Udacity Nanodegree Cost | Everything you need to know

If you are familiar with Udacity, then you have probably heard about its well-known Nanodegree learning programs. It’s Nanodegree programs are developed by Udacity who work closely with industry-leading partners like Google and Mercedes to produce top quality content.

With these tech industry giants leading the Nanodegrees it is no surprise that the content of its courses are current and relevant. And if the tech industry is lacking in any area you can be rest assured Udacity will be creating a Nanodegree about it.

I know you are here to find out all about Udacity’s Nanodegrees and its costs. So let’s find out all there is to know in this detailed article.

What is an Udacity Nanodegree?

Udacity’s Nanodegrees are made up of a series of courses, normally between 3-4 courses, that will cover all the skills needed for a particular role or career path. Udacity is currently offering close to 70 Nanodegree programs on subjects in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Programming, Autonomous Systems, Cloud Computing, Business and Cybersecurity.

Udacity’s Nanodegrees Programs require commitment and hard work. Its programs include the following;

• Real-world projects from industry experts
• Technical mentor support
• Career services
• Flexible learning program

If you aren’t sure which Nandegree is for you, then a great way to find out more is by contacting Udacity themselves who can send you more information on available programs and updates on new programs (see image below).

Registering with Udacity

To register with Udacity is completely free. The interface of the platform is intuitive and easy to follow. You just need to follow these easy steps;

1. Visit Udacity.com and click on the top-left button Get Started
2. You can decide to register with Udacity using your email account, your Facebook or Google account.
3. Add the date of your birthday
4. Confirm your email account if needed

Once you are all signed up you can click on Programs and then FULL CATALOG and start to view all the courses available.

Udacity’s Nanodegree Costs

It is no secret that enrolling on an Udacity Nanodegree isn’t the cheapest option out there. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing right?

High-quality content from industry recognised professionals comes at a price. One of the payment options you have is to opt for the monthly pay as you go option costing you $399 a month (€359 or £329), this price is the case with the majority of its Nanodegrees. There are a couple of exceptions when the program is only a month long and this is the case for both the Activation and Retention Strategy and Monetization Strategy Course program costing $249 for the month.

The pay as you go monthly option isn’t the only payment choice Udacity offers for its Nanodegrees. It also has the estimated months access, which basically means Udacity sets a price giving you access for a certain number of months (e.g. 5 months). This is based on how long it should take you to finish the program.

If we take the Become a Data Analyst Nanodegree as an example it could either cost you $1017 for 3 MONTHS ACCESS working 5-10 hours a week, working out at $339 a month. Or you have the PAY AS YOU GO $399 monthly option.

Udacity Become a Data Analyst Nanodegree Cost

There are a few things here to consider when deciding between the 2 payment options. The first option is Udacity’s estimated time frame for how long it should take you to finish the course. If it does take you longer, then you can switch to the monthly price until you complete the program.

But if you opt for the pay as you go option it really gives you the incentive to work at a quicker pace and if your lifestyle allows you to have more flexibility, then you can work more hours than recommended. Which would mean you could finish in this example the Become a Data Analyst Nanodegree in say 2 months. You can read in full detail

In short what you should consider before deciding on Udacity’s Nanodegree payment options;

• How much time can you dedicate weekly/monthly?
• Will the pay as you go plan give you the incentive to work faster?
• Can you afford full access in one go?

If you are interested in the Data Analyst Nanodegree you can read our full detailed article here.

Note: At the time of writing this article Udacity was running 75% discount off the whole site. These discounts don’t always last for long, so I recommend taking advantage.

Udacity’s Free Trial

Some of Udacity’s Nanodegree programs offer free trials. This gives you the opportunity to experience the Udacity platform before you pay for the program. You will have access to the videos, quizzes and learning material. Keep in mind, the free trial is applicable for all of Udacity’s free trials.

> Try Udacity out for free

Udacity’s Free Courses

Udacity offers 193 free courses for you to try (see image below). All of these courses are part of the paid Udacity Nanodogree Programs. So if you decide you like one of them, you could then upgrade to the Nanodegree program and complete all the courses which are part of that bundle.

It’s important to remember here that some of these free courses have limitations to their content. But the best part is you get a real taste of the course and this may give you the confidence to pay for a Nanodegree Program.

Udacity’s Scholarships

Udacity does have a scholarship program giving the opportunity for learners all around the globe to apply to learn with Udacity for free. Udacity’s scholarship programs have helped thousands of learners all over the world gain the skills they need for the jobs they want.

You can check out Udacity’s Scholarship page to see which programs they are currently offering with a free Scholarship. All you need to do is complete the application before the deadline, and then you will be contacted by scholarships-support@udacity.com or support@udacity.com.

> Check out Udacity’s latest free Scholarships here

Udacity’s Coupons

Udacity very often offer discount codes for learners and their discounts are normally site wide, like this 60% off (see image below). It really is an ideal moment to take advantage of these offers. My advice is don’t hesitate when you see a discount offer as they don’t always last for long.

Nanodegree Pricing Chart

The pricing chart below shows a list of all the Nanodegree programs that Udacity currently offers. In the third Price column you will see 2 prices the first shows the total price for the estimated time Udacity predicts it will take you to finish the program. The second price is the monthly pay as go cost, the majority of programs cost $399 per month.

What is included in Udacity’s Nanodegree Programs?

If you have decided to commit to an Udacity Nanodegree Program you maybe asking yourself what exactly is included? Let me highlight this below.

Technical Support

Udacity offers excellent technical support where knowledgeable mentors guide your learning, and you will have the access to ask any questions you have. Another great point is that they help to keep you motivated and stay on track.

Career Services

Udacity’s paid courses and programs will give you access to resume support, Github portfolio review and LinkedIn profile optimization to help you advance your career and get you in the best possible place to land your ideal role.

Real-world projects

As Udacity’s Nanodegree content is built in partnership with top companies like Google and Microsoft. The focus is on you mastering the tech skills that companies want.

Certificate on Completion

When you successfully complete one of Udacity’s Nanodegrees like Front-End Web Developer or a Cloud Developer you will receive a certificate of completion. Many of its programs are partnered with top tier companies and recognized by future employees

Udacity’s Payment Methods

Once you have decided you want to go ahead and purchase a Nanodegree you have a couple of ways to pay for it either with a credit/debit card, paypal or by using a payment service called affirm.

What is Affirm?

Affirm is a payment service where you can create a monthly payment plan over 3,6, or 12 months. You can select how much you want to pay and when and can make those payments using a debit card, bank account or check. Affirm provides payment options with rates from 0-30% APR and no hidden fees. If you are interested in the payment plan with Affirm during the check-out process at udacity.com you will have the option to create an account with Affirm.com.

Keep in mind: Payment plans with Affirm are subject to credit check and approval and in some cases a down payment is required.

Udacity Cancellation & Refunds

Once you have purchased your Nanodegree program, and then decide it isn’t for you. You are able to cancel from your first month’s subscription within the first 2 days of purchase. The best way to request a refund is by emailing support@udacity.com.

Following that 2-day period, there will be no further refunds, that also includes partial refunds. It is important here that you do not commit to a long term Nanodegree (e.g. 6 months) if you are unable to commit to it financially.

Note: Any citizen or resident of the European Union are entitled to a full refund when the cancellation is requested on or before the first 14 days of purchase.

Udacity Nanodegree Costs: Last Thoughts

As we wrap up this article on Udacity Nanodegree Costs, I think it’s important to highlight here that the Nanodegree Programs are designed to upskill learners for a new career and give them the available skills to take on a new career path. So, the right way to look at the costs of its programs are as an investment towards your future.

If you have more availability and flexibility, then paying the pay monthly (normally $359 per month) would be your best option. That means you work quicker than the estimated time and would finisher earlier and pay less.

Remember that Udacity very often runs coupons or promotions, which I really recommend you take advantage of when you see them, as this for sure will save you a big chunk of money.

Finally, consider its free trial and courses, before you financially commit to anything, as this will really allow you to try out the platform and get a taste for the Nanodegree programs.

> Try Udacity here

Please, leave a comment below if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help you out.

Review Updates:

12/10/21 – Welcome Bar

31/08/21 – Nanodegree Pricing Chart

Catherine Cooke

Hey. I am Catherine and I have been working as a freelancer for many years now. In 2005, I graduated from a BA honours in Art & Design from BCU and then went onto complete a Master’s Degree in Teaching from UEL. The skills I gained from learning and teaching have led me to create Upskillwise, a place for learners like myself to find the best possible resources and courses to train and upskill themselves, either personally or professionally. If you have a question, please feel free to ask me anything or leave me a comment.