In almost every part of the world obtaining a degree is expensive. You must spend on tuition, study materials, accommodation, and living costs in school. Many people would rather not spend money to attend a university, but alas, obtaining a degree is a necessity these days.
But what if I tell you that you can eat your cake and have it? That there is a way to obtain a degree without spending a dime? And I’m not talking about the traditional scholarships we all know of; I’m talking about tuition-free online degrees.
These degrees are accredited, online, and free. After graduation, you can add your degree to your resume and use it to find jobs. There’s nothing quite better than that. If you’re interested, read on to find out more.
Types of online degrees
Online degrees typically fall into one of two categories: Massive Open Online Courses or a university degree. Read on to find out the difference between the two:
1. MOOC
Massive open online courses, or MOOCs, are offered by a large number of institutions and universities for free online. In addition, there are several more free or inexpensive online communities and courses available from other sources. But rather than awarding you with a degree, some MOOCs could merely provide you with certifications for the specific skill you have acquired. The majority of prestigious schools and universities charge for their online degree programs.
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are open to all users and provide free online education. With MOOCs, you may expand your career, develop new skills, and provide high-quality, large-scale educational experiences in an economical and adaptable manner.
MOOCs are used by millions of individuals worldwide for a wide range of learning purposes, including corporate eLearning & training, professional development, career transitioning, college preparation, supplementary learning, and lifelong learning.
There are several MOOC platforms out there, among which include Coursera, edX, Udacity, Saylor Academy, Alison, etc. I prefer Alison and Saylor Academy to other sites as all the courses they offer are free. They award both degrees and certifications, although their courses are not as extensive as what you will find on Coursera.
2. Universities
With the speed at which technology is developing, more and more students these days are considering online education as a competitive option to traditional on-campus education. It could make it possible for you to study remotely at a foreign institution. Thanks to technological advancements, students may now do their coursework totally online while still interacting with their peers, attending lectures, and taking part in conversations relevant to their subject matter.
While some believe that self-motivation is more necessary for online learning, universities understand the importance of educational assistance and go to great lengths to guarantee that their students get the same levels of support as they would on campus.
Universities offering free online courses
To give you a glimpse of one of the several universities offering free online courses, I’ve compiled a list of six noteworthy universities;
1. Harvard University
Harvard University offers more than 600 free online courses. This is your one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to obtain an Ivy League education for free by enrolling in any one of the more than 600 free online courses offered by Harvard University.
2. University College London
One of the best universities in the UK, according to the most recent QS World University Ranking, coming in at number eight worldwide. They provide a large range of free online courses.
3. Georgia Institute of Technology
Since 2012, Georgia Institute of Technology has provided online education. Since then, 3.3 million individuals have taken advantage of these excellent courses on a variety of subjects.
4. École Polytechnique
École Polytechnique is a prestigious French institution that brings together academics, cutting-edge science, and innovation in research. There are 29 online courses available, 10 in English and 19 in French.
5. California Institute of the Arts
California Institute of the Arts is ranked 20th in the world for Art and Design in the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2020. The university offers several free online courses including a Graphic Design Specialization where the foundational skills required for graphic design are taught in this six-month course. Additionally, you will finish a project that may be added to your professional portfolio.
6. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
With the goal of advancing teaching and research in science, technology, engineering, management, and business studies, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology is an international research institution. They provide several free online courses.
Conclusion
Obtaining a degree doesn’t have to be expensive. If you cannot afford to attend a university and attain a degree the traditional way, then you should seriously consider obtaining a free online degree. You may have to do extensive research on your available options before choosing the one that works best for you. With a stable internet connection, you can realize your dreams and obtain a degree from the comfort of your home.
