Study.com Overview | Low-Cost Online Courses for College Credit

Study.com is an online learning platform that allows you to complete college-level courses and earn credits that may transfer to a college or university. In addition to many lower-division options, Study.com also offers a selection of upper-division courses, which can be harder to find through other online credit providers.

In this article, you’ll learn how Study.com works, what types of courses are available, how pricing is structured, and how credit transfer typically works. The goal is to help you understand where Study.com fits within your education options and whether it aligns with your academic plans.

What Is Study.com?

Study.com is an online education platform that offers individual college-level courses designed to support credit transfer. Rather than enrolling in a full degree program, you can take standalone courses and work to apply those credits toward a college or university that accepts them.

One feature that sets Study.com apart is its range of upper-division courses. These 300-level options may help students meet junior- or senior-level requirements, depending on a school’s transfer policies.

Who Study.com Is Designed For

Study.com may appeal to students who want flexible scheduling and access to a wide variety of courses. This can include working adults, students returning to school, or those trying to complete specific requirements more efficiently.

It may also be useful if you already know your target school and have confirmed that Study.com credits are accepted. Because transfer rules vary, verifying acceptance in advance remains an important step.

How Study.com Fits Into the Transfer Credit Landscape

Study.com operates alongside other alternative credit providers and traditional colleges. Many of its courses carry recommendations from the American Council on Education, which reviews learning experiences for potential college credit.

Colleges decide whether to accept ACE-recommended credits, so outcomes can differ by institution and program. Some schools have formal partnerships with Study.com, while others evaluate credits individually.

How Study.com Works

Study.com uses a subscription-based model that gives you access to its course library. Courses are self-paced, allowing you to move through lessons and assessments according to your schedule.

Once enrolled, you complete video lessons, quizzes, and exams online. Most courses include a proctored final exam, which may be required to earn credit.

Subscription-Based Access Model

Study.com offers monthly subscription plans that include access to course materials and assessments. The subscription remains active as long as you continue paying the monthly fee.

Your total cost can depend on how many courses you complete during your subscription period. Finishing courses more quickly may reduce overall expenses.

Course Format, Video Lessons, and Assessments

Courses are organized into short video lessons followed by quizzes that test your understanding. These lessons are designed to be completed in manageable segments.

In addition to quizzes, most courses include assignments or exams that contribute to your final grade. Course structure can vary by subject and level.

Course Completion Timelines

Because courses are self-paced, completion times vary by student. Some learners finish courses in a few weeks, while others take longer depending on their availability.

Upper-division courses may require more time due to increased reading, assignments, or exam complexity. Planning your schedule in advance can help manage workload.

Exams and Grading Policies

Many Study.com courses include chapter exams and a final exam that are completed online. These exams are open-book and taken independently without live supervision.

Instead of proctoring, Study.com verifies student identity using tools such as TypingDNA or Veriff. Meeting the minimum passing score remains required to earn credit.

Study.com Course Catalog Overview

Study.com offers a broad catalog of college-level courses across multiple subject areas. While lower-division courses make up a large portion of the catalog, Study.com also provides access to upper-division options that may apply to junior- or senior-level requirements. Because transfer acceptance varies by institution, confirming how specific courses apply to your degree program is an important step before enrolling.

Upper-Division Courses (300-Level and Above)

Upper-division courses are often harder to find through alternative credit providers. Study.com offers a selection of 300-level courses that may help students meet advanced degree requirements, depending on school policies.

• Business 303: Management Information Systems: This course explores how organizations use information systems to support decision-making and operations. It is commonly required in business and information technology programs.
• Business 311: Project Management: The class focuses on planning, executing, and managing projects within an organization. Many programs apply it toward leadership or management requirements.
• Computer Science 302: Systems Analysis and Design: This course examines how information systems are analyzed, designed, and implemented. It is often required for computer science or IT degree programs.
• Computer Science 306: Computer Architecture: The class covers the internal structure and operation of computer systems. It may serve as a milestone course in some computer science programs.
• Psychology 301: Industrial and Organizational Psychology: This course applies psychological principles to workplace behavior and organizational settings. It is commonly used in psychology, business, or human resources programs.
• English 305: Advanced Technical Writing: The class focuses on professional and technical communication skills used across many fields. It may fulfill upper-level writing requirements in some degree programs.
• Communications 301: Diversity and Intercultural Communication: This course examines communication across cultures and social groups. Some programs apply it toward ethics, diversity, or global studies requirements.

Computer Science and Information Technology Courses

Study.com offers a range of computer science and IT courses that span introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. These courses are often used to meet degree requirements in computer science, information technology, or related fields.

• Computer Science 102: Fundamentals of Information Technology: This course introduces core IT concepts such as hardware, software, and basic system operations. It is often used as an entry-level requirement for technology-related programs.
• Computer Science 108: Introduction to Networking: The class covers basic networking principles, including network types, protocols, and data transmission. Many IT and computer science programs include it as a foundational technical course.
• Computer Science 115: Programming in Java: This course introduces object-oriented programming concepts using Java. It is commonly required for students pursuing software development or computer science degrees.
• Computer Science 204: Database Management: The class focuses on database design, data modeling, and management systems. It is often required for data, software, or information systems tracks.
• Computer Science 307: Software Engineering: This course examines software development processes, project planning, and system maintenance. It is typically applied toward upper-division computer science requirements.
• Computer Science 331: Cybersecurity Risk Management: The class explores security risks, controls, and management strategies in information systems. Some programs apply it toward cybersecurity or information assurance requirements.

Business, Finance, and Accounting Courses

Study.com offers business-related courses that cover foundational concepts as well as more advanced topics. These courses may apply to business, finance, accounting, or management degree programs, depending on transfer policies.

• Accounting 101: Financial Accounting: This course introduces basic accounting principles, including financial statements and transaction recording. It is commonly required for business and accounting majors.
• Accounting 301: Applied Managerial Accounting: The class focuses on internal accounting methods used for decision-making and planning. Many programs require this course at the upper-division level.
• Finance 101: Principles of Finance: This course covers core financial concepts such as time value of money, risk, and capital management. It is often a foundational requirement in business programs.
• Finance 102: Personal Finance: The class examines budgeting, credit, investing, and financial planning concepts. Some schools apply it toward general education or elective requirements.
• Finance 301: Corporate Finance: This course explores financial decision-making within organizations, including investment and financing strategies. It is commonly required for finance majors at the junior level.
• Business 103: Introductory Business Law: The class introduces legal principles related to business operations and contracts. It is a standard requirement across many business degree programs.
• Marketing 301: Marketing Research: This course focuses on data collection, analysis, and research methods used in marketing. It is often required for marketing majors.

Social Sciences and Humanities Courses

Study.com offers a selection of social science and humanities courses that may fulfill general education or elective requirements. These courses are often used early in a degree program, though transfer acceptance can vary by school.

• History 101: Western Civilization I: This course surveys major political, cultural, and social developments in Western civilization. It is commonly used to meet general history requirements.
• History 103: U.S. History I: The class covers early American history through the development of modern institutions. Many colleges require it as part of a standard U.S. history sequence.
• Political Science 102: American Government: This course examines the structure and function of the U.S. government and political system. It is often required for state or civic education requirements.
• Philosophy 102: Ethics in America: The class explores ethical theories and moral issues within an American context. Some programs apply it toward ethics or humanities requirements.
• Spanish 101: Beginning Spanish: This course introduces basic Spanish language skills, including vocabulary and grammar. It is commonly used to fulfill foreign language requirements.

Natural Sciences and Mathematics Courses

Study.com offers science and math courses that may fulfill general education or major-related requirements. Some of these courses include lab components, which can be more time-intensive and costly at traditional colleges.

• Biology 101L: Introduction to Biology With Lab: This course covers foundational biological concepts such as cell structure, genetics, and evolution. The lab component supports applied learning through experiments or simulations.
• Chemistry 111L: Chemistry I With Lab: The class introduces core chemistry topics, including atomic structure and chemical reactions. Many STEM and health-related programs require this course as part of their science sequence.
• Statistics 101: Principles of Statistics: This course focuses on data analysis, probability, and statistical reasoning. It is a common requirement across a wide range of degree programs.
• Math 104: Calculus I: The class introduces limits, derivatives, and basic integration techniques. It is often required for STEM, engineering, or technical degree pathways.

Study.com Pricing and Costs

Study.com uses a subscription-based pricing model rather than charging per course. Your total cost depends on the subscription plan you choose and how many courses you complete during your enrollment period. Understanding what is included in a subscription can help you estimate costs more accurately.

Monthly Subscription Plans

Study.com offers monthly subscription plans that provide access to its course library. These plans typically include a set number of exams per month, with the option to purchase additional exams if needed. Pricing and plan details can change over time, so reviewing current options before enrolling is important.

What Is Included in a Subscription

A Study.com subscription includes access to video lessons, quizzes, and practice materials for available courses. It also includes grading for assignments and exams associated with completed courses. Some features, such as additional exams or premium services, may not be included in the base subscription and can affect total cost.

Exam Considerations

Study.com exams are not proctored and are completed online without live supervision. Chapter and final exams are open-book and taken independently.

Subscription plans typically include a limited number of exams per month, and additional exam attempts may cost extra. Reviewing exam limits in advance can help manage overall costs.

Cost Comparison to Traditional College Courses

Compared to traditional college tuition, Study.com courses are often less expensive on a per-course basis. However, costs can increase if additional exams are needed or if courses take longer to complete. For this reason, some students use Study.com to complete specific requirements rather than enrolling in a full academic term elsewhere.

Credit Transfer, ACE Recommendation, and Accreditation

Credit transfer is a key consideration when taking courses through Study.com. While many students use the platform to earn transferable credit, acceptance ultimately depends on the policies of the receiving college or university. Understanding how ACE recommendations and accreditation fit into the transfer process can help you make more informed decisions.

ACE Credit Recommendations at Study.com

Many Study.com courses are reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). Both organizations evaluate learning experiences and recommend courses for college credit based on instructional quality and assessment standards.

Credit recommendations from ACE or NCCRS do not guarantee transfer. Colleges and universities decide whether to accept recommended credits based on their own transfer policies.

How Colleges Evaluate Study.com Credits

Each college or university sets its own rules for accepting transfer credit. Some schools accept Study.com credits broadly, while others evaluate them on a course-by-course basis. Factors such as course level, subject area, and how the credit fits into a specific degree program can all affect acceptance.

Partner Schools and Transfer Agreements

Study.com maintains partnerships with a number of colleges and universities. At partner schools, specific courses are often pre-approved for transfer, which can simplify planning.

Even at partner institutions, transfer policies may vary by program. Reviewing program-specific transfer guides remains an important step.

Factors That Affect Transfer Acceptance

Transfer outcomes can depend on several variables, including course level, grade earned, and institutional policy changes. Upper-division courses may also face additional scrutiny during review. Confirming transfer acceptance before enrolling can help reduce the risk of taking courses that do not apply toward your degree.

Study.com Partner Schools and Transfer Pathways

Study.com works with a network of colleges and universities that have established transfer agreements. These partnerships are intended to clarify how certain courses apply toward degree requirements. Even with partner schools, students should review current transfer policies, as requirements and acceptance rules can change over time.

Overview of Partner Institutions

Study.com lists partner schools that accept some of its courses for transfer credit. These institutions may include public, private, and online colleges offering a range of degree programs.

Partner schools often provide transfer guides that outline how specific Study.com courses apply. However, not all programs at a partner institution may accept the same credits.

Common Transfer and Degree Completion Paths

Many students transfer Study.com credits into online or flexible degree programs. These programs are often designed for working adults or students completing degrees after time away from school.

Transfer patterns vary widely depending on academic goals and school policies. Reviewing degree requirements alongside transfer guides can help clarify how credits may apply.

Planning Courses for Transfer

Some students select a target school before enrolling in Study.com courses. This approach can help focus efforts on courses that are more likely to transfer.

Others use Study.com to complete general education or upper-division requirements before finalizing a school choice. In these cases, additional verification may be needed to avoid credit loss.

Pros and Cons of Study.com for Online College Credit

Study.com offers several features that may appeal to students seeking flexible ways to earn college credit. At the same time, there are limitations that may affect how well it fits certain academic plans. Reviewing both advantages and limitations can help you decide whether Study.com aligns with your needs.

Potential Advantages of Study.com

Students often consider Study.com for its course variety and flexible subscription model. Access to upper-division courses can also be a factor for students completing advanced degree requirements.

• access to a wide range of lower- and upper-division courses
• self-paced format with short video lessons
• subscription model that allows completion of multiple courses
• ACE-recommended courses that may transfer to many institutions
• availability of some 300-level course options

Potential Limitations to Consider

Study.com may not be the best fit for every student or program. Transfer policies, costs, and course structure can affect outcomes.

• credit transfer is not guaranteed at all schools
• ongoing subscription costs if courses take longer to complete
• additional fees for extra exams or proctoring
• limited real-time interaction with instructors
• upper-division course acceptance may vary by program

FAQs About Study.com for Online College Credit

These FAQs address common questions about Study.com, including how courses work, how much they cost, and how credit transfer typically functions. Reviewing these answers can help you better understand whether Study.com fits your education goals.

Is Study.com Legit?

Study.com is a legitimate online education platform that has been offering courses for many years. Its courses are commonly used by students seeking flexible learning options and transferable credit. Legitimacy does not guarantee transfer, so school-specific policies still apply.

Are Study.com Courses Accredited?

Study.com is not a college or university and does not hold institutional accreditation. Many of its courses carry recommendations from the American Council on Education. Colleges and universities decide whether to accept ACE-recommended credits.

How Much Does Study.com Cost?

Study.com uses a subscription-based pricing model with monthly fees. Some plans include a limited number of exams, while additional exams may cost extra. Total cost depends on how many courses you complete and whether additional exam fees apply.

Are Upper-Division Study.com Courses Transferable?

Some colleges accept upper-division Study.com courses, while others do not. Acceptance often depends on course content and how it fits into a specific degree program. Confirming transfer policies in advance is especially important for 300-level courses.

How Many Courses Can You Take at One Time?

You can access multiple courses with a Study.com subscription. However, the number of courses you can complete may depend on exam limits and your available time. Planning your course load can help manage both workload and cost.

How Do Study.com Courses Compare to College Classes?

Study.com courses cover similar subject matter to college classes but use a self-paced, online format. Instruction relies heavily on video lessons rather than in-person lectures.

Study.com exams are open-book and not proctored, which differs from many traditional college exams. Identity is verified through online tools rather than live supervision.

Explore Flexible Options for Earning College Credit

Study.com can be one option for completing college-level courses outside of a traditional degree program, including some upper-division requirements. Learn.org offers tools and resources to help you compare credit options, understand transfer policies, and explore degree pathways that fit your goals.