If you're a content creator passionate about sharing educational resources, promoting online courses can be incredibly rewarding. The e-learning industry is booming, projected to show an annual growth rate of almost 9.5% from 2023 to 2027. Many top online course platforms, like Pluralsight and MasterClass, now offer influencer affiliate programs with commission rates as high as 30% or more.
With tools like Creator Hero, a storefront platform designed specifically for creators, showcasing your favorite online course brands alongside other products that resonate with your followers. If you're new to the influencer space and looking for partnerships, our guide on how to find brands looking for small influencers offers valuable tips to help you connect with brands eager to collaborate with emerging creators.
In this article, we’ll cover the 10 best US online courses affiliate programs and brands searching for partners like you, exploring features, commission rates, pros, cons, and how to join.
Pluralsight offers a broad library of online courses and expert-led training in technology, creative, and business skills, serving over 17,000 companies globally. Known for its depth in tech and software development courses, it has a significant reputation among professionals and corporations.
60 days
Pluralsight’s program offers a competitive commission and exclusive access to high-quality tech courses, ideal for targeting a professional audience.
One drawback of Pluralsight's affiliate program is that it requires affiliates to have a clear understanding of the technology and creative industries to effectively market their courses, which may be a barrier for those less familiar with these fields.
Pluralsight stands out for its high commission rate and focus on high-demand tech skills.
Pluralsight is highly trusted among corporate clients, adding value for affiliates targeting B2B and tech-savvy audiences.
Ideal influencers for Pluralsight are tech-focused content creators, IT professionals, and business influencers who target tech learners and professionals seeking to upskill.
https://www.pluralsight.com/affiliate
Codecademy specializes in coding courses and has trained over 50 million users worldwide in programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML. It’s a preferred choice for beginners and those looking to enhance coding skills.
14 days
Codecademy’s courses are well-structured and beginner-friendly, making them an excellent choice for individuals looking to start or enhance their coding skills.
One potential drawback is that while Codecademy offers a range of courses, the depth of advanced topics may be limited compared to other platforms, which could demand more experienced learners.
Codecademy is widely recognized for its interactive learning approach, ideal for beginner coders.
The platform’s interactive structure makes it accessible to newcomers, which broadens the audience for affiliates.
Codecademy is best suited for influencers in tech education, especially those focusing on beginner-friendly coding content.
https://www.ascendpartner.com/affiliate/registration?refid=213588
Master of Project Academy offers comprehensive online certification courses for IT and business professionals, focusing on project management and related fields. With over 500,000 enrollments from 180+ countries, it has established a global presence in professional education.
30 days
The academy's competitive pricing and comprehensive course offerings appeal to a broad audience of professionals seeking certification.
Master of Project Academy’s offerings may lack advanced, specialized courses for professionals seeking niche certifications or highly specific skill sets, which could limit appeal to affiliates targeting more experienced or specialized audiences.
Master of Project Academy is recognized for its affordable pricing, with certification courses priced around 30% lower than competitors, and flexible monthly subscription plans starting as low as $9 per month.
The academy offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, enhancing its appeal to potential students and aiding affiliates in conversions.
Master of Project Academy seeks affiliates with audiences interested in IT and business certifications, including professionals aiming to advance their careers through project management and related fields.
https://masterofproject.com/p/affiliate-lab
DataCamp offers data science and analytics courses to over 7 million learners, with programs tailored for individuals and businesses seeking to advance their data skills.
30 days
DataCamp’s focus on high-demand data skills helps affiliates target a growing audience interested in data-driven careers.
DataCamp’s subscription-based model may limit long-term retention, as learners who complete their courses may not need ongoing access, potentially reducing renewal rates for affiliates.
DataCamp’s unique data-centric courses are in high demand due to the booming field of data science.
The program is ideal for affiliates targeting tech-savvy individuals, students, and professionals interested in data science.
DataCamp seeks influencers focused on STEM education, data science, and analytics who can connect with learners interested in data-focused careers.
https://www.datacamp.com/affiliates
360training offers compliance training across a variety of industries, including food, real estate, and health & safety, serving over 4 million learners worldwide.
60 days
360training’s extensive catalog and compliance focus make it valuable for affiliates targeting industry professionals.
The commission rate is lower than some online course providers, which may impact earnings for affiliates.
360training is known for its compliance courses, making it a unique choice for affiliates targeting regulated industries.
360training’s niche in compliance training provides affiliates with access to professionals who must complete required certifications.
The program seeks influencers and affiliates who target professionals in regulated industries, especially those looking for career or certification advancement.
https://www.360training.com/partners
Coursera is a globally recognized online learning platform that collaborates with top universities and companies to offer courses, specializations, and degrees. With millions of students worldwide, Coursera provides an array of subjects from tech to business, personal development, and even degrees.
Check out Creator Hero’s Coursera affiliate program review to start promoting accredited courses and degrees from top universities
30 days
Coursera's affiliation with renowned universities and institutions enhances credibility, making it an appealing option for audiences looking for respected and career-advancing certifications.
Coursera's premium courses and degree programs may have higher price points, which could affect affiliates targeting price-sensitive audiences.
Coursera stands out for its partnerships with prestigious universities like Yale, Stanford, and Google, making it one of the top platforms for university-endorsed online learning.
Coursera offers free courses alongside paid options, giving affiliates the chance to promote free learning resources to engage audiences.
Coursera seeks affiliates in education, career development, tech, and business niches, as well as influencers who cater to audiences interested in skill development and formal education.
https://about.coursera.org/affiliates
Filmmakers Academy provides comprehensive online education for filmmakers, offering courses in cinematography, directing, and post-production. It aims to make filmmaking education accessible to all levels.
30 days
The program offers a competitive commission and resources to help affiliates effectively promote filmmaking courses.
The focus on annual memberships may limit earning potential from monthly subscribers.
Filmmakers Academy is known for its industry-expert mentors and practical, hands-on approach to filmmaking education.
Affiliates can benefit from the platform's continuous addition of new content, keeping the offerings fresh and engaging.
Ideal affiliates are content creators in the filmmaking niche, including bloggers, vloggers, and educators targeting aspiring filmmakers.
https://www.filmmakersacademy.com/affiliate-program/
Smart Marketer offers digital marketing and eCommerce courses designed to help businesses grow online. Founded by industry experts, it provides actionable strategies and insights.
30 days
The extended cookie duration provides affiliates with a longer window to earn commissions from referrals.
The higher price point of courses may require more targeted marketing efforts to convert leads.
Smart Marketer is recognized for its practical, real-world approach to digital marketing and eCommerce education.
Affiliates can leverage the platform's reputation and success stories to attract potential learners.
Smart Marketer seeks affiliates with audiences interested in digital marketing, eCommerce, and online business growth.
https://smartmarketer.com/partners/
CreativeLive offers live and on-demand classes in photography, art, design, music, and entrepreneurship, serving millions of students worldwide.
30 days
CreativeLive's diverse course offerings allow affiliates to target various creative niches effectively.
The focus on new customer sales may limit commission opportunities from existing customers.
CreativeLive is known for its live, interactive classes taught by industry professionals.
The platform's emphasis on creative skills makes it appealing to a broad audience of aspiring artists and entrepreneurs.
CreativeLive seeks affiliates with audiences interested in creative arts, photography, design, and entrepreneurship.
https://www.creativelive.com/affiliates
Upskillist offers over 90 online certification courses across various subjects, including data analytics, fashion design, and artificial intelligence. With a global reach, it has empowered millions of students to enhance their skills and advance their careers.
30 days
Upskillist's extensive course library and focus on practical skills make it appealing to a broad audience, enhancing conversion potential for affiliates.
The program requires affiliates to promote Upskillist ethically and transparently, with strict adherence to brand guidelines, which may limit certain promotional strategies.
Upskillist stands out for its personalized learning journeys and a wide range of expertly curated courses designed to inspire, elevate, and empower learners.
Affiliates can track their performance and growth effortlessly through a personalized dashboard, providing insights into total student referrals and successful enrollments.
Upskillist seeks entrepreneurs, educators, influencers, and content creators who inspire their audience to learn and grow, promoting Upskillist ethically and transparently to generate sales.
https://affiliates.upskillist.com/
As the e-learning industry expands, affiliate programs with top online course providers like Pluralsight, Coursera, and CreativeLive present lucrative opportunities for content creators. These programs offer competitive commissions, valuable resources, and benefits tailored for influencers dedicated to promoting educational experiences.
For a deeper dive into these opportunities, explore our article on the best US education affiliate programs, where you'll find high commission rates and generous cookie durations, allowing you to discover the best fit for your audience.