Quality CPA prep doesn't have to cost $5,000. We compare the most affordable options, from free to under $1,000, on total cost, question bank size, simulations, and access length. New to the CPA journey? Start with our guide to becoming a CPA.
How we compare: Every price and figure below is taken from each provider's own pricing page and verified as of June 2026. We weigh total cost over a real study timeline, question bank size, task-based simulations, and access length. Prices and features change, so always confirm directly with the provider before purchasing. Meridian CPA Review operates this site; that relationship is disclosed wherever Meridian appears below.
Full access free during beta. No credit card, no trial expiration.
Four paid courses that deliver a full question bank and simulations without premium pricing, ordered by starting price.
Watch for: Monthly billing model can total more than one-time courses over long study periods · Smaller brand presence than Becker with Big 4 employers · No pass guarantee or refund policy
Best for: Budget-conscious candidates who want a full course at the lowest monthly price with no commitment
Watch for: Fewer task-based simulations (150+) than NINJA, Surgent, or Gleim · Smaller brand presence than the market leaders · Annual or monthly billing rather than one-time until-you-pass access
Best for: Candidates who want coaching and a video walkthrough for every question at a low flat price
Watch for: Fewer video lecture hours than competitors · Less brand recognition than Becker · Lowest tier drops printed materials and 1-on-1 coaching
Best for: Self-motivated learners who want adaptive technology with one-time, until-you-pass pricing
Watch for: Starting price is higher than other budget picks · No mobile app — desktop and audio downloads only · Questions are intentionally harder than the real exam
Best for: Candidates who learn best through extensive practice and want the biggest question bank
A monthly plan looks cheaper than a one-time course until you add up the months. Here is roughly what each option costs across a typical nine-month study plan covering multiple sections.
| Course | Sticker Price | ~9-Month Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian (beta) | Free | $0 | No expiration during beta |
| NINJA | $67/mo | ~$603 | 9 months × $67 |
| Kesler | $97/mo or $997/yr | $873 – $997 | Monthly adds up toward the annual price |
| Surgent | $799 one-time | $799 | Access until you pass |
| Gleim | $2,499 one-time | $2,499 | 18-month access |
Illustrative totals based on listed prices as of June 2026, not a quote. One-time courses keep their price regardless of how long you study; monthly plans scale with your timeline.
| Feature | Meridian | NINJA | Kesler | Surgent | Gleim |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free | $67/mo | $97/mo | $799 | $2,499 |
| MCQ Questions | 6,000+ | 8,000+ | 8,000+ | 9,000+ | 12,000+ |
| Task-Based Sims | 500+ | 300+ | 150+ | 500+ | 1,600+ |
| Adaptive Learning | Yes | Yes | Gamified | A.S.A.P. | SmartAdapt |
| Access | No expiry (beta) | Monthly | Monthly/annual | Until you pass | 18mo–unlimited |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Whether you go with a budget course or not, these free resources stretch your study budget further:
CPA review courses range from free to about $3,499. Meridian is free during its beta. Paid budget options start at $67/month (NINJA) and $97/month or $997/year (Kesler), Surgent runs $799 to $1,699 one-time, and Gleim runs $2,499 to $3,499. Premium courses like Becker can exceed $5,000.
Meridian CPA Review is free during its beta period with no credit card required. Among paid courses, NINJA is the lowest at $67 per month with no long-term contract, followed by Kesler at $97 per month.
Yes. Meridian offers full access to 6,000+ questions and 500+ simulations free during beta. The AICPA publishes free official sample tests, and channels like Farhat Accounting and Edspira post free lectures on YouTube.
Yes. Passing depends far more on study hours and question practice than on price. Budget options such as NINJA, Kesler, and Surgent each include thousands of multiple-choice questions and full task-based simulations aligned to the AICPA Blueprints.
Yes. NINJA includes 300+ simulations, Kesler 150+, Surgent 500+, Gleim 1,600+, and Meridian 500+. Simulations matter because they count for roughly half of your score on each CPA exam section.
NINJA bills $67 per month with no commitment, which suits short timelines or supplementing another course. Surgent is $799 one-time with access until you pass, which works better if you expect a longer study period across several sections.
Not necessarily. Surgent's adaptive engine and Gleim's question bank rival premium courses. The main differences at higher price points are brand recognition and live instruction, not necessarily better practice material.
While you're comparing options, why not try our platform? Access 6,000+ practice questions and task-based simulations completely free during our beta period. No credit card required. Use our study hours calculator to plan how much time you need.
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