College Writing I
- • Earn 3 transferable credits
- • 100% online and Zoom-free
- • Includes everything you need
Courses as low as $400
Original price: $2400
Monthly payment option available
*Based on 0% APR, only available to qualified customers with excellent credit history and subject to credit approval. Minimum purchase of $149. A down payment may be required. Monthly financing through Klarna issued by WebBank, member FDIC.

Benefits
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College Credits
Earn 3 credits transferable to your school of choice
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Fun + Flexible
Interactive experience with on-demand lessons
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Affordable
80% less expensive than traditional college

Course
Overview
We live in a world of words—that express and communicate something of ourselves, that convince and entertain us, that define and transform who we are. This course will help you discover this world, and empower you to make your mark.
In this cutting-edge course, you’ll develop a priceless “writing toolbox”, which will help you succeed wherever life takes you.
Join the charismatic and passionate Professor John Kaag as he interviews celebrated writers to share unique perspectives and writing secrets you won’t find anywhere else.

World-class
Professor
Dr. John Kaag is the Professor and Chair of Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and Miller Scholar at the Santa Fe Institute. Hand-picked for his passion and charismatic teaching style, and fresh off of his inspiring teaching turn in Outlier’s Intro to Philosophy course, he’s your perfect ambassador to the world of academic writing.
For added perspective, Dr. Kaag will be joined throughout the course by 6 guest lecturers who are all celebrated writers in their own right, including journalists, authors, editors, radio hosts, and playwrights.

How It
Works
This course is available as a 14-week term.
Enjoy cinematic video lessons (our CEO co-founded MasterClass).
Enhance your learning with gorgeous interactive textbooks based on evidence-based active learning principles.
When it is time for exams, open windows are designed to fit around your schedule.

Dedicated
Support
Hit a snag on the site? Have a burning question? We’ve got you covered.
Our dedicated Student Success team is available to assist you—and push you—to help you pass with flying colors.
And, if you do all the work but do not pass, we will offer a full refund*.
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…a way to get college credit when life circumstances make it difficult for students.
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...accessible college classes at a fraction of the cost.

Transferable credits from a top 60 school
Most schools accept credits transferred from University of Pittsburgh
Learn moreGive $75, Get $75.
School is better with friends. You get $75 off. They get $75 off. (Study buddies for the win.)
Learn MoreMeet your instructors
Full refund if you do the work and don't pass
If you’ve put in the time and effort to do all the work for a course but do not receive a passing grade, that’s on us and you will receive a full refund. You may also exit the course before the drop deadline to receive a full refund (14 days from start for 14-week courses, and 7 days from start for 7-week intensive courses).
Designed to be flexible
Outlier’s immersive, asynchronous courses are built to fit into your life, no matter your schedule.
Compare courses
Traditional course | College Writing I |
---|---|
Cost Per Course$2400 |
Cost Per Course
$400 with monthly payment option
|
CreditsUsually 3-4 credits from your school |
Credits3 transferrable credits |
RiskPay full price after the drop deadline |
RiskFull refund if you do the work but don't pass |
FormatIn-person or Zoom |
FormatInteractive and 100% online (Zoom-free) |
Instructors1 per class |
InstructorsWorld-class guest lecturers |
LecturesSpecific time and place |
LecturesOn-demand, anywhere |
ExamsSpecific hour |
ExamsFlexible window |
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Watch the trailer
Quality education. Now more affordable than ever.
Outliers can now make low monthly payments with 0% interest.
*Based on 0% APR, only available to qualified customers with excellent credit history and subject to credit approval. Minimum purchase of $149. A down payment may be required. Monthly financing through Klarna issued by WebBank, member FDIC.
What you’ll learn
This course covers all the basic principles and topics of College Writing I that you’ll need for college credit (and then some—see the syllabus for a complete list), plus:
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How to level up your love letters (and all your writing).
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What writing and magic have in common. (Hint: a lot.)
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How to write better professional emails using The Princess Bride.
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How to get your writing published.
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Most times, short sentences work best.
Frequently asked questions
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We recommend students have earned at least a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. You must be 13 or older and willing to commit yourself academically to enroll in our courses. Students attempting Outlier courses should be ready for the academic rigor of college-level coursework.
In addition, students will need Wi-Fi and a laptop or desktop computer (tablets, Chromebook and cell phones do not meet our requirements) to complete the course.
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When you Audit an Outlier course, it simply means you’re taking the course without the expectation of earning credits or impacting your college transcript. You will not receive a grade, a transcript, nor credits, and will not be participating in exams.
The Audit Path is ideal for:
-High school students who are looking to add sparkle to their college applications, or who wish to learn more about a subject, but avoid the burden of impacting their permanent records.
-Lifelong learners who want to take a serious course but aren’t interested in receiving grades or college credits.
Learn more about our audit option in the Help Center.
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Exams and writing assignments (when applicable) are each open to take for a set window of time (usually several days).
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If you have a request for reasonable disability accommodations, contact success@outlier.org. Please include specifics regarding the accommodation you are seeking. Additionally, if you have a disability accommodations letter from a school you are currently attending, you may send that to us as well.
Other courses
See for yourself!
Hey, Outlier! We’re so glad that you’re interested in our College Writing I course and we want you to be 100% confident in your selection so we’ve unlocked the entire first lesson for you, free of charge!
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