15 Summer Programs for High School Students to Earn College Credits
If you're a high school student, joining a summer program is a smart way to explore advanced learning early. These programs let you take college-level courses, earn credit, and figure out what subjects you enjoy. You will also get a taste of how college works, from handling assignments and deadlines to joining class discussions with professors and peers.
Earning college credits now can also save you time and money later. Many schools accept these credits, which means you might skip intro courses once you get to college. That gives you more room in your schedule to double major, take extra electives, or even graduate early. On top of that, having college credits on your transcript shows admissions teams that you’re ready to handle serious academic work.
To help you choose the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 15 summer programs for high school students to earn college credits!
15 Summer Programs for High School Students to Earn College Credits
1. Yale Summer Sessions
Location: Online or Yale University campus, CT
Cost: Varies
Program dates: Session A: May 26–June 27 | Session B: June 30–August 1
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to current juniors or seniors who are 16 years of age or older by your program's start date
Yale Summer Session lets high school students take real college courses for credit, alongside college students and sometimes current Yale undergraduates. You can enroll in one or more courses during two five-week sessions. Subjects include philosophy, economics, environmental science, creative writing, and more, and each class is worth 2 to 4 college credits.
The program is academically intense, with a heavy workload outside of class. You’ll be expected to manage readings, assignments, and discussions at a college level. There’s no separate high school track—once enrolled, you’re treated like any other student in the course.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Program dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI offers two academic programs designed for high school students interested in artificial intelligence and data science. The AI Scholars program is a structured 10-session introduction to foundational topics in AI, machine learning, and data analysis. You’ll participate in instructor-led sessions and apply your learning by working on real-world projects that mirror current industry applications.
For students who already have prior experience or are looking for a more advanced track, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase allows you to conduct an independent research project under the guidance of a mentor from a top-tier university. Projects developed through the fellowship are eligible for support from Veritas’s publication team, which assists students in submitting their work to recognized high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Wharton’s Pre-baccalaureate Program
Location: Virtual | In-person
Cost: Application fee of $100 + Course fee (varies) | Scholarships available
Program dates: Summer 1: May 27–July 2 | Summer 2: July 3–August 8
Application deadline: Summer 1: March 26 | Summer 2: April 30
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students enrolled in grades 11–12 and not be graduating from high school before the intended program entry term, with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA or equivalent.
The Wharton Pre-Baccalaureate Program at the University of Pennsylvania lets high school students take business courses for college credit. You’ll attend live online classes with Wharton instructors and complete recorded lectures, case studies, and other assignments on your schedule. Courses are worth 0.5 Penn units, which usually equal two college credits at most universities. You’ll study subjects like finance, marketing, or data analysis through simulations, group projects, and real business scenarios. The courses are structured like college classes but designed to fit around your high school schedule.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June-August), Fall (September-December), Winter (December-February), and Spring (March-June).
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: Open to current high school students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.3; no prior experience in the field required.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a selective research program that pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors for 1-on-1 research projects. For 12 weeks, you’ll explore a self-chosen topic in depth and produce a formal research paper by the end of the program. Subject areas are wide-ranging and include disciplines like economics, psychology, computer science, engineering, international relations, and more.
A key feature of Lumiere is that participants are eligible to receive college credit from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), making their work formally recognized by an accredited institution. Your final project is expected to reflect the standards of early undergraduate research, and some students go on to pursue publication or competition opportunities. You can find more details about the application here.
5. Brown University Pre-Baccalaureate Program
Location: Online
Cost: 2 courses: $17,162 | 1 course: $8,586
Program dates: June 16–August 1
Application deadline: January 15–May 9
Eligibility: Open to rising or recently graduated high school seniors, age 17 by June 15
Brown’s Pre-Baccalaureate Program lets you take real college classes for credit alongside undergraduates during the summer. If you’re a rising or recently graduated senior, you can choose one or two online courses in subjects like STEM, humanities, or social sciences. The classes follow a seven-week schedule, with six weeks of instruction and one week for final projects or exams. You’ll earn official Brown University credit and start building a college transcript. The program is selective and meant for students who are ready for fast-paced, college-level work.
6. Cornell SCE Pre-college Studies: Summer Online Program
Location: Online
Cost: $1,840 per credit
Application Deadlines: Varies by session
Program dates: Varies by session
Eligibility: Rising or current high school juniors & seniors who have completed 15 years of age (see here for more details)
Cornell University’s Pre-College Studies program lets high school juniors and seniors take real online college classes over the summer. You can earn up to 12 college credits by choosing courses in subjects like architecture, business, veterinary medicine, international relations, science, or the arts. These are the same classes taught to Cornell undergraduates. Courses are led by Cornell faculty, and your grades go on an official college transcript. Credits may transfer depending on the college you attend later.
7. Johns Hopkins Pre-college Summer Programs
Location: Virtual or on-campus at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Cost: Online: $1,950 per 1-credit program | On-campus: $6,140 for a 1-credit program
Program dates: Multiple two-week sessions between June–July
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Must have completed 9th grade before the start of the program and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Johns Hopkins Pre-College Summer Programs let you explore college-level subjects and earn one credit per course. You can choose in-person classes in Baltimore or take them online. On campus, you’ll attend lectures, do hands-on work, and hear from guest speakers while using real university labs and facilities.
Subjects include medicine, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, creative writing, and more. Online classes are asynchronous, so you can work at your own pace, with optional live sessions for extra help. All courses are taught at the college level and help you build skills like time management, independent learning, and academic writing.
8. Notre Dame Summer Scholars
Location: Notre Dame campus
Cost: $4,950
Program dates: Session I: June 7–21 | Session II: June 28–July 12
Application deadline: October 14–February 19
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors who will be at least 16 years old by August 1
Notre Dame’s Summer Scholars program is a two-week residential experience where you take a college-level course taught by Notre Dame faculty. You can choose from subjects like climate change, neuroscience, journalism, or law. Classes are small and discussion-based, with projects and activities both in and out of the classroom. You live in campus housing and take part in student life while focusing on academic work. If you complete the course successfully, you can earn one transferable college credit.
9. Ohio State University’s College Credit Plus Program
Location: In-person, hybrid, and virtual options available
Cost: Fees depend on the chosen courses. See here for information on academy funding eligibility.
Program dates: Autumn, Spring, and Summer semesters
Application deadline: Autumn semester: May 1; Spring semester: October 15; Summer semester: February 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 can apply and must have an unweighted high school academic GPA of 3.0 or higher without a standardized test. The detailed list of eligibility criteria is here.
Through the College Credit Plus Program at Ohio State University, you can take real college courses at the ATI campus in Wooster while still in high school. These classes count for both high school and college credit. You can explore subjects like agriculture, environmental science, or engineering, depending on your interests. You’ll start with an orientation session and meet with advisors to plan your courses. Most classes are in person, but some are available online. The program helps you experience college-level work early and build skills like time management and planning.
10. University of Minnesota's PSEO Program
Location: Virtual or on-campus at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Cost: Free
Program dates: Starts September 2
Application deadline: February 17–April 15
Eligibility: Open to Minnesota high school juniors and seniors with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.6
Through the University of Minnesota PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Options) program, high school juniors and seniors can take college classes for free and earn credit for both high school and college. You can take courses part-time or full-time, depending on your goals. Subjects include biology, psychology, history, and more. Classes are held on campus, with some available online. Each course gives you at least two college credits. You’ll manage your schedule and make sure your classes meet both graduation and credit requirements.
11. NYU Precollege
Location: NYU’s Washington Square campus, NY
Cost: $700–$14,000 for 0–8 credits
Program dates: July 2–August 13
Application deadline: June 16
Eligibility: Open to rising 11th or 12th grade high school students in summer or current 11th or 12th grade students in the fall or spring semesters with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
NYU’s Precollege program lets high school students take real college courses for credit during the summer. You can choose from subjects like computer science, engineering, acting, economics, or media studies. Classes are taught by NYU faculty and follow the same structure as regular undergraduate courses.
You’ll also attend “College 101” sessions that cover topics like admissions, financial aid, and study skills. Depending on your course, you’ll work on writing, research, technical projects, or presentations. You get access to NYU resources like libraries, tutoring, and student activities. You can live on campus or commute, and all students earn college credits that may transfer to other universities.
12. Duke Summer Session
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC, or online
Cost: $2,940 for regular or non-science lab course + $120 transcript fee
Program dates: June 30 – August 11
Application deadline: March 1–June 16
Eligibility: Open to students in 10th or 11th grade in this academic year who will be at least 16 years old by the start of the course
Duke University’s Summer Session lets high school students take real college courses for credit, either on campus or online. The courses last six weeks and cover subjects like medical neuroscience, creative writing, and virtue theory. You can choose classes that match your interests or help you get ahead in a future major. Classes follow a college schedule and end with final exams that count toward your grade. Your performance goes on an official Duke transcript. Online courses include both live and self-paced work.
13. UCLA Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP)
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA, or online
Cost: Varies by course. Calculate here.
Program dates: June 23–August 1
Application deadline: January 3–May 1
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 10–11 as of spring who have a minimum 3.8 GPA
UCLA’s Summer College Immersion Program (SCIP) lets high school students take real UCLA courses for credit over six weeks. You can choose from three formats: on-campus SCIP, SCIP+ with a research component, or the fully online eSCIP. In all versions, you’ll enroll in one or two approved college classes alongside UCLA students. Subjects range across STEM, humanities, and social sciences.
Courses include lectures, assignments, and exams, and your grades go on an official UCLA transcript. You’ll also join workshops on college study skills, applications, and wellness to prepare for campus life. The program helps you build academic habits, explore majors, and earn transferable credit before college starts.
14. Columbia College Edge
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $2,574 per point (3 points is typically 1 course) + $80 non-refundable application fee
Program dates: Summer Session A: May 26–July 3 | Summer Session B: July 7–August 15
Application deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 11 and 12 with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3.
Columbia University’s College Edge program lets high school students take real college courses and earn up to 6 credits per session. You can join during the academic year or summer and take classes in subjects like chemistry, statistics, math, or languages. You’ll be in regular Columbia classrooms with undergraduates.
Each course requires a big time commitment, with two to three hours of homework for every hour in class. You’ll also attend workshops on academic and career planning. Classes take place on Columbia’s campus in New York City, giving you direct exposure to college-level academics. Your grades appear on a Columbia transcript, and credits may transfer to other colleges later.
15. City University of New York’s College Now
Location: Online, hybrid, or in-person at partner high schools or colleges
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 30–August 1
Application deadline: Summer program applications are typically available from March to June
Eligibility: New York City public high school juniors and seniors, registered homeschooled students, and students with disabilities whose private school tuition is supported by the DOE. Additional course-specific eligibility criteria may apply.
College Now is a program from CUNY and NYC Public Schools that lets you earn up to 15 free college credits while in high school. You can take classes during the summer on a college campus or during the school year at your high school. Subjects include business, biology, sociology, communications, and graphic design, courses that often count toward general college requirements.
Classes are taught by college faculty. Even if your class is held at school, you’ll still visit the college campus. The program also includes workshops on study skills, time management, and self-advocacy, plus campus tours and career sessions to help you plan for the future.
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