Course Hero's Pricing Plans
Course Hero offers three subscription tiers, each with different access levels and price points. The free tier gives you limited views per month. The paid plans—Monthly and Annual—unlock full access to study documents, informed Q&A, and other features. Prices vary depending on whether you pay month-to-month or commit to a year upfront.
The Monthly plan costs around $14.99 per month when you pay as you go. The Annual plan costs roughly $119.99 per year if you pay the full amount upfront, which breaks down to about $10 per month. Both paid plans include the same features; the difference is how much you spend overall and how long you commit.
Course Hero occasionally runs promotional pricing, especially during back-to-school season or around major holidays. If you see a lower price advertised, that is usually a limited-time offer rather than the standard rate. Signing up during these periods can reduce your first payment.
Key Takeaways
- The free tier limits how many documents you can view each month but costs nothing.
- Monthly paid plans cost around $14.99 per month with no long-term commitment required.
- Annual plans cost roughly $119.99 per year upfront and work out cheaper per month than paying monthly.
- Both paid tiers unlock the same features—the choice depends on whether you want flexibility or lower total cost.
- Promotional pricing appears seasonally and can reduce your first payment if you time your signup.
What the Free Tier Includes
The free version of Course Hero lets you view a limited number of documents each month—typically around 5 to 10, depending on when you signed up. You can also ask questions in the Q&A section, though responses may take longer than on paid plans. The free tier is useful if you need occasional study help but do not use the platform regularly.
Free users also see ads on the platform and have slower access to some features. If you hit your monthly view limit before the month ends, you either wait for the next month or upgrade to a paid plan to continue viewing documents when ready.
What Paid Plans Unlock
Both the Monthly and Annual paid plans give you unlimited document views, meaning you can access as many study guides, lecture notes, and exam prep materials as you need without hitting a cap. You also get priority responses to informed Q&A questions—answers typically arrive within hours rather than days.
Paid subscribers can upload their own documents to earn credits, which can be used toward future subscriptions. You also get access to Course Hero's tutoring services at a discounted rate compared to non-subscribers. Ad-free browsing is included, so you spend less time waiting for pages to load.
How to Check Your Current Subscription Status
Log into your Course Hero account and click your profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Account Settings" or "Subscription" from the dropdown menu. This page shows your current plan type, renewal date, and billing history. If you are on the free tier, you will see how many document views you have remaining this month.
From this same page, you can upgrade to a paid plan, downgrade to free, or cancel your subscription. Changes take effect when ready for upgrades and at the end of your current billing cycle for cancellations.
Changing or Canceling Your Subscription
To upgrade from free to paid, go to your Account Settings and select "Upgrade." You will choose between Monthly and Annual plans and enter payment information. The upgrade takes effect right away, and you gain full access to all features.
To cancel a paid subscription, return to Account Settings and select "Cancel Subscription." You will keep access through the end of your current billing period—if you paid for a month, you have access for that full month. Course Hero does not offer refunds for partial months or years, so canceling mid-cycle means you lose the unused portion of your payment.
If you want to pause rather than cancel, some promotions allow you to skip a month or freeze your subscription temporarily. Check your Account Settings to see if this option is available to you.
Payment Methods and Billing Cycles
Course Hero accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and PayPal. Your payment method is stored securely and charged automatically on your renewal date each month or year, depending on your plan.
Monthly plans renew on the same date each month. Annual plans renew on the same date each year. You will receive a reminder email a few days before your renewal date. If your payment method fails, Course Hero will attempt to charge it again over the next few days; if all attempts fail, your subscription pauses until you update your payment information.
Student Discounts and Promotions
Course Hero sometimes offers discounted rates for students, particularly during back-to-school periods in August and September. These promotions may reduce your first month or year significantly. You typically do not need to provide proof of enrollment—the discount applies automatically if you sign up during the promotional window.
The platform also runs occasional referral programs where you can earn credits by inviting friends. Check your Account Settings or the promotions section of the website to see what offers are currently running. Promotional pricing is temporary and subject to change, so rates you see today may not be available next month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I change my mind after subscribing?
Course Hero does not offer refunds once your subscription is active. However, you can cancel when ready and keep access through the end of your current billing period. If you cancel a monthly plan on day one, you still have access for the full month.
Does Course Hero charge tax on top of the subscription price?
Tax is added to your subscription cost depending on your location and local tax laws. The price shown during checkout includes any applicable sales tax, so the amount you see is what you will be charged.
What happens if I do not renew my subscription?
Your account reverts to the free tier. You lose unlimited document access and priority Q&A responses, but your account and any documents you uploaded remain on the platform. You can resubscribe at any time.
Is there a student or teacher discount?
Course Hero runs seasonal promotions that sometimes include discounted rates for students, but there is no permanent student discount code. Check the website during back-to-school season or sign up for their email list to learn about upcoming promotions.
Can I share a Course Hero subscription with someone else?
Your subscription is tied to your individual account and login. Sharing your password violates Course Hero's terms of service. Each person who wants access needs their own account, though they can use the free tier or purchase their own paid plan.