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Since 1987, the has funded around 1,300 sites each year for summer (REUs). These programs, located at research intensive institutions across the country, offer students hands-on experience in fields of study spanning STEM, engineering, and education.

However, recent federal budget cuts have at these programs by as much as 30%, and many 2025 undergraduates had their REU offers withdrawn at the last minute. Going forward, funding uncertainties will increase pressure on applicants to apply early and with even more carefully crafted applications.

Most REU programs announce their application deadlines in November. Students should develop their application materials—including essays, research goals, and letters of recommendation—in November and December, with them ready for submission by December or January. Depending on the program, deadlines may extend out to March 1, but applying well ahead of the published deadline is always advised.

Summer REUs typically last from five to 10 weeks. These programs often provide a stipend, travel allowance, and housing, creating a tremendous growth opportunity for future scientists and medical professionals.

Each program sets its own selection criteria, which may include the completion of specific coursework or eligibility limited to students in their sophomore or junior year of college. Some REU sites specifically focus on engaging students who have been historically underrepresented in research, while others are run primarily to recruit applicants to their PhD programs.

Historically, NSF’s focus has been to generate undergraduate interest in STEM careers, to expand access to research opportunities for students attending smaller, teaching-focused colleges, to engage a more diverse population in research/scientific experiences, and to educate future clinicians in the foundations of translational research.

Most REUs are situated across varied STEM disciplines within a larger funded project, and deliver lab skills and foundational knowledge. Students should apply for and arrive at their program with some body of research interest and ideally, the rough outline of their own research ideas. Apart from securing a meaningful research experience, students may find an REU permits them to develop their own research project, participate as a contributing author on a journal article, and develop relationships that lead to long term mentorship and letters of reference for their later professional, PhD or MD/PhD programs.

Some REUs are funded by sources other than NSF, such as the and other professional organizations, the universities themselves, and local privately funded labs, foundations, or institutes. In today’s policy climate, students may wish to consider funding sources when targeting programs for which to apply.

In addition to those bearing the REU title, students researching summer undergraduate research experiences should also consider programs designated as UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program), SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship), and ASSURE (Awards to Stimulate and Support Undergraduate Research Experiences).

Securing a summer research opportunity can broaden a student’s perspective, clarify their professional future, and strengthen existing goals and preparation for admission to a graduate program. These programs enhance a student’s résumé by offering hands-on experience in cutting-edge research, setting them on a path of professional networking and mentorship with those who share their interests.

Resources for Additional Information

By Marcia Boynton, Boynton Health Counsel, 51³Ô¹Ï Associate (MI)