Udacity Review: A Valuable Option for Students in Tech?

Udacity: A Quick Overview

Since 2011, Udacity has been developing Nanodegrees to help those interested in enhancing their tech skills.

To ensure that students are receiving the best and latest knowledge, Udacity partnered with leading technology companies, including Google, IBM, and Microsoft.

Udacity is an ideal option for students who don’t want to dedicate more than 6 months to a short course, want flexible learning options, and who don’t necessarily need an accredited qualification.

This is the gist of what you need to know about this technology-based eLearning platform, but let’s take you through the other pros and cons you need to consider.

Udacity Pros and Cons

Pros

• Strong focus on tech skill & career development. Udacity offers in-demand technical courses. The platform is heavily invested in the career development of its learners.
• Practical work projects. Udacity builds courses in conjunction with global industry experts. Throughout the course, these experts teach learners to develop work samples, which serve as a marker of experience for job seekers.
• Instant cancellation. Udacity learners are not bound by a contract. Instead, if you are not satisfied with the course content or any other aspect of the platform, you can cancel immediately.

Cons

• Higher prices. Udacity is one of the more expensive eLearning platforms. Costs can be as high as $399 per month.
• Limited course selection. Udacity’s course selection isn’t as diverse as some other platforms. It is also limited to technical and programming-related courses.
• No accreditation. Learners cannot determine the positive impact these courses will have on their chances of getting a job. The courses offered are not accredited and cannot be used to further your education.

Who Is Udacity For?

Udacity is ideal for anyone who wants to stand out in the technology or business sector by improving their professional skills. The platform is also best for learners who have a bigger budget but are short on time.

Professionals who want to make a career change that requires a new or enhanced technical skill set should explore the courses offered on Udacity. 

These courses give learners the chance to secure certificates, irrespective of their technological background or previous education.

Udacity Courses

The platform offers some free courses but the focus is mostly on paid Nanodegrees. These degrees are designed to bridge the gap between a university education and your professional career goals.

At Udacity, you can either enroll for single courses or an entire degree based on your requirements. If you’re short on time, then a single course might be the right choice for you as it only takes a month to complete.

The primary Udacity course categories include:

• Data Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Introduction to Programming
• Programming for Data Science with Python
• Product Manager
• Digital Marketing
• Data Analyst
• Business Analytics
• Blockchain Developer
• C++

Each of these primary categories houses a number of subcategories, making it easier to find a specific niche.

Udacity Pricing and Refunds

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to find prices on Udacity’s website until you enroll in a program.

A typical Udacity course will cost around $399 per month. You can lower this cost using several discount options available on the platform. Discount policies change regularly but can reduce the original amount to less than half.

Udacity offers a range of payment options too. These include upfront payments, payments with PayPal, or you can create a funding plan with Affirm, which will attract interest.

The platform does not offer any financial aid, however, there are student discounts available. Sponsored scholarships are also made available regularly.

Udacity conforms to international laws in terms of its refund policy. The site’s policy gives learners the chance to request a refund within 7 days of their initial payment.

Udacity Enrolment Process

The Udacity enrollment process is similar to that of other eLearning platforms.

1. Create an account using your email address or Google/Facebook account.
2. After creating your account, the site will present you with some of the most popular course options. If the suggested programs don’t appeal to you, you can always check out their catalog and explore other courses. Searches can always be made easier with the use of filters.
3. Once you create a shortlist of courses, you can easily download each syllabus or enroll right away.
4. Once you click on Enroll Now, you can choose whether to enroll in a five-month bundle program or on a monthly access basis.
5. Next, you need to enter your payment details to complete the enrollment.

Udacity Course Structure

Course structures vary but they generally consist of video lectures and downloadable learning material.

Every course offers a detailed syllabus that includes how many hours you need to set aside for each module and whether you need to submit any assignments. Once you begin a course though, you generally need to complete it within a specific time frame to receive a certificate or Nanodegree.

Each course also gives you the option to interact with Udacity’s mentors. Learners can discuss and ask questions via the platform, which makes for an interactive learning environment.

Udacity Alternatives

There are several online alternatives available if you find that Udacity isn’t right for you.

• Udemy. Udemy is an excellent alternative if your primary concern is affordability (course prices start from $9.99). Course categories include everything from business, finance, and accounting to office productivity and marketing. The site also offers a variety of hobby-related courses such as meditation, music techniques, and home improvement.
• Coursera. Coursera is one of the eLearning pioneers and offers accredited courses from top universities and colleges. This means you can either sign up for a general certificate course or a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Most of the course categories are linked to the technology and programming sector, but other categories such as social sciences and personal development are also available.
• Skillshare. Skillshare, which follows a subscription model, is another alternative to consider if you have long-term learning goals. Most of the courses are made up of video lectures, providing learners with a more engaging course format. This platform is ideal for learners who are short on time and want to enhance their existing skills or find out more about a particular topic.

Verdict

Udacity is a perfect choice for people who want to upgrade their technology or programming skills but don’t necessarily need an accredited course.

The site’s free courses and Nanodegrees can enhance your existing skillset and in turn, your career prospects.

The site is easy to use and offers detailed information on each course, ensuring you can match it to your career and learning goals.

Overall, if you are searching for highly-rated tech-based courses taught by industry experts, and are happy to pay a monthly subscription, Udacity is a good online learning choice for you.