Study.com is an online learning platform offering video-based courses for grades 3 through college level, with over 88,000 lessons and the ability to earn transferable college credit through ACE-recommended courses at a fraction of traditional university costs.
What is Study.com?
Study.com is a comprehensive online learning platform founded in 2002 that provides video-based educational content for students in grades 3 through college level. The platform offers over 88,000 video lessons across all major academic subjects, along with quizzes, assessments, and homework help. For homeschool families, Study.com serves as either a complete curriculum or supplemental resource, with particular strength in helping high school and college-age students earn transferable credit at significant savings. The platform has helped students save over $475 million compared to traditional college tuition costs.
Key Takeaways
- Offers 88,000+ video lessons across K-12 and college subjects
- 220+ college courses with ACE credit recommendations accepted by 2,000+ institutions
- Homeschool subscription costs $59.99/month with automatic grading and progress tracking
- College credit courses available for $235/month with proctored final exams
- Self-paced format supports diverse learning needs and gifted acceleration
Subscription Plans
How College Credit Works
Study.com offers over 220 courses reviewed and recommended for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE) or National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). Students complete video lessons and quizzes, then pass a final exam with a minimum 70% overall score. The College Saver plan includes two exams per month, with additional exams available for $70. Credits transfer to over 2,000 colleges and universities, though acceptance is at each institution's discretion. Final exams are open-book and taken on your home computer. Upper-level courses (300/400 level) also require research papers or projects.
Benefits for Homeschool Families
Study.com's self-paced format accommodates diverse learning needs, from students requiring extra time to gifted learners ready to accelerate. Video lessons are broken into 3-8 minute segments, making them digestible and flexible for varied attention spans. The platform handles automatic grading, reducing parent workload significantly. Lesson transcripts and outlines support students with reading preferences or special needs. For high school students, the college credit option provides dual enrollment opportunities without community college logistics or schedule constraints. Parents create customized learning paths and maintain control over grading weights and assessment methods.
Considerations Before Subscribing
Study.com works best for self-motivated, independent learners who thrive with video instruction. The platform has limited hands-on activities, so families may want to supplement with experiments, projects, or physical materials. Writing instruction in some courses may need supplementation as well. There's no free trial, though a 30-day money-back guarantee provides some protection. Always verify college credit acceptance with your target institution before starting courses. The platform is not accredited as an institution, meaning Study.com cannot issue accredited transcripts. Parents create their own homeschool transcripts, which is standard practice and accepted by colleges.
The Bottom Line
Study.com offers genuine value for homeschool families seeking video-based curriculum with built-in college credit pathways. The automatic grading, progress tracking, and 24/7 expert support reduce parent burden significantly compared to traditional curriculum. For motivated high schoolers, the college credit option can save thousands of dollars while building a transcript. The platform works best as a complete solution for families comfortable with video-based learning, or as a powerful supplement to other curricula. Before committing to college courses, verify credit acceptance with your target schools, but for general K-12 instruction, Study.com delivers solid content at reasonable prices.
