Nursing students have three popular options for completing prerequisites online: Sophia Learning, Study.com, and StraighterLine. Each platform offers unique advantages, but understanding the differences in partner networks, pricing, and support services is essential for making the right choice for your nursing career.
At a Glance
StraighterLine leads with 180+ partner schools and included support, Study.com offers the largest course catalog (220+ courses), and Sophia provides a middle ground with affordable pricing and simpler structure.
Comprehensive Comparison Table
This side-by-side comparison reveals key differences that impact nursing students' decisions:
| Feature | StraighterLine | Study.com | Sophia Learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner Schools | 180+ | 45+ | 70+ |
| Credit Acceptance | 3,000+ colleges | 1,500+ colleges | 1,000+ colleges |
| Monthly Cost | $99 + $79/course | $235 | $99 |
| Course Catalog | 75+ courses | 220+ courses | 70+ courses |
| Concurrent Courses | Unlimited | 3 courses | 2 courses |
| 24/7 Tutoring | Included | Extra cost | Limited |
| Academic Advising | Included | Not available | Available |
| Exam Format | Proctored | Open-book | Unproctored |
| Nursing-Specific Courses | Pharmacology, Nutrition | General courses | General courses |
Understanding the Pricing Models
Pricing structures vary significantly and impact total costs based on your study pace:
Cost Analysis for 5 Nursing Prerequisites
StraighterLine
Monthly: $99 × 2 = $198
Courses: $79 × 5 = $395
Total: $593
Best value for fast completion
Study.com
Monthly: $235 × 2 = $470
Extra exams: $70 × 3 = $210
Total: $680
Highest monthly cost
Sophia Learning
Monthly: $99 × 3 = $297
No per-course fees
Total: $297
Lowest cost if time isn't a factor
Partner Networks & Transfer Success
The ability to transfer credits to nursing programs is crucial:
StraighterLine: The Transfer Leader
- 180+ partner schools with guaranteed transfer
- Credits accepted at 3,000+ institutions
- 97% transfer success rate
- Partners include major nursing programs nationwide
Study.com Network
45+ partner schools with 1,500+ total institutions accepting credits. Limited partnerships with nursing-specific programs.
Sophia Network
70+ partner schools with 1,000+ total institutions accepting credits. Growing network but fewer nursing program partnerships.
Support Services Comparison
Support can be the difference between success and struggle in challenging science courses:
| Support Feature | StraighterLine | Study.com | Sophia |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Tutoring | Included | $35/hour | Limited |
| Academic Advising | Included | Not available | Available |
| Technical Support | 7 days/week | Email only | Business hours |
| Exam Retakes | Multiple attempts | Limited | Single attempt |
Nursing Prerequisite Course Availability
While all platforms offer core requirements, differences exist in specialized courses:
Core Prerequisites (All Platforms):
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- Microbiology
- General Chemistry
- Statistics
- English Composition
- Introduction to Psychology
Platform-Specific Offerings:
StraighterLine Exclusives
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
- Medical Terminology
- Developmental Writing
Study.com Exclusives
- Upper-division courses
- Advanced sciences
- Specialized electives
Sophia Focus Areas
- General education
- Business fundamentals
- Core sciences
Learning Experience & Assessment
Each platform takes a unique approach to online learning:
StraighterLine: Traditional Approach
- Textbook-based readings
- Structured assignments
- Proctored final exams
- Prepares for nursing school format
- Best for traditional learners
Study.com: Video-First Learning
- Short video lessons
- Interactive quizzes
- Open-book exams
- Flexible scheduling
- Best for visual learners
Sophia: Competency-Based
- Self-paced modules
- Project assessments
- Unproctored exams
- Mastery-based progression
- Best for independent learners
Who Should Choose Which Platform?
Choose StraighterLine if you:
- Need guaranteed transfer to nursing programs
- Want comprehensive support included
- Plan to complete courses quickly
- Need specialized health sciences courses
- Value traditional assessment methods
- Want the most transfer options
Choose Study.com if you:
- Prefer video-based learning
- Need upper-division courses
- Want open-book exams
- Have a flexible timeline
- Don't need extensive support
- Enjoy visual learning formats
Choose Sophia if you:
- Have a limited budget
- Prefer slower, steady progress
- Are comfortable with self-direction
- Need only general education courses
- Want unproctored assessments
- Have adequate study skills
Final Recommendations
After analyzing all three platforms objectively, StraighterLine emerges as the optimal choice for most nursing students due to its extensive partner network, comprehensive support, and specialized health sciences offerings. The platform's 97% transfer success rate provides peace of mind for students investing in their nursing education.
However, the best choice depends on your individual circumstances:
For Most Nursing Students
StraighterLine offers the best combination of transfer security, support services, and relevant coursework for nursing programs.
For Budget-Conscious Students
Sophia provides the lowest monthly cost, though the slower pace may extend your timeline to nursing program admission.
For Visual Learners Needing Variety
Study.com offers the most courses and video-based format, but at a higher cost with fewer nursing-specific partnerships.
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References
- StraighterLine. (2024). "StraighterLine vs. Sophia: Which Is the Better Fit for You in 2026?" Retrieved from https://straighterline.com/blog/sophia-vs-straighterline
- StraighterLine. (2025). "StraighterLine vs. Study.com: Which Is the Better Fit for You in 2026?" Retrieved from https://straighterline.com/blog/study-vs-straighterline
- Study.com. (2025). "Study.com vs. Sophia vs. StraighterLine: What's the Difference?" Retrieved from https://study.com/college/fast-track-degree/studycom-vs-sophia-vs-straighterline-whats-the-difference.html
- American Council on Education. (2025). "ACE Credit Recommendations." Retrieved from https://acenet.edu
- StraighterLine. (2025). "Partner Colleges & Universities." Retrieved from https://www.straighterline.com/colleges/