14 In-person Economics Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 15
- 11 min read
If you’re interested in economics, participating in an in-person program can help you explore how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions in a world of limited resources. These opportunities introduce you to topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, public policy, finance, and data analysis while helping you develop quantitative, analytical, and critical thinking skills. They also provide the chance to learn in a collaborative environment alongside instructors and peers who share your interest in economics.
Why should I participate in an in-person economics program in high school?
In-person economics programs allow you to engage directly with economic concepts through lectures, discussions, case studies, research projects, and policy-focused activities. Depending on the program, you might analyze market behavior, evaluate public policies, study economic data, conduct research, debate contemporary economic issues, or explore how economic principles influence business and government decision-making. These experiences can help you build a stronger understanding of economics, strengthen communication and problem-solving skills, and explore potential academic and career pathways in the field.
With that, here are 14 in-person economics programs for high school students!
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Programs span a wide range of price points, from fully funded options (New Jersey Scholars Program, Kelley Young Women's Institute) to tuition-based residential programs at Ivy League universities (Penn, Columbia, Cornell, Brown), many of which offer financial aid.
Several programs are hosted on major university campuses, including Penn, UChicago, Georgetown, Cornell, UCLA, UCSB, Brown, NYU, and Columbia, giving students a direct preview of college-level academics and campus life.
Economics sub-fields covered across these programs include microeconomics and macroeconomics (UCLA, UChicago), public policy (Georgetown, New Jersey Scholars), labor and compensation economics (Cornell CICER), entrepreneurship (Babson, Kelley), and financial markets (Columbia, NYU).
Students seeking research experience can apply to the UCSB Research Mentorship Program, which pairs students with faculty mentors and culminates in a formal research symposium presentation.
Most competitive programs have deadlines between January and April, so students should begin identifying programs and preparing materials well before the end of the school year.
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
The Academic Insights Program lets high school students experience university life firsthand. You will live on campus, study in small groups of 7-10, and learn from tutors from top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. You can explore a wide range of subjects spanning 20+ options, including Architecture, AI, Business Management, Computer Science, Economics, Medicine, Philosophy, and more. The courses are experiential and focus on hands-on learning. You may find yourself conducting dissections in medicine, designing a robotic arm in engineering, participating in a moot court for law, or building creative writing portfolios and business case studies. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a personal project, receive written feedback, and receive a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Princeton, New Jersey, USA (The Lawrenceville School campus)
Cost: Free (fully funded)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 39 students selected annually
Dates: Five-week residential program typically held July–August
Application Deadline: Typically in January
Eligibility: High school juniors attending schools in New Jersey
The New Jersey Scholars Program is a highly selective summer program for academically talented high school students. The program focuses on interdisciplinary study of contemporary issues, often incorporating economic, political, and social perspectives. You will engage in intensive seminars, discussions, and research activities led by university faculty. Students analyze global challenges and policy questions that frequently involve economic reasoning and decision-making.
Location: Bloomington, Indiana (Indiana University campus)
Cost: Fully funded (no tuition cost)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 100 students annually
Dates: Typically in June
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Female high school students entering senior year
The Kelley Young Women’s Institute (YWI) is a selective residential program designed to introduce high school students to business and economics. Hosted by Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, the program provides you with an introduction to economic decision-making, finance, and entrepreneurship. You will attend workshops, lectures, and group activities led by Kelley faculty and industry professionals. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development and analytical thinking while exposing students to potential careers in economics and business. You will also engage in team projects and networking activities with mentors and peers.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (University of Pennsylvania campus)
Cost: $10,050 for the 3-week Summer Academy program (includes residential costs)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: July 11 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically April (varies by year)
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12
The Economics Academy at the University of Pennsylvania introduces you to core economic concepts through an intensive residential summer program. You will explore topics such as scarcity, market structures, market failures, and global economic policy while examining real-world economic issues. The program focuses on both theoretical foundations and practical applications of economics, helping you understand how economic principles shape business, government policy, and everyday decision-making. Classes are taught by Penn faculty and instructors, and you will engage in discussions, collaborative activities, and case studies throughout the program.
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA (University of Chicago campus)
Cost: $9,300 (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June–July summer sessions
Application Deadline: Priority deadline usually February; final deadline typically March
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in economics and mathematics; pre-calculus recommended
Pathways in Economics is an intensive pre-college course offered through the University of Chicago Summer Session. This program introduces you to the research approaches and analytical methods used by economists. It reflects the university’s rigorous tradition of economic scholarship, where students study major topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, game theory, and experimental economics. Through lectures, discussions, and group activities, participants apply economic models to practical problems in economics.
Location: Washington, D.C., USA (Georgetown University campus)
Cost: $9,085 (Residential Tuition & Meals); $7,085 (Commuter Tuition)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 28 - July 17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; priority deadline typically April
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
The Economics Policy Academy at Georgetown University explores how economic theory intersects with public policy and global decision-making. You will examine topics such as supply and demand, market structures, taxation, and government intervention in markets, and apply these concepts to contemporary policy challenges. The program incorporates case studies, policy debates, and interactive classroom discussions to help students understand how economic principles influence policy decisions. You will also benefit from Georgetown’s location in Washington, D.C., where you will gain insight into the role economics plays in government institutions and policymaking.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (University of Pennsylvania campus)
Cost: $11,899 (financial aid available, read more here)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Session 1: June 7 - June 27 | Session 2: June 28 - July 18 | Session 3: July 19 - August 8
Application Deadline: Priority deadline January 28
Eligibility: High school juniors
Leadership in the Business World (LBW) is one of the most selective summer programs offered by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Although the program is broadly focused on business, it introduces you to core economic principles, including market competition, pricing strategies, and global economic trends. You will attend lectures led by Wharton faculty and engage in case studies and group projects that examine business and economic challenges. Students also collaborate with peers to develop business ideas and present them through team projects. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development alongside analytical reasoning and decision-making.
Location: Providence, Rhode Island, USA (Brown University campus)
Cost: Approximately $5,328 per course (housing additional; financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment with academic eligibility requirements
Dates: Multiple summer sessions (June–August)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until courses fill
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12
Summer@Brown allows high school students to take college-style courses on Brown University’s campus, including several options related to economics and global markets. You get to attend classes taught by Brown instructors and engage in seminars, discussions, and projects designed to replicate a university classroom. Economics courses often explore subjects such as behavioral economics, global economic systems, or financial markets. You will benefit from small class sizes that encourage active discussion and collaborative learning. Outside the classroom, the program includes campus activities that allow you to experience aspects of college life.
Location: Ithaca, New York, USA (Cornell University campus)
Cost: $5,700 (includes housing and meals)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 40–60 students per session
Dates: 13 July - 25 July
Application Deadline: 15 April; Early Bird application deadline is on 15 December
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12
The Cornell Institute for Compensation Studies (CICER) Summer High School Program introduces students to business, economics, and data analytics through a rigorous residential experience at Cornell University. You will explore how economic concepts influence compensation, labor markets, and organizational decision-making. The curriculum combines lectures, case studies, and collaborative projects that help students apply economic frameworks to real-world business challenges. You will also gain exposure to emerging topics such as workplace analytics and labor economics.
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA (University of California, Los Angeles campus)
Cost: Approximately $4,500–$7,000, depending on option (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Typically 2–3 week sessions held June–August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until May
Eligibility: 9th–12th grade students (must be 15+ by June 22); Minimum 3.2 GPA
The UCLA Precollege Economics Summer Institute introduces students to the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics through interactive lectures and case studies. You will explore topics such as market behavior, supply and demand, international trade, and government economic policy. The program focuses on real-world applications by examining contemporary economic issues and policy debates. You will engage in group projects and discussions to analyze economic problems from multiple perspectives. Faculty instructors guide students through analytical exercises designed to build economic reasoning and critical thinking skills.
Location: Santa Barbara, California, USA (University of California, Santa Barbara campus)
Cost: Approximately $13,274 for residential students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 75 students are accepted annually
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12; Have a minimum 3.80 academic weighted GPA requirement
The Research Mentorship Program (RMP) at UC Santa Barbara allows high school students to conduct university-level research under the guidance of faculty mentors. If you are interested in economics, you can explore topics such as economic inequality, labor markets, financial systems, or public policy. You will work closely with graduate students and faculty to design and conduct research projects while learning academic research methods. The program also includes seminars on data analysis, research writing, and presenting academic work. At the end of the program, students present their research findings at a formal symposium.
Location: New York City, New York, USA (New York University campus)
Cost: About $700 - $16,000; visit this page for more
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: July 1 - August 12
Application Deadline: June 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The NYU Precollege program allows high school students to take real undergraduate courses at New York University, including several economics offerings. Participants enroll in classes alongside other motivated students and complete coursework similar to that required of NYU undergraduates. Economics courses may cover subjects such as microeconomic theory, global markets, or economic policy. You will benefit from small class discussions, assignments, and faculty mentorship throughout the program. Living in university housing gives participants a firsthand experience of college life in New York City.
Location: New York City, New York, USA (Columbia University campus)
Cost: Approximately $8,240 for residential students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Three-week sessions typically held June–August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until May
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18
Columbia University’s Summer Immersion Program offers intensive academic tracks, including economics and finance. Students explore topics such as financial markets, economic modeling, and global economic systems through interactive lectures and workshops. The program emphasizes real-world applications by examining how economic principles shape financial institutions and policy decisions. You will also work on projects that encourage problem-solving and analytical thinking. Faculty and industry professionals provide insight into career paths related to economics and finance.
Location: Hosted at NEIA-- New England Innovation Academy
Cost: Day Student: $9,295; Residential Student:$12,995. Full financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 40 students per session
Dates: July 8 - 28
Application Deadline: February 13
Eligibility: High school rising juniors and seniors
Babson Summer Study is a residential program that introduces high school students to entrepreneurship, business strategy, and economic decision-making. You will explore how economic principles shape entrepreneurial ventures and market competition. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through team projects where students develop business ideas and analyze market opportunities. Faculty instructors guide participants through case studies, workshops, and presentations that build leadership and analytical skills. You will work with peers to refine business concepts and pitch them to instructors.
Frequently asked questions
What types of in-person economics programs are available for high school students?
Options include university pre-college courses (Harvard, Penn, Brown, NYU, Columbia), intensive residential academies (UChicago, Georgetown, Cornell CICER), business and entrepreneurship programs (Babson, Kelley YWI, Wharton LBW), faculty-mentored research experiences (UCSB RMP), and fully funded residential programs (New Jersey Scholars, Kelley YWI).
Are there free or fully funded in-person economics programs for high school students?
Yes, the New Jersey Scholars Program and the Kelley Young Women's Institute at Indiana University are both fully funded and free to attend. Many tuition-based programs, including those at UChicago, Georgetown, Wharton, and UCSB, offer need-based financial aid to eligible students.
Which in-person economics programs are best for students interested in research?
The UCSB Research Mentorship Program is the most research-focused option on this list, pairing students with faculty mentors for a six-week project culminating in a symposium presentation. The New Jersey Scholars Program also involves research-oriented seminars and policy analysis led by university faculty.
Which programs are best for students interested in business and entrepreneurship alongside economics?
Babson Summer Study, the Kelley Young Women's Institute, and Wharton's Leadership in the Business World all connect economic principles to entrepreneurship, strategy, and leadership. Cornell CICER focuses specifically on labor economics and compensation, which sits at the intersection of business and economic analysis.
What GPA or academic background is typically required for these programs?
Requirements vary. UCSB RMP requires a minimum weighted GPA of 3.80, UCLA requires at least 3.2, and UChicago recommends a strong background in mathematics, including pre-calculus. Many programs do not publish a GPA cutoff but expect strong academic performance and a demonstrated interest in economics.
When should I apply to in-person economics programs for high school students?
Several programs have early deadlines. Wharton LBW has a priority deadline of January 28; Babson closes on February 13; and UCSB RMP closes on March 9. UChicago and Georgetown have priority deadlines in February and April, respectively. Students should begin researching in the fall and aim to submit applications by January or February for the most competitive programs.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.