But tuition isn't the only expense.
You may also need ...
software
a computer that can run it
time each week to study and build projects
These extra costs are easy to overlook.
This guide breaks down the main options, including free ways to learn, so you can choose a path that fits your goals and budget.
This guide compares free resources, online courses, bootcamps, and university certificates. If you're considering a master's degree, read how a certificate can count toward one.
The prices below are published tuition ranges as of October 2026.
Costs can change, so check each provider's website before enrolling.
| Path | Typical tuition | Typical time | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free resources | $0 | Self-paced | Free intro courses, videos, community forums and free tools; no feedback or credential |
| Online course platforms | About $35 to $59 a month, or $239 to $399 a year | Weeks to months | Self-paced video courses and a completion certificate; little or no instructor feedback |
| Short university courses and certificates | About $350 to $3,350 | A few weeks to a few months | One to a few instructor-led courses on a specific skill or tool |
| Comprehensive university certificates | About $4,800 to $5,300 | 8 to 18 months | Five or six instructor-led courses, a portfolio project, a university credential, and sometimes credit toward a master's |
| Bootcamps and career schools | About $799 to $9,900 | 7 weeks to 6 months | Intensive training; higher tiers add mentoring or job-search help |
Teaching yourself can cost little or nothing, but it often takes longer. Designers commonly estimate that it can take 9 to 18 months to build a portfolio that is ready for job applications when you're learning on your own.
You can learn the basics without paying for a program. Here are a few good places to start:
Free resources can teach you a lot, but they usually don't provide a step-by-step plan, expert feedback, or a formal credential. Those are some of the main benefits you pay for in a structured program.
Articulate Storyline is the software employers ask about most often, but it can be expensive.
As of October 2026, Articulate 360 costs $1,449 a year for an individual and $1,749 a year per seat for teams. Some advanced AI features, such as translation and avatar video, use credits sold separately.
You may be able to lower the cost:
Articulate Storyline only runs on Windows. If you use a Mac, you'll need software that lets your Mac run Windows, plus a Windows license:
That adds up to about $240 to $300 in the first year. Another option is Articulate Rise, which runs in a web browser and works on a Mac without those extra purchases.
Use this worksheet to compare the costs of two options you're considering.
| Cost | Path 1: ________ | Path 2: ________ |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | $ | $ |
| Software (after discounts or included access) | $ | $ |
| Hardware (Mac setup, if needed) | $ | $ |
| Portfolio hosting and domain | $ | $ |
| Memberships and extras | $ | $ |
| Total dollars | $ | $ |
| Hours per week × number of weeks | ___ × ___ | ___ × ___ |
| Feedback on your work? Credential? Portfolio project? | Y / N | Y / N |
Here's what you'll likely pay for OSU's E-Learning Instructional Design and Development Certificate adds up:
You don't need to apply. You can start with one course or try the free Pathways to Instructional Design course first.
Yes. You can use free courses, tools, and software trials. The trade-off is that you'll need to plan your own learning, find feedback, and create your portfolio independently. Some learners use free resources and pay for just one course or program.
No. Start by learning design with free tools, then use a trial to practice. Because employers often ask for Storyline experience, make sure you can access it before creating your main portfolio samples.
Not directly. Storyline runs on Windows, so Mac users need software to run Windows and a Windows license. Articulate Rise is browser-based and works on either Mac or PC.
The higher price often covers instructor feedback, a planned series of courses, a portfolio project, and a university credential. Prices vary: comprehensive university certificates can cost $4,800 or more, while OSU's certificate costs $2,395 plus a registration fee.
Some certificates offer credit that can count toward a degree. OSU's certificate includes six units you can apply toward a partner online master's in learning design and technology, allowing you to start with a certificate and continue toward a degree later. See how the path works.