Online Learning on a Budget: 5 Cheap (But High-Quality) Courses

If you're looking to learn something new without breaking the bank, you're in luck. There are plenty of platforms offering affordable online courses that provide great value. Whether you're interested in picking up a new skill, enhancing your resume, or just exploring a new hobby, these five options have got you covered. Let's take a closer look at some budget-friendly yet high-quality online learning platforms.

Key Takeaways

• Alison offers a wide range of free courses with optional paid certificates.

• edX features university-level courses, many of which can be audited for free.

• Coursera partners with top universities, allowing you to access courses at low costs.

• Udemy has frequent sales, making it easy to find courses at discounted prices.

• MasterClass provides unique courses taught by celebrities, though it's a subscription model.

1. Alison

Alison is an e-learning platform that comes from Ireland, and it's known for being super affordable. The best part is that they have a free tier (with ads), giving everyone access to thousands of courses. If you want to ditch the ads, they have paid options too, with monthly, yearly, and lifetime subscriptions. You can even get a certificate or letter of completion for a small fee.

Sure, it's not perfect. They don't offer degrees, and their support is pretty automated. But if you're just looking to learn some new stuff and you're on a tight budget, Alison is a great place to start. They've got a huge catalog, and over 3.5 million people are already using it. It's a solid option for affordable education.

I tried Alison last year when I was trying to learn the basics of Python. I didn't want to spend a ton of money, and Alison's free courses were perfect. The ads were a little annoying, but honestly, it was worth it for the price. I ended up learning enough to build a simple script, which was pretty cool.

Here's a quick rundown:

• Free tier available (ad-supported)

• Affordable paid tiers

• Certificates and letters of completion available

2. edX

Okay, so edX is another big player in the online learning game. What I like about edX is that it partners with a ton of actual universities. We're talking Harvard University, MIT, Berkeley – the real deal. This means you're getting course material that's often the same stuff they teach on campus. Pretty cool, right?

One thing to keep in mind is that while edX does offer some free courses, you usually have to pay if you want a certificate. And those certificates can actually be useful for showing off your skills to employers. I mean, who wouldn't want to show off a certificate from a top university?

edX is great if you're looking for something more academic or want to get credit towards a degree. It's not always the cheapest option, but the quality is generally very high. Plus, the courses are taught by actual professors, which is a nice bonus.

They also have executive education programs, which are shorter and more focused. I think they last around 6-8 weeks. If you're looking to upskill quickly, that might be a good option. They also offer a variety of courses in art, so if you're into that, definitely check it out. The certificate costs for those range from $90 to $300, which isn't too bad.

Here's a quick rundown:

• Partners with top universities

• Offers certificates for a fee

• Has executive education programs

• Some courses are free to audit

edX is a solid choice if you're serious about online learning and want something with a bit more academic rigor.

3. Coursera

Coursera is a big name in online learning, partnering with universities like Arizona State and Duke, plus a bunch of Fortune 500 companies. They're known for their university-level courses and even certificate programs. You can even work towards a full college degree online.

One cool thing about Coursera is their Guided Projects. It's like getting hands-on experience with an instructor showing you the ropes. If you're trying to get job-ready skills, whether it's a certificate or a degree, Coursera is worth checking out.

Coursera's a solid option if you're looking for something more structured and university-backed. It's not always the cheapest, but the quality is usually pretty high. Plus, the name recognition can help with career stuff.

Here's a quick rundown:

• Tons of courses from top universities

• Guided Projects for practical skills

• Options for certificates and degrees

4. Udemy

Udemy is like that massive online bazaar for courses. Seriously, they have a ton of stuff. I'm talking about a huge catalog with courses on pretty much anything you can think of. It's a great place to find something specific, but it can also be a little overwhelming.

One of the best things about Udemy is the sheer variety. You can find courses on everything from coding and data science to drawing and cooking. It's all there, taught by instructors from all over the world. The prices are usually pretty reasonable, too, especially when they have one of their frequent sales. You can often snag a course for around $15-$20, which is way cheaper than a lot of other platforms.

Here's a quick rundown of what I like and don't like about Udemy:

• Huge selection of courses

• Affordable prices (especially during sales)

• Lots of different instructors and teaching styles

• Course quality can be hit or miss

• No real accreditation or formal recognition

• Can be overwhelming to find the right course

I've taken a few Udemy courses over the years, and my experience has been mixed. Some courses were fantastic, well-structured, and taught by engaging instructors. Others were clearly thrown together quickly and didn't provide much value. It really depends on the specific course and instructor, so it's important to do your research and read reviews before signing up.

If you're looking to create a discount and coupon codes website, you might even find a course on Udemy that teaches you how to do just that. It's worth checking out!

5. MasterClass

Okay, so MasterClass is a bit different. Instead of thousands of courses, they focus on quality over quantity. They don't have as many courses, but the instructors? Think famous actors, directors, chefs – basically, the best in their fields.

The big draw is learning from people at the top of their game. Imagine learning filmmaking from James Cameron or cooking from Gordon Ramsay. It's pretty cool.

One thing to keep in mind is that they only offer annual billing. No month-to-month option here. But they do have a few different plan tiers to choose from. Also, don't expect to get an online master’s degree. It's more for casual learning and getting insights from experts. The MasterClass platform is cross platform, so you can learn on the go.

Each course is broken down into segments, usually around 20, and each segment is about 10 minutes long. So, it's easy to fit into your schedule. They even have trailers for each course, like a movie, so you can see if it's something you're interested in.

It's not the cheapest option, but if you want to learn from the best, it's worth considering. The production quality is top-notch, and the instructors are engaging. It's a different kind of learning experience, more like watching a documentary than sitting in a classroom.

Here's a quick rundown:

• Learn from celebrities and experts

• High-quality video production

• Comprehensive courses

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it! Five affordable online courses that won’t break the bank but still pack a punch in quality. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new skill or just want to explore a hobby, these options are solid choices. Remember, learning doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a bit of research, you can find great resources that fit your budget. So why not dive in and start learning today? You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alison and how much does it cost?

Alison is a free online learning platform that offers thousands of courses. You can take many of them for free, but if you want a certificate, there’s a small fee.

Are edX courses free?

Yes, edX offers many courses for free. However, if you want a verified certificate, there is a fee.

What types of courses can I find on Coursera?

Coursera has a wide range of courses, including topics like computer science, business, and arts. Some courses are free, while others may require payment.

Is Udemy worth it?

Udemy has many affordable courses, often on sale. The quality can vary, but there are lots of options to choose from.

What makes MasterClass different from other platforms?

MasterClass features courses taught by famous experts in their fields, like chefs and filmmakers. It’s more about learning from their experiences than earning a degree.

Can I get a job with an online course certificate?

Having a certificate from an online course can help show your skills to employers, but it’s important to also have practical experience.