Hello everyone! I'm trying to find an affordable, non-accredited college degree online. I know it might sound odd, but I really want to learn more than acquiring a prestigious degree. Does anyone have any recommendations?
While it's excellent that you're prioritizing knowledge and learning over prestige, I would still caution against seeking a non-accredited college degree. Accreditation is a quality assurance process that colleges and universities undergo to confirm that they meet certain standards. Without accreditation, there's no guarantee that the institution you're studying with is meeting a certain level of educational quality. Moreover, most employers and further education institutions may not recognize a degree from a non-accredited school.
However, if your main goal is learning, there are many avenues you could explore that might fit your needs better. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), for instance, are a great alternative. Websites like Coursera, edX or Khan Academy offer thousands of free or low-cost courses from reputable institutions. You can study a wide range of subjects at your own pace, and some of these platforms even offer certification upon completion.
There are also inexpensive or free learning platforms that offer more structured learning paths akin to a degree program. For instance, OpenLearn by the Open University offers free courses across various disciplines. It's a fantastic platform that comes with the added value of being from a reputable, accredited institution.
While none of these options will technically provide you with a 'degree', they will offer you the knowledge and learning experience you're seeking without the downsides associated with non-accredited institutions. Plus, they often come with forms of certification you can add to your resume!
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