Is Varsity Tutors Legit? 2026 Review, Safety Score & Payouts
By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: January 16, 2026
Varsity Tutors Review Quick Verdict
The Bottom Line: Varsity Tutors is a legitimate platform for tutors looking to earn money by teaching students online. You can set your own schedule and teach subjects you know well.
Why We Love It
- Flexible schedule
- Wide range of subjects
- Weekly direct deposits
The Catch
- ✕No instant cashouts
- ✕Pay can vary
- ✕Independent contractor status
We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What is Varsity Tutors & How Does It Work?
Varsity Tutors is an online platform where you can offer your services as a tutor to students. You teach various subjects, from elementary school to graduate level, and help students with test prep or general academic support.
Unlike traditional teaching jobs, Varsity Tutors lets you work as an independent contractor, setting your own hours and choosing the subjects you want to teach.
At A Glance
- TypeGig Apps
- PlatformWeb
- CostFree
- Est. Year2007 (19 Years)
How It Works
Apply to Tutor
You sign up and apply to become a tutor. Varsity Tutors looks for people with strong subject knowledge and teaching skills.
Get Matched with Students
Once approved, the platform helps match you with students who need help in your subjects. You can set your availability.
Teach and Earn
You conduct online tutoring sessions through their platform. After sessions, you get paid for your time.
Is Varsity Tutors Legit or a Scam? (Safety Check)
Before you offer your services, it is smart to check if a platform is trustworthy. Here is what we found about Varsity Tutors.
- Established Company: Varsity Tutors has been around since 2007, showing they have a long history in the online education space. They are part of a larger company called Nerdy.
- Independent Contractor Model: The platform clearly states that tutors are independent contractors. This means you run your own teaching business through their system.
- Public Reviews Available: Users can find many reviews online about Varsity Tutors. They have a 3.5 rating on Trustpilot and a 4.8 rating on the iOS App Store, which shows a mix of experiences.
- Clear Terms of Service: Their website has public Terms of Use and a Privacy Policy. This helps explain how the platform works and what to expect.
Verdict: Legit
Varsity Tutors is a legitimate company that connects tutors with students. They have a history and a transparent business model as a platform for independent contractors.
How Much Money Can You Make? (Earning Potential)
Let's talk about how much you can really earn as a tutor on Varsity Tutors. Your pay depends on several factors.
- Hourly Pay Range: Tutors generally report earning between $15 and $40 per hour. This rate can change based on the subject you teach and your experience level.
- No Guaranteed Hours: As an independent contractor, you are not guaranteed a set number of hours. Your earnings depend on how many students you are matched with and your availability.
- Factors Influencing Pay: Higher-demand subjects, specialized knowledge, and positive student reviews can help you get more tutoring opportunities and potentially higher rates.
- Time for Preparation: Remember to factor in time for preparing lessons and materials. This time is usually not paid, so it impacts your effective hourly rate.
Bottom Line: Varsity Tutors can provide a good hourly rate for teaching. Just remember that your total earnings will vary based on demand and your schedule.
Varsity Tutors Payment Methods & Cashout Speed
Getting paid is important for any gig worker. Here is how Varsity Tutors handles payments for tutors.
- Payment Method: Varsity Tutors pays tutors through direct deposit. This means your earnings go straight into your bank account.
- Minimum Cashout: There is no minimum amount you need to earn before you can receive a payment. All your earned money will be processed.
- Cashout Speed: Payments are processed weekly. You can expect your earnings to arrive in your bank account on a regular weekly schedule.
- Approval Process: After you complete a session, the system records your time. Payments are then processed based on these completed and logged sessions.
- Tax Considerations: As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own taxes. Varsity Tutors will likely issue a 1099 form if you earn enough, so keep track of your income.
Bottom Line: Varsity Tutors offers reliable weekly direct deposits with no minimum cashout. You just need to remember to handle your own taxes.
Pros and Cons of Using Varsity Tutors
The Good
- Flexible Work Schedule. You can set your own availability and work hours to fit your life.
- Teach from Anywhere. All tutoring happens online, so you can work from your home or any location with internet.
- Wide Subject Variety. You can teach in many different subjects, from basic academics to complex graduate topics.
- Weekly Payments. Earnings are paid out every week directly to your bank account, which is a steady income stream.
- No Minimum Cashout. You do not need to hit a certain amount to get your money, all earnings are paid.
The Bad
- No Guaranteed Hours. Work is not always steady, and you might not get as many hours as you want sometimes.
- Independent Contractor Status. You are responsible for your own taxes and benefits, unlike an employee.
- Pay Varies by Subject. The hourly rate can differ a lot depending on what you teach and your experience.
- No Instant Cashout. You have to wait for weekly payments, as there is no option to get paid right away.
Varsity Tutors Frequently Asked Questions
Is Varsity Tutors legit or a scam?
Varsity Tutors is a legitimate online tutoring platform that has been operating since 2007. They connect independent contractor tutors with students and process weekly payments.
Are there background check requirements for tutors?
Yes, like most platforms working with students, Varsity Tutors requires tutors to pass a background check. This is part of their application process to ensure student safety.
Do I need a vehicle to tutor with Varsity Tutors?
No, you do not need a vehicle. All tutoring sessions on Varsity Tutors happen online through their virtual learning platform.
How much can I make tutoring with Varsity Tutors?
Tutors typically earn between $15 and $40 per hour. Your actual earnings depend on the subjects you teach, your experience, and how many hours you work.
How do tips work on Varsity Tutors?
Varsity Tutors does not have a formal tipping system for tutors. Your earnings come directly from the hourly rate you agree upon for your sessions.
Can I cash out instantly with Varsity Tutors?
No, Varsity Tutors does not offer instant cashouts. Tutors receive their payments weekly via direct deposit into their bank account.
What are the busiest times for tutoring on Varsity Tutors?
Tutoring demand is often highest during evenings and weekends, and during specific academic periods like exam season or test preparation times.
