

How Sophia Learning Works
In this guide, we explore the top colleges that accept Sophia Learning credits without proctored exams. We will go over everything there is to know about the topic. This includes how it works, its benefits, and how to choose the top colleges that accept Sophia Learning credits.
So, what is Sophia Learning, and how does it work?
Sophia Learning, also known as Sophia Classes, was founded in 2009 as an online platform designed to make learning easier and more flexible for students. It is part of Strategic Education, Inc., a leader in the education space. It offers self-paced courses, meaning students can study whenever it works best for them—there’s no strict schedule to follow. Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, the choice is all yours.
Featured Programs
Sophia Learning has already helped over 200,000 students from more than 200 countries. They offer over 50 college-level courses, including popular ones like:
- Approaches to Studying Religions
- Business Communication
- Introduction to Business
- Introduction to Sociology
- Financial Accounting
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Environmental Science
AND MORE!
While Sophia has expanded its partnerships significantly, it currently works with around 60 schools. Before enrolling in any of the courses offered by Sophia, it’s important to check whether your school is one of their partners.
Here’s a list of some of the schools that accept Sophia Learning credits:
- Alabama State University
- Athens State University
- Bellevue University
- Colorado State University – Global
- Grand Canyon University
- Liberty University
- Penn Foster College
- Southern New Hampshire University
- The University of Arizona Global Campus
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- Western Governors University
To see all the colleges that accept Sophia Learning credits, click this link.
Now to the real question: “How does it provide a flexible and affordable way to earn college credit?”
You take self-paced courses, complete assignments, and show what you know through assessments—all without the stress of proctored exams. Proctored exams are no one’s idea of a good time. They bring a whole new level of stress, especially if you don’t perform well under pressure.
Sophia Learning no proctored exams eliminate that stress by offering a more relaxed approach. You can focus on mastering the material at your own pace without the pressure of a high-stakes test.
Benefits of Sophia Learning Without Proctored Exams
Less test anxiety, more flexibility
Proctored exams can put added stress on test takers. Not only are these exams timed, but lice proctoring also gives students anxiety about being wrongly accused of cheating. Without proctored exams, there’s no need to stress over timed tests.
You can focus on what truly matters—understanding and mastering the material. For many students, this approach makes all the difference when it comes to actually retaining information and enjoying the learning process.
Self-paced learning for busy students
With the fast pace of life today—rising inflation and the high cost of living—many students are working jobs to help pay for their tuition. Life has gotten very hectic, and making time for traditional college classes can be a major struggle.
However, with Sophia Learning’s self-paced model, you’re in charge. You can study during your lunch break, on a quiet weekend afternoon, or whenever fits into your life.
Cost savings compared to traditional college courses
According to the Education Data Initiative, A 4-year university charges in-state residents $406 per credit hour, with most courses costing around $1,218 for three credit hours. Sophia Learning, on the other hand, offers an affordable way to earn college credit. Here are the current pricing options:
- 1 Month: $99 (auto-renews monthly)
- 4 Months: $299 (auto-renews every 4 months)
- 12 Months: $599 (auto-renews annually)
Plus, since there are no proctored exams, you’re not paying for extra services like exam proctoring. When you transfer Sophia Learning credits, you can save up to 70% compared to the cost of a traditional college course.
Criteria for Choosing an Online College That Accepts Sophia Learning
As mentioned, 60+ colleges accept Sophia Learning; some of them are traditional schools, and others are online colleges. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a college that will accept Sophia credits:
Accreditation and Credit Transfer Policies:
To ensure a successful transfer of Sophia Learning credits, you must check the Accreditation and Transfer Credit Policies.
Accreditation ensures you’ll receive a quality education that employers and other institutions will recognize. If you choose a non-accredited school, you will likely get little or no return on your investment, as employers or other colleges may not accept your degree.
Next, you’ll want to look into the college’s credit transfer policies. Not all schools accept Sophia Learning credits, so it’s crucial to confirm that the institution you’re interested in will accept them.
Degree Programs That Accept Sophia Learning Credits:
Sophia Learning credits can be used for a variety of programs at different colleges. They could be accepted by some schools for particular degree paths such as business, healthcare, or liberal arts, and other schools might allow them to meet general education needs. To find out which programs take Sophia’s credits, contact your school.
Tuition Costs and Financial Aid Options:
Tuition costs are consistently and frankly a greatly large factor. Paying excessively for any degree is something everyone should avoid. Put priority on online colleges accepting Sophia courses with reduced tuition costs and wide-ranging financial aid opportunities. Sophia Learning may greatly assist you in saving money on credits, but be sure the rest of your college experience is affordable, too.
Top Colleges That Accept Sophia Learning Without Proctored Exams
Here are the top online colleges that accept Sophia Learning credits:
Western Governors University (WGU)
- Tuition: WGU offers affordable tuition based on a flat-rate fee per term, which is about $3,625 per 6-month term (undergraduate). This model allows students to progress through courses at their own pace, potentially lowering the cost of the degree if they can accelerate their learning.
- Financial Aid: WGU participates in federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, student loans, and scholarships. There are also private scholarships available, and WGU offers a $2,000 scholarship for eligible students.
- Programs Offered: Competency-based programs in business, education, IT, and health.
University of Phoenix
- Tuition: The tuition at the University of Phoenix varies by program, but the average undergraduate tuition is approximately $398 per credit hour.
- Financial Aid: University of Phoenix participates in federal student aid programs, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and institutional scholarships. The school has a number of financial assistance programs specifically geared toward working adults and non-traditional students.
- Programs Offered: Offers degrees in fields such as business, health, education, and technology.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
- Tuition: SNHU offers a flat-rate tuition of $330 per credit hour for undergraduate online programs. Graduate programs vary, but the cost tends to remain affordable compared to other universities.
- Financial Aid: SNHU offers financial aid options, including federal grants, loans, and institutional scholarships. They also have several opportunities for military veterans and active service members.
- Programs Offered: SNHU is known for the variety of online undergraduate and graduate programs it offers in the business, education, health, and liberal arts fields.
Capella University
- Tuition: Capella University offers flexible tuition rates, with undergraduate tuition typically around $350 – $415 per credit hour. They provide a pay-as-you-go model, where students only pay for the courses they are enrolled in.
- Financial Aid: Capella offers federal financial aid, grants, and private scholarships. They also have special scholarships for military students and working professionals.
- Programs Offered: Capella offers a variety of online programs in business, education, health, and technology, focusing on helping students gain real-world skills.
Liberty University
- Tuition: Liberty University offers competitive tuition rates for online programs, typically around $390 per credit hour for undergraduate programs. Graduate tuition varies but is generally affordable.
- Financial Aid: They have a strong financial aid support system for both undergraduate and graduate students.
- Programs Offered: Liberty University offers numerous undergraduate and graduate in business, education, nursing, and religious studies, among others.
How to Transfer Sophia Learning Credits to Your College
All of the affordable online colleges with Sophia Learning are great schools. However, as mentioned earlier, each school will have varying transfer credit policies.
Here are a few steps to check each school’s Sophia Learning transfer credit policy:
Step 1: Verify Credit Transferability
- What to do: Before taking any Sophia Learning courses, confirm with your school that they accept Sophia Learning credits.
- Why it’s important: Some schools have specific guidelines about which courses they’ll accept. If you don’t verify in advance, you risk completing courses that won’t transfer to your degree program.
- How to do it:
- Visit your school’s website or contact the admissions office.
- Ask about their credit transfer policy, specifically for Sophia Learning credits.
- Get the confirmation in writing to ensure you have clear documentation of the transfer rules.
Step 2: Contact Admissions or Academic Advisors
- What to do: After enrolling in Sophia Learning, reach out to your school’s admissions office or an academic advisor.
- Why it’s important: Advisors will clarify the credit transfer process and confirm which Sophia courses are eligible for transfer to your degree program.
- How to do it:
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor. Call the admissions office if you have questions.
- Provide details about the Sophia Learning courses you plan to take and ask about transfer eligibility.
- Ask for written confirmation of how your credits will transfer to avoid any future confusion.
Step 3: Understand the Limitations
- What to do: Make sure you understand any limitations or restrictions on credit transfer.
- Why it’s important: Not all Sophia Learning courses may be accepted, especially for major-specific courses or higher-level classes. Knowing the limitations will help you avoid taking courses that won’t apply to your degree.
- How to do it:
- Ask the admissions office or academic advisor which types of courses (general education vs. major-specific) are eligible for transfer.
- Verify if there are any limits on how many Sophia credits you can transfer or if there are time constraints (e.g., credits must be completed within a certain number of years).
- Get written confirmation or a copy of the transfer policies for future reference.
Comparing Sophia Learning to Other Alternative Credit Programs
Sophia Learning isn’t the only player in the game. There are other options out there.
Here’s a quick comparison of Sophia Learning vs. StraighterLine vs. Study.com:
Sophia Learning vs. StraighterLine
While both offer self-paced courses, StraighterLine typically has a more rigid structure when it comes to proctored exams. If you’re looking for an entirely non-proctored experience, Sophia might be a better fit for you.
Sophia Learning vs. Study.com
Study.com is additionally a widely recognized platform on which people can take self-paced college courses without proctored exams. Even so, the pricing structures are a bit different, and the tests have slightly more requirements. If you desire the most exceptionally flexible option and completely no proctored exams, Sophia Learning might be the ideal path.
Final Tips on Earning Affordable College Credit Online
As you work toward earning your degree at the cheapest online colleges accepting Sophia Learning, there are a few things to keep in mind to maximize your savings and make the most of your online learning experience:
1. Maximize transfer credits.
Transfer as many Sophia credits as possible to save time and money. Check with your school for credit acceptance.
2. Use multiple providers.
To speed up getting your degree, use Sophia Learning credits in conjunction with alternative college credit programs, such as StraighterLine or Study.com.
3. Explore financial aid.
Look into all scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options to lower the cost of online education.