
Introduction to Kaplan, Inc.
Kaplan, Inc. is a premier global educational services company headquartered in New York, New York, with a robust presence in over 30 countries. As a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company, Kaplan has established itself as a titan in the education industry, serving millions of students annually through its diverse portfolio of test preparation, higher education, professional training, and language programs. With annual revenues exceeding $1.5 billion and a workforce of over 20,000 employees, Kaplan's influence spans from K-12 tutoring to corporate executive education. The company's market reputation is built on decades of academic excellence, technological innovation, and a commitment to outcomes that empower learners at every stage of life. Organizations ranging from government agencies to Fortune 500 companies rely on Kaplan's tailored educational solutions to upskill employees and bridge skill gaps.
Company History and Business Evolution
Founded in 1938 by Stanley H. Kaplan as a small test preparation service in his parents' basement in Brooklyn, New York, Kaplan, Inc. began its journey with a simple yet revolutionary idea: that every student has the potential to succeed with the right guidance. The early decades saw Kaplan expand its tutoring services for the SAT and other standardized tests, becoming a household name in test prep by the 1970s. A pivotal milestone came in 1994 when Kaplan was acquired by The Washington Post Company (now Graham Holdings), providing the capital to diversify into online education, professional training, and university partnerships. The launch of Kaplan University (later acquired by Purdue University in 2017) marked a strategic push into degree-granting institutions. In the 2000s, Kaplan expanded globally through acquisitions like Interactive Data Corporation and Kaplan Aspect, and entered the healthcare and finance training sectors. The company's digital transformation accelerated with the development of Kaplan Learning Labs, leveraging AI to personalize student study plans. Despite challenges in regulatory environments, Kaplan has continuously reinvented itself, now focusing on corporate training, EdTech platforms, and government partnerships to meet the demands of the 21st-century workforce.
Kaplan, Inc. at a Glance
- Headquarters: New York, New York
- Founded: 1938 by Stanley H. Kaplan
- CEO: Linda A. Rhodes (current interim CEO)
- Revenue: Over $1.5 billion (2023)
- Employees: 20,000+
- Global Reach: 30+ countries
- Industry: Education and Training
- Parent Company: Graham Holdings Company
- Key Subsidiaries: Kaplan Test Prep, Kaplan International Languages, Kaplan Professional
- Product Focus: Test preparation, higher education, corporate learning, language training
- Awards: Ranked among Top 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers by Working Mother Media
- Notable Alumni: Over 10 million students served
- Online Platform: Kaplan Learning Labs, Live Online classes
- Accreditations: Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (for select institutions)
- Community Involvement: Kaplan Foundation, scholarships, and disaster relief programs
- Digital Innovation: Adaptive learning technology, predictive analytics for student success
- Partnerships: Over 1,000 universities and 3,000 corporate clients
- IPO History: Privately held by Graham Holdings
- Stock Symbol: N/A (Graham Holdings stock ticker: GHC)
- Future Focus: Competency-based education, micro-credentials, and AI-driven tutoring
Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values
Kaplan, Inc.'s mission is to empower individuals to achieve their goals through education by providing accessible, high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for academic progression, career advancement, and personal growth. The company’s vision is to become the world’s most trusted education partner, bridging the gap between potential and achievement for learners of all backgrounds. Core corporate values include: Excellence in every program they offer; Innovation in adopting new technologies and pedagogies; Integrity in transparent reporting and ethical business practices; Inclusivity in designing programs that serve diverse demographics; and Partnership with employers, universities, and governments to address workforce readiness. These values are integrated into daily operations, from curriculum design to customer service, ensuring that every interaction reflects Kaplan’s commitment to student success.
Business Strategy and Future Roadmap
Kaplan, Inc. has charted a future-focused strategy centered on digital transformation, competency-based learning, and global expansion. The company is investing heavily in AI-powered adaptive learning platforms that deliver personalized study plans, reducing time to proficiency by 30% in pilot programs. Partnerships with corporate giants like Microsoft and Amazon allow Kaplan to offer specialized training in cloud computing, data science, and cybersecurity. The future roadmap includes launching a unified digital credentialing system that allows learners to stack micro-credentials into formal degrees. Additionally, Kaplan plans to expand its presence in emerging markets across Asia-Pacific and Latin America, leveraging local partnerships to offer affordable, region-specific programs. Sustainability is also a pillar, with a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 through digital-first delivery and green campuses. The company aims to increase its annual student base to 15 million by 2028, driven by these initiatives.
Products, Technologies, and Services
Kaplan, Inc. offers a vast array of products and services organized into three major divisions: Test Preparation, Higher Education, and Professional Training. Under test preparation, Kaplan provides courses for GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, SAT, ACT, USMLE, and NCLEX, both in-person and online. The proprietary Kaplan Learning Labs platform uses machine learning to identify knowledge gaps and deliver adaptive practice questions. For higher education, Kaplan partners with universities to offer online degree programs, executive certificates, and bachelor's completion programs. In professional training, Kaplan delivers corporate learning solutions in fields like finance (CFA, CPA), healthcare (CPE, nursing), and technology (CompTIA, Cisco). Kaplan also offers English language training through Kaplan International Languages, with immersive programs in over 50 centers worldwide. Their technology stack includes proprietary AI algorithms for performance prediction and a cloud-based learning management system (LMS) that integrates with client HR platforms. Kaplan has also developed virtual and augmented reality simulations for medical and nursing training, providing risk-free practice environments.
Industries and Markets Served
Kaplan, Inc. serves a diverse market spanning K-12 education, higher education, professional services, healthcare, finance, government, and non-profits. In the corporate sector, Kaplan partners with over 3,000 companies, including JP Morgan Chase, Deloitte, and UnitedHealth Group, to upskill employees in leadership, compliance, and technical domains. The government market includes contracts with U.S. Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs for career transition programs. Kaplan also serves international students seeking academic preparation for study abroad. The company’s non-profit arm, the Kaplan Foundation, provides scholarships and free test prep resources to underserved communities. Kaplan’s ability to customize solutions for regulated industries—such as CPA exam prep for accounting firms or USMLE prep for medical schools—has cemented its reputation as a trusted partner across sectors.
Leadership and Management Philosophy
Kaplan, Inc. is led by a diverse executive team with deep experience in education, technology, and business strategy. The current interim CEO, Linda A. Rhodes, previously served as COO and oversees a decentralized management structure that empowers regional presidents and division heads. The leadership philosophy emphasizes servant leadership, data-driven decision-making, and a student-first mindset. Managers are encouraged to foster continuous learning cultures within their teams, mirroring the company’s core mission. Kaplan also invests in leadership development programs for high-potential employees, including rotational assignments and mentorship from senior executives. The company has a flat organizational structure in many departments to promote agility and innovation.
Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement
Kaplan, Inc. regularly participates in and hosts major education industry events such as AERA Annual Meeting, SXSW EDU, and ASU+GSV Summit. Internally, Kaplan organizes annual leadership retreats, innovation hackathons, and employee volunteer days. The Kaplan Foundation sponsors college readiness workshops in low-income communities and provides emergency grants during natural disasters. In 2023, Kaplan launched a global virtual conference series, “Future of Learning,” which attracted over 50,000 attendees and featured speakers from UNESCO and World Economic Forum. Community engagement is a core part of Kaplan’s culture, with employees contributing over 100,000 volunteer hours annually.
Employees and Workplace Culture
Kaplan, Inc. fosters a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that values innovation, flexibility, and professional growth. The company offers remote and hybrid work options for many roles, along with comprehensive benefits including health insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment assistance, and generous paid time off. Kaplan’s employee resource groups (ERGs) such as Kaplan Women in Leadership and Kaplan Pride promote diversity and belonging. The company has been recognized as a Great Place to Work and consistently scores high on employee engagement surveys. Learning and development is a priority, with internal platforms offering 500+ online courses and a mentorship program pairing junior staff with senior leaders.
Job Details & Requirements for this Posting
Role: Education Program Manager
Department: Product Development
Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)
Salary: $80,000 - $95,000 per year
Type: Full-time
Start Date: Immediate
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of new educational programs from concept to launch, ensuring alignment with Kaplan’s strategic goals.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts, instructional designers, and technology teams to create engaging curriculum for online and blended learning.
- Conduct market research and analyze student performance data to identify improvement opportunities and inform product roadmaps.
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver programs on time and within scope.
- Oversee pilot programs and gather feedback to iterate on program design before full-scale rollout.
- Represent Kaplan at industry events and client meetings to promote program offerings and gather market intelligence.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business, or related field; Master’s preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in educational program management, curriculum development, or product management in EdTech.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects with multiple deliverables.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau) and learning analytics.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to executive leadership.
- Passion for education and a commitment to Kaplan’s mission of empowering learners.
Why Join Kaplan, Inc.?
- Impact: Shape the learning experiences of millions of students globally.
- Growth: Access to continuous professional development and tuition reimbursement.
- Culture: Inclusive, flexible work environment with supportive colleagues.
- Benefits: Competitive compensation, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation
Kaplan, Inc. maintains a strong industry reputation as a reliable education partner, as reflected in reviews across multiple platforms. Below is an exhaustive analysis of feedback from key review sites.
Glassdoor
Kaplan, Inc. holds an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars on Glassdoor based on over 4,000 reviews. Employees praise work-life balance and mission-driven culture, but some note bureaucratic decision-making and salary compression in certain roles. The CEO approval rating stands at 76%, indicating general confidence in leadership. Common themes include collaborative teams and opportunities for advancement, with particular positivity around remote work flexibility post-pandemic. Negative reviews often cite layoffs during restructuring and inconsistent communication between divisions. Overall, Glassdoor reviews suggest a solid employer with room for improvement in agility.
Indeed
On Indeed, Kaplan scores 3.7 out of 5 with over 2,000 reviews. Employees highlight great benefits and supportive managers, but caution about high workload during peak testing seasons. Many reviewers mention pride in helping students succeed as a key motivator. The average tenure is 3.5 years, reflecting moderate retention. Specific positive comments include generous PTO and tuition assistance. Negatives include limited career mobility in some departments and outdated technology in legacy systems. Indeed hosts a mix of roles from operations to instruction, with entry-level roles rated slightly lower than managerial positions.
Gartner Peer Insights
Kaplan’s corporate training solutions receive high marks on Gartner Peer Insights, averaging 4.2 out of 5 from learning and development professionals. Clients appreciate the comprehensive content library and customizable learning paths. One reviewer noted: “Kaplan’s platform allowed us to scale our compliance training across 12 countries seamlessly.” Critiques include integration challenges with certain legacy HRIS systems and pricing for smaller firms. The product is rated as market-leading for regulatory compliance training.
Trustpilot
On Trustpilot, Kaplan receives 4.1 out of 5 from over 5,500 reviews, largely from students using test prep services. Positive themes include excellent instructors, user-friendly online portal, and score improvement guarantees. Negative reviews often stem from cancellation policies and customer service delays during refund processing. Trustpilot ratings differ by product line, with MCAT prep and LSAT prep scoring highest (4.3), while some language programs score closer to 3.8 due to accommodation issues abroad.
G2
Kaplan’s LMS and learning software are rated 4.0 out of 5 on G2. Users appreciate the adaptive learning engine and mobile compatibility. Peer reviews emphasize strong analytics dashboards for tracking student progress. Drawbacks include limited customization for non-traditional course structures and occasional bugs in the mobile app. Kaplan’s product compares favorably to competitors like Coursera for Business and LinkedIn Learning, especially in regulated industries.
Google Reviews
Google Reviews for Kaplan’s test prep centers average 4.3 out of 5 across 3,500 locations. Customers frequently praise knowledgeable tutors and clean facilities. Common criticisms include inconsistent quality across different center franchises and high prices. Kaplan responds to most reviews, showing engagement with student feedback. Many reviews mention significant score improvements, reinforcing the brand’s effectiveness.
LinkedIn Reputation
Kaplan, Inc. has over 500,000 followers on LinkedIn and is recognized as a top company for education professionals. Employer branding content focuses on culture, innovation, and employee stories. Alumni of Kaplan often post about career transitions, and the company’s posts receive high engagement rates. LinkedIn’s “Career Page” analysis shows that Kaplan attracts talent with strong mission alignment and competitive benefits. Some industry influencers cite Kaplan as a benchmark for corporate training in the U.S.
Why Organizations Choose Kaplan, Inc.
Organizations select Kaplan, Inc. for its proven track record, scalable solutions, and deep expertise across industries. Kaplan’s ability to customize content for specific regulatory frameworks (e.g., FINRA, HIPAA) makes it a preferred vendor for compliance training. The company’s learning science research ensures high engagement and retention rates. Additionally, Kaplan offers flexible pricing models including per-learner, subscription, and enterprise contracts. The global reach of Kaplan allows multinational organizations to deploy consistent training in multiple languages. Third-party certifications and partnerships with Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and Project Management Institute (PMI) add credibility. Organizations also value Kaplan’s dedicated account management and implementation support, ensuring smooth rollout across departments.
Official Contact Information
For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Kaplan, Inc. using the following contact details:
1515 West 22nd Street, Suite 100, Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA
Contact Number: +1 (800) 527-8378
Support Number: +1 (800) 527-8378
Helpdesk Number: +1 (888) 436-4422
Website: www.kaplan.com
Official Social Media Presence
Connect with Kaplan, Inc. on major platforms:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kaplan
Twitter: @Kaplan
Facebook: facebook.com/Kaplan
Instagram: @kaplaninternational
YouTube: youtube.com/user/Kaplan
SEO FAQ Section
1. What does Kaplan, Inc. do?Kaplan, Inc. is a global education company providing test preparation, higher education programs, professional training, and language courses.
2. Where is Kaplan, Inc. headquartered?Kaplan, Inc. is headquartered in New York, New York, with major operational offices in Oak Brook, Illinois.
3. Who is the CEO of Kaplan, Inc.?The interim CEO of Kaplan, Inc. is Linda A. Rhodes.
4. How many employees does Kaplan, Inc. have?Kaplan, Inc. employs over 20,000 people globally.
5. Is Kaplan, Inc. part of a larger corporation?Yes, Kaplan, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company (formerly The Washington Post Company).
6. What is the revenue of Kaplan, Inc.?Kaplan, Inc. generates annual revenues exceeding $1.5 billion.
7. Does Kaplan, Inc. offer online courses?Yes, Kaplan provides a wide range of online courses and adaptive learning platforms through Kaplan Learning Labs.
8. What test prep courses does Kaplan, Inc. offer?Kaplan offers prep courses for GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, SAT, ACT, USMLE, NCLEX, and more.
9. Does Kaplan, Inc. provide corporate training?Yes, Kaplan Professional offers corporate learning solutions in finance, healthcare, technology, and leadership.
10. How can I apply for a job at Kaplan, Inc.?You can apply by visiting the careers section at kaplan.com/careers.
11. What is the workplace culture at Kaplan, Inc.?Kaplan fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and flexibility.
12. Does Kaplan, Inc. offer scholarships?Yes, through the Kaplan Foundation, the company provides scholarships and free resources to underserved communities.
13. How old is Kaplan, Inc.?Kaplan, Inc. was founded in 1938, making it over 85 years old.
14. Is Kaplan, Inc. accredited?Select Kaplan institutions are accredited by bodies like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
15. What technology does Kaplan, Inc. use for learning?Kaplan uses AI-driven adaptive learning, predictive analytics, and virtual simulations.
16. Does Kaplan, Inc. have a presence outside the US?Yes, Kaplan operates in over 30 countries with language centers and partner institutions.
17. What is the salary range for a program manager at Kaplan, Inc.?The salary range for positions like Education Program Manager is $80,000 to $95,000 per year.
18. How does Kaplan, Inc. support employee growth?Kaplan offers tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs, and over 500 internal courses.
19. Is Kaplan, Inc. a good place to work?Based on employee reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed, Kaplan is rated above average for benefits and mission alignment.
20. How can I contact Kaplan, Inc. for support?You can reach Kaplan's support team through their website or by calling +1 (800) 527-8378.
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