Comparative analysis of Study.Com & Straighterline

[allvia]

We have used SL a lot in our home- with 3 of my sons starting back in 2011 and that was because we were DIYing a dual enrollment program at home - at the time it wasn't an option (it is now) and I wanted my sons to start earning college credit in high school.  The initial reason we started with SL was that Study wasn't a thing when we began.  I remember when SL launched, and for all their issues, at the time it was UNPRECEDENTED.  At the time, the only other online course provider was ALEKS.  We used ALEKS a lot initially too.
Over the past 2 or 3 years, 2 of my sons have done a ton of courses with SL (about 25 each) because there were a few codes that made the courses next to nothing for the cost.  I bought DOZENS using a code, and they are still working through the courses I bought during that sale.  We'll stick it out until they finish which should be before the end of the year.  At that time, we'll switch to Studycom because they'll need UL courses, and that's not an option with SL.

We haven't used Studycom yet, so speaking really just from what I know about SL, here are a few pros/cons:
SL has written partnerships with over 100 colleges- this opens up possibilities beyond the big 3 in a way that is guaranteed.
SL participates (beta) in the financial aid program at 2 colleges- so for some this means no out of pocket cost.
SL stopped charging for textbooks and now integrates an ebook in every course
SL has no upper level (unless a college on their own assigns UL) while Studycom has a ton
SL doesn't add new courses - maybe only added one or two in the past few years- HUGE disadvantage when you look at Studycom's new catalog!
SL has lab sciences
SL courses are worth letter grades at Charter Oak (if you want- you can opt for pass/fail)
SL's website is slow
SL's learning video script is different than the audio being read- as in 100% different.  VERY HARD to learn from them imo
SL finals are usually only 30% of your grade, and you don't have to pass the final to pass the course
SL allows open book tests
SL allows as many attempts as you want for the 1st test in every course
SL's English composition graders are a nightmare - inconsistently apply the rubric and can be very slow - also too much writing imo

In addition there are a few courses that SL offers that come in two completely different versions, and an unsavvy user may sign up for the 'provider' format they don't prefer.