With the rising cost of higher education, many students seek alternative options to obtain a degree without breaking the bank. One of the solutions is to pursue a free online degree. But it is rare to find a fully accredited, traditional degree program offered for free online. This article will explore the top places to get a free online degree.
University of the People
The University of the People is an accredited online university that offers tuition-free degree programs. They offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration, computer science, education, and health science. The university has a global network of students and professors, and the courses are taught in English. While some fees are associated with exams and assessments, the total cost of obtaining a degree is significantly lower than at traditional universities.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT offers free online courses through its OpenCourseWare platform. The courses cover a wide range of subjects, from computer science to economics to physics. While these courses do not lead to a degree, they provide a great opportunity for students to learn from some of the best professors in the world.
Harvard University
Harvard University also offers free online courses through its HarvardX program. These courses are taught by Harvard professors and cover a wide range of subjects, including business, computer science, and history. While these courses do not lead to a degree, they provide a certificate upon completion.
Stanford University
Stanford University offers free online courses through its Stanford online platform. These courses cover a wide range of subjects, including computer science, engineering, and humanities. While these courses do not lead to a degree, they provide a great opportunity for students to learn from some of the best professors in the world.
Coursera
Coursera is an online learning platform that partners with universities and organizations to offer free courses. They offer many courses from top universities, including Stanford, Duke, and Johns Hopkins. While these courses do not lead to a degree, they provide a great opportunity for students to learn new skills and explore different fields.
edX
edX is another online learning platform that partners with universities and organizations to offer free courses. They offer courses from top universities, including MIT, Harvard, and Berkeley. While these courses do not lead to a degree, they provide a great opportunity for students to learn new skills and explore different fields.
Open University
The Open University is a UK-based online university that offers free courses and degree programs. They offer a wide range of courses, from business and management to science and technology. While some fees are associated with exams and assessments, the total cost of obtaining a degree is significantly lower than at traditional universities.
There are also a number of alternative options for obtaining an education at little or no cost:
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs):
Many universities and organizations offer MOOCs, which are free online courses that are open to anyone. These courses do not generally offer credits towards a degree, but they can still be a great way to learn new skills or gain knowledge in a specific area.
Non-credit online courses:
Some institutions offer non-credit online courses that are free or low-cost. These courses are often designed for personal or professional development and do not typically lead to a degree.
Open educational resources (OERs):
These are freely accessible, openly licensed documents and media useful for teaching, learning, and research. OERs can be used for self-study and are often provided by universities or organizations.
Alternative credentials:
Some employers and organizations recognize alternative credentials, such as badges, certificates, or micro-credentials, as a form of validation of knowledge and skills. These are often offered by educational institutions or professional organizations and can be earned through online courses or other types of training.
Scholarships and grants:
Some organizations and foundations offer scholarships or grants to individuals pursuing education or training. These can be based on financial needs, academic achievement, or other criteria.
It is important to check the accreditation of the institution offering the free degree, as it may not be recognized by employers or other institutions. It’s always a good idea to thoroughly research the institution and the program before enrolling.
A free online degree is a great way for students to save money and obtain a valuable education. With the increasing availability of free online courses and degree programs, there has never been a better time to explore the options available. By taking advantage of these opportunities, students can gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
