10 Free College Courses for High School Students
Taking free courses presents a great educational opportunity, especially if you want to explore a specific subject. As a high school student, these courses can help you familiarize yourself with your field of interest and prepare for college. Courses provided by reputable institutions enhance your academic profile and assist you in discovering your interests. The courses listed here are free and typically available online, making them accessible to high school students around the world without any payment required.
If these are what you’re looking for, we have got you covered! Check out our list of 10 Free college courses for High school Students!
1. CS101 by Stanford Online
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all students
Fee: Free; optional $249 for certificate
Course Dates: Flexible, 4-6 hours per week (Self-paced)
Computer Science 101 by Stanford University covers the fundamentals of computer science. This beginner-friendly course teaches you the applications and practical aspects of the field. You'll learn from Stanford professors and industry professionals, gaining insights from experienced faculty. You'll also have access to video lectures, readings, and assignments at your own pace.
This course teaches computer science theory alongside code. It covers topics such as working on the Internet, hardware and computer software, computer security, digital media, the nature of computers, and more. One standout feature is its software design principles, which provide a holistic view of creating scalable solutions.
2. HarvardX: Principles of Biochemistry
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all students
Fee: Free; optional $289 for certificate
Course Dates: 6 weeks, flexible (Self-paced)
For those interested in the field of life sciences, Harvard University offers Principles of Biochemistry on EdX. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to biochemistry and acquaints students with the molecular foundations of life. It covers topics like metabolic pathways, protein structures, the structure and function of biochemical molecules, macromolecules, and more. Students learn about cellular processes and molecular reactions that are essential biological functions in nature.
The readings and assignments will help you learn about processes like cellular respiration, DNA replication, and enzyme kinetics. It is important to note that the course requires some prior knowledge of organic chemistry and biology. The course is self-paced and contains video lectures and discussion forums that you can follow along. This course can be helpful for those looking to pursue healthcare or medical sciences in the future.
3. University of Edinburgh - Introduction to Philosophy
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all students
Fee: Free to audit; certificate available through Coursera plus
Course Dates: Flexible, Self-Paced
The Introduction to Philosophy course, offered by the University of Edinburgh on Coursera, allows students to engage with and learn about fundamental philosophical questions and theories. You will explore topics such as ethics, epistemology, philosophy of mind, and more. The course will introduce you to the basics of philosophy as well as the core ideas that have shaped the subject over centuries.
The course has multiple components that aid learning, such as video lectures, readings, and discussion forums. Through it, you can gain a deeper understanding of questions related to reality and morality, analyse philosophical arguments, and develop critical thinking skills. This course is beginner-friendly and a great introduction to the field that will enhance your understanding of the subject before you commit to philosophy in an academic setting.
4. BerkeleyX: The Science of Happiness
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all students
Fee: Free; optional $159 for certificate
Course Dates: Self-paced, 11 weeks
For those interested in psychology and mental well-being, the University of California, Berkeley offers The Science of Happiness course on EdX. The course introduces research on positive psychology and gives insight into the scientific literature on enhancing happiness and well-being. You will get to know what it means to lead a fulfilling life, the role of relationships, mindfulness, the science behind habits promoting mental health and more. The course draws from findings from psychological, neuroscientific, and sociological literature.
Throughout the course, you will learn about evidence-based practices for increasing happiness, including topics like gratitude, empathy, and resilience, through real-life exercises and reflection prompts. The course also covers quizzes on topics like the biological basis of happiness and the influence of social connections. Learning about the science of happiness can be instrumental not just for academic purposes but also for self-growth and well-being.
5. Girls Who Code
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: All female and non-binary high school students enrolled in grades 9-11 are eligible.
Fee: Free
Course Dates: 2 weeks, typically, in July but may vary depending on the program.
Girls Who Code is an organization that aims to address the gender gap in technology and computer science-related fields. Their Summer Immersion Program offers a unique opportunity for female and non-binary students to gain hands-on experience and network with industry professionals while connecting with like-minded peers. The program requires no previous knowledge.
The intensive two-week course will introduce you to intermediate topics in computer science, teach you game design, and walk you through the step-by-step process of web design. You will also have the chance to gain mentorship from renowned industry professionals. The classes will be live and virtual, sponsored by companies such as Metlife, Logitech, and more.
6. Introduction to Statistics by Stanford University
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all students
Fee: Free; access to graded assignments and a certificate requires a subscription.
Course Dates: Self-paced with 14 hours of course material
Introduction to Statistics by Stanford University, offered on Coursera, is a beginner's introduction to the field of statistics. It covers important topics related to statistics, such as regression, hypothesis testing, correlation, sampling methods, and more. The course is structured with real-world examples and practical problem sets, helping students focus on the mathematical and applied aspects of statistics.
You will get to deepen your understanding of how statistical methods are applied in decision-making based on data and the interpretation of quantitative information. The course will help you gain experience in analyzing datasets through guided interactive quizzes, including hands-on assignments.
7. UWashingtonX: Introduction to Public Speaking
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment; currently, the course is archived with new dates coming soon.
Eligibility: Open to all students and learners.
Fee: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee
Course Dates: Instructor-paced, 10 weeks with 3-5 hours a week.
Introduction to Public Speaking, offered by the University of Washington on EdX, provides students with the basic and essential skills to communicate confidently and positively in front of an audience. The course aims to equip students with public speaking techniques and covers audience engagement, designing and delivering speeches effectively, structuring basic and complex arguments, and strategies for managing public speaking anxiety.
Throughout the course, you will learn through video lectures, interactive quizzes, and feedback on discussion. This course has no prerequisites and simply requires you to complete assignments. You will practice speeches and delivery in multiple formats, gain the ability to structure your thoughts and speak confidently in personal and professional settings, and enhance your presence. This course is a great pick for anyone who aims to build on interpersonal skills.
8. Harvard's Machine Learning and AI with Python
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all students
Fee: Free; optional $299 for certificate
Course Dates: Self-paced; typically 6 weeks long
The Machine Learning and AI with Python course offered by Harvard University on EdX introduces the fundamental concepts of machine learning and artificial intelligence. The course covers important aspects of machine learning, like supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, regression models, clustering techniques, dimensionality reduction methods, and more.
You will also learn about topics like deep learning and neural networks and be introduced to building and training networks using Python frameworks. The course is beginner-friendly, but some knowledge of Python will help you advance and understand the modules better. You can learn flexibly through pre-recorded lectures, coding assignments, and assigned readings, which will help you understand real-world applications of the subject.
9. ColumbiaX: Robotics
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all students; previous knowledge of robotics required.
Fee: Free; optional $299 for certificate
Course Dates: Instructor-paced, future dates to be announced
The Foundations of Robotics course offered by Columbia University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of robotics by combining theory and experiential applications of the field. Through this course, you will get to explore core topics in the field of robotics such as kinematics, mobile robotics, motion planning, and programming.
You will delve into areas like control systems and sensor integration to learn how to design and control robotic systems. The course is advanced in nature and requires some previous knowledge of mechanics and robotics. You will also learn how robotics is applied in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and autonomous systems. The course contains flexible learning through pre-recorded video lectures, coding assignments, and case studies to deepen your understanding of robotics.
10. University of Cambridge: Foundations of Finance
Application Deadline: Open enrollment
Eligibility: Open to all students, professionals, and anyone interested in finance
Cost: Free; optional $299 for certificate
Course Dates: Self-paced, 5 weeks long with 3-5 hours a week of lectures
Foundations of Finance, offered by the University of Cambridge, is a great introduction for those who wish to learn about key financial concepts and theories. The course covers topics like money capital, interest and return, risk and risk management, financial reporting and more. You will learn through video lectures, real-world case studies, and interviews with practitioners.
This is a beginner-friendly course that is meant to help you develop a strong understanding of the application and theory behind financial principles. By the end of the course, you will be able to analyze financial data, make investment decisions, and apply financial concepts in academic and personal contexts.
Image Source - Stanford Logo