If you buy through our links, we may earn money from affiliate partners. Learn more. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images E-learning platforms Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn let you take classes from top colleges for free. Paid options give access to certificates of completion, feedback, and even final grades. Course topics vary widely, from business and programming to writing and medicine. Every year, US News & Reports releases its ranking of the top universities in the country. These schools are renowned for their rigorous academic programs, world-renowned faculty members, and beautiful campuses. But they're not easy to get into, nor are they affordable