13 Best Summer Internships for College Students
Summer internships provide college students with a valuable opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings while exploring potential career paths. These programs provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to industry standards.
Whether you’re interested in science, business, tech, or public policy, internships can also give you an edge in competitive job markets and graduate school applications. Many top internships are hosted by leading companies, research institutions, and government agencies, and often include stipends, structured training, and opportunities to work on impactful projects.
In this list, we’ve selected the 13 best summer internships for college students across a range of disciplines. Each one combines skill-building, real-world impact, and access to experienced professionals.
1. Ladder’s University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: All high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit to working for 10-20 hours a week for 8-12 weeks.
Program Dates: Multiple 8-12-week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid is available.
Ladder’s University Program offers virtual internships for ambitious students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship typically lasts 8 weeks.
2. Summer Associate Program at Goldman Sachs
Location: Various locations across the country
Eligibility: The summer associate role is for candidates currently working towards an advanced degree such as MBA, JD, MD, or LLM and is usually undertaken during the second or penultimate year of study.
Program Dates: 9-10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified. Applications are currently open.
Cost/Stipend: Paid. The exact stipend depends on the role.
This program is a noteworthy opportunity for students to kickstart their careers at a prestigious, global company. Participants will attend orientations providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s culture, benefits, and responsibilities. They will also undergo training and collaborate on real tasks with their fellow interns and Goldman Sachs employees. You can select from various opportunities including workplace solutions, investment banking, engineering, legal, corporate, global compliance, executive office, wealth management, and others.
3. Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA)
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Interns must be eligible to work in the U.S. (as verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s e-verify service) and must reside in one of the states where APA is already registered as an employer.
Program Dates: Year-round internships, with summer options available.
Application Deadline: Varies based on the internship.
Cost/Stipend: Paid or for academic credit. This depends on the internship.
The American Psychological Association offers a range of internships that are tailored to match students’ interests. Each internship offers a range of learning opportunities across various departments, encompassing roles in communications, operations, research, policy, and other areas. Interns also receive guidance from a supervisor as they work on practical projects and develop their skills, while also learning how to navigate a professional environment. This program features workshops, networking events, and collaborative group projects that enhance students’ academic and professional development. Some internships are unpaid and intended for academic credit, but many paid opportunities are also available in various roles.
4. Accenture Early Career Internships - Technology Summer Analyst
Location: Several locations across the United States
Eligibility: Students pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in any major. Critical thinking, knowledge of statistics or data analytics, visual tools, and programming languages are preferred.
Program Dates: June 3 – August 15
Application Deadline: October 9
Cost/Stipend: Stipend depends on office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. In California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, and Washington, the stipend ranges from $32-$35 per hour.
The Accenture Technology Summer Analyst internship offers students hands-on experience in technology consulting across multiple U.S. offices. Interns work in person on real client projects and collaborate with teams to design and implement tech-based solutions. Typical tasks may include creating prototypes for new technologies, developing client-facing applications, supporting platform integration efforts, and identifying cybersecurity risks. The program emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and exposure to a range of industries and technologies. Interns also learn about Accenture’s methods for digital transformation, data analytics, and cloud platforms while getting mentorship from experienced professionals.
5. U.S. Department of State’s Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years of age at the time of employment, enrolled in a degree-seeking program, and have a minimum GPA of 3.2
Program Dates:
Summer: May/July to August/September
Fall: September/December to December/February
Spring: January/March to April/May
Application Deadline: Varies. Applications for Summer, Fall, and Spring sessions open in October, February, and July, respectively
Cost/Stipend: Interns will receive compensation as a GS-04/Step 1 base pay, along with reasonable travel expenses and housing assistance.
This is a paid opportunity for students to work in U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, as well as in various bureaus in Washington, D.C. It offers an immersive learning experience for students interested in pursuing a career in foreign affairs. The duties of the participants vary from one bureau to another, but typically require students to participate in meetings with senior Government officials, draft or edit materials used by policymakers, support events such as multilateral meetings and conferences, and engage directly with US audiences to promote awareness of US foreign policy, culture, and society. Students may work in geographic bureaus, overseeing policies for a specific region of the world, or in functional bureaus, where they focus on particular issues and are responsible for policy areas that affect all regions or countries. Students can select the office that best suits their major.
6. Abbott Early Career Internships
Location: Various locations depending on the available opportunities.
Eligibility: Students must be eligible to work in the United States, be enrolled in an undergraduate program majoring in a related discipline, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have at least one year of university-level education. They must also be willing to travel and be placed anywhere throughout the United States.
Program Dates: 10-12 weeks during the Summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Cost/Stipend: Depends on the role
This internship program is highly competitive and versatile, allowing students to work on assignments at Abbott. The program ensures that students are assigned work based on their skills and experience, and they gain a thorough knowledge of the company and the healthcare industry. Participants also receive career development opportunities, mentorship from senior leaders, and other benefits. This program primarily aims to develop career readiness skills through a comprehensive experience, ensuring students are well-prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation.
7. Internships at NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM)
Location: NASA facilities nationwide (with virtual opportunities available)
Eligibility: Full-time high school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Program Dates: Programs are offered in 3 sessions:
Fall: 16 weeks (late August/early September to mid-December)
Spring: 16 weeks ( mid-January to early May)
Summer: 10 weeks (late May/early June to August)
Application Deadline: Varies depending on cohort
Cost/Stipend: Stipend available based on session length and academic level
NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) internships are esteemed programs that offer students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and gain experience in space science, engineering, and technology. Interns can apply for a variety of roles matching their interests, including technical writing, research, data analysis, documentation, and more. As they conduct their duties, interns are paired with a NASA mentor, who provides them with a structured learning experience that promotes professional and personal growth. Students can explore various opportunities available, such as the SMA Systems Engineer internship, which will enable them to work at the Quality and Flight Equipment Division (NT) and contribute to ongoing projects within the organization.
8. EnergyMag Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: College students with a GPA above 3.0.
Program Dates:
Half-time: 2 to 8 weeks in increments of 2 weeks, available in summer.
Quarter-time: 1 to 9 months in increments of 1 month, available all year round.
Application Deadline: Applications are open year-round.
Cost/Stipend: None
This opportunity in the renewable energy and sustainability sector allows students to engage in real-world research projects related to these fields. As an intern, you will undertake tasks tailored to your academic background and career ambitions, receiving guidance, support, and supervision from a mentor. The mentor will assist them in effectively collecting, synthesizing, and analyzing information to develop their draft analysis report. The draft analysis report might be published on the EnergyMag website, offering students a platform to showcase their work and build a foundation for future research opportunities. The selection process is very competitive, helping students enhance their research writing and analytical skills. They can select from half-time summer programs, lasting 2 to 8 weeks, or quarter-time programs, which can extend up to 9 months.
9. Summer Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)
Location: Remote or in-person options are available
Eligibility: College students with U.S. work authorization
Program Dates:
Fall: September – December
Spring: February - May
Summer: June - August
Application Deadline: Applications for Summer typically open in February
Cost/Stipend: Varies by internship (paid and unpaid options available)
FPRI offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain experience in foreign policy and international affairs through department-based internships. Interns are assigned to one of four areas: Research, Events/Development, Communications, or Operations. Research interns assist scholars with literature reviews and analysis on global issues; Events/Development interns help plan and coordinate conferences and public events; Communications interns support content development and outreach efforts; and Operations interns assist with internal logistics and program management. All interns receive direct supervision from FPRI staff and participate in seminars and career panels throughout the term. The program is available in both in-person and remote formats, designed to develop skills in writing, research, communication, and project coordination.
10. Wealth Management Summer Analyst Program - Morgan Stanley Summer Internships
Location: New York, but the company has other opportunities in various locations across the country
Eligibility: Students pursuing an undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Applicants must also be legally authorized to work in the United States, without requiring, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status.
Program Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: September 29
Cost/Stipend: $52.89/hour. Depending on the position, interns may also receive discretionary bonuses and other benefit programs.
This 10-week program places interns into specific teams within the Wealth Management Home Office. It offers an immersive, project-based experience that closely mirrors the work of a Wealth Management professional. Summer Analysts are assigned to the Home Office, where they work on investment solutions, product development, strategy, digital offerings, and research. These resources are used by Financial Advisors to support their client interactions. Interns undergo a week of training before joining their team for the summer program, during which they gain a deeper understanding of the business and the full range of financial services and products that the company offers.
11. National Park Service Internships
Location: Depends on the internship in question. Remote opportunities may also be available.
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates (up to 2 years post-graduation).
Program Dates: 10-11 weeks during the summer, exact dates depend on the internship.
Application Deadline: Early February
Cost/Stipend: $21/hour or higher; pay rates will be included in individual postings. Select positions will also receive a professional development stipend. Some positions are remote.
These internships aim to provide students with practical experience while supporting the protection of the country’s national parks and significant cultural sites. The National Park Service partners with other organizations to provide a range of internship opportunities, and students are encouraged to reach out directly to parks to discover additional options. There are various roles available, which can be accessed here. A notable opportunity is the Build Up Technical Internship, where students undertake roles related to publication services, social sciences, project management, and additional tasks.
12. New York Times Internship
Location: Remote or hybrid from the New York Times headquarters, New York City.
Eligibility: Students enrolled in degree programs or coming from non-traditional backgrounds, such as boot camps and associate degree programs.
Program Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: October 25
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided
This program enables students to spend 10 weeks collaborating closely with the New York Times teams. A variety of roles are available, including advertising, marketing, product and design, data, and technology. Participants will also join events featuring organizational leaders, providing an insider’s perspective on how the Times functions.
13. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
Location: Jacksonville, FL | Scottsdale, AZ | Rochester, MN
Eligibility: Current second- or third-year college undergraduate student at a U.S. college or university who will be a continuing student in the subsequent fall semester. Students must also be considering a career as a PhD or M.D, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. International students attending college or university in the United States are also welcome to apply.
Program Dates: May 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 3
Cost/Stipend: $6,000 stipend
This program offers around 180 students the opportunity to explore their preferred subjects through immersive, hands-on research. Working with a mentor who is a Mayo Clinic faculty member, postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, or medical student, you will undertake a research project. This project can concentrate on fields such as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering and Physiology, Clinical and Translational Sciences, Immunology, Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Neuroscience, Regenerative Sciences, or Virology and Experiments. Students’ contributions in the projects may lead to acknowledgment or co-authorship in professional publications.
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