For 1st time, MIT's free online classes can lead to degree

" … In a pilot project announced Wednesday, students will be able to take a semester of free online courses in one of MIT’s graduate programs and then, if they pay a “modest fee” of about $1,500 and pass an exam, they will earn a MicroMaster’s credential, the school said." …

http://www.stltoday.com/business/technology/for-st-time-mit-s-free-online-classes-can-carry/article_1946d7bc-caaf-5b6e-a8ea-e0445bf8dcd5.html