Summer is the perfect time to get ahead in your college journey. Whether you’re looking to catch up on credits, save money, or explore new subjects, online summer classes can help you achieve your goals without sacrificing your summer plans. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about taking online classes for college credit over the summer, including why it’s worth it, how to choose the right courses, and how StraighterLine can help you make the most of your summer.
What Are Summer College Classes?
Summer college classes are courses offered during the summer months, typically in a condensed format. Unlike traditional semesters, summer classes are often shorter — ranging from 2 to 10 weeks — and more intensive. While not all colleges offer their full course catalog during the summer, many schools and online providers like StraighterLine offer a wide range of options to help students stay on track.
Online summer classes are particularly popular because they allow students to study from anywhere, at any time, making it easier to balance coursework with summer jobs, internships, or travel.
Why Take Summer Classes in College?
Taking summer classes can benefit your college career in several ways. Here are the top reasons to consider enrolling:
1. Save Money
Summer classes are often more affordable than courses taken during the regular academic year. For example, StraighterLine’s online courses cost just $79 per course (plus a $99 monthly subscription fee), which includes eTextbooks, tutoring, and proctored exams. This is significantly less than the average cost of a course at a traditional four-year university.
By taking summer classes, you can also save money in the long term by graduating early and reducing the overall cost of your degree.
2. Earn Credits to Graduate Early
Summer classes allow you to earn credits faster, potentially helping you graduate a semester or even a year early. This can give you a head start on your career or graduate studies.
3. Check Off General Education Requirements
Use the summer to knock out GenEd requirements, so you can focus on courses for your major during the fall and spring semesters. StraighterLine offers a variety of gen ed courses, including:
4. Take Courses Not Offered at Your School
If your college doesn’t offer a specific course during the summer, you can take it online through StraighterLine or another accredited provider. Just be sure to confirm with your university’s registrar office that the credits will transfer to your school.
5. Boost Your GPA
Summer classes can be an opportunity to retake a course and improve your grade, which can help raise your overall GPA.
6. Enjoy Flexibility and Smaller Class Sizes
Online summer classes offer the flexibility to study on your own schedule, and smaller class sizes mean more personalized attention from instructors.
How to Choose the Right Summer Classes
Before enrolling in summer classes, consider the following tips to ensure you make the most of your experience:
1. Check Your School’s Transfer Policies
If you’re taking classes outside your home institution, confirm that the credits will transfer and count toward your degree requirements. StraighterLine partners with over 180 colleges and universities that guarantee acceptance of credits from our courses. Plus, we’ve helped students successfully transfer their credits to over 3,000 other non-partner colleges and universities.
2. Consider Your Schedule
Summer classes move at an accelerated pace, so it’s important to balance your coursework with other commitments like jobs, internships, or vacations. Online classes are a great option if you need flexibility.
3. Choose Courses That Align With Your Goals
Focus on courses that fulfill general education requirements, advance your major, or align with your career aspirations. StraighterLine offers over 75 affordable online courses in subjects like Math, Science, Business, and Humanities.
4. Explore Online Options
Online classes are ideal for summer because they allow you to study at your own pace and from anywhere. StraighterLine’s courses are asynchronous, meaning you can complete them on your schedule.
How StraighterLine Can Help You This Summer
StraighterLine makes it easy to earn college credit over the summer with affordable, flexible, and transferable online courses. Here’s what sets us apart:
Affordable Pricing: At just $79 per course (plus a $99 monthly subscription), StraighterLine is a cost-effective way to earn credits.
Comprehensive Support: Digital textbooks, academic advising, on-demand tutoring, proctored exams, and various resources to help you succeed are included in your StraighterLine membership at no extra cost.
Guaranteed Credit Transfer: Our courses are guaranteed to transfer to over 180 partner colleges and universities, and have been accepted at 3,000+ non-partner schools through the ACE Credit Transfer Program.
Self-Paced Learning: Study on your own schedule and complete courses as quickly or slowly as you need.
Popular StraighterLine Courses for Summer
Here are some of our most popular courses for students looking to get ahead this summer:
| Course Name | Description | Credits |
| College Algebra | Builds foundational math skills for college-level coursework. | 3 |
| Introduction to Biology | Covers basic biological concepts and principles. | 3 |
| Anatomy & Physiology I & II | Explores the structure and function of the human body for health and science studies. | 3 |
| Introduction to Nutrition | Covers basic biological concepts and principles. | 3 |
| United States History I & II | Examines the principles of healthy eating and the role of nutrients in the body. | 3 |
| Introduction to Communication | Explores effective communication strategies and techniques. | 3 |
| Introduction to Sociology | Explores human society, culture, and social behavior through key sociological concepts. | 3 |
Tips for Succeeding in Summer Classes
Stay Organized: Create a study schedule and stick to it.
Set Goals: Break your coursework into manageable tasks and set daily or weekly goals.
Take Advantage of Support: Use StraighterLine’s tutoring and resources to stay on track.
Stay Motivated: Remember why you’re taking summer classes and keep your end goal in mind.
Cost Comparison: StraighterLine vs. Traditional Colleges
Here’s a breakdown of how StraighterLine’s affordable pricing compares to traditional college courses:
| Provider | Cost per Course | Includes |
| StraighterLine | 79 per course + 99/month for membership | Digital textbooks, tutoring, academic advising |
| In-State Public College | $1,200 (average) | Tuition only; additional fees may apply |
| Out-of-State Public College | $1,500 (average) | Tuition only; additional fees may apply |
| Private College | $4,400+ (average) | Tuition only; additional fees may apply |
As you can see, StraighterLine offers significant savings, making it an ideal choice for students looking to earn college credit affordably.
Ready to Get Started?
Don’t let the summer slip away without making progress toward your degree. Our classes are affordable and asynchronous so that you can take them at any time and at your own pace. Spend more time doing the things you enjoy over the summer! With StraighterLine, we guarantee credit transfers to over 180 of our partner schools and over 3,000 more through the ACE Credit Transfer Program. Contact us today through our live chat function to learn more about how we can help you get ahead in your college career!
FAQs
Can I take summer classes at a different school?
Yes, but make sure the credits will transfer to your home institution. StraighterLine’s courses are guaranteed to transfer to over 180 partner colleges and universities.
How many summer classes should I take?
This depends on your schedule and goals. Most students take 1-2 courses over the summer to stay on track without overwhelming themselves.
Are online summer classes easier than in-person classes?
Online classes offer flexibility, but they still require time and effort. The key is to stay organized and motivated.
Can I use financial aid for summer classes?
Some financial aid packages cover summer classes, but not all. Check with your school’s financial aid office to confirm your eligibility.
![Top 7 Reasons Students Complete Summer Courses Online [Infographic]](https://dropinblog.net/34252894/files/featured/Blog_Heros__3__4.webp)
