Cheapest CPA prep: what each course really costs over your study time
The cheapest CPA prep course depends on how long you study. Over 12 to 18 months, monthly plans from NINJA ($67 to $87 a month) and Kesler ($97 a month, as reported) cost the least. Among fixed-price courses, UWorld Roger Premier at $1,999 for 18 months is the cheapest, ahead of Becker Advantage and Gleim Traditional at $2,499 each.
Entry prices from providers’ own pages (Gleim, UWorld, Becker and NINJA), checked October 2026, except Kesler’s and Becker’s Advantage price, which are as reported in third-party roundups. Totals below are simple multiplication of list prices and ignore promotions, which change what you pay.
Cheapest CPA prep: entry prices
| Course | Entry price | Access | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| NINJA | $67 to $87 a month | Monthly | None reported |
| Kesler | $97 a month (reported) | Monthly | 30-day refund reported; no pass guarantee |
| UWorld Roger Premier | $1,999 | 18 months | Pass guarantee only on Elite-Unlimited+ |
| Becker Advantage | $2,499 | 24 months | Pass Guarantee only on Pro and Pro+ |
| Gleim Traditional | $2,499 | 18 months | Access-until-you-pass only on Premium tiers |
From providers’ own listings, October 2026; Kesler and Becker Advantage as reported.
What your study time costs
Assuming you take 12 to 18 months to pass all four sections, here is what each option costs over that period at list price.
| Course | 12 months | 18 months |
|---|---|---|
| NINJA | $804-$1,044 | $1,206-$1,566 |
| Kesler (reported) | $1,164 | $1,746 |
| UWorld Roger Premier | $1,999 | $1,999 |
| Becker Advantage | $2,499 | $2,499 |
| Gleim Traditional | $2,499 | $2,499 |
Monthly prices multiplied out; one-off prices cover the access period shown above. List prices only.
Over 18 months, both monthly plans still cost less than UWorld Roger Premier’s $1,999, but the gap narrows each month: Kesler would be about $253 cheaper and NINJA $433 to $793 cheaper. If you might need longer than 18 months, compare with the access-until-you-pass tiers instead, such as UWorld’s Elite tiers from $2,299. Retakes also cost more than they seem: each failed section means another exam fee as well as more months of prep.
Ways to pay less
- Ask your employer first. Some accounting firms reimburse review courses, and some only cover particular providers or tiers.
- Ask your school. Accounting departments sometimes hold licenses or offer student pricing; check before you buy.
- Wait for a promotion if you can. Providers run sales, such as a reported August 2026 Pass Guarantee sale at Becker. Confirm the price at checkout.
- Match access to your plan. Don’t pay for a monthly plan for longer than an 18-month package would cost.
Common questions
Is the cheapest course good enough?
It can be. A cheaper course with less structure suits disciplined candidates; if you need guarantees, longer access or more teaching, the extra cost may pay for itself by avoiding a retake. See our reviews before deciding.
What happened to Surgent?
UWorld acquired Surgent in April 2026, and Surgent’s CPA page now directs candidates to UWorld CPA Review, so it is no longer a separate option.
Are there free CPA study materials?
Yes, and they are worth using before you pay for anything. Our guide to the best free CPA study materials covers the AICPA sample tests, blueprints and provider free trials.
How much does the CPA exam itself cost?
Separately from prep, NASBA charges $268.59 per section from July 4, 2026, plus your state’s fees. Our CPA exam cost guide itemizes them.