No matter what stage of life you’re in, you’re never too old to learn some new tricks. Furthering your education is a great way to add some spark to your resume, impress your boss or prepare for a career change. Of course, it’s also possible to take a class or learn a new skill just because you want to — there’s a lot of joy to be had in trying your hand at something completely new.
Best of all, learning doesn’t have to mean taking on thousands of dollars in student loans. There are lots of ways to explore new subjects without enrolling in a four-year college. Here are some of the best ways to go back to “school” — even if you never have to leave your couch and laptop.
- Duolingo
Duolingo is a free app and online program that connects you to accessible lessons in just about any foreign language you can think of. Whether you want to take your two years of high school Spanish to the next level or get ready for a trip to Greece, you can study your new language in your spare time. The app introduces new vocabulary in a game-like way and encourages you to figure out grammar rules by reading and speaking instead of rote memorization.
- Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a great resource for students of all ages. It offers lessons on common topics at all grade levels, from elementary school to university. The online videos break down complex topics in easy-to-understand language, and it’s a great way to get extra help without hiring a tutor. If you’re really interested in a subject, you can follow your own bliss to do lessons on practically any subject, from coding to American history.
- Coursera
Coursera is a website that offers a range of online courses affiliated with colleges and universities around the world. You can take undergraduate courses to brush up on your university skills, or you can seek out a series of courses for professional certificates. Some Coursera courses are free; others charge for the certificate or credit if you are working toward credentials. You can easily share your certificates on your LinkedIn profile, too.
- EdX
EdX was founded by MIT and Harvard in 2012 as a way to provide online courses to everyone. They offer MOOCs (massive open online courses) from university professors that are designed to offer the same in-depth learning you’d get on campus, but in a format that can be accessed anywhere in the world. Courses may consist of uploaded readings and videos, and you can browse for your interests or sign up for certificate programs.
- Adult and Community Education Courses
Many communities offer a range of enrichment courses for low fees. These are typically offered on nights and weekends and are taught by experts in the field or passionate amateurs who want to share what they know. You can usually find a brochure at your local library, town hall or online. Subjects are varied, but they often focus on life skills, including topics like personal finance, flower arranging, sports and exercise skills and more. This can be a fun way to get out of the house and meet new people who share your interests.
- Community College
Your local community college is an outstanding resource for furthering your education without paying too much for it. If you’ve never been to college, it’s a great place to try some courses for credit — they often cost less than half of what a four-year college would charge, and you may be able to take a course at a time without the extra expense of fully enrolling. Most offer online courses, though these are sometimes more expensive than in-person classes. Check to make sure you understand the process before signing up.
- Academic Earth
Academic Earth features a collection of videos that include lectures from university professors. Some are grouped into themes by interest, but you can also search for specific topics that you’d like to know more about. Videos range in length and complexity, but you can sit down to learn anything from math to marketing whenever it’s convenient for you to press play. This is a great choice if you’re exploring which subjects you’d like to know more about or if you’re an auditory learner who would rather hear a human’s voice than try to sort through a complex text.
- Textbook Revolution
On the other hand, if you’d prefer to teach yourself instead of sitting in a classroom or watching a video, Textbook Revolution is a great place to start. It’s a database of links to free online books and materials about a whole range of subjects. Since college textbooks are notoriously expensive, you might be able to save a bundle by using free books for reference instead of buying a hard copy. Pair this resource with another course, or just pick a book and start reading on your own to teach yourself the old-fashioned way.
If you’re not looking for a diploma, you can get started with one or more of these frugal education alternatives for free right away. If you’re thinking about earning a certificate or a degree, be sure to do your research as you look for a program to make sure you don’t invest in credits or courses that won’t count towards your ultimate goal. If you’re not sure, it’s never a bad idea to start with something free to see how you like a new subject before diving into a paid program.
Have you done any serious online learning? Got tips or recommendation for great coursework for less money? Share your experiences in the comments!
