How Much is a SketchUp Course?

When you’re researching SketchUp courses, one of the most important factors involved in choosing a course is likely to be cost. The cost of a SketchUp class can vary significantly. You’ll find that your options range from short, on-demand courses for less than a hundred dollars, to comprehensive design programs that cost thousands of dollars. Each of these types of classes will provide you with a different type of education. This article covers some of the different types of SketchUp classes available and the costs associated with each. 

What Is SketchUp?

SketchUp is a popular 3D modeling application that was first released in 2000. It is used in many different design fields. It can also be used to create and download models for 3D printers. The application has a free version and a pro version and is used by both hobbyists and professionals. Since it was first launched, SketchUp has gained numerous new features. Its most recent version includes a new graphics engine, with increased responsiveness. SketchUp is owned by Trimble Inc.

What Can You Do With SketchUp?

SketchUp can be a useful tool in any type of design field where you need to use 3D models. This includes architecture, landscaping, and interior design. A 3D model is a valuable tool that a designer can use to share designs with stakeholders. By looking at a model, all involved parties can understand exactly what the design will look like and can suggest changes if needed. A model can also help the designer see what the product will look like in the real world, and more easily spot and fix any problems. With a model, any needed changes can be made early in the design process, and are thus likely to be far less costly.

SketchUp Course Options

Many different types of SketchUp classes exist, each with a different price tag. In general, the longer and more comprehensive a class is, the higher the tuition. Enrolling in a college degree program is one of the most expensive ways to learn SketchUp and can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year. A career-focused program like a certificate course or bootcamp generally costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but is nowhere near as expensive as college. You could also learn SketchUp by taking an on-demand class or a shorter live training course, both of which are significantly cheaper. However, these options are also less comprehensive.

A College Degree

In most cases, the priciest SketchUp learning option is a college degree program. You won’t find an entire degree devoted to SketchUp, instead, you’ll learn it as one of the tools used within a larger field of study like interior design, architecture, or landscape design. Most degree programs provide a comprehensive and well-rounded education and are well-respected by employers, however, they are also very expensive for the majority of students. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that for the 2022 to 2032 school year, the average cost of tuition and fees at a four-year institution ranged from almost $10,000 to more than $40,000 depending on the type of school. Paying this much every year can quickly lead to a significant debt. 

Immersive Career-Focused Classes

A less expensive alternative to a college program is an immersive, career-focused course like a bootcamp or a certificate program. These types of programs are accelerated and they cover a lot of material in a relatively short amount of time. Like a degree program, they have a focus on getting students ready for a job in their chosen field, however, they are far less expensive and also take much less time to complete. Most career-focused courses cost somewhere between a few thousand dollars and $30,000. Compared to college programs, these courses often provide a higher level of career support. For example, some include one-on-one mentoring sessions that can be used for resume and portfolio review and job search advice. Other types of support include internships and access to professional networks. Because of their relatively low tuition and their accelerated format, career-focused courses have become popular in recent years, with many people using them as an alternative to college.

Live Training Classes

Live training classes are another SketchUp learning option. These are shorter classes that usually only take a day or two, and they cover a more narrow set of skills, but they can be a good way to learn some basics. A major benefit of a live class is that students receive expert guidance and feedback from a live instructor. Most live training classes only cost a few hundred dollars. If you want to use SketchUp professionally, a short live class may not be comprehensive enough, but it can be an excellent way to start learning this application.

On-Demand Classes

One of the least expensive types of SketchUp classes is an on-demand class. Unlike other types of classes, on-demand classes do not have a live instructor. Instead, students are given access to a series of pre-recorded lectures and exercises, and they complete the material at their own pace. On-demand classes are usually very inexpensive--many are under $100--since they lack live instruction. On-demand platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and Skillshare also provide SketchUp training. One of the biggest downsides to on-demand learning is the lack of a live instructor to guide you through the learning process, answer your questions, and help you stay engaged.

Free Resources

You’ll also find free Sketchup learning resources online. For instance, YouTube contains free SketchUp tutorials, and some schools provide free learning resources so that students can gain a better understanding of a particular topic before they commit to a paid class. SketchUp’s website offers free resources for users, including a number of resources on how to set up this application and how to get started using it. Another free learning option is to visit online forums, where expert users are often happy to share their insights and expertise. Free resources like these can be a great way to troubleshoot a problem, get an overview of how SketchUp works, or learn some basic skills, but if you’re serious about learning this application, you’ll probably want to invest in a formal class where you can follow a comprehensive curriculum under the guidance of an expert. 

Learn SketchUp with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop is based in New York City and offers a wide variety of design classes. It has both short courses that can help you quickly master the basics, and longer, more comprehensive programs that are intended to get you career-ready in a relatively short amount of time. These classes are offered in person at its Manhattan facility or in a live online format, where you can sign on from any location in the world. Noble Desktop is licensed by the New York State Education Department. All courses include a certificate of completion and the option of a free retake within one year.

If you want to learn SketchUp, you can enroll in Noble’s SketchUp Pro Bootcamp, which is a multi-day class designed to get you ready to start building 3D models. It covers a wide range of topics including interface navigation, drawing shapes, adding volume, and transforming elements. You’ll also learn to use the SketchUp Warehouse. This class includes plenty of hands-on practice. No prior experience is required, other than the ability to use a computer.

If you’re interested in 3D modeling, Noble also offers a number of live AutoCAD classes. These include Level 1, 2, and 3 classes. There is also an AutoCAD Masterclass, which covers beginner, intermediate, and advanced skills. Finally, Noble offers an AutoDesk Certification Program. This course includes three AutoCAD classes in addition to six hours of private tutoring. You’ll finish the course by taking the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting exam. Proctoring and a free retake are included with your tuition.