45 College Fly-In and Diversity Programs: A Complete List
What’s Covered:
- What Is a College Fly-In Program?
- Fly-In Programs: A Complete List
- Preparing for and Making the Most of Fly-In Programs
- What Are My Chances of Acceptance?
Campus visits are a great way to learn about a college’s culture and determine whether it’s the right fit for you. Unfortunately, not every student can afford to visit every college on their list. If you’re unable to visit colleges for any reason, you should thoroughly review them online. However, for high-achieving, underrepresented students, there is an alternative. Some colleges offer high school seniors fly-in or multicultural programs that are geared toward students from low-income, first-generation, or diverse backgrounds.
What Is a College Fly-In Program?
College fly-in programs are highly competitive college visitation programs for underrepresented students. Institutions fly students in to stay on their campuses for two or three days, allowing students—who might not otherwise have a chance to visit—to get a feel for the college and campus. In most cases, the college covers costs, including transportation and room and board, or offers to reimburse students for some of their expenses associated with their visit.
Most colleges limit these programs to admitted students, but some offer the opportunity to prospective students—for example, the Columbia Engineering Experience and the Penn Early Exploration Program (PEEP). Keep in mind that these programs are very competitive. To apply, you usually need to submit an application, essay, letter of recommendation, transcript with junior-year grades, and ACT/SAT scores.
Fly-In Programs: A Complete List
Below is a complete list of colleges and universities that offer some form of a fly-in program to prospective students. Schools that only fly in admitted students were not included in this list, since many colleges provide resources for admitted students to visit.
Table of Schools with Fly-In and Diversity Programs
|
School |
State |
Undergraduate Enrollment |
|
MA |
1,194 |
|
|
MA |
2,793 |
|
|
NY |
3,269 |
|
|
ME |
1,760 |
|
|
ME |
1,881 |
|
|
RI |
3,275 |
|
|
PA |
1,368 |
|
|
PA |
3,920 |
|
|
CA |
987 |
|
|
MI |
3,356 |
|
|
MN |
2,128 |
|
|
MA |
3,198 |
|
|
ID |
1,192 |
|
|
MN/ |
1,705 |
|
|
CO |
2,031 |
|
|
CT |
1,990 |
|
|
NH |
4,570 |
|
|
NC |
1,869 |
|
|
GA |
7,407 |
|
|
NY |
2,037 |
|
|
PA |
1,430 |
|
|
OH |
2,228 |
|
|
PA |
2,775 |
|
|
IA |
1,384 |
|
|
OH |
16,816 |
|
|
MA |
4,535 |
|
|
VT |
2,760 |
|
|
OH |
2,896 |
|
|
MA |
402 |
|
|
CA |
1,766 |
|
|
OR |
1,346 |
|
|
PA |
1,623 |
|
|
CT |
2,204 |
|
|
MA |
7,126 |
|
|
LA |
7,283 |
|
|
NY |
2,065 |
|
|
IN |
1,741 |
|
|
NY |
6,580 |
|
|
VT |
12,276 |
|
|
VA |
1,866 |
|
|
MO |
8,220 |
|
|
MA |
2,407 |
|
|
CT |
3,805 |
|
|
MA |
2,101 |
|
|
CT |
6,814 |
1. Amherst College
Access to Amherst (A2A) takes place in the fall and introduces prospective applicants to Amherst’s campus, student body, faculty, and classes. A2A is available to all prospective students, but the selection committee prioritizes the invitation of students from historically excluded groups, such as African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and Asian American backgrounds, as well as first-generation students.
The program takes place annually between the end of September and the beginning of October. To be considered, students must submit an application that includes essays, a transcript, and recommendation letters. Students can use their A2A essay instead of Amherst’s supplemental essay.
2. Babson College
Access Babson is a program aimed at students who face educational opportunity challenges due to limited resources. The program is open to high school seniors. Participants stay with a current student, meet professors, participate in inclusion-focused sessions, and gain firsthand knowledge of the Babson experience.
The program generally runs in October, with applications being due in late July or early August.
3. Barnard College
Barnard Bound is a program for high school seniors who will be the first in their family to attend college and/or come from low-income backgrounds. Participants engage in panels, presentations, and conversations with students, faculty, and staff and gain insight into financial aid, campus resources, and the school’s community.
Barnard Bound is offered in both in-person and virtual formats.
4. Bates College
Prologue to Bates is an all-expenses-paid fly-in program open to all seniors who attend high school in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, especially students who are first-generation college students or from low-income backgrounds. The program typically takes place in autumn and is aligned with the larger Fall Visit Day, which brings together prospective students from around the country and the world.
5. Bowdoin College
Explore Bowdoin offers prospective students the opportunity to stay with undergrads, attend classes, meet professors, eat in the dining halls, explore downtown Brunswick, check out student clubs and organizations, and learn about the college admissions process and financial aid along the way. There are two sessions: one in September and one in October.
Bowdoin handles all of the logistics and covers the cost of the trip. Priority to Explore Bowdoin is given to applicants from low-income backgrounds and those who will be the first in their family to attend college.
6. Bryant University
Bryant will reimburse students for half the cost of their ticket (up to $250) to travel to Rhode Island by plane, train, or bus to visit Bryant. If they enroll as a full-time student at Bryant, they’ll receive the remainder of their travel fare, up to a total of $500.
7. Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr’s Lantern Scholars Program is designed for rising high school seniors from low-income backgrounds and first-generation college students. The Lantern Scholar program runs in September and features a range of activities that guide participants through the college selection process.
8. Bucknell University
The Journey to Bucknell program is designed to introduce high-achieving high schoolers from diverse backgrounds to Bucknell. Prospective students engage with current students, meet Bucknell faculty, sit in on a real class, and attend workshops focused on the college application process. The program usually takes place in the fall.
9. California Institute of Technology | Caltech
The Caltech Up Close (CUC) program is aimed at students of exceptional promise from disadvantaged backgrounds. Participants receive an all-expense-paid trip to Caltech, where they’ll explore the campus, learn about opportunities, and learn about the college admissions and financial aid process. The program generally runs in October.
10. Calvin University
The Entrada Scholars Program at Calvin University offers racial and ethnic minority high school students the opportunity to experience college learning and living while earning college credit. Students can enroll in a 3- or 4-credit college courses such as English, history, biology, or psychology. Accepted students receive a grant that covers most Entrada costs, including tuition, room and board, books, and activities.
Scholars who complete the program are awarded between $6,000 and $10,000 annually in scholarships. Unlike many of the other programs on this list, the Entrada Scholars Program takes place during the summer.
11. Carleton College
Taste of Carleton (TOC) is a three-day, fully funded, fly-in program designed for high school seniors with limited access to the resources needed to explore colleges like Carleton. The program is aimed at students from families where paying for college travel is a hurdle, potential first-generation students, students from communities that rarely send students to selective liberal arts colleges, and students who use English as a second language at home.
Program participants attend a class, take a campus tour, meet current students, and learn about Carleton’s resources. They’re also provided with college admissions support.
12. College of the Holy Cross
The College of the Holy Cross’s Perspectives Overnight Program is for high school seniors who may struggle to afford a campus visit—for example, attending a rural or urban Title I School or being the first in their family to attend college. Participants experience campus, connect with current students, and gain firsthand insight into life at Holy Cross.
The program runs twice in the fall: once in September and once in November.
13. The College of Idaho
The College of Idaho doesn’t have a specific fly-in program, but they do offer reimbursement for student fly-in visits. The College will reimburse your plane, train, or bus ticket up to $250, as well as any public transportation, provided that the reimbursement form is submitted within two weeks of your visit.
14. College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University
CSB+SJU’s fly-in program is designed for accepted students who live outside of Minnesota. Students will experience life as a Bennie or a Johnnie on a two-night visit to the campuses. They sleep in dorms, eat in the dining halls, and meet current students, other prospective students, professors, and coaches.
Admissions staff will arrange your travel and cover up to $500 for a round-trip airline ticket. Once on campus, students can explore 3,000 acres of lakes, woods, and hiking trails.
15. Colorado College
The Discover Colorado College program is a fully funded fly-in opportunity for:
- Students from historically marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds
- Socioeconomically disadvantaged students or those unable to visit Colorado College otherwise
- First-generation college students
- Students from rural communities
- Students attending Title I schools
Participants will explore Colorado College’s unique Block Plan, experience campus life, and meet other prospective students. The program runs in October.
16. Connecticut College
Every fall, Connecticut College hosts Explore, a program for high school seniors of underrepresented backgrounds, as well as students committed to diversity and social justice. Students at Explore meet faculty, staff, peers, and current students who can share information about what it’s like to be a student of color at Conn and about all the resources that are available to create a strong community. Explore often takes place in November.
17. Dartmouth College
Each October, Dartmouth hosts its Indigenous Fly-In (IFI) program, which is designed to provide prospective students with an in-person experience of life at Dartmouth. Students learn about Dartmouth’s Indigenous community, the resources the school supports it with, and the college admissions and financial aid processes.
The program is open to rising seniors attending high school in the U.S. who identify as Indigenous or who have a demonstrated interest in the Indigenous community and/or Dartmouth’s Native American and Indigenous Studies Department. Students participate in a campus tour, a community dinner, and admissions workshops.
18. Davidson College
Access Davidson is a college visit program hosted by Davidson College for high school seniors who will be the first in their family to attend college, come from rural or low-income backgrounds, or don’t have the means to visit campus on their own—either due to their location or financial stress.
Davidson offers Access programming both in person and online. For in-person participants, Davidson covers transportation, meals, and overnight accommodations. The program offers students the chance to attend classes, join campus activities, and connect with current students and faculty.
19. Emory University
The Emory Leadership, Enrichment, Advocacy, and Discovery (LEADs) Experience is designed to support the recruitment of talented, high-achieving high school seniors who are first-generation college students and/or from underrepresented cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds.
The hybrid program usually takes place throughout the fall, with monthly virtual programming beginning in August. Selected students are invited to participate in a three-day, overnight Leadership Retreat around mid-October. The monthly virtual webinars conclude in December.
20. Hamilton College
Home at Hamilton is a two-day program for high school seniors with limited financial resources who can’t otherwise afford to visit Hamilton. Participants connect with current Hamilton students and staff and learn about the resources and opportunities available to them at the school.
21. Haverford College
Haverford’s Have-A-Look (HAL) program is a three-day program for high school seniors who have significantly contributed to building and supporting diverse communities. Participants immerse themselves in the Haverford experience—meeting with current students, professors, and administrators while learning about the academic and social opportunities offered by the college.
HAL participants can complete an admission interview as part of the program.
22. Kenyon College
The Kenyon Educational Enrichment Program (KEEP) aims to support underrepresented students, including students of color, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation students, low-income students, students with disabilities, and others—empowering and supporting these students and making them familiar with Kenyon before Orientation.
During the summer, students are offered an intense academic experience that allows them to connect with supportive peers and mentors. Stipends are provided to selected students. The program is two and a half weeks long, and students who complete it gain access to financial aid throughout their years at Kenyon.
23. Lafayette College
Lafayette College’s Our Beloved Community (OBC) is a program to provide access to campus for students from underrepresented groups and economically challenged backgrounds. The cost of housing and meals is provided for participants, and financial assistance is available for travel.
Students must apply for OBC—applicants must supply biographical information, their GPA, a transcript, and a short essay.
24. Luther College
Although it isn’t exactly a fly-in diversity program, high school seniors who attend an eligible visit at Luther College before enrolling receive the Luther College Campus Visit Award—a renewable $1,000 scholarship.
25. Miami University
Miami’s Bridges Program is open to high school seniors who are prospective first-generation college students or demonstrate financial need. The program provides participants with the chance to meet current students, engage with faculty, and learn firsthand about the Miami community. Students who complete the Bridges Program and then enroll at Miami are eligible for scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. The Bridges Program takes place in various Ohio cities between October and November.
Round-trip transportation is provided from select cities and airports. Applicants must submit an application, a personal statement, and a recommendation from their counselor.
26. Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MIT
MIT’s Weekend Immersion in Science and Engineering (WISE) is a three-day program for rising seniors to learn about life at MIT. It’s completely free, including transportation to and from MIT. The program is aimed at students from underrepresented or underserved backgrounds, including potential first-generation college students, those from low-income families, and students from rural areas.
WISE tends to take place in the fall, with students staying on campus with a current MIT undergraduate student while learning about academics and campus life. Students meet peers, current students, and faculty while attending workshops on the college admissions and financial aid processes.
27. Middlebury College
Middlebury College offers a unique opportunity for prospective students through its Discover Middlebury program. This annual, all-expenses-paid fly-in program is designed for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit the campus. The program is tailored to changemakers, leaders, dreamers, and trailblazers who are not only academically inclined, but also socially engaged. The primary focus of the program is on students who are financially constrained and wouldn’t typically have the means to visit the campus.
28. Oberlin College
The Oberlin Overnight: Diversity & Access Program is an all-expenses-paid program for high-achieving high school seniors interested in the college. All students who share Oberlin’s dedication to diversity are invited to apply, but students who identify with historically underrepresented groups—such as those who are the first generation in their family to go to college, low-income, and/or students of color—are strongly encouraged.
Participants take a campus tour, visit classes, and participate in admissions and financial aid workshops, along with engaging in activities with current students, faculty, and staff. The program is held in two sessions: one in October and one in November.
29. Olin College of Engineering | Olin
The MIX (The Multicultural Innovator eXperience) at Olin provides students with the chance to visit campus, explore its project-based curriculum, and gain first-hand insight into engineering school. Unlike many other fly-in programs, MIX participants must be nominated by their high school counselor.
MIX is aimed at students for whom the cost of travel is prohibitive. The program typically runs in November.
30. Pomona College
The Fall Perspectives on Pomona (POP) program aims to further the academic journey of students who come from underrepresented groups, who are first-generation or low-income, and students whose identities are from other marginalized communities. The program is open to all eligible high school seniors and is usually held in October.
Students are provided with shuttle transportation between local airports and the college, lodging at the nearby hotel, and all meals for the duration of the program. The program is free—participants can choose to have Pomona prepay all expenses upfront or pay themselves and get reimbursed.
31. Reed College
Reed’s Senior Scholars Program is a three-part, year-long program with the Reed community. The program is open to all high-achieving high school seniors and provides the opportunity to learn about life at Reed and create lasting connections with current students and faculty.
Students interested in the program must apply Early Action or Early Decision and submit a Senior Scholars interest form, generally between October and November. Participants in the program receive financial support to visit the campus in spring.
32. Swarthmore College
Every fall, the college hosts Discover Swarthmore, an all-expenses-paid overnight program for high school seniors. The admissions department will pay all transportation, meals, and on-campus housing costs for selected students.
Participants attend classes, stay with current students, eat in the dining hall, and go to campus events. They also attend panel discussions and informal conversations with faculty, staff, alumni, and current students. Sessions of this program occur between September and October, and students can apply online.
All rising high school seniors may apply to the program; however, preference is given to potential first-generation college students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students who otherwise might not be able to afford to visit campus.
33. Trinity College
The Bantam Bound program offers a two-day on-campus experience providing participants with the chance to explore the academic and social life at Trinity College—focusing on diverse perspectives, including those of first-generation students, LGBTQIA+ students, and students of color. All students who apply to the program receive a Common Application waiver.
Participants attend discussions facilitated by campus partners and classes led by Trinity professors. The visit takes place in November and is all expenses paid.
34. Tufts University
The Voices of Tufts Diversity Experience is a two-day program sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, designed to introduce high school seniors to diversity and community at Tufts University. Participants converse with current students, attend panel discussions with Tufts staff and faculty, enjoy opportunities to meaningfully connect with the school’s Division of Student Diversity and Inclusion, and participate in social programming.
Voices has traditionally attracted participants from underrepresented backgrounds—including, but not limited to, students of color, first-generation college-bound students, LGBTQIA+ students, students from low-income backgrounds, students with disabilities, and students from rural communities—however, all students interested in learning about diversity and community at Tufts are invited to apply.
35. Tulane University
Tulane’s PreviewTU Multicultural Fly-in is a two-day program that takes place in the fall. Participants explore the social and academic resources available to students and learn about admissions and financial aid.
The program is focused on first-generation college students and/or students from limited- or low-income backgrounds. Both full and partial travel grants are available.
36. Union College
The Getting to Know Union (GTKU) event occurs in the fall each year. High school seniors from diverse cultural backgrounds get to experience life on campus, meet students and professors, attend classes, eat in dining halls, and explore the surrounding town. Application information is usually available in the late summer, and all expenses are paid for chosen students.
37. University of Evansville
The University of Evansville’s (UE) fly-in reimbursement program provides a one-time reimbursement of up to $500 for domestic high school seniors and transfer students. UE reimburses students half their plane ticket, up to $250, and if you decide to enroll, it will credit the other $250 to your account. Students from Alaska and Hawaii are eligible for $600 reimbursement. Travel receipts must be submitted to the Office of Admission within 30 days of the student’s visit.
Visits can occur at any time, and can be scheduled online.
38. University of Rochester
The University of Rochester’s Meliora Visit Program (MVP) is open to current high school seniors in the United States who, without the program, might not be able to afford to visit the campus. Meliora translates from Latin to mean “even better,” and expresses the school’s values of equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability.
Participants receive free travel to Rochester, a two-night stay with a current student in a residence hall, and specialized programming. This event usually takes place in November, and applications are due in October.
39. University of Vermont | UVM
Discovering UVM (DUMV) is focused on expanding college access by providing immersive experiences for students who face barriers to pursuing higher education. Participants connect with current students, take classes, participate in academic sessions, tour the campus, and eat in the dining hall. They also visit Ben and Jerry’s!
DUMV covers the cost of all programming, lodging, and meals. Travel reimbursements of up to $500 are available.
40. Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee’s PATH to W&L program is an all-expenses-paid opportunity for students to visit the campus in Lexington, VA. It is a three-day event, during which students stay in residence halls with current students, attend classes and talk with professors, sample the food in the dining hall, and explore student clubs and organizations. They’ll also learn about the college admissions and financial aid processes, as well as the resources for diverse students on campus.
There are two PATH events, both in September. PATH is aimed at current high school juniors from diverse backgrounds, such as potential first-generation college students, students from schools with limited counseling resources, students who qualify for free or reduced lunch programs, and undocumented and DACA-eligible students.
41. Washington University in St. Louis | WashU
WashU FLI-In (First-generation and Limited-Income) is a three-day program for prospective students that provides a college experience, college admissions guidance, and the opportunity to meet WashU students and staff. Participants will also have a chance to explore St. Louis. The program covers the expense of lodging, meals, and travel, whether flying or driving.
The program occurs throughout July with sessions focused on academic interests including business, engineering, premed, and arts and sciences.
42. Wellesley College
Wellesley doesn’t offer a fly-in program; however, it does offer a drive-in program—Access the Wellesley Experience (AWE). This day-long program focuses on the perspectives of students from low-income communities, backgrounds that have historically been excluded from higher education, and first-generation college students. Participants will explore the campus, connect with community members, and learn about the college admissions process.
Any high school senior living in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Southern New Hampshire, or Southern Maine is invited to apply to AWE. Participants will have all their travel costs covered.
43. Wesleyan University
Wesleyan’s WesExplore Fly-In program is available to high school seniors from underserved communities—including students from Title I schools, students who’ve never visited a college campus, and students from limited-income backgrounds.
Students must apply for the program and include a copy of their transcripts, a list of their senior year courses, and complete a short essay.
44. Williams College
Williams College hosts Windows on Williams (WOW) in the fall. WOW is a selective program open to high school students in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Preference is given to students who couldn’t otherwise afford to visit Williams. Students get to experience three all-expenses-paid days on campus, stay in dorms with current students, attend classes, meet with professors, and learn about the admissions and financial aid processes.
45. Yale University
Yale’s Multicultural Open House (MOH) is a fully funded fly-in program for high school seniors with preference given to students who, if not for the program, might not be able to visit campus. Participants in the three-day program will engage in all Yale has to offer:
- Visiting cultural and resource centers
- Meeting with student groups and faculty
- Participating in panels and tours
- Taking in performances and showcases
The program normally runs in September.
Preparing for and Making the Most of Fly-In Programs
There are several steps you should take to ensure that you’re making the most of this opportunity.
Do your homework.
It’s important to research a college thoroughly before attending its program. You want to make sure that you’re truly interested in attending and that you understand what the college has to offer. Plus, you should figure out what activities, courses, and other aspects of the school you want to investigate further.
Look up what costs are covered.
In general, the college will cover transportation and room and board for your stay. Some colleges will also cover the cost of meals. Most colleges are unlikely to cover your parents’ transportation and costs if they want to come with you, though there are some exceptions.
Plan your visit.
Research which classes you want to observe and make appointments to talk to admissions counselors and financial aid officers before you leave. When you’re on campus, walk around and get a sense of the culture and atmosphere. Attend events and talk to students about their experiences. You’ll want to get a sense of your fit with the college and make sure you can see yourself going there.
What Are My Chances of Acceptance?
Fly-in programs are great for admissions, as they give you a chance to show demonstrated interest. Demonstrated interest is a soft quality that some colleges consider during the application process. It can refer to a wide variety of actions on your part, but it all boils down to this: have you proven to be enthusiastic, or at least curious, about the school you’re applying to? If you’ve completed all the steps to a fly-in, you’re definitely showing your interest!
Once you’ve done the research, taken time to visit, and discovered where you fit, you probably have a clear understanding of your opinion on the school. You know if you’re going to apply and you know where this school fits on your college list.
However, when you’re confronted with your acceptance chances, everything can seem overwhelming. We’re here to help! With a free CollegeVine account, you gain access to our free admissions calculator. This calculator will let you know your chances of acceptance based on your academic and extracurricular profile. It can also help you build a balanced school list.
