How Kaplan Has Transformed the Landscape of Student Services and Training Services Over the Decades
Kaplan, a globally recognized leader in education and training, has played a pivotal role in shaping student services and professional training programs for more than eight decades. Since its establishment, Kaplan has continuously innovated across multiple educational sectors, adapting to learners’ needs and harnessing new technologies to broaden access. This article traces Kaplan’s evolution from a test-prep company to a diversified global education and training organization and highlights the strategies that helped it scale and partner with institutions and corporations around the world.
A Brief Overview of Kaplan
Founded in 1938 by Stanley Kaplan, Kaplan, Inc. began with a focus on helping students achieve higher scores on standardized tests. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the company has grown far beyond its original mission. Today Kaplan serves approximately 1.2 million students and professionals and partners with more than 13,000 corporate clients and 4,000 educational institutions worldwide. Committed to expanding educational opportunities and workforce readiness, Kaplan’s programs now span test preparation, higher education, vocational training, professional certification, and language instruction.
Innovating Student Services: A Decade-by-Decade Journey
1950s–1980s: Foundations in Test Preparation
Kaplan’s reputation was built on test preparation. From the 1950s through the 1980s, the company developed curriculum, practice exams, and in-person coaching that helped generations of students prepare for tests such as the SAT and GRE. Kaplan’s early study guides and classroom-style instruction introduced structured learning methods and score-driven pedagogy that became a standard in the test-prep industry.
1990s: Expansion into Online Learning
As the internet matured in the 1990s, Kaplan invested in digital delivery of content. Moving courses and resources online allowed Kaplan to reach students beyond urban centers and traditional classroom footprints. The digital shift introduced flexible learning schedules, on-demand materials, and new formats—precursors to the blended learning models that would dominate later decades.
2000s: A Commitment to Career Development
The 2000s saw Kaplan broaden its offerings to include career-focused programs and higher education partnerships. Recognizing that credentialing and career readiness were central to lifelong learning, Kaplan expanded into professional training, test preparation for licensure exams, and degree programs through collaborations with colleges and universities. These initiatives reflected a shift from purely academic preparation to tangible career outcomes.
2010s–Present: Global Partnerships and Workforce Solutions
In recent years, Kaplan has emphasized global reach and corporate training. The organization’s partnerships with more than 13,000 corporate clients and 4,000 educational institutions underscore its role as a provider of customized training, continuing education, and scalable student-services solutions. Kaplan’s offerings for professionals—ranging from certification prep to executive education—address the upskilling and reskilling needs of modern workforces.
Technology, Personalization, and Student Support
A key driver of Kaplan’s longevity has been its commitment to integrating technology and data-driven personalization into learning. Adaptive learning platforms, analytics that track student progress, and blended learning formats have allowed Kaplan to tailor instruction to individual needs. Complementary student services—such as academic advising, career counseling, and test strategy workshops—create a support ecosystem that improves retention and outcomes.
Impact and Outlook
Kaplan’s expansion from a single-purpose test-prep company to a comprehensive education and training provider reflects broader trends in lifelong learning and workforce development. Serving about 1.2 million students and professionals worldwide, Kaplan demonstrates how scalable, technology-enabled solutions and institutional partnerships can expand access and support career mobility. As education demands evolve, Kaplan’s ability to adapt—through online innovation, international partnerships, and employer-focused programs—positions it to remain a major influence in both student services and professional training.