Best Hillsdale College Online Courses in 2026

Hillsdale College is one of the few colleges that refuses all federal funding, including student loans, maintaining complete independence from government oversight and influence. This distinctive position has allowed the small liberal arts college in Michigan to pursue a classical education model focused on Western civilization, American founding principles, and the Great Books.

What makes Hillsdale particularly interesting is their extensive free online course catalog. Unlike most colleges that charge for online education, Hillsdale offers dozens of courses completely free to anyone, anywhere. No tuition, no application, no prerequisites, just open access to college-level education grounded in their distinctive educational philosophy.

Whether you agree with Hillsdale's conservative political perspective or not, their free courses provide proper education in history, political philosophy, economics, and literature from professors who are genuine scholars in their fields. The courses don't count for college credit, but they offer something increasingly rare: deep engagement with primary texts and foundational ideas that shaped Western civilization.

This guide explores the best Hillsdale College online courses available in 2026, what makes each one valuable, and who would benefit most from this particular approach to liberal education.

Understanding Hillsdale's Educational Approach

Before diving into specific courses, it's important to understand what makes Hillsdale different:

Classical Liberal Arts Focus: The curriculum emphasizes Great Books, primary source texts, and engagement with foundational thinkers rather than contemporary textbooks or secondary sources.

Constitution and Founding Emphasis: Many courses focus on American founding documents, constitutional principles, and the intellectual tradition behind American government.

Conservative Perspective: Hillsdale openly embraces conservative educational philosophy. This influences course selection, emphasis, and interpretive approaches.

No College Credit: These free courses provide education but not credit toward degrees. Certificates of completion are available but don't carry academic credit.

Completely Free: No cost whatsoever. No hidden fees, no upsells, genuinely free education funded by private donors.

If you're looking for progressive perspectives or contemporary critical theories, Hillsdale courses won't provide them. If you want deep engagement with Western canonical texts and founding American principles from a conservative viewpoint, these courses deliver exceptional value.

Best American History and Civics Courses

1. Introduction to the Constitution

Instructor: Various Hillsdale faculty Duration: 9 lessons, approximately 4-6 hours total Level: All levels Cost: Free

What you'll learn: The Constitution's historical context, structure, principles, and interpretation. Each lesson covers different aspects including separation of powers, federalism, the Bill of Rights, and constitutional amendments.

Why it's excellent: This is Hillsdale's flagship course with over 8 million enrollments. The professors explain constitutional principles accessibly while grounding discussion in primary sources like the Federalist Papers.

The course provides foundational knowledge of American constitutional government that's often missing from modern education. Understanding the Constitution's design and purpose is valuable regardless of political perspective.

Best for: Anyone who wants to understand the Constitution beyond headlines. Citizens who want informed civic engagement. Homeschool parents teaching American government to their kids.

2. The American Heritage: From Settlement to the Civil War

Instructor: Hillsdale history professors Duration: 12 lessons Level: Intermediate Cost: Free

What you'll learn: American history from colonial settlement through the Civil War, examining founding principles, westward expansion, slavery debates, and constitutional crises that led to conflict.

Why it's excellent: The course grounds American history in ideas and principles rather than just events. You'll understand why certain conflicts arose and how they related to competing visions of American government and society.

Primary source emphasis means reading what historical figures actually wrote rather than just interpretations.

Best for: American history enthusiasts. Teachers who want deeper content knowledge. Anyone interested in founding era and antebellum America.

3. The Second World Wars

Instructor: Dr. Andrew Roberts (distinguished historian) Duration: 8 lessons Level: Intermediate Cost: Free

What you'll learn: World War II from a global perspective, examining military strategy, political leadership, and the war's impact on world order. Based on Andrew Roberts' acclaimed book "The Storm of War."

Why it's excellent: Roberts is a premier World War II historian. The course benefits from his scholarship and engaging presentation. Understanding WWII's complexity and global scope provides essential historical context for the modern world.

Best for: History enthusiasts. Anyone interested in World War II. Students who want comprehensive WWII education.

Best Philosophy and Political Theory Courses

4. Introduction to Western Philosophy

Instructor: Hillsdale philosophy faculty Duration: 12 lessons Level: Beginner to intermediate Cost: Free

What you'll learn: Western philosophical tradition from ancient Greece through modern era, covering Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, medieval philosophy, Enlightenment thinkers, and modern philosophers.

Why it's excellent: Philosophy can be intimidating, but Hillsdale's approach makes it accessible. The course emphasizes how philosophical ideas shaped Western civilization and continue influencing contemporary thought.

Reading actual philosophical texts rather than just summaries develops critical thinking skills applicable far beyond philosophy.

Best for: Anyone curious about philosophy. Students preparing for college philosophy courses. Readers who want to understand references in other literature.

5. Introduction to Aristotle

Instructor: Dr. John Grant Duration: 8 lessons Level: Intermediate Cost: Free

What you'll learn: Aristotle's major works including Nicomachean Ethics, Politics, Poetics, and Metaphysics. Understanding Aristotelian thought on virtue, politics, human flourishing, and metaphysics.

Why it's excellent: Aristotle profoundly influenced Western thought for over two millennia. Understanding his ideas illuminates countless aspects of Western philosophy, science, and political theory.

The course makes challenging texts accessible through careful explanation and context.

Best for: Philosophy students. Anyone interested in classical thought. Readers encountering Aristotle in other contexts.

6. The Federalist Papers

Instructor: Dr. Thomas West Duration: 10 lessons Level: Intermediate Cost: Free

What you'll learn: Close reading of The Federalist Papers, understanding the arguments for constitutional ratification, and the framers' vision for American government.

Why it's excellent: The Federalist Papers are essential American political texts that explain the Constitution's design and purpose in the framers' own words. This is one of the few courses anywhere dedicated to careful study of these documents.

Best for: Anyone who wants to understand constitutional design. Political science students. Citizens interested in founding principles.

Best Economics Courses

7. Economics 101: The Principles of Free Market Economics

Instructor: Dr. Gary Wolfram Duration: 10 lessons Level: Beginner Cost: Free

What you'll learn: Fundamental economic principles including supply and demand, incentives, market mechanisms, role of prices, and basics of macroeconomics from a free market perspective.

Why it's excellent: Economic literacy is rare but important for understanding policy debates and making informed decisions. Wolfram explains economics clearly without excessive jargon.

The free market emphasis reflects classical economic thought and provides counterpoint to Keynesian approaches often taught in universities.

Best for: Anyone who wants economic literacy. Students preparing for economics courses. Citizens who want to understand economic policy debates.

8. Free Market Capitalism: A Moral and Economic Defense

Instructor: Dr. Gary Wolfram Duration: 8 lessons Level: Intermediate Cost: Free

What you'll learn: Philosophical and practical arguments for free market capitalism, addressing common critiques and explaining how market systems function and create prosperity.

Why it's excellent: This course tackles capitalism's moral dimension, not just economic efficiency. Understanding the philosophical case for markets complements technical economic knowledge.

Best for: Anyone interested in economic philosophy. Students encountering critiques of capitalism. People who want to understand conservative economic arguments.

Best Literature Courses

9. Great Books 101

Instructor: Dr. Mark Kalthoff Duration: 12 lessons Level: All levels Cost: Free

What you'll learn: Introduction to Western literary canon including Homer, Virgil, Dante, Shakespeare, and other foundational texts. Understanding how to read classic literature and why these works endure.

Why it's excellent: Many people feel intimidated by classic literature. This course provides accessible entry points and demonstrates these works' continued relevance and power.

Reading the Great Books connects you to the shared intellectual heritage of Western civilization.

Best for: Readers who want to engage classic literature. Students preparing for college literature courses. Anyone building cultural literacy.

10. The Stories of C.S. Lewis

Instructor: Dr. Harry Lee Poe Duration: 8 lessons Level: All levels Cost: Free

What you'll learn: C.S. Lewis's fiction including Chronicles of Narnia, Space Trilogy, and Till We Have Faces. Understanding Lewis's themes, Christian symbolism, and literary craft.

Why it's excellent: Lewis is among the most influential 20th-century Christian writers. Understanding the depth of his fiction beyond children's stories reveals sophisticated thinking about faith, philosophy, and human nature.

Best for: Lewis fans who want deeper understanding. Parents reading Narnia with children. Anyone interested in Christian literature.

Best Founding Documents Courses

11. The Declaration of Independence

Instructor: Dr. Larry Arnn (Hillsdale College President) Duration: 5 lessons Level: All levels Cost: Free

What you'll learn: Close reading of the Declaration of Independence, its philosophical foundations, historical context, and continuing significance for American self-understanding.

Why it's excellent: The Declaration articulates foundational American principles often referenced but rarely studied carefully. Understanding what it actually says and means is essential civic knowledge.

Arnn is a serious scholar of American founding who brings depth to familiar text.

Best for: All American citizens. Students of American history and political philosophy. Teachers teaching founding documents.

12. The Presidents and the Constitution

Instructor: Various Hillsdale faculty Duration: 10 lessons Level: Intermediate Cost: Free

What you'll learn: How different presidents have interpreted and applied the Constitution, from Washington through modern presidents. Examining constitutional principles through executive practice.

Why it's excellent: Understanding the Constitution requires seeing how it's been applied in practice. Presidential decisions illuminate constitutional interpretation and ongoing debates about executive power.

Best for: American history enthusiasts. Political science students. Anyone interested in presidential history.

Best Courses for Educators

13. The Teaching American History Curriculum

Platform: Hillsdale's K-12 Education Resources Duration: Various course lengths Level: Professional development for teachers Cost: Free

What you'll learn: Curriculum and pedagogy for teaching American history using primary sources and emphasizing founding principles. Includes lesson plans and teaching resources.

Why it's excellent: Many history teachers lack deep content knowledge of American founding. These resources provide both content mastery and practical classroom materials.

The primary source emphasis develops students' analytical skills rather than just memorization.

Best for: History teachers at all levels. Homeschool parents. Anyone teaching American civics or history.

Best Recent Additions

14. Winston Churchill and Statesmanship

Instructor: Dr. Larry Arnn Duration: 8 lessons Level: All levels Cost: Free

What you'll learn: Churchill's life, leadership during World War II, political philosophy, and understanding of statesmanship. Reading Churchill's own writings and speeches.

Why it's excellent: Churchill exemplifies leadership in crisis and clear thinking about threats to free societies. Studying his leadership offers lessons for contemporary challenges.

Arnn wrote his dissertation on Churchill and brings scholarly depth to the subject.

Best for: History enthusiasts. Leadership students. Anyone interested in World War II or political leadership.

15. The Second Amendment

Instructor: Hillsdale legal scholars Duration: 6 lessons Level: Intermediate Cost: Free

What you'll learn: Historical context of the Second Amendment, founders' understanding of the right to bear arms, Supreme Court interpretation, and ongoing constitutional debates.

Why it's excellent: Few constitutional topics are more debated yet less understood than the Second Amendment. This course examines original context and meaning through historical sources.

Best for: Anyone who wants to understand Second Amendment debates beyond politics. Law students. Citizens interested in constitutional rights.

How Hillsdale Courses Work

Enrollment: Create a free account on Hillsdale's online learning platform. No application, prerequisites, or vetting.

Format: Video lectures (30-60 minutes each), reading assignments from primary sources, and optional quizzes. Completely self-paced with no deadlines.

Certificates: Complete all lessons and quizzes to receive a certificate of completion. These are statements of participation, not academic credentials.

Materials: All course materials provided free. Reading lists suggest editions of primary texts if you want to go deeper, but lectures cover essential content.

Community: Discussion forums connect students taking courses. Quality varies by course and activity level.

Who Benefits Most from Hillsdale Courses

These courses are perfect for:

• Conservative learners: If you appreciate classical education and conservative perspectives, these courses align with your values.
• Homeschool families: The curriculum maps to the classical education model many homeschoolers adopt.
• Civic education: Anyone who wants to understand American founding documents and principles.
• Classical education: Students who wants Great Books education outside formal degree programs.
• Supplementary learning: Complementing other education with conservative perspectives often absent from mainstream academia.

These courses may not work for:

• Progressive learners: If you want contemporary critical perspectives, social justice frameworks, or progressive interpretation, look elsewhere.
• College credit seekers: These don't count toward degrees. If you need credits, choose accredited courses.
• Diverse perspectives: Hillsdale offers one perspective well but doesn't provide ideological diversity within courses.

The Ideological Question

Hillsdale's conservative perspective is both feature and limitation:

The upside: Clear, unapologetic presentation of classical Western thought and American founding principles often marginalized in mainstream academia. If these perspectives interest you, Hillsdale delivers them exceptionally well.

The downside: Limited engagement with alternative perspectives or contemporary critical theories. You won't get both sides of ideological debates, you'll get Hillsdale's side articulated thoroughly.

The practical approach: Consider Hillsdale courses as one voice in broader education. Engage their perspective alongside others. Understanding conservative constitutional interpretation, for example, is valuable even if you ultimately disagree.

Comparison with Other Free Courses

Hillsdale vs. Harvard/MIT/Yale free courses:

• Hillsdale: Accessible, focused on accessible engagement with classic texts, conservative lens
• Elite universities: Often more academic, diverse ideological perspectives, sometimes assume more background

Hillsdale vs. Great Courses Plus:

• Hillsdale: Free, conservative framework, American/Western focus
• Great Courses: Paid subscription, ideologically diverse, broader subject range

Hillsdale vs. Khan Academy:

• Hillsdale: College-level humanities, conservative perspective, Western focus
• Khan Academy: K-12 through early college, STEM focus, politically neutral

Making the Most of Hillsdale Courses

Read the primary sources: Don't just watch lectures. Engage the actual texts discussed. That's where real learning happens.

Take notes actively: Summarize arguments, note unfamiliar concepts, record your questions and reactions.

Discuss with others: Use forums or discuss with friends. Engagement with ideas deepens understanding.

Complete full courses: Starting many courses but finishing none teaches little. Choose fewer courses and complete them.

Apply the learning: Consider how historical principles or philosophical ideas relate to contemporary questions.

Conclusion

Hillsdale College's free online courses provide good education in American history, political philosophy, economics, and literature from a classical conservative perspective. They're genuinely free, taught by knowledgeable professors, and focused on primary sources and foundational texts.

The courses won't appeal to everyone. If you're looking for progressive perspectives, contemporary critical theory, or ideological diversity within courses, look elsewhere. But if you want to understand American founding principles, engage Western canonical texts, or explore conservative intellectual tradition, Hillsdale offers exceptional free resources.

The value isn't in certificates or college credit, it's in the education itself. Understanding the Constitution, reading the Federalist Papers, engaging Aristotle, or studying Great Books has value regardless of credentials.