South Carolina State University Inks Kaplan Deal for Free Test Prep and Skills Training — Kaplan, Inc.

Event summary

South Carolina State University (SCSU) has partnered with Kaplan to provide free test prep and skills development courses to all students and alumni.
The deal includes access to graduate admissions exams (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT), professional licensing exams, and credential exams.
Students also gain access to professional and academic skills development courses, including data literacy, data analysis, and critical thinking.
Kaplan’s All Access License has already saved tens of thousands of students over $75 million in out-of-pocket costs since its 2022 launch.

The big picture

This partnership aligns with a broader trend of universities investing in career-readiness programs to enhance graduate employability. Kaplan’s All Access License model is gaining traction, particularly among HBCUs and public institutions looking to reduce financial barriers for students. The deal also underscores the growing importance of data literacy and critical thinking skills in workforce preparation.

What we're watching

Partnership Expansion: Whether Kaplan can sustain this model with other HBCUs and public universities, given the growing demand for affordable test prep.
Student Outcomes: How the free access to test prep and skills training will impact graduation rates and post-graduation employment outcomes at SCSU.
Competitive Dynamics: The pace at which competitors like Princeton Review or Chegg adapt similar universal access models to remain relevant in the education services market.