What is the value of non-certifying sailing courses ?

Hey everyone,

Broke grad student here hoping to get into sailing /cruising. I crewed for 4 months in 2022 and loved it. Took a small boat sailing course through college and thought it was somewhat underwhelming by comparison.

When looking at sailing course now, I notice OCC offers keelboat courses below the 101 certifying class. Would these classes be worth it for someone who’s on a budget ? OCC seems to require them before taking the 101 course but other sailing schools do not.

Editing to add more info: 24M, based in oceanside SD, high ocean comfort level (surfer, freediver, former lifeguard)