The 7 Best Online Business Courses for High School Students

Let’s face it: after high school, the competition to get into top-tier colleges and universities and landing jobs in highly competitive fields like business is challenging. High school students who plan to attend college must focus more intently on the process than in past generations. Achieving a business career is no exception. 

Many high school students participate in online programs to boost their business skills and broaden their business knowledge. And why not? The field of business is a popular and lucrative choice. In May 2023, the median annual wage for this group was $79,050, which was higher than the median yearly wage for all occupations of $48,060. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms: “Overall employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. On average, about 963,500 openings are projected yearly in these occupations due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave occupations permanently.”

That’s why it’s refreshing to know that motivated teens can get a head start on their career paths in high school through online courses—a booming industry.

Growth of online business education options

According to recent research, the online learning industry has grown by 900% since 2000. Plus, by the end of 2025, the market will be valued at $325 billion. The flourishing online learning industry offers education and resources related to in-demand skills, like web development, cybersecurity, data analysis, specialized hardware and software, and much more. 

Even high school students can develop their business skills online with the help of Prelum, Powered by Kaplan. 

This article will highlight several business education resources and platforms for high school students looking to expand their skills.

Benefits of online business learning

If you’re a high school student aged 13 and older, pre-college online courses are offered by a variety of renowned universities from which you will benefit in many ways:  

1. Try out the college experience before choosing a school or a major.
2. Learn from top-notch professors. 
3. Gain a more profound knowledge of the business industry. 
4. Demonstrate you’ve successfully navigated college-level work. 
5. Enjoy the flexibility of studying anytime, anywhere, tailored to your busy schedule.
6. Receive a Certificate of Completion that looks great on college resumes. 

Here is a snapshot of the breadth of business courses for high school students available through Prelum, Powered by Kaplan. This list embodies among the best online options in the country for high school students. 

The 7 best online business courses for high school students

Georgetown University’s Pre-College Online Program 

Georgetown provides several online business courses for teens. From marketing and investing to entrepreneurship and international relations, Georgetown’s online program has something for every teen looking to build their business acumen. Georgetown’s marketing and international relations courses also offer for-college-credit options.

Rice University’s Precollege Program 

This renowned university also offers college prep courses for teens interested in business. The online course for high school students in entrepreneurship allows you to explore how innovators created startups like fintech, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies, and learn how they disrupt traditional banking. Rice also delves into the Business of Economics—perfect for anyone interested in a future in business. In this course, you’ll learn why firms must be able to anticipate production disruptions, consider energy and labor markets, and understand policy changes that come from the government.

William & Mary Pre-College Online Program

Not to be outdone, William & Mary offers an online pre-college course in venture capital investing. It’s a great choice for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and learning how entrepreneurs tap into funds to support new start-ups.

Northwestern University Pre-College Online Program

Northwestern University is another top choice to offer teens business courses to take before college. In Business: Strategies, Innovation, and Success, you’ll bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world business success and discover what it takes to be an effective business leader by solving complex problems and making strategic decisions. Another offering by this esteemed university is the chance to discover the business of sports. In it, you’ll learn how professional sports teams operate behind the scenes, from player evaluation and scouting to front-office decision-making. Lastly, in their finance course, you’ll delve into thinking like an investor, from economic foundations to investment strategies and financial analysis.

University of Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program

Does analyzing top companies like Lululemon, Nike, and AT&T interest you? Then Notre Dame’s business course is for you. This course guides you through the fundamentals and exciting inner workings of the world of business. Another great option is Notre Dame’s finance course. Here, business-minded teens like you will navigate the complexities of finance by discovering essential topics such as investing, risk management, budgeting, and how to gain the tools needed to build and protect your wealth.

Wake Forest University Online Immersion Program

In Business: Strategy and Innovation, you’ll review companies like Netflix and Apple to understand the tools required for innovation, how businesses create products, and how they compete. In Wake Forest’s finance course, you’ll hear from industry experts, such as traders and investment bankers, who will teach you how companies attract investors, the role of shareholders, and how cryptocurrencies and FinTech companies are disrupting traditional finance.

Dartmouth University Precollege Online Program

In Dartmouth’s precollege online business course, Finance: Investing & Market Insights, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of financial markets and make savvy investment choices. This course breaks down essential financial concepts like risk vs. reward, valuation techniques, and market analysis, equipping you with the skills to succeed in finance.

As you can see, Prelum partner universities are a great place to start for any high school student interested in learning more about a potential career in business.

This was last reviewed by Ashley Simmons on 05/06/2025.