50 Free Classes That Can Pay Off

Skills pay the bills, at least according to a lot of early ’90s hip hop.

But that doesn’t mean you have to spend money to acquire those skills. Yes, college is getting more expensive, but there are plenty of free classes online that can beef up your resume or let you start a side hustle without racking up student loan debt.

Here are 50 free classes that can pay off.

1. GED Classes

Passing the GED high school equivalence test opens doors to college and many jobs. Test preparation classes are available online and at many local libraries. And, if you’re thinking of getting a higher education, you can find some ways to pay for college without building a mountain of debt here.

2. Introduction to Computer Science

This course from MIT teaches students the Python programming language, a few simple algorithms and how to test and debug code. It’s available through EdX free, though you can receive a certificate of completion for a fee. This could be a good start to getting a computer science degree, one of a few college degrees that really pays off.

3. HTML5 & CSS Fundamentals

Learn the basics of web design and style from a course designed by Intel and W3C and get an introduction to the HTML5 and CSS languages. Available on EdX.org.

4. Introduction to C++

C++ is another foundational programming language. Microsoft offers this course, which provides an entry into C++ basics, including how to create functions. Available on EdX.

5. Introduction to Java Programming

Continuing on the computer programming path, Java is another language used just about everywhere. This course, from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, not only teaches the basics of Java but also aims to improve students’ problem solving skills. Available on EdX.

6. Academic & Business Writing

Make your writing more persuasive with this six-week class offered through the University of California at Berkeley, which also teaches proofreading and vocabulary. Those skills can come in handy when writing everything from a job cover letter to a credit dispute letter. Available on EdX.

7. Writing for Strategic Communication

Even if you’re not a professional writer, this course could help you improve all your writing endeavors, even your tweets. From La Trobe University in Australia on iTunes.

8. Data Science Orientation

This is the first course in a full curriculum on data science from Microsoft. Big data is big business, and the skills to decipher it are in demand. This course will give you basics on exploring data using Microsoft Excel and give you an idea on whether data science is something you’ll want to pursue as a career. Available on EdX.

9. Understanding Data

If Microsoft’s orientation piqued your interest, Marginal Revolution University will teach you the basics of statistical analysis and econometrics with a series videos and interactive lessons.

10. Against All Odds: Inside Statistics

This course shows how statistics are used in the real world and teaches the basic tools and methodology used in statistics. Course materials and video lectures available at learner.org.

11. Introduction to Marketing

Marketing is key for many businesses and organizations. This course teaches students how to reach potential customers and to understand how they decide what to buy. It’s taught by professors from the University of British Columbia and available on EdX.

12. Branding, Content & Social Media

This course from Ohio State University will help you develop a communications strategy for getting the word out about whatever cool thing you’re doing. (Just be sure not to overshare — you’ll put your identity at risk.) Available on iTunes.

13. Essentials of Advertising & Marketing

In this course, students will learn how to create and present an advertising campaign. From Arizona State University, available on iTunes.

14. The Architectural Imagination

Interested in architecture? Harvard University offers this course on its basic principles, including an introduction into making your own architectural drawings and models. A good way to see if architecture is the career for you, on EdX or the Harvard University website.

15. Contract Law

Everyone has to deal with contracts at some point in their lives. Every time you download an app, start a new job or buy a home you have to sign some sort of legal agreement. Harvard professor Charles Fried teaches a course covering contract law and how to read contracts to understand their possible consequences. Available on EdX or the Harvard University website.

16. Exposing Digital Photography

If you got a fancy camera for Christmas but still don’t know how to use it, this class from Harvard Extension School instructor should clear things up. Students can learn how to use their camera and work with light to make great shots. The course materials are all available at digitalphotography.exposed.

17. Lighting Essentials

The glamour is in being behind or in front of the camera, but photography and videos both require good lighting. This course, available on iTunes, YouTube and as an iBook, teach the basics of lighting. From the University of New South Wales in Australia.

18. Game Theory

Game theory is the study of decisions. Improve your decision-making with this course from Yale University professor Ben Polak. Lectures are available on YouTube and iTunes.

19. Money Skills

We like to think Credit.com gives you an excellent education on money skills, especially when it comes to building good credit, but if you want more, economists Tyler Cowen and Alex Tabarrok will take you through investing, real estate, career choices and saving in this course from Marginal Revolution University.

20. Financial Planning & Money Management

Even more on personal financial planning, including taxes, banking and debt management, from Southwestern College, available on iTunes. (By the way, keeping up a good credit score is a big part of debt management. You can view two of your scores for free on Credit.com.)

21. Personal Finance

This Missouri State University video series takes a different tack, showing you how to set and reach financial goals. Available on iTunes and YouTube.

22. Investment Philosophies

Think you can beat the market? New York University teaches you how to create a sound investment strategy. Available on iTunes.

23. Poker Theory & Analytics

We would never condone gambling, but if you must, at least learn how from an MIT graduate student. This series of lectures also includes guest speaking turns from professional poker players.

24. Child Nutrition & Cooking

Students of this course learn what makes up a healthy diet and how to make nutritious home-cooked meals. Participants will need to sign up for a Coursera account. You can take the course free or pay $39 to receive a certificate upon completion.

25. Adolescent Health & Development

Wondering what the heck is going on with your teen? This course from Johns Hopkins covers puberty, emotional development and more serious ailments that affect young people. Available on iTunes.

26. Introduction to Human Nutrition

This audio course from the University of California at Berkeley covers what your body actually needs. It’s probably not more cake. Available at the Internet Archive.

27. Broadcast Journalism

If Anchorman is your inspiration, learn the ropes with this course from La Trobe University in Australia, which teaches everything from pitching stories to interviewing to reporting spot news. Free on iTunes.

28. Magazine Writing

If you have a true story to tell, this course from Ohio State University will help you turn it into a full-fledged article and get it published. Available on iTunes.

29. The Interview

No, this isn’t that James Franco movie. This course from La Trobe University in Australia will teach you how to interview people in a journalism context, but the skills of asking good questions and putting people at ease can apply anywhere. Available on iTunes.

30. Speak Italian With Your Mouth Full

MIT professor Paola Rebusco, who normally teaches physics, pulls double duty here, teaching the language of Italy via the delicious cuisine of Italy. Course materials available on MIT Open Courseware.

31. Elementary Arabic

You don’t have to pay to learn a foreign language. This Arabic course from Lund University is available as an iTunes podcast.

32. Beginning Chinese

Seton Hall University offers a series of courses on Chinese, from this beginner class to more advanced courses, all on iTunes.

33. Dialogue for German Learners

This course covers everything from German telephone (or in German, “Telefon”) skills to office (“Büro”) conversations. On iTunes from the University of South Wales.

34. Elementary French

Carnegie Mellon offers this course through its Open Learning Initiative. Students should be able to commit at least six hours a week.

35. Spanish Fundamentals

From estar through gustar, this course provides an introduction to Spanish, particularly Spanish grammar. Available on iTunes.

36. Pixar in a Box

Who better to teach the basics of animation than Pixar? This course, offered through Khan Academy, teaches students how to animate things like bouncing balls, robots and fireworks.

37. Becoming the Next Bill Nye

Ever wanted to host your own educational show? MIT offers a class that will teach you the video production techniques to do it. Science rules! Available through MIT Open Courseware.

38. Video Production

This course covers everything from setting up and operation video equipment to writing and shooting. Taught by Iona College and available on iTunes.

39. Introduction to Game Design

Learn how to make your own digital or board game. Units on game design concepts will help make sure it’s actually fun to play. This MIT course isn’t running, but all the materials are still available on EdX.

40. Crisis Management

For any aspiring public relations pros, this course from Missouri State University will show you the ropes on developing a crisis communications plan, just in case the politician you represent says something truly dumb. Available on iTunes.

41. Fundamentals in Public Speaking

It’s many people’s greatest fear. If you share this fear, this course from Missouri State University may help you conquer it, whether you’re giving a wedding toast or a graduation speech. Available on iTunes.

42. A Romp Through Ethics for Complete Beginners

What’s the right thing to do? What makes someone a good person? If you find yourself asking the bigger questions, let Oxford University professor Marianne Talbot be your guide. Available on iTunes and YouTube.

43. Argument Diagramming

People say a lot of crazy stuff. Argument diagramming can help you point out why they are wrong. Available through the Carnegie Mellon Open Course Initiative.

44. Critical Reasoning for Beginners

Another course from Professor Talbot, this course teaches students how to evaluate arguments and make your own reasoning clear. Could be handy negotiating for a higher salary. Available on iTunes.

45. Statistics for Social Scientists

This Duke University course teaches students how social scientists evaluate data. This should make you better able to understand academic research, polls and any other claims based on statistics. Available on iTunes.

46. Building a Business

This series of lectures on YouTube by the University of Oxford tells you how to start your own business.

47. Entrepreneurship & Business

Serial entrepreneur and Carnegie Mellon professor Mark Juliano covers topics like how to write a business plan and how to get funding. Available on iTunes.

48. New Enterprises

This course from MIT is also about starting a business, but focuses more on technology startups, if you’ve got the next Facebook on your hands. Materials available at MIT Open Courseware.

49. Principles of Management

Learn which leadership approaches work best for organizations. This course is from Iona College and is available on iTunes.

50. Real Estate Finance

Want to become a real estate investor? Learn the basics from Professor Joshua Kahr. This course is available on iTunes.

Looking to take some classes to beef up your resume post-graduation? We’ve got a full 50 things recent grads can do to score their first job. 

Image: SbytovaMN

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