~$1 Billion in College Tuition Saved Through Sophia Learning

To date, Sophia Learning has saved students over $1 billion in tuition, according to a recent press release. Through an easy-to-use online learning platform, students can move through college-level courses at their own speed, at an affordable monthly subscription, and can submit these courses for transfer credit review.

Sophia Learning offers more than 70 high-quality college-level courses that students often need to complete a degree. Sophia’s courses are recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education and are designed to be transferred to 80+ partner colleges and universities that have agreed to accept them. Students can also submit Sophia transcripts to non-partner institutions to be evaluated for credit.

“Sophia is thrilled to celebrate this milestone of reaching $1 billion in savings for students pursuing their college degrees,” said Shawna Thayer, Ph.D., CEO of Sophia Learning. “At a time when a college education is so valuable, yet can be cost prohibitive, we are proud to offer students an affordable and flexible pathway to completing their general education requirements—whether they are getting a head start on college while in high school or finishing up the final courses they need to complete a degree while working.”

Students can save up to 90% on their general education courses with Sophia compared to what they might pay at a traditional institution. The self-paced format of Sophia allows students to complete college-level courses in one-third of the time compared with traditional semester-long courses. Courses are accessible around the clock from virtually any device.

“Sophia offers students a way to explore college-level courses while potentially reducing some of the financial strain that can come with higher education,” said Michele Spires, Assistant Vice President, American Council on Education. “ACE recognizes the value of approaches that make college more accessible, and the $1 billion students have saved through Sophia points to how alternative and innovative pathways can play a meaningful role in addressing college affordability.”

Younger students can also use Sophia to start exploring college-level courses and potential degree programs. To further this mission of accessibility, this summer, rising high school juniors and seniors can get a head start on college with access to six of Sophia’s college-level courses at no cost. The courses include biology, information technology, and college readiness. By participating, students can build academic confidence, explore areas of interest, and transfer their completed courses for credit once they are ready for college.

Eligible high school juniors and seniors for the 2025-2026 school year can sign up for the curated list of free college-level courses between June 2 and July 31, 2025. The offer will be good for 60 days after sign-up. Students must sign up for this offer at freehs.sophia.org.