Important information
- Customer Complaint:BBB has received consumer complaints about Varsity Tutors which allege the company provided unknowledgeable tutors, cancelled scheduled classes without notice, and experienced difficulty obtaining a refund. The company has addressed all concerns brought to its attention.
Complaints
This profile includes complaints for Varsity Tutors LLC's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 771 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 188 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:12/04/2025
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Varsity tutors intentionally made cancellations difficult and hopes that users will forget about the auto-renewal. Unlike every other reputable service, users do not receive an auto-renewal reminder and users cannot cancel online. Users have to call them during business hours days ahead of the end of their term. Those are intentional and near-fraudulent departures from best practices of all reputable, modern, online, subscription-based services. On top of that, they have a no refund policy so you just get stuck with a $300-500 bill that you can do anything with. Their response is consistently "it's in the agreement", but these departures from cancellation and renewal best practices for a modern subscription service are intentional and fraudulent. Their entire service is an online platform. Omitting online cancellation reminders and tools is a business practice designed to catch users off guard and ring undeserved additional fees from them.
Business Response
Date: 12/11/2025
Varsity is in receipt of the Complaint filed by **** ********. Upon receipt of the Complaint, Varsity contacted **** ******** and the parties reached a satisfactory resolution. Accordingly, it is Varsitys understanding that the matter has been resolved amicably. Varsity is proud to be an affiliate of the BBB and values the relationship. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to further discuss, please feel welcome to contact us.Customer Answer
Date: 12/11/2025
While Varsity tutors has contacted me and refunded my cost, I filed this complaint with the BBB to try and address the nature of the business practices employed by Varsity tutors. Given the generally accepted best practices of modern reputable subscription based services, which Varsity Tutors intentionally does not employ, many other users will, by design of Varsity Tutors, find themselves in my same situation. My damages are remedied, but the same predatory business practices are in place. I have no intention of ever employing their services again but also do not wish other customers to have to encounter the same issues and resistance that I did.
Varsity tutors should accept practices employed by other subscription services such as:
Upcoming Renewal warning communications (e.g. email or text)
Allow refunds within several days of a missed auto-renewal date if services were not consumed or scheduled (e.g. scheduled tutoring session)
allow on-line management (cancellation) of subscriptions
Initial Complaint
Date:12/02/2025
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
We used the tutoring service for one month and decided to cancel, as our boys were not utilizing it enough to warrant the cost. I called on Oct 30 to cancel and was told I cannot cancel. I need to pause for one month and then will receive a call on Dec 1st. No call was received, and I tried to cancel online on Dec 1, 2025. On Dec 2, 2025, I was again charged for another month of service in the amound of $314.10. I called and spoke with a customer service agent. She stated that she'll cancel effective 1/2/2026 and will send the refund request for the December charge to the refund department. Within 10 minutes, I received an email stating that they will not refund as I only paused the account. They stated in the email that they sent a text. There was no text or email ever received from them. They will not refund my $314.10.Business Response
Date: 12/09/2025
Varsity is in receipt of the Complaint filed by ****** *****. Upon receipt of the Complaint, Varsity contacted ****** ***** and the parties reached a satisfactory resolution. Accordingly, it is Varsitys understanding that the matter has been resolved amicably. Varsity is proud to be an affiliate of the BBB and values the relationship. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to further discuss, please feel welcome to contact us.Customer Answer
Date: 12/09/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the business' response regarding complaint ID ******** and am satisfied with this resolution.
Sincerely,
****** *****Initial Complaint
Date:11/29/2025
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
On November 28, 2025, I re-enrolled my daughter for tutoring services and authorized a $210 payment. After reconsidering, I immediately contacted Varsity Tutors to cancel the service. I was informed that the payment would not be refunded and that I could only cancel future sessions.During that call, I was also informed that my account was negative in hours and that tutoring services would not be provided. At no point prior to this conversation was I notified of a negative balance or that I owed hours. I reasonably expected that charges would only occur for services actually provided. It is unreasonable and unfair to charge for services that were not delivered, not authorized for use, and for which I immediately canceled.Timeline of Events:May 22, 2025 Signed up for a one-month, 4-hour tutoring plan. Paid $250.MayJuly 2025 Initial tutoring sessions were poor. Representative **** provided goodwill adjustments under the tutor guarantee policy, including free hours, and connected us with a tutor we were happy with.June 23, 2025 Charged monthly membership $250.June 23, 2025 Membership canceled; $250 refunded.July 24, 2025 Last tutoring session completed.July 29, 2025 Received email stating all tutoring hours were used November 28, 2025 Re-enrolled for $210; immediately requested cancellation. Informed payment would not be refunded The representative stated that website access alone counts as services, but I have never used the website, and my intent was always for one-on-one tutoring sessions. The companys failure to communicate negative hours, combined with mismanagement of my account and my immediate cancellation, constitutes non-delivery of services.Given the repeated account mismanagement, lack of notification, and unauthorized charge for services not received, I am requesting a full refund of $210. I no longer wish to receive services from Varsity Tutors due to repeated issues and poor customer experience.Business Response
Date: 12/08/2025
Varsity is in receipt of the Complaint filed by ******* ******. Although Varsitys attempts to make contact with ******* ****** in response to the Complaint have gone unanswered, Varsity has effectuated what it believes to be an amicable resolution, and remains willing to discuss the Complaint should the customer wish to do so. The customer may contact *********************** experience manager at the phone number that was provided in our most-recent email to further address any outstanding concerns. Varsity is proud to be an affiliate of the BBB and values the relationship. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to further discuss, please feel welcome to contact us.Customer Answer
Date: 12/09/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the business' response regarding complaint ID ******** and am satisfied with this resolution.
Sincerely,
******* ******Initial Complaint
Date:11/27/2025
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I had paid a significant amount of money upfront for tutoring. 798 dollars. After two classes the tutoring was not for me so only allocated 2 hrs. After it was h*** to cancel I asked just to refund the money and move on. They just give every excuse and how the money had to be there if I come back. Said there policy is no refunds but didnt state this upfront.Business Response
Date: 12/04/2025
Varsity is in receipt of the Complaint filed by ****** ********. Although Varsitys attempts to make contact with ****** ******** in response to the Complaint have gone unanswered, Varsity has effectuated what it believes to be an amicable resolution, and remains willing to discuss the Complaint should the customer wish to do so. The customer may contact *********************** experience manager at the phone number that was provided in our most-recent email to further address any outstanding concerns. Varsity is proud to be an affiliate of the BBB and values the relationship. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to further discuss, please feel welcome to contact us.Initial Complaint
Date:11/25/2025
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
My name is ***** ****, and I am filing this complaint regarding a misleading money-back guarantee from Varsity Tutors.All communication and enrollment were done entirely over the phone. I never visited their website or received written terms before payment. The representatives main selling point was their 100% money-back guarantee if you dont pass your test. This guarantee is the reason I agreed to pay $888 for their tutoring services. During the enrollment call, I clearly stated that the company I was testing with had no set test date, and I did not know when I would be taking the exam. Despite knowing this, the representative still did not disclose that there was a 14-day requirement to take the test after the last tutoring session in order to qualify for the guarantee. After I failed the exam, I contacted Varsity Tutors to request the refund I was promised. Only then was I informed that, because the exam was not taken within 14 days of the last session, they would not honor the guarantee. This restriction was never mentioned verbally, never highlighted before payment, and never made clear at any point during the sales process. I am requesting a full refund of $888 based on the guarantee as it was represented during the sales call.Business Response
Date: 12/03/2025
Varsity is in receipt of the Complaint filed by ***** ****. Upon receipt of the Complaint, Varsity contacted ***** **** and the parties reached a satisfactory resolution. Accordingly, it is Varsitys understanding that the matter has been resolved amicably. Varsity is proud to be an affiliate of the BBB and values the relationship. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to further discuss, please feel welcome to contact us.Customer Answer
Date: 12/04/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the business' response regarding complaint ID ******** and am satisfied with this resolution.
Sincerely,
***** ****Initial Complaint
Date:11/24/2025
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I used Varsity Tutors to help my daughter with a specific class. This program is very specific so I wanted to confirm that the tutors they employ have experience in the **** program and the saleswoman said they do offer *****ing in the **** program & assured me that they would be able to help. They force your hand into making a payment by sending you a link via text in order for you to proceed. When you make the payment, it is supposed to provide the contract, but the salesperson stays on the phone with you while you make the payment so they can then schedule. This does not give any time for review, and you are now locked in. The ***** that was assigned to my daughter had no idea what the **** program is. I contacted the company about the issue and they assured me that would find someone else that had experience with the program. They assigned someone and the day before the *****ing session the ***** canceled. I contacted VT again to notify them what happened & to verify that the instructor did have the experience. They said she did. After the ***** canceled there was no contact to reschedule so I called VT again to notify them that there had been no contact & that at this point it was too late because the assignment that my daughter needed help with was weeks *********** had already moved on in the class w/material that she didn't need help with. They knew the *****ing was very time sensitive, and it did not work out with the first ***** because of her lack of experience with the **** program and then the second ***** cancelling last minute. To this day, I still have not had any contact from the *****. The company will not refund the money because of the contract they subversively have you sign while staying on the phone with you to make the payment and make you feel pressured. The company is very deceptive and failed to help in the time frame that was needed. Their services are no longer needed because they failed to uphold their end of the contract.Business Response
Date: 12/08/2025
Varsity is in receipt of the Complaint filed by ******** *******. Although Varsitys attempts to make contact with ******** ******* in response to the Complaint have gone unanswered, Varsity has effectuated what it believes to be an amicable resolution, and remains willing to discuss the Complaint should the customer wish to do so. The customer may contact *********************** experience manager at the phone number that was provided in our most-recent email to further address any outstanding concerns. Varsity is proud to be an affiliate of the BBB and values the relationship. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to further discuss, please feel welcome to contact us.Customer Answer
Date: 12/09/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the business' response regarding complaint ID ******** and am satisfied with this resolution.
Sincerely,
******** *******Initial Complaint
Date:11/19/2025
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I, **** *******, Googled for SAT tutors for my son and Varsity Tutors popped up. 10/2025 I called and set up 8 sessions for $639.00 for my son with Varsity Tutors. The last session was agreed November ******. Then Varsity Tutors proceeded to charge me 11/11/2025 $639.00 without my consent or asking for further tutoring. I called Varsity Tutors 11/12/2025 to tell them we didn't ask for further tutoring and we were mistakenly charged $639.00. I told the customer service person we agreed to 8 sessions with Nov 8th being last session since my son's SAT was taken Nov 8. Varsity Tutors said they did not want to refund my money and a "membership" was set up. I did not agree to a membership or commit to membership. I pleaded with them to stop "membership" and refund my $639.00 and the customer service person replied they will not. I feel Varsity Tutors took advantage of my credit card and I hope no one gets taken advantage of too. I regret contacting Varsity Tutors. I asked Varsity Tutors for a letter of proof my "Membership" is canceled and I will not ever use their services. I asked for $639.00 to be refunded.Business Response
Date: 11/26/2025
Varsity is in receipt of the Complaint filed by **** *******. Although Varsitys attempts to make contact with **** ******* in response to the Complaint have gone unanswered, Varsity has effectuated what it believes to be an amicable resolution, and remains willing to discuss the Complaint should the customer wish to do so. The customer may contact *********************** experience manager at the phone number that was provided in our most-recent email to further address any outstanding concerns. Varsity is proud to be an affiliate of the BBB and values the relationship. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to further discuss, please feel welcome to contact us.Initial Complaint
Date:11/15/2025
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I was SCAMmed by Varsity tutors! they took a prepayment $380 for 4 sessions and promised us a tutor assigned in two day. That didn't happen. Then when we finally got a tutor, she never showed for the session while I went back and forth with a bot!!!!! I requested my money back and now I am told they don't give refunds!!!!!Business Response
Date: 11/28/2025
Varsity is in receipt of the Complaint filed by ****** ****. Varsity has effectuated what it believes to be an amicable resolution, and remains willing to discuss the Complaint should the customer wish to do so. The customer may contact *********************** experience manager at the phone number that was provided in our most-recent email to further address any outstanding concerns. Varsity is proud to be an affiliate of the BBB and values the relationship. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to further discuss, please feel welcome to contact us.Customer Answer
Date: 12/01/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the business' response regarding complaint ID ******** and am satisfied with this resolution. In addition they agreed and gave me a refund.
Sincerely,
****** ****Initial Complaint
Date:11/15/2025
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
On June 27 of this year (2025), an employee, Laycia, explained to me through a phone call that they offer LSAT tutoring. She explained how Id get a 165+ within a month, she then asked me if Id agree to try their tutoring plan. I agreed, and she had me pay $429 through ****** and yes there was a contract but she rushed me into reading it. She also did not show me that until after the payment already processed. The tutor I received was very rude and unhelpful and he even said to me I f****** hate varsity tutorsred flag. He also was really insulting and just gave really bad LSAT advice. I also found out through other LSAT tutors, that his methods were setting me up for failure. Anyway, I called customer service on July 7th (a week later) and explained to them that I do not think private tutoring is for me. They then tell me they cannot give me ANY money back because its not refundable. This is ridiculous because they never told me that was a rule and I work part time in retail. So this job took my entire paycheck and I never received any money back. I tried to file a dispute through ****** and I even called my bank. ******* filed a dispute but I never got my money back. ****** also rejected my refund request. For some reason, this company is NOT allowing any money back and its such a scam. I can understand wanting to help people and tutor those that need it, but this no refund policy is unacceptable. I had to block all my contact information from them because I was scared they were going to try to take money out again. Also another red flag, when i cancelled they tried to talk me out of it and say you can stay a member until December of this year ??? They also kept texting me. Its like they cared more about taking my whole paycheck rather than helpingBusiness Response
Date: 11/24/2025
Varsity is in receipt of the Complaint filed by ***** *****. Upon receipt of the Complaint, Varsity contacted ***** ***** and the parties reached a satisfactory resolution. Accordingly, it is Varsitys understanding that the matter has been resolved amicably. Varsity is proud to be an affiliate of the BBB and values the relationship. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to further discuss, please feel welcome to contact us.Customer Answer
Date: 11/24/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the business' response regarding complaint ID ******** and am satisfied with this resolution.
Sincerely,
***** *****Initial Complaint
Date:11/13/2025
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I subscribed to a Varsity Tutors All-Inclusive Learning Membership on February 14, 2023. I used the service only briefly and my last tutoring session was on May 7, 2023. After that date, I had no usage for over two years.Despite having no activity since May 2023, Varsity Tutors continued charging me $369/month all the way through November 2025, totaling more than $11,000 in charges.The main issue is that I did not receive adequate or consistent renewal notices or billing confirmations for the vast majority of these charges. The last renewal notice I can locate in my email was from May 2024 at the very bottom of the email which were hard to see. After that, for 18 more months of charges, I received no renewal notices, no payment confirmations, and no billing receipts, despite being billed $369 every month.During that time, the only emails I received were generic class updates and promotional emails. None of these emails clearly communicated that I was still being charged. I even received a Rejoin Today promotional email, which made it appear as though my membership was inactive, despite continued monthly charges. I contacted Varsity Tutors to request a refund for the long period in which I had no usage and received no renewal notices. My account is now cancelled, but customer service refused to offer any refund or meaningful review of the issue.I am requesting a reasonable partial refund for the months after my last usage (May 2023), and especially the 18 months in which I received no renewal notices or billing confirmations at all.Thank you for your assistance.Business Response
Date: 11/27/2025
Varsity is in receipt of the Complaint filed by ******* Forward. Varsity has effectuated what it believes to be an amicable resolution, and remains willing to discuss the Complaint should the customer wish to do so. The customer may contact *********************** experience manager at the phone number that was provided in our most-recent email to further address any outstanding concerns. Varsity is proud to be an affiliate of the BBB and values the relationship. If you have any questions or comments, or would like to further discuss, please feel welcome to contact us.Customer Answer
Date: 12/01/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the business' response regarding complaint ID ******** and am satisfied with this resolution.
Sincerely,
******* Forward
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