Return policy comparison · 2026
Newspapers.com vs PrepScholar
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
Newspapers.com
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
PrepScholar
C
2.0 / 5.0 · Mediocre
The verdict
Newspapers.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against PrepScholar's C (2.0/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: no time limit versus 5-day window (extremely restrictive).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Newspapers.comPrepScholar
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Newspapers.com | PrepScholar | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ No refunds (cancel anytime, takes effect at end of current billing period) | 5-day risk-free trial (120 hours after diagnostic test); score/refund guarantees vary by program |
| Free returns | No - fee deducted | — |
| Restocking fee | — | — |
| Return shipping | — | — |
| Holiday extension | ✓ None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Subscription fees already paid are not refunded when you cancel; access continues through the expiration date shown in your account, then no further charges occur. | Tutoring hours already used are non-refundable; the Complete Prep software fee is deducted from tutoring refunds if you've used the software 10+ hours |
| Watch-out items | — | College admissions consulting: full refund only within 3 days of your first session, partial refund (minus $200/hour used) through day 7, no refund after 7 days |
Newspapers.com tip
There's a 7-day free trial offered on signup - use that window to confirm the newspaper archives you need are actually digitized before you commit to a paid plan, since cancellation doesn't get you a refund on time already paid for.
PrepScholar tip
The 5-day trial clock doesn't start when you pay — it starts once you finish the initial diagnostic test, so take that test right away if you want the full trial period to actually try the program.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Newspapers.com or PrepScholar?
Newspapers.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against PrepScholar's C (2.0/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: no time limit versus 5-day window (extremely restrictive).
What is Newspapers.com's return window?
Newspapers.com's return window is No refunds (cancel anytime, takes effect at end of current billing period).
What is PrepScholar's return window?
PrepScholar's return window is 5-day risk-free trial (120 hours after diagnostic test); score/refund guarantees vary by program.
Does Newspapers.com or PrepScholar offer free returns?
Newspapers.com: No - fee deducted. PrepScholar: see full policy.