Top Free University Courses
Imagine unlocking top-tier education from prestigious universities like MIT and Yale without spending a penny. In his YouTube video, “10 Free University Courses That Are Better Than Paid Ones” (published on May 21, 2025), Shane Hummus delves into free online courses offering unparalleled access to the same content taught at elite institutions. From computer science to psychology, these courses support career advancement without the burden of costly tuition.
Shane begins by addressing a significant concern many face: the high cost of traditional education often does not equate to valuable career skills. As he points out, these free courses feature content from leading figures such as Nobel laureates and AI pioneers. A standout example is MIT’s open courseware for computer science, providing foundational knowledge crucial across tech sectors. Shane’s 9 out of 10 rating highlights the course’s career relevance, despite the lack of networking opportunities.
Next, Shane discusses the Open Source Society University’s Computer Science Path—a robust alternative reportedly outperforming many paid programs by incorporating real-world insights. Shane’s 9.5 out of 10 score underlines its practicality and industry alignment. However, the lack of general education requirements might not appeal to everyone, reinforcing the course’s technical focus.
Highlighting elite insights, Shane praises Stanford’s Machine Learning course taught by Andrew Ng, a pioneer in the field. Shane warmly regards Ng’s thorough teaching method, which simplifies complex mathematics, crucial for high-earning roles. Shane’s 9 out of 10 rating underscores the course’s excellence, albeit with a caveat: it’s beneficial to supplement with updates in deep learning.
Diversifying the educational spectrum, Yale’s Financial Markets course, led by Robert Schiller, combines academic excellence with practical insights. Acknowledging both its academic rigor and real-world application, Shane awards it an 8 out of 10 opportunity score. He recognizes that although it may not cater to everyone’s career path, its financial wisdom is undeniable.
In a particularly enthusiastic endorsement, Shane emphasizes the value of Free Code Camp. This program facilitates hands-on projects, culminating in a solid portfolio evidencing one’s skills. Shane lauds its comprehensive curriculum and community support, rating it a perfect 10 out of 10 for its ability to place graduates in major tech firms.
Shane also introduces Harvard’s CS50 and Port Swigger’s Web Security Academy, both receiving strong commendations for getting into niche fields such as gaming and cybersecurity—fields which Shane notes have near-zero unemployment.
While Shane critiques the lack of certification in most free courses, he acknowledges their invaluable knowledge that might lack mainstream recognition but promises real-world competence. He suggests complementing these with affordable certifications like Google’s career programs to improve employability.
Overall, Shane Hummus’ video delivers a compelling case for integrating free university courses into personal and professional development without succumbing to debt, inviting viewers to rethink conventional educational pathways.