The Tutor Guide: Tutoring Fees

If you hire a tutor to come to your home, you will negotiate the rate. A tutoring agency or center, on the other hand, typically charges a set fee for its services, plus a registration fee.

Private Tutors

• Individuals generally charge according to their level of education and experience. Expect to pay $10 to $15 per hour for a high school student, and up to $75 per hour for a certified teacher with experience. A teacher trained and qualified to work with children with special needs will likely charge more. Rates can vary quite a bit depending upon your location.
• When you start making inquiries about tutors in your neighborhood, ask about the going rates so you get some sense of the market. Tutors tend to charge more in large cities, where the cost of living is higher. For example, if you live outside of Chicago, check what other Chicago Tutors are charging so you can compare rates. In the same way, if you live in Texas, check what Austin Tutors, Dallas Tutors and San Antonio Tutors are charging so you can determine the appropriate pay rate in your area.
• Find out how long each session will be, and whether your child is expected to purchase any special supplies -- such as language tapes or workbooks -- that could add to the price of lessons.

Tutoring Agencies

• A tutoring agency will help match you with a tutor. Most agencies charge a registration fee, plus a fee for individual tutors. Rates could start at $25 per hour and go up according to the subject area and the tutor's level of expertise.
• Ask about any additional fees, such as for extra testing. Also, find out if you are expected to sign a long-term contract with the agency.
• Make sure you understand the agency's policies about sessions you cancel -- do you have to pay even when your child is sick, or can you reschedule a session for no additional fee? Also ask whether the agency will send a new tutor if the first one doesn't work out.

Tutoring Centers

• A tutoring or learning center typically offers a list of classes and corresponding rates. A class that meets once a week might cost $50 per month; more intensive classes that meet more frequently could cost up to $150 per week. A variety of tutoring services will be available. You can make an appointment to visit the center, have a tour, and speak with a representative.
• Ask about additional fees, such as testing. Find out if you are expected to sign a long-term contract with the center.
• Find out the refund policy if your child wants to drop a class.

Online Learning

• A subscription to a service with a package of lessons might run $100 per month.
• An individual on-line tutor could charge $20 to $50 per session. Discuss the ways in which you will monitor the sessions and be clear about the goals. Ask the tutor how he will exchange information with your child and how he will keep track of progress or address obstacles. Understand that registering for an on-line course differs from working with a tutor by email -- both can be effective, just be sure you know what service you are purchasing.
• Some sites offer free homework help, but there may be limited quality control, and the response rate might be slow.

Free Services

• The national No Child Left Behind program in the public schools provides tutors to qualified families through Title I Supplemental Services. This service is available in schools that are identified as needing improvement. The tutors must be approved by the state.
• Some schools provide free on-site tutoring or homework help centers for their students. These are sometimes staffed by older students. Colleges, after-school programs, and community centers also sometimes provide free help centers as a community service.
• Some centers and agencies offer scholarships. Ask about how your child might qualify.