Student Testimonials

At StraighterLine, the teacher did not play games, but taught the concept and later asked students to demonstrate their knowledge of it on the test. It was math, as math should be taught.

John Walsh - Delmar, NY
August 9, 2010

StraighterLine is providing an invaluable service, especially with the high cost of college. It is not necessary today to spend thousands of dollars on a single course.

John Walsh - Delmar, NY
August 9, 2010

Colleges "have set the bar pretty low for competitors" through a lack of competition says Kevin Carey. At the same time, many potential students are being underserved. "We need more institutions that are good at serving working students, immigrant students, low-income students, students who are basically going to college because they want to get a credential and have a career," he says. Carey points to the fledgling company StraighterLine.com, which offers college courses in subjects from algebra to business statistics, English composition, and accounting. Students can take as many courses as they want for $99 per month, the company's website says. The price includes 10 hours each month of one-on-one live support and a course adviser. Passing courses results in "real college credit" from one of several colleges affiliated with the program.

Christian Science Monitor
October 15, 2009

The September issue of The Washington Monthly features Kevin Carey's wonderful article on StraighterLine, a firm that offers students as many college courses as they want for $99 a month, far below the thousands of dollars charged by rival services. Like more expensive services, the education offered by StraighterLine is tailored to the individual student; you can move as quickly or slowly through the material as you'd like. Tutors based in India and the Philippines provide more of a personal touch than any overburdened graduate student.

Forbes
October 12, 2009

The idea of some kind of open-source, online, low-cost revolution in education has become a lit fuse, sparking and crackling its way toward an explosion ... Start-ups such as StraighterLine ... are offering online courses for college credit for hundreds of dollars, compared with thousands of dollars at most universities.

Business Week
September 14, 2009

But, really, all the old school online university efforts, like University of Phoenix, did was to take the traditional college model and move it online. True disruptive innovation is ... about embracing some spect of that new medium to offer something in a different way that really wasn't possible prior to that. StraighterLine offers online college classes, but it totally disrupts the traditional business model of university learning.

Michael Masnick, TechDirt
September 11, 2009

StraighterLine threatens the most profitable piece of a conglomerate business: freshman lectures, higher education's equivalent of the classified section. If enough students defect to companies like StraighterLine, the higher education industry faces the unbundling of the business model on which the current system is built.

Kevin Carey, Policy Director, Education Sector, Washington Monthly
September 2, 2009

I am not here to hawk StraighterLine or its courses, but rather to say more power to universities who embrace the position that 'we want to offer quality degrees at a low cost - no matter who does the teaching, be it a for-profit provider, the institution itself, or a series of different providers, each good at what it does.'

Dr. Richard Vedder, Member Spellings Commission
March 31, 2009

Finally, another product has just come out ... called StraighterLine that could really change the labor model in education in very disruptive fashion that could allow for far more one-on-one time for students with teachers.

Clayton Christensen, Author of 'Disrupting Class'
November 3, 2008

With StraighterLine what more could a military spouse ask for? Friendly support, cheap prices in comparison to traditional college credits per hour, you can do your coursework at home and still have time to attend to both your family and the duties that come from being a military spouse.

Akeesa S., Student

This was a very helpful experience. I am so thrilled to know that if i ever need help it is just a click away. I was able to grasp many blurry subjects to me and the tutor cleared them up for me. Thanks for everything!

Gil, Student

WOW! Quick, thorough, and honest answers to emails within minutes. I am impressed! Having dealt with several brick and mortar colleges where students sometimes get treated like a nuisance, the friendliness and attentive customer service at StraighterLine is a breath of fresh air.

N.F.M., Student

Excellent customer service! The best I have ever experienced in the field of education. You made my day. There may be hope yet for American education.

Fred M., Student

I just finished my CLEP exam in Microeconomics and honestly my passing grade can be directly attributed to the Straighterline Macroeconomics coursework. So, as an added benefit to the tremendous value of the courses I took, I passed another requirement. Economically speaking you just added yet another benefit to the Straighterline curriculum and totally increased my efficiency!

Barbara S., Student, Illinois

Straighterline is an awesome way to obtain college credits for courses. I felt I had enough Algebra experience, and considered taking the CLEP exam. The inconvenience of going to a college about 45 minutes away, finding a babysitter, and coordinating it with time off from work, led me to search for other alternatives to get it done quickly. I found Straighterline online and called Fort Hays University to see if you were for real, and they confirmed you were. So, I signed up! I took the first exam without reviewing and didn't fare as well as I had hoped. I then reviewed my Algebra books and your 'Lesson Presentations' and completed the course in 9 days! I understand this may not be what all can do, but with my previous knowledge and a little brushing up I was able to achieve my goal with a 415 out of 500 point total! I will warn others, though that you have to be on top of the subjects. The $99/mo. cost makes this very economical. And all from the convenience of my own home!

Terri C., Student, Pennsylvania

I just wanted to say, THANK YOU!!! I can't say it enough. You have been a blessing, and I can't even think of the words to use to really show you my gratitude. You really helped me when I needed help the most. Thank you so much. I know I keep saying that, but I REALLY MEAN IT!!!!! Thank you!!!!

Negin N., Student, California