Which platform is actually cheaper in 2026? We break down the monthly costs, hidden exam fees, and transfer limits.
| Feature | Sophia Learning | Study.com (College Saver) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $99 / month | $235 / month |
| Exams Included | Unlimited* | 2 per month |
| Extra Exam Fee | None | $70 per extra exam |
| Proctoring | Touchless (Bio-Sig) | Recorded Webcam |
| Speed | Open book (mostly) | Quizzes + Proctored Final |
| First Month Deal | $79 (with code) | $160 (approx 30% off) |
The biggest cost factor isn't just the monthly price—it's the exam limit.
Sophia Learning allows you to take as many courses as you can finish in a month (though only 2 active at a time). If you are a fast worker, you could theoretically finish 5-10 courses for just $99.
Study.com caps you at 2 proctored exams per month with your subscription. To get credit for a 3rd, 4th, or 5th class, you must pay an additional $70 fee per exam. This makes Study.com significantly more expensive for "speed-running" a degree.
Sophia Learning is the clear winner for cost efficiency.
If you plan to complete more than 2 courses per month, Sophia will save you hundreds of dollars compared to Study.com. However, Study.com has a larger catalog of upper-level courses that Sophia lacks.
Recommendation: Start with Sophia to knock out all your Gen-Eds cheaply. Switch to Study.com only for the specific classes Sophia doesn't offer.
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