As of my last update in January 2022, there are several reputable institutions in the USA offering tuition-free or low-cost online courses and degree programs. While some universities offer free courses through Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platforms, others provide tuition-free or low-cost degree programs for eligible students. Here are some examples:
University of the People (UoPeople): UoPeople is a tuition-free, accredited online university that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields such as business administration, computer science, and health science. While the tuition is free, there are nominal fees for application processing and assessment.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) OpenCourseWare (OCW): MIT OCW provides free access to a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level courses taught at MIT. While OCW does not offer academic credit or degrees, it provides high-quality educational materials, lectures, and assignments for self-paced learning.
Coursera: Coursera is a popular MOOC platform that partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer online courses in various subjects. While many courses on Coursera are free to audit, students can also choose to pay for certificates or enroll in degree programs offered by partner institutions.
edX: edX is another leading MOOC platform that offers a wide range of online courses and degree programs from universities and institutions around the world. While many courses are free to audit, students can also pursue micro-credentials or enroll in affordable online degree programs.
Harvard University’s HarvardX: HarvardX offers free online courses taught by Harvard faculty in diverse subjects, including computer science, humanities, social sciences, and more. While courses are free to audit, students can also pursue verified certificates for a fee.
Stanford Online: Stanford Online offers a variety of free online courses, lectures, and educational materials from Stanford University faculty. While most courses are free to access, students can also enroll in professional certificate programs for a fee.
Georgia Institute of Technology’s (Georgia Tech) Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS): OMSCS is a highly regarded, low-cost online master’s degree program offered by Georgia Tech. The program is designed to be accessible and affordable for students worldwide, with tuition significantly lower than traditional on-campus programs.
Arizona State University’s Global Freshman Academy (GFA): GFA offers online courses for college credit at a low cost. Students can complete freshman-level courses entirely online and then choose to pay for credit upon successful completion.
Saylor Academy: Saylor Academy provides free online courses in various subjects, including business, computer science, humanities, and more. While courses are free to access, students can also choose to pay for certificates or badges.
University of Illinois’ Online MBA (iMBA): The iMBA program offered by the University of Illinois is an affordable, fully online MBA program that provides rigorous coursework and networking opportunities for students seeking an advanced business degree.
These are just a few examples of tuition-free or low-cost online universities and courses available in the USA. Prospective students should research each institution and program to determine their eligibility, admission requirements, and course offerings. Additionally, it’s essential to verify the accreditation and credibility of any institution or program before enrolling.