Coursera Plus emerges as a comprehensive solution, offering unlimited access to more than 7,000 courses, specializations, and professional certificates from world-renowned universities and companies.
After using Coursera for almost a year, I am writing to help you understand all the details about the platform so you can gauge what to expect. In this review, I will help you determine if this $399/year investment aligns with your learning goals in 2024.
So, without any further ado, let us get started.
What Is The Point Of Coursera Plus?- TL;DR
For those seeking a quick assessment, here is the gist of the whole article.
Coursera Plus is a subscription available in monthly and annual plans. It allows you to use Coursera without having to pay individually for every course or certificate, essentially saving you thousands of dollars.
Here are the essential points to consider about Coursera Plus:
- Access to 90% of Coursera's catalog (7,000+ courses) with a single subscription
- High-quality courses from prestigious institutions like Google, Meta, and top universities
- Cost-effective solution for learners planning to take multiple courses annually
- Unlimited certificates from completed courses
- A flexible learning schedule is available.
Coursera Plus Key Features
Coursera Plus stands out through several distinctive characteristics that enhance the learning experience. Here are a few that stood out to me:
- Interactive learning environment with peer-reviewed assignments
- Hands-on projects for practical skill development
- Mobile-friendly platform for learning on the go
- Progress tracking and achievement metrics
- Professional networking opportunities through course forums
Coursera Plus Review - Deep Dive
Read on to find out details about what it’s like to use Coursera Plus and what I like and do not like about this subscription.
What's Included In Coursera Plus?
Coursera Plus includes course content from over 325+ leading universities and companies, covering diverse fields from data science to business management. You'll find guided projects, specializations, and professional certificates, all designed to enhance your professional portfolio.
The platform particularly shines in its professional certificate offerings, with programs from industry giants like Google, Meta, and leading academic institutions. What I love about these certificates is that they carry significant weight in the job market.
Coursera Course Quality And Structure
The quality of instruction stands as one of Coursera Plus's strongest assets. Courses are structured systematically, beginning with foundational concepts and progressively moving to more advanced topics. Each course typically includes:
- Video lectures from expert instructors
- Reading materials and supplementary resources
- Practical assignments and quizzes
- Peer-reviewed projects Discussion forums for collaborative learning
Coursera User Experience And Interface
The platform's interface prioritizes user-friendly navigation and accessibility. Course materials are well-organized, with clear progression paths and intuitive controls.
I am not a big fan of their mobile app, as it glitches sometimes when the network is not strong. However, I appreciate that the app extends learning flexibility, allowing us to continue education on the go.
Coursera Teachers
Coursera’s high-caliber tutors ensure an inclusive, well-paced, and expert-driven education for all students. Coursera’s instructors include Ivy League professors and industry leaders, often with 25+ years of experience.
The instructors are approachable, articulate, and mindful of diverse learners. They speak clearly to support international students. They bring extensive knowledge and real-world insights to each course, enhancing the learning experience.
Coursera Certificate Value
A Coursera certificate can be valuable, depending on the course and your goals. Coursera partners with reputable universities and industry leaders, so their certificates often carry weight, especially in fields like tech, business, and data science.
For employers and recruiters, Coursera certificates can demonstrate a commitment to learning and expertise in specific skills. However, their value can vary, as not all employers prioritize online certificates equally.
Coursera Language Availability
Coursera supports auto-translated closed captions in nearly 21 languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic. This variety enhances accessibility for learners worldwide, catering to diverse language preferences and improving the learning experience.
Best Coursera Courses Recommendation
Based on extensive user feedback and my experience, certain courses have emerged as standout offerings on the platform. Here are five highly-rated programs on Coursera:
1. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
This 8-course program equips you with job-ready data analytics skills. It covers tools like SQL, R programming, and Tableau while helping you build a portfolio. Free access to Google AI Essentials is included.
2. Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate
Developed by Meta's expert engineers, this certificate program teaches you to build responsive websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You'll create a professional portfolio, learn React, and gain hands-on experience with real-world projects and version control.
3. Python For Everybody Specialization By The University Of Michigan
Perfect for beginners, this specialization breaks down Python programming into digestible modules. You'll progress from basic syntax to complex data structures, web scraping, and database integration, all while building practical applications throughout the course.
4. The Science Of Well-Being By Yale University
The Science of Well-Being by Yale Coursera Free course teaches evidence-based techniques for increasing happiness and building productive habits. You'll learn about misconceptions about happiness, understand the science of well-being, and engage in practical exercises to improve your life satisfaction.
5. Google Project Management Professional Certificate
This career-focused program teaches you the fundamentals of project management through six courses. You'll master Agile and Scrum methodologies, learn to create project documentation, and develop skills in risk management and team leadership.
Coursera vs Coursera Plus: Key Differences
The choice between the two depends largely on your learning goals.
Coursera Plus offers significant savings if you plan to take multiple courses or specializations throughout the year. However, if you're interested in just one or two specific courses, purchasing them individually through regular Coursera might be more economical.
Here are a few differences between Coursera and Coursera Plus
Coursera:
- Pay per course or specialization
- Lifetime access to purchased courses
- Higher total cost for multiple courses
- Access is limited to purchased content
- Free course audit option available
Coursera Plus:
- Single subscription fee for unlimited access
- Access to 7,000+ courses and specializations
- More cost-effective for multiple courses
- Access only while the subscription is active
- No free course audit needed - full access to all included courses
Who is Coursera Plus For?
Coursera Plus offers a versatile learning experience, making it ideal for :
- Career changers seeking new skills
- Professionals pursuing continuous education
- Students supplementing their formal education.
- Self-directed learners exploring multiple subjects
- Job seekers building marketable skills
How Much Does Coursera Plus Cost?
To help you make an informed decision, let's break down the cost of Coursera and Coursera Plus:
Single Coursera Course Cost:
- Individual courses: $49-$99 each
- Specializations: $39-$89 per month until completion
- Professional Certificates: $39-$99 per month until completion
Coursera Plus Subscription Cost:
- Monthly: $59/month ($708 for 12 months)
- Annual: $399/year (Save $309 compared to monthly plan)
- Access to 7,000+ courses and certificates
Coursera Free Trial Offer
Coursera Plus offers a risk-free way to explore its platform through its 7-day free trial, which is available on both the monthly and annual plans. However, if you earn any certifications during the Coursera Free trial, you will have to pay for them.
To avail of the Coursera free trial, you must sign up for Coursera using your credit card, and viola! Your free trial will start. After the end of the 7th day, you will be charged the subscription fee.
During your trial period, you get full access to all features, including:
- All available courses and specializations
- Certificate earning capabilities
- Graded assignments and projects
- Mobile app access
Coursera Money Back Guarantee
Coursera offers a 14-day money-back guarantee for annual subscriptions, providing a hassle-free, no-questions-asked refund process. Canceling a Coursera Plus subscription is easy; all you have to do is go to account settings for a straightforward refund experience if needed.
How To Save On Coursera Plus?
Smart planning can help maximize your investment in Coursera Plus. Here are my proven strategies to get the most value:
- Utilize the Free Trial Start with the 7-day free trial to explore the platform and ensure it meets your learning needs.
- Take Advantage of Promotional Offers Watch for special promotions, especially during Coursera Black Friday and Cyber Monday, offering Coursera for $1.
- Opt for an Annual Subscription to save $309 compared to the monthly plan, which costs $708 for 12 months.
- Stack Multiple Courses Plan to complete multiple courses or specializations within your subscription period to maximize value.
Coursera User Reviews And Testimonials
Do not just take my word for it! Real user experiences provide valuable insights into Coursera Plus's effectiveness. Here's what learners are saying:
“I really appreciate the flexibility I get with Coursera Plus. I can try any course and switch to another one for no additional cost. This motivates me to learn even more-at one point I was taking three courses at the same time.”
“Without Coursera, I feel I would be irrelevant to this world.”
“ I’ve watched my employees grow into their jobs. That’s gratifying personally, it’s fun to be a part of- and it’s great for the business.”
Final Verdict: Coursera Plus Is Worth It In 2024 As It Helps You Earn Unlimited Accredited Certificate
I like Coursera Plus for its extensive course catalog, prestigious partnerships, and unlimited certificate offerings, which justify the annual investment of $309 for those planning to take multiple courses.
While the upfront cost might seem substantial, the potential return on investment through career advancement and skill development makes it a worthwhile consideration.
So what are you waiting for? Start your Coursera 7-day trial today! Remember, pick the annual option to save $309 on Coursera Plus after the trial.
FAQs
1. How many courses can I take with Coursera Plus?
You can access over 7,000+ courses simultaneously with no enrollment limits on Coursera Plus. There is no limit. Take as many classes as you want during your active subscription period.
2. Are certificates from Coursera worth it?
Employers globally recognize Coursera certificates. According to surveys conducted by Coursera, 72% of employers consider these micro-credentials valuable during hiring decisions.
3. What is not covered by Coursera Plus?
Coursera Plus doesn't include degree programs, MasterTrack certificates, and a few Professional Certificates. About 10% of specialized content requires a separate purchase on Coursera.
4. What happens when Coursera Plus ends?
You lose access to all course content and future certificates when your Coursera Plus subscription ends. However, you keep any certificates earned during your subscription period.
5. Can you earn a degree with Coursera Plus?
Degree programs require separate enrollment and payment. Coursera Plus only covers courses, specializations, and selected professional certificates.