15 College Summer Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jul 19
- 15 min read
If you’re looking to explore a subject in greater depth, college summer programs can give you the opportunity to learn in university settings before you graduate from high school. These programs span a wide range of fields, including STEM, business, medicine, the arts, and the humanities, while exposing you to college-level coursework, research, and academic communities. They also provide opportunities to learn from university faculty, collaborate with motivated peers, and experience different aspects of campus life.
Why should I attend a college summer program in high school?
College summer programs allow you to experience how subjects are taught and explored at the university level through courses, research projects, seminars, and collaborative academic work. Depending on the program, you might conduct research, complete studio projects, analyze case studies, attend lectures, or earn college credit while working with faculty and other students. Over time, these experiences can help you explore potential majors, build academic skills, and demonstrate sustained interest in a field when applying to colleges.
To make your search easier, we’ve curated a list of 15 college summer programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 programs span STEM research, artificial intelligence, business, medicine, art and design, humanities, and global affairs, so students with a wide range of academic interests can find a relevant college summer program.
Several programs are free or highly subsidized, including MIT RSI (fully funded), Lumiere Research Scholar Program (need-based financial aid), Yale Young Global Scholars (aid up to full tuition), and UT Austin High School Research Academy (need-based scholarships), while others, such as Brown Pre-College and Cornell Precollege Studies, offer rolling admissions and flexible formats.
Many programs offer college credit or formal academic credentials, including UCLA Summer College Immersion (official UCLA transcript), Cornell Precollege Studies (3 to 12 transferable credits), MICA Pre-College (college credit), Wharton Pre-baccalaureate, and UT Austin High School Research Academy, which can strengthen both college applications and future transcripts.
Programs vary significantly in length and format, from two-week residential intensives, such as Yale Young Global Scholars and Dartmouth Precollege, to six-week independent research placements, such as MIT RSI and Simons Summer Research Program, so students can choose based on their schedule and academic goals.
Application deadlines for the most selective programs fall early, including Yale Young Global Scholars (October 15 early action), MIT RSI (mid-December), Simons Summer Research Program (February 5), and Harvard Pre-College (February 11 regular), so students should begin preparing materials in the fall.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free (fully funded); $75 application fee; fee waivers available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <2.5% acceptance rate; ~100 students/cohort
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically early- to mid-December
Eligibility: High school juniors; strong STEM background and test scores recommended; check the list of requirements here
At the Research Science Institute (RSI), you will participate in one of the most prestigious and selective college summer programs for high school students, combining advanced coursework with original research. You will begin with a week of intensive STEM seminars led by leading professors, covering topics across biology, physics, engineering, and more. You will then transition into a five-week research internship, where you will work closely with experienced scientists and mentors on an individual project. Throughout the program, you will read current scientific literature, develop a research plan, and use advanced tools and computing resources to support your work. You will also attend evening lectures featuring prominent scientists, including Nobel laureates and industry leaders. At the end of the program, you will produce a written research paper and deliver a conference-style presentation of your findings.
Why it stands out: You will complete a full independent research project under expert mentorship in a fully funded program with one of the lowest acceptance rates among college summer programs for high school students.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Why it stands out: You'll work 1:1 with a PhD mentor, produce a publication-ready research paper, and build a credential that directly strengthens college applications.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost/Stipend: ~$2,450 estimated program cost for residential students; stipend awarded upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; <5% acceptance rate
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: High school juniors (applying in 11th grade); must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents; aged 16+; you must be nominated by your school to participate
At the Simons Summer Research Program, you will participate in an intensive, six-week research experience at Stony Brook University, making it one of the most rigorous college summer programs for high school students. If nominated by your school, you will be matched with a faculty mentor and join an active research group, where you will work on an independent project in fields such as science, mathematics, or engineering. Throughout the program, you will spend several hours each day conducting hands-on research, learning laboratory techniques, and contributing to real academic work. You will also attend weekly faculty lectures, workshops, and campus events that expose you to cutting-edge research and university life. As the program concludes, you will produce a research abstract and present your findings at a formal poster symposium. This experience will give you a strong foundation in research methodology and collaboration within a professional academic environment.
Why it stands out: You will conduct independent research under expert mentorship and present your work at a formal symposium.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12)
The Veritas AI Program offers high school students a deep dive into artificial intelligence and machine learning through a research-focused curriculum. You'll explore topics like supervised learning, neural networks, and AI applications, guided by mentors from leading universities. Students complete an independent AI project and can submit their work for publication. The program is structured to give students both theoretical knowledge and hands-on technical experience.
Why it stands out: It combines rigorous AI education with mentorship and a research project, making it a strong credential for students interested in STEM or computer science.
Location: Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD
Cost/Stipend: $3,850 (2-week residential); $7,700 (4-week residential); $2,725 (2-week commuter); $5,450 (4-week commuter); $25 application fee; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: July 13 – 24 (Session 1); July 27 – August 7 (Session 2); July 13 – August 7 (4-week session)
Application Deadline: Early Application Deadline: January 5; Final Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students ages 15–17; open to international students; portfolio of 4 artworks required
At MICA’s Pre-College Summer Intensive, you will immerse yourself in a structured studio environment while experiencing life at a leading art and design college. You will take a studio class taught by MICA faculty, during which you will develop technical skills in areas like animation, illustration, photography, or product design. Throughout the program, you will participate in workshops, artist talks, and dedicated studio time to refine your work and build your portfolio. If you choose the residential option, you will live on campus in apartment-style housing and collaborate with peers from around the world. You will also earn college credit, giving you a head start on your academic journey. By the end of the program, you will have created a body of work that reflects your artistic growth and readiness for future study.
Why it stands out: You will earn college credit while building a strong portfolio under the guidance of professional artists, all within a fully immersive art school environment.
Location: University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, and virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by course and units; $350 registration fee; limited scholarships available for California high school students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines depending on the eligibility and track
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors; 3.8+ cumulative GPA; proof of English proficiency required for international students who aren’t citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, or the United Kingdom
At the UCLA Summer College Immersion Program, you will experience a structured introduction to college life by enrolling in UCLA-level coursework alongside other motivated students. You will attend lectures, seminars, and workshops that reflect the rigor of undergraduate academics while also participating in co-curricular activities designed to support your transition to college. Depending on your chosen track: SCIP, SCIP+, or eSCIP, you will either focus on general academic immersion or build foundational research skills with UCLA educators. You will have the opportunity to enroll in up to two courses and earn college credit, which will appear on an official UCLA transcript that you can send to future institutions. Beyond academics, you will develop time management skills, study strategies, and college readiness through curated programming.
Why it stands out: You will earn official UCLA transcript credit while experiencing a realistic undergraduate schedule, combining academic rigor with structured support for college readiness.
Location: Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, or virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,999 (Precollege Summer Scholars Commuter); $6,999 ((Precollege Summer Scholars Hybrid); $8,299 (Precollege Summer Scholars Residential); $9,299 (Leadership Institute); financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions between June 28 and August 14
Application Deadline: Early/Priority: December 16; Regular: January 27; Extended: March 24; Rolling after May 1 till spots fill
Eligibility: Risong 10-12th graders aged 15–18 for Precollege Summer Scholars; high school or U.S.-high-school-equivalent students aged 13–19 Precollege Online, open to domestic and international students
At the Dartmouth Precollege Summer Program, you will explore college-level academics while experiencing life on an Ivy League campus. You will enroll in an intensive course taught primarily by Dartmouth faculty and staff, choosing from subjects such as business, data science, neuroscience, engineering, public health, or creative writing. Each session will immerse you in a focused topic, where you will engage in discussions, hands-on projects, and collaborative learning with peers from around the world. If you attend on campus, you will live in Hanover, New Hampshire, and participate in activities designed to foster intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and community building. By the end of the program, you will gain subject-specific knowledge and a clearer understanding of college-level expectations.
Why it stands out: You will study a specialized subject in a focused, small-group setting while experiencing the academic environment of an Ivy League institution.
Location: Brown University, Providence, RI, or Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost depends on the program and course (ranging from $3,096 to $17,935); financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Domestic and international high school students
At Brown Pre-College Programs, you will step into a flexible, exploratory academic environment where you will experience college-level learning without the pressure of grades. You will choose from over 300 courses across a wide range of subjects, including environmental studies, medicine, psychology, law, mathematics, and creative writing. Your classes will be discussion-based and designed to challenge your thinking while encouraging intellectual curiosity and independence. Outside the classroom, you will balance academics with social and extracurricular activities that mirror the undergraduate experience. By the end of the program, you will have explored new academic interests while building confidence in navigating college-level expectations. You will also recieve a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
Why it stands out: You will have the freedom to explore a wide variety of subjects in a low-pressure, grade-free environment while experiencing the academic culture of an Ivy League university.
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY, or Virtual
Cost/Stipend: ~$12,838 (3-week residential); ~$6,381 (3-week commuter); $2,867 (1-week online); $2,882 (1-week commuter); ~$4,017 (2-week online); $80 application fee; limited financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions from June 22–August 7 (1-week, 2-week, 3-week, and 6-week options available); check dates and deadlines here
Application Deadline: Early Registration (residential and commuter): March 3; General Registration (residential and commuter): March 17; Online Summer Early Registration: March 10; Online Summer General Registration: March 24
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12; residential students must be at least 15, turning 16 by year-end)
At Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs, you will experience a rigorous academic environment while exploring your interests across more than 100 courses in 16 subject areas. You can choose between residential, commuter, or online formats, depending on how you want to engage with the program. If you attend on campus, you will live and study in New York City, taking classes taught by expert instructors and participating in lectures, workshops, and co-curricular activities. Your daily schedule will include multiple class sessions, independent work, and opportunities to engage in discussions, debates, and group projects. You will also interact with a diverse, global student body while gaining exposure to university-level expectations. By the end of the program, you will receive a Columbia Certification of Participation and an evaluation letter, and in some tracks, you may earn college credit.
Why it stands out: You will combine rigorous academics with the experience of living and studying in New York City, while choosing from a wide range of subjects and flexible program formats from one of the top universities in the world.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School, Philadelphia, PA; online and location-based programs available
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program (typically ~$2,299–$11,899 depending on duration); $100 application fee; limited financial aid available; tuition waived for eligible Philadelphia students (Pre-baccalaureate)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions between May and August
Application Deadline: Priority Deadline: January 28; Rolling applications after this for online programs; Final Deadline: March 18/March 25 (for Management & Technology Institute)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 (on-campus programs); grades 11–12 for Pre-baccalaureate; minimum ~3.3–3.5 GPA depending on program
At the Wharton Global Youth Program, you will explore business fundamentals while studying at one of the world’s leading business schools. You will choose from specialized programs such as entrepreneurship, finance, product design, data science, or leadership, each designed to reflect Wharton’s academic approach. Through lectures, case studies, simulations, and group projects, you will analyze real-world business challenges and develop practical problem-solving skills. In more advanced options like the Pre-baccalaureate Program, you will enroll in credit-bearing courses and experience the rigor of Wharton’s undergraduate curriculum. By the end of the program, you will have built a strong foundation in business concepts and gained insight into potential career paths.
Why it stands out: You will learn directly from Wharton faculty while exploring specialized business fields through hands-on projects, simulations, and real-world case studies.
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, or virtual
Cost/Stipend: Tuition charged per credit; total cost varies by course load, ranging from $5,820 to $22,282
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising or current high school juniors and seniors
At the Cornell Precollege Studies Program, you will take actual Cornell University courses alongside undergraduate students, giving you a direct introduction to college academics. You will choose from a wide range of subjects and enroll in one or more courses, earning 3 to 12 college credits and receiving an official Cornell transcript. Your classes will be taught by Cornell faculty, and you will be expected to meet the same academic standards as college students. Through this experience, you will strengthen your critical thinking, writing, and time management skills while exploring potential majors. You will also have the option to study in person as a residential or commuter student, or online, depending on your preference.
Why it stands out: You will study alongside Cornell undergraduates and earn transferable college credits, giving you one of the most authentic Ivy League academic experiences available to high school students.
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost/Stipend: $7,000 (2-week residential session); $80–$95 application fee; need-based financial aid available up to full tuition
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple 2-week sessions: June 21 – July 31
Application Deadline: Early action: October 15; Regular Decision: January 7
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors (ages 16–18); must be first-time participants and proficient in English
At Yale Young Global Scholars, you will participate in an intensive academic enrichment program on Yale’s campus alongside students from over 150 countries. You will select one interdisciplinary track, such as Innovations in Science & Technology, Politics, Law & Economics, or Solving Global Challenges, and spend two weeks exploring complex global topics. Your days will include lectures by Yale faculty, small-group seminars, collaborative projects, and discussions that emphasize critical thinking and global perspectives. You will also engage in simulations, debates, and capstone-style activities that encourage you to apply your knowledge to real-world issues. Outside the classroom, you will connect with a diverse international cohort, building cross-cultural understanding and lasting relationships
Why it stands out: You will join a highly diverse, international cohort while exploring interdisciplinary global issues through discussions, simulations, and Yale-led seminars.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,500 program fee + $95 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Program 1: June 22 – July 3; Program 2: July 13 – 24
Application Deadline: Typically opens in January
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ (or younger if a junior in high school); open to international students
At the Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center Summer Internship, you will gain an in-depth introduction to cardiothoracic surgery through a structured virtual program. You will attend daily lectures covering topics such as cardiac anatomy, thoracic physiology, and major surgical procedures, including valve replacement and coronary bypass surgery. In addition to theoretical learning, you will participate in hands-on technical skills sessions using provided materials, where you will practice techniques like suturing, knot tying, and instrument handling. Your learning will be guided by Stanford faculty, surgical residents, and medical staff. You will also explore diagnostic tools like ECG and imaging methods, along with ethical considerations and career pathways in medicine, ensuring you develop not only your foundational surgical skills, but also have a clearer understanding of the careers in healthcare and surgery.
Why it stands out: You will combine medical theory with hands-on surgical practice in a structured program led by Stanford faculty, in a fully virtual format.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: $6,100 program fee + $75 application fee; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~15 students/class
Dates: June 21 – July 2; July 5 – 17; July 19 – 31
Application Deadline: Early: January 7; Regular: February 11; Late: April 1 (space permitting)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors; must be at least 16 years old by June 20 and not turn 19 before July 31
At the Harvard Pre-College Program, you will experience college-level academics in a structured, two-week residential setting on campus. You will choose from a range of courses across disciplines such as STEM, humanities, business, and public health, all taught in small, discussion-based classes. While you won’t receive grades, you will still engage in rigorous coursework that challenges your critical thinking and academic skills. Outside the classroom, you will participate in co-curricular activities that help you build independence, connect with peers, and explore campus life. You will live in residence halls, manage your schedule, and balance academics with social experiences, mirroring a real college environment.
Why it stands out: You will experience Ivy League academics in small, discussion-based classes without the pressure of grades, allowing you to focus on exploration and growth.
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: $4,000; need-based scholarships available (may include stipend + free tuition)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 8 – July 15
Application Deadline: March 22
Eligibility: Students aged 15+; rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors (preference for juniors/seniors); Texas residents prioritized
At the UT Austin High School Research Academy, you will participate in a five-week, hands-on research experience within active university laboratories. You will work on interdisciplinary STEM projects in fields such as biochemistry, neuroscience, environmental science, or data analytics, collaborating with faculty, undergraduate researchers, and peers. Over the course of the program, you will spend approximately 15–25 hours per week in your assigned lab, learning advanced research techniques and contributing to ongoing projects. You will also attend weekly seminars led by guest speakers and engage in discussions that deepen your understanding of scientific research. As part of the program, you will complete coursework to earn college credit while reflecting on your research experience. To end the program, you will present your work at a formal research symposium and take home a poster showcasing your findings.
Why it stands out: You will gain real laboratory research experience and present your work at a symposium while earning college credit through a university-led program.
Frequently asked questions
What college summer programs are available for high school students?
Options include research programs, such as MIT RSI, Simons Summer Research, Lumiere, and UT Austin High School Research Academy, AI and STEM programs, such as Veritas AI, business programs, such as Wharton Global Youth, Ivy League and university immersion programs, such as Harvard Pre-College, Brown Pre-College, Columbia Pre-College, Dartmouth Precollege, Cornell Precollege, and Yale Young Global Scholars, an arts program through MICA, and a virtual surgical skills program through Stanford.
Are there free or affordable college summer programs for high school students?
MIT RSI is fully funded, Yale Young Global Scholars offers need-based aid up to full tuition, and Lumiere Research Scholar Program offers need-based financial aid, while programs, such as Brown Pre-College and UCLA Summer College Immersion, offer limited scholarships for eligible students.
Which college summer programs allow high school students to earn college credit?
Cornell Precollege Studies awards 3 to 12 transferable Cornell credits, UCLA Summer College Immersion awards official UCLA transcript credit, MICA Pre-College awards college credit, Wharton Pre-baccalaureate Program offers credit-bearing courses, and UT Austin High School Research Academy awards college credit alongside lab research experience.
Which programs are best for students interested in research?
MIT RSI, Simons Summer Research Program, Lumiere Research Scholar Program, Veritas AI, and UT Austin High School Research Academy all offer structured, mentored research experiences that result in a paper, poster, or formal presentation.
Are there college summer programs open to international students?
Yes, Brown Pre-College, Columbia Pre-College, MICA Pre-College, Yale Young Global Scholars, Stanford Cardiothoracic Internship, and Dartmouth Precollege all explicitly welcome international applicants.
When should I apply to college summer programs for high school students?
Yale Young Global Scholars has the earliest deadline at October 15 for early action, followed by MIT RSI (mid-December), Simons Summer Research (February 5), and Harvard Pre-College (February 11 for regular decision), while programs, such as Brown Pre-College, Cornell Precollege, and Lumiere, accept rolling applications throughout the year.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. 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.