Kaplan, Inc.
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| Kaplan, Inc. | |
|---|---|
| Name | Kaplan, Inc. |
| Type | Private |
| Industry | Test preparation, higher education, professional training, publishing |
| Founded | 1938 |
| Founder | Stanley H. Kaplan |
| Headquarters | Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States |
| Area served | Worldwide |
| Parent | Graham Holdings Company |
Kaplan, Inc. is a global education services company founded in 1938 by Stanley H. Kaplan. The company grew from test-preparation tutoring in New York City into a multinational provider of academic degree programs, professional licensure preparation, and corporate training, operating across multiple continents. Kaplan's operations have intersected with institutions such as Princeton University, New York University, and regulators like the U.S. Department of Education, while facing scrutiny similar to firms linked to For-profit higher education in the United States and regulatory actions akin to those involving DeVry University and University of Phoenix.
History
Kaplan was established in 1938 in Brooklyn by Stanley H. Kaplan following early work that paralleled private tutoring traditions in Manhattan and coaching practices associated with institutions like Columbia University. In the postwar expansion era the company expanded test-prep offerings for exams such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, the Law School Admission Test, the Graduate Record Examination, and the Medical College Admission Test, echoing trends in companies serving Ivy League aspirants and students of Harvard University. Kaplan's growth in the late 20th century included acquisitions and diversification into publishing and higher education, converging with corporate strategies seen at Pearson PLC and McGraw-Hill Education. Kaplan became a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (now Graham Holdings Company), aligning its corporate trajectory with media and education conglomerates such as The New York Times Company and Bertelsmann. Throughout its history Kaplan has interacted with accreditation bodies like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and regulatory episodes reminiscent of investigations into student loan practices and accreditation controversies that have affected firms including ITT Educational Services.
Services and Products
Kaplan's portfolio includes test preparation for standardized exams such as the SAT, the ACT, the GMAT, the GRE, the LSAT, and the USMLE. Kaplan publishes study materials, practice tests, and digital platforms competing with offerings from Barron's Educational Series, Princeton Review, and Cengage Learning. The company offers higher education programs through campuses and online degree pathways similar to models used by Southern New Hampshire University and Capella University, and provides continuing professional education for professions regulated by bodies like the American Bar Association and the American Medical Association. Kaplan also delivers corporate training and workforce development services comparable to programs from LinkedIn Learning and Coursera, and creates licensing preparation for certifications connected to organizations such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and the Project Management Institute.
Corporate Structure and Ownership
Kaplan is a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company, which formerly operated as The Washington Post Company before divesting The Washington Post newspaper to Jeff Bezos. The corporate governance structure places Kaplan alongside other Graham Holdings assets similar to how conglomerates like Bertelsmann and RELX group education and media businesses. Executives at Kaplan have managed divisions focusing on publishing, higher education, and professional services, working with boards and audit committees in lines comparable to corporate practices at McKinsey & Company–advised firms and regulatory oversight by agencies like the Federal Trade Commission in matters related to consumer protection.
Global Operations
Kaplan operates in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America with services in cities including London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Toronto, and São Paulo. The company has partnered with universities and institutions such as University of London International Programmes, collaborative arrangements reminiscent of joint ventures seen with Kaplan International Colleges and partnerships like those between INSEAD and private providers. Kaplan's international footprint engages with regional accreditation entities such as Her Majesty's Government's education regulators in the United Kingdom and quality assurance systems akin to TEQSA in Australia, and competes in markets alongside multinational education brands like EF Education First and Navitas.
Controversies and Criticism
Kaplan has faced criticism and regulatory scrutiny over recruitment practices, advertising claims, and outcomes reporting, situating it within wider debates involving For-profit higher education in the United States and policy responses similar to those affecting DeVry University and Corinthian Colleges. Investigations and lawsuits have invoked consumer protection frameworks comparable to actions by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and settlements echoing cases involving Ashford University. Critics have also compared Kaplan's model to controversies faced by publishers such as McGraw-Hill Education when contesting test-prep materials and by institutions scrutinized for loan default rates and job-placement disclosures like ITT Educational Services.
Philanthropy and Partnerships
Kaplan has engaged in philanthropic initiatives and partnerships with nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, aligning with philanthropic patterns seen at foundations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and collaborations reminiscent of corporate partnerships with Khan Academy and UNICEF. The company has supported scholarship programs, teacher-training projects, and community outreach initiatives similar to programs run by Teach For America and corporate social responsibility efforts of Microsoft and Google in education technology. Partnerships with universities and professional bodies have included cooperative arrangements comparable to those between private providers and public institutions like City University of New York.