best website online education

We compared 13 popular online learning platforms for all ages, budgets, and interests – our favorites include Coursera for certificate courses and MasterClass for creative arts classes

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• The rise of online learning is democratizing education by improving access to top-notch courses.
• We compared some of the platforms we cover the most to help you find the best ones for you.
• We looked at popular platforms like Coursera , edX , MasterClass , Skillshare , Duolingo , and more.

As online learning continues to grow in popularity, so do the options available to you. Whether you want to take a popular free Ivy League class for fun , pursue part of an online master's degree , boost your career with some additional certifications , or just learn a new language at your own pace , there are many options out there for you .

To help you decide which ones might work best with your schedule, budget, and goals, we compared 13 of the platforms we cover the most : edX , Coursera , FutureLearn , MasterClass , Skillshare , LinkedIn Learning , Udemy , Udacity , CreativeLive , Codecademy , Duolingo , Babbel , and Rosetta Stone .

The best online learning platforms for accredited university courses and degrees

• The best online learning platforms for career skills certifications

The best online learning platforms for creative skills and hobbies

• The best online learning platforms for learning a new language

Coursera , edX , and FutureLearn are three popular online learning platforms that offer courses, certificate programs, and even master's degrees from top universities as well as well-known companies and non-profit organizations.

All three have courses you can audit for free, as well as options to pay for a certificate of completion. They also have multi-course programs you can exchange for real college credits from select schools, or apply to their full master's programs.

The topics covered on each platform are incredibly diverse, covering everything from computer programming and finance to positive psychology and art history . They can be taken to advance your career or expand your knowledge in a subject for fun.

Keep reading below to learn the differences between edX , Coursera , and FutureLearn :

Cost: Individual courses are usually free to audit for a limited amount of time; certificates and longer programs vary in price.

Pros: You can most courses for free, including ones in longer programs (great for testing out a longer certificate program before committing to it); financial assistance is available

Cons: Some courses are archived, meaning you can still access them but can't earn a certificate; Charges one lump sum for courses instead of a subscription fee

You can browse all edX courses here .

Cost: Individual courses are usually free to audit; certificates and longer programs vary in price. You can also sign up for an annual Coursera Plus subscription ($399) and get access to 90% of Coursera's offerings.

Pros: Many programs charge a monthly fee, so the faster you finish, the more money you save; financial assistance available; offers some free certification courses

Cons: No financial assistance for Coursera MasterTracks; you can only audit one-off courses (you will have to pay for ones that are part of a Specialization)

You can browse all Coursera courses here.

FutureLearn

Cost: Individual courses are usually free to audit; certificates and longer programs vary in price. You can also subscribe to FutureLearn Unlimited for $189.99 annually to get unlimited access to courses.

Pros: UK-based, offers more international options; offers some free certification courses

Cons: Not as many course options as edX and Coursera; you can only audit one-off courses (you will have to pay for ones that are part of an ExpertTrack)

You can browse all FutureLearn courses here.

The best online learning platforms for career skill certifications

What all of them have in common

LinkedIn Learning , Codecademy , Udemy , and Udacity all offer online courses, programs, and bootcamps that can advance your career, including in in-demand subjects like omputer programming that boast high job satisfaction .

Unlike in-person or intensive bootcamp programs, these courses are self-paced and flexible, letting you practice and earn a certificate on your own time. They can be great for quickly picking up a new skill to boost your resume , testing out a potential job path before committing to a longer program, or gaining the qualifications you need to transition careers or move up in your role.

Keep reading below to learn the differences between LinkedIn Learning , Codecademy , Udemy , and Udacity :

LinkedIn Learning

Cost: A LinkedIn Learning subscription is $19.99/month (annually) or $29.99/month (month-to-month).

Pros: Short video classes broken down into digestible segments; certifications go right on your LinkedIn profile; LinkedIn occasionally makes popular career courses free for a limited time

Cons: Less interactive; no way to submit homework assignments or reinforce what you've learned

You can browse all LinkedIn Learning courses here.

Cost: Codecademy Pro is $39.99/month (month-to-month) and $19.99/month annually. Pro Student offers 35% off to eligible current students. (Note: Codecademy is currently offering 40% off Pro and Pro Student memberships through October 22 .

Pros: Some free beginner options ; a huge range of programming courses; Fun, hands-on projects

Cons: Less interactive than traditional coding bootcamps

You can browse all Codecademy courses here.

Cost: You can pay a one-time fee per course or subscribe to a Udemy Personal Plan for $29.99/month for unlimited access to all Udemy courses

Pros: Easy to use on mobile; offers a huge range of course offerings; popular bootcamps are updated frequently so you're working with the latest information; frequent sales on courses

Cons: Less interactive; harder to reinforce or test what you've learned; not all courses come with certificates

You can browse all Udemy courses here.

Cost: Nanodegrees can be paid for as you go, starting at $399/month or $1,017 total

Pros: Offers some free courses ; provides additional career resources and support to help you find a job after a Nanodegree

Cons: Nanodegrees can get pricey and involve a bigger time commitment if you want to finish faster to save money

You can browse all Udacity courses here.

While platforms like edX and Coursera are great for taking university-accredited courses for fun , MasterClass , Skillshare , and CreativeLive all offer subscriptions to unlimited online courses and are particularly great for growing creative skills like writing, photography, art, design, and acting — though they all offer courses in other subjects like personal development.

All three platforms offer courses from celebrities and experts at the top of their fields, from famous chefs and bestselling authors to well-known Stanford faculty members . They also offer courses in more niche creative subjects, from hand-lettering to bird photography .

While they don't offer the same direct feedback on your work as in-person instruction, they can be a fun way to unwind and learn a new skill at your own pace.

Keep reading below to learn the differences between MasterClass , Skillshare , and CreativeLive :

MasterClass

Cost: A MasterClass subscription is $180 annually (broken down to $15/month)

Pros: Beautiful and engaging video quality; celebrity instructors; offers a broad range of topics; digestible format; online forum provides a sense of community

Cons: No certifications; have to hold yourself more accountable to learn

You can browse all MasterClass courses here .

CreativeLive

Cost: You can pay a one-time fee per course or subscribe to a CreativeLive membership for $13/month.

Pros: Lots of in-depth bootcamps; great selection of in-depth courses to expand your skillsets

Cons: Less interactive; no direct feedback

You can browse all CreativeLive courses here.

Cost: A Skillshare Premium subscription is $32/month (month-to-month) or $15/month (annually)

Pros: Nice video quality; some celebrity and expert instructors; great for very niche topics

Cons: No certifications; mostly focused on art and design

You can browse all Skillshare courses here.

The best online learning platforms for learning new languages

Duolingo , Babbel , and Rosetta Stone are three language-learning platforms we cover a lot, and each has different strengths depending on which language you want to learn, your level of experience, and your time commitment. 

What they all have in common is flexibility — they can be great for brushing up on your high school Spanish or learning a few Japanese phrases before a trip .

Keep reading to learn more about the differences between Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone:

Cost: Free; Duolingo Plus is $6.99/month for features like ad-free experience and unlimited tries

Pros: Great for learning new vocabulary; Fun, gamified experience; Easy to use on mobile; Lots of language options (including Yiddish )

Cons: Not as much practice directly speaking with someone in conversation

You can browse all of Duolingo's language options here.

Cost: $13.95 for 1 month; $9.95/month (3 months); $8.45/month (6 months); $6.95/month (1 year)

Pros: Focused on teaching you realistic conversation topics, such as travel or career-focused phrases; Uses native speakers to demonstrate lessons; frequent sales offered

Cons: Some language programs are not as strong as others ; Not as many language options as other services

You can browse all of Babbel's language options here.

Rosetta Stone

Cost: $11.99/month (3 months); $7.99/month (1 year); $179 lifetime (unlimited languages)

Pros: Fully immersive, mimicking real-life experience; Huge selection of languages to choose from

Cons: More expensive, requires more of a time commitment 

You can browse all of Rosetta Stone's language options here.

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Best online courses and online class sites of 2024

Learn new skills without leaving your house

Best for guided projects

Best for professional skills, best for celeb classes, best for online degrees, best affordable option, best for business, best for uk, best for nanodegrees, best for creatives, best for digital transformation, how we test.

The best online courses and online class sites make it easier to learn new skills from home through distance learning online.

1. Best for guided projects 2. Best for professional skills 3. Best for celeb classes 4. Best for online degrees 5. Best affordable option 6. Best for business 7. Best for UK 8. Best for nanodegrees 9. Best for creatives 10. Best for digital transformation 11. FAQs 12. How we test

Long gone are the days of having to attend a college to take a class. Now, with available learning platforms, through the use of video streaming, there are a wide variety of skills that can be learned from the comfort of your abode.

Websites abound that have online classes on demand. This can range from a single lecture on a specific topic, to a series of lectures to gain new knowledge in a field, to entire graduate level degrees offered by leading universities. You can even learn from professors on the other side of the planet via this method!

Course topics cover the spectrum. Some can be professionally oriented, designed to update skills for older workers, or those with a degree outside the area of study. Other courses are designed to supplement knowledge, offering additional study, such as advanced training for a certification exam. However, it is not all so serious, with coursework also available that borders on entertainment, with options for a cooking class, or film appreciation. In any case, in a competitive work environment, having some recent coursework can be an important CV builder, without having to do the rigors of a formal degree.

These are the best laptops for students on the market.

The best online courses and online class sites of 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

1. Coursera

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Coursera is an online educator that also focuses on college level education, and has partnered with leading universities including Arizona State University and Duke University, and also has alliances with many Fortune 500 companies. This platform is notable as the emphasis is on university courses, along with over a thousand free content videos, and also certificate programs. This content can be taken to acquire a college degree, all fully online. 

The standout feature is the Guided Projects, which are done to allow the learner to put their newly acquired skills to use, under the watchful guidance of an instructor. Those looking to acquire some job ready skills, whether in the form of a certificate, a degree or an advanced degree, from a name brand university should take a look at this platform.

Read the full Coursera review .

• ^ Back to the top

2. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an educational outgrowth of the highly popular, professional networking platform. As you might suspect, this platform is focused on development of professional skills, with a catalog that is expansive at over 16,000 offerings. The plan is simplified, with only a single tier, but it can be subscribed to either annually or monthly. We also like the interactive basis of this platform, which focuses on demonstration of the skills obtained, with online quizzes and exercise files available. 

The content is also quite professional, with the education conducted via expert instructors in their fields. Learners also praise the flexibility in learning, via the smartphone apps, an audio only option (perfect for jogging), and offline learning possibilities. Finally, the integration with LinkedIn is apparent, with the ability to put the certification achieved upon successful completion of the course onto the learner’s LinkedIn page.

Read the full LinkedIn Learning review .

3. MasterClass

While some platforms have courses by the thousands, MasterClass offers less, in numbers, with just over a hundred courses on offer. However, what it lacks in breadth of subject matter, it more than makes up for with its list of educators that easily qualify as Hollywood A-listers and the like. 

We take exception to the annual billing without a month to month option, but there is a choice of plans among three tiers. Also realize that learning cinematography from acclaimed director James Cameron has got to be an experience, but overall MasterClass offers more casual content, so don’t look for an online master’s degree here. 

Another standout feature is that the content is high quality, with each course having trailers that could be shown in a movie theater to help students decide if the course is worth pursuing. While there are fewer courses on offer, also realize that each one is a comprehensive look at the subject, being broken up into around 20 segments, each averaging about 10 minutes in length.

Read the full MasterClass review .

For those looking for an online learning platform to obtain a college degree- either undergraduate or graduate - edX is an excellent choice. Rather than having to look at online schools one at a time, edX makes it possible to access coursework among 160 universities, the likes of Berkeley, Harvard University and Boston University. Furthermore, this coursework is taught by university professors that teach over 3,000 courses. 

Courses are designed to result in obtaining a certificate, an online college degree, or even applied towards a degree at a university. This high level of quality education does not come at a bargain price, or an all you can eat monthly subscription, but rather these types of degrees can have a cost in the thousands, however keep in mind that they are less than attending the same school in residence, not to mention saving the costs of room and board at a dormitory. 

Read the full edX review .

Coming out of Ireland, Alison is an affordable approach to a learning platform. The notable standout is that everyone can afford it, with a free (ad supported) tier, and thousands of courses available for learners to take. We also appreciate the still affordable higher tiers, that eliminate the ads, with offerings of flexible monthly, annual and lifetimes tiers, with options to have a certificate of completion, or letter of attestation of the completed coursework at bargain basement prices. 

Some shortcomings need to be noted, such as the lack of degrees and the automated approach to support. Still, for those that just want some courses, and are on a limited budget, Alison is a solid starting point with a catalog sure to offer opportunity for its already 3.5 million learners.

Read the full Alison review .

Udemy is notable for its super large course catalog, a ridiculously large 155k courses focused on business content taught by over 56k instructors. This is driven in part by the over 7,000 enterprise customers. Users are sure to like the comments for the course that are integrated into the platform, the transparency in when the course was last updated, along with the high quality trailers to help assess if a course is right for your needs. 

We also noted the choice of tiers, and the longer 30-day money back guarantee period. Some downsides do encompass that some courses need to be purchased individually as opposed to a monthly subscription, the limited support options that are missing a direct phone number and an email address, and the bugs with the apps, especially with offline viewing. For those looking for the right business course, with support materials to support the learning, Udemy is worth a good look.

Read the full Udemy review .

7. FutureLearn

Leave it to the Brits to package some great educational opportunities from the UK into an online learning platform, through the internet available from anywhere, anytime. The course content offered by FutureLearn fits into ExpertTracks, which is a 10 to 12 week block of learning, and covers 3 to 4 courses leading to a certificate upon completion of study. The content focuses on beginner level content designed for job education. 

Some significant downsides include the lack of smartphone apps, average user reviews, and unclear pricing. The limited support options also hamper this service. New users should check out the free course availability as some courses can be started on a trial basis, and also keep in mind the 7-day trial period. Those not looking for an ExpertTrack should also look for the single courses that are available as well. 

Read the full FutureLearn review .

Udacity has a focus on providing education for business and technology with courses in areas such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and instructors that are industry experts. 

Learners like fully online nanodegrees that emphasize job related education, which are targeted at more developed than a certificate program, while falling short of a traditional college degree. Feedback is provided through a mentoring program, which is personalized to develop the student’s skills via direct critique of submitted projects. 

While the higher cost of this option may be a barrier (which gets paid on a monthly basis), and the support options could be better, it gets high marks in the user reviews of its smartphone apps. For those looking to develop computing skills via online education, Udacity is a worthy option.

Read the full Udacity review .

9. SkillShare

SkillShare has a large catalog of 35,000 plus online videos, divided into the categories of Create, Build and Thrive. It also has Workshops that offer a more in depth look into areas. It is easy to get started with this platform, as there are three tiers offered, and a week long free trial. However, we found the service to be more expensive than some others, with only an annual plan offered rather than offering it on a month by month basis. 

Also, another issue was that credit card info was a requirement for accessing the trial, and we found reports of the difficulties with cancellation of this service. Going through this service, issues aside, we found it an attractive option for those looking to learn new creative skills, with coursework offered in areas including illustration, photography and design.

Read the full SkillShare review .

10. Pluralsight

Coming out of Utah, Pluralsight provides technology based education, targeting skills for the digital transformation. It is a highly developed platform, with partnerships to educate those in industry, with such known tech names as Adobe and the Nasdaq counted among its 17,000 business users. 

While the emphasis appears to be on the enterprise market, there is the option for individual users as well. There is a choice of two plans for these individual users, we appreciate the option to pay monthly or annually, and on the upper tier there are over 7,000 courses. 

Support is also solid with many choices to get in touch to get help. There are some issues we encountered with creation of our account, but for those seeking out advanced technology education, that is up to the high standards of enterprise, Pluralsight is worth a look.

Read the full Pluralsight review .

We've also featured the best online learning platforms.

What is an online course website?

An online course website is an online platform for education. Each typically utilizes video lectures as the primary mode of learning, along with supplemental materials to reinforce the education, and demonstrate the learning. This can include course syllabi, graded projects, chat rooms for students, mobile apps for learning on the go, practice questions, and even formal exams. The education is often on a large variety of topics, but more in depth than what you would typically find on more casual websites, that are more for entertainment than formal education. These online courses are an excellent opportunity to acquire new skills, update knowledge, and branch into new areas.

Online Learning Platforms vs Learning Management Systems

An online learning platform has much in common with a learning management system (LMS), and the two terms are commonly confused, and even used interchangeably. However, there is a key difference.

A LMS is defined by Wikipedia as “A software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, automation and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs.”

In contrast, there is no clear definition for what an online learning platform is, and also its alternate term, eLearning. The online learning platform is a more generic term that also encompasses a LMS, but alternately not every online learning platform has all the features of an LMS.

For example, there is plenty of educational content online, such as on YouTube and other websites, and this can be used for learning purposes. However, this does not meet all the requirements to be a LMS platform, as it lacks documentation, tracking, and reporting of the educational progress.

Online Learning Platform vs Online Course Websites

As stated above, there is no clear definition for what an online learning platform is, other than to say that there are plenty of websites for education. They can range from a more formal LMS that can provide tracking, documentation and reporting of the education that has been done, to less formal sites that can be as open as an online educational video. For example, sites such as Lifehacker, or wikiHow provide education, but it is not formal, or trackable in the sense that they would provide a certification.

Then there is the term “Online course website.” Again, this is a vague term that covers both extreme ends. While some would use it interchangeably with a LMS, the latter is the preferred term that once again can provide tracking of educational progress, and is more formal, able to provide documentation of education progress including certificates or degrees as applicable.

What is a MOOC?

A MOOC is a “Massive Open Online Course.” These are offered by edX, a leader in online education. The idea is that while a traditional classroom gets limited in how many students can attend, with a MOOC, as it gets offered through the internet, literally millions of folks can all take the class and benefit from the education. It is literally an economy of scale so that high quality education can be disseminated.

According to edX, the first MOOC offered was through MIT, and it is a course entitled “Circuits and Electronics.” As of 2019, over 50k learners have taken this course!

With such success, it is no surprise that there has been growth in this MOOC segment. There are now MOOC’s for business so that education can occur for corporate learners. Also, edX has offered college credits for select MOOC’s since 2015.

What sort of computer do I need to take online courses?

The good news is that just about any modern computer will be absolutely fine for this online education, and these platforms work through any web browser. Those looking to do this inexpensively can get the job done with a Chromebook , which tends to be quite affordable.

Most of the platforms offer apps for smartphones, on both the iOS and Android platforms. This is ideal for learning on the go, and also allows the education to proceed on a tablet device from either platform.

For a Windows laptop , ideally a larger screen with 1080p resolution (or higher), and a solid set of speakers would be ideal. However, don’t think you need to expend serious resources on this, as even an entry level laptop, with a Celeron processor, 4 GB of RAM, and a minimal internal hard drive will be more than adequate for the education. You can even use Windows 10 in S mode, although having the full version of Windows 10 is easier as then you can install other software, such as a word processing program to take notes.

Also check out our roundup of the best laptop .

How do I build and sell a course?

With the popularity and growth of so many online learning websites, it has presented the opportunity for folks to not only take these courses, but also to be able to teach them as well. The first step is to figure out what you want to teach, which can range from a university type of course, to a casual single lecture. 

The potential educator should also take an honest assessment of their skill level, and what actually qualifies them to teach the course. A qualification that learners will appreciate is having a degree in the field, especially a graduate degree, such as the terminal degree in the field, such as a PhD. Having such a degree clearly shows the scholarship in the area, and would qualify you to teach at any college or university, along with an online platform. 

Not having a terminal degree can in some cases be substituted by a certification or license in select fields, such as a manicurist who wants to teach nail care. Additionally, with this democratization of content, there can be plenty of situations where experience in the area can also qualify the individual to be able to impart knowledge, such as working in the field successfully for a number of years, or even performing the task at home, such as a stay at home parent that wants to teach laundry skills.

Figuring out your qualification, and the type of course then will help to determine what platform it will be appropriate for. For example, unless you are a professor at Harvard, your content will not be appropriate for the online Harvard education site. However, there is no shortage of sites, so next you need to find a site, and certainly start with checking the sites above, realizing that some are better suited to more formal courses, and others are looking for more casual content. Once you identify the target site, get in touch, as most of them have links for those looking to be the next great educator.

Is YouTube a good online course website?

YouTube, and other online streaming site s are a valuable resource to learn new skills. There is no shortage of content available, to learn anything and everything, such as how to cook a new dish, how to repair your car, and a lesson in home improvement.

However, this type of content has its limitations. One is that it is taught by anyone, and there is a varying skill level, and in most cases it is not taught by skilled instructors, such as a university professor. In many cases the goal is as much to entertain as it is to instruct. This is fine for casual content, such as in our prior example of a cooking video, but not as well suited for more formal instruction.

Finally, while a LMS can provide proof of the education, YouTube does not offer this. In other words, there are no certificates, or degrees offered to provide an employer as a demonstration to the new knowledge obtained.

Are Harvard online courses really free and worth it?

Harvard University is a leading institution, and they do indeed have online educational offerings. They certainly have a full variety of coursework available, and it is a mix of paid and free content. As Harvard has consistently topped the list of endowed US universities, with a staggering $40+ billion of endowments, this is a chance for them to give something back.

Harvard has partnered with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and founded edX. While the free courses that Harvard offers are on a website for Harvard Online , realize that the course content is on edX.

There are plenty of high quality courses available through Harvard University, approximately 140 in a recent count. Some are quite specific, and not quite what would qualify as a standard university class, such as “Nonprofit Financial Stewardship Webinar: Introduction to Accounting and Financial Statements” that would target only a select group with interest in this area. Mixed in are courses that are not free, and have a cost, so be sure to double check when signing up, or you can filter to only look at the free courses.

A popular area of these online courses is the CS50 series, which covers computer science topics. This coursework is targeted to AP high school students in this area. It includes about 30 courses, such as the “CS50's Introduction to Game Development,” an intermediate course that covers “The development of 2D and 3D interactive video games.” The course is in English, and is designed to be completed over a 12 week period, for 6 to 9 hours weekly, although it is self-paced to accommodate other learning paces. While this course can be audited for free by anyone, a Verified Certificate is available for those that complete it for $199.

There is no shortage of learning platforms out there to choose from. Thankfully for you, we have sorted through them to find the ones that will benefit users.

We look at a number of factors, and truth be told no one learning platform will be the best for everyone. Things to consider start with the pricing, and for that we look at the plans. Some platforms even have free courses offered. Others charge by the course, and some companies have a monthly subscription, there is truly a learning platform for every budget.

Content is another factor. Some platforms focus on a specific area, such as computer programming, while others have more expansive catalogs that rival what any major college would offer.

Another issue is the quality of the coursework. Some are more crowd sourced, allowing a democratization of education. At the opposite end of the spectrum, we have platforms that partner with top rated professors at name brand universities to teach the content.

Finally, there are the extras offered, such as the available smartphone apps. Also, there are the available certifications, and degrees that can be completed for looking for a more formal education.

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The 10 Best Educational Websites for Taking Online Courses in 2024

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Back in the day, if you wanted to learn something new, you'd go to school for it. Today, educational institutions offer their full programs and individual courses online. Experts in almost every field create programs and courses online to share their knowledge with a worldwide audience.

Both educational institutions and individual experts who want to offer their courses online need somewhere to host it and get it out to people who want to learn. This is why there are many platforms dedicated to offering online courses. Some focus on tighter niches like green technology . Others include courses in a variety of fields.

Whatever you're interested in learning, you can find a course about it from the educational course sites listed below. From beginner levels to intermediate and advanced, there's something for everybody.

Diversity of content; some inexpensive

Top-notch faculty and institutions

The "anyone can be an instructor" approach means lesser-known instructors will be hit-or-miss

Udemy is the online education site that tops this list for being a popular and valuable resource. You can search over 190,000 courses on different topics. Download the Udemy app to take your learning mobile for quick lessons and study sessions when you're on the go.

Some Udemy courses are free, and others start as low as $15. If you're an expert looking to create and launch a course of your own, you can become an instructor with Udemy and take advantage of their massive user base to attract students.

Excellent courses taught by national leaders

Reasonable price points

Academic rigor is reasonably strong

Topics are heavily focused on programming and science

If you're looking to take courses from over 275 of the country's top universities and organizations, then Coursera is for you. Coursera has partnered with the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University, the University of Michigan, and others to offer universal access to the world's best education.

You'll find over 5,400 paid and unpaid courses on Coursera related to computer science, business, social sciences, and more. Coursera also has a mobile app available so you can learn at your pace on-the-go.

LinkedIn Learning

Ala carte model for one monthly subscription cost

Focus on professional development

Hit-or-miss content based on the skill and expertise of the course designer

LinkedIn Learning is a popular educational hub for professionals looking to learn new business, creativity, and technology skills. With over 20,600 expert-led courses, categories include animation, audio and music, business, design, development, marketing, photography, video, and more.

When you sign up with LinkedIn Learning, you get a 30-day free trial. You're then charged either $20 a month for an annual membership or $40 for a month-to-month membership. If you want to deactivate your membership and come back later, LinkedIn Learning has a reactivate feature that restores your account information, including your course history and progress.

Open Culture

 Open Culture

Great clearinghouse of free educational materials

No cost to browse the large library of offerings

Open Culture isn't an educational provider. It's only a curator of other people's content

If you're on a budget and looking for quality education content, check out Open Culture's library of 1,700 courses with over 45,000 hours of audio and video lectures that are free. You'll have to spend a bit of time scrolling through the single page containing 1,700 course links with courses organized by category in alphabetical order.

Many of the courses available on Open Culture are from leading institutions from around the world, including Yale, Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Berkley, and others.  Audiobooks , ebooks, and certificate courses are also available.

Open-source philosophy

Well-curated and well-delivered content by industry experts

Credential programs available

Content tends to be dominated by programming and the sciences

Similarly to Coursera, edX offers access to higher education from over 160 of the world's leading educational institutions, including Harvard, MIT, Berkley, the University System of Maryland, the University of Queensland, and others. Founded and governed by colleges and universities, edX is the only open-source and nonprofit MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) leader.

Find courses in computer science, language, psychology, engineering, biology, marketing, or any other field that interests you. Use it for high school level education or to earn credits for university. You'll receive an official credential from the institution to verify your achievement.

Great content for creative professionals

A subscription-only model with no trial period

Envato's Tuts+ is for those who work and play in creative technology. In addition to its vast library of how-to tutorials, courses are available in design, illustration, code, web design, photography, video, business, music, and audio.

Tuts+ has almost 30,000 tutorials and over 1,300 video courses, with new courses added every week. There isn't a free trial, but the membership is affordable at $16.50 a month.

Focus on technology skills that are in demand by businesses

A well-designed platform that offers credentials and transcripts

The catalog is deep, but not broad

Heavy focus on tech topics

Udacity is dedicated to bringing higher education to the world in the most accessible, affordable, and effective ways possible. Udacity offers online courses and credentials that teach students the skills that are currently in demand by industry employers. They claim to offer their education at a fraction of the cost of traditional schooling.

This is an excellent platform to look into if you plan on working in technology. With courses and credentials in Android, iOS, data science, and software engineering, you can get access to the most up to date education in these innovative areas that are relevant to today's tech companies and startups.

No-cost education

Clean, easy-to-use interface

Wide variety of subjects

Some courses are too niche

Not many well-known providers of content

With 25 million students from across the world, ALISON is an online learning resource that offers free, high-quality courses, education services, and community support. Their resources are designed for anyone looking for a new job, promotion, college placement, or business venture.

Choose from a variety of subjects to pick from thousands of free courses designed to provide you with certificate and diploma level education. You'll also be required to take assessments and score at least 80 percent to pass, so you'll have the skills to move forward.

An eclectic collection of lessons on a variety of subjects

Free content

Some content is so terse (like five-minute video courses) that its value is questionable

OpenLearn is designed to give users free access to educational materials. It was launched in the late 1990s to offer online learning in a broadcast collaboration with the BBC. Today, OpenLearn offers topical and interactive content in a variety of content formats, including courses.

You can filter the free courses by activity, format (audio or video), subject, and more options. All courses are listed with the level (introductory, intermediate, and more) and the time length to give you an idea of what to expect.

FutureLearn

 FutureLearn

Emphasis on group learning and peer engagement

A broad cross-section of content

Can't jump into a course whenever you want, many have start and end dates

Like OpenLearn, FutureLearn is part of The Open University. It is another alternative on this list that offers course programs from leading educational institutions and organization partners. Courses are delivered a step at a time and can be learned at your pace while accessed from a desktop or mobile device.

One benefit of FutureLearn is its commitment to social learning, giving its students the opportunity to engage in discussions with others throughout the course. FutureLearn also offers full programs, which contain several courses for more extensive learning.

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10 Best Websites For Affordable Online Courses In 2024

The Good Trade editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here .

We’ve researched dozens of online courses for the best educational learning platforms — these are our top 10 picks.

Many of us follow a pretty typical education trajectory: elementary school, middle school, high school. Some of us go on to college or university, and others go even further, earning higher degrees and making careers in academia. No matter how far your formal education journey takes you, learning doesn’t have to stop there. We can continue learning—whether for career advancement or simply for fun.

Why should you take online courses?

Online learning platforms offer lots of advantages for anyone looking to advance their career or learn something new. They are flexible and accessible in comparison to in person classes, as you’ll be able to access course materials anytime and anywhere you have access to a computer and an internet connection. Most online courses allow for self-paced learning, making it easier to commit and follow through with the workload as your personal schedule and priorities shift (here’s our tips on how to stay productive while learning remotely ). You can even access online courses from institutions anywhere across the globe, allowing you to learn from top experts without having to leave your home. 

You’ll find online courses are also more affordable than in-person lectures. By studying online, you’ll save tons of money that would typically be spent on commuting and accommodations. Online courses, by comparison, are also cheaper than traditional in-person classes, making it easier for you to advance your skills on your terms. 

That’s why we love these ten learning platforms that are leading the way in online education. These websites are free or low-cost and offer courses from a wide spectrum of topics like knife and cooking basics to graphic design and mobile development. For the tech lover, language learner, or aspiring artist, there’s something for everyone. 

Our criteria:

Our team has audited dozens of online courses and learning platforms courses, as well as scoured thousands of customer reviews for this round-up of our favorite educational websites. We update this list regularly with emerging favorites that meet our criteria below:

• AVAILABILITY OF EXPERT INSTRUCTORS | These online course websites offer a wide selection of courses taught by certified professionals who have authority in their industry.
• RANGE OF COURSES AND CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED | Each of these learning websites provide courses and certifications for various relevant and in-demand skills, topics, and professions.
• AFFORDABILITY | We’ve prioritized low-cost and free online learning platforms on this list.

No matter where you are in the world or your educational background, let’s keep learning together with these online training and certification programs.

(Psst, and for a subject close to our hearts, check out this list of our favorite online writing classes !)

Best Overall | Best For Casual Learners | Best Free Option

Best For  | Affordable classes for professional skills Features | Certifications available, courses taught by real-world experts, 210K+ courses available, 67M+ learners globally, available app Our Pick   | Ultimate Photoshop Training: From Beginner to Pro Pricing  | À la carte ($12–$200+) 

Udemy ’s focus is to make quality education more accessible—and they’ve made some serious progress. To date, it’s achieved over 900 million enrollments around the world with courses ranging from Instagram marketing to aromatherapy. Starting at just $12, you can access more than 210,000 online courses that work with your pace and your lifestyle—plus, it’s yours forever. There’s a reason why businesses like Adidas and Mercedes-Benz utilize Udemy for their teams. Available in many languages and accessible around the world, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking up Udemy’s trial offer—time to get to learning!

2. Coursera

Best For  | On-demand higher education degrees, university certificates, and credits Features | Certifications & degrees available, courses taught by experts from 275+ leading universities & companies, ability to earn recognized credentials, available app Our Pick   | Modern Art And Ideas Pricing  | Guided projects (starting at $10/per course); Specialized program (starting at $49/month); degrees (starting at $9K/per)

Coursera believes that everyone should be able to learn anywhere, anytime, and from the world’s top education providers. Since then, it’s reached over 129 million learners and partnered with more than 275 universities to bring all kinds of content to users. Whether you’re looking for a general course, a specific specialization, or a university-recognized degree, Coursera will be your one-stop-shop. You’ll find specializations in topics like data science or econometrics as well as degrees that can be taught over one to four years.

3. Masterclass

Best For  | On-demand classes from industry experts across fields Features | Courses taught by globally-recognized icons & experts, 200+ classes available, available app, available on Roku & Amazon Our Pick   | Sara Blakely Teaches Self-Made Entrepreneurship Pricing  | Starting at $120/year (Unlimited classes)

Masterclass brings revered and renowned heroes, icons, and experts to your screen for one-on-one classes in their areas of expertise. Whether you’re learning acting from Natalie Portman, scientific thinking from astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, or self-expression from famed queen of drag RuPaul, each practice and process is broken down into an average of 20 on-demand, cinematically produced video lessons and a downloadable workbook with optional assignments. With over 200 instructors offering high quality education and insight, the fields you can explore are endless.

Best For  | Self-paced college courses from top institutions Features | Certifications & degrees available, courses taught by experts & professors, partnered with universities, 4,400+ programs available, 81M+ learners, available app Our Pick   | IBM: Software Engineering Basics for Everyone Pricing  | Free–$25,000+ (Online Master’s Degrees)

What happens when two of the most prestigious higher education institutions come together for open learning? edX . Harvard and MIT collaborated to create the only MOOC (massive online open courses) provider and nonprofit around. Today, it works with more than 250 partners, including MIT, Columbia University, and Georgia Tech, to name a few. The online learning options run the gamut: you can choose one course or an online Master’s Degrees, with a range of professional certificates and “micro” Master’s programs.

5. Skillshare

Best For  | Accessible classes for personal and business development Features | Certifications available, courses taught by knowledgeable teachers, available app Our Pick   | Graphic Design Basics: Core Principles for Visual Design Pricing  | Free, Premium ($32/month or $168 annually)

Skillshare offers more than 34,000 classes to anyone, anywhere, based on design, business, tech, and more. It prides itself on providing more than just access to education; Skillshare considers itself an online learning community of more than 830K active members. At Skillshare, you can learn skills, network with others, and discover new opportunities, all in one place. There are classes available for free (check out “Going Freelance” or “Intro to SEO”), or if you upgrade to Premium you can unlock even more. Those funds enable them to pay teachers, and you’ll have access to classes offline and without ads. Not sure if you can afford them? Skillshare offers plenty of scholarships (and free or low-cost trials), too, so there is something for everyone.

6. LinkedIn Learning

Best For  | Professional development Features | Certifications available, courses taught by industry professionals, personalized course recommendations, available app Our Pick   | Project Management Foundations Pricing  | Starts at $20/month (Unlimited classes)

You’ve likely already heard of LinkedIn, and may even currently use it for networking and job-searching. But the employment-oriented service also offers online education. With LinkedIn Learning , you gain access to over 20,000 expert-led classes across business, technology, and creative. (Dozens are added every week and there’s no limit to how many you can watch.) The platform also provides personalized course recommendations based on your skills. With classes available in 13 languages, you can download exercise files so you can practice while you learn and will earn a certificate for each class you complete.

Best For  | Free online classes for endless learning Features | Certifications & diplomas available, courses taught by the world’s leading experts, 6M+ graduates across the globe, available app Our Pick   | Introduction to Spanish Pricing  | Free, paid certifications/diplomas available

No matter what your interest is, Alison likely has a course for you, including ones that offer certifications and diplomas. Completely free to use, payment only comes in with certified or diploma courses. Otherwise, you can learn to your heart’s content on topics like project management, web design, or amateur French and German. Not sure where to start? Check out the Career Guide for many career paths and associated class options. From architecture to manufacturing to human services, you can find knowledgeable instructors and high-quality content for every imaginable subject.

Best For  | Online classes for in-demand tech and programming skills Features | Certifications & nanodegrees available, courses taught by industry experts, 205K nanodegree certifications earned, available app Our Pick   |  Intro to Programming Pricing  | Starts at $249/month (Unlimited classes)

Students first—that’s the policy of Udacity , an online learning platform started by two Stanford instructors who knew that offering up quality education would revolutionize the future of learning. What began as an “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” course soon became hundreds of classes that focus on in-demand skills like virtual reality, full-stack development, and even self-driving cars. Ideal if you’re looking for a job in the world of tech or programming, Udacity’s classes are free. You only have to pay if you want to pursue a “nanodegree” which takes you down a specific career path.

9. Khan Academy

Best For  | Nonprofit based learning courses for students pre-k to college Features | Classes taught by teachers and experts, available in 36 languages, available app Our Pick   | Official LSAT® Prep Pricing  | Free

Khan Academy is a non-for-profit learning resource with a mission to empower students’ education through their accessible online platform. Started by one man who simply wanted to tutor math to his cousin, the company has now grown into a huge team that’s committed to offering world class educational skills. Here, you’ll find foundational school courses ranging from 6th grade math and AP college physics to SAT test prep and financial literacy classes. Best of all, these courses are self-paced, offer both instructional videos and exercises, and are 100% free! Take your growth into your own hands and at your own pace.

10. Catapult

Best For  | Zoom classes and virtual workshops for writers Features | Courses taught by industry experts, online and in-class options available  Our Pick   | 6-Week Open-Genre Generative Seminar: From First Thought to First Draft Pricing  | À la carte ($15 for independent study—$6,000+ for year long course)

Writers and readers looking for a community love Catapult for the wide variety of online classes, workshops, independent studies, and seminars offered in all genres. Take a generative fiction class, dig into revision techniques for your novel, or learn how to write a query letter to agents from leading writing and publishing professionals on a day-job-friendly schedule. You can even join a class to read and study books with other writers! Our team has taken multiple classes and loved our experiences, especially the connections we have made with other writers around the world.

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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best websites for free education

(Image: Shutterstock)

Have you heard about free online education but dismissed its potential as a resource? Think again! 

Free online learning can help you out if you need skill training, personal development, or an excuse to expand your mind. Many providers offer high-quality educational content from experts.

No-cost or inexpensive online learning can benefit you if you want help with:

• Mastering a new language
• Becoming a professional artist
• Building a coding portfolio
• Advancing as a business professional

The list goes on.

Free online education can be accessed through many popular websites and apps. Let us be your guide through this crowded landscape. Read on for our roundup of websites offering free educational content in both general and topic-specific areas.

Best general websites for free education

These online learning platforms have something for everyone. They bring together courses from the world's elite institutions and experts.

Topics covered: Software development, engineering and construction, health, IT, personal development, management, and more

Paid elements: Degrees and diplomas; costs vary

Alison is an e-learning platform offering free personal development courses and paid degrees. Students can also opt for training in trades such as construction and plumbing. The service also offers free personality and well-being tests to all.

Topics covered: Business administration, data science, applied arts and sciences, public health, and more

Paid elements: Degrees, certificates, and business membership; business membership costs $399 annually per member

Coursera , a massive open online course provider, was founded in 2012 by Stanford faculty. The service offers professional development, paid degrees from the bachelor's to postgraduate level, and free courses.

SEE: Coursera review: Pros, cons, and popular courses

CreativeLive

Topics covered: Photography, Adobe Creative Suite, UX, programming, entrepreneurship, self-improvement, music production, and more

Paid elements: Paid courses; costs vary

CreativeLive is an e-learning platform that caters to entrepreneurs and artists. The site offers free and paid courses in creative topics including photography , Adobe Photoshop , and UX . Learners can also find courses in self-improvement, business, and programming.

College courses offered online: What can you take?

As remote learning gains traction, online college course providers have stepped up their offerings. Some are even free.

Topics covered: Web development, risk management, Java, international relations, social work, and more

Paid elements: Bachelor's and master's degrees, bootcamps, professional certifications, and XSeries advanced courses; costs vary

edX is an online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT alumni. The site offers both a variety of free courses and paid certifications, bootcamps, and degrees in topics including web development , risk management , and Java .

Khan Academy

Topics covered: Computer programming, math, economics, chemistry, finance, history, physics, art, and more

Paid elements: None

Khan Academy is a nonprofit, open-source library of video courses on various topics that caters to K-12 learners worldwide. The site also offers practical courses in standardized test prep , computer programming , and life skills .

MIT OpenCourseWare

Topics covered: Energy, entrepreneurship, environment and sustainability, introductory programming, transportation, and more

MIT OpenCourseWare is an extensive online catalog of past MIT course content. While the site does not offer degrees, course credit, or certification, most courses offer exams, notes, and video lectures completely for free.

eLearning platform Udemy's most popular courses

Udemy offers eLearning courses from photography to IT and software development. But is it worth your time? Read our Udemy review to get some insight.

Topics covered: Python, excel, data science, web development, data science, JavaScript, and more

Paid elements: Some paid courses; prices vary

Udemy is a global platform for free and paid online courses based in San Francisco. The service's technology video courses rank among its most popular. They cover topics including Python , web development , and data science . 

Best websites for professional development

Do you want to embark on a new career , improve your focus at work , or replace a habit with behavior that leads to greater success, happiness, and productivity? These free online coaching and professional guidance sites help you find the right steps to achieve your goals.  

Class Central

Topics covered: Humanities, business, computer science, engineering, data science, personal development, and more

Paid elements: Some paid courses among mostly free courses; costs vary

At Class Central , students can find career development , personal development , and self-improvement resources. The site's extensive partnerships with universities, course providers, and institutions make it a centralized hub for online education.

MaxKnowledge

Topics covered: Teaching, online teaching, career services, campus operations, admissions, and more

Paid elements: Annual subscription costs $195 per five people, $19 for each additional person

MaxKnowledge is a career education platform offering paid certifications and free professional development tutorials . The website, which serves over 3,000 organizations, is in line with standards established by the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE).

Topics covered: Resume reviews, interviews, job search strategy, company profiles, resume + LinkedIn review, and more

Paid elements: Site is mostly free, but career coaches and job search services are paid; costs vary on case-by-case basis

The Muse is a free remote job search site that offers paid job coaching services. The website's mentors, coaches, and master coaches can help job searchers of all experience levels with interview tips , resumes, and promotions.

SEE: 10 productivity apps that will transform the way you work

Open Sesame

Topics covered: Compliance, safety, IT services, business skills, wellness, diversity and inclusion, and more

Paid elements: One month free, different plan levels for individuals, small businesses, and enterprises starting at $21.99 per month

Open Sesame is an e-learning platform with an extensive catalog of professional development courses, covering topics such as time management strategies . The site helps organizations find solutions to issues such as wellness, compliance, and safety in industries that include technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Best websites for learning a new language

Free language learning apps offer a convenient pathway to mastering a new language. Though most language learning apps offer paid subscriptions, you can get started for free on the apps listed below.

Topics covered: German, Italian, Danish, Portuguese, Swedish, Indonesian, Turkish, Russian, Norwegian, French, and more

Paid elements: $13.99 monthly for a subscription to the pro version, which offers analytics, personalized lesson help, and access to all classes

Babbel is a language-learning app covering speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills. The app (available in free and subscription versions) allows learners to focus on cultural areas of interest to keep lessons relevant and interesting.

Topics covered: Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Hindi, Turkish, Arabic, Russian, Irish, Hebrew, and more

Paid elements: $6.99 monthly for a subscription to Duolingo Plus, which offers personalized lesson support, analytics, and progress tracking

Duolingo is a free language learning app for Android, iOS, and desktop. Lessons follow a game-like format that incentivizes hitting time-based goals. The premium version is ad-free and tracks students' progress.

Topics covered: Chinese, Spanish, Yoruba, Japanese, Korean, Danish, Swedish, Mongolian, Turkish, and more

Paid elements: $8.99 monthly for a subscription to the premium version, which offers offline access to the app, analytics, and personalized lesson support

Memrise  is a UK-based online language learning platform offering free courses in 25 languages. Lessons are based on flashcard repetitions and videos of native speakers. The paid pro version offers personalized learning support and offline learning.

Best websites for picking up a new hobby or skill

Free online education also provides a route to acquiring a new skill, such as programming. For instance, free web development courses can empower you to build a coding portfolio and master programming problems .

Topics covered: JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Python, Go, Ruby, SQL, C++, Swift, and more

Paid elements: $19.99 monthly for a subscription to the pro version, which offers certifications and personalized lesson support

Codeacademy is an online learning platform that offers free courses in over 12 coding languages, command line, and Git. The site also offers a paid membership option featuring portfolio development, personalized learning plans, and professional certifications.

Check out our Codecademy review here.

Topics covered: Color pencil, acrylic, oils, portraiture, landscape, horizontal and vertical lines, and more

Paid elements: $10 monthly for a subscription to the pro version, which allows access to all courses, not just free ones

Drawspace is an online art education platform offering free tutorials and paid courses taught by professional artists. Students can take courses offered on different artistic techniques and styles at the beginner, intermediate, and expert levels.

General Assembly

Topics covered: Data science, data analytics, computer languages, product management, UX design, and more

Paid elements: Paid and free courses; costs for paid courses can vary from $500-$2,000

General Assembly is a for-profit coding bootcamp that offers courses on a variety of information technology, web development, and software engineering topics. It's among our picks for the best coding bootcamps of 2022 . The site offers a free course that teaches HTML, CSS, and JavaScript called Dash .

Topics covered: Creative writing, history, art, psychology, education, languages, math, and more

OpenLearn is a MOOC platform affiliated with the UK's Open University system. The site offers thousands of self-paced, free courses in college subjects, such as creative writing. Many courses award digital badges or statements of participation upon completion.

Topics covered: JavaScript, Github, react, web and visual design fundamentals, HTML, CSS, Git, and more

Paid elements: The Break into Tech course is $2,499, while specific skill courses cost $549 each; free courses also available

SkillCrush is a coding learning app tailored primarily to women and POC. The service's self-paced Break Into Tech + Job Guaranteed provides 180 days of job search support upon graduation and opportunities to interview with partnered companies.

SEE: 10 Websites to practice coding problems: Our picks

Topics covered: Software engineering, data science, UX/UI design , data analytics, and more

Paid elements: Mostly paid courses range in cost from $7,000-$13,000; free webinars also available

Thinkful is an online coding bootcamp offers a customized learning experience and one-on-one mentor support for bootcamp enrollees. The platform also hosts dozens of webinars each month, which are free and open to the public. Webinar topics include data analytics, career advancement, and intros to programming languages.

Topics covered: HTML/CSS, Python, JavaScript, SQL, C++, Java, data science, and more

Paid elements: $12.99 monthly for the pro version, which offers personalized lesson support, no ads, and goal-tracking features

SoloLearn is a coding learning app that teaches popular coding languages from the basic to specialist level. Key features include a downloadable offline function for mobile users and a structural chart layout for displaying course progress.

ZDNET Recommends

20 Best Websites To Find Online Courses (Free & Paid)

We did our research to find the best online course websites. The list includes top-quality courses to learn new skills fast.

• Academy Login
• Online Courses
• Get Free eBooks

Top 20 Websites to Find Online Courses

Key learnings.

Online courses are a great way to build new skills in a relatively short period of time. They are less expensive than traditional classes and you can follow a course from the comfort of your own home.

In this guide, you’ll find the best online course websites covering a range of topics, including digital marketing, graphic design, coding, personal development, marketing, business, photography, and much more.

All courses are delivered online by accredited academies and online learning platforms. Together with the paid courses, the list includes some great free online courses that are definitely worth your time.

So, if you want to explore new career paths, build a new skill, start a new hobby or learn a new discipline, you’ll love this list. We’ve done our research and handpicked the best free and paid sites offering online training courses. All you have to do is find the best course for you and start learning!

These are the best online course websites to find high-quality online courses :

• Reliablesoft Academy
• MasterClass

Google Skillshop

• LinkedIn Learning
• HubSpot Academy
• Simplilearn
• Semrush Academy
• Google Digital Garage
• Meta Blueprint
• Harvard University (Online Courses)
• Microsoft Learn
• Alison (Free Online Courses)
• CXL Institute

1. Reliablesoft Academy

Founded in 2002, Reliablesoft Digital Marketing Academy is one of the most reliable training platforms to learn digital marketing. Through their online academy, they offer 13 courses covering all important areas of digital marketing, including:

• Facebook / Instagram Ads
• Google Analytics
• Content Marketing
• Keyword Research
• Email Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Affiliate Marketing
• Retargeting
• YouTube Marketing

Their most popular course is the Digital Marketing Full Course , which teaches students the secrets of online marketing through a series of videos and tutorials. Upon completing the course, you can get an SEO and Digital Marketing Certification.

Students can download the courses offline or follow the lessons using the online interface.

Reliablesoft courses are highly rated by students , affordable, and have a 60-day unconditional money-back guarantee (the best money-back from all online academies).

Currently, online courses are offered at an 80% discount . The offer is valid for a limited time only.

Explore Online Courses

Udemy is perhaps the most popular online learning platform. According to statistics provided by the company, they have more than 130K online courses in their database and a student base of 35 million people.

Udemy courses are grouped into several categories, the most popular are:

• Development
• IT and Software
• Personal Development
• Photography

Udemy courses are budget-friendly and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. In their library, besides paid courses, you’ll also find a number of free courses. Just type in “Free Courses” in their search bar, and you’ll get a list of more than 10,000 courses you can follow without paying.

To find the best courses on Udemy , choose one of the course categories from the top menu and then filter the results based on the number of ratings. You can also look for the ‘bestseller’ badge displayed in the description of popular courses.

If Udemy is not the right learning platform for you, there are great alternatives .

3. Coursera

Coursera offers online courses from world-class universities and reputable companies. It positions itself as a leading online learning platform for higher education. They claim to have more than 70M learners worldwide and partnerships with more than 200 universities and educators in different industries.

In their catalog, you’ll find a number of free courses, paid courses, specializations, certificates, and degree programs.

Their most popular course categories are:

• Data Science
• Computer Science
• Information Technology

University students can enroll in Coursera courses for free, provided their university is part of their partners’ program.

For non-university students, the cost varies per course, specialization, and certificate. For some courses, you can enroll for free and then pay for the certificate. For other courses, you can buy a monthly subscription and access a number of courses as long as you pay the monthly fee.

While Coursera offers great courses and accredited certifications from leading companies and universities, its refund policy is very strict.

So, I recommend reading their pricing fees and conditions before enrolling in a course to avoid any unpleasant surprises. You can also consider one of the Coursera Alternatives .

Udacity focuses on career advancement and provides the essential tools to succeed in landing the job of your dreams.  The website has a robust catalog that not only covers the skill but also provides classes on applying for jobs and interviewing.

Here are the training programs that are included:

• Programming and Development
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cloud Computing
• Autonomous Systems

Udacity is another free membership platform offering free and paid online courses. There is no monthly subscription requirement, but registering as a user is necessary in order to gain access to the catalog. Within the search features, it allows you to filter free courses so that you can browse if you’d like to try them before you buy.

This platform also offers career prep opportunities, including meeting with career coaches, resume reviews, LinkedIn reviews, and more. Just an added bonus to the Udacity platform and in line with their mission to train the world’s workforce in the careers of the future.

5. Skillshare

Jumping from the very techy world of coding, Skillshare was founded with creatives in mind. Skillshare seeks to not only help members get inspired and learn new skills but also allow instructors to share their expertise and earn money.

Founded in 2010, Skillshare has curated some of the best online classes to take for innovators and creators.

Here are just a few of the categories it offers:

• Illustration
• Freelancing

In order to access all Skillshare courses, you will need to create a Premium account which comes with a 7-day free trial. After the trial period, you can pay an annual fee of $99 or $19/mo. I even saw a 30% off special on their website, so be sure to look out for the deals!

What I find valuable about this membership is that you will receive access to ALL of the incredible online classes and workshops available on the platform. To help you narrow down your decision, here is a list of the best skillshare courses you can take this year.

You are able to follow your favorite instructors, keep a library of the classes that you want to take, check out your class history, and have more convenient and user-friendly features. It’s definitely one to check out.

6. MasterClass

If you’re into pop culture, you’ll love being a part of MasterClass . Ranging from industries such as acting, creative writing, sports, and beyond, popular celebrities and experts in the field are sharing their mastery with the everyday person.

The platform is fun and current but still packed with education.

Here are some of the course topics that are covered in MasterClass:

• Arts & Entertainment
• Sports & Gaming
• Science & Tech
• Design & Style

MasterClass is set up as a membership platform at $15/mo billed annually. Although they do not offer a free trial, they do extend a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

It’s very user-friendly allowing downloading to watch offline, the use of PDF workbooks for every class, and mobile-friendly. They add new classes every month so you are sure to have more to browse. If you are curious, MasterClass is for you.

Additional resources to find more online courses

• Best Digital Marketing Courses – 10 great courses to teach yourself digital marketing online.
• Best Social Media Marketing Courses – the top courses to learn social media marketing.
• Best Content Marketing Courses – free and paid courses to get started with content marketing.
• Best SEO Courses – a list of SEO courses with a certification to build your SEO skills and become an expert.
• Best eCommerce Courses – online courses to teach yourself eCommerce. The list includes both free and paid training courses.
• Best Free SEO Courses – the best free courses on search engine optimization. Take online or download offline.
• Best Google Ads Courses – the best courses to master the secrets of Google Ads.
• Best Free Online Marketing Courses – a list of the top courses on online marketing that are 100% free.
• Best WordPress Courses – the top courses to learn WordPress online.

7. Google Skillshop

It’s no surprise that many businesses are using Google as a platform to run, scale, and advertise their businesses. With a mission to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful,” it’s no wonder it has managed to turn its name into an action one can actually take.

Because of its usefulness in the digital marketing world, it’s worth checking out their free Google Skillshop center to learn more about using their platform. Through Skillshop you can achieve a number of free Google certifications in the following categories:

• Google for Education
• Google Marketing Platform
• Analytics Academy
• Google My Business
• Google Ad Manager
• Google Cloud
• Waze Academy
• Google AdMob
• Authorized Buyers
• Android Enterprise Academy

is a free learning center with lengthy and in-depth lessons. If you’re looking to move forward with Google Ads or use the Google platform in any way to market your business, Skillshop is definitely worth browsing.

8. LinkedIn Learning

As a platform that aims to connect professionals with one another, it’s a seamless transition to using LinkedIn as a professional development tool. LinkedIn Learning has over 16,000 of some of the top online courses in a wide range of industries.

The courses are broken down into the 3 main categories of business, creative, and technology.

Here are just some of the sub-categories available on the platform:

• Business Analysis and Strategy
• Career Development
• Finance and Accounting
• Leadership and Management
• Marketing Sales
• Audio and Music
• Graphic Design
• Web Development
• And so much more

LinkedIn Learning provides a mix of both paid and free courses with a monthly membership of $29/mo. You are able to try it for free for a full month on an individual plan. One of the unique features of this platform is that they offer team memberships when you fill out a form to connect with a sales consultant.

With industry experts teaching these online learning courses, it has been trusted by industry leaders such as Kellogg’s, Lego, MGM Resorts, Zillow, and more. If you have a goal to make the learning culture a part of your team, LinkedIn Learning is a top-notch option.

9. Codecademy

If you’re looking to uplevel your knowledge in an industry that is the way of the future, Codecademy has some of the best online courses available for coding. Codecademy is looking to rebuild the education system from the bottom up in creating the education that the world truly needs.

Here are the subjects that Codecademy courses offer:

• Developer Tools
• Machine Learning
• Code Foundations
• Game Development
• Mobile Development
• Data Visualization

There is also a wide range of coding languages that are offered such as Javascript, HTML & CSS, PHP, and more.

The pricing for Codecademy is a 3-tier membership. The good news here is that there is a free option, and although this option is limited in its content and real-world projects, it’s a great way to get some foundational training.

The Pro Tier is intended for the individual and is $19.99/mo paid annually or $29.99/mo if paid on a monthly basis. The 3rd tier is a team member which you can get a quote if you enter your email and company name. There is also a discount for college students!

Overall, if you want to add coding to your professional skills, Codeacademy is the place to start.

10. HubSpot Academy

Hubspot Academy offers everything from quick and practical courses to comprehensive certifications. They aim to help business professionals develop their skills regarding inbound sales, marketing, and customer support.

Hubspot is a reliable and credible platform which is one of the many reasons it’s one of the best places to educate yourself or your team.

Listed here are some of Hubspot’s course topics:

• Customer Service
• Advertising
• Hubspot Software

Even though you do have to create an account to get access to the Hubspot Academy courses, it is completely free. So if you are willing to invest your time in learning more about digital marketing, sales, and advertising, this is a great option for you.

If you are active on LinkedIn, the free certification courses will benefit you. Adding industry-recognized badges to your profile lets potential clients know that you are educated and willing to invest in your professional development. A little time and effort go a long way.

11. Simplilearn

Starting out in 2009 as a blog sharing project management tips, Simplilearn has grown into the world’s #1 online Bootcamp. This platform offers high-end classes for digital professionals from industry leaders.

Through individual courses, comprehensive certification programs, and partnerships with world-renowned universities, this platform provides work-ready skills for the ever-changing digital world.

Among these online courses are topics that cover:

• Project Management
• Cyber Security
• Business & Leadership
• Software Development
• Quality Management

Simplilearn is compiled of individual courses, so there is no membership requirement. If you are looking for higher education options and access to some of the best online classes in digital skills, this platform is worth browsing.

Some of the online boot camps offer both self-paced and live class recording options, and depending on the complexity and caliber of the course, it could range anywhere from $99-$3,000+.

I suggest thoroughly checking out the landing page of the course you are considering; watching the intro video, looking at the ratings, and reading the FAQs will help you avoid unrealistic expectations.

12. Semrush Academy

Semrush is all about online visibility, making its online courses on digital marketing top-notch. Not only does Semrush offer these courses, but they have an entire platform of SEO and digital marketing tools that are free for users. SEMRush Academy is a bonus feature.

Here are the categories that are included:

• Pay Per Click
• Social Media Management
• Competitive Research
• SEMRush Software

And everything they offer in the academy is 100% free. Once you are a registered SEMRush user, click on your desired category and start browsing, watching, and getting certified.

So, if getting more digital marketing knowledge is on your to-do list, check out these online learning courses.

What edX has to offer is higher education that’s accessible to anyone. Founded by Harvard and MIT, this platform has some of the best online courses from the most popular universities around the world.

There is a wide range of subjects on edX including:

• Agriculture
• Communication
• Engineering
• Food & Nutrition

edX provides free access to its catalog of both free and paid online courses. The unique feature of this platform is that they provide accessible college programs including online Master’s Degrees.

If you’re looking for continuing education in any form, but are a busy person needing online accessibility, these programs are the perfect opportunity for you.

14. Google Digital Garage

Google Digital Garage (now part of Google Skillshop) is unique in that, although it has its own set of courses, it has also curated courses from other online course platforms (some even on this list already!) Google Digital Garage also offers live classes that are streamed through YouTube.

Here are the 3 main categories that are included in this learning platform:

• Data & Tech

Google Digital Garage is free and very user-friendly. If you’re looking for the best place to learn more but not be overwhelmed, this is a great option for you. There are simple categories and filters so that you can narrow down your search.

Selections may take you off of the platform to another online course website, but you can simply click on the filter “Google” under course provider to make sure you are selecting one of the Google courses. There is even one free digital marketing certificatio n course available!

15. Meta Blueprint

Meta Blueprint is a social media marketing course library full of self-paced and step-by-step tutorials. Not only do they offer courses, but they also have advanced courses in Facebook advertising and certifications as well.

Some of the courses here include:

• How to Advertise on Instagram
• How to Create Ads on Facebook
• Get Started with Commerce Manager
• Map the Customer Journey

Again, Meta Blueprint is another free platform that allows you to uplevel your digital marketing skills with no risk. When logged in to Facebook, you are able to keep track of your course program and build your own library of active courses.

The certification program that it offers is a sure way to stand out on your resume and LinkedIn. You can take the blueprint courses, take practice exams, view a study guide, and then participate in the official certification exams. It’s worth the effort!

16. Harvard University (Online Courses)

Harvard University has an entire site dedicated to its online learning. Because of its resources, the subjects available range anywhere from art & design, to health & medicine, and then to programming.

Here is a list of more categories that Harvard University offers online:

• Education & Teaching
• Mathematics
• Social Science

These programs range anywhere from $0 to $50,000+. Although most of the classes offer certificates of completion, some can be completed as credit toward a degree. If you want some formal education in your field, Harvard University is the best place to be.

17. Microsoft Learn

Microsoft learning aims to encourage both beginners and experienced professionals to achieve their goals faster with self-paced learning. There are 3 ways to learn on this platform through online courses, certifications, and live and recorded events.

Rather than categories, Microsoft Learn breaks down the courses by role:

• Administrator
• AI Engineer
• Business Analyst
• Business User
• Data Analyst
• Data Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Database Administrator

Microsoft Learn is not the most user-friendly site, so I suggest using the “Discover Your Path” function to find the courses that are right for you.

The courses range from no cost up to $1,500+. If you head over to this platform, make sure to check out the “Learn TV” option for some valuable learning opportunities.

18. Alison (Free Online Courses)

Alison’s belief is that “free education, more than anything, has the power to break through boundaries and transform lives. They are one of the world’s largest free learning platforms for education and skills training and offer a wide range of categories including:

As advertised in its mission statement, Alison provides all of its courses for absolutely free. Of course, the trade-off for that is that you will see ads throughout the platform, which seems like a good deal. But if you aren’t about that, you can pay a $7.99 monthly fee.

Another thing to know is that the courses are free, but the diplomas and certificates are not. So if you are looking to have certificates for your resume, be aware of that before getting started.

19. Upskillist

With 100+ courses to choose from, Upskillist offers a plethora of online courses. They believe it’s never too late to learn, so they make it easy for real qualifications that lead to success.

These online courses included categories like:

• Health & Wellness

Upskillist starts with a 4-week free trial. Then, you can select one of their premium subscription plans. The cost is $39/mo (for 3 months), $35/mo (for 6 months), and $19/mo (12 months).

Their courses offer certifications and have the bonus of being educator-supported, meaning you can get your questions answered, which is always helpful when navigating online courses.

20. CXL Institute

CXL Institute offers 100+ online courses covering different topics. The main areas include:

You can pay $249 monthly and get unlimited access to all courses or buy courses individually for $299. All CXL courses come with a Certification and a 7-day money-back guarantee.

All instructors are industry experts and the lessons are carefully crafted to keep learners engaged throughout the course.

Learning a new skill is easier these days with the plethora of online courses available on the Internet. You can go through a course at your own pace and without having to attend a physical class on campus.

Most courses listed above are on-demand and offer lifetime access, meaning that you can follow the course at any time and for as long as you want.

The cost varies per academy and type of course but it’s affordable for most people and less expensive than classroom-based learning.

You can also view our list of the best online courses with certificates to find high-quality online courses that come with a free certification.

Do you know of any great courses or online course providers missing from the list? Let me know in the comments below.

Alex Chris is a digital marketing consultant, author, and instructor. He has more than 18 years of practical experience with SEO and digital marketing. Alex holds an MSc Degree in eCommerce and has consulted with Fortune 500 companies in different industries. He blogs regularly about SEO and Digital marketing, and his work has been referenced by leading marketing websites. Connect with Alex on Twitter and LinkedIn .

Keep Learning

These are the 10 best B2B courses online for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge in B2B sales and marketing.

Online learning platforms are great for learning new skills. Read our review of the best online learning platforms to find the right platform for you.

We've reviewed and rated dozens of courses to find the best digital marketing course for 2024. Pick your favorite and learn online marketing.

These are the best SEM online courses to learn how to drive traffic to your website from search engines using organic and paid methods.

December 8, 2020 at 10:52 am

Excellent courses! Easy to understand and highly recommended.

October 3, 2021 at 10:54 am

Thanks for commenting. Yes, they are great online courses to build new skills.

All the best Alex

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Best Online Learning Platforms

Coursera is the best online learning platform, with a variety of topics of study

Whether you’re aiming to learn some new marketable skills or just want to explore a topic, online learning platforms are a great solution for you and your family members to learn on your own schedules. Busy parents can also complete courses quickly and save money choosing virtual classes over in-person ones. In fact, individuals learn 40% faster on digital platforms compared to in-person learning.  

Some online learning platforms provide certifications, while others are designed to simply grow your skills in your personal and professional life. Here are our recommendations for the best online learning platforms you can sign up for today.

Best Online Learning Platforms of 2024

• Best Overall: Coursera
• Best for Niche Topics: Udemy
• Best for Creative Fields: Skillshare
• Best for Celebrity Lessons: MasterClass
• Best for STEM: EdX
• Best for Career Building: Udacity
• Best for Data Learning: Pluralsight
• Our Top Picks

MasterClass

• Pluralsight
• See More (4)

Final Verdict

• Compare Providers
• How to Choose

Methodology

Best overall : coursera.

• Courses: 5,800+
• Price: Guided projects start at $10 per course, professional certificate courses start at $39 a month, and higher university-issued certificates begin at $2,000 per course
• Certificate: Yes 
• Accredited Institution: Coursera is not accredited, but partners with accredited institutions

Coursera has partnered with over 300 leading universities and companies to create courses to supplement your education and set you ahead in your career.

Accredited certificates recognized by employers

In-depth courses built by universities and organizations

Offers over 2,500 free courses

Classes available in multiple languages

User-friendly website

Some courses have strict timelines

Degree programs require additional applications

No certification with free courses

Coursera isn’t just a place to take classes that are like college courses—it actually offers real academic courses from real professors and universities at a fraction of the cost of getting an online degree.

The platform partners with over 300 universities and companies to provide real learning experiences that can connect to real-world benefits. In some cases, you can even earn certifications or degrees entirely through Coursera, which can then potentially lead to professional benefits like raises, promotions, and more. Even if you’re not looking for professional development, Coursera offers challenging and interesting classes on plenty of topics, so you can explore all kinds of interests.

The platform allows for multimedia courses, so professors can construct classes, upload videos, assign and grade quizzes and homework assignments, and other elements that would be present in a “real” online college class.

Each course is individually priced (the cheapest start around $30 to $40 and increase from there), although there are some instances where you can purchase a bundle of courses at once (and sometimes at a discount) as a “track” or certification/degree program. You can also get unlimited access to over 7,000 courses with Coursera Plus for $399 a year. It’s pretty much the closest you’ll get to the online college experience without enrolling in college.

Best for Niche Topics : Udemy

• Courses: 210,000+
• Price: $15 to $200 or more per course
• Certificate: For some courses
• Accredited Institution: No

Udemy has by far the most courses available compared to other online learning platforms: Over 210,000 classes. With over 70,000 instructors, you'll find an expert teaching a course in every niche.

210,000+ courses for professional skills and hobbies

Multimedia lectures that incorporate readings and quizzes

30-day refund guarantee

Courses available in 75 languages

No deadlines—work at your own pace

Not an accredited institution

Courses can be published by instructors without Udemy reviewing materials

Instructors not as engaging in Q&A section

If you want to learn something, you probably can on Udemy . The site is less of a unified platform and more of a portal or repository where students can access well over 213,000 courses on every topic imaginable.

Language, arts, music, and fitness courses can be found alongside lessons on programming and IT, business skills, teaching, productivity, and much more. There are even categories for personal development and lifestyle, which cover life skills and other topics that you wouldn't necessarily get in an academic setting.

There’s not one standard format for a Udemy course—the platform allows instructors to design multimedia lectures with audio, video, and text elements, plus readings, quizzes, and other activities. Udemy allows students to preview classes they’re interested in and does offer a 30-day refund if you’re dissatisfied.

Because each class is created and taught individually, they’re also priced separately: Lifetime access to a single course can range from inexpensive ($15) to pricey (roughly $200 or more).

Best for Creative Fields : Skillshare

• Courses: 35,000+
• Price: $14 per month ($159 per year)
• Certificate: Yes

Skillshare is a subscription-based online learning platform that offers classes in 13 different creative topics, including creative writing, graphic design, and photography. 

Wide range of course topics

Mostly skilled instructors, including celebrities

Covers nearly every creative field

Free seven-day trial for subscriptions

Limited free courses

Ad-free only on a premium subscription

While many online platforms basically provide college-style classes, Skillshare is less formal and aimed more at improving creative skills.

There are business and marketing classes on the platform, but the majority are courses in creative fields, taught by practicing experts in those fields: photography, film, animation, visual arts, writing, interior design, and more. The focus is on teaching practical skills that students can then use to create their own projects. Most courses involve a series of video lessons, combined with assignments for students to practice their skills.

Skillshare has a subscription model, rather than a per-course payment plan, so students who sign up can take as many or as few courses as they want while they’re subscribed. The current pricing is $159 per year (which works out to around $14 per month).

That being said, the platform does offer a set of free classes as well, from short, 20-minute videos to longer tutorials of an hour or more. They’re not as in-depth, but they’re a good way to try out potentially interesting topics.

Best for Celebrity Lessons : MasterClass

• Courses: 180+ 
• Price: $15 to $23 per month 
• Certificate: No

MasterClass courses tap into celebrities' expertise and experience, like Gordon Ramsay’s cooking talents and Anna Wintour’s leadership skills, to provide in-depth courses on a wide variety of topics.

World-class instructors

Memberships give unlimited access to all classes

High-quality video production

Courses have comprehensive curriculum

30-day satisfaction guarantee

Courses feature consistent level of quality

No free trial or free courses

No certifications

Fewer courses than competitors

Annual subscription only

Although MasterClass offers more than just creative courses, its marquee offerings put A-list actors, writers, artists, musicians, and more in the teacher’s seat.

And, these aren’t just one-off lecture-style classes: Most courses have around 20 lessons, so you get to really dive deep into your topic of choice. If you want to learn about these often-opaque professions, there’s no better way than to hear about it straight from the people who have been successful in them already.

These courses are video-based, with practical advice and demonstrations mixed in with straightforward lectures, workbooks, and class discussions. You can get TV writing advice from Shonda Rhimes, learn to cook from Gordon Ramsay, take a film class from Martin Scorsese, or explore creative leadership with Anna Wintour.

Since MasterClass is a subscription-based platform, you can take as many sessions as you want while your subscription is active. The price is about $15 per month for unlimited access, but you must commit to a year-long subscription.

Best for STEM : EdX

• Courses: 3,500+
• Price: Begins at $50 to receive a verified official certificate 
• Accredited Institution: Yes

With partners like Harvard, MIT, and UC Berkeley, this online learning platform has over 15,000 instructors who teach education-oriented courses across several different categories. Plus it offers programs and degrees to advance your career from home.

Can audit classes for free

Has bachelor’s and master’s degree programs

Provides financial assistance

14-day money-back guarantee

Known for its STEM-focused courses

Limited course availability in creative and humanities fields

Not all courses are eligible for financial assistance

EdX has a high-end pedigree—it was founded by Harvard and MIT—but an accessible system.

Real college courses, created and taught by real college instructors, are available in a huge array of fields and topics. They do lean slightly toward STEM fields, but there are plenty of languages, humanities, and arts topics, too. In partnership with several universities, EdX offers professional degree certificates, plus “micro” degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, largely as a tool for professional development .

Through a partnership with Arizona State University, EdX also offers a “Global Freshman Academy” where you can earn transferrable undergrad credits for select courses. Classes are similar to real online courses: Lectures, reading material, assignments, discussions, and quizzes are just some of the elements you may encounter.

The big selling point for EdX is that the majority of its courses are free—but there’s a catch. If you’re just taking the class for your own learning experience, the free version will probably work. But if you want to have formal verification for professional reasons, the “verified certificate” option costs about $49 per class.

Each course does have an official start date, cycling over and over again, but once the session begins, students can proceed at their own pace.

Best for Career Building : Udacity

• Courses: 200+
• Price: Starts at $399 a month

Udacity offers courses that the company calls “nanodegrees” which take, on average, four months to complete. Enrollment in these programs gives you full access to real advisors who work with you on building out your resume and work samples.

Features intensive programs with multiple lessons

Offers resume support and portfolio review

Provides personalized feedback on projects

Multiple scholarship programs available

Seven-day refund policy

Most expensive option

Project deadlines

Longer time commitment

Tech skills are among the most marketable classes you can take online, and Udacity has courses in all of the most in-demand fields.

The platform is a variation of the “coding bootcamp” style of learning, with programs focused on web development, programming, cloud computing, and data science. Whether you’re a total newbie trying to develop a new skillset or you’re looking to expand your knowledge of a certain topic, there’s probably a course at the right level for you.

Each program includes hands-on practice, real-world applications and examples, individual code reviews, and real instructors and career coaches who can address your individual needs.

Udacity’s platform is a little different than some of the others on the market. Rather than focusing on individual classes, its primary offering is a “nanodegree”—an intensive program which includes multiple lessons, projects, personalized reviews, class discussions, and one-on-one technical mentoring by experts. Most programs require one to five months of part-time study, depending on the subject.

All these features do come with a price tag, though: It's about $399 monthly, or = $1017 for students who buy three month access.

Best for Data Learning : Pluralsight

PluralSight

• Courses: 7,000+
• Price: $229 to $500 per year

Pluralsight is designed for working professionals looking to expand their data knowledge. The company offers mini degree programs for both individuals and teams.

Organized into three levels for easy course selection

Unlimited access to classes with subscriptions

Affordable price for intensive courses

Better for intermediate and advanced users

Designed with working professionals in mind, Pluralsight offers courses in subjects like software development, data science, information and cybersecurity, and more.

Students can take individual courses, but Pluralsight strongly encourages you to follow one of its “paths.” These programs are like mini-degrees: a series of connected courses in a specific area of expertise, such as individual programming languages, security certifications, creative skills in particular software, and so on. These preset paths take the guesswork out of learning—plus, you can do a quick pretest to set your skill level, which adds more customization.

The course library includes more than 7,000 individual classes across hundreds of paths, and if you’re not ready to tackle a full-length path, you can dip your toe in with individual courses that are only a couple hours long.

Regardless of how few or how many classes (or paths) you want to pursue, the price is the same: About $29 per month for a personal plan (or roughly $299 for a complete year at a slight discount). There’s a premium option, too, for around $500 per year. It includes all the regular features and courses, plus additional interactive courses and industry-standard practice exams for several professional certifications.

Regardless of what stage of life you are in, online learning platforms provide a convenient way for you to grow in your career or start something new entirely. 

Overall, Coursera is our top choice for an online learning platform because of its variety of courses and official accreditation. Its partnership with leading universities and corporations ensures that courses are academically comprehensive and meet industry standards for career growth. 

Compare the Best Online Learning Platforms

Guide to Choosing the Best Online Learning Platforms

What is an online learning platform.

An online learning platform is a website and/or app that allows students to study some topics of interest wholly online and remotely. They’re typically geared at adult professionals who have already finished their traditional schooling, and while some will offer full certificate or even degree programs, most focus on teaching individual courses. They can be a great option for parents looking to fit in studies around parenting and work responsibilities.

What to Look for in an Online Learning Platform

Like any other type of class, every online learning platform will structure its courses a little differently. The key is finding a platform whose style works for you in terms of how independent of a student you tend to be and what you’re hoping to get out of a given class.

Most classes on these platforms are self-paced, either in part or in full, so there won’t be as much simultaneous work with other students as you’d have in a typical class, and you probably won’t have to tune in to live lectures or meetings—although a few platforms do offer one-on-one tutoring or coaching for some courses.

For classes teaching hands-on topics, such as creative courses or computer science, the top platforms will usually have a built-in way for students to practice their new skills and get instructor feedback.

You'll also want to consider your family budget for courses, whether or not the duration or the courses work with your schedule, and whether or not earning a certificate is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do online learning platforms cost.

Online learning platforms come with a pretty big range of prices, but in general, the one thing they all have in common is that they’re usually cheaper than similar courses at traditional colleges and universities.

There are two main types of platforms: per-course platforms, where you pay by the class or course package, or subscription platforms, where you pay a flat rate (usually monthly or annually) to access an unlimited number of individual courses within the given time.

What Kind of Features Do Online Learning Platforms Have?

Online platforms are usually video-based in some way, with audio and video lectures forming the backbone of the classes. Other features you might find are discussion boards, supplemental readings, quizzes or exams, and hands-on projects.

What Certifications Will Get Me a Job?

Certifications won't ensure that you'll get a job, but they may be required in order to be considered for some positions, or to help your resume stand out when applying in a relevant field. Taking courses can also help you feel more confident in your skills during the interview process.

There are more online learning platforms than ever before, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. We’ve selected the categories that we think will be the most useful to adult, professional learners, as opposed to children or teenagers (college students may find these selections useful, but they may already have access to similar resources through their schools).

This means that the platforms here are particularly aimed at adults looking to either explore a personal interest or gain measurable skills for professional advancement—that’s why we’ve focused on creative and tech platforms as the specialties featured here among the platforms with broader offerings.

Since learning online is typically a very personal experience, we’ve featured several platforms that allow for self-paced learning, interactivity, and/or learning tailored to a particular skill level. We’ve mixed in some informal options along with more traditional academic-style courses, but all of the platforms recommended here have top-notch instructors who are experts in their fields, regardless of the structure of the courses themselves.

Tom Werner / Getty Images

Brandon-Hall. Stunning statistics that prove the power of eLearning .

14 Best Sites for Free (or Cheap) Online Courses That’ll Boost Your Skills

Are you looking to pick up a new skill, but don’t feel like you have the time? Do you want to go back to school but need to take some prereqs or background courses beforehand? Or do you want to change careers ? We’ve got the answer for all those problems: online classes.

They’re shorter than a college semester, they’re typically self-regulated, and they cover just about every skill, topic, or hobby you can possibly imagine.

SEARCH OPEN JOBS ON THE MUSE! See who’s hiring here , and you can even filter your search by benefits, company size, remote opportunities, and more. Then, sign up for our newsletter and we’ll deliver advice on landing the job right to you.

But with this luxury comes great responsibility—mainly, the task of finding a site that works best for you. Have no fear, we’ve done all the hard work for you and compiled the ultimate list of resources that offer quality classes for cheap—or free!—right here on the internet.

Now all you have to do is sign up!

Read More: An Online Course or Degree Can Help You Achieve Career Goals—Here’s How to Pick the Right One

ALISON has a large range of free, comprehensive classes on technology, languages, science, financial literacy, personal and soft skills , entrepreneurship, and then some. It targets all kinds of learners, from professionals and managers to teachers and freelancers. You can also search by the career you have or would like to have to find the courses most useful to you.

Udemy has plenty to offer for the learner on a budget, from completely free courses taught by experts, professors, entrepreneurs, and professionals, to frequent discounts and specials on its paid classes. In addition to classes in tech, business, design, and marketing, you can also explore options in productivity, health, hobbies, lifestyle, and the arts.

3. Coursera

If you want to take college-caliber courses without the high cost of college tuition , Coursera is the best stop. This website offers amazing classes in all kinds of fields—from professional development and job skills to psychology, history, and literature. And they’re all created and taught by professors at top institutions nationally and across the globe, including Princeton, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, and plenty more. Coursera gives you the ability to audit thousands of classes for free or take the full class and earn a certificate starting at $29. If you want to earn one of their “specializations” or “professional certificates” you can do so for less than $50 a month.

Just like Coursera, edX offers anyone, anywhere the chance to take university classes in various departments—and get certified. Also like Coursera, auditing most classes is free, but to earn a certificate and complete assignments, it’s going to cost a bit more ($50 to $300). Some of edX’s big partners include Harvard, Berkeley, Dartmouth, Georgetown, and the University of Chicago.

Udacity focuses on software development, offering free courses in programming, data science , web development, and other areas of tech like product management, marketing, and cybersecurity. The website also offers a nanodegree program for individuals who want to master a skill set or pursue a full-time career in tech—albeit for a higher price.

6. LinkedIn Learning

By subscribing to LinkedIn Learning, you’ll have access to thousands of courses in business, design, art, education, and tech as well as career and personal development. You can display completed certificates right on your LinkedIn profile and gain insight into what others in your network are learning. Plus LinkedIn Learning offers a free one-month trial so you can test the waters!

7. General Assembly

As a coding bootcamp and technical education provider, General Assembly offers both online and in-person classes as well as full-time and part-time options. But these options are a bit pricey. What earns General Assembly a spot on this list is its free workshops —that give you an intro to topics like digital marketing , software engineering, data science and analytics, and design—and Dash , a free basic coding class, all of which can give you a taste of new skills before you commit to a longer course.

8. Skillshare

Skillshare provides “bite-sized” classes so you can learn something new even if you only have 15 minutes a day. It has more than 27,000 free and premium classes to choose from on topics such as film, writing, tech, visual arts, productivity, and entrepreneurship. Skillshare will give you a free seven-day trial (which is long enough to complete several short classes), and then costs about $14 a month.

9. Codecademy

Codecademy wants to teach you how to, well, code—often for free. It covers all kinds of programming, including JavaScript, Ruby, HTML, CSS, and Python.

10. Pluralsight

After subscribing to Pluralsight (or using its free trial!), you’ll be able to explore classes in software, 3D development, VFX, design, game design, web design, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and CAD software among other topics.

Not sure how to use Photoshop or InDesign? Don’t worry, Adobe will walk you through its programs with its free Creative Cloud tutorials.

12. Google SkillShop

In a similar vein, Google Skillshop offers free certifications on Google’s many web, software, and hardware tools—including YouTube, Android, and Waze—for a range of careers like cybersecurity, marketing, design, teaching, and data analysis. There are also free courses on digital skills and growing your business.

13. FutureLearn

All of FutureLearn’s classes have a tier that’s completely free. You can find a range of course types taught by universities and special organizations, covering subjects like e business and management; creative arts and media; law; literature; IT and computer science; healthcare and medicine; science, engineering, and math; politics and society; psychology and mental health; study skills; and teaching.

14. Academic Earth

And if you’re looking solely for academic classes, this website is perfect for you. It has courses in the arts, science, humanities, economics, computer science, and more, all for free.

Still don’t know where to start? Try Class Central where you can narrow down your search to what you’re interested in learning and from whom. You’ll see results from Coursera, edX, and other entries on this list, making the process of taking an online course even easier!

Regina Borsellino also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

The 7 Best Free Online Courses and Classes of 2023

Written by Kristen Scatton

Published: November 10, 2022

Compare School Options

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Free online courses can be a convenient way to learn new skills and brush up on existing ones. In some cases, they may even be a stepping stone to a professional credential or academic degree. Online courses have been especially useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they continue to be a great resource for distance learners who aren’t located near an academic institution that offers the course they’re interested in. Free online courses make it easy to access high-quality content from industry professionals without having to commit to a set schedule or pay university-level tuition. They’re also a good option for beginners, since many don’t have any formal prerequisites in order to enroll. You can simply sign up and get started right away!

Top 7 Online Course Providers

EdX – Best Overall

Coursera – best language variety, futurelearn – best for stem courses, codecademy – best for coding courses, udacity – best for it courses, memrise – best for foreign language courses, udemy – best for business courses, how we chose the best free online course providers.

With so many companies offering free online courses, it can be hard to know which ones provide quality education. We evaluated over a dozen popular providers to find the best ones to suit the needs of a variety of students.

Our evaluation process included the following:

• In-depth review of each provider’s specific course offerings and materials via website and catalog reviews
• Sampling lessons and study materials when available
• Analysis of student reviews and comments on platforms like Google Reviews, Reddit, Trustpilot, and Facebook.

The programs that met the following four criteria earned a place on our list.

Flexibility

Many students seek out free online classes as a convenient way to access education without committing to a set schedule. We prioritized companies that make courses as flexible as possible with on-demand, self-paced lessons. Another factor we considered is the length of the courses a provider offers. The providers on our list offer free online courses that students can complete in a few weeks to a few months, which also helps students fit these courses into their busy schedules.

Accessibility

For most companies on our list, students need a paid subscription to access all features. This list highlights providers that offer the most to students at no charge. Accessibility also means being able to access the lessons and study materials themselves. That’s why we chose providers like Udemy that have Android and iPhone apps. We also reviewed tech specs to ensure students only need the basics in terms of hardware, software, and internet access to participate.

Faculty and personalized instruction

Even if they’re taking a free course, students still deserve quality educational content designed and delivered by knowledgeable instructors. Many providers, like EdX and Coursera, do this by giving students access to courses taught by faculty at world-renowned higher education institutions like Harvard, Oxford, and the Sorbonne. Others, like CodeAcademy, work with expert professionals in their respective fields to create high-quality courses that teach in-demand skills.

Student satisfaction

Word-of-mouth is often the best marketing tool, so we turned to student reviews on platforms like Google Review, Trustpilot, and Reddit to find out what actual users say about these free online course providers. We looked at whether students found their courses beneficial and engaging, their thoughts on user interfaces and other technical aspects, and their experiences interacting with faculty and representatives through the providers.

Top 7 Free Online Course Providers

EdX’s mission is to increase access to high-quality education for all individuals, regardless of location or financial status. This non-profit supports that mission by aggregating courses from some of the world’s most renowned universities and allowing students to audit them free of charge. EdX is our pick for the best overall free online course provider because of its wealth of options, established reputation as a leader in online education, and connections to prestigious higher education institutions.

We chose edX as the best overall free online course provider in part because of the breadth of courses it offers – more than 3,000 courses in 31 subject areas.

EdX allows students to audit courses from some of the most prestigious universities in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and other places worldwide. 

EdX’s free courses are offered through an audit track, which doesn’t include graded assignments or certificates of completion.

Once users create an edX account, they’re directed to a dashboard where they can easily access course registration and information.

What We Like

One of edX’s key strengths is its sheer volume and variety of courses. Students can choose from over 3700 free classes in subjects ranging from foreign languages to business administration and communications to arts and literature. Regardless of what topic students want to study, they’d do well to start with edX. It’s more than likely this online course provider will have the class they’re seeking.

Another aspect of edX that we like is that it draws its courses from the world’s best higher education institutions, including several Ivy League universities, Imperial College London, Kyoto University, and more. As such, classes are taught by instructors who are experts in their fields.

EdX’s platform is user-friendly and intuitive. It’s easy to create an account and instantly enroll in courses, which start on a rolling basis. Before enrolling, students can see the course level, what prerequisites, if any, are required, and the course’s learning objectives.

What We Didn’t Like 

Like many providers on this list, edX put some classes and key features behind a paywall. Students who enroll in classes for free only get limited-time access to course materials and don’t receive any graded assignments or tests. If students want unlimited access to their course materials and a certificate of completion, they must upgrade to a paid plan. Fees for edX courses range from around $50-$150 per course.

What Students Are Saying 

Users give edX a 4.5-star rating on the software review site G2 and a 3.4-star rating on Trustpilot . Satisfied users praise the service for providing affordable access to courses from top colleges around the globe. Many students say it’s helped them continue developing skills after completing degrees. Some criticisms include aggressive email marketing and required upgrades to access some materials.

Coursera seeks to bring the world’s best educational and job-training opportunities to students all over the globe. They partner with more than 275 universities and companies to give students access to free and paid courses that help them gain new knowledge and necessary skills for career advancement. As part of this mission to make education accessible worldwide, Coursera offers classes in dozens of different languages, which helped it earn a spot on our list.

Coursera makes it easy for students to search through its thousands of course offerings by subject matter, skill, level, and length.

Once students create a Coursera account, they can provide additional information about their work experience, educational background, and interests to get course recommendations.

Enrolling in a class with Coursera is as easy as clicking the “Enroll Now” button. Students get instant access to course materials and schedules.

The dashboard for Coursera’s classes includes a syllabus, course materials, and study schedule tools.

What We Like 

Many free online course providers teach courses in a handful of common languages. Coursera, however, offers classes in 56 different languages, making their free online classes among the most accessible. When exploring course options, students can filter by a specific language to find a class that meets their communication needs.

Coursera aggregates courses from universities and companies located across 59 different countries on six continents. They partner with multinational companies like Google, Amazon, and IBM and internationally recognized schools like the University of Glasgow, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Tel Aviv University to offer an array of courses with global appeal.

Whether students are looking for courses in personal development, arts, humanities, business, or information technology, Coursera will likely have something that meets their needs. The account creation and course sign-up process are easy, and the platform helps students create learning goals and find appropriate courses.

What We Didn’t Like

As with other providers on our list, free will only get one so far with Coursera. The platform does offer full certificate and degree programs, but those are only available as paid options. This makes Coursera an ideal choice for students who want to explore a subject before committing the time and money to a fully paid program or learning a new skill without needing official documentation.

What Students Are Saying

Coursera’s rating is 4.5 stars on G2 and 2.9 stars on Trustpilot . There are also several Reddit threads in which users discuss the benefits and drawbacks of free and paid courses through Coursera. Students like that Coursera gives them access to a variety of courses from top universities, with many using the platform to learn new professional skills or enhance existing knowledge.

FutureLearn is a digital learning platform based on empowerment, transformation, experimentation, and shared purpose principles. They offer individual courses, microcredentials, and online degrees in a variety of popular subjects taught by industry experts and faculty from leading institutions around the world. We chose them as our pick for the best free online course provider for science, technology, engineering, and math courses for the breadth and quality of classes they offer in these areas.

Among FutureLearn’s many offerings are courses in multiple STEM-related areas, including physics, biology, data science, mathematics, and more.

FutureLearn’s STEM courses come from top universities, agencies, and companies around the world.

FutureLearn’s interface gives students a convenient place to organize their course recommendations, courses they want to take, and course completion certificates.

FutureLearn offers free classes in the form of their Short Course. As the name implies, these courses are meant to be brief and flexible, typically lasting about four weeks and requiring 2-3 hours of study time per week. Course content is delivered through a mix of short video lessons, reading assignments, and practice activities. Students also get access to discussion boards, where they can interact with instructors and other learners.

For students who are interested in STEM topics, either for personal edification or career advancement, FutureLearn has a robust catalog of free classes in areas like biology, earth science, statistics, engineering, economics, coding and programming, cybersecurity, and more. These courses are designed to give students a quick overview of a foundational or advanced skill or concept to help them develop their knowledge at their own pace.

FutureLearn’s educational partners include top universities and multinational corporations, guaranteeing students learn from experts in their fields.

For students who want in-depth knowledge of a particular subject, FutureLearn’s Short Course approach may not be sufficient. Additionally, enrolling in a FutureLearn course for free only gives students access to course materials for the class duration. To get unlimited access to course materials, students must buy a monthly subscription, which gives users access to an unlimited number of courses or pay a one-time fee for the individual course.

FutureLearn users give the platform a 4.8-star rating on Facebook Reviews , a 4.4-star rating on G2 , and a 2.8-star rating on Trustpilot . Positive reviews call out specific instructors as being particularly helpful and engaging. Others enjoy the variety of courses in in-demand areas the platform offers. Negative reviews express displeasure at having to pay for certificates of completion.

Coding is one of the 21st century’s most in-demand skills. Skillsoft, a leading software as a service company, created Codecademy to help students from all over the world get the necessary coding training they need to pursue careers in this fast-growing field. They earned a place on our list as the best free online course provider for coding by offering free and paid programs that teach popular coding languages and skills at all levels in a flexible, convenient format.

Codecademy offers a variety of free courses in coding languages like Python, SQL, C++, and more, at a variety of skill levels.

Before signing up, students can view the syllabi for Codecademy courses.

Codecademy’s lessons include reading assignments and hands-on practice. Students who upgrade to a paid subscription can also access quizzes and projects.

Codecademy’s student dashboard includes course information, goal setting, and workspaces where students can practice coding.

As its name implies, Codecademy’s classes focus specifically on computer programming languages and skills. They offer beginner and advanced courses in popular coding languages, including HTML, Java, Python, SQL, C++, and more. Codecademy’s catalog is easy to navigate and enables students to search courses by specific language, subject, and skill level to easily find what they’re looking for.

Codecademy’s lessons are delivered on-demand, so as soon as a student creates an account, they can enroll in a course and start coding. Course descriptions include a syllabus, the number of hours a course takes to complete, and whether there are any prerequisite skills students should have before enrolling. We like that Codecademy’s classes take anywhere from 1-30 hours to complete, making them convenient for busy students who might not have time to devote to studying. Skills are taught through reading assignments and hands-on practice, all within Codecademy’s platform.

Although there are resources like forums, cheat sheets, and hints, Codecademy’s free courses don’t include any live instruction or teacher interaction, which can make it hard to get help if students get stuck on a particular skill or concept. Students will also need to upgrade to Codecademy’s paid Pro plan if they want access to all class features, including graded assignments, experiential learning projects, and completion certificates.

Codecademy students give the platform a 4.6-star rating on Facebook Reviews and a 4.4-star rating on Trustpilot . Says one user, “I’ve been wanting to change careers for a few years now. With Codecademy, I feel like I’m learning relevant job skills. Plus, the training is done in a hands-on way that works well with the way I remember things.”

Stanford University instructors founded Udacity was founded  to help connect students from all over the world with the skills they need to get jobs in the tech sector. Their free and paid courses focus on digital skills, including programming, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Courses are presented by industry leaders, ensuring students are learning the most cutting-edge and desirable skills and earning them a place on our list as the best provider for free IT courses.

Udacity’s courses teach valuable skills in fast-growing tech fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, programming and development, and more. 

Udacity partners with leading tech companies, like AWS, to teach skills that industry leaders seek.

Creating an account with Udacity is fast and simple and gives users access to hundreds of free and paid courses.

Regardless of which IT specialization a student is interested in, Udacity likely has a class available in that area. As a niche educational platform that focuses on information technology and related fields, Udacity’s catalog includes dozens of free courses in areas like app development, coding, AI, cybersecurity, data science, and more. We like that Udacity offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes, further expanding its reach to students at various stages of skill development.

Udacity delivers course content through on-demand videos designed and taught by industry experts from companies like GitHub, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services. Students will apply their knowledge with practice exercises and assignments and monitor their progress with interactive quizzes.

We also like that the platform creates a customized experience for students by having them complete a short questionnaire when signing up. Based on a student’s answers, Udacity will recommend courses to help students meet their educational and career goals.

To access the full breadth of Udacity’s offerings, like their nanodegree programs that include certificates of completion, students will have to pay an enrollment fee. Udacity’s courses also tend to be longer than most other free online classes, with some lasting up to four months. While this isn’t necessarily a drawback, students should be aware of the time commitment they’re making when signing up for a Udacity course.

What Students Are Saying: 

Udacity has a 4.9-star rating on Facebook Reviews , a 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot , and a 4.4-star rating on G2 . Students praise the platform as being easy to use and delivering quality content. As some users point out, the only drawback is that Udacity currently only offers courses in IT-related topics since the platform could benefit students in other areas.

Knowing multiple languages is a highly desirable skill in our increasingly interconnected global world. Memrise makes learning a foreign language easy and accessible with dozens of free lessons covering basic and advanced skills in popular languages like Spanish, Arabic, Korean, American Sign Language, and more. We recommend them as a valuable free platform for anyone looking to gain proficiency in a new language for work, travel, or personal fulfillment.

 Memrise is an effective, convenient way for students to learn and improve their language skills with proven memorization and immersive techniques.

Memrise offers beginner and advanced courses in a variety of in-demand languages, including Arabic, Spanish, and Korean.

Memrise’s lessons are categorized by topic and situation, making it easy for students to learn words and phrases based on their specific needs.

A user-friendly interface and short video lessons help students review content and quickly test their knowledge.

Memrise is all about making the language learning process fun, which is evident from the moment you visit their website or mobile app, which is available for Android and iPhones. With bright colors, engaging design, and immersive lessons, Memrise takes the intimidation and dullness out of the prospect of learning a new language and makes it an accessible and enjoyable experience.

The platform focuses on learning conversation skills with short video clips that demonstrate key words and phrases in the language being taught. Videos start with the most common words and build up toward more advanced skills. Lessons are grouped into levels, so students with some foundational knowledge can skip ahead to coursework that meets them where they are.

Another aspect of Memrise we like is the wide range of languages students can access. Beyond common European, Asian, and African languages, Memrise also has lessons in classical languages like Latin and constructed languages like Klingon.

Memrise focuses more on conversational language skills and less on the grammar rules for individual languages, so this may not be the best resource for students looking to learn how to write in a foreign language. We would also like to see some improvement with the feedback in Memrise’s practice question sections, including a correct answer when an incorrect one is given, to help students understand where they’re making errors.

Memrise has 4.6 stars on both Facebook Reviews and G2 , while its rating on Trustpilot is 2.8 stars. Says one reviewer, “The best thing about Memrise is that it gives you multiple options to learn whichever language you need. The app is filled with exercises and tasks which will teach you new words every day. The app interface is also user-friendly and easy to understand.”

Udemy’s offerings are tailor-made for business professionals, which is why we chose them as our recommendation for free online business courses. Since its founding in 2010, Udemy has connected millions of students with life-changing educational opportunities teaching highly desirable skills in areas like management, sales, human resources, marketing, and more. Udemy’s free and paid online courses are designed to help students succeed as freelancers, business owners, creative professionals, and more.

Udemy offers a comprehensive array of business-specific courses, as well as many in related fields like finance, accounting, and marketing.

Udemy’s free lessons are a great resource for both practical skills and theoretical knowledge that can be useful in any career.

Courses are led by top-rated industry experts with years of professional and teaching experience.

As soon as students create a Udemy account, they can enroll in courses and enjoy recommendations based on their interests and career goals. 

With 2300 free online courses in business-related areas like business analytics, project management, communication skills, and strategy, Udemy covers all the bases when it comes to the hard and soft skills students need to thrive in the business world.

We like that Udemy offers unique courses, like “How to Speak to Anyone and Be Fearless,” that focus on high-value transferable skills that are useful in just about any career. Most course content is delivered as video lectures led by industry leaders and experts who have carefully crafted their lessons to provide maximum value with a minimal time commitment. Other classes include hands-on practice like quizzes, practice tests, and exercises.

As a global platform, Udemy also offers content in a variety of languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Turkish, French, and more. They also have classes available at levels ranging from beginner to expert, so students can always find a course that meets them where they are.

While Udemy’s video lecture-focused content may work for some students, it might only match the learning styles of some students. Those who prefer hands-on learning may want to seek out a different platform that offers more opportunities for engagement. Like many other online educational platforms, Udemy keeps a number of courses behind a paywall, which may limit students’ access to the content they need.

Udemy’s rating is 4.5 stars on G2 and 2.4 stars on Trustpilot . According to users on G2, Udemy is a convenient platform that offers high-quality content. Says one user, “Udemy offers courses that are customized based on your skills and competencies, making it easy to search for courses that will help you grow your career.” However, some users report being dissatisfied with Udemy’s customer service and instructors.

What to Consider Before Signing Up for a Free Online Course

Your education goals.

Why are you taking a free online course? Your answer will help you decide which provider and course are right for you. Free online courses generally don’t include completion certificates, college credit, or grades. They may also restrict access to certain features like quizzes or projects. If you’re taking a class for personal improvement, to explore a possible area of interest, or learn a new skill, this likely won’t matter. However, if you need documentation of course completion or are working towards a certificate, investing in a paid online course might be a better bet.

Your learning style

Free online courses are popular because they’re cheap, convenient, and accessible. However, online learning isn’t for everyone. Are you someone who prefers learning through personal interaction as opposed to watching video lectures or reading lessons? Can you hold yourself accountable to complete lessons, or will you get distracted quickly? Free online courses work best for self-motivated, focused students who can learn through lectures, reading assignments, and hands-on practice.

Your tech set-up and learning environment

In most cases, a device and a stable internet connection is all you need to participate in a free online course. Most students use computers, but many providers also have mobile apps so students can access classes and coursework on mobile phones or tablets. Whatever device you use, make sure it can handle streaming video content, downloading assignments, and playing audio. You may also want to invest in noise-canceling headphones to eliminate distractions. Check your syllabus to confirm if there are any other specific tech needs for your course.

How To Improve Your Career Outlook With Free Online Courses

Free online courses can positively impact your career outlook in a variety of ways.

Test-drive a new career

There are many factors to consider when contemplating a career change. Taking a free online course is an affordable, low-stakes way to explore a new field before committing to switching careers. You’ll get an idea of the work you’ll do and skills you’ll need for your new job. Also, if you need additional education, free online courses can give you a preview of what to expect if you return to school. All of this can help you make a more informed decision about your future.

Learn in-demand skills

In today’s rapidly shifting job markets, employees need to stay current on their skills and knowledge to be as marketable as possible. Workers who want to possess the qualities employers seek can take advantage of free online courses, which provide accessible upskilling or reskilling opportunities. This can mean taking courses in transferable skills like leadership, communication, or digital literacy, or learning hard skills in rapidly growing fields like data analysis, technology, marketing, and more.

Show employers you’re motivated and knowledgeable

According to Indeed.com , ambition, determination, and an eagerness to learn the qualities job candidates should exhibit. Participating in free online courses checks these, and other, boxes. By demonstrating your self-motivation and openness to new knowledge, you’re showing either potential employers that you’re right for the job or current employers that you deserve a raise or promotion. However, do keep in mind that some employers want to see a certificate of completion for online courses, which are typically only provided to paying students.

Grow your professional network

From getting professional support to finding new employment opportunities, the benefits of networking are plentiful and well-documented. Taking a free online course means you’ll have the opportunity to connect with people from a variety of different places and backgrounds — people you might not otherwise encounter. Although networking in an online course, like a MOOC, is different from in-person networking, peer reviews, discussion groups, and social media can help facilitate connections among students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the differences between free and paid online courses.

One of the main appeals of a free online class is that it has no financial obligation. This makes education accessible to students no matter what their financial situation is. It also minimizes the risk for students who are testing out a new area of study or might need more time to finish the course.

However, there are a few key disadvantages to free courses that students should be aware of, as listed below. We recommend carefully reading all course information and fine print before registering to ensure you’re signing up for the course that best suits your needs.

• Limited versus full access. Most course providers only grant paying students full access to all course features. These features may include quizzes and tests, hands-on projects, and graded assignments, which help students learn as much as possible from their courses.
• Length of access. Students in free courses typically only have limited-time access to course materials, usually for the length of the course itself. Meanwhile, students who pay tuition often get extended or unlimited access to course materials.
• Certificates. Generally, students only receive documentation of course completion if they’ve paid for the course. If students need a certificate to show current or potential employers, their best bet is to enroll in a paid course that provides certification when the class is completed.

Do free university online courses come with certificates?

No, free university online courses typically don’t include certificates. In most cases, if students want a certificate of completion, they have to pay for it. Online course providers usually clearly state that students must enroll in a paid course to receive a certificate. However, it’s also beneficial to read the fine print before to understand exactly what you’re getting. Most online course providers allow students to enroll in a course for free, then pay for the certificate when the course is complete. This can help minimize the financial risk for students if they’re unsure they’ll be able to finish the course.

Are the free Harvard online courses worth it?

Harvard University is one of the many institutions that offer free online courses through edX. Students can audit these courses for free. Auditing a course means students get access to all course materials, including videos, readings, and assignments, but won’t receive a grade, credit, or documentation of course completion. Students must pay for their Harvard course to fully participate and receive a completion certificate. Free Harvard online courses are worth it for students who are seeking an Ivy League-quality education experience but don’t need anything to verify that they finished the class.

Which online courses can I take for free?

Please visit their website for a complete list of all free courses offered by a specific provider. Below is a sampling of popular free courses from our top providers.

• CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science
• Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles
• Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking
• Data Science: Machine Learning
• Fundamentals of Neuroscience Part 1: The Electrical Properties of the Neuron
• Indigenous Canada
• Financial Markets
• The Science of Well-Being
• Introduction to Psychology
• Introduction to Statistics

FutureLearn

• An Introduction to Electronic Engineering
• Data Representation in Computing: Bring Data to Life
• Introduction to Cybersecurity
• Preparing for Further Study in Mathematics
• Engaging in Activism for Social Change in Tech
• Learn JavaScript
• Python for Programmers
• Introduction to Game Development
• Microsoft Power Platform
• Web Tooling and Automation
• Front End Frameworks
• Website Performance Optimization
• What is Programming?
• Spanish (Mexican)
• Mandarin Chinese
• Basics of Scrum, Agile, and Project Delivery
• The Manager’s Guide to Effective One-on-One Meetings
• How to Facilitate Effective Communication and Engagement
• Foundations of Business Strategy
• Introduction to Business Ownership

Interested in a degree instead?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

25 Best Online Learning Platforms for Students & Teachers to Try in 2022

Written by Melanie Arden

Did you know?

Students at one school district mastered 68% more math skills on average when they used Prodigy.

• Teacher Resources

Student and teacher communication platforms

Game-based learning platforms, classroom management platforms, online-only virtual learning platforms, what about elearning platforms for adults, is there a best virtual classroom platform.

Since early 2020, teachers like you worked tirelessly to ensure students continue their studies without disruption. Despite the challenges everyone faced, your hard work made sure online learning platforms provided a way to keep kids engaged and excited to study! 

As students continue to learn online, virtual learning platforms are a good way to help them:

• Have an effective remote learning experience
• Progress with their studies and receive feedback from teachers
• Learn in a safe environment in line with the school’s privacy policies
• Get more time back for homework and activities instead of traveling to school

We've compiled a variety of online learning platforms to suit the needs of parents and teachers. Keep reading to find out which one is right for you!

Types of virtual learning platforms & examples of each

Communication is key when it comes to ensuring students receive the education they deserve. Interactive video lectures help teachers and students communicate effectively in real time.

Education platforms encourage students to:

• Collaborate 
• Communicate
• Share videos, photos and homework assignments 

To help students learn, you can set up classes, distribute and collect homework assignments.

Plus, virtual platforms give parents the opportunity to take part and supervise their child's progress from home. 

1. FlipGrid

FlipGrid is a conversation-starter enabling students and teachers to share videos about a relevant subject. Starting guides and webinars are available to teach you and your students how to use this unique platform. Best of all, it's free! 

Zoom became the #1 choice for meetings and webinars for its ease and functionality. Why not use this video conferencing tool for online classes, too?

Zoom requires the use of a passcode to take part in real-time video lectures. Not only does this provide a secure learning environment for kids, but it also allows for safe interactions between students and teachers.

Slack is an instant messaging tool that helps you and your students communicate instantly. 

Teachers can set up channels geared toward separate topics, and Slack ensures data is secure so only teachers and students access lessons. Once you create a start hub, students can easily access everything they need for their studies.

Bloomz is a wonderful app that opens communication between parents and teachers. Easily line up parent-teacher conversations, receive class updates and track behavior with this user-friendly platform. Translation is available in over 100 languages to make learning accessible for everyone.

5. ClassDojo

Parents can join their kids in class through any device with this platform. ClassDojo gives students a way to receive praise for their skills, and parents have the option to share happy moments captured in classrooms.

6. Microsoft Teams

Classrooms are a true team environment when teachers and students can swap thoughts and ideas. Microsoft Teams makes it easy for you and your students to work together as you exchange videos, homework assignments and engage in chat conversations.

Game-based learning combines the fun of gaming with learning . Quizzes, badges and points systems coupled with classroom participation make for a joyful way for students to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills

We found four rewarding and helpful platforms to enhance your child's love for learning through games.

1. Prodigy Math Game

Prodigy's adaptive, game-based learning platform can help students fall in love with learning! Prodigy Math Game challenges students to complete questions, earn rewards and battle friends, all while answering curriculum-aligned questions. 

Plus, your free teacher account gives you access to all of Prodigy’s teacher tools. Use them to:

• Align Prodigy with your classroom lessons
• Differentiate math instruction for every student
• Track student progress and deliver in-game assessments

Whether students are learning in the classroom or at home, Prodigy is a great way to keep them engaged as they build math skills.

Nothing gets kids more excited than a good classroom quiz (and a little healthy competition). Kahoot! was created to work with live video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Skype and Google Meet and blends educational games with fun questions to promote learning.

Kahoot! also encourages kids to create their own games and share with other students.

3. Gimkit         

Gimkit Live unleashes clever educational content where students answer questions at their own pace. Each time they answer a question correctly, they receive in-game cash they can re-invest to buy upgrades and power-ups. 

4. Quizlet        

Quizlet uses flashcards and games to make learning more enjoyable. Study modes and sets are suited to each student's learning style, which makes small accomplishments feel like victories.

Quizlet helps kids to learn a variety of subjects, including:

Classroom management platforms are timesaving tools that make learning run smoothly . These ingenious platforms help you time tasks, manage and improve students' behavior and create a respectful and supportive environment.

You can also use these platforms to communicate with parents and enhance educational experiences at school or at home.

1. Google Classroom    

Google Classroom requires the use of a Gmail account to access Classrooms. This platform is fantastic for easy communication, teamwork and sharing homework files. Plus, you can even use Classroom to make a class website and store important resources or information for students. 

2. Buncee     

Buncee is a fun and simple tool that helps students and teachers create course materials, presentations and stories. The platform has over 2,000 templates that allow users to build charts and visual art creations.

Buncee is a multi-purpose, web-based tool for educational, business and personal applications.

As a global learning management system (LMS), EdModo is a collaborative platform that connects teachers, students and parents.

Teachers like you can:

• Support students 
• Distribute quizzes
• Share assignments
• Create posts and messages

Students have a greater chance of reaching their full potential thanks to EdModo's organized class folders and built-in planner. 

Parents may wish to create their own account so they can supervise their child's progress.

4. Edulastic

As a valuable online education tool, Edulastic's high standards help you administer assessments, help students and track their progress. Google Classroom synchronization is available free to use in combination with Edulastic. Students receive the best of both worlds: effective academic resources that are easy to use!  

5. Eduplanet21      

Eduplanet21 recently began allowing teachers and groups to receive a free subscription to use their platform. Developers also released a software module called "Lesson Planner," which helps you to produce and alter lesson plans for remote learning.

The website has great resources for "10 Minute Tuesdays," quick conversations with educators from around the world. Their webinars also offer valuable tips to help educators and students.

6. ClassMax

ClassMax's online education tool shows teachers exactly how to set up the system, so no guessing required. You can create seating charts, monitor behavior and track student progress. It also eliminates the need to use paper, which is an environmental bonus!

When the pandemic forced educators to change the way they deliver lessons, virtual learning platforms became the solution for administering tutorials and sending out learning materials.

There are countless platforms to make studies enjoyable while kids learn from the comfort and safety of their homes, and we found five excellent options for teachers and parents to choose from.

1. Skillshare

Skillshare's vast library of over 20,000 classes earns top honors as one of the best online learning platforms. Courses consist of presentations lasting 20 minutes or less along with a class project.

Skillshare membership levels include:

• A two-month free trial.
• Free membership allowing access to 2,000 classes.
• Premium membership for $15 per month or $99 for a year. You receive access to 20,000+ classes.

Students learn new skills through online courses about productivity, business and creativity. 

2. 3P Learning

3P is a blended software designed for mathematics and literacy. Incorporated gaming elements make learning more fun for students, and 3P's Mathletics program provides activities that help students practice and advance their understanding of mathematics.

Math and literacy subjects are geared toward students ages 3 - 16.

3. Dialpad  

Dialpad, a cloud-based phone system, allows educators to create an online campus and bring all their students together under one 'roof'. Teachers can set up a virtual classroom in seconds, students easily stay connected from any device and all communications are secure thanks to encryption. 

4. Docebo  

Docebo is an amazing collaborative learning platform perfectly suited for student interaction. Kids can take part in active discussions as they would in a physical classroom with a flexible and easy-to-use system.

Course content distribution and management has never been so easy!

Habyts' platform lets teachers and parents take control over students' screens to help kids stay motivated to complete their schoolwork.

Parents can have round-the-clock access to goals and rewards that help their kids remain focused. Use Habyts with your students’ parents to promote healthy learning even when they’re not in the classroom!

There are countless free and low-cost options available to adults who want to learn online. If you would like to upgrade your skills or sign up for professional development training programs, we've got you covered.

Below, you'll find four of our top picks to help you achieve your educational goals.  

1. Coursera  

Coursera has several certificates, degree programs and general courses to give you the tools for success. Learn from top educational institutions and companies like Duke University, Stanford or Google.

Coursera's affordable options include:

• Free courses
• Degree programs such as computer science and MBAs
• Professional certificates in social media or digital marketing 

The impressive list of training programs is available to anyone seeking career advancement.

MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Courses. An extension of EDx, you'll find free and affordable online courses to transform your career in engineering, data science, computer science, business, management and humanities.

Udemy is a fantastic, low-cost option where you can learn design, web development, marketing, music and countless other subjects. With over 155,000 online courses to choose from, you'll spend hours honing new skills for work or play.

EDx boasts affordable degree programs taught by respected educational institutions like Harvard, Berkeley University and MIT. MicroBachelor and MicroMasters studies enable adults to fast track their career advancement and start less expensive Bachelor and Masters programs.

Adult eLearning platforms are a boon for those wishing to expand their education from the comfort of their home. During the pandemic, these platforms provide extraordinary value without a huge expense.

Well... choosing the best virtual platform depends on several factors :

• What age group are you teaching? 
• How many students do you have in your class? 
• Do you need to set up tutoring spaces for kids who need extra help? 

There are several things to consider before choosing a platform that is right for your students

One of the best ways to determine the right platform for you is to create a list of must-haves . Compare the list against each virtual platform's features and benefits. From there, you'll be able to settle on the best platform for your students.  

Our digital world opens up a staggering number of virtual classrooms to choose from. Each platform has their own unique advantages. Like everything else, there are limitations to consider.

But what happens when virtual classrooms do not meet all student needs? It is important to point out several caveats associated with virtual classrooms:

• Teacher compensation and workload require restructuring
• Students may lose interest in completing homework assignments
• Educators should be mindful of how student data is collected and stored
• Students miss their friends and the social interaction they received at school
• Technological limitations may exist especially for kids from low-income families
• It is not always easy to prevent unwanted visitors from entering a virtual classroom
• Unstable enrollment as restrictions lift and students attend traditional classrooms vs. virtual learning
• Problems with internet access could prevent students from logging into classes and missing important lessons
• Other limitations include length of each session and the number of participants allowed to enter the virtual classroom (this isn't an issue for paid versions of some platforms)

Before choosing a virtual classroom, consider the pros and cons of each platform and how they may influence your students' learning experience. 

There are several wonderful learning options available to educational institutions and teachers. A little research will help you arrive at the best decision for your students!

Virtual learning is changing education

For every state and school district, there are different opinions on the future of virtual learning. Some say it's here to stay while others insist a physical classroom is the best way for kids to learn.

Here are a few key points to consider about the future of virtual classrooms:

• Online courses offer flexibility and accessibility for everyone with internet access
• Several platforms offer an extensive selection of programs and courses catered to different interests
•  Most online learning resources are less expensive than traditional in-person classrooms and lecture halls, making virtual education more affordable

Although it’s hard to predict what online education will look like ten years from now, many online learning resources will be available in the near future. Online studies have become a great way to supplement traditional classroom learning.

Prodigy Math Game blends the adventure of an online game with curriculum-aligned math practice. As students explore the world of Prodigy through their wizard avatars, they’ll encounter skill-building math questions that help them earn rewards and level up.

With your free teacher account, you can align the questions students answer to your lesson plans, differentiate content and track student progress, even while students learn online. Get started today!

29 Best Online Learning Platforms You Need To Try

Did you know that you can learn a new language or develop a new skill without paying a dime using free learning websites? Whether you’re five or ninety-five, the internet has a lot to offer. Particularly when the topic is education, the resources on the internet are endless.

You can use these free online learning platforms to learn, achieve your academic goals and land your dream job. Best of all, many high-quality sites are completely free. You need to be a continuous learner if you want to get ahead in life.

As the saying goes, if you aren’t moving forward, you are falling behind. The world never ceases from moving forward. The only way to keep up is by learning something new every day. From history to coding, excellent, free online education awaits on these free educational websites.

29 Online Learning Platforms That Make Learning Easier

Here are the best online learning platforms:

1.  Coursera

Coursera is a website that partners with universities and organizations around the world. This brings a wide variety of topics and perspectives to one searchable database.

Coursera is a powerful tool for free online education and includes courses from many top universities, museums and trusts. This gives the site an extremely wide range of in-depth courses.

Coursera is extremely useful if you’re looking to study many different topics, or want courses from different schools and groups. However, the free courses are now quite limited, so you’ll have to

2.  Khan Academy

Partnering with many post secondary schools, Khan Academy offers a useable, well-organized interface. Also curating many courses from around the web, Khan Academy offers impressive depth on many different subjects.

Among the more well-known educational sites, Khan Academy is also incredibly user-friendly, which may make it easier to keep learning goals . If you’re looking for a free online education, you can’t go wrong with Khan Academy.

3.  Open Culture Online Courses

If you are struggling to find exactly the material you are looking for, try Open Culture’s listing of free online education courses. The page highlights 1000 lectures, videos, and podcasts from universities around the world.

The site features a lot of material found only on universities’ private sites, all in easy-to-browse categories. This means you can find hundreds of university courses without having to visit and search each university’s site.

Open Culture’s list features courses from England, Australia, Wales, and many state universities around the United States. It’s a very helpful resource for finding many courses in one area of study.

4.  Udemy

Udemy’s free courses are similar in concept to Coursera’s but additionally allows users to build custom courses from lessons.

Working with many top professors and schools, the site mixes the customizable platform of other sites with a heavy emphasis on top-quality content. This is another site, however, that mixes free and paid content.

5. Lifehack Academy

Lifehack believes in skills that multiply your time, energy, and overall quality of life.

In this rapidly changing world, traditional education skills just don’t cut it anymore. You can’t afford to take years learning a skill you’ll never really practice. Lifehack’s courses will help you become a better self by trianing you the cross-functional skills that work across many aspects of life.

6. Academic Earth

Another site with courses from many different schools is Academic Earth. Much like the three sites above, Academic Earth brings together top notch courses from many different sources and focuses on offering a wide variety of subjects.

Academic Earth lists courses by subject and school, so it might be easier to find what you’re looking for.

Another great option for free online education is edX. Also bringing together courses from many different schools, the site has impressive, quality information for everyone. edX covers a great range of topics from universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Berkeley, meaning a high-quality, free online education is entirely possible here.

Unlike the previous sites on this list, Alison is a free education site offering certification in some areas. Alison offers courses mainly in business, technology, and health, but also includes language learning courses.

It’s a great option if users need a professional certificate for their learning, as Alison also offers school curriculum courses.

9. iTunesU Free Courses

A very convenient place for free online education is iTunesU, because it integrates seamlessly with your iPod or any app-ready Apple mobile device. On an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, users download the iTunesU app.

Desktop users can access iTunesU on the upper right-hand corner of the iTunes Store. iTunesU is also convenient because the store is categorized much like iTunes.

Users can search learning materials in many different ways, including by genre and topic. However, courses are often a mix of free podcasts or videos and paid content.

iTunesU does include courses on a variety of topics, but it does not integrate with Android, Google or Windows mobile devices.

10. Stanford Online

Your hub for all the online offerings from Stanford University, Stanford Online offers self-paced and session-based courses. While Coursera features some courses from Stanford, many classes are only available via other hosts. Some courses require iTunes, but most are completed in your web browser.

Stanford Online is a great site for high-quality courses, though the topics are somewhat limited compared to sites partnered with more than one school. If you’re looking for free courses, make sure to mark the “free” option on the left-hand side.

11. Open Yale Courses

Open Yale Courses echoes Stanford Online, in that it offers only courses from Yale. While the site is similarly limited to topics taught at the school, Open Yale Courses offers a lot of videos of actual campus lectures. The availability of videos makes the site a great option if you’re looking for quality courses but learn better by watching than by reading.

12. UC Berkeley Class Central

Much like the other schools on this list, UC Berkeley has a variety of free online education options. The school has slightly fewer courses than the schools above, but it includes some supplementary lectures, webcasts, and RSS Feeds, making it easy to keep up with the topics you choose.

13. MIT OpenCourseWare

Similarly, MIT offers a variety of free courses. The school has a comparable number of courses to the schools above, and it includes very in-depth course materials on the subjects available. MIT also offers free RSS feeds, a convenient way to continue learning.

14. Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative

Carnegie Mellon’s free online education site is comparable with the other school’s on this list. However, Open Learning Initiative also covers a smaller range of topics, but for the topics that are covered, impressive, in-depth material is available.

15. Codecademy

Codecademy is a website dedicated specifically to teaching coding. Where other coding sites follow an example/practice session workflow, Codecademy includes a live practice window. This means you can practice coding while still viewing the lesson material.

The courses at Codecademy are well-written and easy to follow, and the website is organized very nicely. Codecademy features a centralized dashboard where you can monitor your progress, and it organizes lessons into complete modules. This lets you learn an entire language without needing to pick the next course manually.

Code is another website focused on coding and app writing. A site with high-quality courses, Code also features learning options for kids.

In addition to kid-friendly courses, Code offers free online education classes on a wide variety of technology topics. These classes include app writing, robotics, and Javascript.

Most of the courses are also geared in a such a way that they can be useful in a classroom setting. This makes Code a great resource for harder to find coding topics, as well as various learning settings.

17. University of Oxford Podcasts

The University of Oxford features many different podcasts. Most are public lecture series or lectures from visiting professors, with several different recordings available.

The advantage to this particular site is that podcasts are organized into series, making it easy to subscribe to multiple lectures on one topic. This is another great site for thoroughly in-depth lectures.

18. BBC Podcasts

For the more casual learner, the BBC offers a wide variety of podcasts on many different topics. Most podcasts are updated weekly and focus on everything from finance, to sports, to current events.

Through the World Service line of podcasts, there are also many in different languages. The focus of these podcasts are less in-depth and theory-based, which may be more accessible to the average person.

Another great destination for more general learning and free online education is TED-Ed. From the same people that brought you the all-encompassing, motivational web series comes a site chocked full of educational videos. Most include impressive animation, and all are ten minutes long or less.

Not only is TED-Ed an excellent site for the curious, but it also includes supplemental materials and quizzes on the videos. This makes the site extremely useful in formal education settings, as well as in entertaining ways to brush up on new discoveries and topics.

20. LessonPaths

LessonPaths is another great tool for those looking for a more usable and convenient way to access learning material. On this site, users create link playlists of their favorite learning materials from other sites. Users then rank these collections, making it easy to find many different high-quality, accessible sources on a given topic.

21. Memrise

Another impressive free online education site offering ease of use and convenience is Memrise. Available both on desktop and as an app, Memrise is a particularly powerful tool if you are studying a language. The site encompasses many other topics as well, though some of the course material is user-generated content.

Part of what makes Memrise special is their integration of games into the learning materials, mixing learning with entertainment.

22. National Geographic Kids

The kids site for National Geographic is another site that makes free online education applicable for younger users. For those looking for kid-friendly education, a large variety of games, puzzles, videos and photos keep kids interested on this site.

National Geographic Kids doesn’t organize learning into courses, making materials available by topic and medium instead. This makes National Geographic Kids a good option for those looking for a more casual learning environment.

23. Fun Brain

Fun Brain is another great option for kids looking for free online education, as it focuses on games and fun puzzles. Particularly focused on math and reading, Fun Brain’s game-based approach can be valuable if the child in question struggles to pay attention.

Fun Brain offers rewards and challenges as well, and it is another site aimed at a casual learning experience for kids K-8.

24. OpenCourseWare

OpenCourseWare is a free online education platform that makes it possible for college and university students to access learning materials for free on the web.

You can either search for a particular topic, language or source of the learning materials that you want to use. The platform offers learning materials in more than twenty languages. At the moment, there are more than five thousand classes that cover everything from Epidemics to statistical thermodynamics.

25. Open Learning Institute

This is a popular platform from Carnegie Mellon University that allows you to access a wide range of course materials for you to learn at your preferred pace using the materials and assessments that you’d use in class. They have limited offerings. However, a lot of detail has gone into the coursework. You’ll find instructor led courses on the platform.

26. Open Education Database

Open Education Database is one of the free online education sites that’s easy to navigate. It has more than 10000 courses from different universities across the world.

When you search by topic, you’ll get to see the number of courses that are available. The courses have video, audio and mixed media lessons to help you learn anything you like. You can use this website to learn more about offline and online schools if you decide to continue with your education formally.

27. Udacity

Udacity is one of the best online learning platforms in the world today. Most of the online courses that you’d like to take can be accessed using an iPhone, iPad or Android.

It is a free app that has more than 500000 courses which range from elementary school to the university level. You can find education materials from reputable institutions such as the New York Public Library. As you study, you can add notes to your materials, share them with friends and save your work.

28. Skillshare

If you enjoy learning, you should check out Skillshare. It is an online learning platform that connects you with different experts and professionals, depending on your learning needs.

29. YouTube

Today, anything that you’d like to learn is available on YouTube. It is a free platform that allows you to browse channels and find topics that are of interest to you.

In the education and science section, there are more than six thousand channels. In DIY, there are nearly 2000. This is one of the best free online learning platforms to use especially if you are on a budget.

The Bottom Line

With so many amazing free online education resources, everyone has the ability to boost their skills and knowledge. Whether you’re interested in picking up some interesting trivia for your next party, improve your resume with some coding or business skills, or to educate yourself online and become a more well-rounded person, these resources are perfect for you.

Featured photo credit: Dai KE via unsplash.com

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25+ เว็บไซต์การศึกษาออนไลน์ฟรีที่ดีที่สุด (รายการปี 2024)

เว็บไซต์เพื่อการศึกษาออนไลน์ฟรีช่วยให้คุณเรียนรู้หลักสูตรในสถานที่ที่สะดวกสบาย หลักสูตรของเว็บไซต์เหล่านี้เปิดสอนโดยมหาวิทยาลัยชั้นนำ คุณสามารถเรียนรู้วิชาเฉพาะได้โดยไม่ต้องลงทุนมากนัก เว็บไซต์เหล่านี้นำเสนอเสียง วิดีโอ บทความ และ e-book มากมายเพื่อเพิ่มพูนความรู้ของคุณ แพลตฟอร์มช่วยให้คุณเรียนรู้หลักสูตรออนไลน์ฟรีที่ดีที่สุด

สุดยอดเว็บไซต์การศึกษาออนไลน์ฟรี

1) Coursera

Coursera เป็นเว็บไซต์การเรียนรู้ฟรีที่นำเสนอหลักสูตร MOOC จากมหาวิทยาลัยที่มีชื่อเสียง ทั้งหมด Coursera หลักสูตรประกอบด้วยวิดีโอบรรยายที่บันทึกไว้ล่วงหน้าซึ่งคุณสามารถรับชมได้เมื่อสะดวกสำหรับคุณ

Coursera มีโปรแกรมร่วมกับมหาวิทยาลัยที่เปิดโอกาสให้คุณได้รับปริญญาโทหรือสาขาวิชาเฉพาะทาง คุณสามารถสำรวจหลักสูตรวิทยาลัยต่างๆ ได้โดยไม่ต้องยุ่งยาก

ไซต์นี้เสนอโปรแกรมฟรีจากสถาบันที่ได้รับการรับรอง หลักสูตรที่เปิดสอนบนแพลตฟอร์มดังกล่าวได้รับการออกแบบโดยมหาวิทยาลัยชั้นนำ

เยี่ยมชมร้านค้า Coursera >>

Udemy เป็นแพลตฟอร์มออนไลน์ที่ช่วยคุณสร้างหลักสูตรสำหรับหมวดหมู่ต่างๆ เช่น ธุรกิจ การออกแบบ การตลาด ฯลฯ

คุณสามารถพัฒนาทักษะใหม่ๆ และบรรลุเป้าหมายโดยการเรียนรู้จากห้องสมุดที่มีหลักสูตรต่างๆ มากมาย วิชาที่มีอยู่ใน Udemy ได้รับการสอนตามคำแนะนำจากผู้เชี่ยวชาญ

สามารถดูโครงร่างหลักสูตรได้บนอุปกรณ์ทั้งหมดที่เชื่อมต่ออินเทอร์เน็ต คุณไม่จำเป็นต้องมีคุณสมบัติเบื้องต้นใด ๆ ในการเรียนหลักสูตรใด ๆ

Udacity แพลตฟอร์มการสอนออนไลน์ช่วยให้คุณสร้างหลักสูตรในหลากหลายหมวดหมู่ เช่น การพัฒนา ธุรกิจ การออกแบบ การตลาด ฯลฯ

หลักสูตรที่เปิดสอนใน Udacity สอนโดยอาจารย์ผู้เชี่ยวชาญ นักเรียนยังสามารถพัฒนาทักษะใหม่ๆ และบรรลุเป้าหมายโดยการเรียนรู้จากห้องสมุดอันกว้างขวางของหลักสูตรต่างๆ

Udacity นำเสนอหลักสูตรคุณภาพดี ช่วยให้คุณเตรียมตัวสำหรับการสัมภาษณ์ ไซต์นี้ให้ความช่วยเหลือจากที่ปรึกษา

เยี่ยมชมร้านค้า Udacity >>

Edx เป็นหนึ่งในผู้ให้บริการหลักสูตรออนไลน์ฟรีที่ดีที่สุด เปิดสอนหลักสูตรระดับมหาวิทยาลัยในหลากหลายสาขาวิชา คุณสามารถเรียกดูวิชาต่างๆ เช่น วิทยาการคอมพิวเตอร์ ภาษา วิทยาศาสตร์ข้อมูล วิศวกรรมศาสตร์ และอื่นๆ อีกมากมาย

ไซต์นี้มีลำดับหัวเรื่องรายสัปดาห์ ประกอบด้วยวิดีโอสั้นพร้อมแบบฝึกหัดการเรียนรู้ แพลตฟอร์มนี้มีวิดีโอสอนการใช้งานซึ่งคล้ายกับกลุ่มสนทนาในมหาวิทยาลัยและหนังสือเรียน มีฟอรัมสนทนาออนไลน์ซึ่งนักเรียนสามารถโพสต์คำถามไปยังผู้ช่วยสอนได้ มันมีการรับรองที่สมบูรณ์

เยี่ยมชมร้านค้า Edx >>

5) MasterClass

MasterClass มอบประสบการณ์การเรียนรู้ออนไลน์ที่ไม่มีใครเทียบได้สำหรับทุกคนที่สนใจพัฒนาทักษะของตนเอง โดยมีผู้เชี่ยวชาญชั้นนำของโลกกว่า 180 คนจากหลากหลายสาขา

ไม่ว่าจะเป็นธุรกิจและความเป็นผู้นำ การถ่ายภาพ การทำอาหาร การเขียน การแสดง ดนตรี กีฬา หรืออื่นๆ MasterClass ให้การเข้าถึงหลักสูตรระดับโลกทุกที่ทุกเวลา คุณสามารถเข้าถึงบทเรียนวิดีโอบนคอมพิวเตอร์ สมาร์ทโฟน Apple TV และเครื่องเล่นสื่อสตรีมมิ่ง FireTV

ในฐานะที่เป็นสมาชิกของ MasterClassคุณจะสามารถเข้าถึงแค็ตตาล็อกที่น่าประทับใจซึ่งมีชั้นเรียนมากกว่า 180 ชั้นเรียน โดยแต่ละชั้นเรียนมีบทเรียนวิดีโอประมาณ 20 บทเรียน โดยเฉลี่ยประมาณ 10 นาที นอกจากนี้ แต่ละชั้นเรียนยังมีสมุดแบบฝึกหัดเชิงลึกอีกด้วยwing คุณสามารถนำสิ่งที่คุณเรียนรู้ในบทเรียนไปประยุกต์ใช้ในสถานการณ์จริง

เยี่ยมชมร้านค้า MasterClass >>

6) Skillshare

Skillshare เป็นแพลตฟอร์มออนไลน์ที่เน้นด้านการศึกษา ประกอบด้วยหัวข้อต่างๆ มากมายที่เกี่ยวข้องกับการออกแบบกราฟิก วิทยาศาสตร์ข้อมูล อีคอมเมิร์ซ การวิเคราะห์ ฯลฯ เว็บไซต์นี้ช่วยให้คุณค้นหาชั้นเรียนที่ออกแบบมาเพื่อชีวิตจริง

ชั้นเรียนใน Skillshare สอนโดยผู้สร้างตัวจริง คุณสามารถเข้าร่วมหลักสูตรเพื่อเรียนรู้จากอุปกรณ์ใดก็ได้ ช่วยให้คุณเติบโตทางธุรกิจได้โดยไม่ต้องยุ่งยาก

เยี่ยมชม Skillshare >>

Memrise เป็นเว็บไซต์การศึกษาสำหรับผู้ใหญ่ที่นำเสนอประสบการณ์การเรียนรู้ส่วนบุคคล เว็บไซต์นี้สามารถเข้าถึงได้ในภาษาต่างๆ รวมถึงภาษาอังกฤษ อาหรับ อเมริกัน และดัตช์

สถานที่นี้มีหมวดหมู่ต่างๆ เช่น ศิลปะ วรรณกรรม คณิตศาสตร์ วิทยาศาสตร์ ประวัติศาสตร์ และอื่นๆ อีกมากมาย Memrise สามารถเข้าถึงได้จาก iOS และ Android อุปกรณ์

เว็บไซต์ประกอบด้วยความท้าทายที่เพิ่มประสบการณ์การเรียนรู้ของคุณ คุณสามารถสมัครใช้งานเว็บไซต์นี้ได้อย่างง่ายดายเพื่อเข้าถึงหลักสูตรและสื่อการสอน

เยี่ยมชม Memrise >>

8) LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning เป็นเว็บไซต์ที่เปิดสอนหลักสูตรวิดีโอที่สอนโดยผู้เชี่ยวชาญ คุณสามารถใช้เว็บไซต์นี้เพื่อเข้าถึงหลักสูตรมากถึง 15,000 หลักสูตรในกว่าเจ็ดภาษาทั้งแบบฟรีและแบบสมัครสมาชิก

หลักสูตรฟรีของ LinkedIn เปิดโอกาสให้คุณเรียนรู้จากผู้เชี่ยวชาญในอุตสาหกรรมโดยไม่ต้องเสียเงินสักเล็กน้อย หลักสูตรการฝึกอบรม LinkedIn เหล่านี้เหมาะสำหรับผู้เริ่มต้น ผู้เรียนระดับกลาง และผู้เชี่ยวชาญ LinkedIn Learning หลักสูตร พร้อมใบรับรองที่เปิดสอนในหลากหลายหมวดหมู่ เช่น หลักสูตรออนไลน์ด้านธุรกิจ การพัฒนาส่วนบุคคล การเป็นผู้ประกอบการ การออกแบบและเทคโนโลยี

Link: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/

Alison เป็นเว็บไซต์การเรียนรู้ออนไลน์ฟรีที่ให้การรับรองเมื่อจบหลักสูตร หัวข้อที่เว็บไซต์นี้นำเสนอ ได้แก่ ธุรกิจ เทคโนโลยี สุขภาพ และอื่นๆ

Alison ช่วยให้คุณศึกษา เรียนรู้ และรับรองผ่านการฝึกอบรมออนไลน์ มีหลักสูตรต่างๆ ที่เกี่ยวข้องกับภาษาเฉพาะ เช่น อังกฤษ สเปน เยอรมัน ฝรั่งเศส และอารบิก

เว็บไซต์นี้ให้คุณเลือกหลักสูตรได้สามประเภท ได้แก่ หลักสูตรประกาศนียบัตร หลักสูตรอนุปริญญา และเส้นทางการเรียนรู้ (การสร้างประสบการณ์การเรียนรู้ด้วยตนเอง) คุณยังสามารถเรียนรู้วิชาที่คุณชื่นชอบได้จาก Alisonแอปพลิเคชันมือถือของ

Link: https://alison.com/

10) Khan Academy

Khan Academy เป็นเว็บไซต์เพื่อการศึกษา มีเนื้อหาเชิงลึก ไซต์นี้มีประโยชน์เพื่อให้ตรงกับเป้าหมายการเรียนรู้ของคุณ คุณเลือกไซต์นี้เพื่อปรับแต่งประสบการณ์การเรียนรู้ของคุณ

แพลตฟอร์มหลักสูตรออนไลน์ฟรีนี้สามารถใช้ได้กับผู้เรียนและครู รวมถึงแบบฝึกหัดการเรียนรู้มากมาย แหล่งข้อมูลของไซต์นี้มีให้ทางออนไลน์และในแอป

เนื้อหาของ Khan Academy มีให้บริการในภาษาอังกฤษ ฝรั่งเศส เยอรมัน อิตาลี ญี่ปุ่น และอื่นๆ มีวิดีโอบรรยายในตัวซึ่งจัดขึ้นใน YouTube.

Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/

11) MIT OpenCourseWare

MIT OpenCourseWare เป็นเว็บไซต์การเรียนรู้ที่เปิดสอนหลักสูตรต่างๆ มีสื่อการสอนและการเรียนรู้คุณภาพสูงในรูปแบบที่เข้าถึงได้ง่าย

เว็บไซต์มีบันทึกการบรรยาย วิดีโอ และข้อสอบฟรี แพลตฟอร์มนี้สามารถเข้าถึงได้ด้วยการเข้าสู่ระบบ คุณสามารถค้นหาหลักสูตรตามแผนกและหัวข้อต่างๆ

MIT OpenCourseWare สามารถเข้าถึงได้โดยไม่ต้องลงทะเบียนใด ๆ วิดีโอสามารถดูได้ทางออนไลน์และออฟไลน์ สามารถเข้าไปดูคลิปดังกล่าวได้จาก Youtube และไอทูน

Link: https://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm

12) Open culture

Open culture เป็นเว็บไซต์การศึกษาที่ดีที่สุดที่ให้บริการชั้นเรียนออนไลน์ฟรีเพื่อความสนุกสนาน คุณสามารถเลือกเว็บไซต์นี้เพื่อเรียนรู้ philoโซฟีและวรรณคดี ประวัติศาสตร์ ชีววิทยา และฟิสิกส์

เนื้อหาหัวข้อของเว็บไซต์นี้มีอยู่ในเสียง วิดีโอ และ eBook ประกอบด้วย eBook มากกว่า 800 เล่ม eBook 200 เล่ม และบทเรียนภาษามากกว่า 300 บท

Link: http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses

13) Connections Academy

Connections Academy เป็นเว็บไซต์หลักสูตรออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุดที่ช่วยให้นักเรียนเรียนรู้จากที่บ้าน หลักสูตรของแพลตฟอร์มนี้ออกแบบมาสำหรับโรงเรียนประถมศึกษา มัธยมต้น และมัธยมปลาย

Connections Academy มอบประสบการณ์การเรียนรู้ด้านการปฏิบัติงานส่วนบุคคลที่ช่วยให้ครูพัฒนาทักษะของตนเอง สถานที่แห่งนี้ช่วยให้คุณพบปะครูและเพื่อนร่วมชั้นในห้องเรียนเสมือนจริงได้อย่างง่ายดาย

Link: https://www.connectionsacademy.com/

14) Academic Earth

Academic Earth เป็นเว็บไซต์การเรียนรู้ออนไลน์ชั้นนำที่มีหลักสูตรมากมายจากโรงเรียนต่างๆ ในเว็บไซต์นี้ คุณสามารถสำรวจหัวข้อต่างๆ มากมาย ช่วยให้คุณสามารถค้นหาโครงร่างหลักสูตรตามวิชาเฉพาะได้

เรื่องของ Academic Earth ได้รับการออกแบบในลักษณะที่เหมาะสมกับความต้องการส่วนบุคคลและวิชาชีพของคุณ แพลตฟอร์มดังกล่าวมีหลักสูตรที่หลากหลายที่เกี่ยวข้องกับคอมพิวเตอร์และไอที ธุรกิจ การศึกษา และสุขภาพ หลักสูตรเหล่านี้สามารถเรียนรู้ได้ฟรี

Link: https://academicearth.org/

15) iTunes U Free Courses

iTunes U Free Courses เป็นสถานที่สำหรับการศึกษาออนไลน์ฟรี

สามารถทำงานร่วมกับสมาร์ทโฟน Apple หรือ iPod ได้ ผู้ใช้สามารถค้นหาสื่อการเรียนรู้ได้หลายวิธี รวมถึงหมวดหมู่และหัวข้อต่างๆ

หลักสูตรของไซต์นี้มีเนื้อหาและวิดีโอ มีสาขาวิชาที่หลากหลาย เช่น ศิลปะและมนุษยศาสตร์ วัยเด็กและเยาวชน การศึกษา ภาษา และอื่นๆ เว็บไซต์ช่วยให้คุณสามารถสมัครงานที่คุณสนใจได้

Link: https://projects.kmi.open.ac.uk/itunesu/

16) Stanford Online

Stanford Online เป็นเว็บไซต์การศึกษาที่ให้โอกาสในการเรียนรู้ผ่านปริญญาออนไลน์ฟรี หลักสูตรออนไลน์ อีเลิร์นนิง และอื่นๆ อีกมากมาย คุณสามารถเรียนรู้ได้หลากหลายวิชา รวมถึงวิทยาการคอมพิวเตอร์ AI สุขภาพและการแพทย์ ศิลปะ และวิทยาศาสตร์ข้อมูล

แพลตฟอร์มนี้เสนอการรับรองหลังจากจบโปรแกรม คุณสามารถลงทะเบียนเรียนในหลักสูตรเพื่อเรียนรู้ทักษะใหม่ๆ ได้งาน และสร้างอนาคตใหม่ มีคอลเลกชัน e-book ฟรี การสัมมนาผ่านเว็บ วิดีโอ ฯลฯ

Link: https://online.stanford.edu/

17) Harvard Extension

Harvard Extension เป็นเว็บไซต์การเรียนรู้ออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุดที่เปิดสอนหลักสูตรการศึกษาออนไลน์ฟรีจากมหาวิทยาลัยฮาร์วาร์ด ช่วยให้นักศึกษาสามารถค้นหารายวิชาตามใบรับรองวิชาชีพได้

Harvard Extension เปิดสอนสาขาวิชาต่างๆ เช่น ศิลปะและการออกแบบ ธุรกิจ วิทยาศาสตร์ข้อมูล สุขภาพ และอื่นๆ อีกมากมาย ช่วยให้คุณสามารถค้นหาวิชาต่างๆ โดยใช้วันที่เริ่มต้นและระยะเวลา หลักสูตรของสถานที่นี้มีสามระดับความยากเบื้องต้น ระดับกลาง และขั้นสูง

Link: https://online-learning.harvard.edu/catalog/free

18) Open Yale Courses

Open Yale Courses เป็นเว็บไซต์การเรียนรู้ออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุดที่ให้การเข้าถึงหลักสูตรเบื้องต้นฟรีและเปิดกว้างซึ่งสอนโดยอาจารย์และนักวิชาการ การบรรยายที่มีอยู่ในเว็บไซต์นี้บันทึกไว้ในห้องเรียนของวิทยาลัยเยล

เว็บไซต์นี้นำเสนอการเรียนรู้ผ่านเสียง ข้อความ และรูปแบบสื่อวิดีโอ คุณสามารถเข้าถึงสื่อเหล่านี้ได้โดยไม่ต้องลงทะเบียน

Open Yale Courses มีหลักสูตรต่างๆ เช่น เคมี เศรษฐศาสตร์ ประวัติศาสตร์ ศิลปะ อังกฤษ และ philoโซฟี รวมถึงการสอบ การอ่านที่แนะนำ และการแก้ปัญหา

Link: https://oyc.yale.edu/

19) UC San Diego Podcast Lecture

UC San Diego Podcast Lecture เป็นบริการเทคโนโลยีการศึกษา ให้บริการบันทึกเสียงบรรยายฟรีซึ่งสามารถดาวน์โหลดลงในเครื่องพีซีหรือเครื่องเล่นเพลงได้

ท่านสามารถรับฟังการบรรยายได้ที่ UC San Diego Podcast Lecture เพียงเลือกคลาสที่ต้องการ มีฟีเจอร์ต่างๆ เช่น พอดแคสต์ล่าสุด ความคืบหน้าในการบรรยาย และปรับเปลี่ยนความเร็วในการเล่น เว็บไซต์นี้ช่วยให้คุณสามารถเล่นวิดีโอบรรยายได้โดยไม่ต้องใช้ความพยายามใดๆ คุณไม่จำเป็นต้องมีปลั๊กอินเพื่อดูการบรรยาย

Link: https://podcast.ucsd.edu/default.aspx

รหัสเป็นแหล่งการเรียนรู้ ช่วยให้นักเรียนลงทะเบียนเรียนในหลักสูตรที่เกี่ยวข้องกับชีววิทยา พีชคณิต และเคมี

แพลตฟอร์มสำหรับการเรียนรู้ออนไลน์นี้มีงานทำ มีชั้นเรียนพร้อมความท้าทายรายสัปดาห์ เว็บไซต์นี้มีให้บริการในสองภาษาสเปนและอังกฤษ Code.org นำเสนอบทช่วยสอนหนึ่งชั่วโมงที่ออกแบบมาเป็นพิเศษสำหรับคนทุกวัยในมากกว่า 45 ภาษา

Link: https://code.org/

21) University of the People

University of the People เป็นผู้ให้บริการด้านการศึกษา เปิดสอนหลักสูตรปริญญาอันหลากหลาย รวมถึงการบริหารธุรกิจ สุขภาพ และวิทยาการคอมพิวเตอร์ สถานที่แห่งนี้มอบชุดทักษะที่จำเป็นแก่นักศึกษาซึ่งมีความสำคัญต่อความสำเร็จในการรับปริญญาทางวิชาการ

University of the People เว็บไซต์ไม่คิดค่าใช้จ่ายใดๆ สำหรับการลงทะเบียนเรียนในหลักสูตรใดๆ ช่วยให้คุณเข้าถึงหนังสือทั้งหมดและสื่อการเรียนการสอนอื่นๆ ได้โดยไม่ต้องยุ่งยากใดๆ นักศึกษาที่สำเร็จการศึกษาและระดับปริญญาตรีสามารถสมัครได้จากเว็บไซต์นี้

Link: https://www.uopeople.edu/

22) University of Oxford Podcasts

University of Oxford Podcasts สถานที่ที่คุณสามารถค้นหาการบรรยายสาธารณะ การสัมภาษณ์ สื่อการสอน และอื่นๆ อีกมากมาย

เนื้อหาเกี่ยวกับเรื่องนี้จะถูกเพิ่มเข้ามาเป็นประจำ คุณสามารถใช้การบรรยายและชุดการบรรยายในรูปแบบเอกสาร เสียง และวิดีโอ

ไซต์นี้มีมากกว่า 633 ซีรี่ส์ มีหลักสูตรชีววิทยา philoโซฟี โรคซึมเศร้า ฯลฯ คุณสามารถดูหลักสูตรที่คุณสนใจตามหมวดหมู่ เช่น สาขาวิชาสังคมศาสตร์ คณิตศาสตร์ วิทยาศาสตร์กายภาพและชีวิต สาขาวิชาวิทยาศาสตร์การแพทย์ และอื่นๆ

Link: https://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/

TED-Ed เป็นแพลตฟอร์มที่ให้บริการหลักสูตรออนไลน์ฟรีสำหรับผู้ใหญ่ เนื้อหาของเว็บไซต์นี้สามารถใช้ได้โดยคนทุกกลุ่มอายุ

นักการศึกษาของ TED-ED สามารถปรับแต่งบทเรียนได้ ครูสามารถแบ่งปันบทเรียนกับนักเรียนทางออนไลน์และติดตามผลได้ มีโปรแกรมที่ช่วยให้คุณพูดคุยและแบ่งปันความคิดของพวกเขา ไซต์นี้ง่ายต่อการเรียกดู TED-Ed แอนิเมชั่นและการบรรยาย TED ตามสาขาวิชาเฉพาะ

Link: https://ed.ted.com/

24) LessonPaths

LessonPaths เป็นเว็บไซต์ที่ให้บริการเรียนออนไลน์ฟรีที่ดีที่สุด ไซต์นี้มีบทเรียนออนไลน์หลายชุด ครูสามารถเพิ่มข้อความ ไฟล์วิดีโอ เพื่อสร้างเอกสารการเรียนรู้ได้ ช่วยให้คุณสามารถแบ่งปันความรู้กับผู้อื่นได้

LessonPaths รวมไปถึงหมวดหมู่ต่างๆ เช่น สุขภาพ อาหาร ยา การเงิน กฎหมาย ฯลฯ สามารถใช้เป็นแนวทางการเรียนรู้ตามหัวข้อเฉพาะได้ สถานที่แห่งนี้มีการไหลเวียนของทรัพยากรเป็นเส้นตรง

Link: https://www.lessonpaths.com/

CodeHS เป็นแพลตฟอร์มการเรียนรู้แบบครบวงจรที่ช่วยให้นักเรียนได้เรียนรู้วิทยาการคอมพิวเตอร์ มีเครื่องมือและทรัพยากรสำหรับครู หลักสูตรบนเว็บ และการพัฒนาทางวิชาชีพ

หนึ่งในเว็บไซต์การเรียนรู้ออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุดนี้มีแผนบทเรียนที่คุณสามารถเข้าถึงแหล่งข้อมูลต่าง ๆ เพื่อเรียนรู้วิชาดังกล่าว ช่วยให้คุณสามารถเลือกกิจกรรมต่างๆ มากมายที่ทำโดยอาจารย์ผู้มีประสบการณ์

CodeHS เสนอสิ่งอำนวยความสะดวกในการติดตามความคืบหน้าสำหรับครู มีเอกสารประกอบคำบรรยายแบบออฟไลน์และกิจกรรมที่น่าสนใจต่างๆ

Link: https://codehs.com/

26) Aquent Gymnasium

Aquent Gymnasium เป็นเว็บไซต์การศึกษาที่เปิดสอนหลักสูตรฟรีสำหรับผู้เชี่ยวชาญด้านดิจิทัลและนักสร้างสรรค์ หลักสูตรของไซต์นี้ได้รับการออกแบบในลักษณะที่ให้ความรู้ที่นำไปใช้กับโครงการหรืองานใดๆ แก่คุณ

ไซต์นี้ช่วยให้คุณเพิ่มทักษะและตอบสนองความต้องการของตลาดปัจจุบัน นอกจากนี้ยังช่วยให้คุณเพิ่มความสามารถและเติมเต็มช่องว่างที่คุณขาดได้อีกด้วย

Link: https://www.thegymnasium.com/

27) Apple Developer Site

Apple Developer Site เป็นเว็บไซต์สำหรับอินเทอร์เฟซการเขียนโปรแกรมแอปพลิเคชัน เครื่องมือพัฒนาซอฟต์แวร์ และเอกสารทางเทคนิค แพลตฟอร์มออนไลน์นี้มีทรัพยากรที่จะช่วยนักพัฒนาในการพัฒนาซอฟต์แวร์สำหรับ iOS macOS, iPadOS และอื่นๆ

สถานที่นี้มีข้อมูลอ้างอิง API, โค้ดตัวอย่าง และบทความมากมายสำหรับการสร้างซอฟต์แวร์ ผู้ใช้สามารถเข้าร่วมโปรแกรมนักพัฒนาซอฟต์แวร์เพื่อเข้าถึงทรัพยากรเหล่านี้ มีฟอรัมเพื่อหารือเกี่ยวกับหัวข้อที่เกี่ยวข้องกับการพัฒนา

Link: https://developer.apple.com/

28) Canvas Network

Canvas Network เป็นเว็บไซต์การศึกษาออนไลน์ที่เปิดสอนหลักสูตรต่างๆจากมหาวิทยาลัยชั้นนำ รายการในไซต์นี้เปิดสำหรับผู้เรียนทุกคนทั่วโลก ระบบการจัดการการเรียนรู้ที่จัดทำโดยแพลตฟอร์มนี้ทำให้การเรียนการสอนง่ายขึ้น

Canvaได้ช่วยให้คณาจารย์และนักศึกษาประสบความสำเร็จในสภาพแวดล้อมการเรียนรู้สมัยใหม่ มีขั้นตอนการลงทะเบียนที่ง่ายดาย คุณยังสามารถรับใบรับรองการเข้าร่วมได้อีกด้วย คุณสามารถเข้าถึงเนื้อหาที่มีอยู่ในไซต์นี้เมื่อหลักสูตรเริ่มต้นแล้ว

Link: https://www.canvas.net/

29) Open UW

Open UW เป็นสถานที่ทางการศึกษา มีหลักสูตรระดับปริญญาโททั้งหมดที่เปิดสำหรับการพัฒนาหรือการฝึกอบรมพนักงาน

เว็บไซต์นี้เปิดสอนหลักสูตรปริญญาโทเช่นชายฝั่งทะเลและ mariไม่มีการจัดการและ mariไม่เป็นไรnovaความคิด นอกจากนี้ยังจัดให้มีการศึกษาทางไกลที่สามารถเรียนรู้โดยใช้เทคโนโลยีระยะไกลหรือจากอินเทอร์เน็ต

Open UW มีห้องสมุดออนไลน์ที่ประกอบด้วยวารสารอิเล็กทรอนิกส์ สารานุกรม คอลเลกชัน e-books และอื่นๆ อีกมากมาย นักเรียนสามารถเข้าถึงสื่อเหล่านี้ได้โดยไม่ต้องยุ่งยาก

Link: https://www.uw.is/en/admissions/guest-studies-at-uw/guest-studies-as-free-mover

30) Open Learning Initiative

Open Learning Initiative เป็นองค์กรที่ให้บริการด้านnovaคอร์สออนไลน์สำหรับคนชอบสอนหรือเรียน เว็บไซต์มีหลักสูตรคุณภาพสูงที่ช่วยให้คุณปรับปรุงการเรียนรู้

Open Learning Initiative เว็บไซต์ช่วยให้คุณสอนทางไกลได้อย่างง่ายดาย หลักสูตรที่เปิดสอนโดยเว็บไซต์นี้ ได้แก่ วิทยาการคอมพิวเตอร์ การเขียนโปรแกรม ศิลปะ คณิตศาสตร์ และวิทยาศาสตร์เพื่อชีวิต

OLI มีหลักสูตรระดับวิทยาลัยมากมายที่ช่วยเพิ่มประสบการณ์การเรียนรู้ของคุณได้ คุณสามารถแก้ไขหลักสูตรของไซต์นี้หรือพัฒนาหลักสูตรของคุณเองได้

Link: https://oli.cmu.edu/

31) Open Edu

Open Edu เป็นเว็บไซต์สำหรับการเรียนรู้จากมหาวิทยาลัยเปิด แพลตฟอร์มนี้ให้การเข้าถึงเนื้อหาหลักสูตรต่างๆ และความคิดเห็นของผู้เชี่ยวชาญ

แพลตฟอร์มออนไลน์เพื่อการเรียนรู้นี้นำเสนอสื่อการเรียนรู้คุณภาพสูงในรูปแบบดิจิทัลฟรี ประกอบด้วยวิชาต่างๆ มากมาย เช่น เงินและธุรกิจ การศึกษา การพัฒนา และการกีฬา ไซต์นี้ช่วยให้คุณสำรวจหัวข้อใหม่ๆ และเพิ่มพูนความรู้ส่วนตัวของใครก็ตาม มีหลักสูตรระยะสั้น บทความ แบบทดสอบ วิดีโอ และไฟล์เสียงมากกว่า 900 รายการ

Link: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses

คำถามที่พบบ่อย

ข้อดีของการเรียนออนไลน์คือ:

• คุณสามารถเรียนรู้วิชาได้อย่างสะดวกสบาย
• มันมีผลกระทบที่ดีต่อเรซูเม่
• คุณสามารถบรรลุเป้าหมายได้ตลอดเวลา
• หลักสูตรออนไลน์ ราคาถูกกว่าการฝึกอบรมในชั้นเรียนแบบเดิม

สื่อทั่วไปที่นำเสนอโดยเว็บไซต์การเรียนรู้ฟรี ได้แก่ หนังสืออิเล็กทรอนิกส์ การบรรยายในคลิปเสียงและวิดีโอ วารสารอิเล็กทรอนิกส์ สารานุกรม หนังสืออิเล็กทรอนิกส์ และอื่นๆ

คุณควรไปเรียนหลักสูตรการรับรองออนไลน์เพื่อรับใบรับรองที่สามารถทำให้คุณมีคุณค่ามากขึ้นในที่ทำงาน นอกจากนี้ยังช่วยให้คุณบอกทักษะของคุณให้นายจ้างทราบด้วย ใบรับรองเหล่านี้เป็นการลงทุนในการสร้างอาชีพของคุณ

ใช่ คุณจะได้รับใบรับรองที่สามารถพิมพ์ได้ในหลายหลักสูตร ในความเป็นจริง ผู้ให้บริการแพลตฟอร์มหลักสูตรออนไลน์บางรายจะจัดส่งสำเนาใบรับรองไปยังที่อยู่ที่คุณต้องการ ตรวจสอบรายชื่อของเราที่นี่ หลักสูตรออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุดและชั้นเรียนเตรียมสอบจากสถาบันชั้นนำ

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Best online brokers and trading platforms for July 2024

While it’s true that interest rates on certificates of deposit and other fixed-income investments are up in recent years, stocks have proven to be the best way to grow your portfolio over the long term. To do that effectively, you’ll need to choose one of the best online brokers and trading platforms. We are providing 10 in this guide to help you find the best broker for you.

Best online brokers and trading platform of 2024

Robinhood: best for ira accounts.

Robinhood takes our top spot because it offers commission-free trading in stocks, options and ETFs. It also offers commission-free trading in cryptocurrencies, eliminating the need to maintain a separate account with a crypto exchange. In addition, if you sign up for a Robinhood Gold membership (at a monthly fee of $6.99, or $75 annually), you can earn 5% APY on cash balances.

Another major factor favoring Robinhood is its IRA matching contribution. They will match your IRA contribution, traditional or Roth, at 1%. If you sign up for a Gold membership, the matching contribution increases to 3%. That’s found money, much like an employer matching contribution of 401(k) plans.

M1 Finance: Best for the self-directed investor

M1 Finance is not a broker, but we’ve assigned it a prominent position on this list because it’s a platform that enables you to select your own investments, which are then automatically managed by the service. It works on a unit it refers to as “pies.” Each pie is a portfolio that you can fill with up to 100 stocks and ETFs. M1 Finance provides 60 prebuilt pies, or you can choose to build your own. You can also create as many pies as you like. From there, M1 Finance will provide complete automated investment management at no fee. That includes no commissions on the stocks and funds you add to your pies.

Even though you can choose the stocks and funds in your pies, M1 Finance is designed to be a long-term investment, not a trading platform.

Acorns: Best for saving money to invest

Acorns isn’t an investment broker, but an automated online investment service, commonly known as a roboadvisor. But it’s worth a place on any list of the best online brokers and trading platforms because it gives participants the ability to accumulate the funds needed to invest. That’s the single biggest obstacle preventing so many from even beginning to invest, and Acorns has that covered.

Acorns works with a process known as Round-Ups. You can link credit and debit cards to the Acorns app, and your purchases will automatically be rounded up to the nearest dollar. The change will accumulate until it reaches $5, at which point it will be transferred into the Acorns investment account. Once there, it will be invested in a mix of ETFs invested in stocks and bonds. In that way, both investing and saving for investing will be fully automated processes.

Acorns can accommodate taxable investment accounts, as well as IRAs. They also offer high-interest checking in savings, covering all the investment bases in your life.

SoFi Invest: Best for access to certified financial planners (CFPs)

SoFi Invest

We like SoFi Invest for the fact that it gives participants unlimited access to Certified Financial Planners (CFPs). Though they don’t provide specific investment advice, they can help advise you on portfolio construction and other financial management issues. Best of all, there’s no extra charge for their services.

But that’s just the beginning with SoFi. The platform has turned into a comprehensive financial shop, providing investing, banking, insurance, student loans, personal loans, student loans, mortgages and credit cards. If it’s related to finance, you can find it on SoFi. It also attempted to match Robinhood by providing a 2% matching contribution on IRA accounts.

While Sofi Invest is for self-directed investing, it also offers a roboadvisor, SoFi Automated Investing, if you prefer a managed option. If you open an account with SoFi, be aware that while it does accommodate fractional shares, they are set at a minimum of $5 denominations.

Charles Schwab: Best for investment selection

Charles Schwab

Schwab is the largest retail broker in the world and for good reason. With the exception of cryptocurrencies, just about every investment possible is available on the platform. That makes Schwab a good choice if you are a long-term investor, an active trader, a veteran investor or a newbie. The company is also strong on customer service, investor education and investment tools.

Not to be outdone by the competition, Schwab has its own roboadvisor. Intelligent Portfolios is available to provide automated investment management, at no annual advisory fee, with a minimum investment of $5,000.

Fidelity: Best for customer service

Fidelity Investments

Fidelity parallels Schwab in most respects, being one of the largest retail brokers in the world. They offer all types of investments and account types, but Fidelity is particularly strong in customer service. They offer 24/7 live phone support, as well as a network of more than 200 branch locations around the country.

Fidelity also offers its own roboadvisor. Fidelity Go is available with an investment of as little as $10. There is an annual advisory fee of 0.35%, but Fidelity is currently offering the program with the first $25,000 managed free of charge.

Webull: Best for frequent trading

Webull is an investment app designed specifically for investing on-the-fly. It focuses on very specific investments, like stocks, ETFs, options and futures, while excluding others, like bonds and fixed-income securities. The idea is to have a streamlined investment platform for fast, frequent trading.

Webull also functions as an investment community. You can interact and swap investment ideas with other users on the platform. In effect, Webull has blended investing with social media, giving users access to their peers.

Webull provides advanced charting tools, more than 50 indicators and 60 technical signals, as well as a “paper trading” feature, which is a trade simulator, so you can test investment strategies without risking real money.

E*TRADE: Best for options trading

E * TRADE gets our vote as the best broker for options trading. If you make more than 30 trades per quarter, the per-contract fee falls from $0.65 to $0.50 per trade. Meanwhile, E * TRADE offers plenty of top-level options tools. These include risk/reward probabilities, customizable option chains, earnings move analyzer, preset scans, spectral analysis, Strategy Seek and Risk Slide. It also offers more than 6,000 mutual funds, making it one of the best choices for mutual fund investing.

Not to be outdone by the competition, E*TRADE also offers Core Portfolios, its own roboadvisor service. With a minimum investment of $500, the annual advisory fee is 0.30%.

One area where E*TRADE is noticeably weak is interest on uninvested cash. The APY tops out at 0.15%, but only if you have in excess of $1 million. However, you can take advantage of higher-yielding savings vehicles through accounts offered with Morgan Stanley Private Bank.

Ally Invest: Best for mutual fund investing

Ally Invest

It was a toss-up whether Ally Invest is best for mutual fund investing or for investing with online banking because the platform does both in abundance. On the mutual fund side, Ally offers more than 17,000 no-load, commission-free funds. That makes it ideal as a platform to invest in mutual funds, either as a trader or a long-term investor.

But because of its connection with Ally Bank, one of the top online banks in the industry, you can also take advantage of full-service online banking, along with online investing. Ally Bank offers a full range of deposit account products, as well as mortgages, auto loans, personal loans and credit cards.

Not surprisingly, Ally Invest offers its own Robo Portfolios: four of them to be exact. With a minimum investment of $100, the annual fee ranges between 0% and 0.30% per year.

TradeStation: Best for advanced investors

TradeStation

TradeStation is our top choice for advanced investors because the platform was specifically designed for brokers and professional traders. This makes it ideal for high-frequency traders, whether you trade stocks, options, futures or other asset classes. You can even trade futures in an IRA account.

The one downside with TradeStation is the lack of a true high-yield savings or cash sweep account. But that may not matter, given the wealth of investment tools and resources available on this platform.

TradeStation offers one of the most sophisticated trading platforms in the industry. That includes a simulated investment capability, so you can test trading ideas in real time without risking real money. You can also scan and monitor up to 1,000 symbols in real time, identifying unique trading opportunities with the RadarScreen tool. It includes over 180 customizable technical and fundamental indicators to help you up your trading game.

Summary: Our recommended online brokers and trading platforms

How we found the best online brokers of 2024

We based our ranking of the 10 best online brokers and trading platforms of 2024 on the following criteria:

• What each provider is best for.
• Fee structure.
• Minimum initial investment required.
• Mobile users’ ratings on The App Store and Google Play.
• The number of available account types offered.
• The selection of investments offered.
• High-interest savings option offered, if any.
• The availability of a sign-up bonus.
• The availability of margin trading.
• Quality of customer service.
• Availability of a managed portfolio option (with self-directed brokers).

How to find the best online brokers of 2024

To find the best online broker, we recommend evaluating each against the criteria we’ve used above to rate the 10 best online brokers in this guide. Carefully consider each of the criteria and match it against your own personal investment preferences and style.

Be careful not to give too much weight to any single category. Investing is a diverse undertaking, so you’ll need to look beyond a single feature, especially fees. Most brokers today offer commission-free trades for very low commissions, so fee structure largely cancels out. Against that background, what’s more important is that a broker offers the types of accounts and investments that will be a good fit for you.

You should also familiarize yourself with the educational resources and investment tools each broker offers. No matter what investor level you’re at — new, intermediate or advanced — new strategies and tools are always an important way to improve your investment performance.

Related: How to invest in stocks

Alternatives to online brokers

If you’re not interested in an online broker, there are three potential choices where you can buy and sell stock.

Direct stock purchase plans (DSPPs)

These are stock purchase plans that enable you to buy stock directly from the issuing company. Since the transactions are handled by a transfer agent, you can bypass a broker. DSPPs are usually offered by larger, publicly traded companies only.

Dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs)

These plans are usually offered in conjunction with a DSPP. They have the added twist that you can automatically reinvest dividends earned into more of the same company stock.

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)

These are plans set up by employers to encourage employees to purchase company stock. Employees must contribute to the plan with payroll savings, and can usually purchase stock at a discount. That discount holds the potential for a profit on the immediate sale of the stock.

The advantage of all three plans is that stock can usually be purchased without paying any fees. The disadvantage is that it will require having multiple plans with each company you want to invest in.

The AP Byline roundup: Is it time to choose a new online broker?

Even if you already have an online broker, it pays to periodically investigate the competition. Online brokers and trading platforms are evolving quickly as technology improves, but they’re not all moving forward at the same pace. Check out one or more of the online brokers in this guide, and see if one may be a better fit for your current investing style.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How much money do i need to start trading.

As you can see from the brokers listed in this guide, you can usually open an account with no money at all, and begin trading with just a few dollars. That can be as little as $1, or as much as $100, depending on the broker.

Can you invest a small amount of money?

Because of a trading feature known as fractional shares , it’s possible to purchase slices of stock and ETF shares. For example, if a stock is trading at $50, you can purchase 1/50 of a share at just $1. That will enable you to spread a $10 investment across 10 different stocks or funds.

How quickly can you start trading?

It varies by broker, so you’ll need to read the fine print when you sign up for an account. Most will allow you to begin trading within five business days after funds transferred into the account have settled. This number of days varies and can be faster or slower depending on the broker.

Should I just go with the cheapest broker?

No. It’s more important to work with a broker that offers a combination of low fees with the types of accounts you need with any investments you typically make. You should also be sure the broker has adequate educational resources and investment tools to help you become a better investor. Customer service is another factor that should never be ignored. The cheapest brokers often have the weakest customer service.

Is my money insured at a brokerage firm?

Yes, as long as the broker is a member of the Security Investors Protection Corporation, or SIPC . If so, your investments will be protected for up to $500,000 in cash and securities, including up to $250,000 in cash. The coverage protects against broker failure and does not extend to losses due to market factors.

Which college degrees are best? How AI is throwing a wrench in the debate.

The rise of artificial intelligence technology, including chatgpt, is looming large over college-goers while challenging popular assumptions about the value of some degrees..

Josephine Perl knows from experience that most college students pursuing humanities degrees inevitably get asked a version of the same question: What will you do to make a living?

It’s an inquiry the 20-year-old philosophy major at Boston University said especially troubles students like her since the launch of ChatGPT. Some predict the artificial intelligence-powered chatbot will decrease the worth of the refined language skills of workers with humanities degrees, credentials that have been declining for the past decade.

As AI has begun to reshape the job market, the types of jobs that could be most impacted by its rise to prominence are slowly becoming more apparent. Though research into the topic is nascent, there are indications that the career prospects for workers in communications and computer coding could be relatively more endangered than other professions.

For now, conclusions about which fields will be hardest hit by bots remain speculative.

“I suspect we’re going to be going through some sort of sea change,” said Manav Raj, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania who has studied ChatGPT’s effects on the workforce. "It’s hard for me to tell you exactly what those skills are that will maintain value.” 

The uncertainty is looming large over college-goers while challenging popular assumptions about the value of some degrees. The federal government at the same time is gearing up to slap fresh regulations on colleges to ensure students get their money’s worth.

The discourse will surely endure as students return to campuses this fall. But Perl, the philosophy major in Boston, hasn’t been deterred by what she calls the “hype” around AI. She’s been writing novels since she was 11 and hopes to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. She feels compelled to go after her dreams of becoming a novelist and wants to write the kind of young adult fiction she read as a kid – a skill she thinks AI won't be capable of simulating. 

Other philosophy students she knows are banking on going to law school. She considers that option at times, especially as a student who relies on scholarships to pay tuition.

“Some people are more concerned with being able to make a living," she said.

Are computer science degrees still a safe bet? 

The debate over which college degrees will translate into the highest-paying jobs has persisted for decades, particularly as enrollment in higher education became more widespread in the latter half of the last century. 

In recent decades, the skyrocketing cost of college and a crisis over student loan debt have forced students and families to consider more carefully which programs will give them the best results. This fall, the number of undergraduates studying computer and information sciences surpassed the number of humanities majors after years of the techies trailing behind. 

Six-figure median annual incomes aren’t uncommon for computer science majors who become software developers. New data published Thursday by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center also shows student retention in computer science programs was rising in the fall of 2022 when ChatGPT was introduced. 

Yet in the past year, chatter on social media has brimmed with anxiety-filled pondering over whether advancements in AI could render programming degrees useless. Some of that fear is understandable, said Todd Thibodeaux, the president of the tech trade group CompTIA, which tracks industry trends. 

He doesn’t think radical shifts in the industry will happen quite as quickly as some fear. But the brisk evolution of marketable skills will force students to be pickier about which colleges they attend, he said.

“Don’t go to a school where they’re using books that were written five years ago,” he said. 

All the hand-wringing hasn’t fazed Arpita Pandey, a 19-year-old computer science major at the University of California, San Diego. She chose the career path out of a lust for a stable job. There’s a familiarity to the profession, too. Her dad has been a software developer for more than two decades. Like her sister, who also studied computer science, Pandey plans to pursue a master’s degree to make herself more competitive in the job market. 

“Having entry-level coding experience isn’t really cutting it anymore,” she said. “We’ve had to start picking up new skills that AI can’t beat us at.” 

A lifeline for the liberal arts?

Even billionaire Mark Cuban, who made his fortune selling his technology companies in the early days of the internet, has waded into the discourse. The mogul has long argued that, in the coming decades, AI will bolster employers' desirability for students who study the humanities. In February, Cuban doubled down on that prediction. 

“I said this years ago and I’ll say it again, in an AI world, being trained in those liberal arts can be very valuable,” he wrote on X . 

College programs in the humanities – which includes subjects such as English and philosophy – have been in crisis for years. Since 2012, the number of students in those majors has declined precipitously , from roughly 240,000 to less than 180,000 a decade later, according to federal data. 

“There’s obviously a lot of cause for concern,” said Robert Townsend, the co-director of a project at the American Academy of Arts & Sciences that keeps tabs on the drop in humanities majors. 

Data indicates that students at four-year colleges who graduate with humanities degrees earn more on average than workers with just a high school diploma. And despite the often-opaque cost, undergraduate degrees typically set young people on the path to higher earnings over their lifetimes. (Whether other types of college degrees are worth the expense is a trickier subject.)

But return on investment is a complicated notion. Whether students and their parents ultimately feel they've spent their college funds wisely depends on many variables, including which school they attended and how much financial aid they received. 

Dennis Ahlburg, an economist and former Texas college president who wrote a book on the humanities crisis, tends to agree with the billionaire entrepreneur. More than anything, Ahlburg said, businesses value good workers who can think critically. 

It's hard for families to anticipate which degrees will pay off, he acknowledged – especially when the sticker prices can vary so widely. The advice he gave his 18-year-old son, who is headed off to college soon, was to study something he’s passionate about. 

“Life is often a hell of a long stretch to be doing something that you hate,” he said. 

Biden plans more college oversight

As the agonizing over AI continues, the Biden administration is preparing to implement regulations to hold colleges more accountable for providing degrees that set students up for success. The policies , which would force schools to provide more detailed information to students about whether certain programs are a wise investment, are commonly referred to as "gainful employment" and "financial value transparency" regulations .

A Supreme Court decision handed down last week weakening federal government agencies could jeopardize those rules, however, by making them more vulnerable to court challenges. The policies went into effect this month, though colleges will have until October to implement the reporting requirements.

Read more: Supreme Court curbs power of federal regulators, overturning 40-year precedent

By that time Katie Priest, a philosophy and communications major at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, will be in her senior year. A lot has changed for Priest since ChatGPT was first launched in November 2022. The app's arrival left her terrified about whether she had set herself on the right career path. 

“It was like the end of the world,” she said. But doing some research on AI with one of her professors calmed her nerves, leading her to conclude it won’t be able to fully replace her or others hoping to teach philosophy at the college level.

She hasn't fully escaped the technology's implications, though. Her mom relies on a crafting blog as an extra source of income, she said, and ever since Google introduced new AI features in May, web traffic to the site has plummeted. So has the money her mom was making from it.

Zachary Schermele covers education and breaking news for   USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at [email protected]. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele .

More From Forbes

How to find the right guidance to improve your financial literacy.

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Money shame can combine with a lack of financial literacy to wreak havoc on the finances.

One of the most common emotions connected with money isn’t excitement, fear or even uncertainty. It’s shame.

This shame around money can cause deep havoc to your financial well-being because it’s often mixed with another common theme for American savers: a lack of financial education and knowledge.

Both of these financial realities — lack of education and the shame around money — work in tandem to derail goals, drive higher debts and reduce the potential for long-term security . Yet, in the United States, financial literacy isn’t improving — and may be getting slightly worse.

According to the annual P-Fin Index conducted by the World Economic Forum , which measures a population’s money knowledge, the U.S.’ financial literacy rates have hovered around 50% since 2017. In 2023 and 2024, the rate dropped slightly to 48%. This figure captures basic financial education knowledge and doesn’t necessarily mean that people who have the acumen then knows how to apply that information to increase their overall security and wealth.

The area where Americans show the least amount of comprehension is in financial risk, while showing a better proficiency in borrowing, saving and consuming, according to the survey.

The lack of an increase in financial literacy indicates the shame people feel around money isn’t their fault. It instead could be due to a lack of education and resources at a young age to properly guide decisions as they get older. Instead of shame, it’s important to realize this fact and determine what type of resources you need.

Adults may have to seek guidance based on their needs. Here’s how to delve further into the financial void, and reduce the shame around what you were likely never taught.

Seek Out A Financial Therapist

Best high-yield savings accounts of 2024, best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

Financial decisions can sometimes seem obvious when looking at hard numbers. But it’s actually the impulses we have that impact what we do with money more than the calculations. These impulses may lead us down paths completely unrelated to what we want to spend money on, what we want to do in the future or even what we want to do today. Instead, it’s an outlet for stress or emotions that we have, which can include shame as well as myriad other feelings.

When managing this, the dollars-and-cents analysis will only go so far. Even with the knowledge of what to do, you still face these emotional pulls that put all your knowledge to the back burner. In such cases, you might need to work with a financial therapist.

This type of professional can help you manage the emotions you have around money, especially when there’s a psychological reason for the way they appear. A financial therapist can guide you on how to recognize these tendencies and find ways to manage them when they arise in the future.

For certain situations, no matter what a financial coach or advisor provides, it’s actually therapy that’s required to move you past your common financial pitfalls.

Find A Financial Coach

To help with the knowledge portion of the equation, you can look to a financial coach to help teach you the basics of budgeting and debt management.

These individuals will provide you with tools, resources and ways to think about how you spend, why you spend, what you can spend and develop a routine for such efforts. If you’re in debt, they can also help you find tactics to escape it and begin looking toward longer-term goals.

The other part of the financial coach job is education, which can help you close your knowledge gaps. To find a professional, look toward people with the Accredited Financial Counselor designation. These coaches will have taken some classes and education on the basics of finances, which provide guidance for the AFC credential.

A word of warning though: Anyone can call themselves a coach. You’ll want to speak to the coach, trust the person knows what to talk about and possibly see about a reference in order to ensure someone has been helped by your candidate in the past.

Hire A Financial Advisor

Financial advising or financial planning has become a catch-all for anyone providing any sort of financial guidance. But there are varying levels of help.

Insurance companies and brokerages have used the term financial advising to hire folks who guide customers into their own products, with very limited service beyond that scope. But other financial advisors have shifted the business to focus on education and guidance through tricky financial situations. For those with a lack of financial knowledge, this latter group is the one you will want to seek out.

When considering financial advisors, it’s important to evaluate how they’re paid. There are multiple business models in the financial space. Many fee-only financial advisors (of which, I am one) have built models that allow for the education component. For more rudimentary financial concerns, it’s not just about guiding clients but also teaching them how to do it themselves. Then, once the basics have been secured, it’s about moving along the conversation to more complex tactics and concerns.

To value the work, the type of business model will differ. There are some advisors who will invest for you, and others who use a subscription-like service. Others still do this kind of teaching through one-time plans.

To find the right one for you, look for a trademarked CFP professional, and ask how the person is paid. The good news is, if you find the right advisor, this professional can help you with the education component — and, in many cases, recognize the shame you feel in the process, putting you at ease.

You can find a fee-only financial planner in your area by searching databases like XY Planning Network or The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors .

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