10 Free University Courses That Are Better Than Paid Ones

Summary

In this video, the speaker critiques traditional higher education, calling it a scam that burdens students with debt while teaching outdated skills. Instead, they highlight a range of world-class, free online courses from institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Yale, offering high-quality education in fields like computer science, machine learning, finance, and more. These courses provide real-world knowledge and practical skills without the hefty price tag. The video encourages viewers to explore these free resources as a cost-effective way to gain in-demand expertise, ultimately helping them save money and avoid unnecessary student loans.

Takeaways

• 😀 Higher education is increasingly criticized for leaving students in debt while offering outdated skills that may not align with job market needs.
• 😀 Many top universities are offering valuable courses for free online, allowing anyone to learn at their own pace without the hefty cost of tuition.
• 😀 MIT's Introduction to Computer Science course is available for free online, providing the same materials as the $50,000-a-year in-person program.
• 😀 Open Source Society University (OSSU) offers a complete computer science curriculum for free, providing up-to-date and practical knowledge for real-world applications.
• 😀 Stanford's Machine Learning course, taught by Andrew Ng, offers in-depth insights into AI and machine learning, going beyond basic libraries to explain the underlying mathematics.
• 😀 Yale's Financial Markets course, taught by Nobel Prize-winning economist Robert Shiller, offers practical insights into finance, focusing on market psychology and behavior.
• 😀 Free Code Camp provides a comprehensive and project-based coding education, allowing learners to build a portfolio of over 30 projects to showcase their skills to employers.
• 😀 Yale's Introduction to Psychology course gives a high-quality education on human behavior, which is valuable for careers in various fields like marketing and management.
• 😀 MIT's free business courses on entrepreneurship, marketing, and management provide high-quality business education without the need for an expensive MBA.
• 😀 Harvard's CS50 course offers extensive lessons on computer science and game development, providing valuable industry knowledge and transferable skills for the tech sector.

Q & A

What is the main issue with higher education as discussed in the video?

The video argues that higher education has become a scam, with students spending huge amounts of money and time on degrees that provide outdated skills, which are often not valued by employers. This leaves many graduates drowning in debt without gaining the practical knowledge they need for modern careers.

How does the MIT Introduction to Computer Science course compare to a traditional degree?

MIT's free Introduction to Computer Science course offers the same materials, lectures, and assignments as the paid in-person version, allowing learners to study at their own pace without the high cost. Employers in tech care more about skills and projects than the name of the degree, making this a great option for those looking to enter the field without spending $200,000 on a traditional degree.

What is the unique advantage of the Open Source Society University's Computer Science Path?

The Open Source Society University's Computer Science Path offers a complete curriculum built from the best free courses available online. It is constantly updated by real-world developers, providing cutting-edge content compared to many paid programs that may be outdated by the time students graduate. It also skips unnecessary general education courses, making the learning process more efficient.

What makes Stanford's Machine Learning course on YouTube stand out?

Stanford's Machine Learning course, taught by Andrew Ng, stands out because it covers the mathematical foundations of machine learning, not just how to use libraries. This deep understanding of machine learning principles can help students secure higher-paying jobs by distinguishing them from those who only know how to apply pre-built tools.

What makes the Yale Financial Markets course better than traditional finance education?

Taught by Nobel Prize-winning economist Robert Shiller, the Yale Financial Markets course offers real-world insights into market behavior and psychological elements often missing from traditional finance programs. It provides a deeper understanding of markets and investment strategies without the hefty price tag of an Ivy League education.

Why is Free Code Camp a valuable resource for learning coding?

Free Code Camp offers a project-based curriculum where learners build real-world projects, providing them with a portfolio of work to show potential employers. The community-driven platform also offers support through forums and meetups, making it a great alternative to expensive boot camps that often recycle the same information.

What does Yale's Introduction to Psychology course offer to those who aren't interested in a psychology degree?

Yale's Introduction to Psychology course provides valuable insights into human behavior, which can be applied in various fields such as marketing, management, and design. Although it may not directly lead to a job, the course offers practical knowledge that can enhance skills in any career path.

How does MIT Sloan School of Management’s free business courses compare to an MBA program?

MIT's free business courses, available through OpenCourseWare, provide the same insights as the expensive MBA program, covering topics like entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and operations management. These courses allow learners to focus on specific business topics and immediately apply the knowledge to real-world situations, bypassing unnecessary content found in traditional MBA programs.

What makes Harvard’s CS50 curriculum valuable for aspiring game developers?

Harvard’s CS50 courses, especially the Introduction to Game Development, offer essential skills using industry-standard tools like Unity and Lua. Unlike specialized game development schools, Harvard’s curriculum focuses on transferable fundamentals that can be applied across different platforms, making it a more versatile option for learners looking to break into the gaming industry.

Why is Portswigger’s Web Security Academy highly recommended for cybersecurity students?

Portswigger’s Web Security Academy is unique because it provides hands-on training with interactive labs that simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios. It teaches essential skills like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and web vulnerabilities, preparing students for the high demand in cybersecurity roles that most traditional programs fail to address with current content.