* Type of course: A single, short course on a specific skill (like using a particular software) might cost anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred. A full degree program, however, can cost thousands, sometimes comparable to or even exceeding the cost of a traditional in-person degree.
* Institution offering the course: Prestigious universities often charge significantly more than smaller institutions or individual instructors. Courses from well-known platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy also vary widely in price. Some offer free courses (often auditing versions), while others charge substantial fees.
* Course length and intensity: Shorter courses are generally cheaper than longer, more intensive courses. The number of hours of instruction and level of support offered (e.g., live Q&A sessions with instructors) directly influence price.
* Credentials offered: Courses that lead to a certificate or professional credential are usually more expensive than those that don't. Full degree programs naturally command the highest prices.
* Location: While online courses remove geographical barriers, the institution's location can still subtly influence pricing.
In short, you can find online courses for free, a few dollars, or tens of thousands of dollars. To get a sense of price, you need to specify the type of course you're looking for (e.g., "introduction to Python programming," "master's degree in data science").