{"id":377,"date":"2025-02-13T11:48:16","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T11:48:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myengineeringbuddy.com\/blog\/?p=377"},"modified":"2026-05-20T04:55:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T04:55:51","slug":"kaplan-reviews-features-pricing-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myengineeringbuddy.com\/blog\/kaplan-reviews-features-pricing-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Kaplan Review 2026: Why Employees Rate It 3.7\/5 but Students Rate It 1\/5"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kaplan is an international education company with 85 years of history that operates 8 distinct brands serving more than 1 million students annually across test prep, professional certifications, language training, degree programs, and business education.<\/p>\n

This 2026 guide breaks down Kaplan’s student reviews, pricing across all 8 brands, hidden costs, refund policies, and the best alternatives with specific guidance for engineering and STEM students deciding whether Kaplan is the right platform for their needs.<\/p>\n

The most useful number in any Kaplan research decision is the gap between two ratings: ConsumerAffairs rates Kaplan 1 out of 5 from 469 student reviews<\/strong>, while Glassdoor rates it 3.7 out of 5 from more than 2,600 employee reviews.<\/p>\n

Those two numbers coexist because they measure entirely different things and this guide explains which rating is more relevant to your situation before you commit to any Kaplan product.<\/p>\n

Check Out: Engineering-specific online tutoring at My Engineering Buddy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Kaplan Reviews and Testimonials<\/h2>\n

Kaplan scores 1 out of 5 on ConsumerAffairs from 469 student reviews but that rating reflects billing and scheduling complaints, not content quality.<\/p>\n

Glassdoor, which collects reviews from employees and tutors, places Kaplan at 3.7 out of 5 from over 2,600 reviewers, with 70% stating they would recommend Kaplan to a friend. The table below maps all four major review platforms and what each measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Kaplan Review Ratings by Platform (2026)<\/caption>\n
Review Platform<\/th>\nRating<\/th>\nNumber of Reviews<\/th>\nReviewer Type<\/th>\nDominant Feedback Theme<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
ConsumerAffairs<\/a><\/td>\n1\/5<\/td>\n469<\/td>\nStudents and customers<\/td>\nRefund issues, class cancellations, unresponsive support<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Glassdoor<\/a><\/td>\n3.7\/5<\/td>\n2,600+<\/td>\nEmployees and tutors<\/td>\nGood work-life balance; low pay; poor management<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AmbitionBox<\/td>\n4\/5<\/td>\n75<\/td>\nEmployees<\/td>\nGood work culture and hybrid options; inadequate appraisals<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Indeed<\/a><\/td>\n3.7\/5<\/td>\n2,200+<\/td>\nEmployees<\/td>\nFlexible work schedule, WFH options; unexpected layoffs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The pattern is consistent: Kaplan’s employee-facing experience is rated at 3.7\u20134.0 across three major platforms. Its student-facing experience is rated at 1 out of 5.<\/p>\n

The gap is not about academic content; the most common student complaints in the ConsumerAffairs log cite refund issues<\/strong>, outdated course materials, unexpected class cancellations, and unresponsive customer support. None of the top complaints state that the educational content itself was wrong or ineffective.<\/p>\n

Kaplan’s Glassdoor reviewers note positives including good work-life balance, flexible and remote work options, and insurance benefits. Negative feedback from employees cites low pay, poor management support, no structured tutor training, poor leadership, and a tendency to reject constructive criticism.<\/p>\n

Indeed reviewers largely echo this: flexible arrangements are praised, while poor work ethics, lack of training, inadequate management, and unexpected layoffs are the main concerns.<\/p>\n

Is Kaplan Legit?<\/h3>\n

Yes. Kaplan has operated continuously since 1938 and is owned by Graham Holdings (formerly The Washington Post Company), a publicly traded media and education holding company.<\/p>\n

According to a Kaplan-published article on its own impact<\/a>, 95% of Kaplan students got into their top-choice schools a company-reported figure, not independently audited, but consistent with the organization’s established scale: 10,000 employees, more than 1 million students served annually, partnerships with 4,100 educational institutions, and 13,000 corporate clients.<\/p>\n

The legitimacy question for most students is not whether Kaplan exists and delivers content it does, at significant scale and with genuine history behind it.<\/p>\n

The relevant question is whether Kaplan’s specific model and policies match your specific goal. For engineering students, that question has a more specific answer, covered in the Alternatives section below.<\/p>\n

IB Engineering IA Project Ideas: Concept to Execution for 2026<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Kaplan Pricing<\/h2>\n

Kaplan’s pricing spans $79 for test prep courses to $74,000 per year for international degree programs, across 8 distinct brands that serve entirely different student markets.<\/p>\n

Understanding Kaplan’s pricing requires first identifying which of its 8 brands applies to your situation a student researching ACT prep is looking at a completely different cost structure than a student researching a CFA certification or an international degree pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Kaplan Brands: Target Audience and Price Range<\/caption>\n
Kaplan Brand<\/th>\nTarget Audience<\/th>\nPrice Range<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Kaplan Test Prep<\/a><\/td>\nSAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE, NCLEX, AP, high school and college admissions<\/td>\n$79\u2013$3,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kaplan Learning<\/a><\/td>\nProfessional accountancy: ACCA, CIMA, ACA (ICAEW), AAT<\/td>\n$88\/month \u2013 $780\/year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kaplan International Languages<\/a><\/td>\nEnglish and language learning for international students<\/td>\nBrochure required (quote-based)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kaplan Real Estate Education<\/a><\/td>\nReal estate licensing courses (US-based)<\/td>\n$169\u2013$1,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kaplan Financial Education<\/a><\/td>\nInsurance licensing, securities licensing, CFP certification<\/td>\n$19\u2013$8,049<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kaplan International Pathways<\/a><\/td>\nInternational degree preparation and study abroad programs<\/td>\n$2,270\u2013$70,000\/year<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kaplan Professional<\/a><\/td>\nCFA and professional certifications (Australia)<\/td>\n~$2,700 per course<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kaplan Business School<\/a><\/td>\nOnline business degrees (Australia)<\/td>\n$18,000\u2013$74,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Pricing Range<\/h3>\n

Kaplan’s pricing is not a single number it spans a $73,921 range across its 8 brands. The brand that most people mean when they search “Kaplan review” is Kaplan Test Prep, which covers standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE, and NCLEX.<\/p>\n

But the Kaplan umbrella includes brands serving professionals seeking CPA and CFA certifications, international students pursuing university pathways, and students in Australia seeking accredited degrees. Each operates with its own pricing model, free trial structure, and refund policy.<\/p>\n

Kaplan Test Prep Pricing Range<\/h3>\n

The pricing range of Kaplan Test Prep<\/a> runs from $79 to $3,000, depending on the test, preparation format, and level of live instruction involved.<\/p>\n

For high school students, SSAT prep<\/a> is available at $299 with a self-paced option. GED prep self-paced classes<\/a> start from $129, and GED live classes<\/a> start at $79. For college admissions, AP exam prep<\/a> courses cost $399. On-demand PSAT prep is free, while live online PSAT prep<\/a> starts at $499 and PSAT tutoring starts at $399.<\/p>\n

For the ACT, a self-paced course costs $159, a live online ACT prep course<\/a> costs $649, and online tutoring for ACT prep starts from $849. For a full view of all Kaplan Test Prep course offerings<\/a>, their prep page lists the complete range.<\/p>\n

Kaplan Test Prep also offers a tuition assistance program: eligible U.S. citizens and international students enrolled in U.S. colleges or universities may qualify for up to a 60% discount on Kaplan Test courses<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Kaplan Learning Pricing Range<\/h3>\n

Kaplan Learning provides online accountancy courses covering AAT, CIMA, ACCA, and ACA (ICAEW) qualifications. A subscription<\/a> is required to access its services, offered in three tiers: a monthly subscription at $88, a 3-month subscription at $216, and a yearly subscription at $780. These subscription rates apply per accountancy qualification enrolled.<\/p>\n

Kaplan International Languages Pricing Range<\/h3>\n

Kaplan International Languages provides language learning programs for international students but does not list specific pricing publicly on its website. Prospective students must submit basic contact information to download a brochure<\/a> and speak with an education advisor to obtain pricing. This absence of listed pricing is worth noting before engaging with the enrollment process, as it makes direct cost comparisons difficult.<\/p>\n

Kaplan Real Estate Education Pricing Range<\/h3>\n

Kaplan Real Estate Education provides US-based real estate licensing courses ranging from $169 to $1,000. For example, the Escrows OnDemand Course<\/a> costs $169, while a Career Launcher Package<\/a> costs $909.<\/p>\n

Kaplan Financial Education Pricing Range<\/h3>\n

Kaplan Financial Education covers insurance licensing, securities licensing, and CFP certification preparation, with pricing ranging from $19 to $8,049. The CFP Certification Premium package<\/a> costs $8,049, while individual professional development courses start as low as $19. The Kaplan Financial Education refund policy<\/a> applies to all purchases in this brand.<\/p>\n

Kaplan International Pathways Pricing Range<\/h3>\n

Kaplan International Pathways assists students in studying abroad and preparing for degree entry at international universities. Degree preparation programs range from $2,270 to $39,000, and full degree programs cost between $32,769 and $70,000 per year. For full course-level pricing, Kaplan International Pathways maintains a fees and costs page<\/a> with program-specific figures.<\/p>\n

Kaplan Professional Pricing Range<\/h3>\n

Kaplan Professional operates primarily in Australia and provides professional certification courses, including CFA exam preparation. Most courses offered through Kaplan Professional<\/a> are priced at approximately $2,700 per course. Detailed fee information is available on their fees and allowances page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Kaplan Business School Pricing Range<\/h3>\n

Kaplan Business School provides online business degree programs in Australia. For domestic Australian students, degrees range from $18,000 to $60,000. For international students, the range is $25,000 to $74,000. Specific program pricing is listed on their domestic fees page<\/a> and international fees page<\/a>. MBA specialization courses<\/a> are among the offerings available.<\/p>\n

What Do Students Say About Kaplan’s Pricing?<\/h3>\n

Student reviews on ConsumerAffairs<\/a> describe Kaplan’s pricing as too high relative to what students receive, particularly given service quality complaints. The core pattern in negative pricing feedback is not the sticker price itself it is the combination of a high price point with incidents like course cancellations by Kaplan, difficulty rescheduling, and challenges obtaining refunds.<\/p>\n

When a $649 live ACT course is cancelled and rescheduled without adequate notice, or when a refund request is denied, the per-dollar value perception collapses regardless of the stated course quality.<\/p>\n

Hidden Costs<\/h3>\n

Yes, there are hidden costs<\/strong> associated with several Kaplan brands. Most commonly reported: cancellation fees, registration fees charged on top of listed course prices, and pricing discrepancies between what is advertised on the website and what is invoiced.<\/p>\n

Kaplan International Languages acknowledges<\/a> that the quoted website amount may not be the final amount charged, noting that all credit card online payments<\/a> may incur additional fees. These hidden cost patterns vary by brand, and students should request a complete fee itemization before enrolling in any Kaplan program.<\/p>\n

How Does Kaplan’s Pricing Work?<\/h3>\n

Kaplan’s pricing model differs by brand. Kaplan Learning uses a subscription model (monthly, quarterly, or annual), making it more like a SaaS product than a traditional course enrollment. Kaplan Test Prep uses a course-purchase model you pay once per course or tutoring package.<\/p>\n

Kaplan International Pathways uses a deposit-and-balance model common to study-abroad programs. Kaplan Business School and Kaplan Professional use per-semester or per-unit enrollment fees, similar to university tuition. Understanding which model applies to your specific enrollment is essential before starting any payment process.<\/p>\n

Free Trial<\/h3>\n

Several Kaplan brands offer trial access before full enrollment. Kaplan Learning offers a 5-day free trial<\/a> for its accountancy subscription. Kaplan Test Prep offers a 7-day free trial<\/a> specifically for NCLEX preparation. Kaplan International Languages provides free English online tests<\/a> to assess language level before enrollment.<\/p>\n

Kaplan Financial Education offers a 5-day free trial<\/a> for CFP study materials. Kaplan Professional’s CFA Study Package free trial is now hosted at Schweser<\/a> (the rebranded CFA preparation platform).<\/p>\n

Refund Policy<\/h3>\n

Kaplan’s refund policy is one of the most frequently cited sources of student frustration because it differs materially across all 8 brands. There is no single Kaplan refund policy. The policy that applies to your enrollment depends entirely on which Kaplan brand you use and which country you are in. The sections below map each brand’s policy.<\/p>\n

Kaplan Test Prep Refund Policy<\/h3>\n

Per Kaplan Test Prep’s terms and conditions<\/a>: if you cancel within 3 days of your initial purchase date, Kaplan will provide a 100% refund<\/a> for the first subscription month. Thereafter, no refunds are provided.<\/p>\n

This 3-day window is strict the majority of ConsumerAffairs complaints describe students who missed this window and were denied any refund on courses costing hundreds or thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n

Kaplan Learning Refund Policy<\/h3>\n

Per Kaplan Learning’s help documentation, Kaplan Learning<\/a> allows class cancellations or changes within 8 days of the scheduled class, after which cancellation fees may apply. This policy applies to live class formats; self-paced subscription access follows the subscription cancellation terms.<\/p>\n

Kaplan International Languages Refund Policy<\/h3>\n

Kaplan International Languages has a refund policy outlined in its terms and conditions<\/a>. Students are advised to review the refund conditions specific to their enrolled course and location before paying, as terms vary by program and region.<\/p>\n

Kaplan International Pathways Refund Policy<\/h3>\n

Kaplan International Pathways uses a deposit and balance payment structure. The UBIFP deposit and refund policy<\/a> governs when and whether deposits can be refunded. Given the large fee ranges involved ($2,270\u2013$70,000\/year), reviewing this policy in detail before making any payment is essential.<\/p>\n

Kaplan Professional Refund Policy<\/h3>\n

Kaplan Professional (Australia) allows cancellations, transfers, or substitutions prior to the census date for the applicable study period. The full terms are documented in the Kaplan Professional refund policy document<\/a>. Students who request changes after the census date are typically ineligible for refunds.<\/p>\n

Kaplan Business School Refund Policy<\/h3>\n

Kaplan Business School’s policy states that refund payments will be made within four weeks of an approved request. The full terms are in the Kaplan Business School refund policy document<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This 4-week processing window is one of the more transparent timelines in the Kaplan ecosystem, though the eligibility conditions still depend on when the cancellation request is submitted relative to enrollment dates.<\/p>\n

Read More: Best Digital Tools Engineering Students Need for College & Projects<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Kaplan Alternatives<\/h2>\n

For engineering students who need subject-specific tutoring in thermodynamics, statics, dynamics, or circuits, My Engineering Buddy<\/a> starts at $20 per hour a price point Kaplan’s specialized programs cannot match for engineering coursework. The table below maps the major alternatives to Kaplan across focus area, pricing, and depth of engineering coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Alternatives to Kaplan: Platform Comparison<\/caption>\n
Alternative<\/th>\nFocus Area<\/th>\nStarting Price<\/th>\nEngineering Depth<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
My Engineering Buddy (MEB)<\/strong><\/td>\nEngineering-specific tutoring: statics, thermodynamics, circuits, dynamics, FE\/PE exam prep<\/td>\n$20\/hour ($1 trial)<\/td>\nDedicated engineering specialty<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Navitas<\/td>\nInternational pathways and university preparation<\/td>\nVaries by program<\/td>\nLimited<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Study Group<\/td>\nInternational pathways at 50+ partner universities<\/td>\nVaries by program<\/td>\nLimited<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Achievable<\/td>\nFinancial certifications (SIE, Series 7, CFA)<\/td>\nFrom $99<\/td>\nNone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mindful Education<\/td>\nUK apprenticeships and professional qualifications<\/td>\nUK pricing only<\/td>\nNone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tutor.com<\/td>\nGeneral K-12 and early-college tutoring<\/td>\n$39.99\/month<\/td>\nGeneral coverage, not specialized<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

My Engineering Buddy<\/h3>\n

My Engineering Buddy (MEB)<\/a> is an engineering-specific online tutoring platform that covers statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, circuits, materials science, fluid mechanics, and FE\/PE exam preparation the subjects that Kaplan’s test prep platform lists broadly under “Engineering, Architecture and Design” but does not deliver through dedicated, subject-specialist live tutors.<\/p>\n

MEB tutors hold engineering degrees and work with students on actual coursework problems, not standardized test formats. Live online tutoring sessions<\/a> start at $20 per hour<\/a>, with a 30-minute trial session available for $1<\/a>.<\/p>\n

MEB also publishes a clear refund policy<\/a> a single policy that applies uniformly, without the brand-by-brand variation that characterizes Kaplan’s refund structure.<\/p>\n

For engineering students specifically, the decision between Kaplan and MEB comes down to what you are trying to accomplish. If you need standardized test prep (MCAT, LSAT, GRE, ACT, SAT), Kaplan Test Prep is a well-established option. If you need to pass a statics or thermodynamics course, survive an FE exam, or get unstuck on a circuits problem set, MEB is purpose-built for that outcome in a way that Kaplan is not.<\/p>\n

Navitas<\/h3>\n

Navitas<\/a> is a global education provider that offers university pathway programs, English language instruction, and professional development. Like Kaplan International Pathways, Navitas helps international students gain entry into partner universities through structured foundation and diploma programs.<\/p>\n

Navitas operates across multiple countries and is well-regarded for its international pathway model. For Navitas employee reviews, Glassdoor data is available but reflects bot-blocking access restrictions that prevent direct retrieval; the platform is legitimate and long-established.<\/p>\n

Study Group<\/h3>\n

Study Group<\/a> provides international student pathway programs in partnership with more than 50 universities across the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada. Students seeking entry to Study Group’s partner universities<\/a> can complete academic preparation through its programs before transitioning into a degree.<\/p>\n

Study Group is a strong alternative to Kaplan International Pathways for students seeking UK or North American university access. AmbitionBox employee reviews for Study Group rate the company positively for work culture.<\/p>\n

Achievable<\/h3>\n

Achievable<\/a> is an adaptive exam preparation platform focused primarily on financial certifications. Its SIE exam course is available from $99<\/a>, making it significantly more affordable than Kaplan Financial Education for equivalent certifications.<\/p>\n

Achievable publishes its reviews<\/a> openly and offers scholarships<\/a> for eligible students. Unlike Kaplan, Achievable does not offer live instruction its model is entirely self-paced adaptive study. Glassdoor employee reviews for Achievable are accessible with login.<\/p>\n

Mindful Education<\/h3>\n

Mindful Education<\/a> provides online and on-campus apprenticeship and professional qualification programs<\/a> exclusively in the United Kingdom. It is a relevant Kaplan alternative primarily for UK-based students pursuing professional or vocational qualifications.<\/p>\n

For students outside the UK, Mindful Education is not applicable. Glassdoor data for Mindful Education shows employee satisfaction, though direct access reflects standard bot-blocking restrictions common to that platform.<\/p>\n

Tutor.com<\/h3>\n

Tutor.com<\/a> offers on-demand tutoring for K-12 and early college subjects, available at $39.99 per month with a 7-day free trial<\/a>. Tutor.com covers a broad range of subjects including math, science, and writing, but is not specialized for upper-division engineering coursework or professional engineering certifications.<\/p>\n

For students in early general-education phases (calculus, physics, introductory chemistry), Tutor.com is a cost-effective option. For junior and senior engineering students, the subject depth is typically insufficient.<\/p>\n

Read More: Cambridge Engineering: What Makes the Course Unique?<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

How Does Kaplan Work?<\/h2>\n

Kaplan delivers content through three core models self-paced on-demand courses, live online classes with set schedules, and one-on-one tutoring and the model type determines both the price and the refund terms that apply to your enrollment.<\/p>\n

Not every Kaplan brand offers all three formats; the brand and the specific course or certification you are targeting determines which formats are available.<\/p>\n

For Students<\/h3>\n

Students enrolling in Kaplan access content through whichever brand and format applies to their goal. For test prep (ACT, SAT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE, NCLEX), students typically choose between self-paced on-demand course access, live online sessions with a scheduled instructor, or individual tutoring sessions booked directly.<\/p>\n

Self-paced courses provide the flexibility of asynchronous study but do not include live interaction. Live online courses follow a fixed schedule cancellation or rescheduling is subject to the brand’s specific policy. Tutoring sessions are the most expensive format and provide direct access to a Kaplan instructor for targeted preparation.<\/p>\n

For professional qualifications (ACCA, CIMA, CFP, CFA), the format depends on the brand: Kaplan Learning uses a subscription model, while Kaplan Financial Education uses course-purchase access. Students applying to international universities use Kaplan International Pathways programs, which function more like intensive academic programs with fixed enrollment periods than on-demand courses. Tutor and vacancy information is available through Kaplan’s job role vacancy portal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For Tutors<\/h3>\n

Kaplan tutors work primarily as freelance contractors, which contributes to the work-life balance scores in Glassdoor and Indeed reviews. Tutors set their own hours and work remotely, but the trade-off is lower base pay and limited structured training both of which appear consistently in negative tutor reviews.<\/p>\n

Kaplan does not provide formal onboarding programs for tutors, which is a recurring complaint. Hourly pay for Kaplan tutors varies by subject and format; Glassdoor<\/a> and Indeed<\/a> both carry tutor compensation data, subject to standard bot-access restrictions on those platforms.<\/p>\n

Check Out: Solving Real Engineering Problems with AI Math Solvers<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Kaplan: Company Information<\/h2>\n

Founded in 1938 by Stanley Kaplan in Brooklyn, New York, Kaplan now operates as a subsidiary of Graham Holdings and serves more than 1 million students annually across 8 sub-brands spanning test prep, professional certifications, language learning, and degree pathways.<\/p>\n

It is one of the longest-operating education companies in the United States, and its scale and longevity are meaningful markers of institutional stability even as its student-facing service quality ratings remain a point of ongoing concern.<\/p>\n

Founding Year and Background<\/h3>\n

Kaplan was founded in 1938 as a one-man SAT preparation operation run from a basement in Brooklyn. According to Wikipedia’s Kaplan, Inc. entry<\/a>, the company grew from that single-subject tutoring operation into a global enterprise spanning dozens of countries, eventually becoming part of The Washington Post Company before that company rebranded as Graham Holdings. Kaplan now operates from offices in Singapore, the UK, Australia, the USA, and dozens of additional markets.<\/p>\n

Founder’s Details<\/h3>\n

Stanley Kaplan (born May 24, 1919) founded the company as a direct response to the then-prevalent belief that SAT scores could not be improved through preparation a belief that Kaplan spent decades systematically disproving.<\/p>\n

Per Wikipedia’s Stanley Kaplan entry<\/a>, Kaplan’s parents emigrated from the present-day countries of Latvia and Belarus. His company’s central thesis that test performance is a learnable skill, not an innate fixed trait became foundational to the modern test preparation industry.<\/p>\n

Mission and Vision<\/h3>\n

Kaplan’s stated mission is to provide educational services that help students achieve their academic and professional goals. Per the company’s own published documentation, summarized in Wikipedia’s Kaplan overview<\/a>, the company’s vision<\/a> centers on expanding access to education globally. The Kaplan Education Foundation, a separate charitable arm, supports access programs; its work is described at Kaplan Education Foundation’s about page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Scale of Operation<\/h3>\n

Kaplan operates a global enterprise with 10,000 employees serving more than 1 million students annually, partnering with 4,100 educational institutions and 13,000 corporate clients. Its geographic footprint includes dedicated brand presences in Singapore<\/a>, the UK<\/a>, Australia<\/a>, and the USA<\/a>, with operations extending into dozens of additional countries through its international language and pathway brands.<\/p>\n

Types of Services<\/h3>\n

Kaplan’s 8 brands collectively offer: standardized test preparation (Kaplan Test Prep), professional accountancy qualification support (Kaplan Learning), language learning (Kaplan International Languages), real estate licensing (Kaplan Real Estate Education), financial certification preparation (Kaplan Financial Education), international university pathway programs (Kaplan International Pathways), professional certifications in Australia (Kaplan Professional), and accredited online business degrees in Australia (Kaplan Business School<\/a>). No single Kaplan brand offers all of these services each brand operates with its own platform, pricing structure, and support model.<\/p>\n

Subjects Offered<\/h3>\n

Kaplan Test Prep covers a broad range of subjects tied to major standardized exams, including math, verbal reasoning, biology, chemistry, physics, and relevant to engineering students Engineering, Architecture and Design<\/a> under its test preparation catalog.<\/p>\n

However, this engineering coverage is structured around exam readiness (AP tests and certain professional licensing exams), not subject-specific deep tutoring in coursework like thermodynamics, statics, or circuit analysis. For the latter, Kaplan Test Prep is not the appropriate tool.<\/p>\n

Unique Features of Kaplan<\/h3>\n

Kaplan’s most distinctive feature relative to competitors is its breadth: no single alternative offers the same combination of K-12 test prep, professional accountancy qualifications, international degree pathways, financial certifications, language learning, and business degrees under one umbrella.<\/p>\n

This breadth is simultaneously its strongest differentiator and its greatest source of confusion for students different brands operate as effectively separate companies with different platforms, policies, and support quality levels.<\/p>\n

Kaplan Test Prep specifically features the Score Guarantee on select courses: Kaplan guarantees a higher score or offers a refund or repeat of the course at no charge. The specific terms of this guarantee vary by course and are documented in the relevant course terms. This guarantee does not extend to all Kaplan brands.<\/p>\n

USP of Kaplan<\/h3>\n

Kaplan’s unique selling proposition is its 85-year track record in exam preparation, combined with the recognition that its brand carries in professional contexts (especially MCAT, LSAT, and GRE preparation). For students in those specific high-stakes exam categories, Kaplan’s institutional credibility and course completion data (per its own published figures, 95% of students got into top-choice schools) represent genuine value.<\/p>\n

The USP weakens materially outside of standardized test prep in professional accountancy, financial certifications, and engineering-specific tutoring, newer and more specialized alternatives have emerged that offer competitive or superior quality at lower price points.<\/p>\n

Drawbacks of Kaplan<\/h3>\n

The most significant drawbacks reported by students in 2026: refund issues driven by brand-specific and often restrictive policies; unexpected course cancellations without adequate compensation or rescheduling; outdated content in some course versions; unresponsive customer support; and lack of subject-specialist depth outside of the major standardized tests.<\/p>\n

For engineering students specifically, the absence of dedicated live tutoring for engineering coursework is the primary structural limitation. Kaplan’s brand breadth also creates confusion students who enroll without understanding which Kaplan brand applies to their goal often end up paying for a product that does not address their actual need.<\/p>\n

Comparison with My Engineering Buddy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Kaplan vs My Engineering Buddy: Feature Comparison<\/caption>\n
Feature<\/th>\nKaplan<\/th>\nMy Engineering Buddy (MEB)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Engineering Subjects<\/td>\nListed under test prep (AP, standardized exams); not specialist live tutoring<\/td>\nCore specialty: statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, circuits, FE\/PE exam prep<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Service Type<\/td>\nSelf-paced courses + live classes + tutoring (varies by brand)<\/td>\nLive 1-on-1 engineering tutoring sessions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Starting Price<\/td>\n$79 (Kaplan Test Prep)<\/td>\n$20 per hour<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trial<\/td>\n5\u20137 days free (varies by brand)<\/td>\n$1 for a 30-minute live tutoring session<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Refund Policy<\/td>\n3 days to census date (varies by brand; 8 brands, 8 policies)<\/td>\nSingle uniform refund policy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Student Rating<\/td>\n1\/5 on ConsumerAffairs (469 reviews)<\/td>\n4.8\/5 on Trustpilot<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MEB Reviews<\/td>\nAvailable on Glassdoor<\/a><\/td>\nGlassdoor<\/a> | Ambition Box<\/a> | Trustpilot<\/a> | Reviews.io<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Specialization<\/td>\nBroad (8 brands, many subject areas)<\/td>\nEngineering-only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Customer Support and Policies<\/h3>\n

Kaplan’s customer support quality varies by brand and is a consistent source of negative feedback across student-facing reviews. ConsumerAffairs complaints from 2025\u20132026 specifically cite: difficulty reaching support during class cancellation windows, slow response times on refund requests, and inconsistent application of stated policies.<\/p>\n

These complaints are not uniform across all 8 brands Kaplan Business School and Kaplan International Pathways typically serve students with higher engagement levels and dedicated advisors. Kaplan Test Prep and Kaplan Learning, serving a higher volume of lower-cost subscription customers, appear most affected by support quality issues.<\/p>\n

Global Reach and Localization<\/h3>\n

Kaplan operates dedicated brand presences in Singapore, the UK, Australia, and the USA, with its international language and pathways brands serving students in more than 35 countries. The Kaplan Australia story page<\/a> documents its regional development.<\/p>\n

This geographic reach is a genuine advantage for international students who need pathway programs, language preparation, or professional certifications that map to specific country-level accreditation frameworks. For domestic US or UK students focused on test prep or engineering coursework, the global footprint has little practical relevance.<\/p>\n

Kaplan’s Future Plans<\/h3>\n

Kaplan’s published plans for the future of higher education<\/a> center on expanding AI-assisted learning tools, growing institutional partnerships, and extending its online delivery capabilities. The direction aligns with broader industry trends toward blended learning models.<\/p>\n

These developments are most relevant to Kaplan’s institutional (university partnership) business and less immediately relevant to individual students evaluating a test prep or certification course in 2026. Student-facing product improvements, particularly in customer support and refund policy clarity, are not prominently featured in its published future-planning content.<\/p>\n

Read More: AI for STEM Learning Using Generative Tools to Make Math and Engineering Concepts Easier<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

FAQs About Kaplan (2026)<\/h3>\n

Is Kaplan a legitimate company?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes. Kaplan has operated since 1938 and is owned by Graham Holdings. It holds institutional partnerships with 4,100 educational institutions and serves more than 1 million students annually. Its ConsumerAffairs 1\/5 rating reflects billing and scheduling complaints \u2014 not questions about the company’s legal legitimacy or institutional existence.<\/p>\n

Which Kaplan brand is best for engineering students?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kaplan Test Prep lists engineering, architecture, and design as subject areas, but this refers to AP-level test preparation rather than deep engineering coursework tutoring. For statics, thermodynamics, circuits, dynamics, or FE\/PE exam preparation, a dedicated engineering platform such as MEB’s engineering homework help<\/a> is a more appropriate match than any Kaplan brand.<\/p>\n

What is Kaplan Test Prep’s refund policy?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kaplan Test Prep provides a 100% refund if you cancel within 3 days of your initial purchase date for the first subscription month. After that window, no refunds are provided. This strict 3-day window is the source of most ConsumerAffairs complaints students who miss it by even one day are routinely denied any refund regardless of whether they have used the course.<\/p>\n

Does Kaplan offer a free trial?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Several Kaplan brands offer trial access: Kaplan Learning (5-day), Kaplan Test Prep for NCLEX (7-day), Kaplan International Languages (free English test), Kaplan Financial Education (5-day for CFP materials), and the CFA free trial now at Schweser. The availability and format of free trials depends entirely on which Kaplan brand you are evaluating.<\/p>\n

Why does Kaplan have a 1\/5 rating on ConsumerAffairs?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kaplan’s ConsumerAffairs rating of 1 out of 5 from 469 reviews is driven primarily by billing and customer service complaints most frequently: refund requests denied after the cancellation window, unexpected class cancellations without adequate rescheduling, and unresponsive support. Content quality complaints exist but are a secondary theme in the review data.<\/p>\n

How does Kaplan compare to My Engineering Buddy?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kaplan and MEB serve different primary purposes. Kaplan is strong for standardized test prep (MCAT, LSAT, ACT, GRE). MEB is purpose-built for engineering coursework: live 1-on-1 sessions in statics, thermodynamics, circuits, and FE\/PE exam prep, starting at $20\/hour with a $1 trial. For an engineering student who needs to pass a statics exam or prepare for the FE, MEB’s specialization is more directly applicable than any Kaplan product.<\/p>\n

What subjects does Kaplan cover?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Across its 8 brands, Kaplan covers: standardized test content (SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE, NCLEX, GED, AP), professional accountancy (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, AAT), language learning (ESL and other languages), real estate licensing, financial certifications (CFP, insurance, securities), international university pathway coursework, professional certifications (CFA now via Schweser), and online business degrees. Engineering as a subject area appears under Kaplan Test Prep’s exam catalog but is not offered as live subject-specific engineering tutoring.<\/p>\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n