As a $5 billion and growing industry, it is easy to imagine that tutoring has demonstrated its value to students, and it has. Students with access to tutoring score better on standardized tests, have higher graduation rates and earn a better GPA. The real question is, does spending more on tutoring impact results? With some tutors pulling in $800 an hour, that question becomes a real issue for parents facing a report card full of Cs and a limited budget.

Why Some Tutors are so Expensive

As in any industry, tutor salaries are commensurate with education and experience. If you want your child to be tutored in math by a graduate with a PhD in Statistics, you can arrange it. Of course, you’ll pay an exorbitant amount for the privilege. This type of boutique tutoring appeals to parents determined to get the best for their children. It’s a no-brainer, right? If you can come up with the money for the best, why wouldn’t you want that for your child? The real question becomes, is an advanced degree from a reputable university necessary or beneficial? For many students, the answer is a resounding ‘No’.

Why More Expensive Doesn’t Mean More Value

It doesn’t take an advanced degree to explain high school-level concepts. Even tutoring preparation for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT doesn’t need an advanced degree, unless it happens to be in education. Degrees and job titles that some tutors have may actually work against them. Tutors far removed from their own high school education are often out of touch with today’s teenager. Students may respond better to a tutor that seems more like their advocate. Someone closer in age has more relatable experiences, and is less likely to come across as just another teacher. This may help them build a bond that is more focused on helping the students, rather than the sometimes adversarial relationship that can develop between teachers and students.

Where to Find a Tutor

It might surprise you to learn that not only can you find an affordable option, you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Growing Stars offers live, one-on-one tutoring in all academic subjects. Online tutoring is flexible, so it can work around your schedule, affordable on virtually any budget, and effective. Online tutors now have a range of different communication methods, ranging from message boards to video conferencing. They might not be in the room, but they can still be face-to-face.