A number of free online course offerings, some from big-name universities, are giving traditional schools a run for the money. You may even get a certificate that proves mastery of the material. But don't expect such a certificate to carry much weight in the job market, where actual credits are still the only currency that counts.
SEE OUR SPECIAL REPORT: Best College Values, 2012
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology recently expanded a decade-long practice of opening its coursework to the public by announcing a new online learning initiative dubbed MITx. The first free class, Circuits and Electronics (it is MIT), debuted in March, taught by an MIT professor. Virtual learners are able to interact with the teacher and with each other. Students are graded and earn a certificate from MITx if they demonstrate mastery of the content (but will not earn MIT credit).
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Other free online programs offer courses and degrees aimed at providing a university-level education without the price tag of a brick-and-mortar institution. Saylor.org compiles open coursework from top-notch universities into more than 200 classes and awards certificates upon completion. University of the People offers degrees in business administration and computer science.
But without accreditation from one of the nationally recognized agencies, free online education -- even classes with the allure of the MIT brand -- means little in the job market. "In a nutshell, hiring professionals don't care about them," says Kim Lamoureux, a senior director at human resources research firm Bersin & Associates. Employers worry about verifying the content and learning experience of unaccredited courses.
As online learning becomes more popular -- especially as employers partner with online educators to save on costs for tuition reimbursement -- hiring managers may become more accepting of the merits of free education. For now, though, consider the education its own reward.
-
Fed's Rate Cuts Could Have Impacts You Might Not AnticipateUnderstanding how lower interest rates could impact your wallet can help you determine the right financial moves to make.
-
Past Performance Is Not Indicative of Your Adviser's ExpertiseMany people find a financial adviser by searching online or asking for referrals from friends or family. This can actually end up costing you big-time.
-
I'm want to give my 3 grandkids $5K each for Christmas.You're comfortably retired and want to give your grandkids a big Christmas check, but their parents are worried they might spend it all. We ask the pros for help.
-
When Tech is Too MuchOur Kiplinger Retirement Report editor, David Crook, sounds off on the everyday annoyances of technology.
-
I Let AI Read Privacy Policies for Me. Here's What I LearnedA reporter uses AI to review privacy policies, in an effort to better protect herself from fraud and scams.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
What Is AI? Artificial Intelligence 101Artificial intelligence has sparked huge excitement among investors and businesses, but what exactly does the term mean?
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
