From rumors about tricky exams to questions about credit transfer, this guide clears up the most common myths about Study.com and how it can help you finish your degree faster and at a lower cost.

Study.com Myths You’ve Probably Heard (and What’s Actually True)

Think you know Study.com? You might be surprised. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common myths.

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Myth #1: Study.com Is Just a Tutoring Site

This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Study.com isn’t just for homework help. It offers real college-level courses reviewed and recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). In simple terms, that means the courses meet college standards and can be used for actual credit at many universities

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Each Study.com course is structured to make learning organized and manageable, combining short lessons and assessments that build your understanding step by step through:

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• ‍Video Lessons: 80–120 short videos (each about 3–5 minutes long) covering all key concepts for a subject. ‍
• Practice Quizzes: 80–120 auto-graded quizzes that follow each video to reinforce understanding. ‍
• Chapter Exams: 10–20 mini-tests that help review each section before the final. ‍
• Final Exam: 1 comprehensive, credit-bearing test (online, non-proctored). ‍
• Transcripts & Study Guides: Downloadable summaries for quick review.

Myth #2: Flexible Courses Aren’t Real College Work

Just because Study.com lets you learn on your schedule doesn’t mean it’s easy. The lessons are college-level, and you’ll still need to understand the material to pass. What sets it apart is the delivery: short, focused video lessons (usually under five minutes) followed by quick quizzes.

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This structure makes it easier to learn efficiently, without lowering academic quality. Accredited universities accept these credits because the coursework meets college standards. It’s just delivered in a more flexible, student-friendly format.

Myth #3: Study.com Credits Don’t Transfer to Real Colleges

Transfer credit policies vary by school, but many accredited universities officially partner with Study.com, inculding:

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• Western Governors University
• Grand Canyon University
• Thomas Edison State University
• Empire State University
• Liberty University
• Purdue Global
• …and more!

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These schools have published credit transfer guides showing exactly which Study.com courses count toward your degree, so you’ll know ahead of time that your credits will transfer. For traditional universities, acceptance may depend on the specific program. Even then, many will accept Study.com credits for general education or elective requirements.  

Myth #4: Exams Are Still Proctored and Stressful

Not anymore. As of 2025, most credit-eligible Study.com courses no longer require webcam-proctored exams. Instead, students take online, open-book, non-proctored finals.

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You still verify your identity, but you can complete exams anytime, anywhere. This update makes earning credit more accessible for working adults while maintaining academic integrity. The key is to stay disciplined and review thoroughly before taking your test.

Myth #5: You Can Only Take a Few Courses Each Month

That used to be true, but not anymore. Study.com’s College Starter and College Saver plans both allow unlimited courses per month for one flat fee.

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• ‍College Starter ($95/month): Great for general education and lower-level courses with up to two active courses and unlimited completions. ‍
• College Saver ($235/month): Includes upper-level and prereq courses with up to three active courses and unlimited completions.

If you’re motivated, this change means you can complete multiple courses in a single month, dramatically speeding up your degree progress and cutting overall costs.

Myth #6: Study.com Is Expensive
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College tuition often runs hundreds or even thousands of dollars per credit hour, plus added expenses like textbooks, campus fees, and commuting. Study.com’s $235 monthly plan offers unlimited access to college-level courses for one flat rate, making it one of the most affordable ways to earn real, transferable credits.

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What You Don’t Pay for with Study.com:

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• Textbooks — all materials are included in your course subscription
• Campus or technology fees
• Parking, housing, or commuting costs
• Proctoring or exam fees
• Hidden administrative or registration charges

For motivated learners, this all-inclusive model can significantly reduce the total cost of earning a degree.

Myth #7: You Need to Be Tech-Savvy to Use It

Study.com makes online learning easy for everyone. You can log in from your laptop, tablet, or phone, track your progress, and rewatch lessons whenever you need to. Everything is designed to be flexible and user-friendly, with no special software or advanced tech skills required.

Myth #8: You Can’t Use Study.com if You’re Already in College

Actually, that’s one of the smartest ways to use it. Many students who are currently enrolled use Study.com to complete general education or elective courses faster and cheaper, then transfer those credits back to their main institution.

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This is called credit by transfer, and it’s a legitimate, widely accepted strategy for reducing both time and cost on your degree. Just confirm with your college that it accepts ACE or NCCRS credits before enrolling.

Learn Smarter, Graduate Sooner

Study.com is now one of the most flexible and affordable ways to earn real, transferable college credit. With unlimited courses, non-proctored exams, and partnerships with major universities, Study.com helps motivated learners to finish their degrees faster and for less.

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Want to see how much time and money you could save? Check out Study.com’s college credit transfer guides and start your first college-level course today.