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Explore Free courses across various topics that provide foundational skills in areas like programming, data analysis, and digital marketing. Increase your knowledge or enhance your skills without any financial commitment. Verify a course is free by looking for the 'Free' tag on the course selection.

The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

Explore the Free Course Catalog

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace: Basic Level

Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Coursera Project Network

Business Analysis & Process Management

Skills you'll gain : Business Analysis, Business Process Management

Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Build a free website with WordPress

Skills you'll gain : Creativity, Web Design, Web Development

Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Introduction to Microsoft Excel

Skills you'll gain : Data Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Data Management, Leadership and Management

Python for Data Science, AI & Development

Skills you'll gain : Computer Programming, Data Analysis, Python Programming

Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Yonsei University

First Step Korean

Skills you'll gain : Culture, Writing

Investment Risk Management

Skills you'll gain : Leadership and Management, Risk Management

Yale University

Financial Markets

Skills you'll gain : Finance, Risk Management, Banking, Behavioral Economics, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Financial Analysis, Innovation, Regulations and Compliance

University of Pennsylvania

English for Career Development

Skills you'll gain : Business Communication, Human Resources, Human Resources Operations, Application Development, People Management

Imperial College London

Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success

Skills you'll gain : Creativity, Problem Solving

Peking University

Chinese for Beginners

Duke University

Introductory Human Physiology

Skills you'll gain : Health

Free learners also search

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular free courses.

• English for Common Interactions in the Workplace: Basic Level :   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
• Business Analysis & Process Management :   Coursera Project Network
• Build a free website with WordPress :   Coursera Project Network
• Introduction to Microsoft Excel :   Coursera Project Network
• Python for Data Science, AI & Development :   IBM
• First Step Korean :   Yonsei University
• Investment Risk Management :   Coursera Project Network
• Financial Markets :   Yale University
• English for Career Development :   University of Pennsylvania
• Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success :   Imperial College London

Frequently Asked Questions about Free

What types of free courses are available online ‎.

There are a wide variety of free courses available online across numerous fields and subjects. These include courses in programming , digital marketing , business management , generative AI , and data science . Learners can also find free courses in creative fields such as graphic design , music production , and writing . Additionally, there are free courses covering personal development topics like time management , communication skills , and emotional intelligence . Many of these courses are offered by prestigious universities and institutions, providing high-quality education at no cost. ‎

How can I choose the right free course for my learning goals? ‎

Choosing the right free course depends on your current knowledge level and learning objectives. Begin by identifying the specific skills or knowledge you want to acquire. Look for courses that match your interests and career goals. Review course content, instructor credentials, and learner feedback to ensure the quality of the course. ‎

What career benefits can I gain from taking free courses? ‎

Taking free courses can offer numerous career benefits, including skill enhancement, career advancement, and increased employability. By acquiring new skills or improving existing ones, you can stay competitive in your field and open up opportunities for promotions or new job roles. Free courses can also help you explore new career paths or interests without financial investment. Additionally, completing free courses from reputable institutions can add value to your resume and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional development to potential employers. ‎

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Our 9 Favorite Free Online Classes for Adults in 2025

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Free online classes expand your horizons, increase earning potential, and teach new skills. Taking online free adult education classes is a great way to succeed at work while boosting your self-esteem.

Here are our picks for the 10 best free online adult education sources.

Best for an Ivy League Experience: Coursera

Learn at your pace.

Take classes from schools like Princeton and Yale.

Video lectures and interactive exercises.

Peer-to-peer communication.

Must pay for certificates of completion.

Certificates aren't offered for every course.

Coursera offers thousands of free courses from respected and prestigious universities. It's the place to go if you're interested in college-level courses, but don't want to spend the money to enroll in a university.

These free courses don't generally count toward degree credit, though you might be able to apply classes toward a degree or earn a certificate that could boost career advancement.

If you want to earn an online master's or bachelor's degree in business, data science, public health, and more, Coursera offers affordable options.

Coursera's vast course catalog is sure to have topics that interest you, including courses to help you move ahead at work, boost your resume, or take a step closer to your dream career.

Best for Learning How to Code: Free Code Camp

Supportive community to aid coding journey.

More than 11,000 tutorials.

A searchable database of coding topics.

Choose the programming language you want to learn.

Offering are vast; may feel overwhelming at first.

If you're interested in learning how to code, Free Code Camp is an amazing resource featuring a community of programmers.

Learn to code, build projects, and earn certifications. There are thousands of videos, interactive coding lessons, articles, and an active community forum that offers project feedback, career advice, encouragement, and more.

Free Code Camp says more than 40,000 of its students have gone on to tech careers at companies such as Apple, Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. If you're looking to change careers, Free Code Camp is a great place to start.

Best for Professional Development: FutureLearn

Clean user interface.

Courses from accredited institutions.

Gain credit toward formal qualifications.

Need to pay certificates or to use credits toward degrees.

FutureLearn's offerings are similar to those of Coursera, but FutureLearn's intuitive interface makes finding ways to enhance your professional development easy.

Take an online communication or leadership course to strengthen your management style. Take courses to boost your teaching career and skills. Or, get healthcare training to improve your medical field job prospects.

Courses are free to join and learn from. However, you'll need to pay to get a completion certificate or to apply course credits toward a degree.

Best for Learning a New Language: Duolingo

User-friendly website and apps.

Gamifies learning a language to make it fun.

Audio, visual, and text learning.

Not all languages are available to learn from every language.

Subscription required for ad-free app experience.

Duolingo is a simple, user-friendly, and intuitive way to learn a new language . Its gamified instruction methods have you earning points for right answers, racing against the clock as you complete assignments, and staying motivated with rewards.

Duolingo says there's proof its method works, with 34 hours of Duolingo instruction equivalent to a semester of a college language course.

While this service is free to use through its website or iOS or Android mobile apps, upgrade to Duolingo plus if you want to remove ads and advance learning features.

Best for Small Business Owners: SBA Learning Center

Clean, organized, and easy-to-use website.

Every topic business owners might need.

Watch online videos or read transcripts.

May need to seek more in-depth information elsewhere.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a wealth of resources for aspiring, new, and established business owners through its SBA Learning Center.

This assortment of free online courses is grouped into 14 journeys covering major topics related to starting and operating a small business. These paths range from disaster recovery to partnerships and leadership skills.

Within each Journey you'll find excursions, which include videos about core concepts, talks from experts, and practice exercises.

Find courses for yourself and your employees to help understand and grow the facets of creating a successful business.

Best for STEAM Learning: Kadenze

An array of STEM class offerings.

Prestigious institutions are involved in these courses.

Browse courses by subject and skill level.

Upgrade to a premium level if you want a certificate.

Must pay for credit-eligible courses.

Kadenze specializes in education in science, technology, engineering, art, design, music, and math. There's a fascinating array of courses that range from museum education to creating comics to using machine learning in music and art.

To get started, sign up for a free account and then peruse the course catalog, browsing by subject and skill level.

Join many courses for free and learn at your pace, or upgrade to a premium membership for $20 per month to enroll in unlimited courses, receive grades and feedback, submit assignments, and build a portfolio.

Best for Educational Variety: YouTube Educational Channels

Excellent channels benefit students of all ages.

Find college lectures and famous speeches.

Free learning videos on every topic imaginable.

Wade through less-than-stellar content to find gems.

YouTube is a free source of rich learning materials, including curated education-related channels and content gems you may stumble onto as you browse the YouTube offerings.

Enter any subject into the YouTube search function, and you'll find hundreds of results. While you may have to sort through some questionable videos, there are many qualified instructors and experts on the platform. Find college lectures and public speeches, as well.

Some of the best educational channels to check out on YouTube include Crash Course , with educational videos covering everything from entrepreneurship to artificial intelligence to World War II.

The Ted-Ed channel has videos that convey complex topics in an easy-to-understand manner. And the National Geographic channel is a must if you're passionate about nature and the environment.

The educational opportunities are endless for inquiring minds of all ages.

Best for Name-Dropping: Harvard Online Courses

Variety of subjects.

Browse by subject and filter to see only free courses.

High-quality educational resources and instructors.

Free courses fluctuate.

Some may not be available when you want them.

If you've dreamed of studying at Harvard, make that vision a reality. Harvard has an impressive array of online courses that anyone can take, and many are free of charge. Free courses are presented in conjunction with online learning site edX.

Browse courses in Art & Design, Business, Education & Teaching, Health & Medicine, Social Science, and more. Courses range from one to 12 weeks, and you can filter the options to take introductory, intermediate, or advanced classes.

Pay for a Verified Certificate if you want an official course completion document. Harvard Online Courses also has an array of paid courses starting as low as $30.

Best Typing Tutor: Learn 2 Type

For beginner and advanced typists.

Lessons stored in your account.

Exercises for kids and tots.

Get a verified typing certificate.

Interface is a little cluttered and outdated.

Learn 2 Type is a perfect place to brush up on your typing skills , a vital ability in today's tech-centered world. Use this site to gauge your current typing speed and learn how to type faster for free.

This is a perfect resource for beginners and for those who can type but want to improve their speed and accuracy. It's great for adults and teens alike, and also offers Learn 2 Type for Kids and Typing for Tots tutorials.

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No matter your family’s schooling needs, we can help. Learn how you can transfer midyear! ​

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Why K12? The leader in online education since 2000, K12 provides personalized, flexible learning that helps students thrive. Learn More About K12

Elementary school grades k-5, middle school grades 6-8, high school grades 9-12, student life, student life when school is online, the possibilities are endless. find resources, have some fun, and get to know your k12 community. explore a day in the life, enroll ready to find the k12-powered school that’s right for your family find a school.

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Flexible Online Adult Learning Programs with K12

Discover a range of personalized adult learning programs that cater to both diploma completion and specialized certifications.

Earn Your Degree and Advance Your Career

Embrace K12 adult learning and unlock new opportunities with career training, diploma completion pathways, and personalized instruction to power your future.

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The Keystone School

The Keystone School offers personalized online learning that supports your goals, whether you’re finishing your diploma or advancing your career.

Career Training and Certifications

Have a specific career in mind? Our tailored adult education programs can help pave the way to your desired profession.

Top-tier Tech Training 

Land the tech job of your dreams through comprehensive boot camps, training, and career coaching — all from the comfort of your home and on your own schedule.

Get online training in software development, coding, and AI tools to prepare for a future tech career. Choose from full- or part-time courses tailored to your learning pace.

Tech Elevator

Jumpstart your tech career with Tech Elevator’s live, remote coding boot camps guided by seasoned industry professionals.

Unlock new skills and opportunities in healthcare and IT with MedCerts’ specialized online training programs designed to fast-track your career growth and success.

Prepare for a career in the medical field with hands-on training, expert-led lectures, and job placement support.

Gain the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape with confidence, and open doors to a range of IT careers.

Elevate your career prospects with online networking support that connects you to your dream opportunities.

As an online platform for professionals, Tallo helps you land jobs and jumpstart your career journey. Connect with industry-leading companies to find your perfect position.

Pathful Connect

Pathful Connect offers a dynamic platform that provides access to virtual job shadows and live career events, allowing you to explore a diverse range of career options.

It’s easy to reach out, chat, or watch a demo to learn K12 can work for you.

The 15 Best Online Educational Websites Now for Adult Learners

Online schooling is not just for kids! One of the trends that emerged early in the coronavirus pandemic lockdown was adult learners seeking out ways to educate and enrich themselves while working and sheltering in place at home. It’s a phenomenon that seems to have staying power.  But what are the best online learning platforms for adults? Our correspondent Abbie Greenbaum  has curated a list of the 15 best online learning classes, platforms and educational websites for adults, including art class, music instruction, academic lectures and more. Time to get smart, dear reader.

back to school season is not just for kids

More than two years into the pandemic, some quarantine activities have all but faded from memory ( we miss you, banana bread ). But others – like Zoom, handicrafts, baking and remote work – have become a permanent fixture in our everyday lives.

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Take, for instance, online learning. Before the pandemic, we never would have dreamed that there were so many ways to learn from home.  Now we know that there are hundreds, and that most of them are much easier to access than you might think.

Best online learning classes, platforms and educational websites for adults, including art, cooking, academic lectures, gardening and more.

Whether you want to become a better crafter, a better writer, or a better businessperson (or if you’d simply like to study up on a specific subject), there are many ways to get started. No matter your budget, your schedule, or your hours available.

So, in honor of back to school season, we’re celebrating adult learners. Here are fifteen of our favorite online learning platforms and educational websites for adults  – ’cause why should kids have all the fun?

What are the Best Online Learning Platforms for Adults?

1. masterclass.

Masterclass outshines the competition in at least one arena- they have the most famous celebrities turned teachers out of any other platform . Whether you choose to learn about conservation from Dr. Jane Goodall, acting from Natalie Portman, or basketball skills from Stephen Curry, complete access to all classes is available for $15/month . The classes are in the form of sequential video lectures that total anywhere from two to five hours. Think a cross between TED Talk and documentary style confessional.

2. Coursera

Coursera   offers nearly 2,000 free adult education courses from some of the world’s most respected and prestigious universities. It is the place to go if you might be interested in a degree or advancing your career . But there’s also plenty to satisfy the person who always regretted not taking art history or philosophy in college. Choose from “What is Contemporary Art?” taught by curators from the Museum of Modern Art or study Game Theory from economics and computer science professors at Stanford. Because all the classes are pre-recorded , you can start whenever it is convenient and go at your own pace. Did we mention that many of the classes are free? There is also financial aid available for those that are not.

With almost 200,000 online video courses,  Udemy  must have one of the  world’s largest libraries of online learning. And there are new additions every month . The content is taught by experts in the field and in addition to  catering to individual learners,  the site has also been tapped by businesses such as Adidas, Kaiser Permamente, and General Mills to provide educational services to their employees. The interface is one of the  easiest and cleanest to navigate  which will keep you inspired and wanting to take more classes – from personal development to photography to coding.  Fees are based per course.

what are the best online learning classes, academic lectures and educational websites for adults?

4. Skillshare

For the  creatively minded,  Skillshare  touts teachers who are icons and experts in the  visual arts,  publishing and design – as well as an online community for support and networking. Members can share their work with one another and get instant feedback through likes and comments. And they can also join  medium specific groups  – like “Watercolor Enthusiasts” or “Creative Business Owners.” Expand your network while learning  at the same time. Membership starts at  $ 8.99 a month or $99 for an annual plan .

5. Creative Live

Creative Live   differentiates itself from the other online art class for adults competitors by offering free live classes daily . You can choose between pre-recorded lessons on demand, or you can see what is “on air” on the day you’d like to take a class. Learn about photography, creative writing, or even how to build your own tote bag. You can also study up on some practical life skills, like how to interview for a job. Access starts at $15/month or $149 billed annually, and grants you lessons with Pulitzer Prize winners, best-selling authors, and handpicked experts .

6. The Great Courses 

The Great Courses  produces  college-level classes  taught by college professors (and came to our attention after reading that it is one of Bill Gates’ favorite sources for great lectures). The courses are available as videos-on-demand, and as DVDs. You can also listen on Audible – perfect for a long road trip . Each course also includes a printed guidebook with photos and illustrations, suggestion readings, and questions to consider. Choose from relevant topics like  America’s Long Struggle Against Slavery  or  The Economics of Uncertainty .

what are the best online learning classes, art class, academic lectures and educational websites for adults?

7. Harvard Extension

If you’ve always wanted to say you went to Harvard, consider the  Harvard Extension School .  It was founded with the mission to create an  affordable way for any motivated student to take courses at Harvard . There are a collection of  free videotaped lectures from  illustrious Harvard professors on American poetry, Abstract Algebra, and Buddhism, amongst others. There is also an option in some classes to obtain a  certificate of completion for an affordable fee . Courses differ in length – but are usually a minimum of one-week – and there are free options available.

8. Open Yale Courses 

Open Yale Courses provides lectures and other materials from selected Yale College courses to the public free of charge . Courses span the full range of liberal arts disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and physical and biological sciences. Each course includes a full set of class lectures produced in high-quality video accompanied by such other course materials as syllabi, suggested readings, exams, and problem sets. The lectures are available as downloadable videos , and an audio-only version is also offered. In addition, searchable transcripts of each lecture are provided. While the breadth of courses may not be as large as some of the other sites, we found it to be one of the most comprehensive, resembling a true undergraduate college course .

The TED-Talk empire hardly needs an introduction and the TED-Ed initiative makes short video lessons worth sharing, aimed at life long learners, young and old . Within TED-Ed’s growing library of lessons, you will find carefully curated educational videos, many of which are collaborations between educators and animators . You won’t get a fully immersive and in-depth class here but it’s perfect for sparking your curiosity about thousands of things you’ve always wondered about like “How does alcohol make you drunk?” , “ Why do American’s Vote on Tuesdays?” , or “How to Build an Antiracist World” .

10. Duolingo 

There is a lot of competition out there for online foreign language learning platforms . We chose Duolingo as our preferred site because quite simply, it makes learning fun . Users first choose between 30+ languages and decide on how many minutes a day they are willing to commit. After taking a short placement test , the attractive and intuitive interface prompts learners to play games, earn coins and unlock new levels by mastering skills . Imagine ditching your addictive iPhone game and replacing it with a new language for the price of a two lattes.

What are the best online learning classes, art class, academic lectures and educational websites for adults?

11. Crash Course

If you’re looking for the best place on the internet, head to Crash Course. We’re not surprised that the learning platform is such a good time – it was founded by bestselling novelists John and Hank Green, whose backgrounds in vlogging (and novel-writing) probably taught them a thing or two about how to create engaging lessons. Since its early days, Crash Course has expanded to include dozens of topics, with courses taught by experts in h istory, science, math, and literature, as well as topics like artificial intelligence, media literacy, and mythology. Learn something new, or brush up on an old topic that you may have forgotten. There are classes for all ages, they’re fun to watch, and they’re all completely free.

12. Romance Writing Workshop

Have you always wanted to write a romance novel, but struggled to know where to start? Beginning this October, beloved podcast hosts Vanessa Zoltan and Ariana Nedelman ( Hot and Bothered, Harry Potter and the Sacred Text ) will host a weekly romance novel workshop. (And if you’ve ever listened to any of their podcasts , then you’ll know that this is an experience you don’t want to miss). They will guide attendees through outlining, character creations, and more, so that you don’t have to go through the novel-writing process alone. Class will meet on Saturday mornings at 11 am , and will last for eight weeks. Tuition is sliding scale, $300- $500.

13. Catapult

You probably already know Catapult. They are famously one of the best places to go to learn to write, and to learn to write well. And lucky for us, many of their classes are available online. Whether you’re trying to write short stories, personal essays, or book reviews, chances are their course catalogue has what you’re looking for. And best of all, many of their online classes meet live – so you’ll be connecting with real people and learning alongside one another, even though you’re on your computer. (And of course, there are also self-guided courses). Look online for an extensive list of courses, meeting schedules, and prices, which range from $15 to $1,999.

14. The Urban Farm

If you developed a green thumb during the pandemic, we couldn’t be happier for you. But if you’re someone who hasn’t had the chance to do any gardening yet (and you’d like to) – guess what? There’s still time. And The Urban Farm is here to help. They offer a range of online classes for novice and expert gardeners alike, but if you’re just getting started, you may want to try Jump Start Your Urban Farm ($97). You’ll learn how to design and observe your green space, and you’ll be given exclusive access to a community of urban farmers.

15. America’s Test Kitchen

America’s Test Kitchen is here to help you become the kind of at-home chef you’ve always wanted to be. As well as offering recipe lessons, technique lessons, and “cooking basics” lessons – with videos that are searchable by difficulty, by main ingredient, and by recipe type – they also host an online cooking school for those who are really ready to take things to the next level. A standard membership is $39.95/year , while cooking school tuition is $39.95/month – and includes access to renowned test kitchen instructors.

Back to school is not only for the month of September – and not just for the kiddos. If you’re up for it, these 15 adult learning platforms and educational websites make an enriching activity for lifelong learners. W hether you’re taking an online art class for adults, or music instruction, or listening to an academic lecture on a topic that intrigues you. The only real question, dear reader: which one are you going to take first?

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This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links. 

Abbie Martin Greenbaum  grew up in New York City and currently lives in Brooklyn, where she drinks a lot of coffee and matches roommates together for a living.  At Oberlin College, she studied English and Cinema , which are still two of her favorite things, along with dessert and musical theater. She believes in magic.

Abbie Martin Greenbaum

Abbie Martin Greenbaum is a writer, reader, and pop culture connoisseur, who loves storytelling, coffee, and dessert. Her work has also appeared in Playbill.

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Top 10 Free Online College Courses 2024

Find your perfect school.

Author: Melissa Anderson, MS.Ed. / Reading level: Grade 9 / First covered: September 2021

Key Takeaways:

• Free online courses cover a wide range of subjects , including nutrition, justice, marketing, and cryptocurrency.
• Major platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer these courses , providing access to quality education globally.
• These courses offer personal and professional development , with flexible schedules and options for certificates at low costs.

Technological advancement in online learning is one thing, but to make online education truly accessible to everyone, financial barriers must be removed. In 2011, the first free online college courses were unveiled. One of these courses, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, taught by Stanford professors Peter Norvig and Sebastien Thrun, garnered enrollment from more than 160,000 students across the globe. E-learning had just made a huge stride.

Featured Programs

That was only the beginning, however. With the establishment of online learning platforms such as Udacity, edX, and Coursera over the next two years, distance education would reach a fever pitch.  Today, over 220 million distance learners are enrolled in over 19,000 different free courses offered by online learning providers like Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn.

In this ranking, we’ll highlight our editor’s picks for the top free online courses for adults. Here’s a summary:

#1—Introduction to Psychology

Platform:  Coursera

College : Yale University

You don’t have to be enrolled in a social sciences degree program to be captivated by the subject of human psychology. Perhaps that’s why Yale University’s  Introduction to Psychology  is one of the most popular free courses for adults available. To date, well over 1.3 million individuals have enrolled in this online class, which is taught by Yale Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science Paul Bloom. As its title implies, the course explores foundational topics in psychology as well as industry trends such as:

• The Psychodynamic Approach
• Parts of the Brain
• Classic Conditioning
• Personality
• Mood Disorders

This beginner-level course is accessible entirely online and takes roughly 15 hours to complete.

Cost:  $0-49

#2—Stanford Introduction to Food and Health

Platform : Coursera

College:  Stanford University

Food and health are two topics that affect us all, so it’s no surprise that Stanford’s Introduction to Food and Health is among the most popular free courses for adults on Coursera. This short, seven-hour course packs a lot of punch in terms of content, covering topics such as:

• History of Obesity
• Contemporary Trends in Eating
• Sensible Substitutions for Cooking
• Reading Nutrition Labels

The course is available at absolutely no charge to enrolled students, though a $39 certificate track is also available. It is taught by Stanford School of Medicine lecturer Maya Adam, MD.

Cost:  $0-39

#3—Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking

Platform:  edX

College:  Harvard University

No matter what your professional or personal ambitions, making a convincinthg argument (whether in writing or in speech) is a useful skill to have. Perhaps that’s why  Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking  is one of the most popular free online courses for adults. Available via edX and offered through Harvard University, this inspiring course teaches students how to construct effective arguments and analyze the arguments of others. Key topics addressed by the curriculum include:

• Rhetorical Structure and Style
• Logical Fallacies
• Argument vs Rhetorical Technique
• Using Rhetorical Devices

This introductory humanities class will take approximately 8 weeks to complete, and students should expect to spend between two and three hours per week on course content and assignments.

Cost:  $0/209

#4—The Science of Happiness

Platform : edX

College : University of California-Berkeley

Among the most popular free courses for adults on edX,  The Science of Happiness  is offered through the University of California-Berkeley. Both instructors for the course are affiliated with the Greater Good Science Center at the university, and topics include:

• What is Happiness?
• Fostering Happiness
• Community and Social Connections
• Mindfulness

The course is 11 weeks long, and students are expected to devote 4-5 hours per week for successful completion. Over half a million students have enrolled in the course to date.

Cost:  $0-$169

#5—Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies

College : Princeton University

 One of the completely free courses for adults, Princeton University’s  Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies  is an introductory class for individuals interested in Bitcoin. The course is available completely online and takes just 23 total hours to complete. Topics covered by the course’s curriculum include:

• Mechanics of Bitcoin
• How to Store and Use Bitcoins
• Bitcoin Mining
• The Future of Bitcoin

This extremely popular course is taught by Princeton Associate Professor of Computer Science Arvind Narayanan. No certificate is available, making this one of our free online classes for fun or simply for learning’s sake.

Cost:  $0

#6—Fundamentals of Graphic Design

College : California Institute of the Arts

If you’re a creative type, Fundamentals of Graphic Design on Coursera is one of the  free courses  for adults you won’t want to miss. Offered through the  California Institute of the Arts , the course requires 15 hours of study and can be taken alone or as part of the larger  Graphic Design  specialization. Topics include industry trends such as:

• Design Theory
• Fundamentals of Typography
• Techniques of Imagemaking
• Introduction to Shape and Color

This beginner-level course is taught by Michael Worthington, a faculty member from the Institute’s School of Art.

Cost:  $0/49 per month

#7—Marketing in a Digital World

College : University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Whether you work in the field of marketing or are just looking for free online classes for fun, you’re bound to find Coursera’s Marketing in a Digital World captivating. Offered by the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and taught by Professor of Marketing Aric Rindfleisch, this online education class explores how the Internet and social media are transforming the field of marketing as we know it. Topics addressed throughout the duration of the course include:

• Online Shopping
• Sharing Economy
• User Generated Content
• Doppelganger Brands

Students can take this course alone or combine it with other online free courses in the Digital Marketing Specialization.

Cost:  $0/79 per month

#8—The Architectural Imagination

Platform:  edX

College : Harvard University

For centuries, architecture has fascinated scholars, apprentices, and common bystanders alike. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the field, or you’ve just always wanted to study architecture, you’ll be happy to learn you can do so for free through edX.  The Architectural Imagination  is one of the most popular free college courses offered by Harvard University, with nearly 470,000 enrollees to date. This introductory course features topics such as:

• Reading Architecture: Column and Wall
• The Dialectics of Glass and Steel
• Aldo Rossi and Typology
• Hegel and Architectural History

The course is self-paced, but students are advised to devote three to five hours per week to their studies. The estimated completion time is 10 weeks.

Cost:  $0/249

Described as an “introduction to moral and political philosophy,” Justice is one of the most popular free courses for adults currently available. Offered by Harvard University and taught by esteemed Professor of Government Michael Sandel, the class probes enthralling topics surrounding the modern justice system, such as same-sex marriage and affirmative action. It also prepares students to be more effective in philosophical debates. General topics addressed through the course include:

• Criminal Justice
• Social Justice
• Fundamentals of Political Philosophy
• Moral Philosophy

The class is estimated to last approximately 12 weeks, and students are expected to devote 3 to 6 hours per week toward their studies.

#10—Child Nutrition and Cooking

College : Stanford University

Ideal for new parents or for individuals looking for free online learning resources, Coursera’s Child Nutrition and Cooking provides basic instruction in nutrition as well as simple cooking lessons within the context of family health and wellness. Taught by Stanford School of Medicine lecturer Maya Adam, MD, the course addresses topics such as:

• Childhood Obesity in America
• Stocking a Kitchen Pantry
• Hunger and the Glycemic Index
• Sustainable Eating

This beginner-level course is available entirely online and takes just 11 hours to complete. Nearly 430,000 students have enrolled in this course to date, making it one of our most popular easy college classes to take online.

Cost: $0/39

About Distance Education: Then and Now

Today, it’s possible to enroll in an online course at one of the hundreds of different online colleges and begin learning right along with on-campus students. Lectures can now be streamed live or recorded for later viewing. Likewise, class discussions and meetings with professors can occur over Zoom or other videoconferencing software. Students no longer have to be present physically in order to reap the benefits of college classes, even from prestigious universities. Cutting-edge technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality stand to further improve and transform distance learning in the future.

Free Online Courses Are for Everyone

Contrary to popular belief, online learning isn’t just for high school or college students. In fact, there are plenty of free courses for students, adults, and senior citizens. Some of these are free courses for credit, while others are simply free online classes for fun.

Types of Free Education for Adults

Not all online courses are offered through universities. Some are made available by corporations, while others are developed by individuals with a passion for a specific subject. Still, you’ll find that a good percentage of free courses for adults are indeed offered through colleges and universities, even highly prestigious universities such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT, for example.

Benefits of Free Online College Courses for Adults

Aside from the prestige factor, there are several advantages of pursuing free online courses for adults that are offered through accredited colleges and top universities. For example, you’ll have the assurance that the content delivered through these free online college courses is legitimate. Often, these online classes are taught by the same professors who teach similar (if not identical) courses on campus. In many cases, they are tenured faculty members with advanced credentials in their respective fields, even PhDs.

Another benefit of free online learning from a college or university is the potential to earn credit for your work. Not all free online college courses for adults are associated with credit, though, and in many cases, you may have to pay a small fee to receive verification that you’ve successfully completed a course. In our ranking, these fees ranged from approximately $40-$200 per course. Still, this is a much more cost-effective alternative to traditional college enrollment. Credits earned from online college courses can often be applied toward a degree. Some online learning platforms even have entire degree programs that can be completed through low-cost distance education.

Free Online Courses for Adults Seeking Professional Development

Coursera alone has over a thousand free online courses devoted to professional development. These options span various skill levels, subjects, and skills. There are beginner-level classes on project management, as well as advanced classes on data engineering. You can take a quick refresher course in just two hours or devote months to learning a new skill. Similarly, edX offers free online courses for adults looking to upgrade their skills to align with the modern workplace. These courses follow trends and technological advancements in various fields and industries such as:

• engineering

Like free online college courses for adults, these professional development classes are often free to audit but may come with an additional charge if you desire a certificate of completion or other verification that you’ve taken the course. Sometimes, an employer may require that you show proof that you’ve successfully met all course requirements, or you may want some sort of evidence of professional development to give you an edge when applying for a promotion or new role, for instance.

Free Online Courses for Personal Development

There are many free online learning opportunities that can boost our wellness, relationships, and other aspects of personal development. For example, the second most popular free online course of all time is The Science of Well-Being, offered through Coursera and Yale University. Other popular and free online courses for adults interested in self-improvement include:

• Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects
• The Foundations of Happiness at Work
• A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment
• Let’s Get Emotional: Emotions & Emotional Intelligence
• Conquering Humor Fundamentals

Whether you want to become a more efficient learner, achieve job satisfaction, or even become funnier, it seems there are free online courses to help you reach these personal goals.

Free Online Classes for Fun

These distance education opportunities can be a game-changer and have the power to transform the way we view learning. And they’re not just for kids. There are hundreds of free online courses for adults that celebrate learning for learning’s sake. Here are some examples:

• Writing for Video Games
• Stand Up!; Comedy Writing and Performance Poetry
• Seeing Through Photographs

Most Frequently-Searched Free Online Courses for Adults

Below, our editors list the most frequently-searched free online courses for adults as well as our picks for the top courses in each category.

Free Online Courses for Animation

Pursue your passion for animation or hone your existing skills with these free online classes for fun and skill-building:

• CS50’s Introduction to Game Development
• Digital Design
• Introduction to Programming and Animation with Alice

Free Online Courses for Business Management

Learn to be a more effective leader with free online college courses in business management:

• Fundamentals of Project Planning and Management
• Data Analytics for Business
• Improving Your Business through a Culture of Health

Free Online Courses for Coding

Qualify for a job or promotion in coding with the following free online courses:

• Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose
• Introduction to Python Programming
• Basics of Computing and Programming

Free Online Courses for Data Science

Learn about data science and its many applications with these free online college courses:

• Data Science: Machine Learning
• What is Data Science?
• Introduction to Data Science in Python

Free Online Courses for Education

Discover trends in educational theory and pedagogy as well as hands-on instructional techniques with these free online college courses for teachers and aspiring educators:

• New Learning: Principles and Patterns of Pedagogy
• Leaders of Learning
• Teaching and Learning in the Diverse Classroom

Free Online Courses for Digital Marketing

Find out how the field of marketing is being transformed by digital technologies or upskill by learning new digital marketing techniques with the following free online courses:

• Digital Marketing Analytics: Tools and Techniques
• Fundamentals of Digital Marketing, Social Media, and E-Commerce
• The Strategy of Content Marketing

Tips for Taking Free Online Courses

Below, you will find our editors’ tips for successfully navigating these online learning opportunities offered through some of the best universities in the country.

Choose Something that Motivates You

It’s crucial to practice discernment when choosing from the free online classes available to you. Whether you’re learning for school, work, or for yourself, it’s important to select a topic aligned with your interests or, at the very least, your goals. That way, when boredom sets in, or you just decide you’d rather do something else besides study, you can remind yourself why you enrolled in the class in the first place—and you’ll have a good reason!

Consider Paying a Little

It’s an unpopular opinion, but paying for an online class instead of auditing it for free can have some substantial benefits. For one, we tend not to value things as much when we get them for free, so paying a fee (even a small one) can make us appreciate the experience more. Moreover, forking over some dough for your otherwise free online learning experience may add something in the way of accountability. It’s like paying for a gym membership—you may be motivated to show up just because you know you’re on the hook financially. Some online courses have fees as low as $30, so you may find it worth your while to reach into your wallet as opposed to only considering free online courses for adults.

As we’ve mentioned, another advantage of paying for these courses is that doing so grants you access to a certificate of successful completion. These digital credentials can have real-world benefits in the form of college credit, employment opportunities, raises, and more. And even if you’re taking free online classes for fun or for personal growth, having a token of achievement can give you a self-esteem boost or motivate you to continue your online learning pursuits.

Use Tangible Tools and Resources

Turning your virtual studies into something physical may help you connect to them on a more meaningful level. It doesn’t have to be extreme. To get started, you may find that printing a chart or diagram so that you can hold it in your hand may be beneficial. Other strategies include ordering the print version of your online textbook, making hand-written notes, and adding assignments to your physical calendar. Remember, just because you’re taking free online courses doesn’t mean that everything needs to be digital.

Frequently-Asked Questions About Free Online Courses for Adults

Q: Are free online courses really free?

A: Yes. All of the courses highlighted in this ranking are free to audit. You may have to pay an upcharge for a certificate of completion, however.

Q: How long does it take to complete these free courses online

A: It varies depending on the specific class you’re enrolled in. You could complete the class in ten hours, or it could take you ten weeks. Usually, the course complexity and scope will determine the time commitment required.

Q: Will I have to attend class at a specific time?

A: It’s possible. While most of these free online courses are asynchronous in nature, meaning you can log in at your convenience, a few of them could require live attendance at preset times. Check with the course website for specific details and expectations.

Q: Will there be deadlines?

A: Typically, yes. While you may have some flexibility in terms of deadlines, there is usually an expectation to complete all assignments by a certain date.

Q: Which free online courses are accredited?

A: Typically, only free online college courses from colleges and universities evaluated by accrediting boards that are approved by the U.S. Department of Education can be considered accredited. A course must be accredited in order to be eligible for college credit.

Q: Who can enroll in free online courses?

A: There are truly free online learning opportunities for everyone. Most beginner-level courses have no prerequisites. Look out for intermediate or advanced courses that may require mastery of certain skills prior to enrollment, though.

Related Resources

• The Advantages of Free Online College Courses for Credit
• Challenges of Online Education
• Top 25 Free Online Colleges
• Free Online College Courses and Platforms
• Free Online College Courses for Credit
• Online Education FAQs
• Advantages of Online Education
• Online College Courses for High School Students
• ClassCentral: MOOCs in 2021
• McGill Association of University Teachers (MAUT): A Brief History of MOOCs