Parents today face a confusing mix of claims about online tutoring. Some programs promise rapid grade boosts, while others focus on confidence or enrichment.Our experts cut through the noise with a clear, research-driven look at whether online tutoring improves student outcomes, what the latest studies actually show, and how families can tell if a program is working.
Do Online Tutors Really Improve Student Outcomes?
In short: Yes—when done well, online tutoring can meaningfully improve student outcomes, including test scores, skill mastery, motivation, and confidence.
Decades of tutoring research show that high-quality tutoring often produces several months of additional learning, especially for students who are behind grade level. Recent studies reviewed by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and the National Student Support Accelerator at Stanford University—find that well-designed online tutoring can produce gains close to, or matching, many in-person models.
Jacob, Math Tutor at Learner adds:, outcomes vary widely. Success depends far more on factors like session frequency, tutor training, curriculum alignment, and student engagement.
Why Online Tutoring Is So Popular Right Now
Online tutoring expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 learning disruptions, when schools and families grew more comfortable with digital learning. Today, its popularity continues because it offers:
- Flexible scheduling for busy families
- Access to specialized subjects not available locally
- Convenience, particularly for students juggling activities or long commutes
School districts and states also use online or hybrid tutoring as part of learning-recovery plans.
What the Research Actually Says About Tutoring and Student Outcomes
Large-scale reviews and meta-analyses show that tutoring is one of the most effective academic interventions available. Key findings include:
- Studies summarized by Stanford’s National Student Support Accelerator show tutoring can deliver the equivalent of three to fifteen months of additional learning, depending on subject and model.
- Tutoring is especially effective for K–12 students who are behind grade level or facing specific learning gaps.
- Results vary by program design. High-impact tutoring works because it includes frequent sessions, small groups or 1:1 support, consistent tutors, and progress monitoring.
To keep this accessible for families: an “effect size” simply describes how much a student improves compared to typical growth—and in tutoring research, the effect sizes tend to be notably large.
Is Online Tutoring as Effective as In-Person? Key Studies to Know
Several RCTs shed light on online tutoring’s effectiveness:
- An NBER study by Carlana and La Ferrara found that fully online math tutoring produced significant improvements in cognitive outcomes and soft skills such as motivation.
- Research reviewed in ERIC shows that structured online tutoring can close achievement gaps, particularly in math and reading.
- Many programs match or come close to in-person tutoring when sessions are regular (2–3 times/week) and aligned with classroom learning.
That said, online formats can face challenges:
- Engagement may drop when students feel anonymous or unsupported.
- Younger learners may need more structure and breaks.
- Not all subjects adapt equally well—math and reading show the strongest results; highly hands-on subjects (like lab sciences) may require hybrid support.
When Online Tutoring Works Best (and When It Might Not)
According to Jacob, math professor with nearly 30 years of experience in math education, online tutoring tends to work best when:
- Sessions are 1:1 or in very small groups
- Students meet with the same tutor consistently
- Lessons align with school standards and homework
- Tutors use data to adjust instruction
- Sessions happen multiple times per week
- The student has a quiet space, reliable internet, and minimal distractions
It’s especially effective for:
- Students with specific skill gaps
- Motivated learners seeking more challenge
- Students in areas without access to specialized tutors
But also Jacob recalls, online tutoring may not be ideal when:
- Internet access is unreliable
- The student struggles with attention and needs in-person supervision
- The program provides only generic homework help, not structured lessons
- Attendance is inconsistent
Parents should consider not just the format, but the fit between the student and the instructional approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Tutoring and Results
Q: Do online tutors really improve grades?
Jacob, Math Tutor at Learner says: Often, yes, especially in math and reading, when tutoring is structured, frequent, and aligned with schoolwork. No program can guarantee results, but the research shows meaningful average improvements.
Q: Is online tutoring as effective as in person?
Jacob, Math Tutor at Learner says: In many studies, well-designed online tutoring performs comparably to in-person tutoring. Quality matters more than format.
Q:How long does it take to see results?
Jacob, Math Tutor at Learner says: Most research points to 6–12 weeks of consistent (2–3x/week) sessions to notice measurable changes in performance or confidence.
Q: Which students benefit most?
Jacob, Math Tutor at Learner says: Students who are behind grade level, have specific skill gaps, or lack access to local subject experts tend to benefit the most.
Q: Is it worth the cost?
Mary Ann Lazar, Director of Philanthropy at Scholarship Institute says: For many families, yes—when the program is high-quality and monitored for results. Consider your broader planning goals, including the true cost of college and scholarship opportunities.
Next Steps: Supporting Your Student’s Learning and Long-Term Goals
Mary Ann Lazar, Director of Philanthropy at Scholarship Institute says: High-quality online tutoring can make a real difference, but it’s only one piece of a larger academic and financial plan. The key is choosing carefully, tracking progress, and making adjustments as needed.
If you’re thinking about tutoring as part of preparing for college, it’s also smart to consider how it fits into your long-term goals.
Supporting your student today—academically and financially—helps reduce stress and keeps future options open.
