Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or student looking to beef up your child’s or your college degree, there are several ways. However, some of the methods are not recognized or accredited, which might cause you problems with authenticating your certificates in the future.
Nowadays, technology has enhanced learning on different levels. It is possible to earn recognizable certificates online, receive tutoring virtually, and even get low-cost online college credits.
However, not all sites are authentic, so you need to take extra care. This article discusses one of the sites offering low-cost courses online known as Sophia learning, how it works, who uses it, and its pros and cons.
Is Sophia Learning Worth it
Sophia is an online learning program and a subsidiary of Strategic Education Inc., created in 2012. It offers you a chance to complete your degree faster and cost-effectively. This is possible through its credit transfer program on over 30 courses and 40 universities.
Further, the website offers online courses and can even train employees of an organization. It is ACE accredited, meaning its operations are recognized and allowed.
Also see: Easiest courses on sophia
But is Sophia learning worth it? If you desire to complete your university or college degree, it can be worth it. It will allow you to take online courses, to apply for credit transfer if your institution is a partner. Further, it helps you save time and costs compared to the conventional method of earning a degree.
Sophia Learning is probably not for you if you prefer the traditional learning method. However, it isn’t to say that it’s a wrong program by any means, just that it’s more suited to self-motivated people who want to learn on their schedule.
Sophia Learning is also designed for very independent people. If you need constant reminders about what tasks need to be completed each week, this might not be the best option for you.
Pros and Cons of Sophia Learning
There are many advantages and drawbacks of choosing Sophia learning. However, choosing a variety of factors will determine if it fits you or not.
Here are some of the pros and cons you need to consider if it is an ideal learning method for you or your child.
The Pros
1. It has a free Trial
Sophia Learning offers you a free trial period to learn. You can go to the website, create an account, and take courses and tests to earn college credit.
It also has a paid version costing $99 a month. To many, it may be affordable considering you take as many courses as you want.
2. It helps you Save and Complete your Education Faster
Sophia Learning is designed to help you complete your college degree faster. With this program, you can learn and complete courses online and earn credit transfer to your primary course at college or university.
With a credit transfer, you will not need to go through the university coursework, which means more time to move ahead, thus completing your degree faster.
For example, if you’re a high school student considering going to college, and you don’t have the time or money to take college courses through a traditional community college or university, Sophia Learning can help. Using Sophia Learning’s online education platform, students can enroll in select online courses for $99 monthly and earn three transferable credits toward a degree at participating institutions.
3. It’s an alternative to the expensive cost of college textbooks
Sophia Learning is an excellent alternative to traditional books. The courses are free, and there is a wide range of course topics that you can choose from.
And the best part is if you decide to take an online course or an in-person course at a community college, you won’t have to spend thousands of dollars on textbooks. You can use the free content provided by Sophia Learning instead.
4. Sophia Learning Offers Interactive Lessons
Sophia Learning offers interactive lessons which may not be available all the time in a traditional learning setup
5. You Learn at your Pace
When learning through Sophia, you can schedule your learning program. This helps you decide your pace, unlike the conventional method where everything is dictated according to the teacher’s desires.
6. It is ACE Accredited
Al programs from Sophia Learning are ACE accredited. This means that there is no worry of wasting time taking courses that this certifying body does not recognize.
7. Extensive Partnership with Learning Institutions
Sophia Learning has partnered with 40 universities and colleges and continues expanding its wings. The result is that there is a high chance your institution accepts credit transfers from this learning program. However, you need to confirm with your university or college if they are partners.
8. Extensive Courses
Sophia Learning has an extensive portfolio of courses it offers. This allows many students to access the courses, learn and apply for credit transfers in their respective learning institutions
The Cons
Despite the many advantages of Sophia Learning, some cons make it unfavorable.
1. It is not ideal for people who are teacher-dependent
Sophia Learning is not friendly to individuals who constantly need guidance from teachers, which may limit the number of students who use it
2. It is not cost-effective
As much as it has a free trial and a cost of $99 per month package, many students from poor backgrounds may not afford it. This may lock them out if they desire to use it
3. Limited Number of Courses and Partners
Sophia Learning has less than 40 courses and partners. With the many learning institutions and courses, the program is limited in the number of students it can reach, thus proving ineffective. You can check sophia learning alternatives for more options.
Conclusion
Sophia Learning is worth it if you’re looking for an affordable way to get college credit, save time by learning at your own pace, and have a go-to source for all your online course needs. With Sophia Learning, you can learn in the best way for you.
On the negative side, it may not be ideal if you need more help in learning and if you cannot afford its monthly fees. However, it is generally worth it and is highly recommended.