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Head-to-Head Comparison
Surgent vs Universal CPA
Adaptive efficiency versus visual content. Surgent's technology customizes your study path, while Universal's videos deliver concepts through engaging visual storytelling.
Surgent
Adaptive learning that reads your needs
4.3
$999–$1,999VS
Universal CPA
Visual-first learning for modern candidates
4.0
$649–$1,850VS
Quick Comparison
Feature
Surgent
Universal CPA
Overall Rating
4.3
4.0
Price Range
$999–$1,999
$649–$1,850
Best For
Efficient studiers
Visual learners
Access Duration
Until pass
18 months
Pass Guarantee
Yes
Yes
Mobile App
Yes
Yes
Free Trial
No
3 days
LIFTS Framework Comparison
How each course performs across our five key dimensions
Surgent leads in 2 dimensions, Universal CPA leads in 0 dimensions
L
Surgent leadsLearning Style— Video, text, interactive content
Surgent
3.3
Universal CPA
3.0
I
Surgent leadsInvestment— Pricing and value for money
Surgent
3.0
Universal CPA
2.8
F
Flexibility— Self-paced vs structured options
Surgent
3.0
Universal CPA
3.0
T
Time— Study timeline support
Surgent
3.5
Universal CPA
3.5
S
Support— Instructor access and help
Surgent
2.8
Universal CPA
2.8
Feature Comparison
Feature
Surgent
Universal CPA
MCQ Practice
8,000+
4,500+
Task-Based Sims
300+
150+
Video Hours
350+
80+
Textbook/Study Guide
Flashcards
Practice Exams
5
3
Pricing Comparison
Universal CPA starts at a lower price point
Surgent
$999–$1,999
Essentials Pass$999
Until pass
Premier PassPopular$1,599
Until pass
Ultimate Pass$1,999
Until pass
Universal CPA
$649–$1,850
Monthly$119/month
Monthly
Complete PackagePopular$1,850
Until pass
Prices shown are as of 2026. Please verify current pricing on each provider's website.
Final Verdict
Choose Surgent if...
- You're a efficient studiers
- Efficient studiers who want to focus on weak areas
- Working professionals with limited study time
Choose Universal CPA if...
- You're a visual learners
- Visual learners who prefer video content
- Candidates wanting quality videos at mid-range price
Still Undecided?
Take our personalized assessment to find the best course for your unique situation
Take the LIFTS AssessmentAffiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you.