College tutors provide one-on-one instruction in subjects taught at universities, and in college entrance exam preparation. Tutors must be experts and hold relevant degrees for subjects they teach, and must be able to explain complex subjects in a clear, flexible manner.

Tutors are usually self-employed and must charge enough to compensate themselves for nonbillable time spent running their business and to reserve tax funds.

Tutoring fees vary depending on location. Generally, higher cost of living and average salary produces higher tutoring fees. As of summer 2009, a tutor with 5 years experience charges £14.40 in California but only £10.90 in Kansas.

Rates may start at £6 per hour for common subjects in competitive locations, such as English 101 instruction near a university with a glut of English PhDs.

Experienced tutors can charge over £48 per hour for specialised subjects, especially in highly compensated professions like MBA-level finance.

Exam preparation companies like Kaplan employ tutors to teach small classes for 1 to 2 months. These may pay from £9 to £19 per hour.

Some universities provide free tutoring services to their students. The tutor is often another student on a work/study plan and is compensated with reduced tuition.