15 Finance Courses for High School Students
If you’re considering a future in finance, business, or entrepreneurship, taking a finance course in high school can give you a meaningful head start. Instead of waiting until college to understand how markets move, companies are valued, or investments are analyzed, you can begin building that foundation now.
What do finance courses involve?
A well-structured finance course exposes you to concepts like financial statements, valuation techniques, investing strategies, risk management, and the time value of money. More importantly, you don’t just learn theory; you apply it through simulations, stock pitches, case studies, trading exercises, or even capstone projects that mirror real advisory and investment work.
Why pursue finance courses in high school?
When you engage in finance coursework early, you begin to understand how financial decisions shape businesses, startups, and even your own personal wealth. You develop analytical thinking, data interpretation skills, and structured decision-making. These are essential skills whether you want to launch a venture, pursue investment banking, explore private equity, or build your own startup. Finance courses also strengthen your college applications. When you complete a rigorous finance program, participate in an investment competition, or present a structured stock analysis, you show initiative and readiness for advanced study.
If you’re also looking for finance extracurriculars, check here, or go here for paid finance internship opportunities.
15 Finance Courses for High School Students
1. Personal Finance & Financial Well-Being (Harvard Summer School – Secondary School Program, 4-Week Course)
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Cost: $9,100 (4-week residential) + $75 application fee; need-based scholarships available
Program Dates: July 12 – August 8
Application Deadline: Application opens December 1; early/priority financial aid deadline January 7; regular financial aid deadline February 11; late deadline April 1 (may close earlier if full)
Eligibility: You must be at least 16 years old
In this course, you engage with personal finance as a structured decision-making discipline. You analyze how income, expenses, credit, investing, and long-term planning interact, and evaluate trade-offs using quantitative reasoning. You may work through applied exercises such as building financial plans, comparing investment scenarios, or assessing risk and return under different constraints. You strengthen your ability to interpret financial information, question assumptions, and make evidence-based choices in uncertain conditions. Because you complete the course for college credit in a small, discussion-driven setting, you also develop academic writing, analytical thinking, and classroom-level argumentation skills alongside financial literacy.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a complex problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. You will learn about finance, the basics of investing, and understand the financial aspects of running a business. The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school and have a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
3. Wall Street 101 – Bentley University
Location: Bentley University, Waltham, MA
Cost: Online $1,490; Commuter $2,450; Residential $3,380; $75 application fee; need-based scholarships are available
Program Dates: Multiple 5-day summer sessions
Application Deadline: Rolling admission until June 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; must be 16 by September 1 to live in residence halls; basic familiarity with the stock market recommended for the Investment Research course; basic Excel/Google Sheets proficiency helpful
In Wall Street 101, you work directly with financial data. You analyze stocks, bonds, and macroeconomic indicators using tools like Bloomberg, FactSet, and Bentley’s Financial Trading System inside a professional trading room. You collaborate in teams to build stock pitches, debate monetary policy, simulate market environments, and explore FinTech startup strategies. You strengthen valuation skills, financial modeling fundamentals, risk analysis, and data interpretation in a setting that mirrors real investment research workflows. Guest sessions with industry professionals expose you to Wall Street career paths while refining your presentation and analytical communication skills.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech, and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, you work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real projects and present your work to the company. You will contribute to active company initiatives, building skills in research, financial analysis, strategy, product development, marketing, or operations, depending on your placement.
5. Finance Essentials – Tufts Pre-College Programs
Location: Tufts University, Medford / Somerville, MA
Cost: $2,750 (Commuter); $3,550 (Residential); need-based financial aid is available for U.S. students
Program Dates: June 22–26 (Commuter); July 19–24 (Residential & Commuter)
Application Deadline: May 1 (rolling admissions; priority consideration recommended)
Eligibility: Entering grades 11–12 or Spring high school graduates; minimum average grade of B+; transcript, 1 recommendation letter, statement of interest required
In Finance Essentials, you explore how financial systems actually function, moving beyond definitions into institutional mechanics and market flows. You examine banks, investment firms, central banks, and capital markets while analyzing how financial instruments move between savers and investors. Through simulations, group exercises, and applied case discussions, you practice evaluating risk, interpreting financial data, and understanding macro-level policy impacts. You build structured reasoning around money management, investing decisions, and institutional finance while engaging with sustainable and impact investing frameworks. Exposure to practitioners and faculty with asset management experience gives you insight into both traditional capital markets and emerging areas like climate finance and blended value investing.
6. Finance: From Personal Literacy to Global Markets — USC Pre-College Online
Location: University of Southern California (USC), Online
Cost: $1,990 tuition; financial assistance is available; full scholarships are available for eligible USC NAI summer-session students
Program Dates: Multiple 4-week start-date options (self-paced access up to 90 days)
Application Deadline: Varies by start date (applications and tuition due the Wednesday before each listed Monday start date)
Eligibility: You must be at least 14 years old and enrolled in high school/secondary school (older applicants may request an exemption)
In this course, you’ll treat finance like a toolset you can actually run, starting with personal financial planning workflows (goal setting, budgeting logic, and basic investing decisions) before stepping into corporate finance fundamentals. You learn how companies raise capital through stocks and bonds, then connect those mechanics to how markets price risk and return. You build fluency with core concepts like time value of money, interest rates, and risk/return tradeoffs, then use them to interpret real-world choices. The digital-currency module adds a modern layer, pushing you to think about how crypto and blockchain fit into financial systems and what trends matter from a fundamentals-first perspective.
7. Finance: Think Like an Investor — Northwestern Pre-College Online
Location: Northwestern University; Online
Cost: $1,895; need-based scholarships are available
Program Dates: multiple 2-week and 4-week sessions available (e.g., March 15–April 12; March 29–April 26; April 12–April 26)
Application Deadline: Varies by session (depending on start date)
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
In this course, you approach finance from an investor’s perspective, working through economic foundations before applying them to capital allocation and investment strategy. You interpret financial statements like balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports to evaluate a company’s operating strength and valuation logic. You analyze asset classes, model risk-return tradeoffs, and apply time value of money calculations to investment scenarios. You culminate the program with a private equity case study, where you build projections, assess deal structure, and present a strategic investment recommendation. With mentor guidance and structured assignments, you strengthen financial reasoning, analytical modeling skills, and your ability to communicate investment decisions clearly and defensibly.
8. Essentials of Finance — Wharton Global Youth Program
Location: The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
Cost: $8,299; need-based scholarships are available
Program Dates: June 7–June 19; June 21–July 3; July 12–July 25; July 26–August 8
Application Deadline: Priority deadline January 28; Final deadline March 18
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9–11; strong academic record preferred
In this intensive two-week program, you study core finance concepts directly through Wharton’s integrated personal and corporate finance curriculum. You work through time value of money, discounted cash flow, risk-return tradeoffs, interest rates, compounding, and equity valuation using structured exercises and practical case studies. You analyze financial statements and apply modern valuation tools to assess publicly traded companies. You collaborate in teams to evaluate a company and present a formal market recommendation using quantitative finance frameworks. Through cohort discussions and presentations, you strengthen analytical reasoning, financial modeling intuition, and your ability to defend investment decisions with structured logic.
9. Introduction to Investments — UCLA Summer Sessions
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (Commuter or Virtual Option)
Cost: $2,695; need- and merit-based Summer Scholars Support available for eligible California students
Program Dates: July 13–July 31
Application Deadline: June 12 (Scholarship deadline: March 15)
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 in Spring; must be at least 15 years old by June 22; minimum 3.2 GPA required
In this three-week program, you build a structured foundation in investments while earning UCLA college credit. You attend lectures led by UCLA faculty covering financial markets, valuation techniques, quantitative analysis, venture capital, private equity, and global investing. You analyze case studies tied to real market behavior and apply economic frameworks to understand asset pricing and market cycles. You explore investment vehicles ranging from equities and bonds to hedge funds and venture capital while examining how monetary policy and the Federal Reserve influence markets. Through discussion sessions and applied exercises, you strengthen financial literacy, market analysis skills, and your ability to interpret economic signals within real-world investing contexts.
10. Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom — Fordham University
Location: Fordham University, Rose Hill Campus (Bronx, NY) or Hybrid/Virtual Option
Cost: $1,300 total; need-based discounts are available for families with incomes below $50,000
Program Dates: June 15–June 19; June 22–June 26; July 20–July 24; July 27–July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; priority registration before April 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12
In this one-week intensive, you build a structured introduction to finance through core topics such as time value of money, investment analysis, monetary policy, and asset allocation. You explore stocks, bonds, hedge funds, private equity, and cryptocurrency while examining how risk management frameworks guide portfolio decisions. You analyze personal finance strategies alongside institutional investment concepts to understand capital markets at multiple scales. You engage with guest speakers from major finance firms and Gabelli alumni, gaining industry-facing exposure beyond classroom theory. Through discussions and applied exercises, you strengthen financial literacy, investment reasoning, and your ability to interpret market dynamics using economic principles.
11. Stock Market & Investment Research — Bentley University Pre-College
Location: Bentley University, Waltham, MA (Residential, Commuter, and Online options available)
Cost: Online: $1,490; Commuter: $2,450; Residential: $3,380; limited need-based scholarships are available
Program Dates: June 8–June 12; June 15–June 19; June 22–June 26; June 29–July 3; July 6–July 10
Application Deadline: Rolling admission; applications accepted until June 1 (space available)
Eligibility: High school students; basic familiarity with stock markets recommended; Excel/Google Sheets proficiency helpful
In this intensive program, you analyze companies using financial statement analysis, ratio interpretation, and valuation models similar to those used by equity research analysts. You work directly with Bloomberg and FactSet tools while running trading simulations and screening equities. You apply time value of money calculations, forecast equity prices, and evaluate risk-return tradeoffs through structured exercises. You culminate the week by preparing and delivering a formal stock pitch supported by valuation modeling and quantitative analysis. Through ESG discussions, behavioral finance modules, and exposure to finance professionals, you strengthen technical investment analysis skills, financial modeling intuition, and presentation clarity under practical constraints.
12. Investments, Financial Planning & You (IFPY) — UC Irvine
Location: Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine
Cost: $1,495 per week
Program Dates: June 22–June 26; July 6–July 10; July 20–July 24; July 27–July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended (space limited)
Eligibility: Incoming high school freshmen through recently graduated seniors; no prior finance knowledge required
In this week-long intensive, you work through the mechanics of wealth creation, asset allocation, and portfolio construction using structured case studies and simulations. You analyze stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds while learning bond math, fundamental analysis, and technical analysis frameworks. You observe Bloomberg demonstrations and apply valuation logic to construct a diversified stock portfolio. You culminate the program by building and presenting a personal wealth management strategy, defending your financial decisions before faculty and industry professionals. Through applied exercises and exposure to finance practitioners, you strengthen portfolio design skills, investment evaluation techniques, and your ability to translate financial theory into actionable strategy
13. Financial Analysis & AI Consulting — Northeastern University
Location: Northeastern University, Boston Campus
Cost: $7,095; need-based scholarships and program discounts are available
Program Dates: July 26 – August 7
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (early application recommended; space limited)
Eligibility: High school students (grades not explicitly restricted; pre-college participants)
In this two-week program, you develop core financial analysis skills by learning to read and interpret financial statements, assess business performance, and connect financial metrics to strategic decision-making. You work with curated datasets inspired by real advisory scenarios and practice identifying business risks and growth opportunities. You then integrate AI tools and industry-standard software to analyze data, visualize trends, and refine consulting insights. You collaborate on a team-based advisory project and deliver a professional-style presentation grounded in financial reasoning and AI-assisted analysis. Through faculty guidance, guest speakers, and a site visit, you strengthen analytical thinking, ethical judgment in AI use, and your ability to translate quantitative findings into structured business recommendations.
14. Finance: Investing & Market Insights — Dartmouth College (Online)
Location: Dartmouth College (Online)
Cost: $1,895; need-based scholarships are available
Program Dates: Multiple sessions available year-round (2-week and 4-week options)
Application Deadline: Rolling; example deadline March 8 (varies by cohort)
Eligibility: Students ages 13+
In this fully online finance program, you build foundational investing and valuation skills while learning how to evaluate companies and financial markets. You explore IPO mechanics, financial statements, discount rates, and Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) modeling before applying these concepts in a structured capstone project. You assume the role of a private equity analyst and present an investment recommendation based on both quantitative and qualitative analysis. The program includes mentorship support, curated assignments, and structured video modules totaling approximately 20–30 hours of instruction. While not credit-bearing, the course culminates in a Certificate of Completion from Dartmouth and introduces you to valuation frameworks commonly used in investment banking and private equity.
15. Finance and Investing Institute — Wake Forest University
Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Cost: $3,500; need-based scholarships are available
Program Dates: June 14–19 and June 21–26
Application Deadline: Rolling; scholarship deadline February 1
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th grade students
In this week-long residential institute, you explore how financial markets function while developing practical investing skills through workshops and applied projects. You study financial statement analysis, valuation principles, market risks, and the time value of money before applying these concepts in a mock investment competition. You collaborate on group projects, pitch prospective investments, and refine public speaking skills in a collegiate setting. The program includes exposure to financial institutions, industry professionals, and a trading floor visit, giving you insight into career pathways in finance. You receive an official Certificate of Completion from Wake Forest University upon finishing the institute.