Should I Get My Bachelor's Degree or Take Free Courses?

Education is a lifelong process of personal and professional development. A college degree is an important step in many educational journeys, but there are also other valuable learning resources.

Both bachelor's degrees and free courses can provide general academic skills and job training, allowing students to explore an area of personal interest. The optimal learning format depends on each specific student's needs and goals.

Bachelor's Degrees vs. Free Online Courses

Bachelor's degrees and free online courses differ in cost and commitment. They also have different accreditations and give students different qualifications.

Learn more about college degree programs and free online courses to make an informed decision about your education.

What Is a Bachelor's Degree?

A bachelor's degree is an academic program typically consisting of 120 credits. These programs usually award four-year degrees.

An undergraduate degree will provide a well-rounded education that includes foundational general education coursework, core courses in your major, and electives that allow you to explore new topics. There are many college majors to choose from. Some popular choices include:

• English
• computer science
• business administration
• economics
• communication
• nursing
• education

Learn more: How Many Credits for a Bachelor's Degree?

Bachelor's degrees can be completed in many learning formats. Traditional full-time in-person study may make sense for students who want to live on or near campus and get the full college experience.

Online bachelor's degree programs often offer flexibility for study time and multiple learning formats, such as accelerated or competency-based learning. Online programs are a good option for busy students who want to complete a degree efficiently.

What Are Free Online Courses?

Free online courses are one of the great educational innovations of the digital era. They allow learners to access pre-made course materials through an online platform. Free online courses don't incur costs and typically take less time than a college degree while allowing students to learn at their own pace.

The massive open online course (MOOC) movement saw many well-respected American institutions, such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Texas Tech, provide high-quality content to platforms like EdX.

MOOCs allow anyone with an internet connection to earn an online education and learn from some of the world's foremost experts. There are MOOCs on nearly every topic imaginable, ranging from anthropology to healthcare administration.

While free online courses often use the same curricula as the university's traditional programs, students typically cannot earn college credits through MOOCs. Free online programs are the most useful for students who want the real-world skills a college education provides but don't need the credentials associated with it.

Is It Worth Getting a Bachelor's Degree?

Yes, a bachelor's degree is an important qualification that will prepare you for your chosen career path and enrich your perspective on the world. A bachelor's degree also provides broadly applicable skills, such as writing, quantitative reasoning, communication, planning, and teamwork.

Financial aid options can allow students to reduce their out-of-pocket costs and minimize the need for student loans. A bachelor's degree is an especially worthwhile investment for students who can study without incurring much student debt.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), public state universities with in-state tuition rates typically offer the most affordable path to a bachelor's degree.

Learn more: Is a Bachelor's Degree Worth It?

Are Free College Courses Worth It?

Free online courses are also an excellent option for students who want to learn new skills. Online learning can be free, flexible, and even interactive. The only investment students make in free online classes is the time they commit to studying.

Online courses can be a great way to develop a new specialization or deepen existing knowledge. Many students also use free online courses to brush up on foundational topics, such as college algebra, statistics, or writing.

Can You Take Enough Free Online College Courses To Earn a Degree?

While students can get the same learning experience in free online courses, it can be difficult to get the credits needed to complete a degree. There are a few free online courses that offer college credits, but students would need to enroll at a university to earn a degree.

Free online courses are best for students who prefer a self-motivated learning program to gain skills instead of a degree. Some free or low-cost boot camps and certificate programs give students a certificate of completion that can be added to resumes or professional portfolios.

How To Decide Whether To Pursue a Bachelor's Degree or Free Courses

Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding on a bachelor's degree or a free online course.

Consider Your Career Goals

Ideally, students with the same knowledge and skills would be considered equally qualified in the job market. However, a college degree is a valuable credential that some employers prefer or require.

Find out if your chosen field has specific professional licensing or degree requirements for entry-level positions. Fields with safety or ethics implications will typically require training in an accredited degree program.

Assess Your Financial Situation

One of the main reasons for choosing free online courses is the lack of tuition costs. If finances are tight, you can take free online courses and build your skill set. Free online courses can make learning stress-free and allow you to master important abilities.

Students who have set aside money for college tuition or have the financial support to pursue an accredited degree may benefit from the more extensive training provided.

Evaluate Your Learning Style Preferences

Some may wonder why more students don't take advantage of free, high-quality courses. The biggest issue most students encounter with free online courses is the difficulty in committing to the program and completing the course. While college tuition is a financial burden, it does give students a sense of investment that can motivate them to complete the degree.

Students who are self-motivated, passionate about a topic, and able to create steady learning habits will be a good fit for free online courses. Individuals who benefit from increased autonomy can enjoy the ability to freely select their courses and take them in any order they wish.

Individuals who prefer more structure and guidance will benefit from a more traditional degree program that provides guidelines and due dates for projects.

Explore Course or Degree Accreditation

The internet has a range of learning materials available on all possible topics. It is important to note that this content will vary greatly in quality. Students should verify the accreditation of the education program they choose. Accreditation is a process that holds higher education programs to certain quality standards and ensures a degree of standardization across programs.

Not all worthwhile programs are accredited, but accreditation can raise the perceived value of a degree program. Programs like the University of the People offer free accredited courses in an online format. Accredited programs will also tend to have more assessments.

Determine Time Commitment and Flexibility

Another advantage associated with free online courses is the limited time commitment. Students who feel a bachelor's degree is too much of a time commitment can explore associate degrees at local community colleges.

Students who have just completed high school may feel they have enough time to commit to a four-year degree before beginning a master's degree or a career.

Research Support and Resources

Enrollment in a college degree program typically comes with many types of support. Students can contact admissions counselors, financial aid advisors, academic advisors, tutors, and professors for guidance.

Free online courses sometimes have limited support. Look for programs that offer discussion boards or tutoring if you need more support.