With free online courses in ComputerScience, Programming, Mathematics, GeneralScience and Entrepreneurship, Udacity has over 700, 000 users and an innovative revenue model that includes both certification for completed courses as well as a job referral services.
Unlike regular degree programs, which provide a macro education on a general topic (say, ComputerScience), badges certify micro-based competency in a very specific skill (say, JavaScript).