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Kaplan vs STC for Series 65 (2026)
Two established names in securities exam prep with different strengths. Kaplan offers the largest question bank and lowest entry price. STC includes flashcards, instructor hotline, and a pass guarantee. Which traditional approach fits your needs?
Quick Verdict
Kaplan
7.1/10Price: $159-$319
Best for: Budget-conscious learners who want the largest question bank and industry-standard brand
View KaplanNo money-back guarantee
STC
9/10Price: $219-$384
Best for: Traditional learners who want flashcards, instructor support, and a pass guarantee
View STCPass guarantee (Premier/Premier Plus)
Bottom Line:
Choose Kaplan if you want the largest question bank (4,230), the lowest entry price ($159), or your firm specifically requires Kaplan. Choose STC if you want flashcards (1,500+), instructor hotline access, a pass guarantee, or in-person class options. STC offers more value for most traditional learners.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Kaplan 7.1/10 | STC 9/10 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | ✓ $159 (Basic) | $219 (Standard) | Kaplan |
| Question Bank | ✓ 4,230 | 2,800+ | Kaplan |
| Access Duration | 5 months | ✓ 6 months | STC |
| Pass Guarantee | No | ✓ Yes (Premier+ only) | STC |
| Flashcards | $29 extra | ✓ 1,500+ included | STC |
| Instructor Hotline | No | ✓ Yes (all packages) | STC |
| Video Content | 12+ hours | 12 hours | Tie |
| In-Person Classes | No | ✓ Yes (4 cities) | STC |
| Overall Score | 7.1/10 | 9/10 | STC |
Show detailed specifications (8 more categories)
| Practice Exams | 1 full exam (140 Qs) | ✓ 2 Green Light exams (140 Qs) | STC |
| Content Format | Prose (traditional textbook) | Prose (15 chapters) | Tie |
| Mobile App | No (web only) | Deprecated (use web) | Tie |
| Offline Access | No | ✓ Yes (downloadable materials) | STC |
| Extension Cost | $49 per 5 months | Available (fee varies) | Tie |
| Company History | ✓ Founded 1938 (80+ years) | Founded 1969 (55+ years) | Kaplan |
| Market Share | ✓ 70% (industry standard) | Major provider | Kaplan |
| Adaptive Learning | No | No | Tie |
Ready to choose?
Affiliate links. Both tested anonymously at full price.
Pricing Breakdown
Prices verified: January 2026
Kaplan Pricing
- Basic Self-Study $159
- Essential Self-Study $199
- Premium OnDemand $289
- Premium Live Online $319
Access: 5 months
Extensions: $49 per 5 months
Flashcards: $29 (separate purchase)
Pass Guarantee: None
STC Pricing
- Standard $219
- Premier $247
- Premier Plus $384
Access: 6 months (all tiers)
Extensions: Available (fee varies)
Flashcards: 1,500+ (Premier/Premier Plus)
Pass Guarantee: Premier/Premier Plus
Pricing Verdict:
Kaplan has the lowest entry price at $159, but it's a barebones package. For a fair comparison, Kaplan Essential ($199) vs STC Standard ($219) is closer. STC includes instructor hotline at all tiers; Kaplan only includes instructors at $319. When you factor in Kaplan's separate flashcard cost ($29), STC Premier at $247 offers more value with flashcards and pass guarantee included.
Question Bank Comparison
Kaplan
4,230 questions
- ✓ Largest question bank among major providers
- ✓ Best cost-per-question ($0.047 at Essential)
- ✓ Excellent question explanations
- ✗ Only 1 full practice exam
STC
2,800+ questions
- ✓ Solid question bank with good coverage
- ✓ 2 "Green Light" diagnostic exams (140 Qs each)
- ✓ 1,500+ flashcards supplement drilling
- • Fewer total questions than Kaplan
Question Bank Verdict:
Kaplan wins on raw volume with 4,230 questions vs STC's 2,800+. If you believe more questions = better prep, Kaplan is the clear choice. However, STC compensates with 1,500+ flashcards and two diagnostic exams (vs Kaplan's one). Both use static quizzes without adaptive learning.
Features Comparison
Flashcards STC wins
Kaplan: Flashcards sold separately for $29. Not included in any package. Unknown flashcard count.
STC: 1,500+ flashcards included in Premier ($247) and Premier Plus ($384). Organized by chapter and FINRA sections. Excellent for memorization-heavy content like regulations.
Instructor Support STC wins
Kaplan: Instructor access only in Premium Live Online ($319). Lower tiers rely on email support (48-hour response time).
STC: Instructor hotline included in ALL packages, even Standard ($219). Premier Plus adds live virtual and in-person classes. 55+ years of instructor expertise.
Pass Guarantee STC wins
Kaplan: No pass guarantee at any tier. Unusual for a major provider. No refund or extended access if you fail.
STC: Pass guarantee in Premier ($247) and Premier Plus ($384). Offers course repeat or refund if you meet study requirements and fail. Standard ($219) does not include guarantee.
In-Person Classes STC wins
Kaplan: No in-person classes. Premium Live Online ($319) offers live virtual instruction only.
STC: In-person classes available in NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, and Boston (Premier Plus). Unique differentiator for those who prefer classroom learning.
Who Should Choose Kaplan
Kaplan is the better choice if you:
- Want the absolute largest question bank (4,230 questions)
- Are on a tight budget and want the lowest entry price ($159)
- Your employer requires or prefers Kaplan (70% market share)
- Don't need flashcards or are willing to purchase separately
- Value brand recognition and industry-standard status
Who Should Choose STC
STC is the better choice if you:
- Want flashcards included (1,500+ in Premier/Premier Plus)
- Want instructor hotline access (included in all packages)
- Need a pass guarantee for peace of mind
- Live in NYC, Chicago, SF, or Boston and want in-person classes
- Prefer more access time (6 months vs 5 months)
- Want offline access to study materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kaplan or STC better for the Series 65?
STC is the better overall choice with a score of 9.0/10 vs Kaplan's 7.1/10. STC offers flashcards (1,500+), instructor hotline in all packages, a pass guarantee (Premier+), and in-person class options. Kaplan wins on question quantity (4,230 vs 2,800+) and has a lower entry price ($159 vs $219).
Which has more practice questions, Kaplan or STC?
Kaplan has significantly more questions: 4,230 vs STC's 2,800+. If raw question volume is your priority, Kaplan offers the best cost-per-question in the industry. However, STC's questions are accompanied by 1,500+ flashcards for additional drilling.
Does Kaplan or STC have a pass guarantee?
Only STC offers a pass guarantee, but only in Premier ($247) and Premier Plus ($384) packages. The Standard $219 package does not include it. Kaplan offers no pass guarantee at any price tier, which is unusual for a major provider.
Which has flashcards, Kaplan or STC?
STC includes 1,500+ flashcards in Premier and Premier Plus packages. Kaplan sells flashcards separately for $29. If flashcards are important to your study method, STC offers significantly more value.
Can I talk to an instructor with Kaplan or STC?
STC includes an instructor hotline in ALL packages, even the $219 Standard tier. Kaplan only offers instructor access in the $319 Premium Live Online package. For instructor support, STC is clearly better value.
Final Verdict
Kaplan
7.1/10
Best for budget-conscious learners who want the largest question bank
View KaplanNo pass guarantee
STC
9/10
Best for traditional learners who want flashcards and instructor support
View STCPass guarantee in Premier/Premier Plus
Our Recommendation:
For most traditional learners, STC is the better choice. It offers 1,500+ flashcards, instructor hotline in all packages, a pass guarantee (Premier+), in-person class options, and one extra month of access. Kaplan's main advantages are question volume (4,230 vs 2,800+), lower entry price ($159 vs $219), and brand recognition. Choose Kaplan if your firm requires it or you prioritize raw question quantity. Choose STC for more comprehensive support and features.
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FTC Disclosure:
We earn affiliate commissions when you purchase through our links. We purchased both Kaplan and STC anonymously at full price to ensure unbiased reviews. Our rankings are merit-based and not influenced by commission rates. See our full affiliate disclosure.