Matchtern vs Ladder Internships
This is the closest comparison: both Matchtern and Ladder place high schoolers in real startup internships. The differences are in price, the training and mentorship wrapped around the placement, and the guarantee.
| Feature | Matchtern | Ladder Internships |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | A real internship + work experience | A real startup internship |
| Price | $1,950 | $2,990 – $7,400 |
| Duration | 3 months | 8 weeks |
| Guaranteed placement | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-internship training | 1-on-1, 4 weeks | Not the core focus |
| Dedicated mentor during internship | Yes | Company manager check-ins |
| Professional reference | Yes | Varies |
| Satisfaction guarantee | Full refund | None advertised |
| Starting price | $1,950 | $2,990+ |
What Ladder Internships is
Ladder Internships places students in 8-week remote roles at startups, with weekly guidance from a company manager. Founded by Harvard-affiliated entrepreneurs, it offers tiers from about $2,990 (startup) to $4,990 (CEO track) to $7,400 (with a research add-on), and need-based aid for a minority of students.
Choose Matchtern if
Students who want the lowest price, structured 4-week professional training before the internship, a dedicated mentor throughout, and a money-back guarantee.
Choose Ladder Internships if
Students who want a startup internship and are drawn to Ladder's specific tiers, such as the founder-led CEO track or the research add-on.
Frequently asked
Matchtern and Ladder both do internships — what's the real difference?
Price and what's wrapped around the placement. Matchtern is $1,950 versus Ladder's $2,990+, and includes a 4-week 1-on-1 training program, a dedicated mentor throughout the internship, and a full money-back satisfaction guarantee.
Is Matchtern cheaper than Ladder?
Yes. Matchtern starts at $1,950. Ladder starts at $2,990 and goes up to $7,400 for its higher tiers.
Get a real internship, guaranteed
A hand-picked placement at a venture-backed company, a dedicated mentor, and a money-back guarantee — for $1,950.
Pricing and program details are sourced from each program's publicly available pages as of 2026 and may change. Matchtern is not affiliated with or endorsed by these programs. Comparisons reflect our understanding of publicly stated offerings.