15 Pre-College Programs for High School Students in NJ (New Jersey)

Pre-college programs offer high school students a practical way to explore academic interests while developing skills that are useful in both college and early career environments. These programs often combine coursework, access to university-level instruction, and exposure to professional fields, giving you a clearer understanding of what to expect in higher education. Many are hosted by top colleges and organizations, providing meaningful learning experiences, mentorship, and structured preparation. Through these programs, you can strengthen your academic skills and build valuable networks with mentors and peers.

New Jersey offers pre-college programs hosted by universities like Princeton, Rutgers, Montclair State, and Rowan that allow you to earn transferable college credit and experience college-level coursework. This helps reduce future tuition costs and lightens your college workload, preparing you for the intensive university academic life. They also provide opportunities to explore specific academic or career fields in STEM, business, or the arts through specialized academies and workshops. This can help you make an informed decision about your major once you reach college. 

To help you compare these opportunities, we’ve compiled a list of 15 pre-college programs for high school students in NJ (New Jersey).

1. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) 

Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ (in-person only; no housing or transportation provided)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15 – 20 students
Dates: 5–6 week summer research experience, dates vary by faculty project
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by June 15, enrolled in a local NJ high school, and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; no exceptions

In this program, you work under the supervision of Princeton faculty and research staff, learning laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and methods used in current scientific investigations. Each placement is tied to an active research initiative in fields such as engineering, biology, chemistry, environmental science, or computational modeling. You will follow a regular weekday schedule and complete a required two-page research summary at the end of the program. Because LLP is an outreach initiative for local minors, it does not provide housing, transportation, social programming, or evening activities. All selected students must complete safety training and provide documentation such as parental consent and proof of local residency.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to the program type; full financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 25%; 70 – 100 students
Dates: 8–12 week internships across Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week for 8 – 12 weeks

Ladder Internships provides students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience by working directly with high-growth start-ups across a range of industries. During the program, you collaborate with a startup manager on tasks that may involve research, product development, marketing, data analysis, or technical problem-solving. You will contribute to ongoing projects and often have the chance to present your work to company leadership, giving insight into how fast-paced entrepreneurial teams operate. Start-ups involved in the program span sectors such as AI, biotechnology, consulting, journalism, and deep tech, allowing you to explore fields aligned with their interests.

3. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) 

Location: Hybrid, virtual workshops, and residential sessions at Princeton University
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small national cohort of high-achieving juniors
Dates: July 24 – August 3
Application Deadline: Typically, in February
Eligibility: Current high school juniors from limited-income backgrounds with a strong interest in journalism; minimum unweighted 3.5 GPA, and meet one or more socioeconomic criteria listed here

In this program, you participate in online workshops, lectures, and writing assignments led by professional journalists while working with a college counselor to begin the application process. The program culminates in a residential experience on Princeton’s campus, where you will stay in undergraduate dorms and engage in newsroom simulations, reporting projects, and seminars on media, politics, and social issues. You may visit major news organizations, cover live events, and produce The Princeton Summer Journal, a newspaper entirely written and edited by the cohort. The mentorship continues through senior year with individualized guidance on college essays, financial aid, and applications.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program 

Location: Remote
Cost: Varies according to the program type; full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; individualized 1:1 research format
Dates: Cohorts offered in summer, fall, winter, and spring; programs run 12 weeks to 1 year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students with demonstrated high academic achievement (accepted students typically maintain an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher)

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program provides high school students with the opportunity to complete an independent research project under the guidance of a Ph.D.-level mentor. Throughout the program, you learn how to design a research question, conduct a literature review, analyze data, and develop a structured research paper. You will choose from a wide range of academic fields, including computer science, data science, engineering, psychology, economics, chemistry, and international relations. Weekly meetings with mentors support project development and build familiarity with university-level research expectations. The program concludes with a polished research paper that reflects your investigative work, and you become eligible for a UCSD Extended Studies credit.

5. NJ GEAR UP/College Bound 

Location: NJIT Center for Pre-College Programs, Newark, NJ
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Details not publicly disclosed
Dates: Academic-year program (20 weeks after school and Saturdays) and 4–6 week summer program
Application Deadline: Varies annually; interviews scheduled after submitting application and documents
Eligibility: High school students who enter the program in grades 7 through 12, live in Newark, meet family income guidelines, and attend one of the designated partner schools

NJ GEAR UP/College Bound is a comprehensive pre-college initiative designed to support Newark-based students as they prepare for higher education. Throughout the academic year, you will participate in structured after-school and Saturday sessions on strengthening math, science, communication, and study skills. The summer session provides a multi-week academic experience that exposes you to a university environment. You will take part in mentoring activities, college and career exploration, leadership training, and culturally enriching workshops. Parent programming is also included to help families better understand and support the college application process.

6. Upward Bound for English Language Learners (UBELLs) 

Location: NJIT Campus, Newark, NJ
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Details not publicly disclosed
Dates: Six-week summer academic program plus Saturday and academic-year classes
Application Deadline: Varies annually by host institution; typically set by the individual university's Center for Pre-College Programs and communicated directly to the target schools
Eligibility: Low-income or first-generation students in grades 9–11 who are bilingual/ESL learners at Barringer High School or East Side High School, with a minimum 2.0 GPA

Upward Bound for English Language Learners (UBELLs) is a federally funded TRiO program that supports bilingual and ESL high school students in Newark as they prepare for success in college. Throughout the academic year, you participate in Saturday and weekday classes at NJIT focused on English proficiency, math, science, and technology. The six-week summer component provides an immersive academic experience paired with advising, tutoring, and structured learning activities. You will take part in leadership training, mentoring sessions, career exploration, and financial aid workshops designed to strengthen readiness for postsecondary education. Cultural field trips and community-building activities further support student engagement. The program aims to increase high school completion and college enrollment rates among first-generation and English-language learning students.

7. Rowan University – Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy (TLAE)

Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ (non-residential)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 60 – 100+ participants
Dates: June 23 – 26
Application Deadline: May 18
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors

The Think Like an Entrepreneur Summer Academy allows high school students to earn three college credits while developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Throughout the program, you work in teams to identify and solve a problem aligned with one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, learning how entrepreneurs approach innovation and social impact. Daily workshops cover topics such as customer discovery, design thinking, financial modeling, prototyping, and effective storytelling. You will receive instruction from Rowan faculty and entrepreneurship leaders, culminating in a final pitch presentation before industry judges. The program emphasizes real-world problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills essential for future business study.

8. TCNJ Summer Pre-College Programs 

Location: The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ
Cost: Varies by program; residential and commuter options available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, small cohorts
Dates: Weeklong summer programs offered throughout late June and July
Application Deadline: Varies by camp
Eligibility: High-achieving high school students interested in STEM, arts, design, or communication fields; program-specific prerequisites may apply

TCNJ’s Summer Pre-College Programs offer a range of academically focused camps that introduce high school students to college-level learning through project-based coursework. Depending on the track, you may explore fields such as animation, game design, music technology, engineering, biomedical science, or applied STEM. Each camp emphasizes practical skill development, whether that involves building prototypes, designing digital media, coding interactive projects, or conducting scientific investigations. You will work in modern studios, labs, and recording facilities while collaborating with TCNJ faculty and undergraduate mentors. The programs also provide opportunities to learn about potential career paths, engage in peer collaboration, and experience aspects of residential college life.

9. Rutgers Pre-College Summer Programs – Summer Scholars

Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ (In-person, online, or hybrid depending on the course selected)
Cost: In-State (per credit): Approximately $482.00 - $551.00 | Out-of-State (per credit): Approximately $1,138.00 - $1,162.00 + Student Fee (One-time): $162.00
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; cohort size details not publicly disclosed
Dates: Session I: May 26 – July 2; Session II: July 6 – August 12
Application Deadline: Session I: May 17; Session II: June 28
Eligibility: Current high school students between the ages of 16 and 18 | Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA | Must be a U.S. Citizen or a Non-Citizen Permanent Resident

The Rutgers Pre-College Summer Scholars Program is a rigorous opportunity allowing academically strong high school students to directly enroll in credit-bearing undergraduate courses. It covers diverse university topics like Environmental Studies, Art History, Microeconomics, and Kinesiology, as you choose from over 60 course options alongside current college students. You will attend lectures by Rutgers faculty and doctoral students, complete college-level assignments and exams, and collaborate on coursework. Upon completion, you develop crucial skills in time management, critical thinking, and academic discipline, and earn official Rutgers credit.

10. Saint Peter’s University – Accelerated College Experience (ACE) Program

Location: Saint Peter’s University (Jersey City, NJ) and participating high schools
Cost: Courses typically cost $150–$225 per 3-credit class; financial aid and ACE Scholarship consideration are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies based on the number of participating high schools and the enrollment in specific courses
Dates: Courses offered year-round (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer sessions)
Application Deadline: Varies by course/semester
Eligibility: ACE: Open to high-achieving juniors and seniors; ACED Dual Enrollment: Select sophomores with strong academics and recommendations

In this program, you can enroll in subjects such as mathematics, computer science, biology, psychology, economics, and the humanities, with courses meeting the same academic standards as SPU undergraduate classes. ACE offers two pathways: traditional ACE for juniors and seniors, and ACED Dual Enrollment for sophomores pursuing an accelerated track that can lead to an associate degree by high school graduation. You will gain experience with university expectations, build confidence in college-level work, and improve your academic readiness. Students who matriculate at Saint Peter’s University may apply their ACE credits directly toward their degree.

11. Fairleigh Dickinson University – Early College Dual Enrollment Program 

Location: Courses taught at participating New Jersey high schools
Cost: $104 per credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective
Dates: Dual enrollment courses follow the high school calendar
Application Deadline: Varies by semester
Eligibility: High school students enrolled at participating partner schools; instructors must meet FDU criteria to teach approved courses

FDU’s Early College Dual Enrollment Program allows high school students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously by taking FDU-approved courses offered at their own schools. Through this program, you complete university-level coursework taught by qualified high school teachers, with all credits recorded on an official FDU transcript. You may earn anywhere from 3 to more than 12 credits, providing an accelerated path to a college degree. Those who later apply to FDU benefit from waived application fees, conditional early admission, and eligibility for renewable scholarships. Credits earned may also be transferable to other colleges, depending on institutional policies.

12. Fairleigh Dickinson University – Early College Summer Program

Location: FDU Metropolitan Campus, Florham Campus, and online/remote formats
Cost: Ranges between $799 – $1,065 per course, depending on credits and modality
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; around 5–15 students
Dates: Three-week and six-week summer sessions, between June 30 and August 8
Application Deadline: Varies by course
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors; some STEM courses require prerequisites

This program allows high school students to enroll in university-level courses and earn 3–4 college credits per class during the summer. You can choose from a wide range of subjects offered in multiple formats, including asynchronous online classes, live remote sessions, and in-person courses on both FDU campuses. You will learn from FDU faculty and participate in rigorous academic experiences that mirror first-year college coursework. Many classes incorporate interactive assignments, discussions, and hands-on labs, especially in STEM subjects such as chemistry, biology, anatomy, and physiology. You may earn up to 12 credits over the summer, giving you an early start on your college transcript and exposure to potential majors.

13. Rowan University – STEAM Academy

Location: Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ (in-person; residential options available)
Cost/Stipend: Navigators: $2,600–$3,900; Pathfinders: $4,300
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, 90 – 120 students
Dates: July 5 – 17
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Navigators: rising 10th–12th graders (GPA 3.0+); Pathfinders: rising 10th–12th graders (GPA 3.5+)

Rowan University’s STEAM Academy offers a structured introduction to STEM and arts disciplines through two distinct tracks that align with high school students’ academic readiness. Navigators enroll in an accredited Rowan University course each morning and spend afternoons in college-prep and leadership workshops, with optional residential and field trip experiences. Pathfinders receive the most advanced preparation, combining a morning college course with afternoon research under faculty supervision and required residential participation. Across all tracks, you gain exposure to university-level instruction, academic advising, and skill-building opportunities that support college readiness.

14. Steven Institute of Technology – Pre-College Residential Programs

Location: Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ (residential on-campus experience)
Cost/Stipend: One-week: $3,150; Two-week: $4,700; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Dates: Multiple one- and two-week residential sessions offered between July and August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; some tracks may require pre-requisites

Stevens’ Pre-College Residential Programs offer high school students an immersive academic experience that blends hands-on coursework with exposure to university life. You engage directly with Stevens faculty and current students while exploring a potential major through structured activities, labs, and project-based assignments. Programs incorporate state-of-the-art tools and facilities, allowing you to experiment with engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, business innovation, and other disciplines. You will also collaborate with peers from around the world, expanding academic and cultural perspectives. Students who complete a Stevens residential program become eligible for the Stevens Pre-College Excellence Scholarship, a renewable merit award for admitted undergraduate applicants.

15. Rider University Pre-College Summer Arts Programs 

Location: Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ (residential only)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; eligible participants may qualify for a renewable $2,000/year Rider University scholarship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, small, focused class sizes
Dates: Multiple one to two-week programs running from late June through early August
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: All high school students; some programs require auditions, portfolios, or a music background

Rider University offers a series of residential pre-college programs that allow high school students to develop college-level artistic or technical skills under the guidance of university faculty. Depending on the track, you may participate in daily lessons, ensemble rehearsals, studio sessions, design workshops, or project-based intensives focused on music, theatre, game design, or digital arts. Several programs, such as Solo Pianist Week, Vocal Institute, and the Organ Institute, include individualized coaching, masterclasses, and performance opportunities. Others, like the Game Design Academy, emphasize hands-on creative production using industry-standard tools and culminate in a multi-day “Game Jam.” Students completing eligible programs may also qualify for a renewable Rider University scholarship upon matriculation.

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