Thinking about college or your future career? You don’t have to wait until you actually go to college to take a college-level class. Stanford University has fabulous free courses that let you explore fascinating subjects right now. In fact, many colleges offer free online courses that can help you sample different fields, boost your college applications, or simply satisfy your curiosity about a variety of subjects.
Here are ten intriguing courses from Stanford that are available for high school students and college applicants in 2025:
1. Machine Learning
Interested in artificial intelligence? This course introduces you to machine learning, the technology behind self-driving cars, recommendation systems, and even ChatGPT. No experience needed to enroll.
If you like coding or solving puzzles, this course will teach you how to break down complex problems using algorithms. It’s a great preparation course for future computer science majors.
3. Introduction to Logic
Strong reasoning skills are important for debate, law, philosophy, and even STEM fields. This course teaches you how to analyze arguments, detect fallacies, and think critically.
4. The Science of Well-Being
High school can be stressful, but this psychology-based course not only helps you understand what actually makes people happy, it also shows you ways to develop habits for success.
5. Introduction to Cryptography
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing career fields, and this course covers how to encrypt and protect data, which is important for keeping information safe online.
6. Organizational Analysis
Want to be a leader? This course teaches how businesses, schools, and nonprofits function, making it a great introductory course for aspiring business, management, or entrepreneurship majors.
7. Introduction to Statistical Learning
Data science is everywhere, from sports analytics, to medicine, to marketing. This course introduces you to statistical modeling and how data is used to make smart decisions.
8. Introduction to Statistics
If you plan to take AP Statistics or major in anything STEM-related, this course will help you build a strong foundation in probability, data analysis, and critical thinking.
9. Child Nutrition and Cooking
If you’re interested in health, medicine, or even culinary science, this course covers how food choices impact long-term health, and it will show you how to make balanced, nutritious meals.
10. AI in Healthcare
AI is changing medicine, and this course explores how doctors use artificial intelligence to diagnose diseases, create personalized treatments, and improve healthcare systems. It’s a great choice if you’re interested in both tech and medicine!
Take the Next Step
These courses aren’t just great for learning, they can also strengthen your college applications by showing your passion for a particular subject. If you need help picking the right courses or planning for college, PREMINENTE counselors can guide you through the process. Reach out to us at Preminente Counseling and let’s build your future together!
