Selling online courses is a great way to share knowledge and build a business. However, pricing online courses can be a challenge for most beginner course creators.
If you set a price too low, it can make your course look inexpensive, while a price that is too high may drive potential buyers away.
Once you understand the average price for online courses, it's easier for you to make the right decision. Many factors influence course pricing, such as content depth, audience, format, and platform fees.
But, successful course creators study the market, compare similar courses, and experiment with different pricing models before finding the best price.
In this guide, we will break down the average price for online courses, the factors that affect pricing, and how to choose the best model for long-term profits. We will also introduce CustomerHub, an online course platform that gives creators control over pricing and sales strategies.
Let’s start by looking at the current price trends for online courses!
What Is The Average Price for Online Courses?
If you’re creating your first online course, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is how much to charge. Finding the average price for online courses in your industry will help you set a price that attracts students while ensuring you make a good profit.
The cost of online courses varies depending on the subject, depth, and value provided. Some courses sell for as little as $10, while others go for $2,000 or more.
The main reason why prices vary so much is perceived value. A short introduction to a topic with basic video lessons is worth less than a full training program with live support and certification.
If you’re deciding how much to charge for your course, start by looking at what similar courses in your industry sell for.
If your course offers more value than the competition, you can price it higher. Or, if you’re new to course creation, you may want to start at a lower price and raise it as you build your reputation.
Let's discuss more of these details below.
Factors That Affect Online Course Pricing
There are several factors that influence what people are willing to pay, and knowing these can help you set a price that attracts students while maximizing your earnings.
Here are the key factors that affect the average price for online courses:
Course Depth and Length
The more in-depth and comprehensive your course is, the more you can charge for it.
A short course covering the basics of a topic will naturally cost less than a full-length program that offers in-depth training, projects, and expert insights.
If your course is just a few hours long, it will likely fall in the $10 - $100 range. If it’s a comprehensive training program with 50+ hours of content, live coaching, and certification, you can charge $1,000 or more.
Target Audience and Willingness to Pay
People looking to develop new skills for their careers are often willing to pay more than those taking courses for personal interest.
- Hobby learners (e.g., personal development, art, fitness) tend to prefer affordable courses in the $10 - $300 range.
- Professionals looking to upgrade their skills (e.g., digital marketing, sales, finance) are willing to invest $300 - $2,000.
- Corporate clients and business owners often purchase high-ticket training programs in the $1,000 - $10,000 range.
If your course helps people land higher-paying jobs, build businesses, or gain industry certification, you can price it higher. If it’s something people do for fun, a lower price will attract more buyers.
Course Format and Delivery Method
How you deliver your course will impact how much students are willing to pay.
- Pre-recorded, self-paced courses are typically priced lower because they require little to no ongoing effort after launch.
- Live courses with coaching or Q&A sessions can have a higher price point because they offer real-time interaction and feedback.
- Hybrid models (pre-recorded content + live coaching) are often the most profitable because they combine convenience with personal guidance.
For example, a pre-recorded course on email marketing might sell for $100, while a version that includes weekly live coaching calls could be priced at $1,000 or more.
Instructor Reputation and Expertise
Your experience and authority in your field influence how much students are willing to pay for your course. If you have built a strong reputation, students will see more value in learning from you, and you can set a higher price.
Building trust through student testimonials, case studies, and real-world success stories can help increase perceived value. If you are just starting out, offering a competitive price and gathering positive reviews will allow you to raise your rates over time.
Transaction Fees and Platform Costs
Where you host and sell your course affects how much you can charge and keep as profit. Some platforms take a large percentage of your revenue, which forces you to increase your price just to maintain earnings.
Udemy takes up to fifty percent of each sale, which is why many courses on the platform are priced lower.
Platforms like Teachable and Thinkific also charge transaction fees between five and ten percent. Meanwhile, Kajabi follows a subscription model, where you pay a monthly fee instead of using transaction-based charges.
If you use a platform that takes a large percentage of each sale, you may need to price your course higher just to maintain your earnings. Choosing a platform like Customerhub that doesn't take a large percentage of your earnings helps you keep more of your revenue.
Get paid what your course is worth with no limits and no hidden fees. Start your free 14-day trial with CustomerHub today!
Which Pricing Model Maximizes Your Revenue?
A smart pricing strategy helps you attract more students, increase your earnings, and build long-term success. The best approach depends on how your course is structured, who your audience is, and how you plan to deliver your content.
One-Time Payment Model
The one-time payment model is one of the simplest ways to price your course. With this model, students pay a single fee to access your course, either for a set period or for lifetime access.
It works well for self-paced courses that don’t require ongoing support. If you price your course at ninety-nine dollars, you can generate steady sales without having to maintain a monthly subscription model.
Many course creators prefer this method because it allows them to focus on selling rather than managing recurring payments.
However, since students pay only once, you need to consistently attract new buyers to maintain revenue. If your course requires people to continue to need the knowledge you’re offering, this model can work well for you.
Subscription Model
The subscription model allows you to charge students a recurring fee, usually monthly or yearly, to access your course materials. This is ideal for membership-style learning, where you continuously add new content or provide ongoing coaching.
It works best if you’re teaching a skill that requires regular updates or long-term engagement. Platforms like Skillshare and MasterClass use this model, where students pay a monthly fee for unlimited access to a library of courses.
If you create a subscription-based learning community, this approach can provide you with a steady, passive income.
The downside? You need to keep producing content to retain your subscribers. If you’re not adding value over time, students may cancel their memberships.
Tiered Pricing Model
If you want to cater to different types of students, a tiered pricing model might be the best choice. This means offering different levels of access at different price points.
For example, you could have:
- A basic package that includes just the course content.
- A standard package with additional resources like worksheets, templates, or exclusive content.
- A premium package that includes one-on-one coaching, live Q&A sessions, or access to a private community.
This model helps you maximize revenue because it allows you to serve both budget-conscious students and those willing to pay more for extra value.
Free Course as a Lead Magnet
Some course creators offer a free introductory course to build trust and attract potential buyers. It gives students valuable content upfront and then sells them on a more in-depth, paid course later.
It works well if you have a larger course or a coaching program that you want to upsell. If you provide real value in your free content, students will be more likely to invest in your paid course.
Payment Plans
If your course is expensive (costs more than $500), you might want to offer a payment plan. Instead of charging the full amount upfront, you can break it into smaller monthly payments.
A $2,000 course might seem too expensive for some students, but offering four payments of $500 makes it more accessible. This way, you don’t have to lower your overall price while still attracting students who need a flexible payment option.
Which Pricing Model is Best for You?
The best pricing model depends on your content and your online course business goals. To summarize what we have mentioned above:
- If your course is self-paced and doesn’t need regular updates, a one-time payment model works well.
- If you plan to add new content regularly, a subscription model can bring in steady income.
- If you want to cater to different types of students, a tiered pricing model helps maximize revenue.
- If you want to build an audience first, a free lead magnet course can help.
- If your course is expensive, a payment plan makes it more accessible.
With CustomerHub, you have the flexibility to set, adjust, and refine your pricing strategy as your business grows. Whether you prefer one-time fees, subscriptions, or tiered pricing, it gives you full control to find what works best for you.
Your pricing strategy should be dictated by your business goals, not by platform restrictions. Ready to set your pricing your way? Start your free 14-day trial today!
Average Price for Online Courses by Industry
Some subjects, like programming and business, command higher prices because they offer career advancement opportunities.
Others, like personal development and hobbies, tend to have lower price points since they cater to a broader audience with varying levels of commitment.
It’s important to understand the average price for online courses in your industry so you can set a competitive price and maximize revenue. Here are a few pricing samples from different industries:
Business and Marketing Courses
Business and marketing courses are some of the most profitable in the online course industry. Professionals, entrepreneurs, and job seekers are always looking for ways to increase their earnings, and they are willing to pay for valuable insights.
Pricing varies based on the level of depth, instructor reputation, and certification availability.
- Beginner-level courses on digital marketing, branding, and sales start at $50 - $300.
- Advanced courses that include in-depth strategies, case studies, and business frameworks cost $300 - $2,000.
- High-end coaching programs and business boot camps often cost $2,000 - $10,000, especially if they offer mentorship, live Q&A, or exclusive networking opportunities.
Business-related courses tend to justify higher prices if they help students make more money, such as a course on building a profitable agency or scaling an e-commerce store.
Technology and Programming Courses
Tech-related courses, particularly in programming, data science, and cybersecurity, command some of the highest prices in the industry. These skills are in high demand, and students often take these courses to get higher-paying jobs.
- Beginner courses covering basic coding or web development range from $50 - $500.
- Intermediate courses, such as front-end or back-end development, machine learning, or cloud computing, cost $500 - $2,500.
- Full coding boot camps that provide career placement support or certifications can cost anywhere from $5,000 - $20,000.
Courses that prepare students for industry certifications (such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure) tend to be priced higher because they offer direct career benefits.
If you are creating a tech-related course, consider offering hands-on projects, coding challenges, and certification prep materials to justify a higher price.
Personal Development and Lifestyle Courses
Courses in self-improvement, wellness, fitness, and creative skills tend to be more affordable because they serve a broad audience. Many students take these courses for personal growth rather than career advancement, so they prefer lower price points.
- Basic courses (e.g., meditation, productivity, creative writing) range from $10 - $100.
- Structured courses with guided exercises, community support, or downloadable resources cost $100 - $500.
- Premium coaching programs in personal development, life coaching, or fitness training range from $500 - $3,000, especially if they include one-on-one coaching or live classes.
If you are creating a course in this space, offering bonuses like workbooks, templates, or exclusive Q&A sessions can increase the value of your course and justify a higher price.
Academic and Certification-Based Courses
Courses backed by universities or professional organizations tend to be the most expensive. These programs are often structured like college courses and provide official certifications or degrees upon completion.
- Individual university courses on platforms like Coursera or edX range from $300 - $3,000.
- Professional certification programs such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) courses cost $500 - $3,000.
- Online MBA programs or other full-degree programs cost $10,000 - $50,000, depending on the institution.
These courses are career-focused and typically offer structured learning, expert instructors, and certification exams, which justify the higher price.
If you are planning to create a certification-based course, partnering with recognized institutions or offering official certificates can help position your course in the premium price range.
Creative and Artistic Courses – Wide Price Range
Courses in art, music, photography, and design vary widely in price. Some are hobby-based, while others are designed for professional training.
- Basic hobby courses (e.g., drawing, photography, video editing) range from $10 - $200.
- Intermediate courses in tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, or music production software range from $100 - $500.
- Professional training courses for graphic designers, animators, or music producers range from $500 - $5,000, depending on the depth and certification options.
If you are selling a creative course, pricing depends on whether your students are hobbyists or professionals. Adding real-world projects, feedback, or personalized coaching can help increase the price.
How to Find the Best Price for Your Online Course
Finding the best price takes time. However, your goal should be searching for a price that matches based on your course’s content, target audience, and industry demand.
Market Research and Competitor Pricing
Before setting a price, it’s important to look at competitor pricing to see a baseline that prevents you from underpricing or overpricing.
One way to conduct market research is by browsing online course platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, and Teachable to compare similar courses. Checking what well-known instructors charge for courses in the same niche can provide insight into what customers are willing to pay.
Another strategy is surveying potential students. This can be done through email lists, social media polls, or small test groups.
A common mistake is setting a price solely based on competitor rates. While market research is valuable, every course is unique. A course with personalized coaching, live support, or exclusive content can be priced higher than a basic self-paced course, even if competitors are charging less.
An online course pricing calculator can help you factor in course content depth, audience size, and platform fees to determine a price that balances affordability and profitability.
Testing and Adjusting Course Pricing
An initial price does not mean it must stay the same forever. Many successful course creators test different prices to see what works best.
A/B testing, where two different price points are offered to different groups of students, can provide real data on which price leads to more online course sales.
Another method is launching a course at a lower price for early buyers and then increasing the price later. It builds urgency and rewards the first students. It also allows you to raise the price once positive reviews start coming in.
Offering limited-time discounts or bundling multiple courses together can also be used to test what price range generates the most interest. If sales drop at a higher price, adjusting the price downward or adding more value can help.
Offering Discounts Without Devaluing Your Course
Discounts and promotions can attract new students, but they should be used carefully.
Constant discounts can make a course seem less valuable. Students may wait for a sale instead of buying at full price.
One way to use discounts better is by offering them only to specific groups, such as email subscribers, early buyers, or students who complete a free mini-course.
Running occasional promotions during holidays or special events, such as Black Friday or New Year sales, can also work without reducing the perceived value of the course.
You can also bundle courses together instead of simply lowering prices. A main course, along with a bonus workshop or template pack at a discounted bundle price, makes the offer more attractive.
The Best Online Course Platform for Pricing Flexibility
The platform used to sell an online course affects pricing flexibility. As a coach, consultant, or course creator, your pricing strategy should be as flexible as your business.
Some platforms limit pricing options or take a percentage of each sale, which can cut into profits.
With CustomerHub, you have complete control over how you price and sell your courses, memberships, and digital products without platform-imposed restrictions.
Here’s how CustomerHub stands out when it comes to pricing flexibility:
Set One-Time Payments
If you prefer a simple pricing model, you can sell your courses with a simple one-time payment. You can offer lifetime or time-limited access, and CustomerHub lets you set your price based on the value of your course, not marketplace demands.
Unlike course marketplaces, CustomerHub gives you full control over pricing without forcing discounts or restricting your earnings potential.
Build Recurring Revenue
If you want predictable income, CustomerHub supports subscription pricing, allowing you to charge students on a monthly or yearly basis. This is ideal for membership-based courses, ongoing learning communities, or exclusive content access.
You can easily set up automatic billing and create different subscription tiers to offer varying levels of content, engagement, or coaching.
You might offer a lower-tier membership with access to recorded content and a higher-tier option that includes live coaching sessions. Structuring your pricing this way can cater to different audience segments while maintaining a steady cash flow.
Offer Multiple Pricing Tiers
Not all students are looking for the same experience. Some are willing to pay more for direct access to you, while others prefer a self-paced learning experience at a lower price point.
With CustomerHub, you can create tiered pricing models that allow students to choose the option that fits their budget and learning goals.
You could offer a basic course tier with just the core lessons, a mid-tier option that includes additional resources and community access, and a premium tier that features one-on-one coaching. This strategy lets you serve a wider audience without devaluing your high-ticket offers.
Provide Payment Plans
If you sell high-ticket courses, some students may not be able to afford the full price upfront.
While CustomerHub doesn’t directly manage payment plans, its seamless integrations with leading payment processors allow you to offer installment options to students.
Instead of charging $1,000 upfront, you can provide a three-month payment plan at $333 per month or a six-month option at $200 per month.
Run Discounts and Promotions
If you want to boost sales without permanently reducing your course price, CustomerHub makes it easy to run time-sensitive promotions.
You can offer early-bird pricing, seasonal discounts, or exclusive coupon codes for your email list to incentivize enrollments. These strategies help drive urgency and reward loyal students without forcing you into a race to the bottom with constant price cuts.
Keep More of Your Earnings
Unlike platforms that take a large cut of every sale, CustomerHub does not impose pricing rules or excessive transaction fees. It allows you to price courses freely and retain more of your revenue.
With CustomerHub, you have the freedom to price your courses competitively without giving up a huge portion of your earnings.
Adjust Your Pricing Anytime
As your course gains more traction, you may want to increase your prices, test different pricing strategies, or introduce new offers. CustomerHub gives you the flexibility to adjust your pricing without restrictions.
If you start with an introductory price for early adopters, you can later increase your rates while still allowing existing customers to keep their original pricing. You can reward your first customers while ensuring your course remains profitable as demand grows.
Your Course, Your Price – Take Full Control with CustomerHub!
Pricing your online course is one of the toughest decisions you’ll make. Though the real challenge here is being able to test different pricing models and adjust as your course grows.
But most course platforms restrict your pricing options, take high commission fees, or make it difficult to offer flexible payment plans. This leaves you stuck between undervaluing your content or struggling to convert students.
With CustomerHub, you’re in complete control of your course pricing.
Unlike other platforms that take large commissions or restrict pricing flexibility, it allows you to test different price points, adjust based on demand, and run promotions without cutting into your profits.
If you’re serious about selling online courses at the right price while keeping more of your earnings, CustomerHub is the platform built for you.
There are no hidden fees and no pricing limits—just the tools you need to scale your course business the way you want.
Start your free 14-day trial and discover how easy it is to set up and optimize your pricing strategy!
FAQs About Average Price for Online Courses
What is the average price of online courses?
Online courses typically range from $10 to $2,500, depending on content depth, industry, and format.
Basic courses cost between $10 and $100, while in-depth training or certification programs can go beyond $1,000.
High-end boot camps and coaching programs often range from $2,500 to $10,000.
How much do you sell an online course for?
Course pricing depends on the value you provide.
A short beginner course may sell for $50 to $200, while more structured programs with additional materials can be priced between $200 and $1,000.
Courses with coaching, live sessions, or career benefits often sell for $1,000 or more.
How long should a $500 course be?
A $500 course should provide structured training, typically offering 10 to 20 hours of valuable content. The length matters less than the quality, so well-organized lessons, expert insights, and interactive elements can justify the price even if the course is shorter.
How much to charge for mini-courses?
Mini-courses usually cost between $20 and $200. A short introductory online course with 1 to 3 hours of content may be priced at $20 to $100, while a more detailed mini-course with added resources or interactive elements can go up to $200.
