10 Online College Programs for High School Students in 2024-2025
Are you looking to get a head start on college-level academics while still in high school?
Online college programs are an option you can consider. They offer a solid way to dive into various subjects, be it STEM, social sciences, law, acting, the arts, or humanities, helping you explore new interests and prepare you for college-level academics before you apply to an undergraduate program!.
In this blog, we’ve compiled 10 online college programs for the academic year 2020-2025 that are ideal for high school students. Let’s dive right in!
Oregon State University’s Ecampus offers more than 100 courses specifically designed for high school students who want to earn college credit. Subjects available are anthropology, molecular biology, computer programming, and much more.
The program operates on a quarter system and provides year-round classes with flexible scheduling options. Also, Ecampus features asynchronous courses to allow even further flexibility.
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Currently, the Fall term is ongoing. Other available terms:
Winter Term: December 6, 2025
Spring Term: March 31, 2025
Cost: $366 per credit. See details here.
Eligibility: Current high school students
Application Deadline: Varied deadlines. Check here for more info.
If you are curious about law, you must check out Georgetown University’s Pre-College Online Law Program, where you can assess what it would be like to pursue this profession. This program covers a range of topics, offering you a solid background for potential college majors and careers related to the subject - be it as a lawyer, paralegal, judge, or anyone else in the legal profession.This course is rigorous - it will instill a routine of making daily fact-based arguments and reviewing evidence to compare and contrast facts and opinions, for you to make informed choices.
A great thing about this program is that you will be mentored closely, giving you a great headstart before you go to law school.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Varies according to the course.
Program Dates: Multiple 1-week intensives, 2-week sessions, and 4-week sessions. Click here for more info.
Eligibility: For students ages 13 and up
Cost: $1,795
Stanford Online High School (OHS) provides a challenging academic program for high school and advanced middle school students. Operating on a traditional academic calendar from August to June, students can choose to enroll full-time, part-time, or take individual courses. The program emphasizes real-time online seminars with interactive, discussion-based classes that emulate a college environment.
One distinguishing feature of Stanford OHS is its faculty, with 65% holding Ph.D.s, ensuring students receive mentorship from committed scholars. The curriculum includes core subjects, advanced post-AP courses, and university-level classes, promoting critical thinking through a flipped classroom model where students prepare in advance for engaging discussions.
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Applications are due by January 9, 2025.
Program Dates: The program generally runs from August through June.
Eligibility: High school students may apply.
Cost: Tuition varies from $5,970 for a single course to $29,850 for four or more courses. Need-based financial aid options are available.
Harvard's SSP Online allows high school students globally to enroll in college-level courses, requiring a minimum of 4 credit hours (up to 8 if desired). These courses are part of Career Pathways, which helps students explore various academic and career interests. While students receive an official Harvard transcript, they do not have physical campus access. Additionally, the program offers virtual activities, college-prep support, peer engagement, tutoring resources, and access to Harvard's libraries.
Location: Virtual.
Application Deadline: Applications for Summer 2025 will open on December 2, 2024, and close on February 12, 2025.
Program Dates: The program runs from June 21 to August 9, 2025.
Eligibility: Open to high school students.
Cost: Tuition ranges from $4,050 for 4 credits to $7,900 for 8 credits, with some need-based financial aid available.
Stanford AI4ALL is a three-week summer program aimed at enhancing diversity in the artificial intelligence sector. Targeted at high school students from underrepresented backgrounds, the program offers engaging lectures, hands-on research projects, and mentorship from AI professionals. Participants will explore AI applications in fields like healthcare and disaster management, gaining insight into AI’s societal impacts. A computer with high-speed internet, a webcam, and a headset are required for full participation in live sessions.
Location: Virtual.
Application Deadline: Typically closes in March.
Program Dates: Runs for three weeks in July.
Eligibility: Open to current 9th-grade students.
Cost: $4,000, with some need-based financial aid available.
Cornell’s Precollege Studies program allows high school students to take online courses and explore college-level academics from home. This program will enable students to delve into potential majors, develop new skills, and prepare for future studies.
Available during the summer and winter, the program includes a wide range of undergraduate courses in architecture, business, health sciences, humanities, international relations, veterinary medicine, and more. A limited selection of online courses is also available in the spring and fall.
Courses are hosted on the web-based learning platform Canvas, enabling students to engage with instructors and peers through email, discussion boards, chat rooms, video conferences, and other interactive tools.
Location: Virtual.
Application Deadline: December 2, 2025
Program Dates: Year round. Check the academic calendar here. Winter session runs from January 2-18, 2025
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Cost: $1,840
Wisconsin’s Early College Credit Program (ECCP) enables high school students to earn both high school and college credits by taking courses through the University of Wisconsin Extension’s Independent Learning program. This initiative helps lower tuition costs by sharing expenses between the institutions and families. Students can select from various subjects, including Algebra for Calculus and Business Communication while progressing at their own pace. The ECCP offers a cost-effective opportunity for students to explore their academic interests and prepare for college-level coursework.
Location: Virtual.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort: February 1 for summer courses, March 1 for fall courses, and October 1 for spring courses.
Program Dates: 2025 program dates to be announced.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 enrolled in a Wisconsin public or private school.
Cost: $98.96 per credit.
CTD’s Online Honors courses offer a rigorous academic option for academically talented students seeking challenging high school-level material. These courses cover a range of subjects, allowing students to progress at their own pace while earning high school credit through CTD. Additionally, the program emphasizes the development of self-advocacy skills, which are crucial for success in both high school and college.
Location: Virtual.
Application Deadline: Currently open.
Program Dates:
1-Credit Course: January 15, 2025 - May 28, 2025
2-Credit Course: January 15, 2025 - August 15, 2025
Eligibility: Grades 6-12
Cost: $835 for 1 credit; $1425 for 2 credits. Need-based financial aid available.
Brown Pre-College Programs offer high school students a chance to engage with the academic and social aspects of college life in a supportive environment. These programs provide a unique opportunity to tackle college-level coursework and participate in enriching activities without the stress of formal grading.
You will join a global community of motivated peers, immersing themselves in challenging classes while also enjoying a variety of educational and social experiences. Whether attending online, commuting, or living on campus, you will be constantly learning and growing during your time at Brown.
On December 12, the college is hosting an online information session to provide students with more information about upcoming programs. Register here.
Location: Virtual.
Application Deadline: May 9, 2025
Program Dates: Dates and costs for 2025 will be announced in late fall 2024.
Eligibility: High school students
Cost: The cost depends on the program you choose and, for Summer@Brown participants, the number and length of the courses you plan to take.
USC's Pre-College Online Exploration Courses allow high school students to work through material independently during the academic semester. All coursework and assignments are completed online, and students who finish at least 70% earn a Certificate of Completion and a transcript from USC Pre-College Programs.
The course is designed and taught by distinguished USC faculty, staff, and student leaders. The university offers a range of courses starting from screenwriting to cybersecurity.
Location: Virtual.
Application Deadline: N/A
Program Dates: Self-paced
Eligibility: Students must be 14 years or older
Cost: $1990 + $35 application fee. Full scholarships are available
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.
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 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.