Are you struggling with your college education journey? Many students face significant obstacles that can delay graduation, increase costs, and cause unnecessary stress. Let's explore five common college roadblocks and how StraighterLine offers practical solutions to help you achieve your educational goals.
1. The Crippling Cost of Traditional College Courses
One of the most significant college roadblocks is the overwhelming expense. Traditional college tuition continues to increase year after year, with the average four-year degree now costing tens of thousands of dollars.
The StraighterLine Advantage:
Dramatically lower costs — courses start at a fraction of traditional college prices
No hidden fees or textbook costs — all materials are included
Complete prerequisite and general education requirements at a significantly reduced cost
You can potentially save over $15,000 by completing just 10 courses through StraighterLine and transferring the credits to your school. Some students have used StraighterLine to cut their tuition in half!
2. Inflexible Scheduling That Doesn't Fit Your Real Life
Traditional college courses follow rigid semester schedules with fixed meeting times, mandatory attendance policies, and strict deadlines. For working adults, parents, caregivers, or anyone with significant responsibilities outside of school, these requirements can make pursuing a degree nearly impossible.
The StraighterLine Advantage:
Start any day of the year — no need to wait for the next semester
100% online, self-paced learning — study when it works for your schedule
No mandatory login times or live sessions — perfect for shift workers or those with unpredictable schedules
Complete courses at your pace — some students finish a course in as little as two weeks, but you have the freedom to take as little or as much time as you need
Pause your studies without penalty when life gets hectic
This flexibility means you can maintain your job, care for your family, and still make progress toward your degree on your terms — not according to an institution's calendar. In many cases, StraighterLine can help you finish your degree faster — even while balancing work, life, and school.
3. Credit Transfer Uncertainty and Complications
Many students face anxiety and frustration when attempting to transfer credits between institutions. Frequently, they discover too late that courses they've completed (and paid for) won't transfer to their degree program, forcing them to retake classes and extend their time to graduation.
The StraighterLine Advantage:
Partnerships with over 180 accredited colleges and universities that guarantee credit transfer
Course Equivalency Guides that clearly show which StraighterLine courses transfer to specific partner schools
ACE CREDIT® recommendations for all courses, accepted by more than 3,000 institutions nationwide
Transparent credit transfer process with guidance at every step
Verification options before enrollment so you never waste time or money on non-transferable courses
This certainty eliminates one of the most stressful aspects of the college experience, ensuring your efforts always count toward your degree.
4. Limited Course Availability and Waitlists
At many colleges, required courses fill up quickly, forcing students onto waitlists or delaying their progress by entire semesters. This bottleneck can extend your time to graduation by years and significantly increase the total cost of your degree.
The StraighterLine Advantage:
Immediate enrollment in any course — no waitlists or closed sections
On-demand access to popular general education requirements like math, science, English, and social sciences
Consistent course availability regardless of demand
No enrollment caps or limited seats that might delay your progress
Year-round access without semester constraints
This accessibility means you can maintain steady progress toward your degree, completing prerequisites and general education requirements without unnecessary delays.
5. Lack of Support for Non-Traditional Students
Many traditional educational institutions are still designed primarily for young, full-time students without significant outside responsibilities. Support services, office hours, and academic resources may be limited to daytime hours or require in-person visits, making them inaccessible to working adults and distance learners.
The StraighterLine Advantage:
Academic support when you need it, with flexible availability
On-demand,one-on-one tutoring from subject matter experts
Enrollment specialists who help you create a personalized education plan
Resources designed for adult learners with busy lives
Credit transfer guidance to help navigate complex institutional requirements
This learner-centered approach recognizes that today's college students come from diverse backgrounds and have varying needs that extend beyond the traditional 18-22-year-old campus experience.
How to Get Started with StraighterLine
Taking control of your education through StraighterLine is simple:
Step 1: Verify Your School Accepts StraighterLine Courses
Before enrolling, confirm your credits will transfer through one of these methods:
Check if your school is among StraighterLine's 180+ partner institutions
Verify if your school accepts ACE CREDIT® recommendations
Request a course transfer review from your institution
Step 2: Enroll and Complete Your Courses
Once you've confirmed your credits will transfer:
Select the courses you need for your degree program
Work at your own pace — no rigid schedules or deadlines
Complete courses with a passing grade (70% or higher)
Get support when you need it from StraighterLine's academic services
Step 3: Transfer Your Credits
After successfully completing your courses:
Request a StraighterLine or ACE CREDIT® transcript through your account
Submit the transcript to your school
Apply the credits toward your degree
Real Success Stories
Behind the StraighterLine Advantage are thousands of real students who have overcome obstacles through this innovative approach to college education:
KiAmbrielle, an active duty member in the Navy, used StraighterLine to balance school with her hectic schedule, and get closer to her goal of becoming a forensic psychologist with the Department of Defense.
Jason, a biotech entrepreneur and father of five, earned 90 credits through StraighterLine in under six months to finish his business degree and set a positive example for his kids.
Keri, a full-time professional pursuing an accelerated MBA, completed multiple business prerequisites online through Straighterline as a much faster way to meet Curry College’s admissions requirement.
These success stories share common elements: determination, smart educational planning, and the flexible platform that StraighterLine provides.
Ready to Transform Your Educational Journey?
Don't let these common roadblocks keep you from achieving your degree. With StraighterLine, you can overcome the challenges of traditional higher education while staying on track toward graduation.
Connect with an enrollment specialist today who can help you:
Identify which courses will transfer to your school
Create a personalized education plan
Navigate the enrollment process
Answer any questions about credit transfer
You can also check out the StraighterLine free preview for a sneak peek at all the features and to get a feel of what the self-paced, online learning experience is like.
The path to your degree doesn't have to be expensive, rigid, or overwhelming. StraighterLine gives you the power to learn on your terms while staying on track toward graduation.
Take the first step today. Your more affordable, flexible college education is waiting!
