Privacy Policy

Last updated: November 30, 2025

1. Introduction

Course Compass ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our AI-powered academic planning platform. Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your personal data.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

  • Account Information: Name, email address, university affiliation
  • Academic Information: Major, expected graduation year, completed courses, grades
  • Preferences: Course preferences, career interests, scheduling preferences
  • Payment Information: Processed securely through Stripe (we do not store card details)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

  • Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on the platform
  • Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type
  • Log Data: IP address, access times, referring URLs
  • Cookies: Session cookies and preference cookies (see Cookie Policy below)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide and maintain our Service
  • Generate personalized course recommendations and degree plans
  • Calculate tuition estimates and financial projections
  • Sync your schedule with calendar applications
  • Process payments and manage subscriptions
  • Send important updates about your account or the Service
  • Improve our AI algorithms and user experience
  • Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
  • Detect and prevent fraud or abuse

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data with:

  • Service Providers: Third-party companies that help us operate (e.g., Stripe for payments, Firebase for authentication)
  • Calendar Services: Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook when you enable sync
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
  • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including:

  • Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest
  • Secure authentication through Firebase
  • Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
  • Access controls and employee training
  • PCI-compliant payment processing through Stripe

6. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
  • Portability: Export your data in a machine-readable format
  • Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
  • Cookie Preferences: Manage cookie settings through our consent banner

To exercise these rights, visit your Account Settings or contact us at privacy@course-compass.com.

7. Cookie Policy

We use cookies and similar technologies for:

  • Essential Cookies: Required for the Service to function (authentication, security)
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use the Service (with your consent)
  • Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can manage your cookie preferences through the consent banner or your browser settings.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with our Service. If you delete your account, we will delete your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal or business purposes.

9. Children's Privacy

Course Compass is intended for college students and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the CCPA, including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to delete, and the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or sending you an email. Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: privacy@course-compass.com
Help Center: course-compass.com/help