As lifelong learners, we understand the importance of continuous education and skill development. In today’s fast-paced world, online courses have become increasingly popular, offering flexibility and affordability. To help you navigate the wealth of options available, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 websites for affordable online courses in 2023. From professional development to personal enrichment, there’s something for everyone.
1. Udemy: The Ultimate Destination for Professional Skill Development
- Our Top Pick: Ultimate Photoshop Training: From Beginner to Pro
- Pricing: A la carte ($12–$200+)
Udemy has emerged as a leading online learning platform with a diverse range of courses tailored to various professional skills. With over 773 million enrollments worldwide, Udemy offers courses from Instagram marketing to aromatherapy. Courses start at just $12, making quality education accessible to everyone. Discover why top companies like Adidas and Mercedes-Benz trust Udemy for their team’s learning needs.
2. edX: Prestigious College Courses at Your Own Pace
- Our Top Pick: Corporate Finance, Columbia University
- Pricing: Free–$25,000+ (online Master’s Degrees)
Harvard and MIT’s collaboration has produced edX, the only MOOC (massive online open courses) provider and nonprofit in the space. Partnering with over 160 esteemed institutions, edX offers a wide range of online learning options, from individual courses to online Master’s Degrees and professional certificates. Immerse yourself in high-quality education from the world’s top institutions.
3. Masterclass: Learn from Industry Experts and Icons
- Our Top Pick: Dr. Jane Goodall Teaches Conservation
- Pricing: Starting at $15/month billed annually (Unlimited classes)
Masterclass connects you with renowned experts in various fields for one-on-one learning experiences. Learn acting from Natalie Portman, scientific thinking from astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, or self-expression from drag queen RuPaul. With high-quality video lessons and downloadable workbooks, Masterclass offers an unparalleled learning experience.
4. Coursera: Comprehensive Higher Education and Certificates
- Our Top Pick: Modern Art And Ideas
- Pricing: Individual course (starting at $29/per course); Specialized program (starting at $39/month); degrees (starting at $9K/per)
Founded by two Stanford professors, Coursera has quickly become a go-to platform for online learning. With over 60 million learners and partnerships with more than 200 universities, Coursera offers a wide range of courses, specializations, and university-recognized degrees. Whatever your learning goals, Coursera has you covered.
5. Skillshare: A Learning Community for Personal and Business Development
- Our Top Pick: Graphic Design Basics: Core Principles for Visual Design
- Pricing: Free, Premium ($32/month or $168 annually)
Skillshare is an online learning community with over 34,000 classes covering design, business, tech, and more. With both free and premium options, Skillshare offers a flexible, accessible platform for learning new skills and connecting with like-minded individuals.
6. LinkedIn Learning: Empowering Professional Growth
- Our Top Pick: Time Management: Working From Home
- Pricing: Starting at $19.99/month (annual)
LinkedIn Learning offers more than 20,000 expert-led classes across various professional domains, including business, technology, and creative fields. With personalized course recommendations, gain valuable insights and improve your professional skillset.
7. Alison: Endless Learning Opportunities for Free
- Our Top Pick: Diploma in Project Management
- Pricing: Free, with optional certification fees
Alison is a global learning platform that offers free, high-quality education for everyone. With over 3,000 courses across various categories, such as technology, business, and health, Alison is dedicated to empowering learners and breaking down barriers to education. Complete courses at your own pace and opt for certification to showcase your achievements.
8. Codecademy: Master Coding and Web Development
- Our Top Pick: Learn Python 3
- Pricing: Free, Pro ($19.99/month billed annually)
Codecademy is an interactive platform that specializes in teaching coding and web development skills. With over 50 million learners worldwide, Codecademy offers a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and Ruby. With both free and Pro plans, you can tailor your learning experience to suit your needs.
9. FutureLearn: Collaborative Learning with a Global Community
- Our Top Pick: Understanding Autism
- Pricing: Free access, Upgrade ($54-$394), Unlimited ($279.99/year)
FutureLearn, a collaborative project between The Open University and SEEK Ltd., offers an extensive selection of online courses from top universities and cultural institutions. With a focus on social learning, FutureLearn encourages learners to engage with their peers, offering an enriching and interactive educational experience.
10. Khan Academy: A Nonprofit Revolutionizing Education
- Our Top Pick: AP Calculus
- Pricing: Free
Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Covering a wide range of subjects, including math, science, economics, and humanities, Khan Academy is perfect for students and lifelong learners alike. With personalized learning paths, you can strengthen your understanding and develop new skills at your own pace.
There you have it – our top 10 websites for affordable online courses in 2023. With such a diverse range of options available, you can easily find the perfect platform to expand your knowledge, develop new skills, and achieve your personal and professional goals. Happy learning!