(BPT) - Summer is the perfect time for high school students to start exploring college-level learning and make progress on general education requirements. Now there's an easier and more affordable way to get started, without the usual barriers of cost or scheduling.
To make it easier for more students to explore and access the opportunity to get a head start on a college education, Sophia learning is offering incoming high school juniors and seniors free access to college-level courses this summer.
Eligible high school students will have access to six of Sophia's top courses, including biology, nutrition, information technology and college readiness, from their catalog of more than 70 courses.
Here are four good reasons high school students should get a head start on college this summer:
1. Save money.
Students can save money on tuition by completing some of their general education requirements before enrolling in a program. Sophia's on demand, online courses are built for college credit. They have been recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE) and are designed to be transferred. Sophia partners with over 80 colleges and universities who have agreed to accept Sophia courses for credit and Sophia courses can also be submitted to non-partner institutions for credit consideration. Students can save up to 90% on their general education courses with Sophia and to date, $1B in tuition has been saved by students taking courses through Sophia Learning.
2. Explore areas of study.
Far too many high school students go straight to college without a sense of what truly interests them or an understanding of potential career opportunities. This can lead them to take unnecessary courses or switch majors, extending the amount of time required for a degree. By exploring different areas of study during high school, students can enter college with more knowledge about their strengths and interests before the costly commitment that may come with college enrollment.
3. Build confidence.
College can be exciting, but some students and parents can feel overwhelmed and uncertain about whether it is the right path for them. By trying out some general education courses in a pressure-free setting at their own pace, they can begin to build confidence and get a better sense of what they can expect in higher education.
4. Prevent summer slump.
Many education experts are concerned about the learning loss that can happen over the summer when students step away from academics for an extended period. Sophia is fully online and self-paced with no assignment deadlines, so courses can be taken throughout the summer from anywhere, anytime. This flexibility allows busy students who work or have other responsibilities during the summer to fit the courses into their full schedules.
Exploring different pathways from high school to college should start well before high school graduation. Whether students want to get ahead, explore if college is the right path, or simply try something new, Sophia provides flexible opportunities to support their goals.
Sophia's summer program for high school juniors and seniors offers a pressure-free starting point for their college journey, providing a safe space for them to explore their educational interests and decide what next steps are right for them.
Sophia Learning's cost savings estimates are based on the average annual tuition at public four-year, in-state institutions as reported by the College Board Trends in its 2024 College Pricing Report. They base the calculation on Sophia's subscription price of $99 per month. The cost savings that an actual Sophia learner might experience will differ depending on the number of Sophia courses they take, the time it takes to complete those courses, and the price per course at the college the learner enrolls in.
Eligible high school juniors and seniors for the 2025-2026 school year can sign up between June 2 and July 31, 2025. Enroll today!