Course Hero's Three Subscription Tiers and Their Monthly Costs
Course Hero offers three paid subscription plans, each with a different price point and set of features. The Basic plan costs $9.99 per month when paid monthly, the Plus plan costs $14.99 per month, and the Premium plan costs $19.99 per month. You can also pay for a full year upfront at a discount — annual plans run $99.99 for Basic, $149.99 for Plus, and $199.99 for Premium.
Course Hero also lets you purchase credits without a subscription. A one-time credit pack costs between $4.99 and $29.99 depending on how many credits you buy at once. This option works if you only need to unlock a few documents and do not want a recurring monthly charge.
Prices may vary slightly by region or if Course Hero runs a promotional offer. The company occasionally discounts annual plans or offers a free trial period for new users, though these deals change throughout the year.
Key Takeaways
- Course Hero's three monthly plans range from $9.99 to $19.99 per month, with annual options that cost less per month if paid upfront.
- The Basic plan at $9.99 per month includes document unlocks and tutoring access, while higher tiers add more unlocks and priority support.
- You can buy one-time credit packs for $4.99 to $29.99 instead of committing to a monthly subscription.
- Annual subscriptions cost roughly 17 percent less per month than paying month-to-month on any tier.
What Each Subscription Tier Includes
The Basic plan at $9.99 per month gives you 20 document unlocks per month, access to tutoring services, and the ability to upload your own study materials. This tier is designed for students who need occasional access to study guides and class notes.
The Plus plan at $14.99 per month doubles your unlocks to 40 per month and adds priority tutoring, meaning tutors respond faster to your questions. You also get access to Course Hero's essay feedback tool and can create unlimited study sets.
The Premium plan at $19.99 per month includes unlimited document unlocks, priority tutoring, essay feedback, and early access to new features. This is the highest tier and removes the monthly unlock limit entirely.
How to Cancel or Change Your Plan
You can cancel your Course Hero subscription at any time through your account settings. If you cancel mid-month, you keep access until your next billing date. Canceling does not refund the current month's charge, but you will not be charged again after that date.
To downgrade to a lower tier or switch between plans, go to your subscription settings and select a new plan. The change takes effect on your next billing date. If you downgrade from a higher tier to a lower one, Course Hero does not issue a refund for the difference.
Free Alternatives and Limited Access
Course Hero offers a free account tier with limited features. Free users can upload documents, ask tutors questions (though responses may be slower), and view some public study materials. However, free accounts cannot unlock documents from other users without paying.
Some universities and libraries partner with Course Hero to offer free or discounted access to their students. Check with your school's library to see if they have an institutional subscription that covers you at no cost.
Payment Methods and Billing
Course Hero accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Billing happens automatically on the same date each month (or year, if you chose an annual plan). Your receipt appears in your account settings and is also sent to your email.
If you notice a charge you did not authorize or believe you were billed in error, contact Course Hero's support team through your account. Keep your receipt and the date of the charge handy when you reach out.
Comparing Monthly vs. Annual Payment
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Savings Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $9.99/month | $99.99/year | $19.89 |
| Plus | $14.99/month | $149.99/year | $29.89 |
| Premium | $19.99/month | $199.99/year | $39.89 |
Paying annually saves you roughly $20 to $40 per year compared to paying month-to-month. The longer you plan to use Course Hero, the more sense an annual subscription makes. If you are unsure whether you will use it for a full year, start with a monthly plan and switch to annual later if you decide to keep it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I change my mind about my subscription?
Course Hero does not refund monthly charges once they have been processed. If you cancel within a few days of signing up, contact support to request an exception, but refunds are not may provide. Always cancel before your next billing date if you do not want to be charged again.
Do student discounts exist for Course Hero?
Course Hero does not advertise a standard student discount on its website. However, some schools negotiate institutional subscriptions that cover their students at no cost. Check with your university or college library to see if they offer free access through a partnership.
What happens to my documents if I cancel?
Documents you uploaded remain on your account even after you cancel. You can still view and read your own materials. However, you will lose the ability to unlock other users' documents unless you resubscribe or purchase credits.
Is there a free trial before I pay?
Course Hero occasionally offers free trial periods for new users, but this is not a permanent feature. Check the website when you sign up to see if a trial is currently available. Trial periods typically last 7 to 14 days before your first charge.
Can I use one subscription across multiple devices?
Yes, you can log into your Course Hero account on any device using your email and password. Your subscription and unlocks follow your account, not the device. However, Course Hero's terms of service prohibit sharing your login with other people.