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    Coursera
    Online Learning Platform

    Coursera

    by Coursera

    "Learn from the world's best universities and companies"

    84%

    Rating

    4.2/5

    $49/monthAvailable
    Community

    Overview

    Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller launched Coursera in 2012 with a simple mission: make university-level education accessible to anyone with an internet connection. The platform quickly grew beyond its initial focus on massive open online courses (MOOCs) to include professional certificates, guided projects, and full degree programs from over 375 top institutions. By late 2025, the site had registered 197 million learners globally, creating one of the largest educational ecosystems in the world.

    The company structure shifted significantly when it adopted Public Benefit Corporation status in early 2021 following B Corporation certification. This move signaled a formal commitment to balancing financial returns with social impact. Recent leadership changes have further altered the user experience. Greg Hart, who previously spent 23 years advising Jeff Bezos at Amazon, took over as CEO in December 2024. His first major decision involved removing free access to many university course materials, placing them behind a paywall that starts at $49 per month.

    Key Features

    • Access to degrees from Yale, Stanford, and Imperial College London
    • Professional Certificates from Google, Meta, and IBM
    • AI-driven personalized learning paths via LearnVector partnership
    • Mobile apps for offline video viewing
    • Peer-graded assignment system

    Specifications

    Platform SupportWeb, iOS, Android
    Content TypesCourses, Specializations, Professional Certificates, Degrees
    Offline AccessPremium Subscribers Only
    Partner Institutions375+ Universities and Companies

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • • Direct partnerships with top-tier universities and tech giants
    • • Wide variety of accredited degree programs available online
    • • Strong mobile app functionality for studying on the go
    • • Recent investment in AI tools creates adaptive learning experiences

    Cons

    • • Removal of free audit options for many university courses
    • • Subscription costs can add up quickly for multiple certificates
    • • Complex pricing tiers between individual courses and full degrees
    • • Graded assignments often locked behind paid walls

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Coursera worth it in 2026?
    Yes, Coursera remains a strong choice for learners seeking accredited degrees or industry-recognized certificates from top universities and companies, though the removal of free audit options means you will need a subscription for full access.
    What is the price of Coursera Professional Certificates?
    Most Professional Certificates operate on a monthly subscription model ranging from $39 to $79, with the total cost varying based on how quickly a learner completes the required coursework.
    Who owns Coursera now?
    Coursera Inc. is a publicly traded company on the NYSE under the ticker symbol COUR. While co-founder Andrew Ng remains a key figure, Greg Hart took over as CEO in December 2024, and the company recently invested $100 million in Ng's new firm, LearnVector.
    Does Coursera offer free courses?
    Many courses are still available to audit for free, but as of late 2024, access to graded assignments, certificates, and many university course materials now requires a paid subscription starting at $49/month.
    How does Coursera compare to edX or Udacity?
    Coursera distinguishes itself through deeper partnerships with major tech firms like Google and Meta for professional certificates and a wider array of fully accredited online degrees compared to competitors like edX or Udacity.

    Keywords

    online learningMOOCuniversity degreesprofessional certificatesAndrew NgDaphne KolleredX competitorcorporate trainingupskillingLearnVector

    Sources

    WikipediaOfficial WebsiteReutersYahoo FinanceBusiness Wire

    Product Info

    Brand
    Coursera
    Manufacturer
    Coursera Inc.
    Category
    Online Learning Platform
    Released
    April 18, 2012
    Price
    $49/month
    Availability
    Available
    Founders
    Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller
    Global Learners (Late 2025)
    197 million
    Stock Ticker
    COUR (NYSE)
    Strategic Investment
    $100 million in LearnVector (July 2026)
    CEO Transition
    Greg Hart replaced Jeff Bezos advisor role to become CEO (Dec 2024)

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