Best Online Certificate Programs of 2025

Whether you’re eager to boost your skills for a new career or level up in your current one, certificate programs are a quick and affordable way to do so. They offer training in many fields, including healthcare and technology.

An online format means you can earn these credentials without sacrificing your job or other personal obligations. Plus, certificates cost less than a four-year degree, and the credits may transfer to an undergraduate or graduate program.

Explore some of the best online certificate programs to see what’s right for you.

Depending on your career goals and educational background, you can choose from undergraduate- and graduate-level certificate programs to develop specific skills and knowledge. You could also pursue a non-credit certificate, which offers professional development without the pressure of maintaining your GPA.

Undergraduate certificates are focused, short-term programs highly targeted toward particular career paths. Community colleges, four-year institutions, and trade schools award these certificates.

Common undergraduate certificates include cosmetology, electrician, auto mechanic, healthcare, cybersecurity, project management, human resources, finance, and hospitality.

Program length, required credits, and admission requirements vary by the program and certificate. These credit-bearing certificate programs require students to do undergraduate-level coursework, so schools typically require a high school diploma or GED for admission. Some programs require licensure after graduation, and you can often transfer earned credits to an associate or bachelor’s degree program.

Graduate certificates are credit-bearing credentials offered by four-year colleges and universities and some standalone graduate schools. Because these programs involve graduate-level coursework, applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Graduate certificates allow students to upskill and stand out in the job market without earning a master’s degree.

Unlike a master’s degree, a graduate certificate is more narrowly focused on a specialized field, allowing you to develop the precise skills you’ll use. Graduate certificate lengths and required credits vary by subject and college. Some colleges have specific admission requirements, while others have open admissions policies.

Graduate certificates can cover various topics, including IT and healthcare. For example, you could study forensic nursing, school counseling, data science, nonprofit or strategic management, or social justice.

Many schools offer non-credit-bearing certificate programs. These short-term programs are often offered through the school’s continuing education department. Non-credit certificates may offer general knowledge or can help you learn a new skill or upgrade existing skills.

Non-credit certificates can count as continuing education units (CEUs) to meet professional requirements or develop personal interests. In some cases, you may request a certificate of completion from the college; however, you cannot usually apply CEUs toward a degree. And because non-credit courses are not graded, your performance will not affect your overall GPA.

Certificate programs can hold programmatic accreditation from various CHEA- and ED-recognized agencies. This type of accreditation signifies that the program meets high standards for its field. Certain fields may require programmatic accreditation whereas for others it may be optional. Check your state’s licensing requirements before pursuing any particular program or career.

Examples of agencies that accredit certificate programs include:

Regardless of your chosen field of study, you should attend a college or university that holds institutional accreditation. Unlike programmatic accreditors, institutional accreditors review and assess the educational quality of an institution as a whole.

Average certificate costs vary by program. According to NCES, the average cost of an online undergraduate certificate in 2019-2020 was $12,389. In comparison, an online bachelor’s program cost $23,024 that same year — amounting to more than $90,000 over four years. A certificate could help you launch your career for a fraction of the cost of a bachelor’s degree.

Factors that influence the cost of an online certificate include whether you attend a public or private college, the total program length, and the delivery format. In general, in-state public universities offer more cost-effective certificate programs, but some colleges offer flat fees for students nationwide.

You can access financial aid for some certificate programs. Accredited college or trade school programs that lead to academic, professional, or vocational certificates can make you eligible for federal loans, grants, and work-study jobs. Some certificates, though, such as non-credit certificates, are ineligible for federal financial aid.

Additionally, there are state-specific scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and other financial aid that you may qualify for, especially if you want to earn a certificate for an in-demand career. You can look for scholarships from your school, private scholarships, community scholarships, or scholarships in your field.

Earning a certificate helps you work in various industries, including healthcare and broadcasting. If you’re interested in wellness or healthcare, careers such as a licensed practical nurse, paramedic, massage therapist, or surgical assistant only require a certificate. Some of these programs may require hands-on experience or in-person training.

Other careers requiring hands-on work include aircraft mechanics, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration mechanics and installers, electrical installers, and broadcast, sound, and video technicians.

With only a certificate, you could also become a wind turbine technician, a career the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects will add 6,800 new jobs from 2023-2033 — a 60% increase.