15 University Economics Programs for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Mar 24
- 11 min read
If you are a high school student interested in economics, early exposure to the field can be a strong starting point. You can experience rigorous coursework, live or study on a university campus, and build practical skills such as research, data analysis, and academic writing, all while gaining clarity about your future majors. These programs often include mentorship from professors and industry professionals, offering valuable networking opportunities that can shape future internships and careers.
Why should I participate in a university economics program in high school?
Participating in a structured program allows you to explore economics beyond what is typically covered in high school classes. These programs introduce you to advanced economic concepts, such as econometrics, policy analysis, and global markets. They also provide experience with research methods, data interpretation, and academic discussion, which are important skills for studying economics at the university level.
To help with your search, here are 15 university economics programs for high school students.
If you’re looking for online STEM programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies | Financial aid available
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts | Rolling admissions.
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18 currently enrolled in middle or high school
The Academic Insights Program allows you to experience university-style learning while still in high school. During the program, you live on campus, study in small groups of 7–10 students, and take part in seminars led by tutors affiliated with universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. You can choose from more than 20 subject areas, including Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Business Management, Computer Science, Economics, Medicine, and Philosophy. The courses emphasize active participation and applied learning. Depending on your subject, you might take part in activities such as medical dissections, engineering design projects, moot court simulations, or the development of business plans and writing portfolios. By the end of the program, you will have completed an individual project that reflects what you’ve learned. You also receive personalized written feedback from your tutor, along with a certificate documenting your participation. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost | Stipend: No cost | Students will receive a $750 stipend
Dates: June 21 –August 6
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the program start date and should graduate in this or next year (U.S. and International) | Limited to 12 students only
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University is a seven-week summer program for twelve high-achieving high school juniors and seniors from around the world. In the program, you work closely with a faculty mentor on an independent research project in your chosen field, including economics. In addition to your project, you take part in weekly seminars, lectures, field trips, and group discussions designed to expand your knowledge and perspective. Students focusing on economics have examined topics such as the impact of initial public offerings (IPOs) on media coverage and the effectiveness of digital advertising in the travel sector. With its focus on intensive research and individualized faculty guidance, the program offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in economic research while strengthening your academic profile.
Location: University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business, Austin, TX
Cost: No cost
Dates: June 21–26
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
The Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers (DYNAMC) program is offered through the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. The program introduces you to accounting and examines how it functions within broader business and economic systems. During the program, you attend sessions led by university faculty and industry professionals, analyze case studies, and receive input from current business students. These activities help you understand how accounting informs financial decision-making, organizational strategy, and economic evaluation across different sectors. You may also hear from professionals at firms such as Ernst & Young about how accounting and economic concepts are applied in practice. In addition to academic sessions, you spend time on campus and in Austin, which allows you to become familiar with the university environment and its surrounding community.
Location: George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Fully-funded
Dates: June 22 – July 10
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising seniors at a U.S. high school with a high level of academic achievement and a demonstrated commitment to leadership in service of the Latino/Hispanic community.
Caminos al Futuro is a summer program designed for high school students from Hispanic or Latino backgrounds. During the program, you examine how public policy is developed and implemented by visiting institutions such as Congress, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. You analyze political, economic, and social issues with a focus on their impact on Latino communities. The program includes lectures modeled after university courses, writing workshops, and sessions focused on preparing for college. In addition, you design and carry out a community action project, which may take the form of an awareness initiative or a local service effort. You develop your project throughout the program and present your work at the conclusion.
Location: University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: $5,675 (commuter) | $13,274 (residential)
Dates: June 15 –July 31
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 (advanced 9th-grade students may be accepted on a case-by-case basis) with a minimum weighted GPA of 3.80
The Research Mentorship Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara is a six-week summer program for high school students interested in academic research. During the program, you choose a research topic from a range of disciplines, including economics. You are paired with a mentor such as a faculty member, graduate student, or postdoctoral researcher. You conduct an independent research project while also attending lectures and seminars that introduce you to research methods and academic writing. Throughout the session, you develop skills in analyzing data, structuring arguments, and presenting findings. At the end of the program, you submit a technical paper and share your work at a formal symposium. The program may also offer the option to earn college credit and to live and study on a university campus.
Location: The Wharton School campus, PA
Cost: $8,299 | Application fee waivers and scholarship opportunities available | Check here
Dates: June 7–19 | June 21–July 3 | July 12–25 | July 26–August 8
Application Deadline: January 28 (priority deadline) | March 18 (final deadline)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11
Hosted by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, this program examines how entrepreneurs identify problems, assess potential solutions, and develop a clear plan for a new venture. Through lectures, workshops, and collaborative projects, you study topics such as user research, testing ideas, and evaluating market opportunities. As the course continues, you work with classmates to develop a minimum viable product (MVP) and outline considerations related to marketing, funding, and long-term strategy. The program concludes with a presentation in which you share your venture concept with peers and instructors. Throughout the experience, you also explore areas such as technology-based startups, social entrepreneurship, and strategic decision-making, and hear from faculty and alumni who discuss their work across different sectors.
Location: University of Pennsylvania campus
Cost: $10,050 | Philadelphia residents attending a School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school may be eligible for a scholarship
Dates: July 11–August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current 9th–11th grade students with a minimum 3.5 high school GPA
The Economics Academy at the University of Pennsylvania is a three-week program designed for high school students who want to study core principles of economics and apply them to contemporary global issues. During the program, you explore concepts such as scarcity, market structures, market failure, and the role of government in shaping economic outcomes. You consider how these ideas operate across different national contexts through international case studies, examining how shared economic principles can yield varied outcomes. Instruction includes lectures, interactive workshops, and guest speaker sessions. At the end of the program, you complete a group capstone project in which you investigate an economic challenge facing a specific country and present your findings in a poster session.
Location: On campus at Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $15,735 | Financial aid available
Dates: June 20–August 8
Application Deadline: January 7 (early deadline) | February 11 (regular deadline)
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and graduating seniors | Must be between the ages of 16 and 19
Harvard Secondary School Program, offered by Harvard University, allows high school students to take college-level courses during the summer. You can enrol in four- or seven-week sessions and choose to study either on campus or online, depending on the available format. This program gives you access to introductory undergraduate courses in economics, finance, and public policy. Course options may include macroeconomics, financial and managerial economics, econometrics, and classes that examine the relationship between decision-making, economics, and neuroscience. If you select the seven-week session, you can take two courses and earn up to 8 college credits, provided you complete the coursework successfully.
Location: Fully Online or In-Person at New England Innovation Academy (NEIA), MA
Cost: $6,295 (Online) | $9,295 (In-Person Day) | $12,995 (In-Person Residential) + $95 application fee | Full and partial need-based scholarships are available
Dates: July 8–28
Application deadline: February 13 (early bird) | March 13 (standard)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors scheduled to graduate in the next two years | Must be at least 15 years old by program start | Check English proficiency requirements here
Babson Summer Study at Babson College is a three-week program for rising high school juniors and seniors who want to examine entrepreneurship and its application to business challenges. The curriculum is based on Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® framework, which centers on applying ideas through practical work. During the program, you take courses in problem-solving, leadership, marketing, and finance. Projects are often aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, providing a structured framework for your work. You collaborate in small teams with other students and receive guidance from faculty and student mentors. The program offers the opportunity to earn four college credits upon successful completion.
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $7,000 | Fully-funded scholarships available
Dates: Session I: June 21– July 3 | Session II: July 5–17 | Session III: July 19 –31
Application Deadline: October 15 (early action) | January 7 (regular decision)
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors between the ages of 16 and 18 | Only first-time participants of YYGS are eligible
Yale Young Global Scholars is a two-week summer program hosted on the campus of Yale University. If you enrol in the Politics, Law, and Economics (PLE) track, you will examine how economic systems, government institutions, and legal frameworks influence one another and affect contemporary issues. Throughout the program, you explore topics such as public policy, market regulation, international relations, and cross-border conflict. Instruction takes place through seminars and structured group discussions that emphasize analysis and dialogue. You also collaborate with a small team to complete a capstone project under the guidance of a mentor, presenting your work at the end of the session.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795 | Need-based scholarships available
Dates: Multiple 1- to 4-week session options offered year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
The Business of Economics course, offered by Rice University, focuses on how economic concepts influence business decisions. You study topics such as inflation, supply and demand, labor markets, energy economics, and the Federal Reserve’s role in shaping economic conditions. The course is delivered through on-demand lectures, allowing you to work at your own pace. Throughout the program, you complete assignments and simulations that require you to apply economic principles to real-world business situations. You also work with a mentor who provides guidance and feedback as you develop a capstone project. Upon finishing the course successfully, you receive a Certificate of Completion from Rice University to include in your academic record.
Location: Virtual or in-person at Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $4,017 (online) | $12,837 (residential) | Need-based financial aid available
Dates: In-person A: June 29–July 17 | In-person B: July 21–August 7 | Online A: July 6–17 | Online B: July 20–31
Application Deadline: February 2 (early registration) | April 2 (general application)
Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply
This pre-college program focuses on the interaction between economic and political forces at both global and domestic levels. You study topics such as populism, nativism, international competition, China’s efforts to internationalize the renminbi, and the effects of public debt on economic growth and international relations. Using case studies, you analyze areas such as trade, capital flows, sovereign debt, foreign aid, the influence of non-state actors, humanitarian issues, energy sustainability, and the role of international institutions. The program also covers domestic economic considerations, including policy decisions, income distribution, social welfare, defense spending, and the effects of globalization on national economies. As part of the experience, you visit the United Nations Headquarters to observe international policymaking firsthand.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program | Financial aid available
Dates: June 15–July 24 | Multiple 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-week mostly asynchronous or blended sessions | Check the course description for the exact dates of the course you are interested in
Application Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until May 22
Eligibility: High school students finishing grades 9–12 (ages 14–18)
This program, offered by Brown University, lets you take college-level economics courses through Brown’s online summer curriculum. Courses cover topics such as behavioral game theory, financial modeling, and economic development, with an emphasis on applying economic concepts to real-world data and policy questions. During the program, you may build basic economic models, conduct small experiments, write analytical reports, and engage in discussions with instructors and fellow students. After completing the course, you receive a digital Certificate of Completion. For courses lasting three weeks or longer, you also receive a Course Performance Report that summarizes your work and progress.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,299 + $100 application fee (scholarships and waivers available)
Dates: June 22 – 26 | July 13 – 17
Application Deadline: January 28 (priority deadline) | Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students currently in grades 9–12 with strong math skills and an interest in sports
This one-week program, offered by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, introduces you to the basics of sports analytics. You learn to work with statistical models, use R programming, and interpret real-world data to inform decision-making. Sessions include live instruction, group discussions, and independent exercises led by Wharton faculty. Your projects involve analyzing real sports datasets while developing skills in quantitative reasoning, coding, and critical thinking applicable to economics, finance, and research. Upon completing the program, you receive a certificate documenting your participation.
Location: University of Michigan, Ross School of Business, MI
Cost: $5,500 (includes classes, workshops, and program materials) | Full and partial need-based scholarships are offered
Dates: June 7–17 | June 21–July 1
Application Deadline: January 8 | Limited to 70 students per cohort
Eligibility: Must be a rising high school senior with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 | Preference will be given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Michigan Ross Summer Business Academy at the University of Michigan is a two-week program for high school students interested in economics and business. In the program, you study core topics such as business strategy, financial decision-making, and economic reasoning through college-level courses led by Ross faculty. You learn how organizations operate, how leaders address challenges, and how economic concepts influence business decisions. The program includes group work, case studies, and opportunities to engage with faculty and industry professionals. By participating, you gain hands-on experience with economic analysis in a business context, collaborate with peers, and get insight into potential academic and career paths in economics, finance, and related fields.
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.
Image Source - Texas Tech University logo