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Coursera Review: How Popular Is It?

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Catherine Cooke

Catherine Cooke

Upskillwise Advisor

I'm Catherine, originally from London, now living in Spain. My professional journey led me from being a certified teacher to a yoga instructor and then a freelancer designer. These changes were made possible by online learning platforms like Skillshare and Coursera. It wasn't always easy, but so worth it and inspired me to start Upskillwise.

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Take Our Quiz: Find Out Which Coursera Course Is Best?

Can you really earn a full University degree online? The answer is YES! Not only that, Coursera is partnered with some of the leading Universities and Organizations from around the world. So whether you’re interested in individual courses, specialized programs, or even full-fledged degrees, Coursera has you covered. Its wide range of categories from business, computer science, health and much more will leave you with plenty to choose from.

Catherine Cooke author of the post and education and freelance expert

To ensure this Coursera review is both informative and helpful, I’ve dedicated time thoroughly researching Coursera’s courses and learning programs, instructors, pricing model, refund policy, and analyzed feedback from Coursera users. Additionally, my Master’s degree in Teaching and Education, coupled with years of experience in using online learning platforms, has enabled me to create this comprehensive review.

Catherine CookeUpskillwise Advisor

Coursera User Reviews

67 reviews

1.4
  • Elena

    20 January 2025, 11:03

    5.0

    The specialization I completed was detailed and practical, giving me skills I could apply at work right away.

  • Rohan

    20 January 2025, 11:02

    5.0

    I earned a master’s degree on Coursera, and it was flexible, affordable, and just as challenging as on-campus options.

  • Sofia

    20 January 2025, 11:01

    4.0

    If you take more than a few courses a year, Coursera Plus pays for itself quickly—totally worth it!

  • Omar

    20 January 2025, 10:56

    4.0

    Sometimes the certificates feel overpriced, but the knowledge is worth it.

  • Linh

    20 January 2025, 10:55

    5.0

    The pricing is fair for what you get, especially when compared to traditional college courses.

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  • Jared

    20 January 2025, 10:55

    3.0

    Great value for the quality of education, but I wish they had more free options for beginners.

  • Anika

    20 January 2025, 10:53

    5.0

    Coursera offers amazing courses, but some of them are a bit pricey for students, I got my membership with the black friday offer!

  • Mila

    15 January 2025, 05:02

    4.0

    Python for Everybody got me coding fast! Just wish the peer reviews were more consistent.

  • Finn

    15 January 2025, 05:00

    5.0

    Best decision ever! I’m learning Python and leadership skills without worrying about extra costs, it’s super convenient.

  • Kai

    15 January 2025, 05:00

    4.0

    Loved the Machine Learning Specialization; it’s challenging but rewarding! Some of the lectures need updating, though.

  • Zara

    15 January 2025, 04:59

    4.0

    The UX Design Specialization taught me a ton, but some parts felt a bit slow, I’m using what I learned at work already.

  • Lara

    15 January 2025, 04:58

    5.0

    With Coursera Plus, I’ve taken everything from coding to mindfulness courses. I wasn't sure at first, but I've loved having the options of courses.

  • Tina

    10 January 2025, 12:17

    5.0

    Coursera gave me access to university-level education at an affordable cost.

  • Georgio

    10 January 2025, 12:14

    5.0

    I used Coursera to prepare for a promotion, and it paid off!

  • Emilie

    10 January 2025, 12:12

    5.0

    Taking a Coursera course from the University of Michigan really helped me in my new job, I use the skills learnt daily at work.

  • jamie

    8 January 2025, 03:43

    3.0

    The course content is solid, and I learned a lot, but the subscription auto-renewed without much warning. It’s good, just make sure you keep an eye on your account settings.

  • Riley

    8 January 2025, 03:41

    5.0

    Whenever I want to pick up a new skill, Coursera is always the platform I go to. Its courses are really high quality.

  • Tasha

    8 January 2025, 03:40

    5.0

    I did a course on marketing, and it gave me so many ideas and inspiration for my new business.

  • Dana

    8 January 2025, 03:37

    5.0

    The Python course gave me skills I’m already using at work. I never thought I’d be coding, but I'm really enjoying it!

  • Marco

    8 January 2025, 03:36

    5.0

    I didn’t think I’d stick with an online course, but I ended up loving it. The videos and exercises made it way easier to learn than I expected.

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Coursera Summary

Coursera is one of the leading online learning platforms on the market, providing a vast variety of courses and learning programs. It ranges from individual courses, Guided Projects, Professional Certificates, MasterTrack and Degree programs. Coursera collaborates with world-class Universities and Companies to develop its course offerings and learning programs.

Coursera offers various payment plans, from completely free courses, to paid programs, and even monthly or annual subscriptions. Its courses stand out for their flexibility, affordability and career focus. Coursera Plus includes a free trial to get you started, and refunds can be requested within two weeks of payment for either individual courses or Coursera Plus.

Visit Coursera

Pros & Cons

Pros

Partners

Coursera has partnered with 325+ top Universities and Organizations like Imperial College, Stanford University, Google and IBM to create its learning programs.

Affordable

Its course prices are affordable and is degrees programs are significantly lower than on campus-based degrees.

Full Degree Programs

Coursera stands out because it lets you earn a fully accredited degree online from a top university at a much lower cost. This makes it easier and more affordable to advance your education and career.

Free Courses

Coursera offers more than 6,000+ courses for free on a wide variety of subjects for learners of all skill levels. Be mindful that you won’t receive a certificate with a free course, but you do have the option to upgrade at anytime.

Learning Options

Coursera’s offers various learning options, from individual courses to full degree programs, this makes the platform appealing as there is likely something for everyone.

Quality Of Courses

Courses taught by top experts in their field from world-class Universities and Organizations. Plus its Beta Testers are a way to keep the course content to the highest standard and up to date.

Cons

Confusing Pricing

Coursera offers a variety of courses and learning programs that all differently priced, it may be a little confusing and overwhelming at first to figure out which is best.

Prior Knowledge

Some courses may require prior knowledge due to the nature of the course material. It’s not always beginner-friendly.

Limited Feedback

Depending on which course or learning program you choose, you may find that teachers aren’t available to give you personalized feedback.

Coursera Pricing

Coursera’s pricing structure reflects its diverse range of learning programs, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s budget. For starters, Coursera offers over 7,000 free courses, making learning accessible without immediate costs. If you’re intrigued and wish to earn a certificate, there’s an option to upgrade to a paid version, which also unlocks additional features like instructor feedback.

Coursera Upgrade Certificate
Coursera Upgrade For Certificate

For practical learning, Guided Projects start at just $9.99. These are designed to help you quickly master a job skill through hands-on practice. Specializations and Professional Certificates start at $49 per month, ideal for those looking to dive deeper into specific career skills, with a week-long free trial to get a taste of the learning experience.

For a more academic path, MasterTrack Certificates begin at $2,000, offering credits towards future degrees, and full degree programs start at $9,000, featuring courses from renowned institutions like Penn and the University of London.

Coursera Plus

If you’re planning to take multiple courses, Coursera Plus is an excellent choice. For $59 per month or $399 annually, it provides unlimited access to the majority of Coursera’s courses and specializations, making it both a smart and budget-friendly option. Curious to learn more? Be sure to check out our detailed article on Coursera Plus, where we break down everything you need to know, including tips to make the most of your subscription!

 

Coursera Plus Pricing
Coursera Plus Subscription

For a more detailed breakdown of Coursera’s pricing, feel free to check out our comprehensive pricing guide. It covers everything you need to know!

Coursera Courses

At Coursera, its extensive offerings of learning programs are designed to meet all learning goals. If you’re curious or want to enhance your skills, their free courses are a great start, with options to add certificates later. For quick skill’s enhancement, the Guided Projects are ideal, teaching job-relevant abilities in under two hours. Those aiming to deepen expertise can delve into Specializations, while Professional Certificates prepare you for specific industries, recognized by employers.

For more serious academic pursuits, MasterTrack Certificates and full degree programs from prestigious Universities and Organizations like Yale and Google offer paths to formal qualifications. Coursera also meets organizational needs with Coursera for Business for large firms, and Coursera for Teams for smaller groups, ensuring flexible learning solutions.

Coursera Collaborate Universities and Companies
Coursera Partners

Coursera collaborates with 300+ leading Universities and Companies. So, when you receive your completion certificate it is verified by the collaborating partner, which often are recognized by future employers. And if you’re curious to find out about our Top 10 Coursera Courses, you can read all here.

Whether you’re boosting personal skills or developing a team, Coursera’s diverse offerings can enrich both personal and professional growth, something I’ve personally found to be incredibly valuable.

Coursera in Detail

Criteria

Comment

Ease of Use ?

5

Opening an account is really straightforward, you just need to add your name, email and create a password.

The design and layout of its platform is easy to navigate around thanks to its minimalistic design. My favourite part is the professionalism of the site and the fact you feel like you are on an established educational platform.

Convenience ?

4

The majority of courses you can take at any time and learn at your own pace, there are some courses which have a start and end date.

If you have enrolled on a paid course or specialization you will be able to take the 7-day free trial and if you decide to cancel before the 8th day you won’t need to pay anything.

Courses are available to watch offline on its app which can be pretty handy if you are learning on the go or have a plane trip to take.

Available Platforms

5

Coursera courses are 100% online which you can access from a desktop, laptop or via the Coursera app with a smartphone (for Android and iOS).

The Coursera app has a 4.8 rating with both the IOS and Google Play store Apps.

Certifications ?

Coursera provides accredited certificates that are recognised by employers. Coursera doesn’t create its own learning material. However, it works alongside educational institutions, government agencies and top universities to facilitate its online courses.

So you’ll be able to earn a certificate from Coursera backed up by the university that organizes the course.

Categories ?

4

Coursera currenty offers more than 5,800+ courses, professional certificates, degrees and more. Its programs are broken down into 6 types; Courses, Guided Projects, Specializations, Professional Certificates, Mastertrack Certificates and Online Degrees which are taught by top instructors from renowned Universities and Organizations.

As well as individual learning is Coursera for Business. It offers two plans Coursera for Enterprise and Coursera for Teams. Both of these plans give access to 5,400+ courses from top institutions, access to guided projects, assessments, quizzes and verified certificates.

Free Courses

4

When you land on the Coursera homepage and click on Explore, you can find ‘Take a free course’ where you will be taken to more than 7,000+ free courses. There is also the option to find a course and choose to Audit the course, which means you will have access to the course for free but won’t receive a certificate at the end of it.

Be aware that some courses, specializations and degrees don’t offer the Audit option.

Content Quality ?

5

Since Coursera’s content is built in collaboration with leading universities and companies, you can be rest assured of the quality of its courses and programs.

On top of that, it has Beta testers who are experts and enthusiasts to review and give feedback on its courses to ensure the quality is of the highest standard, this is all done before its courses are published.

Languages ?

5

Coursera courses have a wide range of languages available which include the following: English, German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Arabic.

The majority of the video lessons have an interactive transcript (also available on the mobile app) which you can follow along with during the class.

Instructors ?

5

Every course on Coursera is taught by well-recognised instructors from top universities and companies including instructors from Stanford and Duke University, and experts from Google and IBM.

Course Requirements ?

4

As Coursera offers many different types of courses, its requirements all vary.

Coursera courses normally are 4-6 weeks. Each course includes several hours of video lessons every week, graded assessments, quizzes and forum participation with peers. Some of these courses have final exams.

Coursera Specializations can combine 4-5 courses into a group. Some of the shorter specializations have only 3 combined courses and can take 4-6 months to complete. Whereas the longer specializations can combine 10 courses and take a year to complete.

If you take a degree program with Coursera who are partnered with a top University it will usually take 1-3 years of study.

Course Structure ?

4

Every Coursera course is created by a partnered University or Organization, which follows a specific curriculum and syllabus.

Its courses are based around video lessons, graded assessments, quizzes, forum participation and, at times, final exams.

Quizzes and Tests ?

4

Quizzes are normally auto-graded. Peer-reviewed papers are evaluated by a subject matter expert and feedback is given within 3 days.

Some courses also have teaching assistants to help assist with your learning.

Payments and Refunds

5

You can make payments on Coursera with the following Credit and Debit Cards Visa, Mastercard, Discover, JCB, American Express (only for courses priced in $USD) and Paypal.

The cost of Coursera courses varies widely depending on which type of course you choose.

Depending on the subscription you have chosen, the refund policy differs. For example, the month-to-month subscription does not offer refunds.

The Coursera Plus, One-time Course, Specialization and Coursera for Team all offer a 14-day refund. The Degree and Mastertrack Certificate Programs vary as the refund policies are established and administered by the University.

Coursera also offers Financial Aid and Scholarships to those needing financial assistance.

Support ?

4

Coursera offers a Help Center with covers many topics and you can find the answers for. It also offers a support via chat, which allows you to send them an query or issue you may have. Lastly they have a Contact page which should help to answer any doubts or questions you have.

Overall Rating ?

4.8

Coursera is one of the most popular online learning platforms on the market. Its diverse range of courses and learning programs make it a standout platform. It’s an ideal choice for someone looking for a career change, study a degree online or simple learn a new skill. Its courses and programs are designed in partnership with top Universities and Organizations, means you are learning from the very best. It is an inexpensive and convenient way to learn and if you aren’t ready to commit, you can get started with one of its free courses.

How To Open A Coursera Account?

The registration process for Coursera is really straightforward. Just in case you are unsure, I have broken down the registration process, which looks like this:

  1. Open a browser and visit www.coursera.org
  2. Click Join for Free in the top-right corner
  3. Add your Full Name, Email and Create a Password (or use Google or Facebook)
  4. You will be sent a confirmation email

Once you are signed up, you can click on Explore and begin browsing the different courses on offer.

Coursera Explore courses
Coursera explore courses

After you have selected a subject or learning program, you can choose one of the subcategories, which will take you to all the relevant courses.

Coursera Customer Reviews

To offer a well-rounded perspective on this Coursera review, I opted to explore two of the most popular customer review platforms. That way, we can gather insights from a large pool of customers to get a better understanding of what they have to say about the Coursera platform.

The first customer review site was collected from 491 users, below you’ll find a breakdown of ratings ranging from 1 to 5 star. Surprisingly, only 13% of those users rated the platform with 5 stars and 70% left a 1-star rating. At the other customer review site we looked at, the feedback was taken from 158 users, with only 8% leaving a 5-star rating, while 57% were unhappy, leaving a 1-star rating.

Rating Customer Review Site Customer Review Site
5-star 13% 8%
4-star 5% 16%
3-star 4% 10%
2-star 8% 10%
1-star 70% 57%
Overall 1.8 out of 5 stars 2.1 out of 5 stars

Data gathered on 02/21/2024

As I delved further into the 1-star ratings, I discovered that many complained about bad customer support, billing and subscription issues and technical problems. “Horrible customer service and there’s no way to make an official complaint. Very disappointed as the content is fine” an unhappy one-star reviewer said.

On the upside, many of the 5-star ratings praise the quality of courses, value for money and financial aid. “Amazing platform with many financial aid opportunities. The variety of courses and specialties makes it suitable for everyone” a satisfied five-star reviewer said.

Overall, Coursera doesn’t have the most positive feedback left by its learners. Saying that, when you consider that Coursera has had more than 113+ million learners using the platform, the total of customer reviews we are looking at is less than 1,000. I do hope though that Coursera takes some of its customer feedback seriously and makes necessary changes.

My Coursera Experience

The best way for me to get a real insight into the Coursera platform is by taking a course myself. I decided on the Professional Certificate in Google Data Analytics, offered by Google. It was a program that quickly piqued my interest, as I have some basic knowledge of Google Data Analytics, but I was looking to develop my skills and was impressed by its 4.8 rating from previous learners, so I thought let’s give it a go.

Coursera Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

In Conclusion

The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is a hands-on program, that teaches you all the skills you needed for a career in data analytics. I really liked the flexible learning style, which meant I could complete each of the courses at a time that worked for me. The fact that I have come away with a portfolio of projects that I could show to potential employers, made my learning experience even more valuable. I’ve highlighted below just some of the reasons you should try out this program:

  • Gain hands-on experience with tools like Google Sheets and Tableau
  • Solve real-world business projects and case studies
  • Develop a solid understanding of data analytics 
  • Flexible learning, at a time that works for you
  • Build a portfolio of projects to showcase to potential clients

Check Out Course

If you need any guidance on choosing the right Coursera course, you can check out my top tips on finding the perfect Coursera course here.

Coursera Accreditation

Figuring out accreditation on Coursera can seem a bit daunting, right? Basically, accreditation means a course is officially recognized by education authorities, like the U.S. Council of Higher Education Accreditation. This is crucial, especially for courses tied to big names like Stanford and Google, ensuring that your certification holds weight globally. So, when choosing your next Coursera course, it’s important to check its accreditation status to make sure you’re getting the recognition you deserve!

Summary Table: Coursera Accreditations

Type of Program Accreditation Status Certificate Details
Individual Courses Not officially accredited Certificate displays name, course title, and university logo; check FAQs for credit eligibility. Not an official qualification or transcript.
Guided Projects Not accredited Offers a shareable certificate for personal learning showcase.
Specializations Not officially accredited Certificate similar to Individual Courses; check FAQs for credit eligibility. Not an official qualification or transcript.
Professional Certificates Aligned with industry standards but not formally accredited Certificate includes your name, course title, and company logo.
MasterTrack Certificates Credits may count towards university degrees Official document from the university, credit towards a degree program.
Degree Programs Accredited by the university offering the degree Official transcript and degree certificate upon completion.

This table helps clarify what each Coursera program offers in terms of accreditation and what that means for the type of certification you receive. It’s important to understand these distinctions when choosing a course that meets your educational or professional goals.

In short, it’s important that:

  • You enrol on the right course or learning program for your needs
  • If applying to a University, contact them first to know what you require to apply
  • Know that a certificate isn’t always official
  • Read Course FAQ’s before committing

Finally, Coursera courses and learning programs are cost-effective and will benefit you in terms of your knowledge base, and adding another skill to your CV or Resume can only benefit you.

Coursera Alternatives

edX

Best for Verified Certificates

4.2

Udacity

Best For Career Services

4.6

MasterClass

Learn From VIP Instructors

4.7

If you’re interested in reading more in-depth about our top Coursera alternatives, please check out our article here.

Coursera Conclusion

Alright, let’s wrap up why Coursera really stands out as a top choice.

Coursera is more than just an online platform—it’s your gateway to educational and professional growth, partnering with leading universities and industry giants. It offers a wide array of courses, from Data Science to Social Sciences, and provides accredited certificates that enhance your resume. The platform’s specialized programs are great for boosting your career, equipping you with essential skills whether you’re advancing or shifting career paths.

When choosing a course, do some research to ensure it matches your goals, especially since some programs may not offer direct teacher feedback. If you’re looking for more casual learning or hobbies, platforms like Skillshare or MasterClass might be better suited. Coursera is ideal for anyone seeking to improve academically or professionally.

Still got questions? Drop a comment below, and I’ll help you out!

Coursera FAQs

Yes, Coursera certificates are worth it! Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role, switch careers, or build in-demand skills, they hold value and are a smart investment. With courses offered by world-class universities and industry leaders, they’re a credible way to showcase your expertise.

Yes, Coursera certificates are worth it! They help keep you motivated, look great on your resume, and can boost your job prospects.

After paying for either an individual course or a Coursera Plus subscription, you can request a refund within 2 weeks of your payment.

To request a refund follow these easy steps:

  1. Open your My Purchases page
  2. Find the course or Coursera Plus subscription that you want to refund
  3. Below the Refund deadline column, click Get Refund

If you have purchased another type of learning program, like a Specialization, sadly these aren’t refundable. The only other option is that if you have a subscription payment on another learning program, you can cancel it to end future payments.

Something which many of you ask when considering elearning communities is: Is this course legit?

It is completely normal to have these doubts, especially if you are considering one of the more expensive Specializations programs or Online degrees at Coursera.

Coursera was founded in 2012 by two Stanford professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller with their headquarters located in California. It has had well over 150 million course enrollments and collaborates with 275+ partners.

Coursera is part of the growing Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) movement and their elearning platform focuses on their partnerships with universities and corporations. It also attracts instructors from top universities and businesses who are experts in their field and who teach top-quality courses.

Anyways, Coursera is legit and it’s safe to use, you won’t be scammed.

Coursera courses are ideal for someone wanting to further their higher education or career skills by studying an online degree or taking a specialization learning program. The fact that it is partnered with so many well-established universities and businesses means that the final certificate accreditation is recognized worldwide and something definitely worth adding to your Curriculum Vitae or LinkedIn profile and recognized by future employees.

Coursera Certificate
Coursera certificate example

If you already have a full or part job, then studying with Coursera could be an ideal option for you. Many of its learning programs have flexible hours and the cost is just a fraction of what a traditional university course would cost.

Institutions interested in partnering with Coursera can start by completing the University or Industry Partnership Inquiry Form on their website. The partnership terms vary, but typically involve collaboration with universities, businesses, governments, and non-profits. Individuals can also collaborate with Coursera by becoming a Project Instructor, where they create guided projects. This role offers benefits like career growth, access to resources, income per project, and the opportunity to impact learners globally by sharing expertise.

Yes, you can definitely put Coursera on your resume. Obtaining a relevant certification through Coursera can improve your job prospects. As you’re thinking about your next big career move, consider earning a professional certificate from Coursera to showcase your skills and dedication to continuous learning.