10 of the Best Summer Online Programs for College-Bound High School Students

Explore 10 top U.S. universities with a broad array of pre-college online courses designed for summer study, specifically for college-motivated high school students. 

Key Points:

• Pre-College summer online programs are designed by university faculty.
• It’s one of the best ways to prepare for college applications.
• Some of the best summer pre-college programs are online courses.
• Ten of the best summer programs can be found at schools such as Georgetown, Rice, Wake Forest, Dartmouth, William & Mary, Notre Dame, and Northwestern.

When asked if summer enrichment programs are a good investment for high school students, one leading source commented, “Prospective college students should seek ways to stand out during the admissions process. They will fill their resumes with extracurricular activities like clubs, sports, volunteering, and part-time jobs to receive a coveted offer letter. However, an experience like a pre-college program could prove the biggest differentiating factor.”

Most of today’s top universities offer both online and in-person course options. Although in-person courses provide an excellent opportunity to get a feel for campus life, online courses are easier to manage with other summertime activities and deliver many advantages. If you are a high school student interested in summer enrichment programs, you will find:

• Courses are designed to be flexible so you can study at your own pace.
• Most programs, like those offered by Prelum partner schools, include mentors to guide your work and answer your questions.
• Courses typically offer industry experts in addition to university faculty.
• Lessons are delivered via dynamic video content, and students who successfully complete the course earn a Certificate of Completion and, in some instances, college credit.

What are students saying about online enrichment programs?

“I was able to learn a lot as a high schooler that I would otherwise not be able to learn just yet. I’m deeply grateful for this experience and the teachers who made it possible.” ~Maria M.

“This program is truly exceptional. Not only is the material engaging and enjoyable, but it is hands-on. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to convene and discuss my ideas with other students. I learned so much and had fun doing so.” ~MariBeth C.

In this article, we’ll focus on ten of the best summer programs in no ranked order, the courses available at each, and what you can expect.

Northwestern University Pre-College Online Program

• Tuition: $1,795 per course
• Eligibility: 13 and older
• Application Deadline: Year-round 2-week and 4-week sessions

More about the program:

Did you know Northwestern is ranked #6 in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 list of best national universities? Northwestern-affiliated instructors teach college prep programs to ensure online students get exposed to college-style learning right at home. 

Courses offered in Northwestern’s Pre-College Online Program include law, medical research, psychology, business innovation, engineering, medicine, the business of sports, physiology, and finance. Courses are available year-round and designed by Northwestern faculty. Students are required to complete a Final Capstone Project to demonstrate what they’ve learned. Courses include 20 to 30 hours of instruction, activities such as multimedia simulations, and curated assignments. 

Parsons Paris Online Courses for High School Students

• Tuition: $1,795 per course
• Eligibility: 13 and older
• Application Deadline: Multi-length courses throughout the year

More about the program:

We chose Parsons Paris because it is one of the best fashion schools in the world and allows those interested in fashion to explore its many areas of expertise. Courses include Inside the Business of Fashion and Luxury, Inside Fashion Design, Fashion Sustainability, and Build Your Own Fashion Brand. Content is delivered through dynamic video lessons by experts in Paris fashion, so you can tune in whenever your schedule allows.

University of Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program

• Tuition: $1,495 per course                       
• Eligibility: 13 and older
• Application Deadline: 2- and 4-week sessions throughout the year

More about the program:

Notre Dame is renowned for its brilliant, energetic thinkers. This is a great name to include on your resume when applying to college. The Notre Dame Pre-College Online Program offers an interesting mix of courses, and students are invited to take more than one. Choose from biology, business, finance, law, psychology, and medical research. Learn from some of the most revered faculty, and study at your own pace through dynamic videos with interactive tools. Completing a Final Capstone Project will earn you a Certificate of Completion from the University of Notre Dame.

Wake Forest University University Pre-College Online Programs

• Tuition: $1,495 per course
• Eligibility: 13 and older
• Application Deadline: Multi-length courses available throughout the year

More about the program:

We chose Wake Forest’s Pre-College Online Program for its vast medical offerings. In addition to medicine, cancer medicine, sports medicine, women’s medicine, and bioscience, you can test your interest in courses including business, criminal law, psychology, and investing. Courses are led by faculty from this renowned institution. Completing a Final Capstone Project earns a Certificate of Completion from Wake Forest University.

Georgetown University Pre-College Online Program

• Tuition: $1,795 (Enrichment courses), $3,995 (College Credit courses)
• Eligibility: 13 and up
• Application Deadline: Multi-length courses available throughout the year

More about the program:

According to U.S. News & World Report, Georgetown University is ranked #24 out of nearly 500 national universities. Georgetown is among “the best” because it is not only one of the few pre-college online programs to offer college credit options, but also one of the broadest and most diverse portfolios of pre-college online programs available nationwide. 

Courses include:

• Anatomy & physiology
• Biology—available in college-credit option
• Creative writing—available in college credit option
• Cybersecurity
• Entrepreneurship
• International law
• International relations—available in college credit option
• Investing
• Journalism and media
• Law
• Leadership
• Marketing—available in college credit option
• Medicine
• Medical research
• Nursing
• U.S. politics & government
• Psychology—available in college credit option
• Surgery

Georgetown’s Pre-College Online Program is a great way to start if you want to add college credits to your resume.

Rice University Precollege Program

• Tuition: $1,495 per course
• Eligibility: 13 and up
• Application Deadline: Multi-length courses available throughout the year

More about the program:

Recently named to the New Ivy League, Rice University positions itself as a community of curious thinkers, passionate dreamers, and energetic doers. The broad array of online courses reflects this passion for learning. You can choose from genome engineering, physiology, entrepreneurship, aerospace, global affairs, psychology, economics, law, engineering, and medicine. Experience what it’s like to take a course designed by Rice University professors while in high school and take a first step toward your future.

Dartmouth Precollege Online Program

• Tuition: $1,795 per course
• Eligibility: 13 and up
• Application Deadline: Multi-length courses available throughout the year

More about the program:

A revered name in liberal arts, Dartmouth invites you to explore multiple fields of study, learn to think critically and position yourself for a future that fits your passion and skills. The Precollege Online Program offers finance, psychology, regenerative medicine, and biology courses. Like other top schools, Dartmouth offers a Certificate of Completion when you complete a course.

William & Mary Pre-College Online Program

• Tuition: $1,495 per course
• Eligibility: 13 and up
• Application Deadline: Multi-length courses available throughout the year

More about the program:

William & Mary’s Pre-College Online Program offers diverse courses such as constitutional law, medicine, psychology, and entrepreneurship. You’ll learn from esteemed W&M faculty and earn a Certificate of Completion to add to your resume.

University of Rochester Pre-College Online Program

• Tuition: $1,495 per course
• Eligibility: 13 and up
• Application Deadline: Multiple two- and four-week sessions

More about the program:

Rochester’s Pre-College Online Program has stellar offerings for students passionate about science and technology. The pre-college program offers four distinct courses: personalized medicine, orthopedic medicine, biomedical engineering, and video game design. The online format lets you study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace. Plus, need-based scholarships are available. All you have to do is apply.

Case Western Reserve Pre-College Program

• Tuition: $1,495 per course
• Eligibility: 13 and older
• Application Deadline: Multiple two- and four-week sessions

More about the program:

Case Western Reserve University is a great choice if you are interested in STEM. STEM courses include astrophysics and evolutionary biology, biomedical engineering, engineering, and neuroscience and medicine. Another excellent summer course option offered is in social entrepreneurship.

A Few Last Thoughts on Pre-College Online Programs

If you are genuinely motivated and passionate about a subject or you’ve set your sights on a future career, don’t wait!  We’ve highlighted some of the best programs in the country, touching on the breadth and diversity of the subject offerings, the flexibility of the video format, the chance to accrue college credits (for some courses) and to earn a Certificate of Completion from some of the nation’s best colleges and universities. 

Remember, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and sports are important, but showing that you pursued your education independently could get you into the school of your dreams.

This was last reviewed by Ashley Simmons on 05/09/2025.