Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative
Last Revised: December 5, 2025
Program overview
Improving post-secondary learning: The Open Learning Initiative (OLI) is a set of 50+ online college courses designed to be used independently or alongside in-person classes in order to improve student learning across a multitude of post-secondary subjects at a low cost.
Based on scientific research: OLI are administered by Carnegie Mellon University and designed based on cognitive tutoring and data driven techniques. Courses cover a variety of topics including STEM subjects and the arts and humanities.
Designed for several uses: Some courses are administered completely independently online. Others are designed for colleges to be taught by instructors exclusively online or in conjunction with in-person coursework. Course access is offered at minimal to no fees, with free and open courses designed to democratize education.
Providing immediate feedback: All OLI courses include clear learning objectives, online expository materials, and learning and testing activities which provide immediate feedback to students. Classes designed for instructor administration collect real-time student learning data allowing educators to better tailor instruction based on student need.
- Cost
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$10-80 per student (free for open courses)
A single study suggests that the Open Learning Initiative model is a promising strategy for increasing credit accumulation and persistence.
- A 2020 research synthesis rated the program as promising in increasing student credit accumulation and persistence.
- Ensure access to technology: Because OLI courses require students to have regular internet access, educational institutions should provide students with necessary technology like laptops or ensure students have sufficient computer lab access. Similarly, via partnerships with internet service providers, colleges and universities could provide a greater number of students with internet access, thus allowing them to participate in open learning curricula.