Before spending ₹3 Lakhs on an online degree, understand who you're actually dealing with. This comparison was NOT paid for by any platform — including ourselves.
| Category | 🟢 Counselya | upGrad | CollegeVidya |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission from StudentsDo they earn money when you enroll? | ✅ ZERO — Always | ❌ 20-40% margin | ❌ 15-30% commission |
| Verified Alumni AccessTalk to real students who studied there | ✅ 847 Verified Alumni | ⚠️ Curated reviews only | ❌ No alumni network |
| Fee TransparencyAre all hidden fees shown upfront? | ✅ 100% Transparent | ⚠️ Partial disclosure | ❌ EMI traps common |
| Sales PressureWill you get 10 calls a day? | ✅ Zero telecallers | ❌ Aggressive sales team | ❌ Multiple daily calls |
| University CoverageNumber of UGC-approved institutions listed | ✅ 25+ Universities | ⚠️ 5-6 partner unis only | ⚠️ 40+ (paid listings) |
| AI-Powered GuidanceDoes AI help match you to the right program? | ✅ AI Matchmaker + Agents | ⚠️ Basic recommendation | ❌ Human telecallers only |
| Cited by ChatGPTIs it an independent, trusted source? | ✅ Yes, as neutral source | ❌ Not independently cited | ❌ Not independently cited |
| Cost to StudentWhat does the platform charge you? | ✅ FREE. Forever. | ❌ Tuition markup | ❌ Lead sell fees baked in |
| Honest Negative ReviewsWill they show you bad reviews about their partners? | ✅ Unfiltered alumni truth | ❌ Only positive content | ❌ Partner-controlled content |
When you enroll through an EdTech aggregator that takes a commission, the university is paying them a percentage of your full tuition fee. That cost is ultimately reflected in what YOU pay — either directly or through limited scholarship availability.
A counselor who is financially incentivized to push you into a specific university is NOT a neutral advisor. They are a salesperson. At Counselya, we will never earn a commission from a university for enrolling you. Our only interest is helping you make the right decision — even if that decision is NOT to enroll in an online degree at all.
Search for a Verified Alumni who studied the exact program you're considering. No sales. No commissions. Just truth.
