Definition of Freemium
"Freemium is a business model in which a company offers basic or limited features to users at no cost and then charges a premium for supplemental or advanced features" (Segal, 2022).
Key Components of the Business Model
Course Certificates: Coursera offers paid certificates upon completion of courses and specializations. Learners can purchase these certificates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Degree Programs: Coursera collaborates with universities to offer online degree programs. Learners enrolling in these programs pay tuition fees, which contribute to Coursera's revenue.
Enterprise Solutions: Coursera partners with organizations to provide learning solutions for their employees. These partnerships generate revenue through licensing, subscription fees, and custom enterprise offerings.
Course-by-Course pricing (vary)
Coursera offers individual courses on a pay-per-course basis
Learners can choose and pay for the courses they specifically want to take without committing to a broader program.
Degree Program Pricing (vary)
Coursera partners with universities to offer online degree programs. The pricing structure for degree programs varies depending on the specific program and university. Learners enrolling in degree programs typically pay tuition fees based on the program's duration and requirements.
Specialization pricing ($39 monthly)
Coursera offers curated courses on specific topics or skill areas, which is called "Specializations"
Learners can choose to pay for the entire Specialization at a bundled price.
Subscription model ($79 monthly or $539 annually)
Coursera Plus to provide learners with unlimited access to a selected range of courses and including Specializations for a monthly or annual fee.
Learners to explore 7,000 world-class courses within the included offerings.
Financial aid option (no cost but with limitations)
Coursera provides financial aid to learners who demonstrate financial need. How to apply financial aid or a scholarship at Coursera?
Limitations: most courses offer financial aid or scholarships, but not all courses are applicable.
Coursera's business model thrives on strategic partnerships with prestigious universities, industry leaders, governments, and nonprofits. These collaborations drive diverse content, credibility, and accessibility, benefiting learners and partner institutions worldwide.