Course Hero

Overview

Course Hero is an online learning platform that enables students to own the study hour by providing access to a vast repository of academic resources. More than 184 million study documents are available, including lecture notes, course syllabi, practice exams, homework solutions, and textbook answers. In addition, the site has facilitated over 77 million answered questions across a wide range of subjects, and its user base spans more than 130,000 institutions. This scale makes it one of the largest peer-supported study ecosystems available. The service aggregates user-uploaded content and builds a knowledge commons that benefits all participants.

The platform's core search functionality is designed to connect students with materials that align to their specific school and course. Users can indicate their institution and current classes, then browse curated documents uploaded by peers, or explore resources from prestigious nearby universities. A robust search index and filters allow users to narrow results by document type, rating, and relevance. For immediate help, a 24/7 Q&A service lets learners post questions and receive verified explanations from expert tutors, often within minutes. The mobile app extends these capabilities, allowing users to carry millions of study documents in their pocket and access tools on the go.

Course Hero also leverages artificial intelligence to accelerate learning. AI-powered answers and explanations offer instant clarity on difficult topics, while personalized recommendations surface related materials and relevant tutors. The integrated math solver, powered by Symbolab, provides step-by-step solutions for quantitative problems, and the inclusion of Quillbot delivers AI-based writing assistance, including grammar checking, paraphrasing, proofreading, and spelling correction. These AI features are designed to complement, not replace, human understanding, offering guidance that encourages active learning. For deeper support, premium membership adds document unlocks, unlimited textbook solutions, flashcards, quizzes, and one-click tutor help, effectively merging automated intelligence with direct human support.

Beyond simple remediation, Course Hero supports a range of academic workflows. Students preparing for exams can find past papers and study guides; those struggling with homework can get step-by-step help; and writers can refine essays using built-in tools. The platform is used by high school and college students, as well as lifelong learners who need supplemental resources. By combining a vast content library, active community, AI-driven assistance, and round-the-clock expert tutoring, Course Hero aims to reduce friction and help learners gain confidence. With strategic integrations and a focus on continuous improvement, it positions itself as a complete study companion for modern education.

Core capabilities

Search Millions of Documents

Access over 184 million study documents, including lecture notes, past exams, and assignments, searchable by school, course, or topic.

24/7 Expert Tutor Q&A

Post questions anytime and receive verified answers from expert tutors, with more than 77 million questions already answered.

AI-Powered Answers & Explanations

Use AI-generated explanations, recommendations, and insights to understand difficult concepts faster.

Document Unlocks

Unlock course assignments, past exams, lecture notes, and expert explanations with premium access.

Math Solver Powered by Symbolab

Get step-by-step solutions to mathematical problems using the integrated Symbolab solver.

AI Writing Tools by Quillbot

Improve writing with grammar checking, paraphrasing, proofreading, and spell-checking built into the platform.

Mobile App & Chrome Extension

Carry study documents and access Q&A on the go with the mobile app, plus use the Chrome extension for seamless browsing.

Unlimited Textbook Solutions

With Premium, access unlimited step-by-step solutions for textbook problems across multiple disciplines.

Use cases

Finding past exams and lecture notes for a specific course

Getting step-by-step solutions to math problems

Asking verified expert tutors about homework questions

Reviewing course material before a test

Editing and proofreading essays with AI writing tools

Understanding complex concepts with AI-powered explanations

Supplementing remote or asynchronous learning