Sophia, only 2 courses active at one time

[tallpilot]

I agree with your assessment that Sophia generally has a higher quality product and I recommend new alternate credit seekers go there first.  I can tell you their algebra course was loaded with typos that might really trip someone up if they had not been exposed to the material before.

I understand your frustration with recurring charge business models; they are becoming ubiquitous in every industry.  I suspect you are correct and they make a fair amount of profit from people who set up the billing then forget about it.  They could charge per exam and eliminate the 'scam' complaints.  I will find out soon enough if they are honest when I pause my membership next month.

I do not agree with the assertion that the tests aren't aligned with the materials.  The tests are absolutely aligned with the quizzes and practice questions (the lessons occasionally do not include the answer to a specific question, that much is true).  That's the model.  One could exhaust herself trying to absorb a whole course worth of material or just hammer the questions until capable of getting a 70%.  SDC is faster than Sophia but Sophia likely results in better recall a month after taking the course.

I would love to see Sophia figure out how to offer upper level credits to select partner schools.  I take issue with their pricing model of offering huge discounts to some groups while offering high pricing to the general public or the ignorant.  That is just as much of a scumbag business model as recurring billing, IMO.  $99 for non touchstone courses and $149 for touchstone courses is reasonable pricing. $349 for something where their incremental cost of delivery is bandwidth charges?  Maybe if you just needed one or two classes otherwise it is a colossal rip off compared to the other options.

You have an interesting definition of "scumbag".

I'll just leave this here:

Better Business Bureau Complaints - Sophia LLC

Better Business Bureau Complaints - Study.com

I recognize that Sophia has far more transparent billing. Notice the complaints for SDC mainly reference the misunderstanding between free trial and 30 day money back guarantee. I agree it’s disingenuous but it is quite clear if you read before putting in your credit card.

Honestly all post secondary education in the U.S. is fundamentally predatory and exploitative. These options are simply less so.

Respectfully, you seem to be sidestepping my point, which is curious, because you paid ~$99 per course, just like most of the people I advise (ALPA members). My only complaint is that pricing should be more egalitarian. I acknowledged the quality.