Are you looking to learn new things online but feeling overwhelmed with all the options? Don’t worry! In this blog, I will compare Coursera Vs Coursera Plus. After reading this blog, you will have a clear understanding between Coursera and Coursera Plus.
So, let’s dive in and discover which one suits you best!
Coursera Vs Coursera Plus
- Comparison Table: Coursera vs. Coursera Plus Subscription
- What is Coursera?
- What is Coursera Plus?
- Understanding Coursera Plus Subscription
- The Great Debate: Coursera vs. Coursera Plus
- My Personal Take
- Coursera Plus Subscription Cost
- Final Verdict: Your Call!
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- Does Coursera Plus include all courses?
- Is Coursera Plus Worth it?
- Does Coursera Plus include Certificates?
- Can you upgrade from Coursera to Coursera Plus?
- Can I get Coursera Plus for free?
- What is the monthly fee for Coursera Plus?
- Should I trust Coursera?
If you are in a hurry, this table will help you to decide which plan is best for you in between Coursera Vs Coursera Plus–
Comparison Table: Coursera vs. Coursera Plus Subscription
| Features | Coursera | Coursera Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Access to Courses | Pay per course | Unlimited access to 90% of courses on Coursera |
| Access to Specializations | Pay per specialization | Includes access to Specializations as well |
| Payment | Pay for each course separately | Single annual payment for the entire subscription |
| Cost-effectiveness | Suitable for occasional learners | Cost-effective for frequent learners and those taking multiple courses or Specializations |
| Long-term Commitment | No long-term commitment required | Annual commitment for a full year of access |
| Specialization Certificates | Pay separately for certificates | Certificates included in Specializations; no extra cost |
| Ideal For | Casual learners | Frequent learners and those seeking comprehensive learning journeys |
| Flexibility | Choose courses based on your interests | Explore a wide range of subjects without worrying about individual course costs |
| Expertise Building | Suited for exploring various topics | Ideal for gaining expertise in specific fields and showcasing proficiency with Specialization certs |
What is Coursera?
Coursera is an online platform where you can learn lots of different things. It has courses made by experts from top universities all over the world. You can study subjects like technology, business, arts, and sciences.
The courses usually have videos, quizzes, and assignments to help you learn. You can study at your own pace, and some courses are free, while others need payment. After you finish a course, you might get a certificate to show you completed it. Coursera is popular and has many people from all around the world learning on it. It’s a great place to improve your skills and knowledge.
What is Coursera Plus?
Coursera Plus is a special subscription plan on Coursera. When you have Coursera Plus, you get unlimited access to some of the courses and specializations without extra payment. Instead of paying for each course separately, you can enroll in and finish as many of these included courses as you want, all for one fixed monthly or yearly fee.
It’s a great option for people who want to explore different subjects and take many courses. With Coursera Plus, you don’t have to worry about the cost of each course adding up. However, not all courses are part of the plan, so it’s good to check if the courses you want are included.
If you love learning and want to make the most of your time and money, Coursera Plus might be a smart choice for your online learning journey.
Understanding Coursera Plus Subscription
Before we compare the two, let’s take a closer look at what Coursera Plus has to offer. It’s like having a magic key that grants you access to an extensive library of courses and specializations for an annual fee. Think of it as an all-you-can-learn buffet that caters to your knowledge cravings.
Some key highlights of Coursera Plus:
- Unlimited Access: With Coursera Plus, you gain unrestricted access to over 90% of the courses available on Coursera. That means no more limitations on the number of courses you can take at a time. Whether you want to learn a new programming language, delve into the world of art history, or enhance your leadership skills, the choice is yours.
- Specializations Included: Unlike the standard Coursera subscription, Coursera Plus includes access to Specializations as well. These comprehensive learning programs are a collection of courses curated to provide you with in-depth knowledge and expertise in specific fields. Completing a Specialization can earn you a valuable certificate that showcases your proficiency to potential employers or peers.
- Simplified Payments: With Coursera Plus, you make a single annual payment that covers the entire subscription. This simplifies budgeting and ensures you don’t miss out on any exciting courses just because you’re worried about individual course costs.
The Great Debate: Coursera vs. Coursera Plus
Now, let’s tackle the million-dollar question: Is Coursera Plus worth it? Well, the answer varies depending on your learning style, goals, and budget. To help you make a decision, let’s consider some different scenarios:
Scenario 1: Casual Learners
If you consider yourself a casual learner who occasionally takes courses based on your interests or needs, the standard Coursera subscription might be sufficient for you. This pay-as-you-go option allows you to pick and choose courses at your own pace. It’s great for dabbling in various subjects without any long-term commitment.
Scenario 2: Frequent Learners
For eager learners like me who can’t resist the temptation of continuously absorbing new knowledge, Coursera Plus could be a game-changer. It’s like having a bottomless cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s your thing) at your favorite café—you can keep sipping on knowledge to your heart’s content! With unlimited access, you have the freedom to explore a wide range of topics without worrying about individual course costs.
Scenario 3: Specialization Seekers
Are you on a quest to gain expertise in a specific field or master a particular skill? If so, Coursera Plus is a no-brainer. Specializations are fantastic learning journeys that take you deep into a subject, covering various aspects and providing practical applications. Completing a Specialization can give you a competitive edge in your career or simply satisfy your hunger for knowledge in a particular area.
Scenario 4: Financial Considerations
Of course, we can’t overlook the financial aspect. If you find yourself frequently enrolling in multiple courses, Coursera Plus could be more cost-effective in the long run. Before you decide, take a moment to do the math and see how many courses you are likely to take within a year and compare the total cost of individual courses to the Coursera Plus subscription.
My Personal Take
As an avid learner who can’t resist exploring new subjects, I took the plunge and subscribed to Coursera Plus a few months back. And let me tell you, it’s been worth every penny! I’ve dived into various courses, from photography and graphic design to data science and machine learning. The freedom to explore such a diverse range of topics has been incredibly enriching.
Moreover, the peace of mind that comes with knowing I can access any course at any time without worrying about individual costs is truly liberating. It has allowed me to focus on learning, growing, and honing my skills without any hesitations.
Coursera Plus Subscription Cost
Coursera Plus offers two subscription options:
- Monthly Subscription: Priced at $59 per month, it comes with a generous 7-day free trial period to explore the platform.
- Annual Subscription: At $399 per year, this plan includes a 14-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.
Both subscription types allow you the flexibility to cancel at any time.
Final Verdict: Your Call!
In the end, the decision of whether to go for Coursera Plus or stick to the standard subscription lies with you. Assess your learning habits, interests, and financial situation, and you’ll find the perfect fit. Remember, no matter which option you choose, Coursera remains an amazing platform to learn from top-tier universities and industry experts.
Conclusion
I hope this comparison of Coursera Vs Coursera Plus will help you to decide which option is better for you based on your needs.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comment section. I am here to help you. And If you found this article helpful, share it with others to help them too.
Happy Learning!
FAQ
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Written By Aqsa Zafar
Founder of MLTUT, Machine Learning Ph.D. scholar at Dayananda Sagar University. Research on social media depression detection. Create tutorials on ML and data science for diverse applications. Passionate about sharing knowledge through website and social media.