A tutor is a person who offers extra guidance and instruction beyond that offered in the college classroom. A college algebra tutor will focus exclusively on offering instruction as it pertains to the subject of algebra or any of the related mathematics subjects needed to understand algebra. Several types of tutors exist, and while a school may hire a college algebra tutor, many work independently as freelance professionals. The tutor must have credentials that qualify them to teach algebra; this may mean the tutor has earned a degree in mathematics, is pursuing such a degree, or has other qualifications that will make them a good source for algebra help.

If the college algebra tutor is employed by a particular educational institution, he or she will generally get paid an hourly wage to work with students in need of extra guidance. The tutor may keep regular hours in a tutoring center, or he or she may meet with students by appointment. The college algebra tutor must have knowledge of the concepts being taught in all algebra classes at the college in order to be prepared to help any student within the program. Some colleges and universities will require the tutor to undergo training before he or she can work directly with students in a tutoring context.

A college algebra tutor who is not employed by a college or university and instead works independently as a freelancer will usually have his or her own pricing structure and offer of services. It can be a bit more difficult to choose a tutor who is not employed by a college or university, as each tutor's qualifications can vary significantly. Most algebra tutors will have some sort of educational background in mathematics or algebra specifically, though this may not always be the case. Others may have a background in teaching, thereby giving them the skills necessary to effectively convey ideas pertaining to algebra and related concepts.

An online college algebra tutor will offer tutoring services through websites, e-mails, and other types of virtual communication. This type of tutor is likely to work for an online tutoring center, though some may offer services independently. This allows a student to choose a tutor anywhere in the world, and it also allows for greater scheduling flexibility. The student must be able to use a computer, however, and he or she should be prepared for more self-directed learning than would be necessary in a face-to-face situation.