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10 Best Websites For Affordable Online Courses In 2024

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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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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.

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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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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.

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

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

• 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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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

Career Development

• Feb 2, 2024
• 16 min read

30 Best Websites for Online Courses You Must Try

Some of them are free!

Melina Theodorou

Career and Culture Writer

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

The workplace landscape is constantly reinventing itself. Indeed, with technology dominating most industries, many professionals have had to adapt rapidly to these changes by committing to  lifelong learning .

Luckily enough, online courses sites have made this process easier, giving people around the world the opportunity to  advance their careers  and secure the tools needed to succeed within their chosen professions.

Whether you’re at the  beginning of your career , looking to make a change or eyeing a  promotion , expanding your skills and knowledge is always a wise move.

Here are 30 online learning sites trusted by thousands of people around the world, to he­lp you get started.

1. Coursera

Free courses, paid courses and membership available ($59/month)

Founded by two computer science professors at Stanford University, Coursera is one of the most prominent online course websites around.

At Coursera, you can pursue a variety of specializations, professional certifications and online degrees offered by world-class academic institutions and organizations from all around the world. Be it a Configuration Management course by Google or a Financial Markets course by Yale University, there’s something for everyone.

With Coursera, you have the option to pay for individual courses or sign up for a monthly membership, while there are also quite a few free courses you can embark on, too.

Free courses, paid courses and membership available ($20/month)

As far as online courses websites go, Udemy has the largest selection of subjects out there.

With 57 million learners and over 210,000 courses on offer, Udemy is one of the most popular and reliable online learning sites available today. The site is home to a variety of online video courses, delivered by top instructors and experts across numerous industries. You can browse course options through different categories.

What’s great about Udemy is the diversity of options available at your fingertips. You’re afforded the opportunity to  develop your career  but also pursue other passions, from photography and baking to yoga , arts and crafts and beyond!

3. FutureLearn

Free courses, paid courses and membership available ($20.42/month)

At FutureLearn, you can find anything between short online courses, online degrees and microcredentials. The site partners with renowned universities and institutions to provide its online learners with an impressive course catalog to choose from.

Courses consist of pre-recorded video lectures and sections where you can join online discussions with others undertaking the same course!

Most courses are free to access for a limited time, but if you want unlimited access to the materials as well as your certification, you’ll need to pay for an upgrade.

4. MasterClass

Monthly memberships from $10

MasterClass is a unique product; where else could you take online classes from the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Annie Leibovitz, Serena Williams and Martin Scorsese?

The site gives you exclusive access to online classes by industry giants, sports legends and field experts who share their creative process, skills, industry secrets, and stories on their successes and failures.

You can pick from over 200 classes across 11 categories including arts and entertainment, business, sports, gaming and cooking, with new classes being added every month. Each course comes with a PDF workbook, and there’s also an option to download and watch your classes offline, too.

5. Domestika

Free courses, paid courses and membership available ($6.99/month)

Domestika is focused on developing creative online courses. Each course is instructed by an industry expert who will guide you through the process of learning a new skill or refining an existing one. Whether you want to learn more about calligraphy, 3D animation, sewing or Adobe software, there’s a course for all creative types .

You may choose to try a single course, or you could pick a ready-made bundle which consists of three courses that complement or build up on each other. You can also choose to assemble your own bundle.

There’s also the option of becoming a Domestika Plus member and benefiting from perks like access to thousands of courses at no additional cost, plus personalized certificates of completion. The site also has a featured projects page, where it showcases the finished work of its members.

6. SheCodes

Free and paid courses available

SheCodes has a noble mission: to decrease the gender gap in the tech industry. How? By offering online coding workshops to women.

SheCodes has so far enabled nearly 200,000 women around the world to broaden their skill set. You can enroll in different workshops, depending on how much time (and money!) you want to invest; durations range from three weeks to eight months.

All workshops, however, come with the advantage of live help and the opportunity to interact with instructors and other students in real time through Slack chats.

All courses on offer are for absolute beginners, and you have the option to upgrade to another package later.

7. The Open University

The Open University is a leading distance-learning platform. Its main objective is to open higher education to all, regardless of location or circumstances.

With the OU, you can undertake any type of course, including honors degrees, foundation programs, postgraduate diplomas, open qualifications and short courses.

The OU also offers its students a lot of flexibility, with 70% of its student body being in full-time employment . You can enroll either as a part-time or full-time time student and fit your classes around your own schedule without fuss.

edX teams up with leading academic institutions from around the world to bring its users advanced educational courses from every faculty and industry. Its programs range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the specialty you choose, and you can enroll in most for free. However, if you want to receive a verified certification, you’ll need to pay a fee.

edX also offers microbachelors and micromasters programs that are specifically designed to help with your career advancement or set you on the right career path. There’s also XSeries courses that can help you attain a deeper understanding of a specific topic and executive education courses that are meant to help  corporate leaders  excel in their roles.

Free courses and monthly membership available ($7.99/month)

Alison is another great platform if you want to upskill yourself. All courses are free, and with over 4,000 courses to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Once you enroll in a program, you can take as much time as you want to complete it, and you can keep track of your progress on your very own learner dashboard.

You also have the option to go premium, meaning you can pay $7.99 a month to remove all ads from your courses and receive monthly discounts for certificates and diplomas.

10. Upskillist

Monthly subscription required ($34.99/month); free trial available

Upskillist (formerly Shaw Academy) offers a wide range of programs, all of which you can sign up for free for seven days. Afterwards, you’ll need to pay a monthly fee of $34.99 to continue learning post-trial.

You’ll have the flexibility to plan your classes according to your schedule and the ability to stream lessons on your device, be it a laptop, computer, tablet or smartphone. At the end, you’ll have a globally recognized certification which you can use to advance or kickstart your career.

11. Harvard University

Do you want to study at one of the  best universities in the world ? Harvard University’s online courses give people the opportunity to advance their skills and enrich their knowledge on a variety of subjects.

Course duration ranges from one week to a few months, depending on the course you select, and while some will require you to pay a fee, others are completely free to attend. There are also different levels of difficulty, so you can choose between beginner, intermediate or advanced-level programs.

12. Skillshare

Monthly membership for $32

Skillshare is the perfect place to expand your professional skill set. Online classes are taught by teachers who are experts in their domain, and you can participate in interactive projects with others and gain practical experience while honing your skills. You can also join groups that are relevant to your interests and meet other like-minded individuals through the platform.

While a monthly fee is required, Skillshare gives new users one month’s worth of free access to its courses. You can also apply for Skillshare scholarships which will give you unlimited access to all classes.

13. LinkedIn Learning

Monthly membership for $19.99

LinkedIn is not just a  powerful networking tool . Indeed, LinkedIn Learning offers expert-led courses, allowing you to earn professional certificates that will undoubtedly make a great addition to your résumé.

You can join for free for a month, after which you’ll have to pay $19.99 a month to maintain access to courses. There are over 18,000 of them to choose from, with the catalog expanding each week, currently encompassing a wealth of subjects from image editing to management and everything in between.

14. codecademy

Free and paid plans available from $14.99/month

Ever wanted to  learn how to code ? Coding is increasingly becoming a key skill in the workplace, and something which could give you a certain edge over other candidates.

With codecademy, you can access step-by-step computer programming tutorials for free. Indeed, you can choose from various  programming languages , such as Python, Java, HTML and JavaScript, and receive instruction on subjects like front-end development, web design and machine learning. There are even free courses on generative AI and ChatGPT.

If you’re not sure where to start, you can take codecademy’s quiz, which will test your level of knowledge and come up with recommended coding courses for you.

15. Pluralsight

Paid plans available from $29/month

Pluralsight specializes in helping professionals develop the  skills of tomorrow  through their courses. You can pick between two paid membership plans: Standard and Premium. The former gives you access to a library of 5,000 courses, while the latter lets you view their full selection of 7,000 courses as well as exam preparation material for industry-leading certifications.

Through their technology skills platform, you can assess your current skills and gain the latest in software development, IT, AI, ops, machine learning and security. You’ll even be able to take practice exams and assess your knowledge gaps through skill assessments.

16. iversity

iversity’s courses are placed under four categories: MOOCs (massive open online courses), PRO, Espresso and Sets. The site has a quite diverse range of subjects, too, ranging from architecture to biotechnology and management to data analysis.

Bundle courses are a combination package of a course along with an accompanying eBook on the relevant topic. Meanwhile, the platform offers some courses in different languages , too, mainly German but also French, Italian, Portuguese, Serbian, Russian, Bengali and Spanish.

17. CareerFoundry

CareerFoundry’s courses have been designed to transform complete beginners into job-ready professionals. Their platform enables the development of in-demand tech skills, including how to use AI effectively and ethically, and it’s all available online at a flexible pace.

Their course selection includes digital marketing, UI/UX design, data analytics, web development, product management and product design.

What’s great about this platform is that it also lets recruiters and hiring managers browse CareerFoundry graduates when searching to fill vacancies. Once you complete your course, you can join a network of 7,000 graduates connected to employers!

18. Open Yale Courses

Free courses available

Though learning a new skill on Open Yale Courses doesn’t lead to certification, the online platform still provides access to introductory lessons taught by Ivy League scholars on campus. The courses comprise video, audio and text transcript files, and require no registration for viewing.

Depending on what interests you and what industry you’re hoping to work in , you could choose from courses in engineering, philosophy, political science, psychology, and more. Each course comes with suggested readings, past exams, as well as problem sets.

19. Udacity

Free courses, paid courses and memberships available

Udacity focuses on 10 main areas: programming and development, artificial intelligence , cloud computing, data science, business, executive leadership, product management, cybersecurity, career resources, and autonomous systems.

You can find numerous programs within these categories and enroll in nanodegree programs that take four weeks to five months to complete and earn certification for.

You may also find courses that are completely free, but the drawback here is that you won’t receive a certificate upon completing them. That said, Udacity does offer financial help and discounts for their programs, so keep an eye out for them!

20. Academic Earth

Created with the premise that everyone should have access to world-class education, Academic Earth allows you to join free online  courses from top universities  around the world.

You can filter your search by school, field of study and degree type, and watch recorded lectures delivered by renowned academics. You can also gain insight when selecting a degree through the site’s degree program directory, which offers essential information about different fields including job prospects, career growth and available degree options.

21. Reed Courses

Reed Courses lets you access thousands of courses online (around 100,000 to be exact), which can quickly be sorted and displayed by price, instruction level and the type of certification you may receive at the end. As far as subjects go, there is a truly wide range of courses to choose from on this platform, from math and sciences to humanities, languages, marketing, and more.

Some of the most popular courses on Reed include Microsoft Office skills , Python programming and data science tutorials.

22. Stanford Online

You’ve heard of Stanford, but what about Stanford Online? The private research university, which ranks third in the US News’ Best National University Rankings , has a dedicated online platform that teaches various subjects, including courses in artificial intelligence, energy and sustainability, engineering, business, and more.

The materials come directly from the university’s departments, such as the Stanford School of Engineering and the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences. Depending on the course’s focus, you may start learning on a self-paced schedule or be required to stick to a specific plan for the instructor-led programs.

23. Grow with Google

As of 2024, Google offers dozens of products and services that are used by more than a billion people around the world. It’s not surprising, then, to see that the tech giant has also created its own virtual classroom.

Google’s flexible online programs allow you to gain in-demand professional skills. Upon completion, you are awarded a Google career certificate which can be a great addition to your résumé . According to the platform, 75% of Google certificate graduates see a positive outcome within six months, be that landing a new job or getting a raise .

Subjects include project management, UX design and data analytics.

24. HubSpot Academy

HubSpot began as a developer and marketer of software products in 2006. Its Academy, which has so far attracted more than 165,000 professionals from around the world, has been described by TechRadar as “an industry-leading learning center for all things CRM” — though it certainly expands beyond that.

Today, you can find courses and certifications in a wide variety of subjects, like AI for marketers, social media marketing, email marketing, SEO and business analytics.

25. Drawspace

Drawspace is a website offering online courses specifically for individuals that want to build their artistic skills. So, if you’re tired of your 9 to 5 and dream of working as an illustrator or artist instead, this can be a great way to take your first steps towards that much-needed career change .

Of course, building a solid understanding of lighting, color use and textures in images can come in handy when looking to break into graphic design, too.

The learning platform has both free and paid courses, including realistic drawing techniques and portrait drawing.

26. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization created by MIT and HBS alumnus Sal Khan. It began in 2004, when Khan would tutor his cousin in mathematics over the internet. Soon, he started recording videos which he uploaded on YouTube for the rest of his family and friends to see… And seen they were by millions around the world within a few years!

Today, Khan Academy offers courses in multiple areas of study, from math and science to economics, computing, humanities, and even life skills.

27. MOOC.org

MOOC.org is an extension of edX that allows you to browse exclusively massive open online courses. These are open access courses, meaning they are entirely free and can be taken by anyone, anywhere. Some of these courses are even academic credit eligible, despite being accessible at no cost.

So, if you’ve been searching for an online learning platform offering free courses that can help you advance your career and broaden your skill set, MOOC.org can be the ideal place for you to look.

28. MIT OpenCourseWare

MIT’s OpenCourseWare was created to “unlock knowledge and empower minds”. It certainly does so by giving learners access to lecture notes, past exams and videos from MIT — for free.

The online learning library has materials that both aspiring and established tech professionals can occupy themselves with, including courses in machine learning, computer science and data science, just to name a few.

Bear in mind that MIT OpenCourseWare doesn’t offer certificates of completion. If that’s what you’re after, it’s best to check out the university’s online courses on edX.

29. SkillUp

Paid courses available

SkillUp’s mission is to “close the tech skills gap”, enabling professionals and businesses to utilize emerging technologies to grow and thrive. The courses cater to career starters, career switchers and career returners, as SkillUp names them, the latter referring to people who need to upskill following a career break .

The subjects you can study on SkillUp include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing and data science, to give you an indication of what you can expect to learn.

30. Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative

Regarded as one of the top universities in the US for subjects like engineering, computer science and business, Carnegie Mellon University has been around since 1900. Its Open Learning Initiative gives access to free and low-cost courses to both CMU students as well as independent learners.

Its online course catalog comprises language, sciences, mathematics, arts and humanities, programming courses, and more — truly something for everyone, regardless of what industry they work for and what change they’re looking to make professionally.

Final thoughts

Lifelong learning is a crucial factor for professional and personal growth. So, if you’re determined to advance your career and learn something along the way, these trusted online course websites will help you sharpen your existing skills as well as attain new ones.

Have you used any of these learning sites? Leave us your review in the comments section below!

Originally published on June 7, 2017. Updated by Electra Michaelidou.

Lifelong Learning

Courses and Qualifications

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The 10 Best Educational Websites for Taking Online Courses in 2024

Look to the web for learning new skills and gaining fresh knowledge

• University of Ontario
• George Brown College

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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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More From Forbes

8 free online software development courses in 2024.

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Software developers and engineers are in high demand across all industries

Software development is one of the most in-demand technical skills of 2024, and indeed, of the future.

In addition to software engineering, this skill ranks highly as one that is needed by employers to close the talent and skills gap, according to Springboard's latest report on the State of the Workplace Skills Gap . It comes in at fourth on the list of the top skills where there are major workforce gaps, being preceded only by data analysis, project management, and AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning.

It is expected that the job demand for software developers will increase by 25%—which is more than eight times the average job growth rate, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .

In the World Economic Forum's Job Skills On the Rise in its 2023 report , AI and big data, technological literacy, and networks and cybersecurity were ranked highly as skills that are set to shape talent demand and workforce trends over the coming years, making software development and engineering a necessity.

To make things a little more interesting, Coursera, a provider of online flexible training and upskilling courses for the workforce, revealed in its Job Skills of 2024 report that in the fastest growing tech skills, software development and engineering as relates to cybersecurity is most needed in 2024 and beyond.

For example, it makes mention of system security, security software, and cyberattacks as key knowledge areas for professionals keen on the this field to develop.

As relates to software development outside of cybersecurity, it appears that systems design and software architecture are the most essential skills that aspiring tech professionals should zone in on.

Netflix’s Best New Show Has A Perfect 100% Critic Score

Hurricane beryl strengthens to category 5 and moves towards jamaica after pummeling other caribbean islands—photos, will trump get felony conviction thrown out over supreme court immunity ruling here’s what to know—as sentencing faces delay., software development vs software engineering.

Before attempting to learn software development and software engineering skills, one question that might confuse you is, What is the difference between software development, and software engineering?

To clarify, ComputerScience.org states:

"One commonly cited model describes engineers as creators of the architecture that powers computer applications and developers as individuals who use that architecture to carry out programming tasks. In this sense, software developers function as a specialized subset of software engineers.

"Another model explaining the difference describes engineers as the professionals who conceive of and design solution-oriented systems. Meanwhile, developers apply technical skills to refine and realize those systems.

"To use a metaphor, think of software creation like a restaurant—software engineers design the menu, while software developers make the actual food."

It is essential to note, however, that these fields and roles do tend to have some overlap, and the skills and knowledge required, such as programming languages, frameworks, and libraries, are pretty much the same for both. Therefore the skills you learn in a software development course are highly relevant for software engineering, and vice versa.

Free Software Development Courses And Certifications For 2024

Below are some free online courses, most of which allow you to study at your own pace so you can acquire specific programming and technical skills relevant to software development and engineering.

Most of these courses, such as the Foundations of UX Design, come with a Google career certificate, evidencing your skills, which you can proudly share to your LinkedIn profile and resume.

• CS50's Introduction to Computer Science—Harvard University
• Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python—MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX)
• Git and GitHub Beginners crash course—Bluelime Learning Solutions via Udemy
• Introduction to HTML5—University of Michigan via Coursera
• Introduction to CSS3—University of Michigan via Coursera
• Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design—Google (part of UX Design Certificate) via Coursera
• Single Page Web Applications with AngularJS—Johns Hopkins University via Coursera
• Java FullStack Developer Specialization—Board Infinity via Coursera

You can learn software development essentials through self-study, to get your foot in the door ... [+] within your technology career

Start your career journey today and enrol on one of these free courses. It's better to start now than to wait until later and regret your choice. Learn these foundational technical skills, and they will last you a lifetime.

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ONLINE MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

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Get ready to make your mark. Prepare for your next career success — online, on your terms.

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U.S. News & World Report named Purdue among the most innovative institutions in the nation for improvements in curriculum, faculty, students and technology. 1

#9 Best Online MBA in North America

In 2024, the Purdue Daniels school was ranked as one of the best online MBA programs in North America by CEO Magazine 2

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Earn a data- and technology-driven MBA from Purdue, a top 10 public university in the U.S. Purdue is also ranked #7 for Best Value, delivering both quality and affordability. 3

Prestigious Alumni Network

Purdue is ranked in the top 20 for most graduates working at leading Fortune 500 companies. 4 Join our international network of 600K+ alumni making an impact.

About the Purdue Online MBA

Develop the analytical, strategic and problem-solving expertise you need to lead teams and organizations. Learn how dynamic global environments are transforming modern business, and gain the management skills to tackle new challenges, drive change and inspire others. You'll experience an AACSB-accredited, quant-based curriculum that empowers you to ask the right questions while turning data into knowledge.

The Purdue Online MBA Offers:

• Balance: While you can complete your courses online when it’s convenient for you, our program provides 1-on-1 support from staff and faculty who host virtual sessions and office hours.
• Community: Learn from our esteemed faculty in a connected, collaborative online environment, where you still get the full, immersive Purdue student experience. Join Purdue’s worldwide network of students from 135+ countries.
• Growth and Support:  Work closely with a certified Executive Coach from the Career Services Office who provides specialized support in achieving your career goals. You’ll also enjoy 1-on-1 guidance from a Student Success Coach who’s dedicated to your educational and career advancement.

Tuition and Fees

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$62,102.40 tuition for non-Indiana residents, including fees 5

$1,000 nonrefundable deposit required 6

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Purdue offers tuition reductions and scholarships for the Daniels School Online MBA to select individuals, ensuring that career advancement and personal growth are even more within reach.

For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or 877-491-0224 .

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Purdue News, Information and Highlights

Stay up-to-date on all that’s happening at Purdue University.

In the News

• Purdue Recognized as a Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Scholars
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• Purdue Offers Online MBAs in These 4 High-Demand, High-Paying Industries

Information and Events

• Learn More About the Mitchell E. Daniels School of Business
• Access the Purdue Business Journal
• Check out Daniels School of Business Events

About the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business

Part of a leading stem university.

Purdue’s Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business is part of one of the world’s preeminent engineering, science and technology universities. Our graduates are immediately prepared to contribute and possess the leadership skills to advance their careers, initiate progress and innovation in their fields, and build a better world.

Respected Internationally

The Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business' faculty , staff, students and alumni push the boundaries of knowledge and together solve the world’s most complex problems every day.

A “Brand That Matters”

For the second year in a row, Purdue was named as one of Fast Company’s “Brands That Matter,” a list honoring organizations for cultural relevance, social impact and clear, authentic communication. Purdue is proud to be the sole university and one of only 13 two-time honorees to join internationally recognized brands like Nike, Salesforce.org, Fender and other influential organizations who made the 2022 list. Come experience the Boilermaker brand of business !

What Our Students Say

"My Online MBA classes have immediately paid off in my day-to-day. It's been awesome to see things I learn in my coursework get put to use at work."

Meredith Simmons Purdue University Online MBA Graduate, 2022

"The Online MBA program offers group work in almost every course, which is where you get the opportunity to learn from your peers and learn about other roles or business industries that are out there."

Amanda Farrer Purdue University Online MBA Graduate, 2022

"What stood out to me about the program was the flexibility. I was working in a position where I was traveling a lot, and since the program is online, I could study from anywhere in the world."

Christian Coakley Purdue University Online MBA Student, 2023

Application Requirements

To be eligible for admission to this program, the following are recommended:

• At least 24 months of work experience
• The equivalent of a U.S. four-year bachelor’s degree
• A minimum GPA of 3.0

Application review emphasizes your work experience, prior undergraduate academic record and professional training. To be considered for the Purdue Online MBA program, you may be asked to complete an interview with the program manager, and you will be required to submit all the items below:

• Academic Statement of Purpose introducing yourself to the Admissions Committee ( view full details )
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal History Statement ( view full details )
• Professional resume with education, work experience and training
• Official transcripts for every higher education institution attended. Please note: All transcripts and/or academic documents uploaded by the applicant to the online application system are considered unofficial. Please order your transcripts to be sent directly from your institution to the Purdue University Graduate School at [email protected] .
• Interview feedback

The Online MBA is a rigorous program that requires quantitative aptitude. The Daniels School's online programs admissions team will look for evidence of this in your application via previous coursework. If you feel that you do not have sufficient evidence in your previous coursework to demonstrate this aptitude, you may want to consider submitting a GMAT or GRE score to enhance your application. The GMAT or GRE is not required for admission to the online MBA.

Online Application

When completing your application for the Purdue master of business administration online program, select the following:

• Graduate major: Management (MBA)
• An area of interest
• Degree objective: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Course delivery method: Distance (online or off-campus location)
• Fall 2024 Term: August 19, 2024 (application deadline – August 1, 2024)
• Spring 2025 Term: January 13, 2025 (application deadline – December 1, 2024)

Transcript Information

• All applicants must upload to the online application transcript(s) and/or academic document(s) for every institution of higher education attended. If a transcript and diploma/degree certificate is not in English, an English translation (certified by the college or university that issued it) must be uploaded.
• The uploaded transcript and/or academic document must be from the official version of the document. An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution.
• If personal identifying information such as a student identification number or Social Security number appear on the document, REMOVE THIS INFORMATION from your electronic version of your document or mark out the information in black ink before scanning your document.

All transcripts and/or academic documents uploaded by the applicant to the online application system are considered unofficial. Please order your transcripts to be sent directly from your institution to the Purdue University Graduate School at [email protected] . The Purdue University Graduate School reserves the right to require official transcripts and/or academic documents at any time during the admissions process.

Letters of Recommendation

• Two online recommendations are required for your application to be received. No more than two recommendations are needed.
• Recommendations will only be accepted through the online application (no paper recommendations will be accepted).
• We strongly urge (but do not require) that one recommendation be from your direct supervisor.
• Recommendations from friends, family members, acquaintances and other sources unable to evaluate professional or academic qualifications for MBA study are not acceptable.
• We require that recommenders submit the recommendations online (instructions to do so are provided within the online application).

Please note that we will not receive your application until at least two registered recommenders have submitted recommendations through the online application.

Required Essays

Academic statement of purpose (2-pages max).

The Academic Statement of Purpose is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to the Admissions Committee. In your statement, you should share information about your academic background and training, academic objectives and interests, and why you are a good match for the program to which you are applying.

View more information about the application statement .

Personal History Statement

Your Personal History Statement helps reviewers learn more about you and your potential as a graduate student. Your statement may include relevant information about your leadership roles, community services projects, participation in diverse teams, as well as any barriers you’ve had to overcome to attend graduate school.

View details about the personal history requirements .

Personalize Your Degree Plan

It's Your MBA on Your Terms

Design your own plan of study to fit your individual needs and goals. Graduate in as few as two years, or lighten your course load and take more time. For busy adults balancing work and school, it’s important to be able to slow down when you need to — or speed up when life allows.

You can also customize your MBA by choosing from a wide range of courses that best align to your career plans. Want to further hone your expertise? Add a specialization in one of ten high-demand areas, such as Business Analytics, Machine Learning and AI, and Digital Marketing & Analytics.

Additional Daniels School Master’s Programs

Whether you are an experienced working professional or looking to launch your career, Daniels offers a variety of graduate business options designed to suit your background and goals:

• Master of Business Programs
• Online Programs
• Specialized Master's Programs
• Certificate and Professional Development Programs

As Few as 2 Years

Program Length

3 Times a Year

Start Dates

100% Online

Learning Format

Ready to Take Your Next Giant Leap?

Notes and conditions - please read.

1 Innovative Institutions: Source: U.S. News & World Report, on the internet at https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/innovative

2 #9 Best Online MBA in North America: Source: https://ceo-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-Global-MBA-Rankings-All-Categories-.pdf

3 Top 10 Public University: The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, on the internet at https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/best-universities/best-public-universities-united-states ; #7 for Value: The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, on the internet at https://www.wsj.com/articles/college-rankings-list-2022-11632246093

4 Graduates at Fortune 500 Companies: Source: Forbes, on the internet at https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2021/09/04/the-universities-with-the-most-graduates-working-at-top-fortune-500-companies/

5 Tuition rate includes fees. Tuition and fees are subject to increase based on approval by the Purdue University Board of Trustees. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

6 Deposit is applied toward the first semester's tuition upon enrollment.