With the online learning space gaining traction, Coursera has become one of the most popular online platforms for students and professionals. This platform offers courses catering to numerous fields, and how much does a Coursera certificate cost?
In this blog post, we will uncover the subscription model of Coursera and the cost of obtaining a certificate from this e-learning platform.
Related: 7 Best Udemy Courses to Get a Job
What is Coursera?
Coursera is a U.S.-based massive open online course provider founded in 2012 by Stanford University computer science professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller.
It’s an online learning platform that partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer courses, certificates, and degrees online. The platform collaborates with over 300 leading universities and companies, offering learners access to a wide range of topics.
Coursera provides various learning opportunities, from individual courses to complete degree programs. You can learn at your own pace or join a course that follows a specific schedule. The platform offers both free and paid courses. Free courses often include video lectures and discussion forums, while paid ones also offer student assignments, quizzes, and a certificate upon completion.
Many professionals and students use Coursera to build job-relevant, in-demand skills. The platform features courses in business, computer science, data science, and more. Many employers recognize certificates earned on Coursera and can be beneficial for career advancement.
If you’re looking to gain new skills, switch careers, or earn a degree from a top university, Coursera might be a good fit for you.
Coursera’s Subscription Model
While Coursera is free to access, there are various paid-for options.
Firstly, you can audit a course for free. However, this option doesn’t provide access to graded assignments or a certificate.
Secondly, you can enroll in a course for a fee, which offers access to all course materials, graded assignments, and a shareable electronic course certificate.
Lastly, you can subscribe to Coursera Plus, which gives you access to all courses, specializations, and professional certificates available on their platform.
How Much Does a Coursera Certificate Cost?
Now, let’s discuss the cost of obtaining a Coursera certificate. The price of each course base certificate is $49, which varies from specialization certificates that could cost from $39 to $99 per course. Coursera also provides financial aid to those who prove eligibility, reducing the cost by up to 100%.
Coursera also offers a subscription service called Coursera Plus, which costs $399 annually, and gives you access to over 7,000 courses, specializations, certificates, and degree programs.
This subscription is an excellent option if you plan on taking many courses, as it dramatically reduces the price per course.
With Coursera Plus, you can take as many courses as you want, including the ones you were previously enrolled in, for a single annual fee.
Alternatives to Coursera
Several online learning platforms serve as alternatives to Coursera. Each platform offers a unique set of courses, teaching styles, and pricing structures. Here are some popular alternatives:
Udacity: Udacity offers courses, particularly in computer science and programming. It’s known for its nano degree programs that provide job-ready skills.
Masterclass: Masterclass provides courses taught by world-renowned experts in various fields, from cooking to writing to music and more.
Udemy: Udemy boasts a vast selection of courses covering a wide range of topics. The platform allows anyone to create and sell courses, leading to a diverse catalog.
edX: Similar to Coursera, edX partners with top universities to offer academic-oriented courses. Harvard and MIT sources founded it.
Pluralsight: Pluralsight focuses on technology and software development courses. It’s an excellent resource for IT professionals and programmers.
LinkedIn Learning: Lynda.com, now known as LinkedIn Learning, offers thousands of video courses in software, creative, and business skills.
Skillshare: Skillshare offers creative courses taught by industry professionals. It’s ideal for people interested in art, design, photography, and more.
Codecademy: If you want to learn to code, Codecademy is a fantastic resource. It provides interactive coding lessons in various programming languages.
Khan Academy: Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that provides free video tutorials and interactive exercises.
Articulate 360 and iSpring Suite: These platforms benefit those interested in creating eLearning content.
Each platform has its strengths and areas of focus, so the best one for you will depend on what you’re seeking to learn or achieve.
Conclusion
Taking courses on Coursera is an affordable way to learn new skills and improve your knowledge. Coursera provides various courses taught by professors from top universities.
The course fees are reasonable, and students can access financial aid if they meet the criteria. They also offer a subscription service that is an excellent option for people who plan on taking many courses.
With Coursera, you can advance your professional career while improving your knowledge and skills.