Why Are Online Courses So Expensive? (And Should You Buy One?)

Because apparently, learning about “passive income” requires *active* draining of your bank account. Let’s dig in!

The $1,997 Question: Why Are Online Courses So Pricey?

Oh, you’ve seen it: the course with the flashy title, the promise of riches, and that oddly specific price tag of $1,997. Why not $2,000? Because marketers think it tricks your brain into thinking it’s cheaper. Cute, right?

But let’s not stop there. The truth is, online courses are expensive for reasons that go beyond sneaky pricing. Let’s break them down:

• Production Quality: High-definition videos, sleek editing, and those aesthetic slide decks? They don’t just appear out of thin air. Creators often hire teams, including video editors, designers, and tech experts, to make their courses shine brighter than a TikTok influencer’s ring light.
• Expertise: Some course creators genuinely bring years of experience and knowledge. Think of it as hiring a consultant—you’re paying for their brainpower, except this consultant also sells you “bonus modules” that feel like homework.
• Marketing Costs: Ever wonder why every YouTube ad sounds like, “Hey, I made $500K last month, and I’m here to tell you how”? That’s paid advertising. Your course fees help fund their next batch of ads and possibly their next Lamborghini.
• Scarcity Tactics: There’s psychology at play here. By pricing it high, they tap into the idea that it must be valuable. Who wouldn’t want to buy a “limited edition” success blueprint?
• Platform Fees: Hosting a course on platforms like Kajabi, Teachable, or Thinkific isn’t cheap. There are subscription costs, transaction fees, and the occasional tech meltdown to deal with.

Are You Paying for Knowledge or Just the Packaging?

Here’s the real kicker: A lot of what’s inside those expensive courses isn’t groundbreaking. In fact, you might already find similar information for free—or at least cheaper—on platforms like YouTube, blogs, or even a well-organized subreddit.

That said, it’s not all smoke and mirrors. Some online courses truly offer transformative experiences, particularly when:

• The creator brings unique insights or access to insider knowledge you can’t easily Google.
• They provide accountability tools like live sessions, communities, or step-by-step roadmaps.
• The material is actionable, saving you hours of trial-and-error learning.

But when the course is 12 hours of pre-recorded videos with no engagement, you might as well watch a documentary on Netflix for free.

Should You Buy an Online Course?

Let’s get to the million-dollar (or $1,997) question: Should you buy that shiny online course? Here’s a no-BS guide to making the call:

Step 1: Ask yourself if you really need it. Are you buying this because it aligns with your goals, or because their sales page convinced you that your life is incomplete without it?

Step 2: Research. Look for reviews outside of their website. Reddit, Quora, or even YouTube reactions can be goldmines of honest opinions. If people are screaming “scam,” take the hint.

Step 3: Check your budget. If spending $2,000 on a course means you’re eating ramen for the next month, maybe hold off. Debt-free living is a skill worth learning too!

Step 4: Gauge its practicality. Can you apply what you learn immediately, or will this just sit in your inbox labeled “Someday”?

Alternatives That Won’t Break the Bank

Not ready to splurge? Here are some low-cost (or free!) ways to get smarter:

• YouTube University: From coding to cake decorating, there’s a tutorial for almost anything.
• Open Educational Resources (OER): Websites like Khan Academy, edX, and Coursera offer free or low-cost courses. They might not have glittery sales pitches, but they’re packed with value.
• Online Communities: Join Facebook groups, forums, or subreddits in your niche. Sometimes, the best advice comes from people in the trenches.
• Books: Remember those? They’re like courses, but cheaper. And you can take them anywhere without Wi-Fi.

Think of these as your first steps toward learning, without the financial commitment of an online course. Who knows? You might find that DIYing your education is just as effective.

Conclusion: Your Brain Is Valuable, but So Is Your Wallet

At the end of the day, online courses can be a great investment—if they’re the right fit. But don’t let a fancy sales pitch or fear of missing out push you into buying something you don’t need. Do your homework, weigh the pros and cons, and remember: your education doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

P.S. If you made it this far, you’re already proving that free resources (like this article!) can pack a punch.