Online College Courses

Students seeking lifelong learning for personal enrichment often take online classes from free online providers. Top universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT developed massive online open course (MOOC) platforms such as Coursera and edX. Learners can access these platforms for affordable learning opportunities. These easily searchable platforms offer online courses in most subjects.

Some colleges provide tuition waivers to local residents. For example, City College of San Francisco and City University of New York allow qualifying residents to enroll for free. Some online-only schools provide free courses. Our tuition-free online colleges guide outlines all the options. Learners who are not sure what they want to study can take courses from free providers before enrolling in a paid program.

Some public institutions offer in-state tuition rates to all online learners. As of August 2021, students at in-state schools spend an average of $9,580 on tuition each year. Learners attending out-of-state schools spend $27,440.

Enrolling in one of the nation's top public colleges gives learners access to experienced faculty and rigorous curricula at an affordable price. This option makes sense for learners who seek accredited degrees.

Two-year, in-state colleges offer the most affordable tuition. Enrollees pay an average of $3,370 annually at community colleges. Learners interested in earning a bachelor's degree can save money by completing associate coursework or other prerequisites at a community college before transferring to a four-year school.

Attending a private institution usually costs more than taking courses at a public school. However, enrollees gain access to elite alumni networks. In addition, smaller private schools can provide an intimate learning atmosphere. These schools offer lower student-to-teacher ratios and more individualized attention than large public universities.

Nonprofit private colleges and universities often cost less than for-profit private institutions. This is because nonprofit schools receive funding from grants and private endowments. Well-endowed private universities may offer more generous scholarships than public universities.

Some learners take classes at fully online schools, like University of the People. This nationally accredited, nonprofit institution provides free college degrees in health and computer sciences.

Fully online schools sometimes offer the most time-tested and cutting-edge online learning practices and platforms. However, quality varies by school. Prospective students should carefully evaluate newer online schools. They should also check accreditation standards and performance data.

The best online colleges possess regional accreditation. However, some possess national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Online courses can help learners earn college credits. Students may use these credits to complete college degrees or fulfill prerequisites for undergraduate or graduate programs. College credits transfer to schools with similarly rigorous accreditation standards.

Many careers require professionals to complete continuing education (CE) credits every few years to maintain credentials. Professionals can fulfill these requirements through online college classes and courses.

Health professionals, accountants, and engineers need professional licenses to practice. Many schools offer online degree or certificate programs that prepare graduates for licensure.

Students with unrelated degrees can take online courses to fulfill education requirements for professional certification. Many vocational schools offer online certificate programs in trades such as auto mechanics and cosmetology.

Some working students take online college classes and courses to hone professional skills and improve their job prospects. Learners in skills-based fields such as computing may benefit from single courses in programming languages or software. Companies such as Oracle and Microsoft offer online classes and courses for their software.

Working learners can boost their resumes through coursework that builds in-demand skills. For computing professionals, these may include cybersecurity or data analysis skills.

Working students may enroll in online college classes and courses to help them enter new fields. Learners can pursue online certificates in fields such as real estate, digital marketing, or construction management.

Associate degree holders sometimes pursue online bachelor's degrees in new fields. Bachelor's graduates can take graduate-level online classes to help them qualify for career changes. Both bachelor's and graduate programs usually offer concentrations that prepare graduates for specific fields or careers.

Students take online courses for practical purposes. They may want to complete a degree or advance their career. Some learners take online classes for personal reasons. They may be curious about a topic, or they may want to learn a new hobby.

Some distance learners become experts by taking many online classes in a given field. Others take courses occasionally to gain exposure to new subjects and ideas.