Free Online College Courses for Credit in 2022 - Best Value Schools (2023)

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Which is the best site for free online courses? ›

14 Best Sites for Free (or Cheap) Online Courses That'll Boost Your Skills
  1. ALISON. ...
  2. Udemy. ...
  3. Coursera. ...
  4. edX. ...
  5. Udacity. ...
  6. LinkedIn Learning. ...
  7. General Assembly. ...
  8. Skillshare.
11 Mar 2022

Does an online course certificate from Harvard have any value? ›

Yes, online courses at Harvard are worth it if you are looking to earn a reputable certificate from a world-famous Ivy League university. Harvard University offers tons of courses in the areas of data science, computer science, education, and business, and having an additional certification is helpful for your career.

What are the most valuable online courses? ›

The most in-demand online courses right now are in the following course categories:
  • Blockchain and Crypto.
  • Trading.
  • Video Production.
  • Graphic Design.
  • Photography.
  • Arts & Crafts.
  • Health and Fitness.
  • Personal Development.
13 Oct 2022

What online courses are available for free? ›

  • Construction Management. Construction Management (Short Co... ...
  • Communication Skills (Short Course) 47,822 Graduates. ...
  • Event Management (Short Course) 71,852 Graduates. ...
  • Fashion Design (Short Course) 78,654 Graduates. ...
  • Hotel Management (Short Course) ...
  • Management. ...
  • Recruitment Skills (Short Course) ...
  • Six Sigma (Short Course)

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.

Which is the best online course platform? ›

What are the best MOOC platforms to take online courses? Here are our top 10:
  • Cognitive Class.
  • Kadenze.
  • Coursera.
  • Khan Academy.
  • edX.
  • Udacity.
  • FutureLearn.
  • Udemy.

Can I get Harvard certificate for free? ›

Harvard University Free Online Courses with certificates are open for new enrollments for the academic year 2022. These courses are offered every year for all students, experts and professionals, and other learners.

Is an online certificate worth anything? ›

No matter the situation or perspective, online career certifications improve current performance and queue up success in the future. Pursuing certifications is always a good idea, but makes even more sense if: you're an employee searching for a new job. you're an employee looking to grow with your current company.

Is a Coursera certificate worth anything? ›

Are Coursera Certificates worth it? On the whole, yes. If you're seeking promotion, looking for a career change, or the skills you are learning are highly sought after, then a Coursera Certificate does have value and is definitely worth the investment. Coursera partners and course providers are world class.

Which app is best for free courses with certificate? ›

Best FREE Online Certification Course Providers
  • Coursera.
  • Udemy.
  • Edx.
  • LinkedIn Learning.
  • Udacity.
3 days ago

Which certificate course is best? ›

If you are looking for some good certification courses here is the list of the top 10 online courses with certificates to get high salary jobs.
  • Cyber Security. ...
  • Artificial Intelligence. ...
  • Web Developer. ...
  • Architecture. ...
  • Law. ...
  • Digital Marketing. ...
  • Data Science. ...
  • Financial Management.
14 Oct 2022

What are the most popular training courses? ›

Top Trending Online Courses
  • Data Science. ...
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. ...
  • Big Data. ...
  • Business Intelligence. ...
  • Cloud Computing. ...
  • Project Management. ...
  • Software Development. ...
  • Full-stack development.
6 Oct 2022

Which course is best to get job immediately? ›

Best Short-term Job-Oriented Courses
  • 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.

What course can I do in 3 months? ›

Top careers with three-month certificate programs
  • Medical billing and coding specialist.
  • Web designer.
  • HVAC technician.
  • Truck driver.
  • Licensed real estate agent.
  • IT support.
  • Brick mason.
  • Personal trainer.

What are the top 10 online courses? ›

Top 10 Online Courses in India from the Best E-learning...
  • Graphic Design.
  • Cyber Security.
  • Data Analytics.
  • Digital Marketing.
  • Social Media Marketing.
  • Programming.
  • Foreign Language.
  • Web Development.

Do employers care about online certificates? ›

We're here to set the record straight: An online degree holds just as much weight as a traditional degree. In fact, data shows that most employers don't even differentiate between the two types of degrees.

Are online schools worth it? ›

Online programs are absolutely worth it, depending on the student's circumstances. Contrary to popular belief, online programs are not easier than on-campus programs. Online programs aren't necessarily more affordable, but they can be.

Do free courses look good on CV? ›

As a strong potential candidate, it's your job to help them reach the right conclusion. When you graduate, your CV will need to showcase that you have actively considered your future career. An excellent way to do that is to use your time now to undertake different free courses which will help you boost your CV.

Which is the best online learning app? ›

Top Education Apps in India of Google Play Store
Free Apps
1BYJU'S – The Learning App BYJU'S
2Duolingo: Learn English Duolingo
3Hindi English Translator HDS Finance Holdings
4JoshTalks English Speaking App Josh Talks
96 more rows

Which online platform is best for students? ›

Being one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, Coursera has millions of students and partners with over 200 top universities and companies to produce the best courses across a wide variety of subjects. There are individual courses, certificate courses and university-level courses available.

What is the third most preferred platform for online class? ›

The 7 Best Online Learning Platforms of 2022
  • Best Overall: Coursera.
  • Best for Niche Topics: Udemy.
  • Best for Creative Fields: Skillshare.
  • Best for Celebrity Lessons: MasterClass.
  • Best for STEM: EdX.
  • Best for Career Building: Udacity.
  • Best for Data Learning: Pluralsight.
24 Feb 2022

Is Udemy for free? ›

Free courses on Udemy offer students a simplified learning experience. This simplified experience limits the features that are available in a free course compared to a paid course.

Is edX free of cost? ›

Users can audit almost any course on edX for free; however, to access exams or complete a verified certificate, they will need to pay a fee. For many courses, this fee is between $50 and $100. Other courses may cost more, depending on the subject.

Is Khan Academy free? ›

Created by experts, Khan Academy's library of trusted, standards-aligned practice and lessons covers math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP®, SAT®, and more. It's all free for learners and teachers.

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.

Can I get certificate from Coursera for free courses? ›

You can earn a Course Certificate for most Coursera Courses.

Does Coursera certificate have value? ›

Are Coursera Certificates worth it? On the whole, yes. If you're seeking promotion, looking for a career change, or the skills you are learning are highly sought after, then a Coursera Certificate does have value and is definitely worth the investment. Coursera partners and course providers are world class.

Can I use Udemy certificate in my resume? ›

Recruiters do not consider Udemy certifications a valid thing to include in the education section of your resume unless the certification is recognized both professionally and granted by an accredited institution. That doesn't mean Udemy coursework has no place on your resume.

Is Coursera actually free? ›

Coursera offers free online courses, many of them led by top colleges or companies like Google. Learners can access all course materials and there's a small fee for a certificate of completion. Coursera's online classes span a range of topics, from public health to resume writing.

Which is better Coursera or edX? ›

What are the most significant differences between Coursera and edX? Topics: Both platforms offer a diverse range of subjects. However, Coursera focuses more on professional training, for example computer science and business degrees. EdX offers numerous courses in the humanities and the natural sciences.

Can I get a job with edX certificate? ›

There are many possible jobs with edX verified certificates, and this comes with a whole lot of benefits. This online learning platform makes it possible to gain expert skill sets, network with fellow professionals, and offer learning materials for improved online learning.

Can you get a degree from Khan Academy? ›

Khan Academy is not an accredited school and work done on the site does not count towards a diploma or degree program. Khan Academy is best used as a supplement to your normal schooling, whether that is homeschooling or a traditional school.

Can I get IXL for free? ›

Yes, IXL offers a free app for students to practice skills and earn awards on an iPad or iPhone! If you are using an iPad, there's even a scratchpad to work out problems right on the screen—no paper needed. Download the app to get started!

Does Khan Academy actually work? ›

Khan Academy is a reliable and highly useful source of academic learning. While it caters specifically to students in primary school through the college prep phase, anyone with a hunger to learn can benefit from Khan.

What is better Coursera or Udemy? ›

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.

Do employers take Udemy seriously? ›

Udemy certificates are not always recognizable by employers. Udemy is not considered an accredited institution, which means courses will not count toward college credit or continuing education units (CEUs).

Which certificate course is best? ›

If you are looking for some good certification courses here is the list of the top 10 online courses with certificates to get high salary jobs.
  • Cyber Security. ...
  • Artificial Intelligence. ...
  • Web Developer. ...
  • Architecture. ...
  • Law. ...
  • Digital Marketing. ...
  • Data Science. ...
  • Financial Management.
14 Oct 2022

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