Pearson Smarthinking Reviews, Alternatives, Pricing, & Offerings in 2025

Pearson Smarthinking is an online tutoring service owned by Pearson Education. It offers live tutoring and writing review for students. This article reviews Smarthinking for students and parents to compare it with other tutoring platforms and make informed choices.

Pearson’s Smarthinking Reviews and Testimonials

Indeed (27 employee reviews, 3.4/5): Tutors like the flexible schedule but consistently say the pay is low. For example, one tutor said the rate was only $11 per hour and no raises were given. Another noted a cap of 19 hours per semester. Tutors praise the professional training and support, but many mention the workload is high and advancement is limited.

Good Housekeeping (feature article): This review-style article isn’t a rating site but it highlights Smarthinking’s strengths. It notes that 90% of Smarthinking’s tutors have advanced degrees, emphasizing expert tutors. The article also mentions that Smarthinking focuses on writing help and even resume/interview reviews, quoting prices like $25 per essay review. It reports the service covers many subjects but does not rate user satisfaction.

BestCompany (1 customer review, 2/0): A user on BestCompany complained that Smarthinking’s technology was outdated and that live tutoring felt confusing. They said tutors often asked more questions without answering the student’s questions directly. This reviewer also found the turnaround time long and the interface clunky. Overall, this rare user review found the tutoring service unsatisfactory.

Pearson (case studies): On Pearson’s own site, partner colleges report very high satisfa33ction. For instance, a case study at a university found that 100% of surveyed students would use Smarthinking again and 75% felt more confident in their work after using it. Another survey showed 95% of students would recommend the tutoring and 89.7% would reuse it. These figures suggest students who use the service typically find it helpful.

Is Smarthinking Legit? Yes. Smarthinking is a genuine tutoring service backed by Pearson. No reliable sources label it a scam. (One 2020 review on Indeed called it “total fraud”, but that claim is an outlier.) Most feedback, especially from Pearson’s own data, shows students recommending it. As a Pearson subsidiary, it is a legitimate, long-running educational service.

Summary of Reviews: Overall, reviews highlight Smarthinking’s qualified tutors and 24/7 availability. Students and schools praise the quality and accessibility. Criticisms focus on cost (noted as higher than average) and limited coverage of younger grades. In sum, Smarthinking appears to be a high-quality but premium-priced tutoring platform, with no major red flags other than its cost and evolving availability in 2025.

Pearson’s Smarthinking Pricing

Pricing Range

Smarthinking charges fees per tutoring or writing service. For live tutoring, one source lists about $45 per hour or $150 for four hours. Writing services (essay or resume reviews) run about $25–$32 each. Another source mentions personal subscription plans starting around $19.95 per month, but official rates seem to be session-based. All prices above are in USD.

What Students Say About Pricing

Many users find Smarthinking’s rates fairly high. BestCompany notes its fees are “substantially more” than competitors. Indeed, at ~$30–45 per hour, it costs more than budget services (Chegg’s live help is $30 for an hour and chat help is $7:contentReference[oaicite:22]). Some students say the expertise of master’s/PhD tutors might justify the price, but others feel it is pricier than necessary. In general, the pricing is above the industry average, matching its positioning as an expert service.

Hidden Costs

We found no mention of extra hidden fees. There is no public signup or registration fee noted. It appears the only charges are the advertised session or package fees. We saw no cancellation or processing fees in official materials.

How Smarthinking’s Pricing Works

Payment is made online when you book a session. According to one source, Smarthinking offered monthly subscriptions from $19.95. There’s no information about pay-later options or academic discounts. We found no mention of group discounts, veteran discounts, or promo codes. In practice, students or institutions pay upfront for the tutoring or review services they select.

Free Trial

Some sources mention a free trial period for new users. For example, a 2023 tutoring site notes Smarthinking provides a free trial to explore the platform. However, Pearson’s official site did not clearly detail this. If offered, the free trial likely gives limited access so students can test the service before paying.

Refund Policy

We could not find a published refund policy. Pearson’s website does not clearly state how refunds are handled. We also found no user complaints or mentions about refund problems in forums. Without official info, it’s unclear whether Smarthinking offers money-back guarantees or how refunds are processed. In practice, users should assume charges are final unless otherwise stated.

Pearson’s Smarthinking Alternatives

Because of cost or service scope, students may look for tutoring alternatives. Below are some popular options in 2025. Each offers live help or homework assistance in different ways.

Chegg

Chegg is a well-known homework help platform. It offers low-cost Q&A help and some live tutoring. For example, Chegg charges only $6.95 for a chat session or about $30 for one hour of live tutoring. Chegg covers many subjects and is easy to use. However, its tutors are not always 1:1 (it often provides answer support), and it does not guarantee the high-level tutor qualifications that Smarthinking advertises. Chegg is much cheaper, but it is better for quick homework help rather than in-depth tutoring sessions.

Tutor.com (Princeton Review)

Tutor.com (operated by Princeton Review) offers one-on-one tutoring in many subjects. It’s often used for test prep (SAT, ACT, AP) and general homework help. Tutor.com charges around $29 per hour when bundled (e.g. $1,450 for 50 hours across six months). Its tutors are also experienced, and it has a satisfaction guarantee. Compared to Smarthinking, Tutor.com is similar in quality but can be more flexible for different grade levels. Pricing can be comparable or higher depending on plans, but it has a broad pool of tutors and 24/7 scheduling.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a free learning resource. It offers thousands of videos and practice exercises in subjects like math, science, and history. However, it is not a live tutoring service – students learn by watching videos and doing exercises. If you need a personal tutor, Khan can’t match that. Its advantage is that it’s completely free and covers many topics, but it lacks the one-on-one guidance that Smarthinking provides.

My Engineering Buddy

My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is an online tutoring platform specializing in STEM and engineering subjects. Unlike Smarthinking, MEB focuses on college-level and advanced topics (like engineering, physics, computer science). MEB matches students with vetted tutors who have strong technical backgrounds. It often offers more competitive pricing and flexible session lengths. Many users praise MEB for detailed explanations of complex problems. For example, MEB typically provides experts in difficult subjects at rates lower than top-tier tutors on Smarthinking.

How Smarthinking Works

For Students

Students sign up online, usually through their school or directly on Pearson’s platform. Some colleges integrate Smarthinking into their learning portal. Once registered, students can request help anytime. For writing help, a student uploads an assignment draft; a tutor returns annotated feedback (usually within 24 hours). For live help, the student can enter a live tutoring session immediately – a tutor joins within minutes. Sessions happen on a virtual whiteboard where students and tutors can chat, write, and work on problems together. Scheduling is on-demand (available 24/7) or by appointment, depending on student needs. The process is designed to be easy: log in, choose writing review or connect live, and a tutor will assist within minutes.

For Tutors

To become a Smarthinking tutor, candidates apply on the Smarthinking website. (Pearson lists openings under “E-structors” on its Smarthinking page.) Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree or higher and expertise in a subject. In fact, 90% of Smarthinking’s tutors hold a master’s or PhD. Applicants go through background checks and content screening, then complete a rigorous 15-hour online training on Smarthinking’s teaching methods. Once hired, tutors work remotely and set their own schedule. They can teach live sessions or do essay reviews. Many tutors report a very flexible, supportive environment. However, compensation is fixed by the company – reported around $11 per hourand there is little opportunity to negotiate higher rates. Overall, a tutor’s day involves logging into the platform, checking for scheduled sessions or writing submissions, and providing one-on-one help in the assigned subject. Interested tutors should visit Pearson’s Smarthinking tutor page (the “E-structors” section) to apply.

FAQs About Smarthinking

Q: Can Smarthinking tutors set their own hourly rates?
A: No. Smarthinking tutors are hired at a fixed rate set by Pearson. Tutors on Smarthinking are paid a flat rate (reported about $10–11 per hour) and cannot increase their individual fees.

Q: How much can a Smarthinking tutor earn per hour?
A: Tutors earn a set rate, typically around $10–15 per hour. In fact, reviews indicate many English tutors are paid about $11/hour. This is much lower than what some tutors earn on marketplace sites.

Q: How many hours can a tutor work per month?
A: Smarthinking positions are generally part-time. Some reviews noted limits (e.g. 19 hours per semester). In practice, tutors schedule up to a certain number of hours and cannot exceed that, so monthly hours are limited, often under a full-time schedule.

Q: Is it hard for tutors to get students on Smarthinking?
A: Not really. Smarthinking tutors do not need to find their own clients. Students come through the service (often via their school), so tutors are assigned sessions. Reviews suggest tutors generally have a steady flow of work as long as they are available when students log on.

Q: Any tips for Smarthinking tutors to get more sessions?
A: Since Smarthinking assigns work, tutors maximize hours by being very responsive and flexible. Tutors report that being available during peak times (evenings/weekends) and quickly taking live requests leads to more sessions. Maintaining high ratings by doing good work also helps tutors remain in demand.

Q: What do tutors like about Smarthinking?
A: Tutors say they enjoy the flexible, remote schedule and the professional support. Indeed reviews praise the supportive company culture and clear training. For example, one tutor noted the company is very “professional and dedicated to student success”. Many appreciate gaining experience with diverse student problems and the convenience of working from home.

Q: What do tutors dislike about Smarthinking?
A: The main complaints are low pay and high workload. Multiple tutors mentioned the pay (~$11/hr) is very low. They also report pressure to provide feedback very quickly (often 30 minutes per essay). Some said raises are rare or nonexistent, and the job can feel rushed. These issues are common topics in tutor reviews.

Company Information

Background: Smarthinking was founded in 1999 to provide online academic tutoring. It was later acquired by Pearson Education in 2011 and became part of their online learning services. The current CEO (Chief Education Officer) is Christa Ehmann Powers, who has led the service since launch. Smarthinking’s mission is to offer “on-demand online tutoring and writing review” designed “to help learners succeed in school”. Its vision emphasizes 24/7 access: students can connect anytime to expert tutors, so they receive help exactly when needed.

Scale of Operation: Smarthinking is based in Washington, DC (USA) but serves students globally via the internet. It was widely used by colleges and school districts, especially in North America. At its peak, Smarthinking had over 1,500 tutors worldwide. There were also technology and support staff at Pearson, but the exact number of employees is not public. The service conducted millions of tutoring sessions through its history.

Services Offered: The platform provides one-on-one academic help in many forms. Core services include live 1:1 tutoring across subjects and written feedback on student work (essays, reports, homework solutions). It offers specialized support like essay reviews, resume reviews, SAT essay reviews, and study guides. As of 2022, Pearson expanded Smarthinking to cover K–12 subjects including elementary math, science, reading, and writing. In total, the system covers around 150 subject areas ranging from basic math and English to advanced courses in science, business, computer science, and standardized test prep.

Unique Features: Smarthinking promotes several key strengths:

• Highly qualified tutors – 90% hold a master’s degree or PhD, with an average of 12 years teaching experience. This claims to ensure expert help (and our research confirms the strong tutor qualifications).
• 24/7 availability – Students can get help any time, on-demand, including an instant live chat option that connects in minutes.
• Writing and career focus – Beyond academics, Smarthinking offers resume and cover letter reviews, helping students with professional writing as well as homework.
• Institutional tools – The platform provides reporting dashboards and archived session logs for schools, allowing administrators to track student usage and outcomes.

These features generally align with Smarthinking’s promises. For example, user data on Pearson’s site shows most students are happy with 24/7 help. We found no evidence contradicting its claims of tutor quality or availability. One limitation noted in reviews is that Smarthinking only serves middle school and up (no K–5 tutoring), which is a drawback for younger learners. But overall, its advertised strengths – expert tutors and round-the-clock support – do reflect the experience reported by students.

Drawbacks of Smarthinking

• Limited grade range: Smarthinking does not serve young children. It generally starts in middle school or higher, so it’s not usable for elementary students.
• Higher cost: Fees are above industry average. BestCompany notes the pricing is “substantially more” than other tutors. (At ~$30–45/hr, it costs more than many alternatives.)
• No consumer guarantees: The company does not advertise any money-back or satisfaction guarantee. We found no free trial offer or refund policy on their site, which may concern cost-conscious users.
• Contractual model: Smarthinking is mostly sold through schools. It’s not a casual consumer service, so students often need institutional access or a subscription, which can limit flexibility.
• Imminent shutdown: Pearson announced it will retire Smarthinking by mid-2025 (wiki says August 2023). Its discontinuation means students must switch platforms soon.
• Tutor criticisms: Tutors report very low pay and strict time pressures, but this mostly affects the instructor side rather than student experience.

Comparison with My Engineering Buddy

My Engineering Buddy (MEB) is another tutoring platform, and it excels in areas that Smarthinking is weaker. MEB is especially strong in engineering and advanced STEM subjects, while Smarthinking focuses more on general K–12 help and writing. MEB often has more specialized tutors (many with engineering PhDs) who can tackle niche college-level topics that Smarthinking tutors may not cover. In terms of pricing, MEB generally offers competitive rates that can be lower for long-term help in technical fields. Student testimonials for MEB highlight the clear explanations and subject expertise they get. For example, users frequently praise MEB tutors for breaking down complex homework problems step by step. Therefore, for students needing help with higher-level engineering, computer science, or math, MEB provides a more targeted service. MEB also offers direct customer support and flexible packages that some students prefer for intensive subject help.

Customer Support and Policies

Smarthinking’s support is primarily through its online platform. There is no easily found direct support line for students – inquiries typically go through schools or Pearson’s general channels. The service comes with no published refund guarantee or satisfaction policy. My Engineering Buddy, by contrast, offers live chat support on its site and a clear refund/match policy if the tutor isn’t a good fit. In summary, Smarthinking’s customer support is largely institutional, with no special guarantees, while MEB provides more visible customer service options for users.

Global Reach and Localization

Smarthinking operates globally via the internet, but it is an English-only platform designed for students in English-medium schools. It has mainly been used by U.S. and English-speaking international students, with no mention of multilingual support. My Engineering Buddy also serves a global student base and does allow for tutors who can teach in other languages if needed. Overall, both platforms are accessible worldwide, but Smarthinking’s offerings are primarily oriented to English-speaking regions, whereas MEB markets itself to students from various countries and backgrounds.

Pearson’s (Smarthinking’s) Future Plans

Pearson has been investing in tutoring and digital learning. For example, by 2022 they planned to expand Smarthinking’s services into elementary grades, adding math, science, and reading support for younger students. They also rolled out technology upgrades like an iPad app, voice-enabled whiteboard, and automated notifications. Looking ahead, Pearson is heavily focusing on AI in education. In 2025 they announced partnerships (with Google, Microsoft, etc.) to build AI-driven personalized learning tools. While not specific to Smarthinking, these moves suggest that AI features (like on-demand AI tutors or adaptive learning paths) could be introduced in their tutoring offerings. In addition, Pearson’s reports on Smarthinking include advanced data dashboards for schools, and they aim to use learning analytics to improve outcomes. Overall, Pearson seems to be moving toward more tech-enabled, AI-assisted tutoring and expanding their tutoring coverage, even as Smarthinking itself is phased out.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pearson Smarthinking

Q: Is Pearson Smarthinking still available?
A: Smarthinking is in the process of being phased out. Sources report Pearson decided to retire the service by mid-2025. (Some references say it closed in late 2023.) New users should prepare to switch to another platform soon, as it won’t continue indefinitely.

Q: How does Smarthinking compare to My Engineering Buddy?
A: Smarthinking and My Engineering Buddy serve different niches. Smarthinking offers general tutoring and writing help for school students (K–college), while MEB specializes in college-level STEM and engineering. MEB often has more subject-specialized tutors (especially in advanced topics) and competitive pricing. Students needing advanced technical help often find MEB’s personalized service a better fit.

Q: Is Smarthinking free?
A: No, Smarthinking is not free. It is usually paid for by institutions or by student subscriptions. There are costs per session or month. (However, some schools provide it at no cost to their students as part of fees.) There is no free unlimited access like Khan Academy.

Q: What subjects can Smarthinking help with?
A: Smarthinking covers a broad range of subjects. It offers tutoring in math, science, business, technology, language arts (writing, reading, ESL), and more. It also supports test prep (like SAT essay review) and even career services like resume reviews. It has services from middle school level up through college.

Q: How do I connect with a Smarthinking tutor?
A: You log into the Smarthinking platform (via Pearson’s site or a school portal) and start a session. You can either upload an assignment for a writing review or enter a live chat room. A tutor is then assigned to you; for live help, they join within a couple of minutes. Sessions occur on an interactive whiteboard where you can chat and work together in real time.

Q: Does Smarthinking guarantee success or refunds?
A: Smarthinking does not prominently advertise a guarantee or refund policy. We found no official money-back promise for unhappy students. If you are dissatisfied, you would need to contact their support (or your institution) case-by-case. By contrast, some tutors noted in reviews that once a session is booked it is typically non-refundable.

Q: Can I use Smarthinking on any device?
A: Yes, Smarthinking is web-based and works on any computer or tablet with internet access. Pearson even released an iPad app to make it easier to connect anywhere. You just need a modern browser, and most features (like the whiteboard) work on tablets and laptops.

Q: Does Smarthinking offer one-on-one live tutoring?
A: Yes. Smarthinking is designed for one-on-one help. For live tutoring, you get a private session with a tutor (not a group class). It also offers detailed written feedback one-on-one when you submit a paper or math problem.

Conclusion

Pearson’s Smarthinking offers high-quality tutors and round-the-clock academic support, which were its major strengths. Its weaknesses include relatively high costs and a limited grade range. Notably, the service is being discontinued in 2025, so students are wise to consider alternatives. My Engineering Buddy is a strong alternative, especially for advanced STEM and engineering help. MEB provides expert tutors at competitive rates and flexible scheduling, which makes it well-suited for complex college coursework. In summary, while Smarthinking has quality and credibility, My Engineering Buddy may be a better choice for students needing targeted, affordable support in advanced subjects.

Sources: Pearson (official case studies and announcements).