iD Tech began in 1999 as one of the first technology camps for kids and teens. Over the years, it has grown into a leader in STEM education – teaching about 50,000 students per year. While famous for its summer coding camps, iD Tech also offers year-round online 1-on-1 tutoring and private lessons in STEM subjects. This article focuses on iD Tech’s online tutoring services for college-level students and provides a detailed overview for students and parents in the US, UK, Australia, Gulf states, etc. We cover reviews, pricing, how it works, alternatives (including My Engineering Buddy), company info, and FAQs.
iD Tech Reviews and Testimonials
Overall, iD Tech’s reviews are largely positive. It boasts high scores on review platforms: TopSchoolReviews shows a 4.7/5 average rating with 1.5 on Sitejabber and 4.4 on Trustpilot. Promotional materials note over 1,875 five-star reviews on Trustpilot for iD Tech’s camps and programs. In practice, parents and students praise iD Tech for its structured, hands-on approach. For example, one user on Reddit (a former camper and instructor) said iD Tech is “very structured – both in a good and bad way,” and recommended its online tutoring for a deep dive into technical subjects. Another commenter highlighted that iD Tech “stands out for offering hands-on learning in coding, game development, and robotics,” helping kids build real tech skills.
Student testimonials emphasize iD Tech’s strengths: engaging instructors, a blend of learning and fun, and cutting-edge topics. AcademicHelp notes iD Tech’s “excellent tutor communication” and variety of STEM subjects in its private lessons. Many reviews mention small class sizes and expert instructors. However, some drawbacks emerge. iD Tech’s focus is on STEM and creative tech; it does not cover non-tech subjects.
A few reviewers have felt the curriculum is too advanced or fast-paced (e.g. one parent said a camper was overwhelmed by the advanced coding class). Pricing is also noted by some as premium (for camps, not specifically tutoring). Overall, the consensus is that iD Tech provides high-quality tech instruction, but mainly in STEM fields and at a high cost.
iD Tech Pricing
iD Tech’s online tutoring is packaged into lesson bundles. According to its support site, the pricing is roughly:
- 1 lesson (1 hour): $79 (or $75 with a monthly subscription).
- 4 lessons: $304 total ($76 each) or $284 with subscription.
- 8 lessons: $576 total ($72 each) or $544 with subscription.
- 12 lessons: $816 total ($68 each) or $768 with subscription.
These costs are per one-hour lesson. Subscription billing (monthly auto-pay) gives a small discount as shown above. In practice, the cost per hour ranges from about $68 (for 12 lessons, with subscription) up to $79 (one-off lesson). There may also be additional taxes or fees depending on region. Parents have noted that iD Tech’s rates are on the high side for private tutoring, reflecting its brand and small group instruction.
Hidden costs: iD Tech does not charge for materials or tech platforms on top of the lesson fees. However, like many programs it charges a non-refundable deposit. According to iD Tech’s camp policies, there is a $250 non-refundable deposit per week once you register (for camps at least). Presumably, online tutoring may have similar deposit or cancellation fees. In one BBB complaint, iD Tech explained that after a 24-hour full-refund window, a $250 deposit is held when canceling each camp week. While not explicitly stated for tutoring, it suggests payments might not be refundable if you cancel late.
Payment methods: iD Tech accepts credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex). They do not use digital wallet payments (no PayPal/ApplePay) for lessons. One review specifically notes iD Tech has “no wallet payments available”. You can pay per lesson or by subscription on a monthly basis via their website or by calling support. The credit card on file will be charged each month for subscription plans.
Discounts and trials: iD Tech sometimes offers promotional rates. For example, they have in the past offered a one-hour “Discovery Lesson” at about $49 (a 35% discount on the first lesson). This is meant as a low-commitment intro. (This offer is seasonal and not always available.) They also run sibling or multi-course discounts for camps, but those do not apply to private lessons. There is no standard free trial, but occasional coupons and referral credits are offered. For example, iD Tech’s promotions may give $25 credit for referrals, etc. Always check the latest offers on their website for any trial or promo pricing.
Refund policy: iD Tech’s refund policy for tutoring is not widely published. For their camps, the policy is: cancel within 24 hours for a full refund; after that, each week has a $250 non-refundable deposit. If you withdraw more than two weeks before a lesson, you may get a refund minus that deposit. Closer to the lesson date, no refunds. Several customer reviews suggest that after registration, refunds can be limited.
For example, one parent complained about losing much of their payment when canceling months in advance, and iD Tech responded that deposits cover reserved spots. In short, plan carefully: once a lesson package is confirmed, getting a full refund may be difficult. If in doubt, contact iD Tech support (they promise live assistance via phone/email) to clarify the current policy.
iD Tech Alternatives
There are many online STEM tutoring options for college students. Here are some notable alternatives, comparing them to iD Tech’s offerings:
My Engineering Buddy (MEB)
Overview: My Engineering Buddy is a specialized STEM tutoring service focused on math and engineering subjects. It caters to high school and college students worldwide (US, UK, Australia, Gulf countries). MEB offers one-on-one homework help and exam prep in engineering, calculus, physics, and related fields.
Pricing: MEB’s pricing is much lower than iD Tech’s. Their website shows rates starting at about $30/hour for college-level tutoring. (For example, they list “Starts $30/hr – College Student”.) In contrast, iD Tech is charging $68–$79/hour. MEB also offers very short “intro” sessions: you can try 20 minutes for $1 (as of the pricing page). There are no fixed “lesson packs”; you pay per minute or hour used. This can be very cost-effective if you only need help on a specific problem.
Subjects and tutors: MEB covers core STEM topics (Math, Physics, Engineering) and test prep (SAT, GRE, etc.). Tutors are mostly in India but “hand-picked” with strong credentials. The company claims a 4.8/5 overall rating from 285 reviews, suggesting high satisfaction. By comparison, iD Tech focuses on coding, game design, robotics, and creative tech – it does not offer assistance in advanced math or engineering courses. So if you need help in engineering or math content, MEB’s range is broader. If you want computer programming or tech projects, iD Tech has more specialized courses.
Pros vs. iD Tech: MEB is cheaper and open to any level of student (no age limits). It has 24/7 availability and a live WhatsApp/phone response service. Tutors are flexible and can adapt to specific college coursework. iD Tech offers a more formal curriculum and guarantees vetted tutors, but MEB’s more affordable pricing and focus on homework help give it an edge for college coursework.
Wyzant
Overview: Wyzant is one of the largest tutor marketplaces in the US. It has over 65,000 tutors in 300+ subjects, including university-level subjects. You can find specialists in calculus, computer science, data structures, and more. The platform lets you search tutors by subject, rate, and reviews.
Pricing: Tutors set their own hourly rates on Wyzant. Many math/CS tutors charge anywhere from $30 to $100+ per hour, depending on experience. Wyzant runs promotions occasionally (first lesson guaranteed or discounted). Unlike iD Tech’s fixed packages, Wyzant charges per hour with no subscription option. You can pay per session after each lesson.
Pros vs. iD Tech: Wyzant offers a massive tutor pool across all academic fields (not just tech). It covers everything from K-12 to college and even graduate topics. Reviews on Wyzant show many satisfied students; it claims “more than 4 million 5-star reviews”. However, tutor quality can vary since anyone can sign up. iD Tech, by contrast, screens its instructors carefully and uses its own curriculum. If you prefer one-on-one sessions in academic subjects (like economics, languages, etc.), Wyzant may be better. For STEM/coding specifically, iD Tech’s specialized staff might be more focused. Wyzant is typically cheaper than iD Tech for equivalent sessions, but there are no guaranteed bundled discounts.
Tutor.com
Overview: Tutor.com (owned by The Princeton Review) is a subscription-based tutoring service for K-12 and college students. It provides 24/7 access to live tutors in many subjects, including math, science, writing, and computer science. Sessions can be one-on-one or drop-in help.
Pricing: Tutor.com does not sell individual hours; instead, you buy monthly plans. Plans vary (e.g., limited hours per month vs. unlimited). They often run around $40–$50 per month for a small session package. The advantage is unlimited help (e.g., 24/7 access to any tutor when needed). The company reports having conducted over 28 million tutoring sessions, indicating its large scale.
Pros vs. iD Tech: Tutor.com covers more academic subjects (essay writing, history, etc.) and is available any time. It’s geared toward quick homework help rather than a fixed course curriculum. Tutor.com’s tutoring quality is solid (they have background-checked tutors and offer feedback surveys). iD Tech’s tutoring, in contrast, is arranged in scheduled lessons with specific instructors, and focuses on sustained learning. For a college student needing continuous support in STEM, Tutor.com could be more flexible (less planning needed), whereas iD Tech offers a structured series of lessons. Pricing with Tutor.com can be lower overall if you need frequent help, but iD Tech’s fixed lesson bundles may appeal if you want scheduled sessions.
Varsity Tutors
Overview: Varsity Tutors is a US-based tutoring network covering K-12 and college levels. It offers both on-demand and scheduled lessons in many subjects, including advanced engineering and coding. Tutors often hold advanced degrees. They also run live online classes and group sessions.
Pricing: Varsity Tutors typically charges by the hour. For STEM college subjects, tutors often charge $50–$80 per hour (sometimes more for niche subjects). Bulk packages can lower the per-hour rate slightly. There’s no monthly subscription; you pay per lesson. They accept credit card payments online.
Pros vs. iD Tech: Like Wyzant, Varsity Tutors covers a broad range of subjects. They also offer small-group classes for test prep. The tutor quality is generally high (many tutors have advanced degrees or teaching experience). Compared to iD Tech, Varsity Tutors’ offerings are more academic. iD Tech’s strength is in immersive tech experiences, whereas Varsity tutors can help with specific coursework or exams. Varsity is comparable in price to iD Tech (often slightly lower per hour) and allows more subject choices. However, iD Tech provides a more “camp-like” learning style that some students prefer.
Khan Academy (Free Resource)
Overview: Khan Academy is a non-profit offering free, world-class educational videos and practice exercises online. It covers K-12 math, science, programming, and more. Recently they even added an AI-powered assistant called Khanmigo for guided learning. However, Khan Academy is not a live tutoring service; it’s self-paced learning.
Pros vs. iD Tech: Khan Academy is completely free and covers a wide range of STEM topics (from basic algebra to AP courses). It’s great for self-study or supplementing learning. The downside is there is no live tutor – it’s video lessons and practice problems. For college students on a budget who need help reviewing fundamentals, Khan can be very useful. But it lacks personalized tutoring. iD Tech offers live instructors and interactive sessions, which Khan does not.
Other Alternatives
There are also homework-help Q&A sites like Chegg Study (around $15/month for textbook solutions) or Course Hero. These are less personalized (no live tutor) but can help solve problems. Several coding-bootcamp style tutors (e.g. FavTutor) also exist, often starting at ~$45/hr (they even offer 7-day refunds). But the above options are the main competitors when comparing pricing, tutor vetting, and subject coverage.
How it Works
For Students
Students (or parents) first sign up on iD Tech’s website and create an account. Then you select an online private lesson, choosing from topics (e.g. Python, Web Dev, Math) that iD Tech offers. You can buy a single lesson or a package. After purchase, you schedule sessions at available times (via their portal or support team). Each session is typically 60 minutes long and is conducted live over a video call.
Tutors use Zoom (or a similar platform) to connect. According to an instructor’s report, tutors often teach 1–3 classes per day, each 2–2.5 hours long, with up to 5 students per Zoom session. In your private lesson, it will just be you and the tutor (or a few other students if it’s semi-private). You and your tutor work together on the chosen subject, step by step.
iD Tech assigns a specific instructor who specializes in your topic. They provide a structured lesson plan and often follow up with notes. If you need help setting up, iD Tech’s support (via email or phone at 1-888-709-8324) can assist. On lesson day, you simply click the meeting link sent to you and join the Zoom room with the tutor. Some students appreciate the structured curriculum and say instructors are well-prepared.
Others say it felt fast-paced, so it helps to be ready with questions. Overall, the process is similar to other online tutors: purchase, schedule, and join sessions. The first lesson satisfaction is guaranteed in many cases (if the tutor isn’t a good fit, you can request a different one).
For Tutors
To become an iD Tech online tutor (instructor), you apply through their website’s Online Instructors page. The hiring process involves submitting an application and resume, doing a Zoom interview, and presenting a short teaching demo. Tutors are expected to have expertise in STEM fields. iD Tech looks for candidates with college degrees (or in progress) in computer science, engineering, math, digital arts, or related fields. A background in education or experience with camps is a plus. In practice, many iD Tech tutors are college or grad students and industry professionals who enjoy teaching younger learners.
Once hired, you set your availability. iD Tech assigns instructors to 1–3 sessions per day (each session ~2.5 hours). Work is remote (from home) and part-time. The online instructor page promises a “flexible, part-time schedule from the comfort of home”. Indeed.com reports that the average iD Tech instructor pay in the US is about $18.18/hour. (Some report up to $29/hr depending on location or camp vs online.) You are paid for the hours you teach. Tutors get training and curricular materials from iD Tech. Many say the job hones communication skills, since you teach complex topics to younger students.
Current and former iD Tech tutors like the flexibility and resume-building experience. One review said, “They were very flexible around your schedule and you could adjust it as needed. It’s perfect when you’re in college and need a job with flexible hours”. On the downside, tutors note the pay is modest for the work. One comment observed that “we do more work than we should for minimum wage”.
Some instructors also mention that keeping young students engaged can be challenging if skill levels vary. In summary, teaching for iD Tech means being comfortable with kids or teens, proficient in your subject, and patient. You can earn roughly $15–$25/hour after factoring in prep time, with a flexible schedule – a good fit for adjunct or grad students looking for part-time work..
iD Tech Company Information
Overview and History: iD Tech was founded in 1999 by sisters Alexa Ingram-Cauchi and Kathryn Ingram in California. It started as a summer tech camp in Silicon Valley. Today, the company is based in Campbell, CA and has become a global STEM education brand. The About Us page notes: “In 1999, our family pioneered the very first tech camps for kids and teens. We’ve since grown from 280 to 50,000 students per year”. Their mission is to “create life-changing tech experiences that embolden students to shape the future”. iD Tech emphasizes innovation, creativity, and fun – aiming to be the “go-to summer STEM educator” worldwide.
Scale and Services: iD Tech operates numerous on-campus camps at prestigious universities (Stanford, MIT, etc.) and offers year-round online programs. Key services include: on-campus summer camps (ages 7–19), Teen Academies (specialized week-long programs), year-round live online academies, and private 1-on-1 lessons (the focus here). The tutoring topics cover coding (Python, Java, etc.), game design, robotics, 3D design/printing, AI/machine learning, and creative tech. Their curriculum is proprietary and project-based. Instructors are required to be “knowledgeable, high-energy, and passionate about technology”. iD Tech also sells related products and offers a computer science curriculum for schools.
Unique Strengths (USPs): iD Tech’s main strengths are its brand and structure. It’s one of the oldest and largest STEM educators, so it has a polished program and strong safety standards. Students learn on college campuses (or virtually) with state-of-the-art tools. The company heavily markets its success stories (many alumni go on to tech careers). Another selling point is its “Good Fit Guarantee” – the first lesson with a new tutor is free if you’re unhappy. They also provide counseling to help students choose courses. The instructors receive a full training program, which ensures a consistent quality of teaching. In sum, iD Tech offers a well-organized, immersive learning environment with a focus on creativity and confidence.
Drawbacks: The biggest drawback is cost. iD Tech’s programs (especially residential camps) are premium-priced, and even the online lessons are expensive compared to many local tutors. The focus on STEM also means non-technical subjects are not covered at all. For college-level students, iD Tech may not cover advanced engineering or math courses outside of computer science and robotics.
Their tutoring is also tied to their own curriculum – they may not customize for every college syllabus. Some past attendees have noted that if you fall behind or need slower pacing, the strict curriculum can be frustrating. Finally, as a large company, responses can be slower and policies (like refunds) are strict. Check the terms: for camps, there’s a mandatory $250 deposit per week, and private lessons likely have similar commitments.
Comparison with My Engineering Buddy (MEB): Compared to MEB, iD Tech has broader brand recognition and a wider curriculum in creative tech. iD Tech instructors create structured lessons that blend learning with games and projects. MEB, by contrast, is essentially a homework help line – very focused on engineering/math subjects, and much cheaper (starting about $30/hr).
iD Tech’s prices ($68+ per lesson) are double or triple MEB’s. Where iD Tech has the edge is in its campus experience, community, and vetted instructors. MEB’s strength is cost and availability (tutors 24/7, focusing on your textbook questions). For example, iD Tech might be better if you want project-based learning in coding, whereas MEB is better for one-off questions in calculus or circuits. Both have high tutor ratings, but iD Tech leans towards creative tech and MEB toward traditional STEM coursework.
Customer Support & Policies: iD Tech has a dedicated support team. Their contact info is easy to find (hotline 1-888-709-8324 and international number). They offer FAQs and program specialists to help plan courses. The standard policies (for camps) allow full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of purchase, but after that a $250 deposit is retained. That same policy likely applies to each lesson week or package.
Several parents have reported confusion over cancellation fees – iD Tech states clearly in correspondence that these deposits cover reserved space. In practice, it means you should decide early; refunds beyond the first-day window are partial. Many customer-service complaints on BBB pertain to refunds and materials delivery, but iD Tech often responds by offering credit or resolution (see BBB thread for examples). For online tutoring specifically, be aware that scheduled lessons are usually binding. Always read the latest Terms and Conditions on their site.
Global Reach and Localization: While based in Silicon Valley, iD Tech attracts students globally. They market especially to the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Gulf countries. All content is in English. They emphasize international campuses (e.g. Stanford Online students from Asia, etc.). The curriculum is largely universal – computer science and robotics are the same worldwide. Time zones for online lessons are handled by scheduling software, and tutors are located around the world to meet peak demand. (For example, their email promotions mention 24/7 help via WhatsApp for MEB; iD Tech similarly offers around-the-clock support for urgent queries.) They do not localize course content by country, however, so expect U.S. spelling and context.
Future Plans (AI and Technology): iD Tech stays on the cutting edge of tech education. Recently they added courses on machine learning and AI (including an AI summer camp) to their catalog, and even have a private lesson option titled “Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.” This reflects a broader trend of incorporating AI into learning. For instance, Khan Academy now has an AI tutor “Khanmigo”, and many schools are experimenting with AI tutoring tools.
While iD Tech has not announced a fully AI-driven tutoring platform, it clearly believes in teaching AI concepts. Expect to see more AI topics in their curriculum. They may also integrate AI tools into learning (like using coding bots or chatbots in lessons) as the tech becomes mainstream. For now, their focus remains human instructors, but the content is evolving with the latest tech trends.
FAQs About iD Tech Tutoring
Q: What does iD Tech online tutoring include?
A: iD Tech’s online tutoring (called Online Private Lessons) offers one-on-one STEM coaching in topics like computer programming (Python, Java, etc.), game design, robotics, math, and AI. Each lesson is 60 minutes live via video call. You purchase a lesson or package and then schedule the dates and times. Lessons follow iD Tech’s curriculum, but can be tailored to your goals. Unlike academic tutoring, iD Tech focuses on coding projects and tech skills.
Q: Who are the tutors?
A: Tutors (Instructors) at iD Tech are screened STEM experts. Most have a college background in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Many are current or former college students, or industry professionals. All tutors must be good at teaching children/teens and clearing background checks. While iD Tech is aimed at younger learners, a college student would get a tutor who can explain concepts clearly (often they tutor up to age 18). Tutor quality is generally high; students rate iD Tech instructors positively.
Q: How much does it cost and how do I pay?
A: Online lessons cost from about $68–$79 per hour depending on the package. You pay by credit card (no PayPal). You can buy a single lesson or bundles (4, 8, 12 lessons) which lower the per-lesson price with a subscription plan. There are occasional discounts (e.g. a discounted first lesson). Do beware: after purchase, iD Tech’s policy may treat payments as non-refundable deposits (similar to camp policy). Read the terms on their site and confirm any refund rules before buying.
Q: Is there a free trial or discount?
A: iD Tech sometimes offers promotional prices, but no permanent free trial. They have offered a “Discovery Lesson” at ~\$49 for new students (a one-hour trial at 35% off). Sibling discounts and early registration deals apply to camps, not to private lessons. However, they do have a referral program: referring a friend can earn credits. For any current deals, check iD Tech’s website or ask support.
Q: How does iD Tech compare to My Engineering Buddy?
A: iD Tech and MEB both offer STEM tutoring, but with different models. iD Tech is a premium brand with its own curriculum and schedules; lessons are taught by iD Tech’s hand-picked instructors in small classes. MEB is a more informal help line: you get connected to an online tutor (often from India) on demand and pay per minute/hour. MEB is much cheaper (around $30/hr for college level versus ~$70/hr with iD Tech).
MEB focuses on core subjects like engineering and math, while iD Tech focuses on programming, coding projects, and creative tech. In reviews, MEB tutors get top marks for homework help (4.8/5 overall). In summary, use iD Tech if you want a structured learning program in tech with an established company; use MEB if you need affordable help on specific coursework problems.
Q: What is iD Tech’s refund/cancellation policy?
A: iD Tech’s official policy (for camps) is: 24-hour full refund if you cancel right away; after that, each week booked has a $250 non-refundable deposit. So if you cancel more than 14 days before the lesson, you may lose $250 (per week of lessons) but get the rest back. If you cancel closer, you forfeit more. For online lessons, they likely follow a similar rule (i.e. bookings are mostly final). In practice, parents report little chance of a full refund once a slot is reserved. Always confirm the latest policy with iD Tech staff before payment.
Q: Does iD Tech offer tutoring to college students?
A: Technically yes, anyone can sign up for private lessons. However, iD Tech markets mostly to K-12. A college student may still find value if studying a STEM subject (like programming, robotics, AI, etc.). Just be aware tutors are used to teaching younger learners, so the teaching style is more basic and interactive. iD Tech does not provide credit or formal college coursework tutoring (like solving specific engineering homework), so it’s best suited to skill-building and exploration rather than cramming for university courses.
Q: How are iD Tech tutors paid and qualified?
A: Instructors are paid hourly (reports average around \$18/hour in the U.S.). They are expected to be knowledgeable in their subjects (usually college degrees or higher). Many are STEM college students or pros. Tutors undergo an interview and training. Student feedback is used to evaluate them after each session. Unlike open marketplaces, iD Tech’s instructors are part of the company’s program, so they follow iD Tech’s curriculum and standards. Their qualifications are generally strong in STEM, though teaching experience varies.
Conclusion
iD Tech offers a reputable but pricey option for online STEM tutoring. Its structured lessons and expert instructors make it a strong choice for motivated learners who want to dive deep into coding, robotics, and tech projects. However, the cost and age focus may limit its appeal for all college students. Those looking for more affordable or flexible help should consider alternatives. For example, My Engineering Buddy provides cheaper one-on-one homework help for engineering and math at about \$30/hr, while services like Wyzant and Tutor.com cover a broader range of subjects (often at competitive rates).
Khan Academy offers free self-study in many math/science topics. In summary, iD Tech’s online tutoring is best for students who benefit from its unique camp-style teaching approach. Its strengths are engaging STEM projects and vetted tutors, but its weaknesses are high price and limited subject range. Considering these factors alongside your learning needs will help you decide if iD Tech or an alternative like My Engineering Buddy is the better fit.
