Sophia Learning estimates its online college-level courses have saved students $1bn in college tuition
Online learning platform Sophia estimates its online college-level courses, offered at an affordable monthly subscription rate, have saved its students a total of $1 billion in tuition compared to traditional education institutions.
Sophia’s online courses can be submitted for transfer credit review to more than 80 partner colleges and universities. Students can also submit Sophia transcripts to non-partner institutions to be evaluated for credit.
It offers more than 70 college-level courses that students can work through online at their own pace, allowing students to complete a course in one third of the time of a traditional semester-long course. The average time taken to complete a Sophia course is 28 days, compared to the traditional 15-week semester. Courses are also available online around the clock and accessible from almost any device.
Sophia estimates its online offerings allow students to save up to 90 percent of the average cost of courses at a traditional institution, based on the average annual cost of tuition at a public four-year, in-state institution, as reported by the College Board Trends in its 2024 College Pricing Report, compared to its $99 per month subscription.
“Sophia is thrilled to celebrate this milestone of reaching $1 billion dollars in savings for students pursuing their college degrees,” comments Shawna Thayer, Ph.D., CEO at Sophia Learning. “At a time when a college education is so valuable, yet can be cost prohibitive, we are proud to offer students an affordable and flexible pathway to completing their general education requirements—whether they are getting a head start on college while in high school or finishing up the final courses they need to complete a degree while working.”
"Sophia offers students a way to explore college-level courses while potentially reducing some of the financial strain that can come with higher education," adds Michele Spires, Assistant Vice President at the American Council on Education (ACE). “ACE recognizes the value of approaches that make college more accessible, and the $1 billion students have saved through Sophia points to how alternative and innovative pathways can play a meaningful role in addressing college affordability.”
Sophia has also recently offered rising high school juniors and seniors a head start on college-level education with free access to six of its courses this summer. Available from June 2 until July 31, high school students can sign up for 60 days of free access, helping them to plan for their futures, risk-free.
