Archie MontroseHave you ever felt the urge to learn something new but then got discouraged by the high cost of classes or the inconvenience of attending evening lectures? I hear you.
As someone who loves learning but is also on a budget, I’m constantly looking for great resources to develop new skills without spending a fortune.
The good news is that you don’t have to give up your comfy pajamas for a traditional classroom to receive a top-notch education.
In fact, I’ve discovered some amazing websites that offer affordable online courses. Keep reading to explore these websites, and start your educational journey today.
1. Udemy
Website: https://www.udemy.com/
Udemy is a popular online learning platform with a vast course library covering diverse topics. It offers affordable courses and frequent sales, allowing learners to access quality content at lower prices.
Instructors on Udemy come from various backgrounds, providing a unique perspective on the subject matter. Udemy doesn’t offer certificates for completing courses, but you do get a certificate of completion you can share electronically.
Pro tip:
You can download lectures to watch offline and learn at your own pace. Many courses also include downloadable resources like cheat sheets and practice exercises to solidify learning.
2. Coursera
Website: https://www.coursera.org/
Coursera is a major player in online learning, with a vast course catalog of over 7,000 classes covering various disciplines. It stands out due to collaborations with prestigious universities and industry leaders, offering the chance to learn from top experts.
The platform provides free and paid options, unlocking graded assignments, quizzes, and certificates. It offers full-fledged degree and specialization programs from top universities, providing a structured learning path and credentials.
Pro tip:
Don’t be afraid to explore the platform’s filters. Many courses also offer peer-reviewed projects, allowing you to gain valuable feedback and showcase your skills.
3. Masterclass
Website: https://www.masterclass.com/
MasterClass is an innovative online education platform offering classes taught by renowned experts in various fields. The caliber of instructors is exceptional, from filmmaking with Spike Lee to cooking with Gordon Ramsay.
The unique opportunity to learn from iconic figures through pre-recorded video sessions offers unparalleled insights and the chance to witness techniques being applied in real-time.
Pro tip:
MasterClass classes are broken down into manageable, bite-sized lessons. Take advantage of this by actively engaging with the material to help you retain the information and maximize your learning experience.
4. edX
Website: https://www.edx.org/
EdX, co-founded by Harvard and MIT, offers many courses worldwide from prestigious universities and institutions. It focuses on career-oriented learning and provides thousands of courses to equip learners with in-demand skills.
The interactive nature of edX courses keeps learners engaged through quizzes, assignments, and discussions. Additionally, many courses offer the opportunity to earn certificates upon completion, adding valuable credentials to a learner’s resume.
Pro tip:
While edX offers free auditing of many courses, consider the paid option if you’re serious about getting the most out of the experience. Paid enrollment typically unlocks graded assignments, exams, and verified certificates.
Website: https://www.skillshare.com/en/
Skillshare is an online learning community that focuses on creativity and practical skills. It offers thousands of classes, from illustration to video editing. The site features a mix of free and premium classes, allowing users to explore topics before committing.
The platform boasts established professionals and industry experts as instructors, providing the opportunity to learn from the best. With a project-based approach, classes are hands-on, fostering a sense of community through comment sections.
Pro tip:
Use Skillshare’s curated collections and browse by topic or skill level to find something interesting. Download the class resources, complete the projects, and actively participate in the discussions to solidify your learning.
6. LinkedIn Learning
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/
LinkedIn Learning is renowned for its professional development courses, boasting over 16,000 courses created by industry experts across software applications, business skills, and creative disciplines like graphic design.
LinkedIn Learning stays focused on career-oriented content, providing a comprehensive learning experience. One unique aspect is its integration with LinkedIn, which links courses to your profile and showcases your new skills to potential employers.
Pro tip:
Download the mobile app to take your learning on the go. Additionally, LinkedIn Learning personalizes recommendations based on your current job title and what similar professionals are learning, ensuring relevant and tailored learning paths.
7. Alison
Website: https://alison.com/
Alison is a free online learning platform featuring over 5,000 courses in IT, health, business, personal development, and languages. Alison’s course formats include video lectures, quizzes, and reading materials.
Alison curates pre-defined sequences of courses designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of a particular skill or domain. These learning paths save you time and effort when crafting your curriculum.
Pro tip:
Alison fosters a vibrant online community where learners can connect, discuss course material, and support each other’s learning journeys. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, share your experiences, and learn from your fellow students.
8. Udacity
Website: https://www.udacity.com/
Udacity is an online learning platform specializing in tech skills and career-oriented courses. It offers Nanodegrees, project-based programs designed to prepare students for jobs in fields such as data science, programming, and artificial intelligence.
Udacity partners with industry leaders like Google, Amazon, and Facebook to develop their curriculum. Nanodegrees typically involve a subscription fee, but they often come with resume reviews and interview prep to help you land your dream job.
Pro tip:
Udacity offers free introductory courses for most Nanodegrees. Take advantage of these to gauge the platform’s teaching style and course difficulty before committing to a paid program.
9. Khan Academy
Website: https://www.khanacademy.org/
Khan Academy offers various subjects, including kindergarten math, AP Calculus, science, economics, and test prep. The platform presents content through engaging video lectures, practice exercises, and articles to reinforce learning.
Personalized learning is a key feature of Khan Academy. Students can take placement tests to determine their skill level at their own pace. The platform also tracks progress, allowing users to revisit areas that need more work.
Pro tip:
Khan Academy’s content is designed to be modular. If you’re struggling with a specific concept, you can find targeted practice exercises or videos to address it directly.
10. FutureLearn
Website: https://www.futurelearn.com/
FutureLearn is a leading online learning platform based in the UK. It offers over 2,000 courses and certifications from renowned universities and institutions worldwide. One of its distinctive features is its flexible learning structure through free and paid courses.
Free options provide access to core lectures, while paid subscriptions, such as “FutureLearn Unlimited,” offer additional benefits like downloadable content, certificates, and the option to learn at your own pace.
Pro tip:
Actively participate in discussions by asking questions and sharing insights. This interaction clarifies concepts and connects you with a vibrant learning community, enhancing your overall experience.
