Kaplan Review 2026: MCAT, GRE, LSAT & SAT Pricing, Alternatives & Verdict

Kaplan is one of the oldest and most recognized test preparation companies in the world, founded in 1938 by Stanley H. Kaplan. In 2026, Kaplan serves over 2.1 million students per year across more than 100 standardized exams from the SAT ($99 to self-study) to the MCAT ($2,699 for live online prep). But which Kaplan course is worth buying for your specific exam? This guide breaks down Kaplan’s pricing, features, score guarantees, and the honest comparison against Princeton Review and Magoosh by exam type.

We also cover what Kaplan’s free trial actually includes, an exam-by-exam ROI analysis, and alternatives including My Engineering Buddy (MEB) for students who need expert 1:1 tutoring rather than a structured prep course. Use the section links to jump directly to your exam.

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Kaplan Reviews and Testimonials 2026 Overview

Kaplan holds a 3.7/5 rating on Glassdoor from 2,600+ reviews and 1.3/5 on Consumer Affairs from 469 student reviews. Employee ratings reflect good work-life balance; student ratings are dragged down by refund disputes, outdated content complaints, and poor customer support. Kaplan is legitimate and delivers exam prep but customer service quality trails its content quality significantly.

 Kaplan’s public rating profile splits sharply between employee satisfaction and student satisfaction. On Glassdoor (2,600+ reviews), Kaplan scores 3.7 out of 5 70% of reviewers would recommend it to a friend. 

Tutors and employees highlight flexible work policies and work-from-home options. However, they consistently flag low pay, poor management support, and inconsistent leadership as negatives.

On Consumer Affairs (469 student reviews), Kaplan’s score drops to approximately 1 out of 5. The pattern is consistent: students praise the opportunity to earn credentials online, but recent reviews raise serious concerns about refund issues, unexpected class cancellations, poor rescheduling support, and unresponsive customer service.

On AmbitionBox (75 reviews), Kaplan scores 4 out of 5, with employees praising the hybrid work culture. On Indeed (2,200+ reviews), Kaplan holds 3.7 out of 5 consistent with the Glassdoor figure. 

The MEB student reviews database provides a useful contrast: MEB’s Trustpilot average is 4.8/5, reflecting a different level of customer support responsiveness.

Kaplan’s own impact article notes that almost 95% of Kaplan students got into their top-choice schools though this figure covers admissions services, not solely exam prep outcomes. 

As an 85-year-old institution managing 1 million+ students and 4,100 educational partners annually, Kaplan is unquestionably legitimate. 

The key judgment call is whether its premium price matches its customer support quality, which student reviews consistently rate as inadequate.

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Kaplan MCAT Review 2026 Pricing, Features & Verdict

Researching Kaplan MCAT prep? Kaplan’s MCAT live online course costs $2,699 for 12 months and includes 10,000+ practice questions, 16 full-length practice tests, and a guaranteed 515+ score or 15+ point improvement.

Kaplan MCAT is the most comprehensive test prep product in Kaplan’s lineup. The 12-month Live Online course at $2,699 includes over 900 on-demand video lessons, 10,000+ practice questions in Kaplan’s Qbank, 16 full-length realistic practice tests (the most in the market alongside Princeton Review), a flex-schedule live class format (drop in or out without fixed commitments), and a 2025-updated CARS Skills Builder with AI tutor and refresher quizzes with interactive explanations.

Kaplan’s MCAT score guarantee requires completing 90% of coursework and all assigned practice tests before the exam. If you meet these conditions and don’t improve by 15+ points (or reach 515), Kaplan offers your money back. 

This is a genuine but conditional guarantee the 90% completion requirement is strict and documented.

MCAT Pricing Tiers (2026)

• On Demand (self-paced): $1,799 — 5 months access; all videos, Qbank, and practice tests; no live classes
• Live Online (9 months): $2,299 — flex-schedule live sessions + all on-demand content
• Live Online (12 months): $2,699 — full year access; 515+ guarantee; most popular tier
• In-Person (select locations): ~$2,699+ — classroom instruction; includes same digital resources
• Private Tutoring packages: $3,699–$6,899 depending on hours (10–40 hrs)

Per Test Prep Insight’s Kaplan MCAT analysis, ‘the MCAT course costs about $2,700 full price, putting it on the more expensive end of MCAT prep’ a fair characterization. Blueprint MCAT is $2,000 for a comparable course. 

However, Kaplan’s 10,000+ Qbank questions significantly exceeds Blueprint’s ~3,000 and Princeton Review’s ~1,000. For students who want maximum practice volume, Kaplan’s content depth justifies the premium.

MCAT Verdict

Kaplan MCAT is worth the price if you are a disciplined student who will use the full Qbank and complete 90% of coursework. It is the best choice for volume-driven practice. If you are budget-conscious, Magoosh MCAT at $399 offers 12 months of access with 3 practice tests dramatically cheaper, but requires significant self-discipline. 

For 1:1 expert tutoring in pre-med subjects (biochemistry, biology, chemistry), MEB provides personalized support Kaplan’s group format cannot match.2-

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Kaplan GRE Review 2026 Pricing, Features & Verdict

Kaplan GRE On Demand starts at $449 and includes 5 practice tests. Live Online GRE courses start at $449–$999. Private tutoring runs $2,299–$4,899. Magoosh GRE at $129 is the main budget competitor.

 Kaplan GRE offers three study formats. The self-paced On Demand option ($449) includes 180+ hours of video content, 5 full-length practice tests, and access to the GRE Channel a supplemental live-streaming resource where students can join or replay recorded sessions on specific topics. 

The Live Online course ($449–$999) adds scheduled instruction on top of the on-demand library. Private tutoring packages ($2,299–$4,899 for 10–40 hours) provide personalized 1:1 coaching.

Kaplan’s GRE score guarantee promises a higher score than your baseline but does not specify a point threshold as it does for the MCAT or LSAT. 

This is weaker than Princeton Review’s 162+ Quant guarantee, which targets a specific score range.

GRE Verdict

Kaplan GRE is competitive at the $449 On Demand tier, which represents strong value compared to Magoosh’s $129 (6 months) only if you need the additional 2 practice tests (5 vs Magoosh’s 3) and the GRE Channel live sessions. 

For students who primarily need video content and practice, Magoosh wins on price. The MEB GRE tutoring guide covers why 1:1 GRE tutoring can outperform both Kaplan and Magoosh for students with specific weak areas particularly Quant geometry or Verbal reasoning gaps.

 Kaplan LSAT Review 2026 — Pricing, Features & Verdict

LSAT Live Online starts at $1,099–$1,299, includes 80 practice tests (most in the market), near-daily LSAT Channel live sessions, and a guaranteed 15-point improvement. All instructors scored in the 99th percentile.

 Kaplan LSAT is its strongest product relative to competitors. The LSAT Channel near-daily live sessions hosted by 99th-percentile instructors, all recorded for on-demand replay has no direct equivalent at Princeton Review or Magoosh. 

The 80 practice tests included in Kaplan’s LSAT courses represent the largest volume in the industry: Princeton Review offers 4 proctored exams; Magoosh provides 500 practice questions but no full-length tests.

LSAT Pricing Tiers (2026)

• On Demand: $449–$799 — video library, Qbank, LSAT Channel access; no live class component
• Live Online: $1,099–$1,299 — instructor-led live sessions + full on-demand library + LSAT Channel
• In-Person (select cities): ~$1,799 — classroom instruction; full digital access included
• Private Tutoring: $2,399–$4,999 (10–40 hrs) — 1:1 with 99th-percentile instructor

Kaplan’s LSAT guarantee requires completing recommended coursework and scoring improvements on diagnostic tests. If you complete the work and don’t improve by 15 points, Kaplan offers a full refund. 

Per Test Prep Insight’s LSAT comparison, Kaplan’s instructors all scored in the 99th percentile on the actual LSAT a verifiable and meaningful credentialing requirement that creates genuine expertise consistency.

LSAT Verdict

Kaplan LSAT is the top choice for most law school applicants. The LSAT Channel’s daily live sessions give Kaplan a unique advantage in keeping students engaged and on-track through a famously difficult exam. 

Princeton Review is a credible alternative for students targeting a 165+ score (their guaranteed 165+ tier has no Kaplan equivalent). 

Magoosh LSAT at $199 is significantly cheaper but lacks live instruction and full-length tests a serious limitation for an exam that rewards regular timed simulation.

The Ultimate Guide to Online Tutoring 2026: Expert Tips, Pricing & Platform Reviews 

Kaplan SAT Review 2026 — Pricing, Features & Verdict

Kaplan SAT prep starts at $99 for self-paced and goes to $1,999 for unlimited access. Kaplan’s video lessons are considered best-in-class quality. Princeton Review offers more practice tests (9 vs Kaplan’s 4) for similar prices.

 Kaplan SAT has the widest pricing range of any exam: self-paced begins at $99 and the Unlimited Prep package reaches $1,999. 

The Unlimited Prep option provides access to all of Kaplan’s SAT/ACT/PSAT Live Online courses through the end of senior year, 5 hours of 1:1 tutoring, 6 hours of college advising, and 24/7 KapAdvisor (AI college counseling). 

It is targeted at high school juniors who want a comprehensive multi-year package rather than just exam prep.

SAT Pricing Tiers (2026)

• Self-Paced (On Demand): $99 — 4 Digital SAT practice tests, video lessons, Qbank; limited features
• Live Online: $599–$799 — instructor-led sessions + 4 practice tests
• Live Online Plus: $999–$1,599 — additional features; bootcamp options
• Unlimited Prep: $1,999 — multi-year SAT+ACT+PSAT access + tutoring + college advising
• Private Tutoring: $1,999–$4,599 for personalized packages

Kaplan’s video lessons for the SAT are widely considered the best in the industry conversational style with instructors on a couch-setting, short clips, and genuine teaching personality. 

However, per Test Prep Insight’s SAT comparison, Princeton Review provides 9 Digital SAT practice tests vs Kaplan’s 4 and 2,000+ practice questions vs Kaplan’s 500 a meaningful gap for students who learn through volume practice.

SAT Verdict

Kaplan SAT is an excellent choice for video-first learners who value teaching quality over practice volume. 

For students who want more practice tests, Princeton Review is the stronger choice at similar price points. 

At $99 for self-paced, Kaplan’s SAT entry tier is competitive with free options like Khan Academy though Khan Academy (the Official SAT prep partner) remains the best free resource.

For 1:1 SAT tutoring sessions, MEB provides expert tutors for math and verbal sections without the overhead of a full course package.

How Online Tutoring Enhances Test Prep for Standardized Exams 

Kaplan Pricing 2026 Complete Exam Pricing Reference

Kaplan Test Prep pricing ranges from $79 (GED live classes) to $6,899 (MCAT premium tutoring). Core exam prep MCAT, GRE, LSAT, SAT is priced at $449–$2,699 for courses and $2,299–$6,899 for private tutoring. Kaplan Financial, Real Estate, Business School, and Pathways are separate businesses with separate pricing structures.

 The table below consolidates verified Kaplan Test Prep pricing by exam for 2026, sourced from kaptest.com, kaplan.discount/pricing, and edureviewer.com (cross-verified). All prices are USD before discounts or Fee Assistance.

 

Exam	Self-Paced / On Demand	Live Online Course	Private Tutoring	Free Resources
SAT®	$99–$299	$599–$1,599 (Live Online Plus)	$1,999–$4,599 (pkg)	1 full-length practice test; pop quizzes
GRE®	$449–$449	$449–$999	$2,299–$4,899 (10–40 hrs)	1 full-length practice test; 20-min workout
LSAT®	$449–$799	$1,099–$1,299	$2,399–$4,999 (10–40 hrs)	1 full-length practice test; LSAT Channel sample
MCAT®	$1,799–$2,499	$2,699 (12-mo Live)	$3,699–$6,899	1 full-length practice test; CARS sample passage
ACT®	$159 (Self-Paced)	$649 (Live Online)	$849+ (Online Tutoring)	Pop quiz; 1 practice section
GMAT™	$449–$599	$599–$1,249	$2,499–$4,999 (10–40 hrs)	1 full-length practice test; Atlas demo

 Other Kaplan Services — Pricing Summary

• Kaplan Learning (Accountancy — ACCA, CIMA, ACA): $88/month, $216/3 months, or $780/year
• Kaplan Real Estate Education: $169–$909 per course
• Kaplan Financial Education (Insurance, CFP, Securities): $19–$8,049 (CFP Premium Package)
• Kaplan International Pathways (Study Abroad): $2,270–$70,000/year depending on degree program and university
• Kaplan Business School (Australia — Domestic): $18,000–$60,000; International: $25,000–$74,000

Fee Assistance Program Up to 60% Off

Kaplan’s most underreported feature is the Fee Assistance Program. Per kaptest.com/tuitionassistance, US citizens and international students enrolled in US colleges or universities can qualify for up to 60% off Kaplan test prep courses by demonstrating financial need. 

For an MCAT course at $2,699, this could reduce the cost to approximately $1,080. Students should apply before purchasing any course this discount cannot typically be applied retroactively.

Also Read: 24/7 Premium 1:1 Tutoring For Standardized Tests 

Kaplan vs Princeton Review vs Magoosh Per-Exam Comparison

Comparing Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Magoosh? This section breaks down the comparison for each major exam. Short answer: Kaplan wins for MCAT and LSAT; Princeton Review wins for SAT practice volume; Magoosh wins on budget for GRE and MCAT.

 The MEB Princeton Review review and MEB Magoosh review provide detailed individual analyses of each platform. The tables below offer a direct per-exam cross-comparison.

 MCAT: Kaplan vs Princeton Review vs Magoosh

Feature	Kaplan MCAT	Princeton Review MCAT	Magoosh (if available)
Course Price Range	$1,799–$2,699 (courses)	$1,499–$2,999 (courses)	$399 (12 months)
Practice Tests	16 full-length	16 full-length	3 full-length
Practice Questions	10,000+ (Qbank)	~1,000	~3,000
Video Lessons	900+ on-demand videos	Strong (rotating experts)	400+ lessons
Score Guarantee	Higher score or money back	515+ or money back	+10 points or refund
Live Classes	Flex schedule (drop-in)	Fixed schedule	No live classes
AI Features	CARS Skill Builder, AI tutor (2025)	Smart Study Planner	Limited
Best For	Volume practice + video learners	Live instruction preference	Budget-conscious

 GRE: Kaplan vs Princeton Review vs Magoosh

Feature	Kaplan GRE	Princeton Review GRE	Magoosh (if available)
Course Price Range	$449–$999 (courses)	$449–$999 (courses)	$99–$129 (6 months)
Practice Tests	5 full-length	5 full-length	3 full-length
Video Hours	180+ on-demand hrs	180+ on-demand hrs	200+ video lessons
Live Classes	GRE Channel (live + recorded)	Fixed schedule; 24 hrs	No live classes
Score Guarantee	Higher score guarantee	162+ Quant guarantee	5-point increase guarantee
Tutoring Add-on	$2,299–$4,899 (10–40 hrs)	Available separately	No tutoring
Best For	Structured live + recorded blend	Score-guaranteed Quant focus	Affordable self-study

LSAT: Kaplan vs Princeton Review vs Magoosh

Feature	Kaplan LSAT	Princeton Review LSAT	Magoosh (if available)
Course Price Range	$449–$1,299 (courses)	$599–$1,299 (courses)	$199 (self-study)
Practice Tests	80 (largest in market)	4 proctored	500 practice questions; no full tests
LSAT Channel	✅ Daily live/recorded sessions	❌	❌
Instructors	All scored 99th percentile	Expert faculty	Video-only
Score Guarantee	15-point improvement guarantee	165+ Guaranteed tier available	5-point guarantee
Practice Questions	180+ customizable quizzes	8,000+ questions	500
Best For	Comprehensive with daily live sessions	165+ target scorers	Budget self-study

 SAT: Kaplan vs Princeton Review vs Magoosh

Feature	Kaplan SAT	Princeton Review SAT	Magoosh (if available)
Course Price Range	$99–$1,999 (courses)	$349–$1,599 (courses)	$129 (12 months)
Practice Tests	4 Digital SAT tests	9 Digital SAT tests	N/A
Practice Questions	500 SAT questions	2,000+ SAT questions	1,200+
Video Lessons	Best-in-class quality (conversational)	135+ lessons; 2 instructors format	200+ lessons
Bootcamp/Intensive	✅ Live Bootcamp ~$800	✅ Intensive courses available	❌
Score Guarantee	Higher score guarantee	100+ points or money back	5-point improvement
Best For	Video quality + personalized support	Practice volume + Princeton brand	Affordable mobile prep

 Is Kaplan Worth the Price? Exam-by-Exam ROI Analysis

Is Kaplan worth it? The honest answer varies by exam. Kaplan delivers strong ROI for MCAT and LSAT its volume of practice content and score guarantees are industry-leading.  For GRE and SAT, cheaper alternatives exist without a meaningful quality sacrifice.

Kaplan’s value proposition rests on three pillars: practice question volume (particularly the Qbank), instructor quality (all LSAT instructors at 99th percentile; all MCAT instructors at 90th+ percentile), and score guarantees. These pillars hold up differently per exam.

Exam	Kaplan Price (Mid-tier)	Average Score Gain (reported)	Kaplan Score Guarantee	Verdict
MCAT	~$2,699 (12-mo Live)	8–15 points	515+ or 15+ pts improvement; money-back	Worth it if pre-med; Blueprint is cheaper at $2,000
GRE	~$449–$999	5–10 points	Higher score guaranteed	Worth it at $449 On Demand; Magoosh at $129 is cheaper for self-study
LSAT	~$1,099–$1,299	10–15 points	15-point improvement guarantee	Strong ROI; LSAT Channel is a differentiator vs competitors
SAT	~$599–$1,599	100–150 points	Higher score guaranteed	Mid-range; Princeton Review offers more practice tests
ACT	~$649 (Live Online)	2–5 points	Higher score guaranteed	Solid but pricey; Magoosh or Khan Academy cheaper
GMAT	~$599–$1,249	30–50 points	Higher score guaranteed	Good for structured learners; Manhattan Prep is stronger for math

 When Kaplan Is Worth It

Kaplan is worth the price for students who: (a) will complete 80–90% of the provided coursework, (b) are targeting competitive professional programs where a 5-10 point score improvement has meaningful admissions impact, and (c) need the structure of live classes to maintain study discipline. MCAT and LSAT students fall most clearly into this category the stakes are high (medical school and law school admissions) and Kaplan’s content depth is industry-leading.

When Kaplan Is NOT Worth the Premium

Kaplan is not the best value for self-directed learners preparing for the GRE or SAT who can benefit from Magoosh’s $99–$129 self-study option without significant quality sacrifice. 

Kaplan is also overpriced for students who will not complete the coursework the score guarantee becomes void, and you’ve paid $1,099–$2,699 for partial content access. 

In those cases, a pay-per-session MEB tutor targeting your specific weak areas at ~$20/hour is more efficient than a structured course you won’t finish.

The Fee Assistance Exception

Any ROI analysis of Kaplan must account for the Fee Assistance Program. At 60% off, Kaplan MCAT drops from $2,699 to approximately $1,080 comparable to Magoosh MCAT at $399 when factoring in the 16 vs 3 practice tests ratio. 

Students who qualify for Fee Assistance should prioritize Kaplan over cheaper alternatives in virtually every scenario.

 Read More: StudyX Online Tutoring Review: Features, Pricing, and Alternatives 

Kaplan Free Trial What’s Actually Included?

Kaplan does not offer full course free trials. What it does offer: 1 full-length practice test per major exam (MCAT, GRE, LSAT, SAT, GMAT, ACT), pop quizzes, 20-minute workouts, free strategy webinars, and downloadable study guides — all at kaplanquizzes.com.

 A key student misconception: ‘Kaplan offers a 7-day free trial.’ The 7-day trial cited in many articles applies specifically to Kaplan Learning’s accountancy courses and to selected products like the NCLEX content pack. 

It does not apply to MCAT, GRE, LSAT, or SAT prep courses. Understanding what Kaplan actually offers for free is critical before assuming a risk-free trial period.

 

Resource Type	What’s Included	Exam Coverage	Where to Access
Full-Length Practice Tests	1 complete timed practice exam; realistic scoring	SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, NCLEX, USMLE	kaplanquizzes.com / kaptest.com exam pages
Pop Quizzes	5–10 question rapid-fire question sets; immediate scoring	20+ exams	kaplanquizzes.com
20-Minute Workouts	Mixed question sets; topics matched to real exam	ACT, DAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, OAT, SAT	kaplanquizzes.com
Free Strategy Sessions	Live or on-demand introductory strategy session	MCAT, LSAT, GRE (selected)	kaptest.com promotions
Free Webinars	90-minute instructor-led exam strategy sessions	Rotating exams; schedule varies	kaptest.com events page
Downloadable Study Guides	PDF study plans, topic summaries	GRE, MCAT, LSAT, NCLEX (selected)	kaptest.com/free
PSAT Live Course Trial	Access to full live PSAT prep course; no payment	PSAT only	testprepinsight.com Kaplan PSAT link
Fee Assistance Program	Up to 60% off full courses for qualifying students	MCAT, LSAT, GRE (primary)	kaptest.com/tuitionassistance

 How to Maximize Kaplan’s Free Resources

Before purchasing any Kaplan course, complete these steps: (1) Take the full-length free practice test for your exam at kaplanquizzes.com to establish a baseline score. 

(2) Attend a free Kaplan strategy webinar to assess instructor teaching style compatibility. (3) Apply for Fee Assistance if eligible before purchasing this cannot be applied retroactively in most cases. 

(4) Compare your practice test score to your target score: if the gap is 3–5 points (GRE) or 2–3 points (LSAT), a cheaper self-study option may suffice; if the gap is 10+ points, Kaplan’s comprehensive course structure has more value.

Free Trial at Kaplan Learning (Accountancy)

Kaplan Learning’s 5-day free trial applies to ACCA, CIMA, ACA, and AAT courses only. It provides full access to both OnDemand and Live Online classes during the trial window. 

This is a genuine free trial with full feature access distinctly different from the test prep resource model.

Read More: Top 10 Online Tutoring Websites Worldwide 

Kaplan Alternatives Best Options by Need

The best Kaplan alternatives depend on your exam and budget. Magoosh for budget GRE/MCAT/SAT self-study; Princeton Review for SAT practice volume or LSAT 165+ targets; My Engineering Buddy for 1:1 expert tutoring in subject-specific prep; Navitas or Study Group for international pathway programs.

 Kaplan’s premium pricing and broad subject coverage mean that alternatives vary significantly by use case. The alternatives below are grouped by student need:

Budget Test Prep — Magoosh

Magoosh is the strongest budget alternative for GRE ($129/6 months), MCAT ($399/12 months), LSAT ($199), and SAT ($129). 

Magoosh lacks live instruction but offers a score improvement guarantee and a 7-day free trial with no credit card required. Its video lessons are high quality; the key limitation is no full-length LSAT practice tests.

Practice Volume — Princeton Review

Princeton Review matches Kaplan’s price point but offers more practice tests for SAT (9 vs 4) and has a 165+ LSAT guaranteed tier that Kaplan does not offer. It is the better choice for students who want maximum simulated exam experience or are targeting a specific high score tier.

1:1 Expert Tutoring — My Engineering Buddy

My Engineering Buddy (MEB) provides expert 1:1 tutoring for students who need targeted help in specific subject areas MCAT biochemistry, GRE quant, LSAT logic games rather than a full curriculum course. 

MEB tutors are available on-demand via MEB’s test prep page, with sessions starting from $20/hour. 

This model works best for students who have already completed a structured course (or free resources) and need expert review of their weakest areas. 

With a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from 285+ reviews, MEB’s per-session accountability contrasts with Kaplan’s group-course model.

Alternative Prep Platforms

• Achievable: Test prep focused on finance and securities exams; starting from $99. Strong for professional licensing exams where Kaplan’s pricing is steep.
• Tutor.com / Princeton Review (combined): On-demand live tutoring starting from ~$40/hour; 7-day free trial; US and Canada only.
• Chegg Study: $15.95/month for homework help and expert Q&A. Useful for subject-specific gaps alongside a main prep course. See MEB Chegg review
• Khan Academy (for SAT): The Official SAT Prep partner completely free, full-length tests, personalized recommendations. For SAT-specific prep, Khan Academy should be used before purchasing any paid course.

 How Kaplan Works Students and Tutors

Students sign up at kaptest.com, select their exam and course format (On Demand, Live Online, or In-Person), pay the course fee, and receive immediate digital access. There is no interview process for students. Tutors apply via Kaplan’s Careers portal and are assigned students by Kaplan they do not source their own clients.

For Students

After registering with an email and password, students select their target exam and preferred format. For On Demand courses, content access begins immediately after payment. 

For Live Online courses, Kaplan communicates scheduled session times and the student joins via the digital classroom platform. 

Many test prep courses include Kaplan’s adaptive study planner, which recommends which topics to review based on diagnostic quiz performance.

Students taking self-paced courses can access content at any hour without scheduling. Live Online students with flex-schedule formats (such as MCAT and LSAT Live Online) can drop into any available session without committing to a fixed class time a Kaplan differentiator. 

Kaplan’s Qbank for all major exams allows students to filter practice questions by topic, difficulty, and question type, enabling targeted review of weak areas.

For Tutors

Kaplan hires tutors through its Careers portal at ghc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Kaplan_Teach. Tutors are not independent contractors who set their own rates Kaplan sets compensation. 

Per Glassdoor salary data, estimated hourly pay for Kaplan tutors is $26–$48, with approximately 3 hours of tutoring work available per week per Indeed FAQ data. 

Tutors in the paid LSAT and MCAT programs are required to have scored in the 90th percentile or above on their respective exams.

 Read More: Online Tutoring vs. In-Person Tutoring: Which is Right for You in 2026? 

Kaplan: Company Information

Founding and Background

Kaplan was founded in 1938 by Stanley H. Kaplan. Per Wikipedia’s Kaplan Inc. article, Kaplan’s business grew significantly after WWII due to the G.I. Bill. In 1984, Kaplan was sold to The Washington Post Company, and it is now under Graham Holdings Company.

Founder’s Details

Per Wikipedia’s Stanley Kaplan entry, Stanley H. Kaplan (May 24, 1919 – August 23, 2009) was born in New York City to Jewish immigrant parents. 

Unable to gain medical school admission due to anti-Semitic admissions policies despite strong academic records, he started tutoring classmates at age 14. He built his test prep venture from his parents’ basement into a global enterprise.

Mission, Vision, and Scale

Kaplan’s vision is to be the private education institution of choice; its mission is to help individuals achieve educational and career goals. 

Kaplan is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with branches in 30+ countries and 400+ locations globally, including dedicated operations in Singapore, the UK, and Australia. It has provided services to approximately 1 million students across 30 countries.

Types of Services

• Kaplan Test Prep (kaptest.com) — SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, NCLEX, USMLE, BAR, and 100+ other exams
• Kaplan Learning — Online accountancy courses: ACCA, CIMA, ACA, AAT
• Kaplan Financial Education — Insurance, securities licensing, CFP certification
• Kaplan International Languages — English, German, French language training
• Kaplan International Pathways — Study abroad programs; university pathway degrees
• Kaplan Real Estate Education — Real estate, contractor, and home inspection licensing
• Kaplan Business School — Graduate diplomas, MBAs, master’s degrees (Australia)

Social Impact

Kaplan operates the Kaplan Education Foundation, a non-profit that provides scholarships to high-achieving students from underserved communities. 

Kaplan has also invested over $20 million in scholarship funding to make test prep accessible for students who cannot afford standard pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions — Kaplan 2026

Direct to FAQ? These questions cover the most-searched exam-specific and general Kaplan queries for 2026.

Q1: How Much Does Kaplan MCAT Cost in 2026?

Kaplan MCAT courses range from $1,799 (On Demand, 5 months) to $2,699 (Live Online, 12 months). Private tutoring is $3,699–$6,899 depending on hours. The Live Online 12-month course is most popular and includes the 515+ score guarantee. Fee Assistance can reduce this to ~$1,080 for qualifying students. Note: Blueprint MCAT is available at $2,000, and Magoosh MCAT at $399 making Kaplan’s price point premium but justifiable for its 10,000+ practice question Qbank and 16 practice tests.

Q2: Is Kaplan Good for the GRE?

Kaplan GRE is solid but not the clear market winner. The $449 On Demand option is competitive, but Magoosh GRE at $99–$129 covers similar content for self-directed learners at a fraction of the price. Kaplan’s advantage for GRE is the GRE Channel (supplemental live sessions) and more structured course organization. If you prefer self-study and don’t need live classes, Magoosh GRE is significantly more affordable. If you want the structure of live instruction plus an accountability framework, Kaplan GRE Live Online ($449–$999) delivers.

Q3: Is Kaplan LSAT Worth It?

Kaplan LSAT is generally worth the price for law school applicants. The combination of 80 practice tests, near-daily LSAT Channel live sessions, and 99th-percentile instructors makes it one of the most comprehensive LSAT resources available. At $1,099–$1,299 for Live Online, it is comparable to Princeton Review’s pricing but includes more practice material. The 15-point guarantee applies when recommended coursework is completed. If you are targeting 165+, Princeton Review’s guaranteed 165+ tier is a credible alternative Kaplan does not offer.

Q4: How Does Kaplan Compare to My Engineering Buddy?

Kaplan and My Engineering Buddy serve different needs. Kaplan provides structured curriculum courses for standardized exams you follow a predetermined study path through video lessons, practice tests, and (if enrolled) live classes. MEB provides 1:1 expert tutoring for specific weak areas on demand biochemistry for MCAT, logic games for LSAT, quant for GRE. Many students use both: Kaplan (or Magoosh) for the structured curriculum, MEB for targeted expert review of areas the course didn’t resolve. MEB’s pricing starts at $20/hour with no subscription commitment.

Q5: What Is Kaplan’s Score Guarantee?

Kaplan’s score guarantee varies by exam and has conditions. MCAT: 515+ score or 15+ point improvement, contingent on completing 90% of coursework and all practice tests before the exam. LSAT: 15-point improvement if recommended work is completed. GRE/SAT/ACT: higher score than baseline weaker guarantee without a specific point threshold. The guarantee provides a full refund or a free course retake. Importantly, the guarantee window is typically tied to taking the actual exam within the course access period.

Q6: Does Kaplan Offer a Free Trial?

Kaplan does not offer a free trial for MCAT, GRE, LSAT, or SAT prep courses. Free resources at kaplanquizzes.com include: 1 full-length practice test per exam, pop quizzes, 20-minute workouts, strategy webinars, and downloadable study guides. Kaplan Learning’s accountancy courses (ACCA, CIMA, ACA) have a 5-day free trial. Kaplan Financial Education’s CFP program has a 5-day free trial. For NCLEX, a 7-day content practice pack trial is available. Always start with the free practice test before purchasing any course it establishes your baseline score and tests Kaplan’s teaching style compatibility.

Q7: What Are the Best Affordable Kaplan Alternatives?

Budget alternatives by exam: (1) GRE Magoosh at $99–$129/6 months; (2) MCAT Magoosh at $399/12 months or Blueprint at $2,000; (3) LSAT Magoosh at $199 (limited practice tests); (4) SAT Khan Academy (free, Official College Board partner). For 1:1 expert tutoring across all exams, MEB test prep tutoring starts from $20/hour without a subscription or long-term commitment the most flexible option for students who need targeted expert help rather than a full curriculum.

Key Takeaways — Kaplan 2026h

1. Kaplan’s pricing is exam-specific, not uniform. MCAT live prep starts at $2,699; GRE on demand at $449; LSAT live at $1,099; SAT self-paced at $99. Treating all Kaplan courses as ‘expensive’ is misleading — the entry-level SAT tier is genuinely competitive.
2. Kaplan’s score guarantees are conditional, not blanket. MCAT requires 90% course completion + all practice tests. LSAT requires completing recommended work. GRE/SAT guarantees are vaguer. Know the conditions before relying on the guarantee as a purchasing rationale.
3. Kaplan LSAT and MCAT deliver the strongest ROI in the lineup. The LSAT Channel (near-daily live sessions, 99th-percentile instructors, 80 practice tests) and MCAT’s 10,000+ Qbank and 16 practice tests are industry-leading. For GRE and SAT, Magoosh and Princeton Review respectively offer competitive alternatives at different price points.
4. The Fee Assistance Program is Kaplan’s most underreported feature. Qualifying US students can receive up to 60% off test prep courses. Apply before purchasing — this cannot be applied retroactively and changes the ROI calculation dramatically for eligible students.
5. For 1:1 expert tutoring on specific weak areas, My Engineering Buddy complements any prep course. Rather than choosing between Kaplan and a tutor, many students use both: a structured course for curriculum, MEB for targeted expert sessions on the topics a course format can’t fully address.