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Jan. 15 is the Priority Application Deadline for Interlochen Arts Camp and Arts Academy. Programs fill quickly—submit your app today!
Frequently Asked Questions: Interlochen Arts Camp
General Questions
Why arts camp?
Arts camp provides creative students with a variety of unique opportunities and experiences.
- Outside the pressures of the academic year, students can focus on honing their artistic talents and often progress substantially in a very short period of time.
- Students enjoy the chance to learn from top artists in their chosen field.
- Arts camps attract students from across the nation and around the world, exposing students to diverse ideas and perspectives that can enrich their lives.
- Other arts camp advantages include small class sizes; strong, dearly held traditions; and large, engaged alumni communities.
What makes Interlochen Arts Camp different from other arts camps?
Interlochen Arts Camp is the nation’s premier multidisciplinary summer arts program, known for its outstanding instructors, vibrant community, and a beautiful setting. Each summer, the world’s top artists and arts educators come to Interlochen to share their insights and expertise with the next generation of young artists, who forge cross-cultural friendships with other domestic and international students who share their unique passions. All of this magic occurs on Interlochen’s 1,200-acre campus, surrounded by pines and set between two lakes.
Am I good enough to get in? How competitive is it?
There is no simple answer to this question, so the best way to find out is to apply. It is important to note that students are not expected to be "perfect" in order to be accepted. Because Interlochen Arts Camp exists to help young artists develop and improve, it is most important that potential students show eagerness to learn and a capacity for continued growth.
Is the Arts Camp only for students who plan to be professional artists?
No. Many Arts Camp alumni find success in fields outside the arts.
Who are some well-known Interlochen Arts Camp alumni?
Some well-known Interlochen Arts Camp alumni include singer-songwriter Chappell Roan (IAC 14), actress Da’Vine Joy Randolph (IAC 03), Google co-founder Larry Page (IAC/NMC 88-89), and many more.
Where is Interlochen Arts Camp located?
Interlochen is located in the northwest corner of Michigan's lower peninsula. Our region is served by Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which offers multiple daily flights to and from Chicago and Detroit, and seasonal service to/from Minneapolis, New York City, and Newark. We are a four-hour drive from Detroit, and about five hours from Chicago.
What factors are considered during the review of admission files?
A committee considers each student's artistic skills, potential for growth, and overall social and emotional readiness. Some Interlochen Arts Camp programs require an audition or portfolio. Please review the Audition and Portfolio Requirements carefully before submitting materials.
When will I receive my admission and financial aid decisions?
Admission decisions for programs that require an audition or portfolio are released March 1. If you apply after that, your admission decision will be released on a rolling basis as space permits. For programs that do NOT require an audition or portfolio, admission decisions are released on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is the tuition for Interlochen Arts Camp?
Your tuition is based on the number of weeks you attend Camp. For example, if you choose two three-week programs, you will pay the six-week price.
Tuition for Camp 2025:
1-week intensive* ... $1,950
2-week session ... $4,865
3-week session ... $6,985
4-week session ... $8,060
6-week session ... $10,180
*(not eligible for financial aid)
Is need- or merit-based financial aid available for Interlochen Arts Camp?
Yes, Interlochen Arts Camp offers need- and merit-based aid to students—52% of Camp students received aid for summer 2024. All students in our arts summer camp programs that are two or more weeks long are welcome to apply for need-based financial aid. Interlochen also provides merit scholarships for a limited number of its most qualified candidates. All applicants to programs that are two weeks or longer AND require a portfolio or audition will automatically be considered for a merit-based award, unless otherwise indicated by the family; no financial documentation is required. Please note that we do not offer merit scholarships for one-week Intensive programs.
Where do students stay at Interlochen Arts Camp?
You'll bunk with other students in your age division in our rustic yet cozy cabins. Junior and Intermediate students will share quarters with 12 or 14 other campers and two counselors. High school students will room with 10 to 16 campers and one or two counselors.
How are students supervised?
Students are supervised by counselors selected from the ranks of the world's finest colleges and universities, where many of them are studying education, child development, or the arts. Learn more about Camp staff.
Where do students eat? What kind of food is available?
Junior and Intermediate students take their meals at Lochaven and Pinecrest Dining Halls, and High School students dine at the Stone Cafeteria.
Our dining services offer options to satisfy all sorts of taste buds. Enjoy fresh, local, and seasonal food including produce from our on-campus garden. Our menus feature hot entrees, house-made soups, sandwich and salad bars, and a great selection of beverages.
Students with special dietary needs can choose from a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Need a snack? The Melody Freeze offers specialty soft serve ice cream, pizza, and more. The Coffee Tent is your one-stop shop for specialty coffee drinks, tea, bottled beverages, and baked goods.
Do students wear a uniform?
Whenever you leave your division, you'll don the traditional blue-on-blue Camp uniform, worn at Interlochen since 1928. The uniform unites us visually and identifies you as a member of our vibrant, creative community. Although the uniform is simple, it's flexible—we encourage you to customize your look with your choice of navy-blue bottoms and colorful accessories. Purchase uniform items here.
Are there opportunities for exercise?
During their free time, students can enjoy recreation on our scenic Northern Michigan campus. Swimming, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, or sailing on one of our two freshwater lakes are popular activities. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities for friendly competition in individual and team sports.
What kind of health care is available to students?
Interlochen employs a staff of health professionals who provide information, promote overall wellness, and respond in case of sickness or injury. The on-campus health clinic is typically open 16 hours a day and is staffed by registered nurses. Students who require supervised medical care or observation are housed in the Health Services Clinic. For any medical emergency, nurses are on-call 24 hours a day and the Interlochen campus is served by the Green Lake Township Emergency Medical Service and fire station, which is located less than one mile from campus. Munson Hospital, which has been recognized as one of the top 100 hospitals in the United States, is located in nearby Traverse City. In addition to physical health care, Health Services provides individual or group counseling to assist students with personal issues in a confidential setting. The personal counselor may refer students to mental health professionals as needed, with parental agreement.
Can Interlochen accommodate students with special medical needs?
Parents and students with specific medical concerns should work with Interlochen’s Admission department to arrange a consultation with the Health Services staff. The Office of Admission & Financial Aid may be contacted at 231.276.7472 or admission@interlochen.org.
Is the campus safe and secure?
The safety and security of students is the foremost priority of faculty and staff. Campus policies, personnel, and infrastructure have been put in place to ensure students' well-being. Background checks are conducted for all faculty and staff as part of the hiring process. Interlochen faculty, staff, and students wear Interlochen-issued photo ID tags. Interlochen also employs security and safety professionals, many of whom have previous law enforcement experience. Campus safety features include a public address system and all-campus electrical generators.