One of the most important things many aspiring students consider when choosing an artificial intelligence course is how much they will have to spend. Any effective training method will require spending money, but you will want to consider the cost-benefit ratio based on your needs and goals. If you want to turn your artificial intelligence training into a career, you will want a far more immersive and hands-on course than if you just want to learn the basics for a personal reason. Typically, degree programs, certificate courses, and bootcamps are the most expensive options, but they are also the ones that pay off the most in the long run. Introductory, intermediate, and advanced courses can still be pricey, but less so since they are singular classes instead of a combination of different classes. On-demand will be the cheapest, aside from free resources, but these are only useful in certain situations.
The general rule is that the longer and more in-depth a course is, the more you’ll have to spend on tuition. However, just because a course is the most expensive does not mean it’s the best option for your goals. All in all, you’ll have to factor in a few key elements that can help you determine which course you’ll want to enroll in.
University Programs: The Pricier Option
If you have ample time and resources, a college degree is an extraordinary opportunity, particularly for professional development. University students pay a hefty price for their education, typically shelling out tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) of dollars for their degree. A two-year, four-year, or six-year degree can be beneficial in today’s job market, but there are a few factors to consider before choosing this path. First, you’ll ask whether the tuition is feasible. University programs are expensive even after accessing loans, financial aid, and scholarships. Unless you earn a free ride, there is little to mitigate the high cost. Additionally, tuition is only the start. You’ll likely have additional costs to consider, including how to pay for departmental fees, textbooks, and a parking pass, to name a few. Second, you will want to consider that most universities do not offer degrees in artificial intelligence specifically. This means you’ll likely major in a related field, such as computer science, engineering, or mathematics, and learn relevant skills that you may or may not deem necessary. However, degree programs are hands-on and thorough, so you will feel confident in your ability to find a job once you graduate. Third, consider whether this is truly the path you want to take. It would be unfortunate to start a degree and realize halfway through that this is not the career for you. Overall, the high cost comes with high stakes, so the decision to enroll in a degree program should not be taken lightly.
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Professional Development Programs: Immersive and Career-Focused
If you’re looking for a learning method that bridges the gap between an expensive degree program and a surface-level course, consider a professional development program like a bootcamp or a certificate course. This path provides you with worthwhile experience using artificial intelligence while still being cost-effective for most individuals. Although some bootcamps and certificate classes can cost upwards of several thousand dollars, training centers typically offer payment plans and other financing options. Some even offer employer sponsorships, which is an incredible way to learn new skills and help your current organization thrive. Additionally, many training centers offer students resources that help make up for the cost, such as bonus training, free course retakes, and career assistance. These classes focus on the practical application of skills instead of diving into every bit of theory and history, so students don’t have to worry about feeling like their time is being wasted. Whatever you feel is left unsaid in class can be explained through free resources and asking your instructor questions in class. While bootcamps and certificate courses can be expensive, they are far less pricey than a degree and still offer the skills you need to reach your professional goals.
Live Training Classes: Ideal for Beginners
If you aren’t sure whether artificial intelligence training is for you, it’s best to start with a lower-cost option that still highlights the key skills and concepts. This can be achieved in a single-level live course that allows you to explore new subjects and tools at a pace (and price) that suits your needs. You can start with an introductory course and work your way through the levels of advancement or stop whenever you feel comfortable. Live training is less expensive than a bootcamp or certificate course mainly because it takes less time to complete and is less in-depth. These courses give a good overview of each level of proficiency and can give you a better sense of what is expected in the next course. Plus, you can take courses in subjects and tools relevant to artificial intelligence, such as programming languages, software, and other fields of study. Most live training options cost a few hundred dollars but can be slightly higher or lower depending on the provider and the course length. If your interests align and you feel it’s the right path for you, live training allows you to shift focus and switch to a bootcamp or even become certified. These classes are also offered in varying formats so they are not only suitable for most budgets but also most schedules.
On-Demand Classes: Cost-Effective Way to Upskill and Access Supplemental Material
One of the cheaper learning options is an on-demand course. This course style consists of reviewing video tutorials, handbooks, and pre-recorded lectures to teach yourself the material. You’ll complete modules and assignments that help you understand more about artificial intelligence without the hassle of paying for an expensive class. Because on-demand classes are asynchronous, students will learn without the help of an instructor. This can be a cause for concern, particularly for a beginner. While you can pick up and put down the course as needed and can study from anywhere, the lack of interaction makes this an ineffective way to gain proficiency. Still, they are relatively low-cost. Some on-demand classes can cost as little as ten dollars, whereas others can be a couple hundred dollars. You can find on-demand classes easily as well, which enhances their appeal. You can search platforms like Udemy, Khan Academy, Skillspire, and Masterclass for artificial intelligence-related classes with a quick Google search. Although these classes come with a low price point, that is not always good. Some courses are only offered in a bundle. So if you want to take one course, it may require you to purchase the rest, which can be wasteful or beneficial depending on your needs. On-demand classes are mainly useful for those who want to learn for personal reasons and have little stakes in the matter or a professional who wants to upskill. With this in mind, it’s clear that on-demand classes have their use, but it’s very specific.
Free Resources: When Are They Useful?
The most easily accessible learning method is seeking out free resources. If you’re concerned about money, these are the most suitable options, but you will still need to consider your end goals. A free resource may look like visiting your public library for a textbook or exploring potential job opportunities at your local career center job fair. However, these are not as readily available as online resources. You can search reputable artificial intelligence organizations for more information about the field. There are also many professionals on social media platforms like TikTok or LinkedIn who share their experience in the field and provide advice to other budding experts. Likewise, training centers often provide free resources on their websites. For instance, Noble Desktop has a free seminar page where you can explore topics and tools related to artificial intelligence. They also have a Learn Hub for artificial intelligence and machine learning so you can understand the field more clearly. They also have a YouTube page filled with varying videos and playlists. For instance, they have tutorials on Python, Data Science, and SQL, which are all integral to artificial intelligence. By exploring these free resources, you can gain a foundation to build upon later, but you’ll need a lot more immersive training to become an expert.
Learn Artificial Intelligence Skills with Noble Desktop
If you want a thorough education in artificial intelligence and its various uses, look no further than the Generative AI Certificate from Noble Desktop. In this course, you will explore the myriad uses of artificial intelligence for fields, including everything from marketing and data analysis to graphic design and video production. Additionally, you’ll learn to use tools like Adobe Firefly and ChatGPT for computer vision and natural language processing, respectively. Through reviewing case studies and completing hands-on projects, you will feel more confident in your ability to use artificial intelligence for data analysis, content creation, time management, and other regular workplace tasks.
If you are a business owner curious to know how artificial intelligence can impact your everyday processes, consider the AI for Business Bootcamp. Here, you’ll gain an overview of artificial intelligence and its many uses before completing projects rooted in a realistic scenario. This may include learning how to use artificial intelligence to analyze data or create a concise project plan equipped with detailed budgets, schedules, and delegated tasks. Additionally, you’ll learn how artificial intelligence can help you improve communication with your consumers through automated messages but also how it can help you communicate more effectively with your colleagues. Overall, this course is ideal for anyone who wants to streamline and optimize their business practices with artificial intelligence.
Likewise, if you work as a video and motion graphics expert, the AI for Video and Motion Graphics course is an ideal way to learn the best practices for integrating artificial intelligence into your projects. You will start with an overview of artificial intelligence and discuss the various plans for individuals and businesses in addition to the myriad ways it can help you in the workplace. Your instructor will then guide you through the numerous ways you can create text, images, videos, audio, and 3D models with artificial intelligence. This can allow you to explore new creative depths for the storyboarding, scriptwriting, and animation process. By the end of this six-hour course, you’ll learn how to integrate your generated art into a video-based project.