15 Online College Programs for High School Students

Apr 13

Why should you do an Online College Program in High School?

Ever wondered what it is like to study in a real university, without even leaving home? Online college programs let high school students like you explore exciting subjects, learn directly from top professors and even earn college credits and research credentials that strengthen your college applications. These programs go beyond classroom learning – you’ll dive into hands-on projects and attend workshops that give you a taste of university and professional life.

Moreover, everything is online – so you can save on travel and accommodation costs while getting real-world experience. Whether you’re passionate about AI, entrepreneurship, filmmaking or medicine, you can find a program that fits your goals or career interests.

If you’re interested in learning about the online programs in other subjects, check out some science internships here & find economic internships here.

In this list, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best online college programs for high school students that offer real academic learning, mentorship, and professional development – each designed to inspire you and prepare you for college-level work while fitting into your school schedule.

1. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Cohort Size: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990; financial aid available
Dates: September–December (Fall Cohort); other cohorts available year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (Fall: August; Winter: November; Spring: March; Summer: April)
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs high school students with PhD mentors to complete your independent research project. – just like a real scholar. You’ll choose your research area, develop a proposal, and produce a publishable paper, under the guidance of your mentor. Along the way, you’ll join workshops on writing, data analysis, and presentation skills. Whether you’re curious about economics, engineering, history or sociology, Lumiere gives you the opportunity to explore your interests in depth while building strong academic credentials for college and beyond.

2. Research Scholars at UC San Diego

Cohort Size: Varies by track
Location: Virtual (also offered hybrid and on-site)
Cost: $1,500–$4,800 depending on program format
Dates: Year-round sessions, including summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Grades 9–12; minimum GPA of 3.0; age 15+

UC San Diego’s Research Scholars program lets students take part in real university-level research from anywhere in the world. As part of this online college program for high school students, you can choose from exciting topics such as bioengineering, marine science, or business research. Faculty mentors guide you through every step, from project design, and data analysis, to your own final presentation. The online format lets you collaborate directly with UCSD researchers without relocating or paying full tuition. Each track concludes with a digital poster session where you’ll present your findings to professors and other students.

3. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship

Cohort Size: Selective
Location: Fully virtual or hybrid, depending on project
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipends vary by session and academic level
Dates: Fall (September–December, 16 weeks)
Application Deadline: May 16 (for fall)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16+ with a minimum GPA of 3.0

NASA’s OSTEM Internship connects high school students with scientists and engineers working on active space and aeronautics projects. You might analyse mission data, design simulations, or even assist with engineering prototypes - all remotely! Working with NASA mentors offers a rare look into the world of aerospace research and innovation. The internship also features virtual seminars led by astronauts and technical teams, giving you a deeper understanding of how science and engineering come together to make space exploration possible.

4. CLARIFY – City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth (City Limits & CUNY)

Cohort Size: Selective
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500 stipend provided
Dates: 8 weeks (October – December)
Application Deadline: September 9 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors living in NYC

CLARIFY introduces high school students to the world of journalism through hands-on investigative projects focused on civic issues in New York City. You’ll learn the essentials of reporting, interviewing, photography, and media ethics, under the mentorship of City Limits editors. You’ll also collaborate with fellow students on newsroom-style assignments, gaining practical experience in how journalism shapes society. Plus, you’ll earn a stipend for your work, making it an educational and rewarding first step for students interested in journalism or public policy.

5. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship

Cohort Size: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; limited paid positions available based on need
Dates: Fall (September–December), Spring, and Summer sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students eligible to work in the U.S.

The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship is an online college program for high school students to gain real-world experience in research, communications, and policy analysis. You’ll work remotely with mentors from one of the country’s leading think tanks, contributing to reports and events on global affairs. Weekly seminars and lectures introduce you to the world of international policy and media strategy, while personalized mentorship from career diplomats and scholars help you strengthen research and writing skills. Opportunities are available in departments such as operations, communications, and research – making the program a stepping stone for students interested in global studies and public policy.

6. Tisch Online High School Filmmakers Workshop (NYU Tisch School of the Arts)

The NYU Tisch Online Filmmaking workshop introduces high school students to the art and technique of making movies, from writing and directing, to editing and post-production. You’ll work on short projects throughout the program, including a documentary, music video, and a final narrative film. The program combines pre-recorded lessons with peer review sessions, giving you both flexibility and valuable feedback on your work. You’ll earn four college credits from NYU Tisch, while gaining professional-level film training. Students complete the course with a personal film portfolio and a deeper understanding of cinematic storytelling.

7. Cornell SCE Pre-College Studies (Fall & Spring Online Courses)

Cohort Size: Open enrollment
Location: Virtual (Cornell University)
Cost: $1,840 per credit
Dates: Fall (August – December); Spring (January – May)
Application Deadline: August 26 (for Fall, tentative)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+

Cornell’s online pre-college program lets high school students take real undergraduate courses for credit in subjects such as business, architecture, and life sciences. You’ll attend university-level lectures, participate in discussions with classmates, and complete graded assignments through Cornell’s Canvas platform – just like a college student. The courses are taught by Cornell faculty, giving participants a genuine college experience from home. You’ll be rewarded with an official Cornell transcript at the end of the program.

8. Columbia University Academic Year Weekend Program

Cohort Size: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,810 per course + $80 application fee
Dates: September – December (10 weekends)
Application Deadline: Opens in April
Eligibility: Grades 9–12; open to domestic and international students

Columbia’s Academic Year Weekend program offers high school students an opportunity to study college-level courses online in areas such as business, creative writing, psychology, and STEM. Classes meet virtually on Fridays to Sundays, offering real-time interaction with Columbia instructors and classmates. The program blends academics with a lively virtual student community, creating a close-knit virtual learning environment. You’ll join digital clubs, mentoring groups, and online community events that make learning more engaging and collaborative.

9. Oregon State University – Ecampus Dual Enrolment

Cohort Size: Flexible enrolment
Location: Virtual
Cost: $366 per credit + $30 application fee
Dates: September – December (Fall term)
Application Deadline: September 10
Eligibility: High school students with GPA ≥ 3.0Oregon State’s Ecampus lets high school students earn university credits online while exploring subjects that might not be available at school. With more than 100 course options, including environmental science, business, and communication – you can dive into subjects that match your interests and future goals. All classes are flexible and instructor-led, allowing you to study at your own pace while receiving guidance from OSU faculty. Upon completion of the program, you’ll earn transferable college credits and an official Oregon State transcript recognised by major universities.

10. Tisch Online High School Screenwriters Workshop (NYU Tisch School of the Arts)

Cohort Size: Small-group workshops
Location: Virtual
Cost: $7,664 + $75 application fee
Dates: October – December (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: September 10 (tentative)
Eligibility: Grades 9–12; minimum GPA of 3.0

This six-week writing workshop lets high school students master the essentials of screenwriting– story structure, dialogue, and character development for film and television. Each week, you’ll complete creative assignments and participate in virtual critique sessions where you'll receive feedback from faculty and other students. Faculty guide you through script analysis and formatting on the SmashCut platform, helping you understand how professional scriptwriters bring stories to life. The course awards four college credits and helps students develop a professional short screenplay. By the end of the program, you’ll have a polished script and a strong foundation in cinematic storytelling.

11. Stanford Online High School (OHS)

Cohort Size: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: $6,195–$30,970 depending on course load; need-based financial aid available
Dates: August – June (academic year)
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: Grades 7–12

Stanford Online High School (OHS) offers an online learning environment led by university-level instructors, 65% of whom hold PhDs. Classes are live and discussion - based, encouraging close interaction between students and faculty. The curriculum includes 32 advanced courses across humanities, STEM, and arts. Students receive personalised academic advising and college counselling support throughout the year. Stanford mirrors the pace and depth of a real university environment, fostering both independence and intellectual depth.

12. Wharton Global Youth Program – Understanding Your Money (University of Pennsylvania)

Cohort Size: Flexible enrolment
Location: Virtual
Cost: $329
Dates: Self-paced; 13–15 hours total
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Grades 9–12; open to international students

This Wharton-designed online program introduces high school students to the essentials of personal finance, investing, and decision-making. You’ll learn about financial planning, budgeting, and economic trade-offs through interactive video modules – all taught by Wharton faculty. Real-world case studies bring real-world concepts to life, making the lessons both practical and engaging. It’s a concise, focused course that helps you build financial literacy before college. Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive a Wharton Certificate of Achievement – a valuable credential to showcase your skills.

13. Dartmouth Pre-College Online Program

Cohort Size: Small cohorts per course
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795; need-based scholarships available
Dates: Year-round; multi-length courses
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13–19

Dartmouth’s Pre-college Online Program lets you explore university-level subjects such as psychology, regenerative medicine, finance, and biology – all from home. Each course features video lectures, simulations, and assignments guided by expert mentors. You will complete a final project and receive feedback from instructors, helping you apply what you have learned in a meaningful way. Students earn a Dartmouth Certificate of Completion, strengthening future college applications. The flexible schedule allows you to learn at your own pace while still getting a taste of Ivy League academics.

14. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Virtual Track

Cohort Size: Small cohorts
Location: Virtual
Cost: $615 per unit + $550 registration + $71 document fee + $25 application fee + $500 service fee
Dates: May 27 – July 25 (Six sessions available)
Application Deadline: June 2
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–17

UC Berkeley’s Pre-College Scholars: Summer Virtual Track lets high school students take real college courses online and earn academic credit – all from home. You’ll learn directly from Berkeley faculty and study alongside high school and undergraduate students from around the world. Courses cover a wide range of subjects, including business, computer science, and social sciences, letting you explore possible majors before college. The program offers a true taste of Berkeley academics while allowing you to earn transferable university credits, all from home. It’s an option for students who want the challenge of college-level learning without having to relocate.

15. Veritas AI

Cohort Size: Small cohorts
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts year-round (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter; 12–15 weeks each)
Application Deadline: Rolling (varies by cohort)
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants must have prior AI/Python experience or have completed AI Scholars

Veritas AI, founded by Harvard alumni, gives high school students an opportunity to dive into the world of artificial intelligence through personalized mentorship and real-world projects. The AI Scholars Program introduces beginners to Python, data science, and neural networks through guided lessons and coding exercises. More advanced students can join the AI Fellowship, working 1:1 with PhD mentors to develop and publish an independent AI project. The mentorship-based format helps students move from learning AI concepts to building real, research-ready models. Both programs are fully online and include access to Veritas’s publication support team, helping you turn your ideas into AI models.

Bonus- Ladder Internships

Cohort Size: Selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,490; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (Spring: January; Summer: May; Fall: September; Winter: November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students (10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks)

Ladder Internships connect high school students with remote internship opportunities at startups and nonprofits around the world. You’ll work on real projects in exciting fields such as technology, AI, health tech, and sustainability, while being mentored by both a company manager and a Ladder coach. The program helps you develop practical work experience, build professional confidence and explore potential career paths before college. Each internship ends with a presentation, where you’ll showcase your project contributions and the skills you have developed along the way.

Image source - UC San Diego logo

Dhruva Bhat

Dhruva Bhat is one of the co-founders of Ladder, and a Harvard College graduate. Dhruva founded Ladder Internships as a DPhil candidate and Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, with a vision to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world startup experiences.