5 Pay-As-You-Go College Courses in 2025

Pay-as-you-go college courses allow you to learn about a topic you care about or see if college is right for you without having to pay for a whole semester's tuition. You could look into online colleges with monthly payment plans, but that still can cost you thousands of dollars.

Instead, you can enroll in pay-as-you-go college courses online to earn college credits flexibly and affordable. Below, we list out five colleges that offer courses that you can take on their own.

What Are Pay-As-You-Go College Courses?

College courses that can be taken piecemeal are known as pay-as-you-go college courses. With the advent of online classes, many colleges and universities allow nontraditional students to take classes this way, but awarding credit depends on each school's policies. Pay-as-you-go is the way to take advantage of the cheapest online colleges if you're not ready to commit to a degree program.

Types of Pay-As-You-Go Courses

Pay-as-you-go classes can satisfy your curiosity about a topic, expand your professional qualifications, or refresh your study skills. Self-paced online courses are popular for their scheduling flexibility. There are several accredited online colleges that accept financial aid and have a range of payment options.

Self-Paced Online Courses

Self-paced online classes allow busy people some flexibility to expand their skills after hours, on weekends, and at lunchtime. When combined with pay-as-you-go, they're a great onramp to new career skills or college coursework.

Universities offer noncredit access to their online classes through platforms like Edx.org, Udacity.com, and Coursera.org. These companies administer payments and offer their own classes.

Some pay-as-you-go classes do not require an admissions process, a curriculum, or declaration of a major. Under these circumstances, no college credit is awarded.

Community College Courses

The U.S. has more than 1,000 community colleges, and over 8.5 million students attend them, mostly part-time. At least 30 states offer free community college classes to residents who meet certain criteria.

Tuition at community colleges is affordable, averaging $149 per credit hour for in-state residents (about $600 per course), and most are eligible for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process if you're enrolled in a certificate or degree program.

Classes taken at community colleges are eligible for transfer credit to a college (if the grade is acceptable) and applied to a certificate or degree program. That makes community college an affordable option for beginning a bachelor's degree.

Professional & Continuing Education

Self-paced and pay-as-you-go courses boost skills for career advancement. Management, leadership skills, and other business-related classes comprise over 20% of online college enrollment. Next in popularity are nursing and medicine (19%), followed by information technology (14%).

Continuing education classes satisfy professional development requirements. This includes paramedics learning advanced life support techniques and financial managers staying abreast of new investment tools.

Best Colleges & Platforms Offering Pay-As-You-Go Courses

Below are the top five colleges with pay-as-you-go online college courses. If you want even more flexibility, you can look into the cheapest self paced online colleges as well.

1. Florida International University

A public university, Florida International University has many online undergraduate degree programs, including bachelor's degrees in hospitality management and criminal justice. Unenrolled guests and students from other colleges can take classes, providing that admissions paperwork is accepted. For in-state residents, it's among the cheapest self-paced online colleges, with tuition being $205 per credit hour for Florida residents and $618 for non-residents.

The school's physical locations are in the Miami area and Washington, D.C. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to ensure it meets certain standards.

2. Louisiana State University

Truly self-paced and flexible, Louisiana State University offers 150 completely online certificates and degrees. Students may be traditionally enrolled, guest students, or in continuing education. Student support services offer enrollment coaches throughout the process.

The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, so students may transfer credits earned to other universities. Tuition for online classes ranges from $399 per credit hour for certificates and bachelor's programs to $184 per credit hour for continuing education classes. A variety of payment options is available.

3. Western Governors University

Flexibility is an appealing aspect of Western Governors University's online programs. WGU students study at their own pace, completing assessments to show mastery, then move on. Multiple start dates are offered each year, and students are assigned a program mentor for academic guidance.

An introductory class is $99, but after that tuition is based on full-time enrollment, with programs averaging $3,850 per semester. Financial aid is accessible after submitting a FAFSA. The college is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, but classes are entirely online; it is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Generous transfer credits and five start dates for undergraduate programs make Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) a flexible, accessible option for students. The university, accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, allows up to 90 transfer credits for students finishing their degrees. A majority of SNHU's students are enrolled in online classes but some classes, such as clinical experiences, may require in-person attendance.

Tuition for undergraduate classes is $330 per credit hour and master's programs are $637 per credit, regardless of residency. Military members are eligible for a tuition discount. To find out about loans and scholarships available, students should submit a FAFSA when enrolling. Alternative payment options like pay-as-you-go can be discussed with a financial aid advisor.

5. Harvard Extension School

Enrollment counselors can help those interested in Harvard Extension School before registration. Students choose between specific degree programs and self-directed study. Classes cost $525 per credit hour for undergraduates, and each is offered synchronously, asynchronously, or in person on the Cambridge, MA campus.

The New England Commission of Higher Education accredits Harvard Extension School, making any credits transferrable. Program graduates receive diplomas that note 'extension studies' to distinguish them from Harvard University.

Pros and Cons of Pay-As-You-Go College Courses

Paying for college can seem overwhelming, even when statistics show the likelihood of a higher income with expanded skills. Each student has individual reasons for seeking pay-as-you-go financing, but should discuss them with a financial aid counselor after filing a FAFSA.

The advantages of pay-as-you-go courses:

• Budgeting: Choosing pay-as-you-go keeps college costs in check, particularly for students who haven't decided on a degree.
• Flexibility: Paying for one class at a time allows students to take a break when needed, such as when family or work obligations get overwhelming.
• Balance: If students want to do more than study and work, taking one or two classes as time permits allows more work/life balance, including time to pursue hobbies and relaxation.

The disadvantages of pay-as-you-go courses:

• Time sensitivity: Career-boosting classes can include cutting-edge technology and techniques.
• Inefficiency: Colleges count on immersion, even in online formats, to make the most of students' skills and time. Honing study and research skills is easier as a full-time student.
• Additional fees: Pay-as-you-go costs more per class because fees are tacked on each semester, regardless of the number of courses taken. Part-time students take longer to finish, therefore they pay more activity fees, processing fees, and enrollment fees than full-time students.

How To Choose the Right Pay-As-You-Go Program

Follow these tips to pick the best pay-as-you-go program for you.

• Check accreditation and credit transferability to get the most bang for your buck. Don't get stuck paying for courses that won't transfer to a degree program.
• Consider your career goals for the best approach. It can pay to put aside other interests and become a full-time student to get the best deal.
• Compare pricing models. A subscription model may be easier on your pocketbook in the short term, but if you qualify for a low-interest subsidized loan through FAFSA, you don't pay until the class is completed.
• Does pay-as-you-go allow full access to necessary student support, such as accommodations for a learning disability? Discuss these questions with an enrollment counselor.

Find Online College Courses

Online college courses have made learning accessible. Certificates, degree programs, and personal enrichment can be researched through Learn.org.