Why Straighterline vs ALEKS?

[TaraG]

I'm new here, and I tried searching for this and didn't come up with anything definitive.

I'm on a very limited budget right now, and I'm trying to get some credits toward a degree. I've enrolled in University of the People because it is tuition free and I only have to pay for final exams, but it is nationally accredited and not regionally, so I'd like to also get some real credits that will transfer.

I've looked at Straighterline and ALEKS, and I was wondering what the major differences are between the two. Why is Straighterline $99 per month PLUS the cost of each individual course, while ALEKS, which is straight ACE credits, is only $20 per month? Am I missing something?

[Prloko]

No disrespect Tara, but thats like asking why Papa Johns charges $15 for a pizza and Dominos charges $12. Its all based on their expected sales, customer base, cost structure, etc.

Just know that neither are "real" credit as you state, but are just ACE assessed with zero guarantee that they will transfer.

The main difference in price is probably stemming fro. the fact that ALEKs is usually used as a supplemental teaching tool, wheras straighterline is a transfer based operation.

[johnjaxs]

I'm new here, and I tried searching for this and didn't come up with anything definitive.

I'm on a very limited budget right now, and I'm trying to get some credits toward a degree. I've enrolled in University of the People because it is tuition free and I only have to pay for final exams, but it is nationally accredited and not regionally, so I'd like to also get some real credits that will transfer.

I've looked at Straighterline and ALEKS, and I was wondering what the major differences are between the two. Why is Straighterline $99 per month PLUS the cost of each individual course, while ALEKS, which is straight ACE credits, is only $20 per month? Am I missing something?

Just wanted to point this out since another user got this wrong, you do realize that not all of the Aleks courses are ACE approved?

ALEKS ACE Approved Courses:


Beginning Algebra (Usually too basic for most colleges, and will not count as credit)
Intermediate Algebra (Will usually count as basic math credit)
College Algebra
Trigonometry
College Algebra with Trigonometry * (This and PreCal duplicate each other)
PreCalculus *
Introduction to Statistics (At TESC these statistics courses all duplicate each other)
Business Statistics
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

Most (if not all) of Straighterline courses are ACE approved, and the only courses that actually really crossover is Statistics, Algebra, and PreCal. So honestly looking at it that way they are two completely different things save for three math courses. Also I should point out that Straighterline has partnerships with some colleges making transfer over to those colleges usually a lot easier.

[TaraG]

Thanks to both of you for the information. So I guess I can start out with ALEKS, and then try Straighterline when I can afford it. I'm just looking to make some, any, progress toward a degree I can feel myself moving forward. Since I can't get any aid from FAFSA due to tax issues, I'm on my own paying for my education. With seven kids and a drastically reduced income practically overnight, it's baby steps for me.

[johnjaxs]

Thanks to both of you for the information. So I guess I can start out with ALEKS, and then try Straighterline when I can afford it. I'm just looking to make some, any, progress toward a degree I can feel myself moving forward. Since I can't get any aid from FAFSA due to tax issues, I'm on my own paying for my education. With seven kids and a drastically reduced income practically overnight, it's baby steps for me.

Good luck, sometimes in life baby steps get us where we need to be and in the end when you look back sometimes you will realize you went a lot further then you thought.

[Prloko]

Thanks to both of you for the information. So I guess I can start out with ALEKS, and then try Straighterline when I can afford it. I'm just looking to make some, any, progress toward a degree I can feel myself moving forward. Since I can't get any aid from FAFSA due to tax issues, I'm on my own paying for my education. With seven kids and a drastically reduced income practically overnight, it's baby steps for me.

You're doing it right. The most important part is notching credits under your "belt".

[Lindagerr]

Although not all ALEKS credit are ACE approved some are and many schools that will take ALEKS will also take straighterline. I find the difference is Like Papa Johns and Dominoes different people have different taste. I personally prefer ALEKS because I can do it as fast or slow as I want without having to read specific books or pass a lot of quizzes before the final. Others prefer the guided learning of Straighterline and the one final.

That is one of the things this forum is good for, we can make a wide variety of suggestions based on your needs.

Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.
Will Rogers

You may be moving slowly but you are moving not just sitting there. Sometimes life throws us not just the $hit hitting the fan but the fan as well, that doesn't mean you are knocked out just that it might be a little harder to get up. Good luck with your journey and take pride in the fact that you got up.

[cookderosa]

To toss one other thing in the mix, SL has partner colleges whereas ALEKS does not. Now, if you're going to attend one of the big 3, then it doesn't matter- they accept both equally. So, while both are ACE evaluated, if you're unsure about where you'll attend, then strictly speaking- SL has a better chance of transfer than ALEKS.

[alleycat]

Good luck TaraG. You can do it!