StraighterLine Overview | Low-Cost Online Courses for College Credit

StraighterLine is an online course provider that lets you take college-level classes at your own pace and earn credits that may transfer to a college or university. Instead of enrolling in a full degree program, you choose individual courses in areas like general education, business, science, or math, then work to transfer those credits to a school that accepts them.

In this article, you’ll learn how StraighterLine works, what kinds of courses it offers, how much it costs, and how credit transfer usually works. You’ll also see the potential benefits and limitations, which can help you decide whether StraighterLine makes sense for your academic plans.

What Is StraighterLine?

StraighterLine is an online education provider that offers individual college-level courses you can take outside of a traditional degree program. Instead of enrolling at a college right away, you sign up for specific courses and work to transfer those credits to a school that accepts them.

Many students use StraighterLine to complete general education requirements, knock out prerequisites, or reduce the number of courses they need to take after enrolling in a degree program. StraighterLine itself does not award degrees, but its courses are reviewed for college credit and may be accepted by a wide range of institutions.

Who StraighterLine Is Designed For

StraighterLine may appeal to students who want more control over their schedule or who are looking for lower-cost ways to earn college credit. This can include working adults, military students, parents, or anyone balancing school with other responsibilities.

It can also be an option if you already know which school you plan to attend and have confirmed that your target institution accepts StraighterLine credits. Because transfer policies vary by school, this step is especially important before enrolling.

How StraighterLine Fits Into the Transfer Credit Landscape

StraighterLine operates alongside other alternative credit providers and community college options. Its courses are reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE), which evaluates learning experiences and recommends them for college credit.

Colleges and universities decide whether to accept ACE-recommended credits, so transfer is never guaranteed. Some schools have formal partnerships with StraighterLine, while others review credits on a case-by-case basis.

How StraighterLine Works

StraighterLine uses a subscription-based model rather than traditional tuition. You pay a monthly membership fee, then enroll in individual courses as needed. Courses are self-paced, meaning you can move through the material as quickly or slowly as your schedule allows.

Once enrolled, you complete lessons, quizzes, assignments, and exams online. Most courses include a final exam, and some require online proctoring to verify your identity during testing.

Monthly Membership Structure

StraighterLine charges a monthly membership fee, which gives you access to the platform and course materials. This fee is separate from the cost of each course and continues as long as you remain enrolled.

Because billing is monthly, how much you spend often depends on how quickly you finish your courses. Completing courses faster may reduce total costs, while taking longer can increase them.

Course Format, Assignments, and Exams

Courses are made up of online lessons, readings, and assessments. Many include quizzes or exams throughout the course, with a final exam at the end that often carries significant weight toward your final grade.

Some courses are largely exam-based, while others include written assignments or projects. The exact format depends on the subject, so it’s important to review course details before enrolling.

Proctoring, Grading, and Final Exams

Final exams for many StraighterLine courses are completed online using a secure testing environment rather than live proctoring. StraighterLine uses Respondus LockDown Browser to restrict access to other websites, applications, and tools during assessments.

In addition to browser restrictions, StraighterLine uses identity verification methods to help ensure academic integrity. Students must still meet the minimum passing score requirements to earn credit for a course.

StraighterLine Course Catalog Overview

StraighterLine offers a wide range of college-level courses designed to cover many common general education and major-related requirements. Courses are organized by subject area, and availability may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to review current listings before enrolling. Many of these courses are commonly used to satisfy lower-division requirements at colleges that accept StraighterLine credit.

Core General Education Courses

General education courses are among the most commonly transferred credits. These classes often cover foundational skills and concepts required across many degree programs.

• English Composition I: This class introduces foundational college writing skills such as grammar, organization, and clear argumentation. Many degree programs require it as a first-year writing course.
• English Composition II: Students build on earlier writing skills with an emphasis on research, analysis, and academic argumentation. Colleges often require this course before students move into upper-division coursework.
• College Algebra: The course covers core math concepts including equations, functions, and problem-solving techniques. It commonly fulfills a general math requirement for non-STEM majors.
• Introduction to Psychology: This course provides an overview of human behavior, mental processes, and major psychological theories. It is frequently used to satisfy social science requirements.
• Introduction to Sociology: The class examines social structures, institutions, and group behavior within society. Some schools apply it toward social science or diversity-related credits.
• American Government: This course explores the structure and function of the U.S. political system. It is often used to meet civic engagement or history-related requirements.

Business and Economics Courses

StraighterLine offers several business-focused courses that may apply to business, management, or related degree programs. These courses are often used as prerequisites or lower-division core requirements.

• Accounting I: This course introduces the basics of financial accounting, including financial statements, transactions, and recordkeeping. It is commonly required for business and accounting degree programs.
• Accounting II: Students expand on accounting fundamentals with topics such as managerial accounting and more detailed financial analysis. Many programs require this course after completion of Accounting I.
• Macroeconomics: This class focuses on large-scale economic issues such as inflation, unemployment, and national economic policy. It is often a core requirement in business and economics programs.
• Microeconomics: The course examines individual and business decision-making, including supply, demand, and pricing behavior. It commonly complements macroeconomics requirements.
• Business Law: This course introduces legal principles related to contracts, liability, and business operations. Many business programs include it as a lower-division core requirement.
• Principles of Management: The class covers foundational management concepts such as planning, leadership, and organizational structure. It is often taken early in management or business degree pathways.
• Business Statistics: This course focuses on statistical methods and data analysis used in business decision-making. It is commonly required before upper-level quantitative coursework.

Science and Healthcare Courses With Labs

Science courses with lab components are often more expensive and time-consuming at traditional colleges. StraighterLine offers several science options that include separate lab credits.

• Anatomy and Physiology I With Lab: This course introduces the structure and function of the human body and its major systems. The lab component reinforces key concepts through hands-on or virtual activities.
• Anatomy and Physiology II With Lab: Students continue studying body systems with a deeper focus on function and integration. Many healthcare programs require this course after Anatomy and Physiology I.
• Introduction to Biology With Lab: This class covers fundamental biological principles such as cell structure, genetics, and evolution. The lab component supports applied learning through experiments or simulations.
• General Chemistry I With Lab: The course introduces core chemistry concepts, including atomic structure, chemical reactions, and measurement. It is often required for STEM and health-related degree programs.
• Medical Terminology: This course focuses on the language used in healthcare settings, including terms related to anatomy, procedures, and conditions. It is commonly applied toward healthcare administration or allied health programs.

Mathematics and Technology Courses

In addition to general education and business courses, StraighterLine offers math and technology options that may apply to STEM, IT, or data-focused degree paths. These courses are often taken to meet prerequisites or fulfill specific program requirements. Because math and technology requirements can vary widely by major and school, it’s especially important to confirm transfer acceptance before enrolling.

• Precalculus: This course prepares students for calculus-level math by covering functions, trigonometry, and algebraic concepts. It is often required for students planning to enter STEM or technical degree programs.
• General Calculus I: The class introduces limits, derivatives, and basic integration techniques. Many STEM programs require this course as a foundational math requirement.
• Introduction to Programming: This course introduces basic programming concepts and problem-solving skills using a common coding language such as Python or C++. It may be used in computer science, IT, or general technology pathways.
• IT Fundamentals: The class provides an overview of core information technology topics, including hardware, software, networking, and basic security concepts. It is often used as an introductory technology elective.

StraighterLine Pricing and Costs

StraighterLine uses a subscription-based pricing model rather than charging traditional tuition. Your total cost depends on how many courses you take and how quickly you complete them. Understanding the full cost structure can help you estimate expenses and avoid surprises.

Monthly Membership Fee

StraighterLine charges a monthly membership fee of about $99. This fee gives you access to the platform, course materials, and student support services. The membership fee is billed monthly and continues for as long as you remain enrolled.

Individual Course Pricing

Most StraighterLine courses are priced at $79 per course. This fee is separate from the monthly membership cost and is paid when you enroll in each course. Course prices may vary over time or by subject, so reviewing current pricing before signing up is important.

Additional Fees

Some StraighterLine courses may include additional costs beyond the monthly membership and course fee. Lab courses, for example, may have separate fees related to materials or virtual lab access.

While StraighterLine no longer uses live proctoring, certain courses may require specific testing tools such as a secure browser. Reviewing course details in advance can help you understand any additional requirements.

Cost Comparison to Traditional College Courses

Compared to traditional college tuition, StraighterLine courses are often less expensive on a per-credit basis. However, costs can increase if courses take longer to complete due to the ongoing monthly membership fee. For this reason, some students use StraighterLine for a limited number of courses rather than long-term enrollment.

Credit Transfer, ACE Recommendation, and Accreditation

Credit transfer is one of the most important factors to consider before enrolling in StraighterLine courses. While many students use StraighterLine to earn transferable credit, acceptance ultimately depends on the policies of the receiving college or university.

What ACE Recommendation Means

StraighterLine courses are reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE). ACE evaluates courses and recommends them for college credit based on learning outcomes, assessments, and instructional quality.

An ACE recommendation does not guarantee transfer. Instead, it serves as guidance for colleges when deciding whether to accept a course for credit.

How StraighterLine Credits Are Evaluated by Colleges

Each college or university sets its own transfer credit policies. Some schools accept StraighterLine credits broadly, while others review them on a course-by-course basis.

In many cases, schools consider factors such as course content, level, and how the credit fits into a specific degree program. Because of this, two students at different schools may have very different transfer outcomes.

Partner Schools vs. Non-Partner Institutions

StraighterLine maintains partnerships with more than 180 colleges and universities. At partner schools, specific courses are typically pre-approved for transfer, which can make planning easier.

At non-partner institutions, credits are often evaluated individually after completion. Students may need to provide syllabi or ACE transcripts for review.

Understanding Transfer Acceptance Across 3,000+ Schools

StraighterLine states that its courses are accepted at over 3,000 institutions. This figure generally includes schools that have accepted at least one StraighterLine course at some point.

Acceptance can vary by course, program, and academic year. For this reason, confirming transfer policies with your intended school before enrolling is an important step.

StraighterLine Partner Schools and Transfer Pathways

StraighterLine works with a network of colleges and universities that have established transfer agreements. These partnerships are designed to clarify how specific courses apply toward degree requirements. Even with partner schools, students are encouraged to review current transfer policies, since program requirements and acceptance rules can change.

Overview of StraighterLine’s Partner Institutions

StraighterLine lists more than 180 partner schools across a range of public, private, and online institutions. These schools typically publish transfer guides showing which StraighterLine courses are accepted and how they apply.

Partner institutions may include universities offering associate, bachelor’s, or graduate pathways. However, partnerships do not always apply to every program within a school.

Common Transfer Destinations

Students often transfer StraighterLine credits into online degree programs or flexible learning models. These programs may be designed to accommodate working adults or students returning to school after time away.

Transfer patterns vary by student goals, and no single destination is right for everyone. Reviewing program-specific transfer guides can help clarify how credits may apply.

How Students Typically Plan Credit Transfer

Many students choose their target school before enrolling in StraighterLine courses. This approach allows them to focus on courses that are more likely to transfer and apply to their degree.

Others use StraighterLine to complete general education requirements before finalizing a school choice. In these cases, additional verification may be needed to avoid credit loss.

Pros and Cons of StraighterLine

Like any education option, StraighterLine has both benefits and drawbacks. Reviewing these factors can help you decide whether it aligns with your academic goals, learning preferences, and transfer plans.

Advantages of StraighterLine

Students often consider StraighterLine for its flexible structure and lower upfront costs compared to traditional college courses. These features may be especially appealing for students managing work, family, or other responsibilities.

• self-paced course format
• lower per-course costs compared to many colleges
• wide selection of general education and business courses
• ACE-recommended courses that may transfer to many institutions
• ability to complete individual courses outside a degree program

Potential Limitations to Consider

StraighterLine may not be the best fit for every student or academic situation. Transfer policies, learning style preferences, and course requirements can affect how useful these courses are for your degree.

• credit transfer is not guaranteed at all colleges
• limited instructor interaction compared to traditional classes
• ongoing membership fees if courses take longer to complete
• some courses include additional proctoring or lab-related costs
• not all majors or upper-division requirements are available

Study.com: an Alternative to StraighterLine

StraighterLine is not the only option for earning transferable college credit online. Depending on how you prefer to learn and how your school evaluates transfer credit, other platforms may be a better fit. For example, Study.com delivers college-level courses through short, on-demand video lessons paired with quizzes and final exams. The platform offers a wider range of upper-level and major-related courses than many credit providers, which can be useful if you need more than general education credits. Transfer acceptance depends on your institution, so it is important to confirm how specific courses apply to your degree plan.

FAQs About StraighterLine

These FAQs cover common questions about StraighterLine, including course structure, pricing, and how credits may transfer to colleges and universities. Reviewing them can help you decide whether StraighterLine aligns with your education goals.

Is StraighterLine Legit?

StraighterLine is a legitimate education provider that has been offering online courses for many years. Its courses are reviewed by the American Council on Education for potential college credit. Legitimacy, however, does not guarantee transfer, so school-specific policies still apply. 

Are StraighterLine Courses Accredited?

StraighterLine itself is not a college or university and does not hold institutional accreditation. Instead, its courses carry ACE credit recommendations. Whether those credits are accepted depends on the receiving institution.

How Much Do StraighterLine Courses Cost?

StraighterLine charges a monthly membership fee of about $99 and a per-course fee, which is commonly $79. Some courses may include additional costs, such as lab-related fees. Total cost depends on how many courses you take and how quickly you complete them.

How Many Courses Can You Take at One Time?

There is no strict limit on how many courses you can enroll in at once. However, your ability to manage multiple courses depends on your schedule and workload. Taking too many courses at the same time may increase monthly costs if completion takes longer.

Do StraighterLine Credits Transfer to State Universities?

Some state universities accept StraighterLine credits, while others do not. Acceptance may vary by department or degree program. Confirming transfer policies in advance is the best way to avoid issues.

How Quickly Can StraighterLine Courses Be Completed?

Because courses are self-paced, completion time varies by student. Some students finish courses in a few weeks, while others take several months. Your pace can affect overall cost due to the monthly membership fee.

How Do StraighterLine Courses Compare to Traditional College Classes?

StraighterLine courses cover similar subject matter to lower-division college courses, but the learning experience is different. Instruction is online and self-directed rather than classroom-based. Assessment methods and interaction levels may also differ from traditional college settings.

Explore Flexible Options for Earning College Credit

StraighterLine can be one option for earning college credit outside of a traditional degree program, particularly for students who need flexible scheduling and lower upfront costs. To explore how StraighterLine compares with other credit-earning options and degree pathways, Learn.org offers tools and resources to help you research schools, transfer policies, and academic programs.