15 Winter College Programs for High School Students
Enrolling in winter college programs is a great way to explore academic interests and experience university-level learning before you graduate. These programs can introduce you to advanced coursework, research topics, and academic environments that may not be available at your high school. Programs like these, offered by top colleges and organizations, can also provide industry exposure and show that you actively sought out opportunities to deepen your learning beyond the standard school curriculum.
Why should I consider a winter program?
What makes winter college programs for high school students especially useful is their short, focused format. Many universities offer winter programs that let you explore potential majors, earn college credit, or participate in academic programs without committing to a full summer schedule. Since winter college programs for high school students often run during school breaks, they can fit more easily alongside your regular academic responsibilities.
To help you get ahead, we’ve curated a list of 15 winter college programs for high school students that are worth considering.
15 Winter College Programs for High School Students
1. University of St. Thomas – J-Term (January Term)
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Cost: $831/credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 21–25 students per class
Dates: January 5–30
Application Deadline: Mid-December
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
The University of St. Thomas J-Term is a focused, four-week college term for visiting high school students. You will explore foundational undergraduate topics spanning the natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, social sciences, and business. Your activities will involve attending intensive daily lectures, completing rigorous collegiate assignments, and participating in academic discussions to earn up to four transferable college credits. The program's unique feature is its highly accelerated structure, delivering the exact same academic rigor and credit value of a standard semester compressed into a single January month.
2. UC San Diego’s Academic Connections Research Scholars – BioImaging & 3D Printing(BI3DP)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,700
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 20–30 students per track
Dates: January 10 – March 1
Application deadline: December 18
Eligibility: High school students, 14+, in grades 9-12, with a GPA of 3.0+
In this program, you'll work through a three-tiered bioengineering track that builds progressively from foundational concepts through independent research to real-world application. Starting with the introductory level, you'll develop the core knowledge you need before moving into the research tier. In the research tier, you’ll design an independent project, carry out lab experiments, and present your results. The internship level takes place during the winter but generally requires courses from the previous tiers as a prerequisite. At the end of the program, you’ll earn 3 pre-college credits.
3. East Stroudsburg University – Winter Session
Location: Virtual
Cost: $50 per credit for high school dual enrollment students (plus applicable fees)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; no fixed cohort limit
Dates: December 15 – January 9
Application Deadline: December 17
Eligibility: High school students (typically juniors/seniors) with a 3.0+ GPA
The East Stroudsburg University (ESU) Winter Session is a fast-paced, fully online program that lets you earn up to six real college credits over your high school winter break. You will take standard General Education (GE) classes, which cover everyday college topics like basic math, science, English, and history. To complete the coursework, you will log into a website called Desire2Learn (D2L) to watch online video lessons, type responses on class message boards, and take digital tests. The program allows visiting students to easily transfer credits to almost any college you choose to attend in the future.
4. OHSU School of Medicine Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI)
Location: Virtual
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 40–50 students annually
Dates: January 14 – May 27
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are 16+ by the start of the program and who reside in Oregon, the Portland metro area, or select counties in Washington state
This program allows you to progress through a three-part experience designed for students serious about medicine or biomedical science. The first phase spans 16 weeks, during which you're paired with a mentor who walks you through the fundamentals of scientific research, teaching you how to critically read and analyze published studies, formulate your own research question, and construct a compelling proposal. You'll demonstrate your growing understanding through two presentations: one analyzing an existing study and another pitching your original research idea. In the internship phase, you'll invest around 250 hours over the summer working alongside a clinical research mentor, contributing to medical projects while learning to collect and interpret real data in a clinical setting.
5. Penn State College of Medicine High School Internships & Observation Program
Location: Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Paid and unpaid options available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; no fixed cohorts
Dates: Flexible (Year-round; determined by the student and supervisor)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students 16+ in the U.S. sponsored by Penn State College of Medicine faculty
In this program, you'll shadow medical professionals and participate in clinical observations at Penn State College of Medicine under the direct sponsorship of a faculty member. Throughout your flexible winter placement, you'll gain firsthand exposure to patient care environments, diagnostic procedures, and healthcare team dynamics in a real hospital setting. You'll assist with non-invasive tasks, observe surgeries or consultations, and participate in discussions with your supervising physician about medical decision-making. This hands-on immersion builds your understanding of clinical workflows while helping you evaluate your interest in specific medical specialties. By the end, you'll have cultivated professional connections and insights into medical training that strengthen your path toward healthcare careers.
6. Cornell University Precollege Studies – Winter Session
Location: Online
Cost: $1,940/credit + $75 nonrefundable application fee; financial assistance is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small class sizes
Dates: January 2–17
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: High school students age 15+ who have completed at least 10th grade
In this program, you will enroll in a single course and complete a condensed version of a university class over several weeks. Subjects vary each year and may include areas such as psychology, economics, biology, or writing. The accelerated schedule means you will complete readings, assignments, and assessments at a faster pace than in a typical semester. Students who complete the course earn official Cornell University credit and receive a Cornell transcript. This program is a strong option if you want to test your readiness for college-level academics while exploring a potential major. Intensive academic opportunities like this are a common format among winter college programs for high school students.
7. Tufts University Dual Enrollment Courses - Winter/Spring Semester
Location: Tufts University Medford/Somerville campus, MA
Cost: $1,140/credit; limited need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; no fixed cohorts
Dates: January 14 – May 8
Application Deadline: Fall/Spring
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; 16+ by the program start date
Tufts offers high school students the opportunity to enroll in real Tufts courses through its university-level enrollment programs. You will take classes alongside undergraduate students and complete the same coursework required for the course. Subjects range widely, including international relations, computer science, psychology, and languages. Because the semester begins in January, you will be participating in university classes during the winter months while continuing through the spring term. Students who complete the program receive an official Tufts transcript documenting the credits earned. This program is a good fit if you want to challenge yourself academically and gain experience studying at a selective university.
8. Susquehanna University – Winter Online Courses
Location: Online
Cost: $635/semester hour for four-credit courses; $310/semester hour for audits or internships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; around 18 students
Dates: Mid-December – Mid-January
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students in good academic standing
Susquehanna University’s Winter Online Courses let you take actual undergraduate classes from home to earn college credit before finishing high school. You will study diverse topics, including mathematics, natural sciences, computer programming, business, and the humanities. During the session, you will complete accelerated self-paced assignments, conduct rare online science labs, and engage directly with university-level coursework. The program stands out because of its fully flexible format and the inclusion of hard-to-find virtual lab credits that seamlessly transfer to other universities. Ultimately, you develop essential time-management skills, independent study habits, and the analytical thinking needed for future college success.
9. University of Wisconsin–Madison Early College Credit Program
Location: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; no fixed cohorts
Dates: Mid-January – Mid-May
Application Deadline: October 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA; attend a Wisconsin public or private school
The UW-Madison Early College Credit Program allows you to bypass high school limitations by directly enrolling in actual undergraduate courses. You can explore virtually any academic topic, including advanced mathematics, physical sciences, the humanities, and foreign languages. During the semester, you will attend large university lectures, engage in smaller discussion sections, take college-level exams, and navigate campus resources. A highly unique feature is that your school district and the state cover the tuition, letting you earn dual high school and college credit simultaneously. Ultimately, you will develop vital collegiate skills like independent time management, academic research, and self-advocacy.
10. Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Dual Enrollment Program
Location: Online
Cost: Varies as per no. of credits and student location; more details here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; no fixed cohorts
Dates: Mid-December – Early January
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: Sophomores (1 course max), Juniors, and Seniors (2 courses max); minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; must have signatures from a high school counselor and a parent/guardian
The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Dual Enrollment program allows you to jumpstart your higher education by taking real college courses while still in high school. You can explore introductory "Crimson Core" subjects spanning mathematics, natural sciences, humanities, business, and the social sciences. As a student, you will actively attend regular college lectures, participate in class discussions, write academic papers, and complete rigorous exams. Unique features of this program include a massive 75% tuition discount, full access to IUP's campus resources like the library and tutoring centers, and an exclusive pathway to join their specialized STEM Academy.
11. Pratt Institute Pre-College – Winter Session
Location: Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
Cost: $1,244 per 1-credit course; $675 for non-credit classes
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 15–20 students per class
Dates: Late December to mid-January
Application Deadline: Early December
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students between ages 15–18 before the first day of the program
Pratt’s Winter PreCollege program gives you the chance to experience studio-based learning at a leading art and design college. During the short winter session, you will focus intensively on a single creative discipline such as illustration, architecture, photography, or fashion design. Courses are taught by Pratt faculty and practicing artists who guide you through demonstrations, critiques, and project development. The studio environment emphasizes hands-on experimentation and portfolio-building work. Students complete a finished project or portfolio piece that reflects the skills learned during the program. This experience is particularly useful if you are considering art or design school and want an early look at a professional studio classroom.
12. UMBC Winter Session – Concurrent Enrollment Program
Location: University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD or Online
Cost: $435 per credit (MD Residents) / $1,182 per credit (Non-residents)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies by course
Dates: January 5–23
Application Deadline: December 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
UMBC’s Winter Session offers the opportunity to enroll in university courses during a condensed academic term. Once concurrent enrollment requirements are met, you may register for one intensive course held over several weeks in January. Led by UMBC faculty, these classes adhere to the same rigorous academic standards as regular university terms. Because of the accelerated pace, you will focus deeply on a single subject. Upon completion, students earn university credit and receive an official UMBC transcript, making this a practical way to experience college-level coursework during winter break.
13. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies – Stanford Math Circle
Location: Hybrid Model. Online sessions via Zoom (global) and In-Person sessions (local) on the Stanford University campus in Stanford, CA
Cost: $500 per quarter (Online) or $525 per quarter (In-Person); need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: First-come, first-served; usually ~20–30 students per section
Dates: January – March
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
In this program, you will dive into advanced mathematical concepts that go far beyond your standard school curriculum. You can expect to explore challenging topics such as number theory, topology, combinatorics, and cryptography. Throughout the quarter, you will solve complex, open-ended problem sets, participate in collaborative group discussions, engage directly with working experts, and practice presenting your own mathematical proofs. Each weekly session is led by a different guest mathematician to promote intellectual discovery. By participating in these interactive sessions, you will build essential skills in logical reasoning, abstract thinking, mathematical proof writing, and creative problem-solving.
14. Harvard Extension School – Spring Term
Location: Online
Cost: ~$1,010 – $2,100+ per course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; individual enrollment
Dates: January – May
Application Deadline: Early January
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students 15+
The Harvard Extension School Spring Term allows you to enroll in undergraduate-level courses alongside adult learners. You can explore hundreds of open-enrollment topics, spanning computer science, economics, humanities, and the life sciences. Your core activities involve attending live college lectures, participating in rigorous seminar discussions, conducting independent research, and collaborating on group presentations. The program treats you entirely as a standard university student rather than a high school one, enabling you to build robust time management, academic writing, and critical thinking skills.
15. SCAD Joint Enrollment Program
Location: Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA and online
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; no fixed high school cohort
Dates: January 5 – March 12
Application Deadline: At least six months in advance and no later than 30 days before the quarter begins
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors age 16+ meeting SCAD admission criteria
SCAD’s Joint Enrollment program allows you to take college-level art and design courses while still in high school. You will enroll in SCAD classes and complete the same projects and assignments expected of undergraduate students. Courses may include areas such as animation, graphic design, illustration, or fashion. Because the winter quarter begins in January, you will participate in college coursework throughout the winter months. Students who complete the program receive an official SCAD transcript documenting their credits. This program is a good fit if you want to strengthen your portfolio while experiencing the expectations of a professional art and design school.
Image source — University of St. Thomas logo