About OnlineCourses.com

You can find more than 500 accredited free online college classes that provide you with the opportunity to make use of research-based academic resources from some of the world’s best universities. You can use these resources to advance your understanding of a wide range of academic topics. The free courses listed are considered Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). By definition, MOOC means that any interested learner is able to participate in the course. There are no prerequisites or other qualifiers separating an interested student and the material, although some advanced courses will expect that learners have completed other coursework or have a certain level of knowledge in a related area.

10 Best Online Courses

Methodology

To choose the Best Online Courses, we first started with our list of the Best Online Course Providers. Those providers were chosen based on the number and variety of courses offered, the number of students enrolled in them, and their quality based on curriculum, professors, and reviews. From there, we selected the top course from each provider based on student enrollment and positive reviews to compile this list.

How To Use Open Online Courses

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) Explained

There are no hard-and-fast rules to free online courses (MOOCs), but there are some commonalities that can be found in most of them. One thing learners can usually find when investigating available courses is the syllabus for the course, which will outline what is covered.


Most MOOCs consist of a series of video lectures that are intended to instruct the learner on the material. Often, the course will include quizzes after some or all of the lectures. These are intended to make sure the learner is grasping the material. Depending on the MOOC structure, getting a passing grade on a quiz may be required to begin the next set of lectures.


In addition to quizzes, some MOOCs may include homework assignments. These assignments may be reading supplemental materials (which may be available for free online or may require purchasing a digital or physical textbook). Some homework assignments may be completing problems, doing a lab or other “typical” homework.


Finally, some MOOCs may have a final examination or assignment. If receiving a certification or college credit is an option, completing this final examination or assignment will almost certainly be a requirement for passing the course.

Top 10 Online Course Providers

Introduction

Over the past several years, the online educational landscape has exploded as more providers than ever sought to offer their content online. With the popularity of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), quality education has never been more available to people around the world. Courses on any topic, taught by professors from prestigious universities around the world, are now available to anyone at any time. However, this increase in content and providers created a new issue that was unimaginable decades before: the presence of too much content. With all that is available, how can students navigate the educational landscape? How can they decide which providers offer the best experience? To address this issue, OnlineCourses.com has a created a list of the best providers of online education to help students navigate this new environment and obtain their educational goals.

The following list is in no specific order, all have met our quality standards and recommend them fully to all students.

Featured Top Online Colleges

Providers

Cody Academy

With a current offering of 16 educational tracks in web development and programming languages, Code Academy seeks to revolutionize the world of education. Looking to the changes that the web has brought to commerce, healthcare, and others, Code Academy looks to transition from the traditional classroom and deliver an engaging educational experience entirely online. Designed with beginnings in mind, each track offers a carefully curated set of courses designed to ensure content mastery by the end the track. For those looking for a more personal experience, Code Academy offers Pro Content which features individual learning plans, access to instructors, and additional resources to ensure that you meet your individual goals.

To get started with Code Academy today, choose from one of their top courses:


JavaScript 5,000,000+ students enrolled
HTML & CSS 4,500,000+ students enrolled
Python 2,500,000+ students enrolled
PHP 900,000+ students enrolled
Ruby 800,000+ students enrolled
jQuery 500,000+ students enrolled
Make a Website 300,000+ students enrolled
Learn AngularJS 100,000+ students enrolled
Make an Interactive Website 100,000+ students enrolled
Learn Java 60,000+ students enrolled

Try one of these amazing courses today:

Coursera

Offering over 1,500 courses from 140 partner institutions in 20 countries, Coursera is a leader in providing universal access to a world class online educational experience. Their approach, based on the concept of mastery learning, ensures that students are comfortable with the material before moving to the next section and when combined with a peer assessment component allows students to receive immediate feedback to improve their experience. For those wanting a deeper delve into a specific topic or recognition of your skill mastery from an employer, Cousera offers Specialization certificates. Each Specialization provides a guided experience in a variety of subjects and ends with a Capstone Project to demonstrate your mastery of the topic to a current or future employer.

To get started with Coursera today, choose from one of their top courses:


Social Psychology 16,000+ Coursera student recommendations on social media
Algorithms, Part I 15,000+ Coursera student recommendations on social media
Medical Neuroscience 10,000+ Coursera student recommendations on social media
Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects 9,200+ Coursera student recommendations on social media
Machine Learning 5,400+ Coursera student recommendations on social media
Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) 3,200+ Coursera student recommendations on social media
Algorithms, Part II 2,600+ Coursera student recommendations on social media
Grammar and Punctuation 1,200+ Coursera student recommendations on social media
Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Comparing Theory and Practice 1,100+ Coursera student recommendations on social media
Mastering Data Analysis in Excel 650+ Coursera student recommendations on social media

Try one of these amazing courses today:

DataCamp

Distinguishing itself from other online educational providers, DataCamp offers a current collection of 13 courses designed exclusively around data science. Using partnerships with academia and companies in the business world, DataCamp offers in demand data analysis skills in the R and Python programming languages. Each introductory programming course is offered free of charge so students can gage their interest before delving into more advanced topics for a monthly fee. Courses are taught in an interactive programming environment which does not require downloading the programming languages so all you need is an internet connection to get started.

To get started with DataCamp today, choose from one of their top courses:


Introduction to R 121,000+ students enrolled
Intermediate R 25,000+ students enrolled
Data Manipulation in R with dplyr 16,000+ students enrolled
Data Visualization in R with ggvis 16,000+ students enrolled
Data Analysis in R, the data.table way 15,000+ students enrolled
Reporting with R Markdown 12,000+ students enrolled
R for SAS, SPSS, and STAT Users 11,900+ students enrolled
Introduction to Machine Learning 9,600+ students enrolled
Introduction to Python for Data Science 5,600+ students enrolled
Importing Data into R 4,900+ students enrolled

Try one of these amazing courses today:

Edx

Offering 820 courses in 30 subjects from 85 institutional partners, Edx provides free high quality education to anyone, anywhere. With its foundations in academia, each course brings together experts in government, academia, and industry to provide an in depth education experience on your schedule. For those looking for a more structured experience, Edx offers XSeries Programs which allow students to delve deeply and develop masterly over a particular topic of interest. At the same time you are learning, EdX is partnering with top institutions who are conducting research and using their findings to further improve the learning experience.

To get started with EdX today, try one of their top courses:


Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Excel 4.5 stars based 206 Edx student reviews
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python 4.5 stars based on 18 Edx student reviews
The Science of Happiness 4.5 stars based on 16 Edx student reviews
Introduction to Venture Capital: How to Get Money for your Startup 4.5 stars based on 1 Edx student review
Unlocking your Employability 4.5 stars based on 1 Edx student review
English Grammar and Essay Writing 4 stars based on 58 Edx student reviews
Introduction to Solar Systems Astronomy 4 stars based on 6 Edx student reviews
Introduction to Project Management 4 stars based on 5 Edx student reviews
Introduction to Banking and Financial Markets- I 4 stars based on 2 Edx student reviews
Design and Development of Educational Technology 3 stars based on Edx student reviews

Try one of these amazing courses today:

Futurelearn

With over 140 courses in 13 categories from 76 partner institutions, FutureLearn fosters a unique social and interactive learning environment. The FutureLearn approach is built on the notion that sharing and debating ideas is how people learn best. Courses use storytelling principles to take learners through a narrative journey involving interactions with other learners, opportunities to reflect on what is learned, and celebration of the accomplishments of each learner. FutureLearn organizes its courses into a series of collections for learners looking to focus on a specific subject but also offers individual courses for casual learners.

To get started with FutureLearn today, choose from one their top courses:


Explore Animation (Make it Digital)
Innovation: The World’s Greatest (Going to University)
Climate Change: Challenges and Solutions (Understanding Climate Change)
Transmedia Storytelling (Get Ahead in Marketing)
Cancer in the 21st Century: the Genomic Revolution (Understanding Genomics)
Heart Health: A Beginner’s Guide to Cardiovascular Disease (Living a Healthy Lifestyle)
Numeracy Skills for Employability and the Workplace (Improve Your Job Prospects)
Forensic Science and Criminal Justice (Discover Forensics)
Exploring English: Shakespeare (Shakespeare Uncovered)
Managing My Investments (Be Whoever You Want)

*In absence of any rating structure or participatory numbers, courses are chosen to give the user a general overall of courses available at this site*

Try one of these amazing courses today:

Khan Academy

Starting from the humble origins of one man tutoring his nephew, Khan Academy has grown into a leading provider of world class education. Keeping with its original intent, Khan Academy provides over 36 million learners with a personalized learning experience for students of all ages. Each student has access to courses anytime, anywhere and can view their progress through the personalized learning dashboard. Each course is designed not only to develop masterly of a subject but to encourage a mindset of lifelong learning. Khan Academy also offers a unique coaching platform so instructors or parents can view the individual strengths and weaknesses of students after each course.

To get started with Khan Academy today, choose from one of their top courses:

*In absence of any rating structure or participatory numbers, courses are chosen based topic areas recommended by the site itself*

Try one of these amazing courses today:

Lynda

Offering over 4,000 courses in 12 subject areas, Lynda helps learners achieve their full potential on their schedule. With courses ranging from business, technology, and creative skills taught by industry experts, Lynda provides quality instruction to individuals, businesses, and governments. Courses are taught at a variety of levels to ensure individuals starting out will find the material just as valuable as experienced professionals. Seeking to match the mobility of learners in the modern world, Lynda courses are available on a variety of platforms to ensure that learners have access at home or on the go.

To get started with Lynda today, choose from one of the top courses:


Excel 2014 Essential Training 170,000+ students enrolled
Foundations of Programming: Fundamentals 167,000+ students enrolled
Creative Quick Tips 75,000+ students enrolled
Access 2013 Essential Training 66,000+ students enrolled
Photoshop CC Essential Training (2015) 44,000+ students enrolled
Illustrator CC Essential Training 41,000+ students enrolled
Premiere Pro CC Essentials (2015) 40,000+ students enrolled
Logic Pro X Essential Training 35,000+ students enrolled
SEO Fundamentals 35,000+ students enrolled
Audition CC Essential Training 33,000+ students enrolled

Try one of these amazing courses today:

The Great Courses

Breaking from its origins in the classroom, The Great Courses removes the trappings of the university lecture hall while providing you with an engaging and informative educational experience. Offering over 500 courses in 12 subject categories, The Great Courses provides lectures from world class professors in video and audio format to suit your schedule. Taking a unique approach to course development, The Great Courses enlists the assistance of learners in choosing each course and professor. This ensures the course offering are responsive to learner’s interests and remain at the highest quality.

Get started today with the top courses offered by The Great Courses:


The Art of Negotiating the Best Deal 5 stars based on 25 reviews by The Great Courses users
Understanding Multivariable Calculus: Problems, Solutions, and Tips 5 stars based on 15 reviews by The Great Courses users
Everyday Engineering: Understanding the Marvels of Daily Life 5 stars based on 12 reviews by The Great Courses users
Fundamentals of Photography II 5 stars based on 10 reviews by The Great Courses users
The Guide to Essential Italy 5 stars based on 7 reviews by The Great Courses users
The Search for Exoplanets: What Astronomers Know 5 stars based on 6 reviews by The Great Courses users
How to Play Chess: Lessons from an International Master 5 stars based on 5 reviews by The Great Courses users
The Everyday Gourmet: How to Master Outdoor Cooking 5 stars based on 3 reviews by The Great Courses users
The Science of Information: From Language to Black Holes 5 stars based on 3 reviews by The Great Courses users
How to Boost Your Physical and Mental Energy 5 five star based on 2 reviews by The Great Courses users

Try one of these amazing courses today:

Udacity

Offering over 100 courses with 13 specializations in 7 in demand areas, Udacity provides an affordable, engaging and accessible higher educational experience to learners around the world. Driven by the belief that higher education is a basic human right and partnering with industry leaders in the technology sector, Udacity brings an affordable educational experience that is endorsed by employers. What truly sets Udacity apart from competitors are the Nanodegrees designed to get students hired as Data Analysts, Mobile Developers, Web Developers etc. with leading technology companies. They are so confident that their degrees will get students hired that they offer partial or full tuition reimbursements if you are not hired with 6 months of completing the degree.

To get started with Udacity today, chose from one of their top courses:


Intro to Computer Science 500,000+ students enrolled
How to Build a Startup 317,000+ students enrolled
Intro to Java Programming 275,000+ students enrolled
Developing Android Apps 271,000+ students enrolled
Web Development 222,000+ students enrolled
Intro to Statistics 200,000+ students enrolled
HTML5 Game Development 146,000+ students enrolled
Android Development for Beginners 123,000+ students enrolled
Programming Foundations with Python 112,000+ students enrolled
How to Use Git and GitHub 107,000+ students enrolled

Try one of these amazing courses today:

Udemy

Focusing strictly on you and what you want to learn, Udemy offers over 35,000 courses from 19,000 instructors in over 190 countries on a wide variety of topics. With a goal of allowing students anywhere to learn anything on their own schedule, Udemy is designed to be easy to use and accessible on any device. However, what makes Udemy stand out from other providers is their commitment to creating new content and allowing experts in any topic to reach students. Experts with backgrounds as Yoga and Computer Science can teach classes and use their experience to impact the daily lives of students.

To get started with Udemy today, choose from one of their top courses:


The Complete Web Developer Course- Build 14 Websites 5 stars based on 14,798 Udemy user reviews
Java Tutorial for Complete Beginners 5 stars based on 3778 Udemy user reviews
Learn and Understand AngularJS 5 stars based on 2550 Udemy user reviews
JavaScript: Understanding the Weird Parts 5 stars based on 2532 Udemy user reviews
The Complete iOS 9 Develop Course- Build 18 Apps 5 stars based on 1746 Udemy user reviews
Master Android 6.0 Marshmallow Apps Development Using Java 5 stars based on 1173 Udemy user reviews
How to Create Your Udemy Course 5 stars based on 1165 Udemy user reviews
AWS Certified Solutions Architect- Associate 5 stars based on 886 Udemy user reviews
Microsoft Excel 2010 Course Beginnings/ Intermediate Training 5 stars based on 838 Udemy user reviews
7 Scientifically Proven Steps to Increase Your Influence

5 stars based on 818 Udemy user reviews

Try one of these amazing courses today: