Summer college courses for high school students are structured academic classes offered by universities, either online or in person. These courses focus solely on subject learning through lectures, assignments, and assessments. If you’re considering summer college courses for high school students, the format typically mirrors undergraduate classes. You follow a syllabus, complete graded work, and engage with material at a college level. Some summer college courses for high school students also offer college credit, while others are non-credit but academically rigorous. Unlike broader summer programs, summer college courses for high school students are designed around coursework delivery rather than project-based exploration. This makes them useful if you want exposure to college academics in a focused format.
What do Summer College courses for high schoolers include?
In most summer college courses for high school students, your time is spent attending lectures, completing readings, and submitting graded assignments.
- In STEM courses: expect problem sets, coding exercises (often in Python), or lab-based work.
- In business/economics: case study analysis, spreadsheet modeling (Excel), and basic data interpretation.
- In humanities: close reading of texts, argumentative essays, and structured discussions.
You’ll also use standard academic tools such as Excel or Google Sheets for data work, Python or MATLAB (in technical courses), and citation frameworks like MLA/APA in writing-heavy subjects. Assessment typically includes quizzes, exams, essays, or short projects. Some courses may include presentations, but these are tied directly to coursework. Overall, summer college courses for high school students require time management, deadline tracking, and independent study, similar to a real college class.
Below is a curated list of 15 summer college courses for high school students. For more options, you can also check out our guide on free summer programs for high school students here.
15 Summer College Courses for High School Students
1. University of Pennsylvania Pre-College Programs
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $15,192–$23,604 (residential) | $8,692–$14,300 (online)
Program Dates: June 30–August 8 (residential) | May 26–July 1 (online session I) | July 2–August 7 (online session II)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions | Early application is strongly advised
Eligibility: Current 10th–11th grade students
You’ll enroll in undergraduate courses and attend class alongside Penn students, so the academic pace and expectations match a real college environment. The program is offered in both residential and online formats, depending on whether you want to live on campus or study remotely. Most courses are worth one course unit, with lab-based classes typically counting for more. You’ll earn official college credit measured in course units (c.u.), which can translate to semester credits depending on the course. Your schedule will revolve around lectures, assignments, and discussions, with some courses requiring lab work or additional projects. Courses are taken alongside Penn undergraduates rather than in a separate high school cohort, which changes how classes are structured.
2. Tufts College Experience
Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, MA
Cost: $11,790 (residential) | $9,196 (commuter)
Program Dates: July 5–August 14 (residential) | July 6–August 14 (commuter)
Application Deadline: May 11
Eligibility: Entering grades 10–12 or Spring graduates (minimum age 15)
This six-week program is structured similarly to a college term, with you choosing your own courses and managing a multi-class schedule. You can enroll in 6–8 credits of undergraduate-level classes, most taught by Tufts faculty, and your week will include lectures, assignments, and independent study time. You’ll build your own schedule rather than following a preset curriculum, which means you’re responsible for balancing multiple classes at once. In addition to academics, you can attend optional College Prep 101 sessions on Fridays that cover topics like admissions and transitioning to college. Residential students live in campus housing, while commuter students attend during the day. The six-week structure and 6–8 credit load make it one of the longer and more academically intensive pre-college options.
3. UCLA Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP)
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $1,675 (program fee) + $385 (per academic unit) + $350 (registration fee) + $50 (document fee) + $61 (IEI fee)
Program Dates: June 22–August 14 (varies by session)
Application Deadline: May 1 (April 1 for international students requiring a visa)
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in Grades 10-11 with a minimum GPA of 3.8 (unweighted, cumulative)
In SCIP, you’ll enroll in UCLA courses, attend lectures alongside other students, and participate in structured program activities. The experience combines academic coursework with workshops and seminars that focus on study skills and adjusting to college expectations. You’ll earn college credit while following a schedule that includes both coursework and organized co-curricular programming. There are multiple formats, including a research-focused option (SCIP+) and a fully online version (eSCIP). Session lengths vary, so the time commitment depends on the courses you choose. The program combines standard UCLA coursework with additional structured programming, rather than focusing only on classes.
4. Harvard Pre-College Summer Program
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $6,100 + $75 application fee | Financial aid available
Program Dates: June 21–July 2 (session I) | July 5–17 (session II) | July 19–31 (session III)
Application Deadline: January 7 (early application) | February 11 (regular application) | April 1 (late application)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors, ages 16–18
This is a two-week residential program where you’ll take a college-level course in a discussion-based format. Your days are split between class time, homework, and scheduled social or extracurricular activities designed to structure the residential experience. Classes are non-credit and do not include grades, so the focus is on exposure to college-level material rather than academic evaluation. With around 30 course options per session, you can explore different subjects without committing to a full academic workload. Outside the classroom, the program includes organized activities and supervised campus life. The short duration and single-course format make it more of an introduction to college academics than a full academic term.
5. Terp Young Scholars (University of Maryland)
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Cost: $1,791 (campus) | $1,420 (online)
Program Dates: July 13–31
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduating seniors who are at least 13 years old | Must have an unweighted academic average of 3.0 or better | International students can apply
This is a three-week program in which you’ll take a college course worth 3 credits, either on campus or online. Your schedule is centered on that single class, with lectures, assignments, and coursework similar to those of a standard undergraduate course. You’ll earn three university credits for completing the course, with tuition based on in-state per-credit rates. The campus option also includes structured activities and access to university resources, while the online option focuses on virtual instruction. Some courses may include additional fees depending on the subject. Because you take only one course over three weeks, the workload is concentrated into a shorter timeframe than a typical college term.
6. NYU Precollege
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: Approximately $700–$16,000, depending on credits
Program Dates: July 1–August 12 (summer) | September 2–December 22 (fall)
Application Deadline: Summer – June 15 (March 13 for international students) | Fall – August 14
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th grade students (minimum 3.0 GPA)
In this program, you’ll enroll in NYU courses for credit and study alongside undergraduates and other pre-college students. You can take anywhere from 0–8 credits, so your schedule can range from a light course load to something closer to a full academic term. You’ll register for your own classes and build your schedule, rather than following a fixed curriculum. Outside of class, there are optional College 101 workshops covering topics like admissions and study strategies. If you choose to live on campus, you’ll stay in residence halls and have access to dining and student services. Course selection and credit load vary widely, so the academic intensity depends on how many credits you choose to take.
7. Dartmouth Precollege Online Program
Location: Online
Cost: $1,895 per course
Program Dates: Multi-length courses offered year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
This program offers short online courses across subjects like AI, business, psychology, and biology, each designed to be completed in about 20–30 hours. Lessons are delivered through recorded content, assignments, and mentor support rather than live lectures. Each course ends with a capstone project where you present what you’ve learned in a format of your choice. The structure is flexible, so you can complete coursework on your own schedule within the given timeframe. There are no formal admissions requirements, such as transcripts or recommendations. Because courses are short and self-paced, the experience is closer to an enrichment course than a full academic term.
8. Columbia University College Edge: Summer
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $2,666 per point (approx. $15,996 for 6 points / ~2 courses) | Financial aid available
Program Dates: May 25–July 3 (session A) | July 6–August 14 (session B)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis | Early application is encouraged
Eligibility: Grades 11–12
In College Edge, you’ll register for courses with guidance from an academic advisor and are expected to follow the same academic structure as college students. You’ll earn college credit while taking standard Columbia courses, which typically require several hours of work outside of class for each hour in class. In addition to academics, the program includes advising and workshops focused on academic and professional development. Campus resources, such as libraries and student facilities, are available during your time in the program. The workload and expectations align with those of undergraduate courses rather than a separate high school curriculum.
9. Duke Pre-College (High School Courses)
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: $6,050
Program Dates: June 13–24 | June 28–July 9 | July 13–24
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0
You’ll enroll in a single course and spend two weeks working through a mix of lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities. Courses cover areas like neuroscience, law, engineering, business, and psychology, and are taught by Duke faculty and Ph.D. students. The program is fully residential, so your schedule includes both classroom time and structured evening programs. Days are fairly packed, with most of your time centered around your subject area. You’re not earning college credit, and the focus is on short-term subject exploration rather than building a transcript. Compared to credit-bearing programs, this leans more toward exposure and academic sampling over depth.
10. UConn Pre-College Summer
Location: University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
Cost: ~$2,250–$7,900 depending on the number of courses | Additional fees may apply | Check here
Program Dates: Varies by course (e.g., June 21–27)
Application Deadline: June 11 (priority) | Applications may continue to be submitted based on course availability
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors (14–17 years) | Have completed at least one year of high school by the time of the start of the program | Must have at least a 2.0 GPA | Check other requirements here
You’ll choose one or more short courses and spend your time in a mix of classroom instruction and applied work. Some courses include building models, working with datasets, or completing small projects based on what you learn in class. Most options are residential and non-credit, though credit-bearing courses are offered separately. The length and structure depend on how many courses you enroll in. Courses emphasize hands-on application, with assignments focused on using concepts rather than just learning theory. Costs scale with the number of courses, which can make the overall structure less standardized across students. The experience can vary significantly depending on the courses you choose and the format you select.
11. Barnard Pre-Baccalaureate Program
Location: Barnard College, New York, NY
Cost: $7,065 base tuition | Up to ~$10,954 with add-ons | Need-based financial aid available
Program Dates: July 6–August 14
Application Deadline: February (for financial aid) | Rolling admissions otherwise
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and gap year students who are enrolled in a robust course load (AP classes in the area of interest and/or enrollment in an IB program) and maintain a strong GPA
You’ll take a 3-credit college course over six weeks, attending classes alongside Barnard undergraduates. The structure follows a compressed college-semester schedule, with regular assignments, grading, and academic expectations similar to those of an undergraduate course. This is a commuter program, so you’re responsible for managing your time outside of class unless you add optional housing or activities. Most of your time is spent on coursework rather than structured programming. Outside activities are available but not central to the program structure. Compared to shorter programs, this is more academically focused and closer to a standard college experience.
12. USC Summer Programs
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $85 (application fee)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 22–July 17
Application Deadline: March 13 (international) | May 8 (domestic)
Eligibility: Students who have completed at least 9th grade
You’ll take one course over four weeks, with classes running most of the day and a schedule that includes lectures, group work, and projects. Depending on the subject, your coursework may include labs, field trips, or a final project. Outside of class, there are structured residential activities and planned outings. The daily routine is closer to a full-day academic schedule than a part-time program. Students can earn elective college credit, and coursework is tied to a defined syllabus and final evaluation. Evenings and weekends include organized programs built into the overall experience. The program combines academic coursework with a structured residential schedule rather than emphasizing independent study.
13. GW Pre-College Summer Immersion
Location: George Washington University, Washington, DC
Cost: $4,950 (residential) | $4,350 (commuter)
Program Dates: June 21–July 3 (Session I) | July 5–17 (Session II) | July 19–31 (Session III)
Application Deadline: Priority deadline – May 1 | Final deadline – Session I: May 31; Session II: June 14; Session III: June 28
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
You’ll enroll in a two-week program focused on a subject area like public policy, international relations, STEM, or business. Days include lectures, discussions, and site visits connected to your topic, along with structured evening programs. The schedule runs from morning through evening, with limited unstructured time. Some sessions incorporate visits to institutions around Washington, DC, as part of the coursework. The program integrates classroom learning with location-based experiences tied to the subject area. It is non-credit, so there is no formal transcript outcome. Compared to longer programs, the timeline is shorter and more condensed, with an emphasis on exposure rather than extended academic work.
14. Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: $7,000 | Financial aid available
Program Dates: June 21–July 3 | July 5–17 | July 19–31
Application Deadline: October 15 (early action) | January 7 (regular decision)
Eligibility: Be a current high school sophomore or junior (ages 16–18) | Be a first-time participant in YYGS
You’ll attend a two-week residential session focused on one interdisciplinary track, such as science and technology, global challenges, or politics and economics. The program includes lectures, seminars, small-group discussions, and collaborative projects and presentations. Students come from over 150 countries, so a large part of the experience involves group work and discussion-based learning. Your days are structured around academic sessions and organized residential activities. Each student selects one subject track and works within that area for the full two weeks, rather than switching between courses. Tuition covers housing, meals, and program materials, but not travel. Compared to many shorter programs, YYGS is more structured around discussion and global perspectives than hands-on or lab-based work.
15. Rutgers Pre-College Summer Academies
Location: Rutgers University–New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost/Stipend: ~$2,899 (non-credit) | ~$3,784–$5,068 (credit options) | Varies by program
Program Dates: July 12–18 | July 19–25 | July 26–August 1 (varies by program)
Application Deadline: April 12 (international) | May 24 (domestic)
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18 (typically rising juniors and seniors)
You’ll enroll in a one-week residential academy focused on a specific subject like engineering, marketing, law, or astrophysics. Each day includes workshops, lectures, and guided activities led by instructors and practitioners, along with campus tours and structured evening programming. Some academies offer a small amount of college credit, while others offer no credit. All students live on campus throughout the program and follow a fully supervised residential schedule. At the end, you receive a digital credential rather than a full academic transcript in most cases. Because of the one-week format, the experience is more introductory and condensed compared to multi-week programs.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking beyond summer college courses for high school students, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image Source – George Washington University