We’re spending more time learning and working from home these days, and now could be the perfect time to enhance your education with free online college courses for credit. Whether you’re currently enrolled in a degree program or you’ve decided you’re ready to go back to school, there are several affordable, flexible options for learning online.
MOOCs, or Massive Open Online Course, have been around for years, and hundreds of colleges worldwide offer these free classes to anybody with access to the internet and a computer. They cover a vast range of topics and learning levels, spanning everything from reviews oninteractive programming in Pythonto courses inhappiness and fulfillment. MOOCs have revolutionized higher education, making world-class curriculums available to everyone regardless of education level or financial status.
But while these classes offer unprecedented access to a college-level education, they haven’t always provided the academic credit to go along with it. Recently, more courses offer ways toearn credits for transfer: some completely free, and some for a low cost.
Free online college courses for credit
You’re probably wondering if you canget college credit for free online courses.Not all free online college courses or MOOCs are for credit, but there are several no- and low-cost ways to work toward your degree from your couch, kitchen table, or wherever you do your remote learning or working.
Let’s break down some of the different categories offree online college courses for credit:
- 100% free courses– These courses are entirely free of charge, and you don’t have to “buy” the credits you’ve earned for transfer to another institution.
- Pay after you pass– Many classes are completely free, but once you pass the course, you’ll have to pay a fee to purchase the credit so you can apply it toward your degree or transfer it to another school.
- Subscribe to study– Many programs work on a subscription or pay-per-credit basis where you pay a relatively low fee before taking a class and earning credit. These may be a good option if you can’t find a particular class that’s 100% free but still need to stay on a budget.
Where can I find free courses for credit?
There are many different online learning platforms that offer free college courses for credit and no credit. Several companies are well-known as pioneers of the MOOC movement, including edEx, Coursera, and Udemy. But over the years, many universities have joined the ranks, including Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale and state institutions, including Arizona State University and Charter Oak State College. Remember, most MOOCs and free online courses are not available for academic credit. However, some of these companies and schools have teamed up to offer completely free classes you can use toward earning your college degree, and they generally fall into one of the three categories you canbrowse in our list below.
How can I transfer my courses for credit?
Every school has a differenttransfer credit policyand process. The best way to know if a school will accept your transfer credits (from any type of program) is to contact the school directly and speak to an admissions advisor or transfer advisor. Usually, a school’s website will have a page with information specifically about its transfer policy, including the number of credits it accepts and other guidelines.
No matter which route you take to earn free or low-cost online college credits, it’s smart to do your research before enrolling. Only select reputable programs that are accredited or associated with an accredited school, and can verify that other institutions will accept their credits.Accreditationmeans a school meets specific educational quality standards. A school’s accreditation status may affect whether other schools accept credit transfers from them or if you’re eligible forfinancial aid.
There are thousands of programs available online, and we know the choices can be overwhelming. We gathered information on many different no-cost and low-cost MOOCs and online courses that can be applied or transferred toward a college degree for credit.Take a look and see which programs may be a great way to enhance your degree for free.
100% Free Courses
These college-level courses are free for anyone to take online (although some conditions may apply, which we’ve outlined for each class).
American Government
Available through:Modern States and edX
Course description:This CLEP course reviews the material usually taught in one semester of an introductory course in American Government and politics at a university. It covers topics including institutions and policy processes of the federal government, the federal courts and civil liberties, and political parties and interest groups. This program is part of Modern States, a non-profit that has aligned with edX as part of a goal to provide “Freshman Year for Free.” All courses, textbooks and materials are provided online and free of charge, and prepare students for the major Advanced Placement (AP) or “College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests offered by the College Board, which enable students to earn credits towards a degree before enrolling.
Application process:There is no application, and no prerequisites are required.
Credit information:Many schools accept CLEP and AP credits, which could save you tuition dollars. The College Board charges $92 per AP exam and $89 per CLEP exam, but Modern States is paying the test fee for the first 10,000 students, and military personnel can take the tests free of charge.
Course:AP Environmental Science – Part 1: The Living World
Available through:Modern States and edX
Course description:This course prepares students for the AP Environmental Science exam and is part of a comprehensive series focused on the living world and evolution. This program is part of Modern States, a non-profit that has aligned with edX as part of a goal to provide “Freshman Year for Free.” All courses, textbooks and materials are provided online and free of charge, and prepare students for the major Advanced Placement (AP) or “College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests offered by the College Board, which enable students to earn credits towards a degree before enrolling.
Application process:There is no application, and no prerequisites are required.
Credit information:Many schools accept CLEP and AP credits, which could save you tuition dollars. The College Board charges $92 per AP exam and $89 per CLEP exam, but Modern States is paying the test fee for the first 10,000 students, and military personnel can take the tests free of charge.
Course:Human Growth and Development
Available through:Modern States and edX
Course description:This CLEP course covers the fundamentals usually taught in a one-semester introductory class in developmental psychology or human development, teaching about infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging. This program is part of Modern States, a non-profit that has aligned with edX as part of a goal to provide “Freshman Year for Free.” All courses, textbooks and materials are provided online and free of charge, and prepare students for the major Advanced Placement (AP) or “College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests offered by the College Board, which enable students to earn credits towards a degree before enrolling.
Application process:There is no application, and no prerequisites are required.
Credit information:Many schools accept CLEP and AP credits, which could save you tuition dollars. The College Board charges $92 per AP exam and $89 per CLEP exam, but Modern States is paying the test fee for the first 10,000 students, and military personnel can take the tests free of charge.
Course:Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648
Available through:Modern States and edX
Course description:This CLEP course reviews the civilizations of Ancient Greece. Rome, and the Near East; the Middle Ages; the Renaissance and Reformation; and early modern Europe. This program is part of Modern States, a non-profit that has aligned with edX as part of a goal to provide “Freshman Year for Free.” All courses, textbooks and materials are provided online and free of charge, and prepare students for the major Advanced Placement (AP) or “College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests offered by the College Board, which enable students to earn credits towards a degree before enrolling.
Application process:There is no application, and no prerequisites are required.
Credit information:Many schools accept CLEP and AP credits, which could save you tuition dollars. The College Board charges $92 per AP exam and $89 per CLEP exam, but Modern States is paying the test fee for the first 10,000 students, and military personnel can take the tests free of charge.
Course:Communications and Networking
Available through:University of the People (UoPeople)
Course description:This course covers the fundamentals of communication networks, including the OSI model and different types of communication protocols, such as Internet Protocol (TCP/IP protocol) and basic concepts of the Internet. This course is offered as part of the Computer Science Associates Degree at University of the People, the world’s first tuition-free, accredited, 100% online American university.
Application process:Students need to enroll in the University of the People in order to take free classes. The application process is online and requires you to provide some basic information about your identity, education history, English proficiency-completion and score (if relevant), and a one-time non-refundable application fee of $60.
Credit information:Tuition is completely free at The University of the People. Many schools worldwide accept transfer credits from UoPeople, such as University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), a partner institution of the school.
Course:Understanding Barriers to Learning
Available through:University of the People (UoPeople)
Course description:This course covers the diverse needs of different students in a single classroom and how the single-classroom model can hinder learning. It covers challenges students may experience that impede learning, including physical and sensory disabilities and health impairments; cognitive, emotional, and psychological differences; and racial/ethnic, gender, cultural, socio-economic, and linguistic variability. This course is offered as part of the M.Ed. – Online Master of Education in Cooperated with the International Baccalaureate Program at University of the People, the world’s first tuition-free, accredited, 100% online American university.
Application process:Students need to enroll in the University of the People in order to take free classes. The application process is online and requires you to provide some basic information about your identity, education history, English proficiency-completion and score (if relevant), and a one-time non-refundable application fee of $60.
Credit information:Tuition is completely free at The University of the People. Many schools worldwide accept transfer credits from UoPeople, such as University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), a partner institution of the school.
Pay After You Pass
The classes in this category are entirely free to take online, and anyone can enroll. However, you can only purchase the credits you’ve earned for transfer after completing the course.
Course:College Algebra and Problem Solving
Available through:Global Freshman Academy from Arizona State University (ASU) and edX
Course description:This college-level math course prepares students for future courses in Calculus by teaching Algebra’s basics.
Application process:No application is necessary. Students can start the class immediately with no application or no fees.
Credit information:This class is a 3-credit hour course at Arizona State University and the cost to convert the credit is $600. Students pay for credits after they pass. Credits can be applied at ASU or any accepting university.
Course:Precalculus
Available through:Global Freshman Academy from Arizona State University (ASU) and edX
Course description:This college-level course teaches the skills needed for future Calculus studies.
Application process:No application is necessary. Students can start the class immediately with no application or no fees.
Credit information:This class is a 3-credit hour course and meets the Mathematical Studies (MA) general studies requirement at Arizona State University. Students pay for credits after they pass. Credits can be applied at ASU or any accepting university.
Course:Agile Development Using Ruby on Rails – the Basics
Available through:Charter Oak State College and edX
Course description:This course teaches Ruby programming language basics, the Ruby on Rails Model-View-Controller (MCV) development framework and other software engineering essentials.
Application process: There are no admissions requirements or application necessary.
Credit process:Students can choose to receive transferable credit only after they’ve completed the course. Credits are available for purchase at $100 per credit hour and can be applied at any accepting university.
Course:Agile Development Using Ruby on Rails – Advanced
Available through:Charter Oak State College and edX
Course description:This class teaches students how to become advanced Ruby on Rails developers by applying Agile techniques to enhance and refactor legacy code.
Application process:There are no admissions requirements or application necessary.
Credit information:Students can choose to receive transferable credit only after they’ve completed the course. Credits are available for purchase at $100 per credit hour and can be applied at any accepting university.
Course:Professional Writing – English Composition
Available through:MicroBachelors Programs for Undergraduate Education
Course description:This course teaches students how to effectively express their ideas through writing for various personal and professional purposes, audiences, and occasions. Students can take this class as part of the Professional Writing MicroBachelors program designed for adult learners who want an affordable, accelerated, and flexible way to earn their Bachelor’s degree while working.
Application process:There is no application process.
Credit information:After successfully completing a program, students can elect to receive academic credit from colleges and universities that have reviewed the program and agreed to grant credit for completion. Thomas Edison State University, a New Jersey public university, provides credit for most MicroBachelors programs. Each credit costs $166 after completion.
Course:Marketing Foundations
Available through: MicroBachelors Programs for Undergraduate Education
Course description:Students can learn the fundamentals of marketing and how to apply it in an overall business strategy. Students can take this class as part of the Marketing Essentials MicroBachelors program designed for adult learners who want an affordable, accelerated, and flexible way to earn their Bachelor’s degree while working.
Application process:There is no application process.
Credit information:After successfully completing a program, students can elect to receive academic credit from colleges and universities that have reviewed the program and agreed to grant credit for completion. Thomas Edison State University, a New Jersey public university, provides credit for most MicroBachelors programs. Each credit costs $166 after completion.
Subscribe to Study
Several websites require a monthly subscription fee providing access to hundreds of courses for credit. Some sites charge a flat fee that grants access to every class, while some charge a monthly fee and then costs for each course you take additionally.
Course:Introduction to Criminal Justice
Available through: Straighterline
Course description:This course covers the essentials of the American criminal justice system, including how laws are created, the structure of the court system, and how the American correctional system has evolved over time.
Application process:There is no application required.
Credit information:This course provides three college credits and costs $59. This fee is in addition to the $99 monthly membership that provides access to every course on the site.
Course:Medical Terminology
Available through: Straighterline
Course description:This course provides a review of medical terminology, including how to apply it properly and the spelling for major pathological conditions. It covers terms used for the integumentary, respiratory, nervous, reproductive, endocrine, urinary, digestive, lymphatic, hematic, immune, and musculoskeletal systems.
Application process:There is no application required.
Credit information:This course provides three college credits and costs $109. This fee is in addition to the $99 monthly membership that provides access to every course on the site.
Course:Business 107: Organizational Behavior
Available through: Study.com
Course description:This course teaches the principles of organizational behavior, including workplace ethics, conflict management, employee motivation, and career management, as well as workplace diversity,
Application process:There is no application required.
Credit information:This program has been evaluated and recommended for two semester hours and may be transferred to over 2,000 colleges and universities. There is a flat subscription rate of $199 per month, which gives students access to their College Accelerator program that offers ACE- and NCCRS-recommended courses available for transfer.
Course:Spanish 105: Spanish for the Workplace
Available through:Study.com
Course description:This course, designed to improve your Spanish skills, will also help you learn how to speak Spanish in a way that’s useful in the workplace and business world.
Application process:There is no application required.
Credit information:This program has been evaluated and recommended for three semester hours and may be transferred to over 2,000 colleges and universities. There is a flat subscription rate of $199 per month, which gives students access to their College Accelerator program that offers ACE- and NCCRS-recommended courses available for transfer.
FAQs
Do free online courses count for college credit? ›
Do MOOC's Count Toward Academic Credit? It's not common to earn academic credit through free online courses, but there are occasional exceptions. For example, if you are already attending the school presenting the MOOC, they may award some credit upon completion of the paid certification program.
Which is the best site for free online courses? ›- ALISON. ...
- Udemy. ...
- Coursera. ...
- edX. ...
- Udacity. ...
- LinkedIn Learning. ...
- General Assembly. ...
- Skillshare.
- Blockchain and Crypto.
- Trading.
- Video Production.
- Graphic Design.
- Photography.
- Arts & Crafts.
- Health and Fitness.
- Personal Development.
- Shopify Compass.
- Design Your Dream Life.
- PhotographyCourse.
- Google's Digital Marketing Course.
- Canva's Design School.
- Facebook Blueprint.
- Highbrow's Productivity Course.
- Asana Academy.
Coursera does not grant credit, and does not represent that any institution other than the degree granting institution will recognize the credit or credential awarded by the institution; the decision to grant, accept, or transfer credit is subject to the sole and absolute discretion of an educational institution.
How can I earn college credits? ›To earn college credits fast, consider your work and life experiences. Transfer credits, take accelerated courses, and use prior learning assessments to graduate early. AP exams offer students the chance to earn college credit and skip classes.
What certifications can I get for free? ›- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification Course. ...
- Web design by Udemy. ...
- Google Ads Certification. ...
- Google Fundamentals of Digital Marketing. ...
- Google Analytics Academy Courses. ...
- Free Code Camp certifications. ...
- AWS certification. ...
- IBM Data Science Professional Certificate.
More than 60% said that the experience helped them develop skills in a new job. Around 40% believed the course made them more qualified as job candidates. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship or a more traditional employee role, a free online course can take your expertise to the next level.
Which is the best site for online courses? ›- Reliablesoft Academy.
- Udemy.
- Coursera.
- MasterClass.
- Google Skillshop.
- LinkedIn Learning.
- Codecademy.
- Skillshare.
- Certificate Course in Finance Accounting and Taxation.
- Advanced Certificate Program in Data Science.
- Advanced Certificate in Machine Learning and NLP.
- Advanced Certificate in Blockchain Technology.
- Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication.
- PHP Certification.
Which app is best for free courses with certificate? ›
- Coursera.
- Udemy.
- Edx.
- LinkedIn Learning.
- Udacity.
- MBA & DBA. Executive MBA SSBM.
- Data Science. PGP in Data Science and Business Analytics Program from Maryland. ...
- M.Sc in Machine Learning & AI – LJMU & IIT M.
- Management. PMP Certification Training | PMP Online Course. ...
- Digital Marketing. ACP in Customer Centricity.
- Software Technology. ...
- Business Analytics Certification Program.
- Medical billing and coding specialist.
- Web designer.
- HVAC technician.
- Truck driver.
- Licensed real estate agent.
- IT support.
- Brick mason.
- Personal trainer.
- PG PROGRAMME IN PRODUCT MANAGEMENT. ...
- CYBERSECURITY CERTIFICATION COURSE. ...
- CERTIFICATION IN BLOCKCHAIN. ...
- PROFESSIONAL GRADUATE PROGRAMME IN BIOTECHNOLOGY. ...
- PGP IN BUSINESS ANALYTICS AND BIG DATA.
- Biomedical Engineering. ...
- Computational Linguistics. ...
- Information Technology. ...
- Big Data. ...
- Construction Management. ...
- Electrical Engineering. ...
- Drone Technology. ...
- Data Analytics and Business Intelligence.
There are over 200 universities partnered with Coursera. This means that both universities and possible employers will accept Coursera certificates, and hold them in high regard.
Do college credits expire after 5 years? ›Do College Credits Expire After 5 Years? The short answer is “no.” Most credits do not have an expiration date. Many credits, particularly core courses (such as composition, English, or language arts-based courses and history courses), may be able to be applied to a new degree program.
How many courses can I enroll in Coursera for free? ›The Coursera for Campus Basic Plan includes: Up to 500 free student licenses for each university or college. Unlimited access to all Guided Projects included in the Coursera for Campus Basic catalog per student license, per year.
How can I get 60 credits fast? ›- Accelerated Online Classes. ...
- Credit for Work and Life Experience. ...
- Job Training and Certificates. ...
- Military Experience. ...
- Competency-Based Education. ...
- Take Exams for College Credit.
- Accelerated Online Courses.
- CLEP Exams.
- DSST Exams.
- College Credit for Your Experience.
- TECEP Exams.
- Excelsior College Exams.
- NYU Language Exam.
- GRE Subject Exam.
How many credits is a degree? ›
To be awarded a degree, you must achieve: 180 credits.
Do online courses have credits? ›Yes, there are many free online college courses for credit that are accepted in most leading colleges and universities.
Do online courses count? ›Online courses are, in all the most crucial ways the same as those studied in a traditional setting. For example, an A Level course studied online will give you the same qualification as one gained from your local college. Providing the online college is appropriately accredited, of course.
Do certifications count as college credits? ›You can earn credit for IT certifications and examinations completed within the past 3 years. View a full listing of certifications and exams approved for transfer.
Does udemy give college credits? ›Additionally, Udemy isn't an accredited institution. It doesn't provide courses for credits, and you can't earn a college degree through Udemy. If you're hoping to get a college degree through an online learning platform, then Udemy isn't the right choice for you.
How long is an online college course? ›The length of online classes varies. Some can be completed in as little as five weeks, while others take longer. On average, online courses last eight to nine weeks, especially those offered through universities.
Are MicroBachelors worth it? ›Yes, an edX MicroBachelors is worth it. edX has partnered with multiple colleges such as Arizona State University, Thomas Edison State University, and Western Governors University (WGU) to provide these courses. These short-term graduate-level courses will help you gain in-demand skills and advance your career.
Are edX certificates worth it? ›Is edX Certificate Worth The Money? According to edX, some organizations and educational institutions may offer credit based on the verified certificate, so in this case, it is totally worth it. You can also add an edX certificate to your resume to show your expertise and attract potential employers.
Is doing free online courses worth it? ›More than 60% said that the experience helped them develop skills in a new job. Around 40% believed the course made them more qualified as job candidates. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship or a more traditional employee role, a free online course can take your expertise to the next level.
Are online courses real qualifications? ›If they are regulated and accredited by an awarding body, they are no different from those studied on campus. You'll have received the same rigorous level of education and an indistinguishable qualification upon completion of online learning courses.
Is online certificate valid for jobs? ›
YES! Degrees obtained through the online or the open and distance learning (ODL) mode are completely valid if you are applying for government jobs.
Do college credits expire after 5 years? ›Do College Credits Expire After 5 Years? The short answer is “no.” Most credits do not have an expiration date. Many credits, particularly core courses (such as composition, English, or language arts-based courses and history courses), may be able to be applied to a new degree program.
What's better a certificate or degree? ›A certificate is a good option if you are on a time constraint. Since many certificates can be completed within less than a year, students can start and finish sooner than if they decided to pursue a degree. On the other hand, if time isn't as pertinent, pursuing a degree can be a better long-term investment.
Is a certificate better than a degree? ›Degrees typically provide individuals with a greater depth of knowledge than certificates. Certificate programs usually focus on teaching students specific and practical skills related to that career field.
What is better Udemy or Coursera? ›Coursera is better for those seeking academic style, accredited certification. Udemy will suit those less concerned about certification who want access to a massive range of professional, as well as fun, courses.
Is Udemy certificate valid? ›Certificates of completion help demonstrate your accomplishments, but please note, Udemy is not an accredited institution. As a result, the certificates cannot be used for formal accreditation.
How much is Udemy certificate? ›About Udemy
The cost to attend Udemy ranges from Under $10 to $2,500 depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $100.