LinkedIn Learning is best for individuals seeking affordable, flexible online learning for continuous professional development. General Assembly Immersive Courses are more suitable for those looking for intensive, career-focused training with strong job placement support and a robust alumni network, despite the higher cost.
| Attribute | LinkedIn Learning | General Assembly Immersive Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Course Content Quality | Vast library of courses taught by industry experts; content is accurate, relevant, and up-to-date. Some courses may lack in-depth knowledge. | Curricula are challenging, up-to-date, and designed with employers’ needs in mind. Developed with input from employers. |
| Instructor Expertise | Experienced educators and recognized industry experts. Instructors are subject-matter experts, authors, and thought leaders. | Instructors are experts in their fields, possessing real-world workplace and industry insights. |
| Career Coaching & Mentorship | AI-powered coaching offers personalized, real-time advice and tailored content recommendations. Mentoring resources are also available. | Extensive career services, including a dedicated career coach. One-on-one career coaching from expert mentors. Career advisors provide job search preparation. |
| Networking Opportunities | Showcase knowledge, connect with other learners and industry leaders. Completing courses unlocks a certificate of completion that can be displayed on your LinkedIn profile. | Large global alumni network and a hiring partner network. Networking events for students. Networking with alumni, community meetups, and local employers. |
| Job Placement Rate | Not available | Varies depending on the source and year. One source claims a 95.7% job placement rate for students completing the career services program. Another source claims 99.7% of graduates from full-time courses between January 2018 and March 2019 who used career services found jobs soon after graduating. General Assembly's Outcomes Report for 2019 indicated over 90% of graduates found a job within 180 days of graduation, and 97% were working in their field within one year. Graduates find jobs at companies like Amazon, Facebook, IBM, and Microsoft. |
| Curriculum Relevance to Industry Demands | Analyzes industry trends and skills in demand to ensure content is relevant. Continuously updates courses and available learning content. | Curriculum is structured to ensure relevant, current coursework applicable to the field. Courses developed with input from employers. |
| Hands-on Project Experience | Many courses include practice exercise files and quizzes. Some courses also offer sample projects. | Students build a solid portfolio of real-life projects. Immersive students create an online career portfolio with real-world projects and feedback from instructors. |
| Flexibility (Online vs. In-Person) | Primarily an online learning platform, offering on-demand video courses. No in-person learning option. | Available either virtually or in person. Also offers Remote Flex Immersive courses with a more flexible schedule. |
| Pricing and Financing Options | Individual courses range from $20 to $50. Monthly subscriptions are around $39.99, while annual subscriptions are offered at a discounted rate, around $239.88 per year. A one-month free trial is typically available. | Tuition ranges from $3,000 for part-time programs to $16,450 for full-time programs. Offers various financing options, including upfront payment discounts, income share agreements (ISA), private loans, and monthly installments. Offers 0% interest monthly financing options for many US courses. |
| Alumni Network Strength | LinkedIn Learning itself doesn't have a traditional alumni network, but completing courses and earning certificates can enhance your LinkedIn profile. | Strong alumni network of over 70,000 global alumni. |
| Certification and Accreditation | LinkedIn Learning courses are not typically accredited. However, some courses may be affiliated with third-party accreditors and may provide continuing education units (CEUs). LinkedIn Learning also offers prep courses for professional certifications. | Students receive an industry-recognized certificate after completing an immersive program. |
| Community and Support | LinkedIn Learning offers a Q&A section where you can ask questions. LinkedIn also has AI-powered coaching to provide personalized guidance. | Students get individualized feedback from mentors and peers. Access to alumni networking opportunities. |