Thinking about starting a business someday? Or maybe just curious about how money moves and companies grow? You’re not alone. More and more high school students are diving into the world of business early. It’s not just about making cash, though, let’s be honest, that’s pretty cool. It’s about learning skills that actually matter, stuff you won’t always get from textbooks. The good news? You don’t have to wait for college. There are tons of online business courses made just for teens.
But with so many choices, picking the right course can feel like a maze. Some promise quick riches (yeah, right), others just dump a bunch of boring theory. What you want is something practical, something that gets you thinking and doing. Whether you dream of launching a startup, managing a team, or just want to understand how businesses tick, there’s a course out there for you. Here’s a look at the top 8 online business courses for high school students, no suit or briefcase required.
1. Young Founders Lab
Duration: 4 weeks
Cost: $2,900 (need-based financial aid available)
This one’s for students who want to skip the theory and actually build something. Young Founders Lab is a hands-on startup bootcamp, run by Harvard entrepreneurs, where high schoolers work in teams to create real, revenue-generating businesses. You won’t just sit through lectures—you’ll join interactive workshops, get mentored by pros from places like Google and Microsoft, and tackle real-world business challenges. There’s a strong focus on teamwork, pitching, and learning by doing. If you want to see what it’s really like to launch a company, this is about as real as it gets.
2. Wharton Global Youth Program: Future of the Business World
Duration: 2 weeks
Cost: $4,099
Wharton’s Future of the Business World is a two-week online summer course for high school students. People join from all over. You dive into business stuff like startups, ethics, and innovation. But it’s not all notes and slides. You team up, build ideas, mess up, fix them, and actually try solving real problems. There are simulations too. You get a feel for how business really works. Plus, you connect with other students and learn straight from Wharton instructors. It’s tough to get in. But if you do, it’s worth it.
3. Harvard Summer School: Quantitative Methods in Economics and Business
Duration: 7 weeks
Cost: $3,700 (4 credits) or $7,400 (8 credits; financial aid available)
This Harvard course is for students ready to dig deep into the numbers behind business decisions. Over seven weeks, you’ll explore economics, statistics, and data analysis, all taught by Harvard faculty. The focus is on building skills you can actually use—think spreadsheets, models, and real business case studies. It’s intense, but you’ll walk away with college credit and a serious boost to your resume.
4. Cornell University Online Pre-College Summer Program
Duration: 3–6 weeks (varies by course)
Cost: $1,840 per credit (most courses are 3–8 credits)
Cornell’s online pre-college business courses let you earn real college credit while exploring topics like management, global strategy, and innovation. Courses are taught by Cornell faculty and include extras like networking events and guest speakers. You’ll get a taste of Ivy League academics without leaving home, and the credits look great on college apps. There are multiple sessions and course options, so you can find one that fits your schedule.
5. Yale Online: Capitalism, Success, Crisis, and Reform
Duration: Self-paced
Cost: Free
If you’re curious about how capitalism shapes business and the world, Yale’s free, self-paced course is a solid pick. It covers the basics of capitalism, its big wins and failures, and how it impacts business models globally. There’s no cost, no deadlines, and you can go at your own speed. It’s more theory than hands-on, but it’s a great way to see the bigger picture.
6. Babson College Summer Study
Duration: 3 weeks
Cost: $6,295 + $95 application fee (need-based scholarships available)
Babson’s Summer Study is all about entrepreneurship and leadership. The program uses Babson’s Entrepreneurial Thought & Action® approach, mixing live sessions with self-paced work. You’ll learn how to spot opportunities, build business models, and pitch ideas. The curriculum ties in real-world challenges, and you’ll even earn college credit. It’s a good fit for students who want to tackle global problems with business skills.
7. Georgetown Pre-College Online Program in Entrepreneurship
Duration: 1, 2, or 4 weeks
Cost: Up to $1,795
Georgetown’s online program gives you a shot at learning entrepreneurship from scratch. You start with simple stuff, like spotting market gaps, then move into bigger things like funding and partnerships. The cool part? It’s flexible. You can pick a 1, 2, or 4-week session, and it’s open to students as young as 13. Classes mix lectures with group work and projects, so you’re not just sitting around. If you’ve ever thought about starting a business, this is a solid first step.
8. Stanford Precollege Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Duration: 2 weeks
Cost: $3,050
Stanford’s program takes you straight into the startup world. You’ll come up with ideas, study the market, build a product, and pitch a startup project with a team. It’s taught by Stanford faculty and real entrepreneurs, so you’re learning from people who’ve actually done it. There are lectures, hands-on workshops, and case studies from real companies. It’s not easy to get in, but if you do, you walk out with a strong base in entrepreneurship and a bunch of people who are just as into it as you are.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE Research helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research and take your college preparation to the next level!
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