Can I pass the CPA exam with a budget course?

Absolutely! Many candidates pass using NINJA or Meridian. The key is consistent study habits. Some candidates use a budget course as their primary resource and supplement with free materials.

Are there free CPA review resources?

Yes, but they're limited. YouTube has free lectures, and the AICPA provides sample tests. However, a structured course significantly improves your chances. NINJA's $67/month is often the best balance of cost and quality.

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Buyer Profile

Best CPA Courses for Budget-Conscious Candidates

Q: What is the cheapest CPA review course?

Meridian CPA Review at $199-$299 for unlimited access is the lowest total cost. NINJA CPA at $67/month offers flexible monthly payments but adds up to $400+ over a typical 6-month study period. Surgent occasionally runs sales bringing their course under $1,000.

Getting CPA certified shouldn't break the bank. You're looking for quality preparation at an affordable price, whether that means lower upfront costs or flexible payment options.

What You Need

Affordable pricing under $1,000

Monthly subscription options

No long-term commitments required

Good value per dollar spent

Top Recommendations

Based on your profile as a budget-conscious candidates

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Top Pick

NINJA CPA

Flexible $67/month subscription with no commitment

4.0

$67–$87/monthMonthly access

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Meridian CPA Review

Disclosure

Lowest total cost at just $199-$299 for unlimited access

4.0

$199–$299Unlimited access

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Surgent

Great value with until-you-pass guarantee

4.3

$999–$1,999Until pass access

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Your LIFTS Profile

Understanding your needs across the five key dimensions

Learning Style

Your preferred way of absorbing information

Video/Visual

Audio/Lecture

Reading/Text

Practice/Hands-on

Investment

Your budget and value expectations

Budget (<$500)

Value ($500-1K)

Mid-range ($1-2K)

Premium ($2K+)

Flexibility

How structured vs. self-paced you need

Rigid schedule

Some structure

Mostly flexible

Fully self-paced

Time

Your study timeline and availability

Intensive (3-4mo)

Standard (6-9mo)

Extended (12mo)

Unlimited

Support

Level of guidance and help you need

Self-sufficient

Community help

Email/Chat

1-on-1 coaching

This is a general profile. For personalized recommendations based on your specific situation:

Take the LIFTS Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian CPA Review at $199-$299 for unlimited access is the lowest total cost. NINJA CPA at $67/month offers flexible monthly payments but adds up to $400+ over a typical 6-month study period. Surgent occasionally runs sales bringing their course under $1,000.

Other Buyer Profiles

Working Professionals

Balancing a full-time job while studying for the CPA exam requires maximum flexibility and efficient study methods. You need a course that fits your schedule, not the other way around.

Visual Learners

You learn best through watching, seeing, and visualizing concepts. Video lectures, diagrams, and visual explanations help you understand and retain complex accounting topics.

Career Changers

Transitioning into accounting from another field? You may need more foundational support and structured guidance to build your accounting knowledge while preparing for the CPA exam.

Not Sure Which Profile Fits You?

Take our personalized LIFTS assessment to get course recommendations tailored to your unique situation, learning style, and goals.

Take the LIFTS Assessment

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Ownership Notice: Meridian CPA Review is owned by the same entity as Atlas CPA Index. We are committed to providing objective analysis regardless of this affiliation.