15 Investment Courses for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jul 31
- 13 min read
Investment courses can be a practical way for high school students to explore finance, economics, and markets in a structured setting. These courses often introduce you to concepts such as stocks, portfolio management, risk analysis, financial planning, and market trends, helping you explore how investing works beyond what is typically covered in school. Many structured courses also include simulations, case studies, or project-based learning, giving exposure to decision-making and financial analysis. In addition to building technical knowledge, investment courses can help develop analytical thinking, research skills, and data interpretation abilities that are useful across business and finance fields.
Why should you explore investment courses in high school?
Investment courses can help you build financial literacy while learning how markets, businesses, and economic systems are connected before you decide to commit to the field of finance in college. These experiences can strengthen your academic profile by showing initiative and intellectual curiosity in finance-related subjects. If you are interested in investment or finance-related careers, these courses provide an early introduction to how investment is studied and practiced in academic and professional environments. Some courses are hosted by universities or industry organizations, allowing you to experience college-level learning while interacting with instructors, mentors, or peers who share similar interests.
To help you explore your options, we have curated a list of 15 investment courses for high school students.
If you’re looking for online summer research programs, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These 15 courses span equity research, portfolio management, capital markets, financial mathematics, fintech, cryptocurrency, ESG investing, AI in finance, and personal finance, so students with a wide range of investment interests can find a relevant option online or in person.
Several courses are low-cost or accessible, including UPenn Wharton's Understanding Your Money ($329, self-paced), Dartmouth Finance ($1,895), Northwestern Finance ($1,895), and Georgetown Becoming an Investor ($1,895), while many others, including Stanford, Brown, and UCLA, offer need-based financial aid.
Several courses provide college credit or formal credentials, including UCLA Introduction to Investments (transferable college credit), Brown Financial Mathematics, and Columbia Introduction to Finance and Investment Management, which offer university-level academic recognition alongside practical skills.
Programs vary significantly in depth and format, from self-paced online introductions, such as Wharton's Understanding Your Money, to intensive two-week quantitative courses, such as Stanford Capital Markets and Brown Financial Mathematics, to project-based technical programs, such as Veritas AI Finance Deep Dive, so students can choose based on their experience level and goals.
Application deadlines for the most selective programs fall early, including Stanford Pre-Collegiate (March 13) and Brown Pre-College (May 15), while most programs, such as Dartmouth, Northwestern, Georgetown, Rice, and Wake Forest, accept rolling applications one week before each session.
Location: Remote! You can participate in the program from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, spring, and winter. Available options range from 12 weeks to one year.
Application deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: Students enrolled in high school who demonstrate strong academic performance
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous program tailored for high school students. It offers extensive one-on-one research opportunities across a range of subject areas for high school students to explore. The program will pair you with Ph.D. mentors to work one-on-one on a research project. At the end, you will have developed an independent research paper! You can choose from areas such as finance, computer science, data science, engineering, math, psychology, international relations, physics, chemistry, economics, and more. You can learn more about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Location: Online
Cost: $3,200; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: Session One: June 15 – 26 | Session Two: July 6 – 17
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 11 at the time of application who have completed at least one algebra course
This Stanford course covers the fundamentals of capital markets and investments, walking you through the tools used to evaluate financial decisions and value companies. Through lectures, games, and team-based activities, you will explore topics like stocks and bonds, how startups raise capital through an IPO, and core concepts in corporate finance. In the process, you will learn to calculate and apply financial metrics such as P/E ratio, Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, WACC, and Discounted Cash Flow. The course wraps up with a team project where you will build and present a full financial model for a company. Your days will consist of live sessions and independent time for homework and assignments.
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks
Application deadline: Varies by cohort: Summer, Spring, Fall, and Winter sessions available
Eligibility: High school students who are previous AI Scholars participants or have a background in coding
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers a range of AI-focused programs for ambitious high school students. The AI + Finance Deep Dive is designed to help you gain a deeper understanding of AI applications in finance. You will learn through lectures, code walkthroughs, and real-world projects that use AI/ML models to predict future financial patterns from past data, forecast stock prices, and more. By the end, you will have completed projects that demonstrate how finance, coding, and AI can intersect in practical ways. You can check out the program brochure here and the application form to learn more.
Location: Brown University campus, Providence, RI
Cost: $80 application fee + commuter tuition: $6,416 | residential tuition: $8,372; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – 24
Application deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students
This Brown University course introduces high school students to the mathematical and statistical foundations behind investing, portfolio management, and financial risk analysis. You study concepts such as probability theory, random variables, Markov processes, portfolio returns, and optimal asset allocation, and learn how these tools are applied in finance. The course also explores how investors, hedge funds, and banks use quantitative models to balance risk and return across stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. Through simulations built from historical market data, group projects, assignments, and presentations, you will gain hands-on experience interpreting financial behavior and constructing investment strategies. The curriculum is designed to help you build analytical and quantitative skills that are widely used in finance, economics, investment research, and data-driven decision-making.
Location: Online or Bentley University, Waltham, MA
Cost: $1,490 (online) | $2,450 (commuter) | $3,380 (residential) + a $75 non-refundable application fee; limited need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; rolling admissions on a space-available basis
Dates: June 8 – July 10 (multiple one-week sessions within this window)
Application deadline: Rolling admission through June 1
Eligibility: High school students; residential applicants must be 16 or older.
This Bentley University course introduces you to the fundamentals of equity research and financial analysis through a hands-on, college-level learning experience. You will study financial statements, valuation models, forecasting, and risk assessment while learning how professional investors evaluate companies and market opportunities. The course also explores how ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors influence investment decisions and long-term business performance. Guided by Bentley faculty and finance professionals, you will prepare and deliver a professional-style stock pitch similar to what analysts present on Wall Street. Through projects and real-world case studies, you will gain practical exposure to investment research, analytical thinking, and financial communication.
Location: Online or Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Starts at $2,868 and varies by session length, format, and program type; financial aid available for select programs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Fall: October 9 – November 22 | Spring: January 23 – March 29 | Summer AA (In Person): June 22 – 26 | Summer C (In Person): August 3 – 7 | Summer AA (Online): June 22 – 26 | Summer A (Online): July 6 – 17 | Summer B (Online): July 20 – 31
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students
This Columbia University course introduces you to the core principles of finance and investment management, covering topics such as interest rates, the time value of money, risk and reward, and the valuation of both stocks and bonds. You will study how the stock market and broader international financial system function, examining the roles played by investment banks, asset managers, and central banks in the global economy. The course will also connect financial theory to real historical examples, exploring why some investments succeed, and others don’t. You will learn about both traditional investments, such as mutual funds, and alternative investments, such as private equity and hedge funds. At the end, you will generate your own investment strategies and build a personal portfolio based on what you learn from the course.
Location: New York University, New York, NY
Cost: $50 application fee + $2,579 tuition + housing and dining fees (optional add-on): $684
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple one-week sessions from June 29 to August 7
Application deadline: International students: March 14 | Residential students: April 29 | Commuter students: June 12
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grades 9, 10, or 11
Investing Like a Wall Street Pro introduces high school students to the valuation methods and analytical frameworks used by professional investors and Wall Street analysts. You will learn about concepts such as economic moats, business cycles, competition, and cash flow analysis while exploring how to evaluate companies through real-world case studies involving brands like Apple, Disney, Nike, and Snapchat. The course will also teach you how to read income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, apply valuation ratios, and forecast metrics such as sales growth and operating margins using structured financial models. You will build discounted cash flow (DCF) and comparable company valuation models while conducting equity research through annual reports and financial databases. You will additionally study stock analysis, portfolio evaluation, and the research techniques commonly used in investment banking and asset management.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective; cohort size details not publicly available
Dates: Multi-length sessions throughout the year
Application deadline: One week before the session start date
Eligibility: Students, ages 13 and up
This Dartmouth course is designed to introduce high school students to the fundamentals of investing, valuation, and financial markets through a practical, project-based online format. You will study topics such as financial statement analysis, IPOs, investment banking, risk and return, and Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) valuation while learning how investors evaluate companies and market opportunities. Throughout the course, you will analyze company financials, assess investment risks, and build financial reasoning skills commonly used in private equity, venture capital, and investment banking. With support from expert mentors, you will also complete a final capstone project where you will act as a private equity analyst and pitch an investment recommendation based on your research and valuation work. The course additionally offers insights into career paths in finance and investing.
Location: Online
Cost: $1,895; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Multiple two- and four-week sessions throughout the year
Application deadline: Varies by session; typically a week before each session starts
Eligibility: Students, ages 13 and up
Designed by Northwestern faculty, this course explores the financial industry from economic foundations to investment strategy and analysis. You will learn how to interpret financial statements, evaluate different asset classes, and apply concepts like risk, return, and the time value of money to real investment scenarios. A dedicated module on private equity will introduce you to deal sourcing, due diligence, and value creation. Throughout the course, you will have access to a personal mentor for feedback and guidance, along with video lessons, simulations, and assignments you can work through at your own pace. The course will conclude with a capstone project, where you will analyze a private equity case, build financial projections, and present a strategic investment recommendation. You will earn a Certificate of Completion from Northwestern upon finishing the course.
Location: Virtual or University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: ~$3,156 (commuter) | $2,330 (virtual); need- and merit-based scholarships available for eligible California students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly shared
Dates: July 13 – 31
Application deadline: June 12
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 – 12
Introduction to Investments is a three-week pre-college course designed to help you build a strong foundation in investing, financial markets, and personal finance while earning college credit at UCLA. You will study asset classes such as stocks, bonds, commodities, hedge funds, venture capital, and private equity while learning how economic cycles and Federal Reserve policies influence investment decisions. Through case studies, quantitative analysis, lectures, and small-group discussions led by UCLA Economics students, you will practice evaluating risk, return, and valuation strategies across different markets. The course also introduces personal financial planning concepts, helping you understand banking, investing, and long-term wealth management in practical terms. The course also offers exposure to potential careers in investment management, economics, and financial analysis.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $329
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment
Dates: Self-paced; you can start anytime
Application deadline: Self-paced; no deadline
Eligibility: High school students, including international applicants
Understanding Your Money, an online course offered by the University of Pennsylvania’s The Wharton School, introduces high school students to the fundamentals of economics, personal finance, and investing. Through video lessons taught by Wharton faculty, along with readings, activities, and quizzes, you will learn key concepts related to budgeting, earning, saving, and smart financial decision-making. The course also explores how financial choices affect long-term well-being and explains why people invest and how investment strategies are developed. As the program is fully online and on-demand, you can complete lessons at your own pace while building practical money-management skills. At the end, you will earn a Wharton Global Youth certificate of completion.
Location: Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University, Bronx, NY (Hybrid)
Cost: $1,300; need-based discounts available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 15 – 19 | June 22 – 26 | July 20 – 24 | July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: Rolling, starting from early January
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 – 12
Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom is a one-week course at Fordham University designed for high school students interested in investing, financial markets, and business. You will study core finance concepts, including the time value of money, economic cycles, monetary policy, and personal finance, while exploring asset classes such as stocks, bonds, hedge funds, private equity, and cryptocurrency. The program will also cover investment analysis, asset allocation, and risk management theory, helping you understand how financial professionals evaluate markets and make decisions. Through classroom discussions led by a former Wall Street trader and guest speakers from major finance firms, you will gain insights into both academic finance concepts and real industry practices.
Location: Online
Cost: $1,895; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: One-, two-, and four-week sessions available throughout the year
Application deadline: One week before sessions start
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
This Georgetown University course breaks down the basic mechanics of financial markets and how investors build wealth. You will learn how valuation models are used to determine a company's worth and how that value shapes its stock price, while also exploring the mechanics of buying and holding stock as a shareholder. The course also focuses on fintech, covering digital and crypto assets and connecting classic finance concepts to current industry trends. Throughout the course, you will learn to build your own investment portfolio, weighing your personal goals, risk tolerance, and diversification strategy. The course will end with a capstone project in which you will analyze the investment potential of a public company. You will receive a Certificate of Completion from Georgetown upon finishing the course.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; typically, small cohort sizes
Dates: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Application deadline: One week before the session start date
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
The Entrepreneurship: From Ideas to Impact in Fintech course from Rice University introduces you to how technology is reshaping modern finance through innovations like blockchain, cryptocurrencies, robo-advising, digital payments, and online lending. You will explore the foundations of financial services while analyzing how companies such as PayPal, Venmo, and Robinhood disrupted traditional banking and investing systems. The course also examines fintech regulation, startup growth strategies, financial accessibility, and the risks associated with emerging technologies. Using case studies and mentor guidance, you will develop a capstone project to design a fintech business idea or product. You will get a certificate from Rice University at the end.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,595; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Dates: One-, two-, and four-week sessions available throughout the year
Application deadline: One week before sessions start
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
The Investing: The Future of Finance program from Wake Forest University focuses on modern investing, financial markets, and the growing influence of financial technology. You will explore topics such as financial statement analysis, risk and reward, IPOs, venture capital, ESG investing, cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and decentralized finance. Through activities like evaluating companies and building a mock investment portfolio, you will gain experience analyzing investment strategies and market trends. While learning from traders, investment bankers, and finance professionals, you will develop an understanding of investing and the future of global finance. The course will also examine how FinTech companies are transforming industries like banking, lending, insurance, and real estate while highlighting the opportunities and risks involved.
Frequently asked questions
What investment courses are available for high school students?
Options include quantitative finance and capital markets courses, such as Stanford Capital Markets and Brown Financial Mathematics, equity research and valuation courses, such as Bentley Wall Street 101, NYU Investing Like a Wall Street Pro, and Dartmouth Finance, fintech and cryptocurrency courses, such as Rice Entrepreneurship in Fintech and Wake Forest Future of Finance, AI in finance courses, such as Veritas AI Finance Deep Dive, and accessible introductory courses, such as Wharton's Understanding Your Money and Northwestern Think Like an Investor.
Which investment courses for high school students are the most affordable?
Wharton's Understanding Your Money is the most affordable at $329 and is fully self-paced. Dartmouth, Northwestern, Georgetown, and Wake Forest all offer courses starting at approximately $1,895, with need-based financial aid available. Fordham's Wall Street in the Classroom starts at $1,300, also with need-based discounts.
Which courses offer college credit or formal certificates?
UCLA Introduction to Investments awards transferable college credit upon completion. Columbia, Brown, and NYU courses are taught at a university level with formal academic records. Dartmouth, Northwestern, Georgetown, Rice, and Wake Forest all award certificates of completion, and Stanford provides a certificate through its Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes.
Which investment course is best for students interested in AI and technology in finance?
Veritas AI's AI and Finance Deep Dive is specifically designed for students with a coding background who want to explore how machine learning models are applied to stock price forecasting and financial pattern analysis. Rice University's Entrepreneurship in Fintech and Wake Forest's Future of Finance also cover how technology is reshaping banking, investing, and financial services.
When should I apply to investment courses for high school students?
Stanford Pre-Collegiate closes March 13, Brown Pre-College closes May 15, and NYU High School Academy has deadlines ranging from March to June depending on residency. Programs such as Dartmouth, Northwestern, Georgetown, Wake Forest, and Rice accept rolling applications one week before each session begins, so students can enroll throughout the year. Wharton's Understanding Your Money has no deadline and can be started at any time.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.