Cornell University's precollege online programs give high school students the chance to benefit from an Ivy League education before they apply to or attend college.
As a student in this highly regarded Ivy League program, you'll have the chance to
- Immerse yourself in fascinating Cornell University courses
- Work closely with leading Cornell faculty members
- Earn 3 to 12 credits and a Cornell transcript
- Improve your college study skills during rigorous, well-designed classes
- Prepare for college applications with one-on-one admissions counseling
- Connect with a diverse group of motivated high school students from around the world
It's a great chance to experience college academics, explore potential majors, and plan for your future, all without leaving home.
During the summer and winter, you can select from dozens of regular undergraduate Cornell courses in subjects such as architecture and the arts, business and hotel management, health and humanities, international relations, science and technology, social change, veterinary medicine, and more.
Most online courses are delivered via the web-based learning system Canvas. Generally, you'll interact with the instructor and other students via email, discussion boards, interactive chat rooms, video conferences, and/or phone.
Some classes are offered synchronously (live and on a predetermined schedule) while others are asynchronous (pre-recorded and on your own schedule). Learn more about synchronous (sync) and asynchronous (async) instruction modes.
The grades and credits you earn will be recorded on an official Cornell transcript and can generally be applied toward an undergraduate degree at Cornell or another school, at that institution's discretion.
Location(s)
- Remote
Schedule
Winter Session
- January 2–17, 2026
Summer Session
- Three-week session 1: June 1–18, 2026
- Three-week session 2: June 22–July 10, 2026
- Three-week session 3: July 13–July 21, 2026
- Six-week session: June 22–July 31, 2026
Cost/Compensation
- Tuition is $1,940 per credit.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be 15 years of age by the start of the class
- Must be a high school junior or senior for summer enrollment; Sophomores (rising Juniors) are eligible for Summer courses.
- You must have the demonstrated academic ability, maturity, and intellectual curiosity necessary to undertake college-level work.
Deadline
- Winter session: December 1, 2025
- Summer Session
- Three-week session 1: April 28, 2026
- Three-week session 2: May 5, 2026
- Three-week session 3: June 2, 2026
- Six-week session: May 5, 2026
Application or Entry Requirements
- $75 application fee
- High school transcript
- 250-word essay about your interest in the course you selected. International students must report test scores.
Notifications of Decisions
- All sessions use a rolling admissions process. Admissions decisions are usually made within one or two business days of receiving your complete application
- All sessions use a rolling admissions process. Admissions decisions are usually made within one or two business days of receiving your complete application
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university based in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 1865, Cornell is comprised of nine undergraduate schools and four graduate and professional schools in Ithaca, two medical graduate and professional certificate programs in New York City, and one in Doha, Qatar. Cornell has established itself as a leader in various academic fields, with a diverse and accomplished faculty and a vibrant and intellectually curious student body hailing from all corners of the globe. Cornell's campus is one of the largest in the Ivy League, spanning over 2,000 acres, and includes the Cornell Botanic Gardens, which offers stunning natural beauty. Notable Cornell alumni include Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Sonia Sotomayor, Kurt Vonnegut, and Bill Nye.
