12 University Courses for High School Students
If you’re a high school student looking to impress college admissions departments and get an early introduction to college-level coursework, consider taking a university course or two! These programs not only allow you to experience college-level academics but also place you in a challenging environment that fosters growth and prepares you for the future – sometimes while earning college credit!
Taking on a university course is a great way to discover new passions, explore potential career paths, and develop essential skills. In this blog, we’ve compiled 12 university courses for high school students that will help get you a head start on your college journey!
Location: MIT Campus, MA | Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: 6 months | June to December
Application Deadline:
Student deadline: February 1, 2025
Recommender deadline: February 15, 2025
Eligibility: Must be high school juniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Credits Awarded: While participants don’t receive college or high school credits, they receive qualitative final evaluations from instructors, which they can submit as extra material for college applications.
The MITES Semester is a dynamic six-month hybrid learning experience that combines STEM education with comprehensive college preparation. As a participant, you’ll take two rigorous courses: a project-based course and a supplemental core course, covering subjects like machine learning, astrophysics, calculus, or science writing. Through interactive evening classes and projects, you’ll explore advanced topics in science and engineering, learning how to apply your knowledge to tackle real-world problems.
During the STEM Immersion Phase, you’ll work in teams to complete final projects and present them at the MITES Semester Conference, fostering both technical skills and collaboration. Weekly webinars, group discussions, and game nights ensure that you stay connected with peers and mentors throughout the summer.
As the program progresses into the College and Career Prep Phase, the focus shifts towards college readiness and professional development. You’ll engage in mock interviews, essay reviews, and workshops that prepare you for the college application process. The program also includes personalized evaluations from instructors, which many students use as supplemental material for college applications.
2. Ohio State University’s College Credit Plus Program
Location: In-person, hybrid, and virtual options available
Cost: Fees depend on the chosen courses. See here for information on academy funding eligibility.
Program Dates: Autumn, Spring, and Summer semesters
Application Deadline:
Autumn semester: May 1, 2025
Spring semester: October 15, 2025
Summer semester: February 1, 2025
Eligibility: Students in grades 7-12 can apply and must have an unweighted high school academic GPA of 3.0 or higher without the standardized test. The detailed list of eligibility criteria is here.
Credits Awarded: Free college credit and Ohio State credit awarded to participants.
Ohio State University’s College Credit Plus Program through the Ohio State Academy offers high school students a unique chance to simultaneously earn high school and college credits. As a participant, you'll have access to a variety of college-level courses at Ohio State’s ATI campus in Wooster, covering general education subjects or core areas related to Ohio State ATI’s majors. Whether you're exploring advanced topics not available in your high school or taking foundational courses in disciplines like agriculture, environmental science, or engineering, you'll experience the rigor of college education early on.
Before beginning your classes, you'll attend an orientation program alongside a parent or legal guardian. During this session, you’ll meet with an academy advisor who will guide you in selecting courses that align with your academic goals and interests and help ensure your course load is manageable within your high school schedule. While in the program, you’ll get a taste of college life, learning how to navigate the expectations of college professors and the pace of university coursework. With access to both in-person classes on the Wooster campus and limited online options, you’ll be able to tailor your experience to your educational needs.
3. Tufts University College Summer Hallmark Courses
Location: Virtual and Medford/Somerville Campus
Cost: $1300 (limited amount of financial aid available)
Program Dates: Depends on the course
Application Deadline: December – May (tentatively)
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 10-12 or graduating in the spring. See here for more details.
Credits Awarded: Some courses offer college credit while others can only be audited.
Tufts University’s College Summer Hallmark Courses engage high school students in college-level academics while offering a deep dive into specialized subjects. You can choose from courses like veterinary medicine, coding, international relations, engineering with artificial intelligence, and more. Each one is designed to provide hands-on learning and in-depth exploration of complex topics, giving you the chance to tackle real-world challenges through projects and workshops and experience college-level coursework.
By collaborating with peers and Tufts faculty, you’ll further engage in thought-provoking discussions and develop essential problem-solving skills. Whether you're coding algorithms, analyzing global relations, or gaining clinical experience in the Mini Med School, the coursework is both academically stimulating and rewarding for all programs offered.
Location: Yale University's campus, New Haven, CT
Cost: $6500 + $75-$90 application fee (need-based financial aid available)
Program Dates:
Session I: June 22 – July 4
Session II: July 6 – July 18
Session III: July 20 – Aug 1
Application Deadline: Rolling | Early Action: October 20, 2024 | Regular Decision: January 10, 2025
Eligibility: Must be between the ages of 16-18 by July 20, 2025, and current high school sophomores or juniors (or the international equivalent). See here for more details.
Credits Awarded: No grades or course credit awarded. However, students will receive an electronic certificate of completion by the end of the program.
Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) offers a rigorous two-week academic summer program designed to challenge high school students in a globally diverse environment. The curriculum covers a range of disciplines, from STEM to social sciences, humanities, and cross-disciplinary studies, encouraging you to explore topics at a deeper level.
With seminars, lectures, and breakout discussions led by Yale faculty and experts, the program allows you to engage in critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. A key component is the capstone project, where you’ll work in teams to develop a research-based project under the mentorship of YYGS staff, pushing your academic boundaries in a structured yet creative setting.
The learning experience at YYGS is immersive and exploratory with no grades or course credit, which allows you to focus on intellectual growth without the pressure of assessments. You’ll be exposed to university-style learning, moving between large lectures and smaller, discussion-based seminars, which helps build analytical and communication skills. The program's diverse academic focus, combined with the opportunity to live and learn on Yale’s campus, offers a preview of university life while deepening your understanding of global and interdisciplinary issues.
5. UPenn Wharton Global Youth Program
Location: Virtual | In-person
Cost: Application fee of $100 + Course fee (varies) | Scholarships available
Program Dates: Depends on the course you’re applying to
Application Deadline:
On-Campus Summer Programs – Priority Deadline: January 29, 2025 | Final Deadline: April 2, 2025
Location-Based Summer Programs – Priority Deadline: January 29, 2025 | Final Deadline: April 2, 2025
Online Programs – Priority Deadline: April 2, 2025 | Final Deadline: May 1, 2025
Eligibility: Must be high school students enrolled in grades 9 – 12 with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA or equivalent
Credits Awarded: The Pre-baccalaureate Program awards 0.5 University of Pennsylvania course units (equivalent to 2 college credits at most post-secondary institutions) per course.
The Wharton Global Youth Program at the University of Pennsylvania is a solid opportunity for high school students to engage in the study of business fundamentals through a range of specialized online and in-person courses. Programs like "Financial Decision Making" focus on core financial principles, while "Moneyball Academy" introduces the application of statistics in sports. Under the guidance of Wharton faculty and through lectures, group projects, and business simulations, you will develop a strong foundation in business concepts before stepping into college.
In addition to mastering business theory, you'll also refine essential leadership and communication skills. Courses like "Essentials of Leadership" push you to work closely with peers in collaborative settings, exploring topics like teamwork, decision-making, and innovation. You’ll participate in discussions and case studies that apply business concepts to global issues, broadening your perspective and preparing you for future leadership roles. The program is designed to build both your academic and practical understanding of the business world, allowing you to take up college-level academic work while still in high school.
6. Johns Hopkins Pre-college Summer Programs
Location: Virtual or on-campus at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MA
Cost: $85 Application Fee + Initial Payment of $1,950 USD + Online/On-campus course fee
Program Dates: 2 weeks | Late June to early August (tentatively)
Application Deadline: March (tentatively)
Eligibility: Must have completed 9th grade before the start of the program and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Credits Awarded: The number of credits offered varies depending on the course.
Johns Hopkins Pre-College Summer Programs are an immersive academic experience for high school students eager to explore advanced topics in fields like medicine, neuroscience, and psychology. With both on-campus and online options, these programs provide you with the opportunity to engage in college-level coursework led by world-renowned instructors.
On-campus programs in Baltimore feature a blend of morning lectures, hands-on learning, and engaging activities like guest speaker sessions and social outings. You'll have access to university resources, such as libraries and research facilities while getting to explore courses like "Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease," "Foundational Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence," and "Medical School Intensive."
For those who prefer the flexibility of learning online, the Pre-College Summer Programs also offer self-paced, asynchronous courses that maintain rigorous academic standards. Whether you're studying "Neuroscience and Human Behavior" or "Creative Writing," the curriculum is designed to challenge your critical thinking and independent learning skills. While the program is primarily asynchronous, there are opportunities for live interaction with instructors and peers, ensuring you still benefit from a collaborative academic environment.
Location: Online, hybrid, or on-campus at Brown University, Providence, RI
Cost: $300 non-refundable deposit + Course fee (scholarships available)
Program Dates: 1 to 6 weeks | June – August, depending on the course
Application Deadline: Rolling | March/May (tentatively)
Eligibility: Open to rising 9th and 10th grade students
Credits Awarded: Brown’s Pre-College Program courses don’t offer credit; however, their seven-week, online Pre-Baccalaureate Program does.
Brown Pre-College Programs allow high school students to explore college-level academics while developing the skills needed for a successful transition to university life. These programs, which range from one to six weeks, provide a vast selection of over 300 courses spanning disciplines such as environmental studies, medicine, leadership, psychology, and creative writing. Whether you're studying on campus, commuting, or taking courses online, you'll be part of a diverse global community of motivated high school students.
Outside the classroom, the program also emphasizes personal growth and community building through various educational workshops and social activities. You’ll attend workshops on time management, college applications, and leadership development, helping you sharpen the tools needed for future academic success. On-campus students enjoy a full range of recreational events, from block parties to sports, and even excursions to local attractions. Virtual students can participate in interactive webinars focused on college preparation, such as writing application essays or exploring financial aid options.
Location: Virtual or MIT campus, MA
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: No deadline
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Credits Awarded: None
MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) provides an ideal opportunity for high school students to access a vast range of college-level course materials from one of the world’s most prestigious institutions – completely free of charge. Whether you're exploring advanced subjects like thermodynamics, climate change, or introduction to statistical physics, OCW offers you the chance to dive into MIT’s rigorous curriculum at your own pace.
For students aiming to build a strong foundation before entering university, MIT OCW is an excellent platform for exploration and growth. Since there are no deadlines or required assignments, you have full control over how and when you engage with the material. Each course provides comprehensive resources, such as lecture notes, problem sets, and exams, giving you a complete understanding of the subject.
What makes OCW especially valuable for high school students is the flexibility it offers. This program is ideal for self-motivated students who want to challenge themselves academically, gain exposure to new areas of knowledge, or supplement their current studies with in-depth resources. You don’t need to register or commit to a schedule; simply access the materials online and begin learning!
9. Cornell SCE Pre-college Studies
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,840 per credit; some courses come with nonrefundable course fees as well.
Program Dates and Deadlines: Rolling | Apply by Dec 2 to take on a winter course | View dates and deadlines here
Eligibility: Rising or current high school juniors & seniors who have completed 15 years of age (see here for more details)
Credits Awarded: 3-12 credits
Cornell SCE Pre-college Studies allows motivated high school students to experience Ivy League academics while still in high school. The program allows you to earn college credits and immerse yourself in real college-level courses. You’ll engage in rigorous academic work that spans 3 to 12 credits, and the grades you earn will be recorded on an official Cornell transcript. With a wide range of subjects like architecture, business, health, and veterinary medicine, Cornell provides a variety of courses across disciplines – all taught by leading faculty members.
Courses are offered online, in an asynchronous format that lets you work at your own pace. As a student, you are expected to use Cornell’s web-based learning system, Canvas, for assignments, discussions, and virtual interactions. The fast-paced summer and winter sessions condense 15 weeks of learning into just a few weeks, offering you an intense but rewarding academic challenge.
10. University of Minnesota's PSEO Program
Location: Virtual or on-campus at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Starts from September 2, 2025
Application Deadline: Applications open on February 17, 2025, and close on April 15, 2025
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.6
Credits Awarded: Minimum of 2 credits awarded per course
The University of Minnesota’s Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program allows high school juniors and seniors to engage in university-level courses, enabling them to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. As a PSEO student, individuals can choose to enroll either part-time or full-time in a variety of subjects, with classes available on campus as well as limited online options. This program offers the flexibility to meet high school graduation requirements, accelerate college credit accumulation, or pursue personal interests. The curriculum encompasses a diverse range of disciplines, from sciences to humanities, and is designed to provide an intellectually stimulating environment.
Participating in the PSEO program requires students to take on significant independence and responsibility in managing their education. Students must comprehend how their selected courses contribute to both their high school diploma and future college degree requirements. Effectively planning their schedules through the university's system, seeking assistance when necessary, and monitoring their academic progress are crucial components for successfully navigating this program.
11. Harvard Summer School Pre-College Program
Location: On campus
Cost: $5,800 + $75 application fee (limited number of scholarships available)
Program Dates:
Session I: June 22 – July 3, 2025
Session II: July 6 – 18, 2025
Session III: July 20 – August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: Applications open on December 2, 2024, and close on April 9, 2025.
Eligibility: Open to students who are graduating from high school and entering college in 2026 or 2027, are at least 16 years old by June 21, 2025, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2025
Credits Awarded: College credits not offered
If you’re a high school student wishing to dive into Ivy League academics, then Harvard’s Pre-College Summer School Program might be for you! Over an intensive two-week session, you’ll get to live on the Harvard campus, interacting with both peers and Ivy League scholars in a challenging, non-credit course. With an average class size of 15 students, you'll engage in thoughtful debates and discussions on complex topics, honing your critical thinking and communication skills. The program covers a wide range of subjects, from economics to political science, and includes lectures designed to give insight into various academic fields.
The program emphasizes a well-rounded college experience that goes beyond academics. You’ll take part in workshops aimed at developing key college readiness skills, such as time management and reading for academic discussions, which are vital for a successful transition into higher education. Social and residential activities, along with off-campus trips, offer the chance to build friendships, explore the Harvard campus, and enjoy what Cambridge and Boston have to offer.
12. Stanford Online
Location: Virtual
Cost: Depends on the course
Program Dates: Self-paced
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.6
Credits Awarded: Depends on the course
Stanford Online is an extensive learning portal that grants high school students access to Stanford University's exceptional educational resources. Through this platform, you can delve into a diverse range of subjects such as computer science, statistical learning, healthcare, and communication. Courses like "Computer Science 101" and "Mining Massive Datasets" allow you to acquire foundational and advanced skills, while courses in logic challenge your analytical thinking. By participating, you can audit classes for free, or choose to receive a verified certificate to highlight your accomplishments for a minimal fee.
This platform caters specifically to motivated students eager to expand their knowledge and enhance their academic profiles. You have the flexibility to learn at your own pace, balancing your high school commitments with engaging university-level coursework. With the chance to explore topics relevant to your interests or future career aspirations, Stanford Online equips you with the skills and knowledge that will prove beneficial in your academic journey and beyond.
One other option – the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs. Lumiere is a selective online program for high school students founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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