University of Rochester Pre-College Online Program

About The Program

The University of Rochester Pre-College Online Program is a flexible online experience built for high school students ages 13 & up. This program lets you explore real college topics from anywhere in the world. You will hear from top faculty & industry experts as you test out different college majors through self-paced courses. It is a great way to build a strong background for your future college applications without falling behind on your current high school classes, extra-curricular activities, or other commitments.


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13+

Open to students ages 13 and older

4

Courses across 2 academic areas

100%

Online and self-paced

Year-round

Available throughout the year

What Is the University of Rochester Pre-College Online Program?

The University of Rochester Pre-College Online Program helps high school students try out advanced subjects before starting college. These online courses fit smoothly into your everyday life & let you study independently at your own pace.

Each course features interactive lessons designed by University of Rochester instructors & industry experts, allowing you to explore college majors & subjects on a flexible schedule from anywhere in the world. Depending on the time of year, you can choose from multi-length cohorts that fit your availability: a one-week intensive option, a two-week session, or a four-week session. No matter which session length you pick, you get the exact same course materials, deep learning experiences, & mentor support. 

When you finish all your work, you will earn an official Certificate of Completion from the University of Rochester—giving you a fantastic achievement to show off on your college applications.

Is the University of Rochester Pre-College Online Program Right For You?

These online courses are created for high school students ages 13 & up who want to explore advanced subjects early on. This 100% online learning format is a perfect fit for your schedule if you want to:

  • Hear from top URochester faculty & learn about challenging college topics while you are still in high school
  • Test out potential majors to find your true interests before choosing a college path
  • Showcase your unique drive, dedication, & finished Final Capstone Project on future college applications
  • Fit 20 to 30 hours of flexible online learning around your regular high school classes, sports, & family activities

Student sitting at a desk and working at his computer

How Does the University of Rochester Pre-College Online Program Work?

Flexible online learning 

Lessons are delivered through engaging videos & interactive activities that you can complete anywhere, anytime, & at your own speed. Since there are no live meeting times or fixed login windows, you have complete control over your schedule—making it easy to learn around your schoolwork, extracurriculars, & hobbies. All courses are designed by University of Rochester faculty members & feature active industry experts.

Mentorship 

Learning online does not mean doing it all alone. Throughout your course, you get access to dedicated mentors who guide your learning experience & help you brainstorm assignments. You will also hear from working professionals who explain how these classroom lessons apply to real-world jobs.

Certificate of Completion 

Your hard work finishes with a Final Capstone Project designed to show off your new skills. Instead of a traditional test, you will create a presentation, case study, or project layout to show what you have learned. When you finish the course, you will earn an official Certificate of Completion from the University of Rochester.

What Subjects Can Students Study?

You can select an individual course to focus on a specific interest or explore multiple courses throughout the year to see what you like best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Course tuition is $1,595 with no additional fees. Need-based scholarships are available for students who qualify. 


Yes. You’re encouraged to take multiple courses to explore different academic areas. The flexible, self-paced format makes it easy to take more than one course without conflicting with school, extracurriculars, or other commitments.


The University of Rochester Pre-College Online Program operates 100% remotely & asynchronously, with multi-length course cohorts available throughout the entire annual calendar. Conversely, on-campus summer programs are entirely separate physical residential or commuter experiences held exclusively on campus during the summer months.


Successfully completing all course requirements awards you an official Certificate of Completion from the University of Rochester. This certificate along with your Final Capstone Project provides a valuable return on your educational investment by allowing you to:

  • Strengthen College Applications: Highlight your official Certificate of Completion to showcase your hard work & dedication to university admissions
  • Build Your Resume: Gain an academic milestone & project to feature on upcoming internship, research, & university applications
  • Clarify Your Major: Discover your academic passions & test out competitive fields before stepping onto a college campus

The program is open to students ages 13 and older. You can start as early as middle school or continue through your senior year of high school.


Yes. Need-based scholarships are available for students who demonstrate high potential and an inability to pay full tuition. You can apply for a scholarship during or after the application process.