15 College Credit Programs for High School Students
High school students looking to get a head start on their academic and professional goals can benefit greatly from college credit programs. These experiences expose you to practical learning, industry-relevant skills, and college life. These programs often include project-based learning, mentorship from faculty or industry professionals, and networking opportunities with peers who share similar goals.
College credit programs allow you to earn credits that may count toward your future degree, helping you take advanced classes or even graduate college early. Such programs can strengthen your college applications and help clarify your academic interests. Many are offered online or at subsidized rates by top universities and organizations, allowing you to study advanced curricula. To help you get started, we’ve selected 15 college credit programs for high school students.
15 College Credit Programs for High School Students
1. Universal Learner Courses at Arizona State University
Location: Virtual
Cost: $425
Dates: Courses are available year-round
Application Deadline: Applications are open year-round
Eligibility: Current high school students who are under 18 years old
Arizona State University’s Universal Learner Courses allow you to experience college-level learning while earning transferable credits. You can choose from a wide range of subjects, including sustainable engineering, astronomy, healthcare ethics, organizational leadership, sociology, data visualization, and cloud computing. The program follows a “pay-when-you-pass” model, meaning you only pay for courses you complete and wish to keep for college credit. This flexibility allows you to explore academic interests affordably and decide later whether to transfer your credits to ASU or transfer them to another university.
2. Lumiere Research Scholar Program with UCSD Extended Studies Credit
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Summer Cohort II starts on July 14
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; June 23 for Summer Cohort II
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an intensive academic experience designed for high school students interested in pursuing independent research. It provides one-on-one mentorship with a Ph.D.-level expert who helps guide you through the research process. Over the course of 12 weeks, you’ll design, conduct, and complete an original research project. The program concludes with a detailed research paper on your chosen subject. You can explore topics in fields such as economics, psychology, computer science, physics, or international relations. By the end, you are also eligible to earn a UCSD credit. More information about applications and requirements can be found here.
3. Secondary School Program by Harvard
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, or virtual
Cost: $4,180–$15,735 depending on type, duration, and number of credits + $75 application fee; need-based financial aid is available
Dates: 4-Week: July 12 – August 8; 7-Week: June 20 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 – 12 who are 16 – 19 years old by the start of the program
Harvard’s Secondary School Program allows high school students to experience college life by taking real Harvard courses for credit. You can choose a 4-week residential session with one course or a 7-week residential, online, or commuter option with one or two courses. With 200+ classes across 50+ disciplines, you can study subjects like psychology, computer science, or history. Courses are taught by Harvard faculty and guest experts, offering deep academic exposure. The program builds college-level skills while helping you explore potential majors and careers.
4. Veritas AI with UCSD Extended Studies Credit
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts in a year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); you can apply here
Eligibility: AI Scholars: All high school students | AI Fellowship applicants should either have been AI Scholars participants or have some familiarity with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and led by Harvard alumni, provides research-focused learning opportunities for high school students interested in artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is a 10-session introduction to AI, machine learning, and data science, allowing you to work on practical, real-world projects. Students with prior experience can join the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase for a more advanced experience. In this track, you’ll collaborate one-on-one with mentors from leading universities to develop an independent research project. You’ll also receive publication support to help share your work in high school research journals. Veritas AI also offers the option to earn 3 units of post-baccalaureate credit from UC San Diego (UCSD) Extended Studies.
5. UCLA Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP)
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $5,168; need-based scholarships are available
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: April 1 (International) | May 1 (Domestic)
Eligibility: High school students in grade 10 or 11 as of spring who have a minimum 3.8 GPA
In the UCLA Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP), you experience college life by studying alongside UCLA undergraduates while earning college credit. The program lets you enroll in one or two approved UCLA courses that fit around mandatory co-curricular workshops. Through lectures, seminars, and academic sessions, you gain exposure to UCLA’s learning environment and resources. The co-curriculars focus on developing academic, leadership, and resilience skills essential for college success. Completing the program earns you a certificate and valuable preparation for future university experiences.
6. Cornell University Summer/Winter Online Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,940 per credit; financial aid is available
Dates: Summer: Multiple dates between June and August, which can be found here | Winter: January 2 – 17
Application Deadline: Summer: Varies as per course | Winter: December 1
Eligibility: Rising/current high school juniors & seniors, ages 15 to 19
Cornell’s Summer/Winter Online Program allows you to participate in rigorous college-level courses taught by Cornell instructors. You can earn 3 to 12 credits in subjects like international relations, science, business, or the arts. All courses are delivered through the Canvas platform, using tools such as discussion boards, video conferencing, and chat rooms. Depending on the class, sessions may be live or self-paced. Upon completion, you receive an official Cornell transcript and practical preparation for higher education. These programs offer a practical way to build your academic profile while still in high school.
7. Columbia University's College Edge Summer
Location: Columbia University, NY
Cost: $2,574 per point + $80 application fee; financial aid may be available; more details here
Dates: Session A: May 25 – July 3; Session B: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: High school students in grades 11 – 12
Columbia University's College Edge Summer program is designed for high school juniors and seniors (grades 11–12) who want to experience college-level academics by enrolling in actual Columbia undergraduate courses on the university's Morningside campus. You register for real university courses taught by Columbia faculty experts in their fields. Each class involves both in-person instruction and independent study outside the classroom. The program also includes academic advising and career-oriented workshops. You’ll gain experience in leadership, self-reflection, and communication while preparing for the transition to college life.
8. University of Notre Dame’s Leadership Seminars
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost: $75 application fee + $150 enrollment fee; limited financial aid is available, but not for the application and enrollment fees
Dates: July 18 – 29
Application Deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Current high school junior entering senior year in the fall | At least 16 years old by or on August 1
Notre Dame’s Leadership Seminars is a 10-day academic and service-based program for high school students. All expenses, including housing and meals, except application and enrollment, are fully covered by the university. You’ll participate in faculty-led seminars focused on leadership and global challenges while earning transferable college credit. The program also includes community service projects in areas like youth mentorship, food drives, and animal care. Throughout your stay in campus dorms, you’ll engage in structured activities and collaborate with undergraduate Resident Counselors.
9. Earlham Summer
Location: Earlham College, Richmond, IN
Cost: $2,000; financial aid is available for up to 90% of the cost
Dates: Session 1: June 7 – 12; Session 2: June 14 – 19; Session 3: June 21 – 26
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Current high school student who will be a sophomore, junior, or senior in the fall
Earlham Summer is a one-week pre-college program where you can earn college credit and experience campus life firsthand. You’ll select courses such as game design, psychology of food, rivers, museum studies, or metalsmithing, all taught by Earlham faculty. Classes combine hands-on learning with lectures to give a realistic academic experience. The program also includes social events and sessions on college admissions and financial aid. Students who later choose to attend Earlham may be eligible for a $500 annual scholarship after completing the program.
10. Sycamore Summer Scholars
Location: Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN
Cost: $425 - $525; limited scholarships are available
Dates: July 8 – 12
Application Deadline: Typically spring
Eligibility: High school students with a 2.4 or higher GPA
Sycamore Summer Scholars is a pre-college program where high school students can experience campus life while earning academic credit. You’ll live at Indiana State University and take a faculty-led seminar in subjects spanning the sciences and humanities. The program offers a chance to explore potential majors and build academic skills for college-level study. Those who complete the seminar successfully earn one transferable college credit toward an Indiana State degree. You’ll also connect with peers and get a firsthand look at university living.
11. Summer Scholars - Notre Dame Pre-College Programs (IN)
Location: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Cost: $5,200; financial aid is available
Dates: Session I: June 6 – 20 | Session II: June 27 – July 11
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors who will be at least 16 years old by or on August 1
Notre Dame’s Summer Scholars program is a two-week on-campus experience where you can study an academic track in areas like humanities, STEM, or business. Courses are led by university faculty and reflect the rigor of college-level learning. You’ll collaborate with peers on assignments, discussions, and projects that mirror real college coursework. The program also incorporates service learning through community engagement activities. Participants who complete the program earn one transferable college credit while balancing academics with campus social and residential life.
12. Georgetown Pre-College Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: Enrichment Course Fees: $1,795; College Credit Course Fees: $3,995; need-based scholarships are offered
Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Application Deadline: One week before a session begins
Eligibility: Students must be at least 13 years old
Georgetown University's Pre-College Programs offer high school students the chance to explore college-level academics and gain skills to prepare for college and career success. You explore topics such as psychology, entrepreneurship, and medical research through online courses. You can choose to take enrichment classes, earn college credit, or combine both options. All courses are taught by Georgetown faculty and feature interactive video-based instruction with academic support. The self-paced structure allows you to start anytime and learn from any location. The program provides a flexible way to experience college-level study and explore future interests.
13. Cohen Institute’s High School Summer Leadership Program
Location: University of Maine, Orono, ME
Cost: None
Dates: June 22 – 28
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from Maine counties
The Cohen Institute’s High School Summer Leadership Program helps you explore leadership through classes, interactive activities, and conversations with prominent leaders. Past speakers have included Secretary Cohen, Governor Janet Mills, and University of Maine faculty, offering diverse insights on leadership and public service. You’ll take part in outdoor exercises and team-based challenges to strengthen practical leadership skills. The program includes a college-level leadership studies course that grants early college credit. You’ll also learn how University of Maine faculty and research centers address key social and environmental challenges through applied research.
14. Islands Through Time
Location: College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME
Cost: $4,400; limited financial aid is available
Dates: July 27 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The Islands Through Time program offers a hands-on exploration of Downeast Maine’s ecosystems, culture, and history while earning college credit. You can select courses in areas such as marine biology, field ecology, literature, creative writing, painting, or public policy. Field experiences include overnight stays at island research stations and visits to coastal habitats and communities. You’ll collaborate with naturalists on data collection and experiment with creative ways to document your observations. After completing the program, students admitted to the College of the Atlantic may qualify for a $10,000 annual scholarship.
15. UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential Track
Location: University of California
Cost: $15,950 (8-week session); $14,650 (6-week session) + $25 application fee; scholarships is available
Dates: June 23 – August 15 (8-week session); July 7 – August 15 (6-week session)
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: High school students who have completed the 10th or 11th grade by the start of summer classes and plan to continue their high school studies in the subsequent fall | Overall GPA of 3.0 | Be 16 years of age by June 22
The UC Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Residential Track is a six to eight-week program for international and domestic high school students who want to experience college life on campus. It allows you to earn college credit while experiencing campus life. You’ll enroll in two college-level courses, with options in the biology track such as Exploring the Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience and Introduction to Human Nutrition. These classes examine topics like brain function, memory, learning, and how nutrients affect overall health. Beyond academics, you can join workshops, excursions, and a variety of student life activities throughout the program.
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