At first glance, they seem too good to be true: free courses—often offered by top universities—that students can complete at their own pace from anywhere with an internet connection? What’s the catch?

Veronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on ...

Two Future Soldier Preparatory Course students compare notes during a study hall session at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. (Robin Hicks/U.S. Army) The Army is again dramatically expanding its pre-basic ...

Check out the free online courses offered by UP Open University in the second half of 2026.