SAT Prep classes are programs designed to help students maximize their test scores on the SAT, a standardized test used for college admissions. These courses provide a structured approach to learning the material on the test. They typically have set days and times that follow a schedule of lessons covering the topics in a systematic way.
The average cost of a live, instructor-led SAT prep class is $1,162. The average cost is based on SAT prep courses offered by Kaplan, Princeton Review, PrepScholar, PrepExpert, and Caddell Prep.
Below is a table that shows the cost for each of the classes we considered.
| Cost of Class | |
|---|---|
| Kaplan | $799 |
| Princeton Review Essentials | $949 |
| Princeton Review 1400+ | $2,199 |
| PrepScholar | $895 |
| PrepExpert | $1,196 |
| Caddell Prep | $799 |
| Caddell Prep (In-Person) | $1,299 |
| Average Cost | $1,162 |
Considerations for SAT Prep Classes
The price of an SAT prep class doesn’t tell the full story. When comparing SAT prep class options, it’s important to consider the cost, proven results, size of the class, and the number of practice tests included in the course.
1) Cost
For most parents, cost is a big determining factor. If a class is too expensive, then it isn’t an option. However, parents should consider the investment when examining the cost. If the class can result in a child getting into a better college or qualifying for a scholarship, then there is a significant return on investment.
2) Proven Results
The whole purpose of enrolling a child into an SAT prep course is to have him increase his test scores. Look for testimonials when considering a program.
3) Size of the Class
A smaller class-size helps instructors provide your child with attention. It is less likely that a student will fall behind if an instructor is able to pay attention to him. That’s why classes at Caddell Prep are kept to 12 students online and 8 students in-person in our SAT classes.
4) Number of Tests
Practice tests are important in a prep class because it helps students monitor their progress. It also lets them practice applying their new skills on sample tests before the real test. Another benefit is it helps students get used to the timing of the test.
Below is a table that compares different SAT prep courses based on price, number of hours, hourly rate, number of students per class, and number of practice tests.
| Cost of Class | Number of Hours of Live Instruction | Cost per Hour | Number of Students | Number of Full-Length Tests in Class | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaplan | $799 | 18 | $44 | Not listed | 4 | Note (a) |
| Princeton Review Essentials | $949 | 18 | $53 | Not listed | 3 | Note (b) |
| Princeton Review 1400+ | $2,199 | 36 | $61 | Not listed | 4 | Note (c) |
| PrepScholar | $895 | 9 | $99 | Not listed | 0 | Note (d) |
| PrepExpert | $1,196 | 36 | $33 | 60+ | 6 | Notes (e)(f) |
| Caddell Prep In-Depth | $799 | 24 | $33 | 12 | 4 | |
| Caddell Prep In-Depth (In-Person) | $1,099 | 24 | $46 | 8 | 4 | Note (g) |
| Caddell Prep Elite (In-Person) | $2,995 | 72 | $42 | 8 | 8 | Note (g) |
Which SAT Prep Class is the Best Option?
Caddell Prep is the best option for SAT classes. Caddell Prep’s class is the same total cost as Kaplan’s class, but Caddell Prep’s class is a total of 24 hours, while Kaplan is only 18 hours.
Caddell Prep has proven results in helping students improve their SAT scores, with 4.8 stars on Google.
Caddell Prep’s and PrepExpert’s classes both have an hourly rate of $33, but Caddell Prep’s class is capped at 12 students, while PrepExpert’s doesn’t have a listed cap.
PrepExpert’s class does include two more tests than Caddell Prep’s SAT class, however.
Comparing the Cost of SAT Classes to Tutoring
If you just look at the hourly rate of a class compared to the hourly rate of tutoring, you’ll notice that they are drastically different. For a class, the range of hourly rates is $33 to $61, while the range of tutoring is $80 to $249.
When it comes to choosing a class or tutoring, it’s important to consider you child and how he learns. Some students don’t pay attention or learn well in a group class for other reasons. Sometimes, students are too shy to ask questions in a class, especially around new people. Other students will try to just get by if they are in a class. They need someone to be on top of them, paying attention to what they are doing at all times.
A great instructor will be able to spot when a student is slacking off or not paying attention, and get him to do so. Likewise, a great instructor will be able to see who is falling behind and provide a support necessary. However, the instructor’s ability to do so is largely dependent on the size of the class.
A small-sized prep class with an expert instructor is an economical alternative to tutoring, considering the high cost of SAT tutoring. Again, it just depends on find the right course.
A Cost-Effective Way to Get Expert SAT Help
To maximize the benefits of SAT tutoring and the cost-savings of an SAT course, we recommend students to start with the course and add tutoring after, instead of only doing tutoring. The reason for this is the SAT class is going to cover all of the topics and strategies necessary for improving on the SAT. After the class, students can focus on their weak points to maximize their scores using tutoring and reduce their cost of SAT tutoring. Hours of tutoring would be saved by not spending that time on fundamental topics.
References
Note (a) Information about the class was retrieved from https://www.kaptest.com/sat on June 10, 2025
Note (b) Information about the class was retrieved from https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-essentials-course on June 10, 2025
Note (c ) Information about the class was retrieved from https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-honors-course on June 10, 2025
Note (d) Information about the class was retrieved from https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-classes/ on June 10, 2025
Note (e) Information about the class was retrieved from https://prepexpert.com/schedules/sat169222/ on June 10, 2025
Note (f) Information about the number of students in the class was retrieved from https://help.prepexpert.com/knowledge/how-many-students-are-in-my-class on June 10, 2025. A note stated that if the ratio of students to instructors exceeds 60:1 then a TA will be added, which implies there is no cap to the number of students.
Note (g) The price of the class is based on the regular price during early registration.