. You must file the FAFSA Form for the current academic year and submit the Summer Aid Application in MyRED.
  • Federal loans require 6+ credit hours (part-time enrollment). Pell Grant eligibility varies based on FAFSA data.
  • Most scholarships cannot be applied to Summer enrollment.
  • Tuition and most student fees match Fall/Spring for the current academic year. The University Program & Facilities Fees (UPFF) are charged at a flat rate for Summer sessions. Visit Student Accounts for more information on current tuition and fees.
  • Monthly bills are issued on the 25th and due on the 12th of the following month.

For complete details—and help deciding what’s right for you—contact Husker Hub.