In the world of online learning, Coursera and Udacity are two popular names. However, deciding which one is better for your learning can be overwhelming. In this Coursera vs Udacity comparison article, we will discuss what differences they have and which learning platform is suitable for your needs.
Whether you are a beginner looking to learn new skills or someone who wants to master some known skills to advance your career, both Coursera and Udacity will help you. But knowing the difference between them will help you choose the correct platform and get quality education.
If your thoughts are like mine, you will want to join a well-structured learning platform for a great learning experience. Also, the way of delivering the course content will matter to you.
However, in this article, I will cover every aspect of Coursera and Udacity to give you a proper understanding of both platforms and help you decide which platform is right for you.
Coursera Vs Udacity: Which Is Better?
Overview of Coursera and Udacity
Coursera and Udacity are two famous websites that I came across when I was looking for a well-recognized online learning platform for my studies. Here is a brief description of both platforms as per my experience.
Coursera Overview
Coursera is an accredited online learning platform that delivers various types of courses in partnership with renowned universities, institutions, and companies worldwide. If you are looking for a course for a specific career, then Coursera is the perfect place to opt for.
Apart from degree programs and specializations, Coursera also has small courses on various topics that cater to different customers. Also, Coursera has a greater number of courses compared to Udacity.
Currently, Coursera has 16000+ learning programs classified into six different categories. These are Courses, Guided Projects, Specializations, Professional Certificates, Degrees, and MasterTrack Certificates. We will discuss these course categories in the later section of this article.
Udacity Overview
On the other hand, Udacity is a learning platform that helps people upskill with the latest tech skills. You will find courses on in-demand skills, business, and the latest technology on Udacity.
One unique thing about Udacity is that it offers great quality courses trademarked as nanodegrees. Such courses are great if you want to master a specific career or be job-ready.
Udacity offers 500+ courses related to digital technology from beginner to advanced level.
After exploring both learning platforms, I found Coursera offers a wide range of courses in different fields where instructors from different universities and companies teach. On the other hand, Udacity is a platform that offers courses and Nanodegree programs related to the field of technology.
Coursera Vs Udacity: Head-To-Head Comparison
Now we have a brief idea of Coursera and Udacity and what kind of courses they offer. Let’s now compare both platforms side by side to get a broader view.
| Factors | Coursera | Udacity |
| Average rating of courses | The average rating of Coursera courses is 4.8 out of 5 stars. | For Udacity, this rating is 4.7 out of 5 stars, according to the Course Report. |
| Best suited for | Those who are looking for certifications for career advancements, job change, promotion, or learn new skills from accredited institutions. Professionals who want to upgrade their skills at their convenience. People who prefer certifications from popular universities. | People who are looking to learn the latest tech skills such as data science, programming, etc. Businesses need to upskill their teams with the latest tech skills. |
| No. Of users | As of 2023, Coursera has 142 million users worldwide. | As per the latest data, Udacity had 16.9 million registered users by 2022. |
| No. Of courses | 16000+ courses (free, paid, certificate programs, and projects) | 500+ courses (free courses, Nanodegrees, and projects) |
| Pricing | Single course starting price – $49 per month. Coursera plus monthly subscription – $59 per month Coursera plus annual subscription – $399 per year | Udacity plans start at $249 per month. The annual plan starts at $2390. |
| Pros | Great for learning from top universities worldwide and gaining accredited certificates. Multiple free courses are available Learn from instructors of popular universities and companies. Freedom to get a full degree online Various learning options are available. | Learning programs are available for individuals, businesses, and government bodies. High-quality courses are available from different partners. Scholarship options available. Nanodegree programs. |
| Cons | Its pricing structure is difficult to understand. | Its pricing is on the higher side. |
| Content quality | Coursera delivers excellent quality content that is professional grade and helpful for career building. | Udacity also delivers great courses created by industry experts. |
| Accredited certificates | Courses on Coursera offer accredited certificates. | Udacity doesn’t have this option. |
| Mobile apps | Coursera has a mobile app, making the learning process seamless. | Udacity doesn’t have a mobile app. |
Key Differences Between Coursera and Udacity
Let’s now discuss the differences between Coursera and Udacity depending on several factors.
Coursera Courses
With a collection of 16000+ courses in 11 popular subjects, Coursera serves as a great platform for online learning. Its courses are categorized into six different pathways, enabling users to select a pathway and start the learning process.
However, what I found is that all courses have a common structure to deliver the content.
Coursera courses typically have video content along with text, access to supporting resources, quizzes and assignments, test projects, and options to connect with other students for discussion.
To join any course on Coursera, you first need to sign up on the Coursera platform by entering your name and email ID. After that, you simply need to enter the topic you want to learn in the search box and hit the enter button.
You will get all the courses for the topic along with filter options to choose the right course for your study.
Apart from that, you can also go to the explore option in the top left corner to browse all subjects available on Coursera.
Let’s now discuss these six types of courses offered by Coursera.
Guided Projects
Guided projects are simple projects on Coursera that help students learn a new skill in a short period of time. These programs give practical skills to learners guided by subject experts.
Those who want to master a specific skill or want to be ready for a certain job with the necessary skills will find these courses helpful.
Guided projects generally span between 1 to 2 hours, and their individual cost starts from $9.99. However, they are also included in the Coursera Plus subscription.
Here Are Some Examples of Guided Projects
This is a guided project offered by the Coursera Project Network, where you will go through a series of videos for setting up ChatGPT and using it for market research.
It is another guided project where you will learn what Pandas is and its different aspects. It explains the methods, attributes, and functions of Pandas and how to perform several operations using pandas.
Courses
Courses on Coursera allow learning new skills for free. However, after completing the course, you need to pay a small fee to get the course completion certificate.
Courses include video lectures, recorded auto-graded and peer-reviewed assignments, and community discussion forums. The duration of courses ranges between 4 to 12 hours.
Examples
It is a popular course offered by IBM that teaches the basics of Python and how to use it for data science and software development. You will learn the building blocks of Python, python APIs, and libraries of Python in this course.
This is a course on philosophy on Coursera that explains what philosophy is, its objectives, and different topics related to it. It discusses the topics like time travel, minds, brains, etc.
Specializations
Specializations are a unique type of course that lets people master a certain career skill by completing a series of courses related to each other. After completing a specialization course, you will get a certificate to share with your employer or professional network.
The price of a specialization course starts from $49 per month, and its duration is 1 to three months.
Examples
Machine learning specialization is one of the popular specialization courses available on Coursera. The course is created in collaboration with Stanford University and DeepLearning.AI, covering various topics of machine learning.
It discusses supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and advanced learning algorithms.
Search engine optimization specialization is an excellent course if you want to master the art of SEO for the advantage of your business. This specialization program contains five courses, including a brief intro to SEO, SEO fundamentals, optimizing websites for Google search, advanced SEO techniques, and a capstone project to strengthen your learning in the field.
Professional Certificates
Professional certificates are for those who want to pursue a new career or change their career track. These are online learning programs by top universities and companies to make you job-ready in your selected career.
Professional certificates will help you showcase your skills and expertise to your employer and advance your career. The duration of a professional certificate course ranges between 1 month to 6 months, and its price starts from $49 per month.
Examples
Designed by IBM, this data science professional certificate program contains a series of 10 relevant courses. The course discusses a wide range of topics, starting from introduction to data science, tools in data science, the role of Python in data science, and capstone projects.
It is a series of 7 courses on UX design offered by Google. By completing this course, one will master the skills of UX design and get a professional certificate for the same.
MasterTrack Certifications
MasterTrack certifications is an online learning program with master-level content. In this program, some parts of master’s programs are offered in online mode to let students have quality education from renowned universities.
You will work on real-world projects and get a chance to get accepted into a Marter’s program to earn a degree. The duration of this type of course is 4 to 7 months, and the starting price is $2000.
Examples
This is an example of social work, which spans 4 months and teaches everything in live sessions online. You can join this course online and get a certificate for social work from the University of Michigan.
This is another MasterTrack program you can join online. It explains instructional design for today’s learning environments with real-world examples.
Degrees
Degrees are probably the best things on Coursera that you can earn by spending less money than with on-campus courses. This is an opportunity to earn a full degree online with the same credentials as an on-campus course.
Coursera offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and post-graduate programs on the platform. Degree courses typically have a duration of 2 to 4 years, and their pricing starts from $9000.
Examples
Data science is an emerging field that offers a wide range of job opportunities to students. It spans 24 months and gives a master’s degree to students. It is a fully accredited online course that you can complete online and get the certificate.
This is an example of a bachelor’s degree that you can earn online on Coursera. In this course, you will learn data science and artificial intelligence, and it will take 4 to 8 years to complete.
Udacity Courses
Unlike Coursera, Udacity has two types of courses on the platform, such as courses and Nanodegree programs. Also, there are several free courses on the platform that you can join after signing up.
On this platform, you can simply search for courses by typing the topic on the search bar. Also, you can visit the catalog page to see all available courses and filter the right course for you.
Let’s now discuss these two formats in detail.
Courses
Courses on Udacity are simple learning programs that are divided into several lessons, which include video content and a final project as an assignment. These courses usually last from 1 hour to a few weeks.
An example of a course on Udacity is Introducing Generative AI with AWS. It is a beginner-level course created in partnership with AWS that covers the concepts of generative AI and machine learning fundamentals.
Nanodegree Programs
Nanodegree programs are trademark courses on Udacity that are like specializations on the Coursera platform. With these courses, you will get a deep understanding of a certain field and learn new skills with proper credentials.
Nanodegree programs are suitable for those who want to master a specific skill to be eligible for a job or get promoted in the company. After completing a nanodegree program, you will get a course completion certificate.
Nanodegree programs contain a series of courses about a certain topic, including video content, project assignments, additional resources, and technical mentor support. Such courses span from 1 month to 3 months.
Example
An example of a nanodegree course is Data Analyst, which teaches how to deal with data and perform various tasks with data. You will learn data cleaning, identifying data patterns, predicting using data, etc.
Features
Let’s now see some of the key features of Coursera and Udacity.
Coursera Features
- With 16000+ courses in various categories, Coursera serves as a great platform for online learning.
- It focuses on providing professional skills from reputed institutions.
- Courses are divided into different varieties for ease of choosing the right one.
- You can purchase individual courses or join them through monthly or annual subscriptions.
- 2000+ free courses available
- Provides access to community forums for discussion and sharing of information.
- Downloadable resources available
- Experts from 275+ popular universities and companies teach on this platform.
- Can be accessed on desktop as well as mobile due to the availability of a mobile app.
Udacity Features
- Udacity has 500+ courses, including free courses and Nanodegree programs.
- Monthly and annual subscriptions are available.
- Scholarship programs are available from various third-party partners to give learning opportunities to learners worldwide.
- Services are also available for businesses and government bodies.
Available Languages
Coursera offers a wide range of languages for its courses, ensuring that everyone can understand the topics better. Some of the languages offered on Coursera include English, Deutsch, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Indonesian Language, etc.
Most courses on Coursera allow you to switch between languages after enrolling. Even some languages are tagged as auto, which will be translated automatically when selected.
On the other hand, Udacity has an option of subtitles for some of its courses, giving a chance to students to understand the topics in their own languages. Those who understand English better can join Udacity courses.
Career Advice and Certificates
One of the main concerns many people have is whether they will get a course completion certificate when they are done with the course. Thankfully, both Coursera and Udacity offer this facility. Now, let’s discuss the difference between Coursera and Udacity certificates.
In Coursera, you will get a proper and accredited certificate after completing a course. The certificate will have vast information such as the logo of the institution, your name, the signature of the instructor, and a URL where anyone can view the certificate online. This feature also makes it easier to share the certificate online with anyone.
One thing to keep in mind is that Coursera has partnered with multiple institutions and companies worldwide that are well-recognized and provide high-quality content.
In the case of Udacity, you will get a certificate after completing a nanodegree program but not individual courses that are part of a nanodegree program. A drawback of Udacity is that its certificates are not accredited by top universities and companies.
However, Udacity is partnered with recognized companies such as Google, AWS, Nvidia, etc. Therefore, you can be assured that you are getting a quality education, which will help you in your career.
Udacity also offers several services, such as resume writing, interview preparations, coaching, and career advice to help students get a job after completing a course.
Quality Of Teachers
A good teacher can inspire students to give their 100% in any task they do and achieve better results. They help them in shaping a better future. All of us have come across such teachers in our schools and colleges.
Luckily, this also happens in online courses, and I will explain how an instructor with extensive knowledge in the subject expertise in the field will inspire you to reach your full potential.
As we all know, Coursera partners with top universities like IITs, the University of Michigan, the University of London, Imperial College London, etc., and companies like Meta, Google, IBM, Microsoft, etc., to deliver quality content.
Its worldwide reach with 275+ universities and companies on the platform adds to its authenticity and quality. Apart from that, each course goes through a beta test process to guarantee its quality.
Community support is another great thing of Coursera where you will get a chance to discuss with other members, ask questions, and have an idea of what other students feel about the course.
Udacity ensures that all instructors have professional experience in the field to be eligible to teach on the platform. Moreover, Udacity has collaborated with top organizations like Google, Amazon, etc.
Also, Udacity allows students to interact with each other and course mentor and get answers to their questions from them. There are people to help you out when you have doubts about any topic. However, it is hard to say if all the courses have this facility.
Pricing
In this section, I will compare the price a user has to pay to access the courses on these two platforms. Their pricing structure is different, Coursera has a complex pricing structure, while Udacity has a simple one.
Coursera Pricing
As I said, Coursera’s pricing structure is a bit difficult to understand. So, let’s first discuss Coursera Plus, which is a subscription plan offered by Coursera.
Coursera Plus gives unlimited access to 7000+ courses and certificate programs on Coursera with a monthly fee of $59 or an annual fee of $399. You can even join individual courses on Coursera by paying the fee.
For guided projects, the price starts from $9.99, and for other courses, it is $49 per month. Coursera also has other course categories, such as degrees and MasterTrack certificates. The price of MasterTrack certificates starts at $2000 and degrees start at $9000.
Udacity Pricing
Udacity has a simple pricing structure with a monthly subscription cost of $249 or an annual cost of $2390. You just have to see which plan fits your needs and select the right one.
Customer Support
In the world of online learning, customer support is one of the most important factors to consider. Both Coursera and Udacity have top-notch customer support to solve users’ problems.
On the help page of Coursera, you will find help articles on topics like payments, account setup, specializations, verification, etc. Also, there is a live chat option for students who don’t find a solution in these articles. For that, you have to log in to your account.
Udacity’s customer support is like Coursera, but it is easier to find on the platform. On the help page, you will find typical articles on different topics and a chatbot option in the bottom right corner.
Once you start chatting on the chatbot and explain your problems, you will get an option to chat with a human to get a possible solution. I feel this is an excellent and easy way to get help with your problems. However, if you are a free user, it might take a bit longer to get a solution.
Advantages And Disadvantages
Till now, we have discussed a lot of factors about Coursera and Udacity. Here, I will list the advantages and disadvantages of both platforms that you need to know.
| Platform | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Coursera | Acts as a medium to help students earn an accredited certificate from recognized universities. Opportunities to learn from industry experts from top organizations and universities. A lot of pathways are available for learning with monthly and annual subscription plans. It focuses on professional skills. Community access for conversations and sharing information. Many free courses are available. The subscription model makes the courses cheaper. Courses are available in a wide range of subjects. | The pricing structure is difficult to understand or a bit confusing. |
| Udacity | A great platform to gain knowledge in digital tech skills. Some courses are available only on Udacity. Instructors with expertise in the field teach on Udacity. Offers courses for individuals, businesses, and government bodies. Top-notch customer support High-quality content created by collaborating with top institutions. Offers career services along with courses. | The subscription costs are a bit higher compared to Coursera. |
Who Should Choose Coursera?
Coursera is a platform for students or professionals who want certificates from excellent organizations and universities. If you are someone who needs a recognized platform with quality content to satisfy your hunger for knowledge, you will find Coursera a perfect fit for you.
Working professionals who want to learn a new skill to get a promotion or change their careers will find this platform very helpful. Since Coursera allows learning at your own pace, busy people who are interested in learning new things can join this platform.
If you are looking for a new job and want to gain relevant skills or degrees, you can consider the Coursera platform, as it will help you learn new skills online.
Businesses who want to train their employees in the latest skills for professional development can opt for the Coursera platform. Coursera is also a great platform for government bodies, which will help upskill their employees and citizens.
Who Should Choose Udacity?
Like Coursera, Udacity is a market leader in the field of online learning, but it mainly focuses on digital technologies. This makes Udacity perfect for people who want to learn new skills related to the tech industry.
If you are already in this field or interested in learning new skills related to the tech industry, then Udacity will be the perfect platform for you. Also, graduated people who want to learn the latest tech skills will find the Udacity platform worth it.
Are you interested in the field of data science and various engineering topics? If so, the Udacity platform is for you. This will help you get knowledge in different fields at your own pace.
Udacity is also a great platform for businesses and government bodies to let their teams learn new skills.
Which One Is Better for Businesses?
Both Coursera and Udacity offer services for businesses or teams so deciding which platform will suit your business depends on the pricing structure and the features they offer. Let’s now understand what these two platforms offer for businesses.
Coursera has a subscription plan for teams between 5 to 125 users, which costs $319 per user annually with a 14-day money-back guarantee. This has unlimited access to 8500 learning programs, offering great flexibility.
However, you can also contact the sales team to get customized plans for your business.
On the other hand, Udacity has a subscription plan for teams of 5 plus users with a monthly cost of $249 per user. But for larger enterprises, you need to contact them to get a custom plan.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this Coursera vs Udacity article has answered all the questions you have in your mind and helped decide which platform to choose for your learning. Both platforms are highly popular and deliver great content.
Coursera has a broad range of categories, while Udacity focuses on courses related to engineering and technology. I have highlighted every factor you need to know to be able to make the right decision.
As per my experience, both learning platforms are great in their own ways and the type of content they provide. So, you can choose either one of them or use both for your learning.
FAQ
What is better, Udacity or Coursera?
Choosing between Coursera and Udacity is a personal preference, and this comparison guide will help you with this. Saying one is better than the other is not easy, as both are leaders in the field they operate. I would suggest that you explore both platforms and choose the one that suits your needs.
Which platform is best for certificate courses?
I would say that Coursera is the perfect platform for certificate courses as it has collaborated with so many institutions to provide high-quality courses. Udacity’s nanodegrees are also great for getting certifications, but Coursera’s vast range of courses offers more options to choose from.
Does Coursera give free certificates?
No, Coursera doesn’t provide free certificates. You can join a course for free but have to pay a small fee to get the course completion certificate.
Can you put the Coursera course on your resume?
Yes, you can showcase your learnings from Coursera courses on your resume if it is relevant to the job you are applying for. Also, you have to consider if this is the only experience you want to list on your resume or if you have a better experience than this to showcase.
Why is Udacity so expensive?
Udacity’s subscription plans are on the higher side compared to other online learning platforms, but there is a reason for this, and I will explain this in the following few points.
Udacity is a platform with a lot of focus on the tech field, providing nanodegree programs created in partnership with top institutions. Also, its project-based learning approach makes it more attractive, offering real-world experiences to students.
Apart from that, the flexibility it offers, its career services, and personalized support justify its price.
Are Udacity courses enough to get a job?
Nanodegree programs of Udacity make students ready with job-relevant skills. As per studies, more than 70% of students who studied nanodegrees on Udacity got their desired job in their chosen career.
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