Varsity Tutors Cost: Comprehensive Review [2025]
reviewed by Jessica Kaminski
Updated on June 5, 2025
“How much Varsity Tutors cost?” — that’s the core question parents ask. With over 40,000 educators in their teaching staff and 30+ subjects covered, Varsity Tutors often becomes parents’ choice. But let’s make this more specific, uncovering its price and determining if it matches the service quality.
Key Points
- Varsity Tutors doesn’t explicitly list any pricing details. However, user reviews show parents are usually charged above $300 per month, far beyond the industry average.
- What do most tutors charge per hour? As said, there’s no unified rate, but the prices can easily reach $100.
- If you’re looking for a more stable learning option regarding fees, don’t hesitate to check the Brighterly affordable price — no hidden costs or charges were spotted here.
Varsity Tutors pricing
The disappointing thing about the Varsity Tutors cost is that you cannot get any details on their website. What you can do, though, is fill in the online form they provide and wait till a manager does an estimation and calls you back. Also, note that all the communication on this service is provided through phone calls — just a nuance to know beforehand.
Frankly speaking, such an approach often repels parents, especially those seeking stability. Indeed, while viewing this situation through the prism of my years-long teaching experience, I also find Varsity Tutors pricing highly inflexible in this regard, especially considering that most of its competitors provide clear info.
For this review, I decided to take Brighterly for comparison. Their site explicitly states that the minimum prices start from $17.4 per lesson. With this information at hand, you have precise data about your commitments and budgets to expect.
How much does Varsity Tutors cost per hour?
Even though there’s no generally accessible information regarding Varsity Tutors prices, I did an in-depth investigation of the platform’s feedback — all to help you get oriented.
I explored the reviews from both parents and tutors working for the service, and here’s the chunk of knowledge I could find regarding Varsity Tutors cost per hour:
Sounds overpriced? Well, it may be so. Of course, tastes differ, and Varsity Tutors contains many pros you’d hardly find at other sites, BUT, you should be ready to pay around $100/hour here!
Varsity Tutors cost per month
Ok, now to the Varsity Tutors cost per month. Based on what we’ve clarified above, you could have already made some estimations. However, here’s a user review for clarity:
That’s what a parent has to say. Now, let me introduce you to the Varsity Tutors pricing per month provided by a teacher:
From these Varsity Tutors cost Reddit reviews, we now know that the range of prices can be huge. However, one thing is clear — you shouldn’t expect to be charged anything below $300. That’s the minimum you must budget.
Varsity Tutoring prices: What are you paying for?
Despite these sky-high prices, many parents and students still prefer Varsity Tutors over other learning venues. What’s the reason for their decision? That’s because Varsity Tutors rates conceal several features:
- The site is suitable for learners in grades K to 12. It covers many subjects, from elementary math and writing to advanced business knowledge and science branches.
- Varsity Tutors is suitable for exam preparation. They even have a separate tailored section where you can choose a test to prepare for.
- A Varsity Tutors price allows you access to personalized classes and prerecorded small-group learning sessions you can use for supplementary practice.
- The team of Varsity Tutors reaches a stunning number. This teaching marketplace will match you with one of 40,000 highly skilled trainers. Yet, here’s a pitfall. Some parents complain about the quality of lessons. So obviously, the competency of those tutors can vary. Below is just one review on this point.
Varsity Tutors tutoring services range: What’s provided for free?
Not all resources are included in the general cost of Varsity Tutors, but some are provided for free. Most of these are grouped by tests and examinations kids may have to pass. Here’s how it looks:
Free resources at Varsity Tutors
- Free placement test — That’s the basic. This test estimates a child’s knowledge and helps Varsity Tutors to match them with the best-fitting tutor.
- Free practice tests — Encourage the child to pick the test from the list and pass a quick diagnostic evaluation. Varsity Tutors has developed 10+ knowledge check options for some tests, so there’s MUCH room for improvement. For example, the Common Core knowledge checks list 2729 tests in total!
- Learn by concept section — Varsity Tutors payment portal may not suit everyone. However, one thing is true — their free-to-access theoretical section is strong. Here, they provide questions with four answers each and then analyze which is accurate.
- Flashcards — Just another great training resource. But mind that it looks just like their free tests, with a question and several answers for it.
- Question of the day — Choose your test and access an exclusive daily question. Earn points and some extra practice — that’s how it works.
All in all, you might wonder how much Varsity Tutors cost and be shocked by the answer. Nevertheless, this resource is excellent for free theory and practice. My only concern is that their materials feel a bit dull and could benefit from more interactivity. They follow just a pure text format:
Such visuals may be difficult to comprehend, especially in elementary school. However, let’s not question a freebie…
How much does Varsity Tutors cost? What people say
The best way to answer “How much does Varsity Tutors cost?” is to look into their reviews. That’s what I did. Surprisingly, opinions on Varsity Tutors pricing packages vary widely. Sooo…
Obviously, some are extremely satisfied with the quality they get for Varsity Tutoring prices. But my task here is also to show you the flip side.
One more insecure thing on the Varsity Tutors membership cost I’ve noticed while searching through piles of feedback is that it’s often renewed automatically. Yes, there are no notifications or messages — just a certain sum of money being pulled from your account. Have a look:
Looking for a Varsity Tutors alternative?
You have good reasons to do so! Many parents who discover clearly “How much is Varsity Tutors?” are scared away by the high price tag and unclear charging policy. So, yes, they choose to keep searching for alternatives.
As I’ve already touched a bit on Brighterly, let me continue discussing it. After all, it creates a stark contrast with Varsity Tutors pay rates and also obtains several other benefits:
- As previously discussed, prices are fixed and explicitly presented on the website.
- Learning is held exclusively during 1:1 classes, and the level of teaching matches the top industry standards.
- Just like Varsity Tutors, Brighterly has developed lots of free materials. However, its resources are always accompanied by visuals and real-world examples.
Please find more info on how these two e-resources compare and contrast in this guide:
👉 Varsity Tutors vs. Brighterly: What’s Best for Your Child
… and we move on to clarify what makes Brighterly an outstanding pick.
Brighterly math platform: Key features
- Experienced and verified Brighterly math tutors
- Adaptable, Common Core-aligned schedules
- Collection of free resources
Experienced and verified Brighterly math tutors
Ask parents what they love about Brighterly, and eight out of ten will respond that it’s their team of math tutors. And these are not just my subjectives. Check out Brighterly reviews yourself, and you’ll see how highly valued their educators are.
To verify my words, here’s just one of the latest feedback from Trustpilot:
But what makes Brighterly math tutors stand out? Believe me, there are some clear reasons.
How are Brighterly tutors special?
- First, the Brighterly team is quite extensive and versatile. This platform did wonders for assembling a personnel of many-sided professionals. The aim? Once you pass a diagnostic test, they will analyze your result and match you with the teacher who can best help you achieve your goals.
- Second, they adjust courses to individual needs. A Brighterly math class isn’t about one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, they take personal objectives and learning styles quite seriously, allowing kids to progress at their own pace. Need some time to acquire a specific topic? Brighterly allows you to learn it steadily.
- Third, Brighterly math tutors aim to create a warm and cooperative atmosphere. It doesn’t sound like a regular teaching approach, but they do try to make friends with your kid. This way, children become bolder in their words and actions, revealing their secret learning fears and sharing feedback.
By now, you can understand that tutors here not only process educational materials but also focus on kids’ psychology. So, if your child suffers from any boundaries, lacks concentration, or has any other special needs, Brighterly is the right choice.
Adaptable, Common Core-aligned schedules
Not only Brighterly tutors, but also their customized schedules add to the effectiveness of learning here. You already know the range of services and cost for Varsity Tutors. But what’s included in Brighterly?
Matching Common Core standards
First, let’s clarify what the Common Core is. In short, it’s the set of standards applied for teaching math and languages in the US schools. A schedule aligned with the Common Core will match those requirements and correspond to the school curriculum.
Brighterly math program does just that, making it especially convenient for exam preparation and improving academic performance. But that’s just in theory — let’s look at what parents say about the service’s effectiveness.
STEM basics
STEM is another seemingly complex concept integrated into up-to-date educational principles. Each STEM-reliant math class must match the following demands:
- Kids should know where they can apply their knowledge in the real world. So, STEM encourages the implementation of actual examples and the introduction of practical tasks.
- Inquiry-based learning is the core of this approach. Thus, children should always know the “why” behind the “how”. According to STEM, it’s not enough to memorize the theory — instead, learners should be able to build cause-and-effect relations.
- STEM strongly relies on advanced technologies to ensure an interactive class experience. Everything that can be used to engage kids and build an emotional connection fits here.
Now, back to the Brighterly math tutoring platform. All the lessons here focus on real-world applications and interactivity. That’s why this service prioritized a gamified learning format. Using games allows:
- Retain better focus
- Learn math through the prism of what kids like most
- Answer common questions regarding the usage of math knowledge
1:1 classes
Last but not least, all lessons held by the Brighterly math tutors exclusively follow the 1:1 live classroom scheme.
Unlike the Varsity Tutors rate, Brighterly doesn’t include group classes in its pricing options. And they have some good reasons to follow such an approach. For example, the Bloom’s 2 Sigma Problem research found that one-on-one tutoring helped students outperform 98% of peers taught in traditional classrooms.
In terms of Brighterly methodology, 1:1 learning is used to:
- Build a more intimate and friendly classroom environment
- Allow easy sharing of thoughts, ideas, and fears
- Guarantee the full focus of a teacher on a student and vice versa
- Avoid distractions
Collection of free resources
I’ve already mentioned that the Varsity Tutors tutoring services range covers a substantial collection of free resources. The same concerns Brighterly’s comprehensive choice of theoretical and practical materials.
What I should highlight, though, is that the resources from these two platforms fit different purposes:
- Varsity Tutors’ theoretical explanations follow the question-and-answer format, while Brighterly provides complete descriptions for multiple math topics with in-depth examples and real-world scenarios.
- Both services can be used for practice, but note that at Varsity Tutors, you can only complete test tasks. Brighterly, in its turn, features a wide range of materials, like worksheets and knowledge check examinations.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what the Brighterly math tutoring platform offers its users.
Theoretical materials
Brighterly offers educational services for kids in grades K to 9. That’s also the range of grades they cover in their theoretical sections. The strong pro point is that they cover almost any math topic studied during those grades.
Knowledge-checking tests
Theoretical parts are usually followed by quick knowledge check tasks. Here’s how they can look:
These sections usually contain a collection of four quizzes. The child only needs to click the answer option they think is correct and see it highlighted in green or red. The flow is quick and easy, but it will immediately show their competency.
Math worksheets
Need some resources to practice math at home? I cannot think of a better option than Brighterly math worksheets.
I find them objectively a better practice opportunity than Varsity Tutors materials because they contain mixed task types (not just test tasks like in VT). Plus, most of them come with visual representations. And, of course, they will show kids cases to practically apply their knowledge (like in the above example).
Brighterly reviews: Main benefits
Both Varsity Tutors and Brighterly are excellent platforms in terms of TrustPilot scores. However, Brighterly rocks the rating with its mind-blowing 4.6 mark. From all the reviews listed, let me outline the three starkest pros:
1. Once again, I have to remind you about the Brighterly math tutors. Compassionate, caring, responsive, and more! Sade Akins shares his impression:
“Brighterly teachers are the best. Their teaching is based on one-on-one sessions with the student. I recommend them for parents whose kids are failing math and English.”
2.Like any math tutoring platform, Brighterly commits to academic advancement. But the actual kids’ progress… is just as they promise. T White writes:
I am very excited that my daughter is understanding fractions much better. Her teacher showed her a much easier method of differentiating fractions that are larger than the other. She was so excited.
3.To back up the learning experience, Brighterly has also introduced a caring helpline. Whenever you face any issues, you can be sure that there’s someone to address them promptly. The review highlights:
I recommend this learning company. It was a great experience to enroll my daughter with them. They have excellent customer service and try to satisfy our needs.
How much is Brighterly?
How much does a Varsity Tutors membership cost? We’ve done lots of research to clarify that. Keeping in mind its prices can reach $100 per hour, let’s explore “How much does Brighterly cost?”.
You can choose from these Brighterly cost options:
- 1-month plan from $21/lesson
- 3-month plan from $20.6/lesson
- 6-month plan from $19.8/lesson
- 12-month plan from $17.4/lesson
The longer you prefer to study, the more benefit you get — that’s the logic behind the Brighterly cost. Besides, if you opt for their 12-month plan, you can grasp one of the best pricing opportunities on the market, so carefully consider the option.
Whichever plan you choose, the range of services provided will always include:
- 1:1 tailored learning format
- Fun game-like lessons
- 1 to 12 progress reports
- Help with homework
- Ability to pause your subscription anytime
Final thoughts: Why try the Brighterly math tutoring platform today?
Initially, I compiled this article to answer your common question on “How expensive are Varsity Tutors?”. Now you know their price range and also the services you can receive from them. However, this analysis also aimed to provide a VT alternative (just in case you search for one).
It’s true that Varsity Tutors pricing depends on many factors and can climb sky-high. But there are also other platforms like Brighterly to offer you fixed pricing options without sacrificing the quality of learning. All the prejudice aside, here’s how the two e-resources differ:
Varsity Tutors |
Brighterly |
|
Price | Around $100/hour | Starts at $17.4/lesson |
Pricing transparency | No public pricing; requires a consultation call | Fully disclosed online |
Lesson format | 1:1 and group classes | Only 1:1 personalized classes |
Subject range | 30+ subjects | Math and reading |
Free resources | Yes | Yes |
Study approach | Limited | Gamified, interactive lessons |
For a smooth sailing, here’s how you start with the Brighterly math tutoring platform, step by step:
- Visit Brighterly’s official site and click the “Book Free Lesson” button.
- Your child will complete a brief assessment to gauge their current math level.
- Provide a few quick details to help shape a customized learning journey.
- Brighterly will create a tailored study plan, and your child can begin learning immediately.
- Best of all, the first session is completely free, so you can try it out without obligation.
Related articles
Knowing how much does Varsity Tutors cost per hour, you might still hesitate whether it’s right for you. If you want to continue exploring the pros and cons of VR, I’m about to leave here some additional articles of mine: