Have you always wanted to learn more about architecture? Would your job pay you more if you developed a new skill? Do you just want something to fill your spare time?

Taking Classes is a great way to better yourself (and your boost your career), but they can be expensive, depending on where you take them. Fortunately, there are plenty of online options available at low to no cost. Keep reading to learn how to save money taking free classes online.

Where to Look for Free Classes

You can find just about anything on the internet – even free classes! All you have to do is do an online search and you’ll find dozens of different online companies that offer free courses. If you’re looking for something specific, you may even be able to find a free class from a reputable College or university. For example, the following free classes are available online:

• Introduction to Programming in Java, MIT (OpenCourseWare)
• Introduction to Computer Science, Harvard (edX)
• Adobe InDesign for Beginners, Adobe KnowHow
• Social Media 101, Buffer
• Advanced SEO: Tactics and Strategy, Udemy
• Become a Networking Master, The Muse
• New Venture Finance: Startup Funding for Entrepreneurs, Coursera
• Academic and Business Writing, edX
• German Course for Beginners, Deutsch-Lernen.com

As you can see, there are a wide variety of options out there when it comes to free online classes. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or advance your career, the perfect class is out there – you just have to find it!

How to Make the Most of Free Classes

Once you’ve done the research and have decided which classes you want to take, how do you get the most out of them? Here are some tips for making the most of your free classes:

• Treat them as if you were paying for them. You’ll always take something more seriously if you pay for it, so look at each free class as an investment of your time and really make the effort to do it well.
• Create a schedule for yourself. If the course doesn’t have to be completed within a set timeframe, set a schedule for yourself – treat it like you would treat a class you take in a classroom.
• Set aside time to focus on studying. If you really want to learn the material, set aside time to study instead of just squeezing in a few minutes here and there when you have them.
• Create some goals and objectives. Not only should you make time to learn the material, but set some goals for yourself regarding how you want to use your new knowledge – it helps you focus if you have something to work toward.
• Do your own research. If you find yourself getting stuck with something you’re learning in your online class, don’t just gloss over it – do your own research to figure it out!

If you’re still not able to find the classes you want for free online, there are other low-cost options to consider. Community college, for example, is a wonderful option. Community colleges offer a wide range of courses, many of them online, and tuition is often much more affordable than tuition for regular colleges and universities. You may even be able to audit a course if you don’t need credit.

Furthering yourself and your career through lifelong learning is a wonderful thing. Use the tips provided here to find and enjoy free classes online. Good luck!