Best Online Computer Courses for Free and Low-Cost Learning with Certificates

Embarking on a journey to enhance your computer skills through online courses can be a rewarding endeavor. With numerous reputable platforms offering both free and low-cost options, it's essential to choose the right one that suits your learning style and career goals. Here, we explore the best online computer courses with or without certificates, ensuring a thorough exploration of the available options.

Top Online Computer Courses Platforms

Coursera

Coursera is a leading platform that collaborates with top universities and companies to offer a wide array of courses. You can audit courses for free, but earning a certificate typically costs between $30 to $100. Features: Offers courses from institutions like Stanford, Yale, and Google. Includes a variety of topics such as programming, data science, and machine learning.

edX

edX is another highly reputable platform that offers courses from prestigious institutions, including Harvard and MIT. Similar to Coursera, it offers both free audits and certificates for a fee ranging between $50 to $300.

Udacity

Udacity is ideal for those who want to develop practical, hands-on tech skills. They offer free courses and their nanodegree programs, which typically cost between $399 to $1199.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a completely free platform, especially valuable for beginners. They offer a variety of computer programming courses, including JavaScript and SQL, making it ideal for those new to programming.

Codecademy

Codecademy offers free basic courses and a Pro membership for $19.99 per month, which includes additional features and certificates. It provides interactive coding lessons across various programming languages and web development.

FutureLearn

FutureLearn offers courses from universities and cultural institutions at a flat fee, typically around $39 for a certificate. They cover various topics including computer science, cybersecurity, and coding, with temporary access to free courses.

Alison

Alison is an excellent platform for those looking for free online courses in IT and software development. They also offer certificates for a fee, usually around $20 to $30.

Google Digital Garage

Google Digital Garage offers free courses on digital skills, including data analytics and programming. Upon completion, you can earn certificates from Google.

MIT OpenCourseWare

MIT OpenCourseWare provides free course materials from MIT's computer science courses but does not offer certificates.

Skillshare

Skillshare offers a free trial subscription, with a monthly cost of around $19. Their courses focus on creative and technical skills, including programming and web development, with a project-based approach.

Summary

When choosing the best online computer courses for your needs, consider the structured programs offered by Coursera and edX for recognition and accreditation. For hands-on coding, Codecademy and Udacity are excellent choices. For completely free options, Khan Academy and Google Digital Garage are highly recommended. Always read reviews and course descriptions to ensure the best fit for your learning style and career goals.