Study.com vs. Sophia — recent updates and credit transfer experience

[portals]

I've used Study.com off and on for a few years to earn transfer credit, and they've made some changes that might be interesting, especially for those comparing Study.com and Sophia. Here's what's changed on Study.com:

•$95/month plan: A lower-cost option. You can take two courses at a time and finish as many as you're able each month.
•Open-book, open-note finals: No more proctoring, which makes finals easier to manage.
•Faster grading: Assignments and transcripts are usually turned around in about two days.
•Mobile app (College Saver): Lets you do lessons and quizzes on your phone — helpful if you're studying on the go. It's tied to your Study.com account, so you don't pay anything extra for it.

There's a good range of courses, so it's pretty easy to stick with one provider while earning credit.

What do others think about the changes?

[Avidreader]

I am indifferent because they never grandfathered old accounts and continue insisting on forcing loyal customers to fork almost 250 USD a month and have endless hassles getting assignments graded. Been 18 months and I still was unable to get one of my upper division courses its badge even though I got over 70% and delivered everything. Poor tech support guy said uhh not much I can do sorry.

Meanwhile, brand new accounts are zipping thru courses over 20 per month like a champ. It gives me a neverending sour taste and highly unlikely to ever use them again.

[ss20ts]

I am indifferent because they never grandfathered old accounts and continue insisting on forcing loyal customers to fork almost 250 USD a month and have endless hassles getting assignments graded. Been 18 months and I still was unable to get one of my upper division courses its badge even though I got over 70% and delivered everything. Poor tech support guy said uhh not much I can do sorry.

Meanwhile, brand new accounts are zipping thru courses over 20 per month like a champ. It gives me a neverending sour taste and highly unlikely to ever use them again.

Wow. That sucks! Seems like a slap in the face to those who've spent $$$ on the program.

[portals]

I am indifferent because they never grandfathered old accounts and continue insisting on forcing loyal customers to fork almost 250 USD a month and have endless hassles getting assignments graded. Been 18 months and I still was unable to get one of my upper division courses its badge even though I got over 70% and delivered everything. Poor tech support guy said uhh not much I can do sorry.

Meanwhile, brand new accounts are zipping thru courses over 20 per month like a champ. It gives me a neverending sour taste and highly unlikely to ever use them again.

I understand why that would feel frustrating, especially after putting in the work to finish that upper-division course. The newer Study.com plans were introduced recently, and while existing accounts can't be switched into them, the FAQ mentions that it's possible to cancel your current plan and start a new one with a different email address if you want to use the new setup, though progress wouldn't transfer between accounts.

[Seeker42]

I appreciate the simplicity and ease of use that Sophia offers, along with attractive discounts like the 25% off for returning customers. I also like that anyone can refer others, which makes the platform more accessible.

In contrast, Study.com has many different pricing models including very expensive ones but offers only a 10% discount. Additionally, only select users can refer others,

This rubs me in the wrong way and feels elitist.

Actually, I often get into arguments with Germans because I tend to root for the underdog rather than the top dog. They frequently tell me that if I'm not satisfied with the ruling class and "Unsere Demokratie," I am free to leave Germany.

[bjcheung77]

Depends on the classes as well, there are very similar classes available for virtually the same price range... Having said that, there are differences in the plans and classes, as some Study.com classes have upper level credit as part of the classes they offer on the Starter plan. Study.com shines when it comes to upper level credits, but you'll have to be on the Saver plan and that's going to be a price jump...