Why Affordable Tutoring Services Matter for Online Students
In this post, we will list the top colleges with discounted tutoring services and discuss the importance as well as the factors to consider when choosing one.
Is college hard? We won’t lie to you. College is very hard! The classes, homework, readings, and even the people you meet are different. However, there are several ways to increase academic success, one of which is to know about tutoring services.
Tutoring allows you to talk through what you’re learning and make sure you understand it. Sure, it can help improve your grade, but more importantly, it helps you better grasp the material and remember it long-term.
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However, getting a tutor in college is usually a lot more expensive than it was in high school. College tutoring rates typically start around $60–70 per hour. Adding extra tutoring expenses to the mix can be overwhelming if you’re already stretched thin with tuition and living expenses. That’s why affordable tutoring options are essential.
Fortunately, many affordable online colleges offer affordable or even free tutoring for students. This service makes academic support accessible to a wider range of audience, regardless of their budget.
Discounted tutoring services don’t just help you academically; they also reduce the stress of worrying about extra costs. With a solid tutoring plan in place, you can focus more on your studies and less on how much extra help is going to cost.
How Discounted Tutoring Services Can Boost Academic Success
Online college tutoring is a useful resource that will significantly help you in your academic journey in several ways. Here are the key benefits of discounted tutoring services:
Improving Grades
This is the obvious one, but it’s also the most important. Research from the Council of Learning Assistance and Developmental Education Associations shows that students who get tutoring support generally have higher GPAs and are likelier to stay in school. Tutors provide targeted support, focusing on areas where you need the most help. That personalized attention can lead to better performance on assignments, tests, and projects.
Enhancing Understanding of Complex Topics
Online classes can sometimes feel like they move quickly, leaving little room for individual questions in a subject that involves tricky material (think calculus, organic chemistry, or advanced literature analysis). A tutor can break down the concepts in a way that’s easier to grasp. They’re trained to simplify complex topics and explain them in different ways until it clicks for you.
Fostering Confidence
Struggling with a class can really mess with your confidence. It makes you feel anxious, insecure, and uncertain, which often leads to negative outcomes like struggling with grades, losing motivation, or even feeling depressed. But tutoring can help turn that around.
As you start to understand the material better and see your grades improve, you’ll feel way more capable of handling the rest of your coursework. That boost in confidence can make a huge difference in staying motivated and on top of things for the rest of the semester.
Saving Money in the Long Run
It might seem counterintuitive, but cost-effective tutoring for students can actually save you money over time. Getting help early on makes you less likely to fail a class, retake exams, or end up on academic probation. Taking a proactive approach to your studies can lead to better performance, faster graduation, and ultimately lower costs for your degree. So, in the end, spending a little on tutoring now could save you a lot later.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Tutoring Services
Choosing the best colleges for tutoring support is important. Here are some factors to think about:
Cost
One of the first things you’ll want to consider is the pricing structure. Here are some common pricing models you’ll come across:
- Free Tutoring. Many colleges offer free tutoring through academic support centers or peer tutoring programs. This is a great option if you’re on a tight budget. Just keep in mind that availability or subjects might be limited, and there could be restrictions during busy times.
- Flat Rate Pricing. Some tutoring services charge a flat fee, meaning you pay a set price for several sessions or hours. This is a good option if you clearly know how much help you’ll need. It can also make it easier to plan your budget since you’ll know exactly what you’re paying upfront.
- Per-Hour Pricing. A lot of tutoring services charge by the hour. This works well if you only need help now and then. But if you need regular sessions, it can add up quickly, so consider how many hours you’ll need and whether it fits your budget.
- Monthly Plans. Some services offer monthly subscription plans where you pay a set fee for several sessions or hours each month. If you know you’ll need regular tutoring, this can be a good way to budget, and it ensures you have help when needed. Just double-check that the plan offers flexibility in scheduling and subjects.
- Discounted Services. If regular tutoring feels a little out of your price range, ask about discounts! Many schools offer discounted rates, especially for certain subjects or group sessions. Some places even offer a better deal if you commit to multiple sessions.
Specialty Area
Another big factor is the range of subjects offered. Do they provide tutoring for all your core classes or just a few subjects? You’ll want to make sure that they offer help in the subjects you need most– mathematics, writing, or STEM subjects. Some colleges even specialize in subjects like business, psychology, or foreign languages, so check if the tutors have expertise in your specific area of study.
Another good tip is to check out the tutors’ credentials. You’ll want to know their qualifications and experience to ensure they’re great at what they do. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the most out of your sessions. Some colleges will share tutor qualifications online, but if you’re unsure, just ask! It’s actually encouraged to ask about their background and training.
Accessibility
Another important thing to think about when choosing tutoring services for online learners is accessibility. Do you need one-on-one tutoring, or would group sessions work just as well? Also, check if the tutoring hours are flexible enough to fit into your schedule.
Some online colleges offer self-paced options like video tutorials or practice tests, which are great if you prefer studying independently. Others have live sessions where you can interact with tutors in real time. Figuring out which format works best for you can really make a difference in how well you learn.
Top Online Colleges Offering Discounted Tutoring Services
Liberty University
Liberty University’s online student tutoring programs offer free tutoring through Tutor.com.
If you need extra help with your coursework, they’ve got over 3,000 tutors ready to assist on various topics. Support is available 24/7, so help is always just a click away.
You’re eligible for up to 10 hours of free tutoring per semester as an online student. You’ll have access to tutoring in a variety of subjects, including:
- Business
- Psychology
- Social Science
- Medical Coding
- Math
- Science
- Writing
- English
- History
- Computer Science
- Physics
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix offers a comprehensive online tutoring service in partnership with SMARTHINKING. The platform provides live tutoring sessions during which students can receive help in real time or submit questions and assignments for feedback.
Subjects available for tutoring include:
- Writing & Composition
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Accounting & Finance
- Science & Engineering
- Computer Science
- Health & Nursing
- Social Sciences
- Education
Southern New Hampshire University
Through the SMARTHINKING platform, SNHU provides 24/7 access to live tutors and asynchronous support in various subjects. SNHU’s commitment to helping students succeed includes unlimited access to tutoring in writing, mathematics, and several other disciplines. Subjects offered include:
- Writing & Grammar
- Math & Statistics
- Science (including Biology and Chemistry)
- Business & Marketing
- Information Technology
- Nursing & Health Sciences
- Psychology & Social Sciences
Purdue University Global
Purdue Global partners with NetTutor to provide real-time and on-demand tutoring in various subjects. Whether you’re a student struggling with a challenging math problem or need help drafting a research paper, Purdue’s tutoring services and academic support for online students are available 24/7. In addition to traditional tutoring, Purdue Global provides academic coaching to help students improve their study strategies and time management skills, enhancing overall academic success.
Subjects available for tutoring include:
- Writing & English Composition
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Business & Accounting
- Health Sciences
- Computer Science & IT
- Psychology & Sociology
- Science & Engineering
Walden University
Partnering with Upswing, Walden provides among the best and most affordable college resources for online students. Walden offers personalized tutoring sessions for students in various disciplines. You’ll have access to both live and asynchronous support, ensuring you get the help you need on your schedule. The tutoring services are available to all online students at no additional cost, ensuring they have the resources necessary to excel in their studies.
Subjects offered include:
- Writing & Research Skills
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Psychology & Counseling
- Health & Nursing
- Education
- Business Administration
- IT & Computer Science
- Social Work & Human Services
Success Stories: How Tutoring Changed Students’ Academic Journeys
Real-life success stories can be incredibly inspiring, so let’s take a look at a few examples of students who experienced college tutoring benefits:
- Sophia Carter, an online student at SNHU, was having a tough time writing essays for her history class. She decided to take advantage of the free tutoring at the university’s writing center. After a few sessions, she picked up some key skills to improve her writing, and it really paid off—her grades went up, and she went from barely passing to getting A’s on her papers.
- John Davis decided to give tutoring a shot when he was struggling with calculus. The lectures were fast-paced, and he couldn’t keep up. He took advantage of a discount on private tutoring and worked with a tutor who helped him break down complex problems and explain concepts in a way that made sense. By the end of the semester, he passed his final exam with flying colors and felt much more confident in his studies.
These success stories show just how impactful tutoring can be. You can overcome academic challenges and achieve your goals with the right resources.
How to Access Affordable Tutoring Services as an Online Student
So, how do you access discounted tutoring services? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get started:
- Check your college’s resources. Start by checking your college’s website or student portal to see what kind of tutoring services they offer. Some colleges automatically provide free tutoring, while others might require you to sign up for it.
- Evaluate the services. Take a close look at the subjects offered, pricing structures, and tutoring formats. Are they a good fit for your needs? Are the hours flexible enough to accommodate your schedule?
- Use alternative options. If your college doesn’t provide tutoring or the options aren’t affordable, look for low-cost or free tutoring programs online. Websites like Khan Academy and Coursera offer free courses and tutoring services in various subjects.
Conclusion: Maximizing Academic Success Through Affordable Tutoring
Oftentimes, online learning can be harder than on-campus learning. You don’t have easy access to your professors or classmates for quick questions or group study sessions. However, it can also be tough to stay motivated without the structure of in-person classes.
When evaluating your options, it’s important to consider an online college’s academic resources, including discounted tutoring services. The availability of these services can make all the difference in helping you succeed, especially in the more challenging subjects. With personalized support, you can:
- gain a deeper understanding of the material
- improve your grades
- build a strong academic foundation that will serve you well throughout your degree program and beyond