Kaplan University (KU) serves approximately 35,000 online and 45,000 campus-based students and offers over 200 degrees and programs. It is a for-profit university and accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. KU offers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It originated in 1937 as the American Institute of Commerce. The main campus is in Davenport, Iowa with headquarters in Chicago. KU is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and employs 4,500 faculty members, with nearly 100 percent holding advanced degrees and 38 percent holding doctoral degrees.
Unbiased online degree reviews in 2011 by students at KU resulted in average scores in six categories on a scale of 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent), as follows:
Materials: 6.45
Teachers: 6.74
Institution: 5.22
Support: 4.86
Value: 5.06
Technology: 6.29
Although sometimes Kaplan University students reveal negative feedback, it is not surprising that the most vocal, or in this case those posting the most comments, are the ones having negative comments. This is almost always the case within any one college or university. Many students complain about high costs. And some comments are from students without a passion for the subject and not putting forth 100 percent effort. However, noteworthy positive comments about Kaplan University include the following:
- All these bad postings are BS…
- This school teaches you how to balance time, money, and overall life… [it] is a GREAT school. (emphasis in original)
- KU is about education… The professionalism is second to not many.
Here are a few additional facts about KU:
- 55% of the students are older than 30, compared with 17% for 4-year public institutions.
- 75% of the students are women.
- Just over 50% of students are pursuing bachelor’s degrees, with 38% pursuing associate’s degrees.
Kaplan University is very friendly toward men and women in the military. For all undergraduate online degree programs, KU offers a 55 percent tuition reduction for both active and reserve military personnel, plus a 38 percent discount for all veterans and a 10 percent reduction for military spouses.
This university also offers a Kaplan Commitment, which states that students are allowed to take classes for credit during an introductory period while incurring no financial obligation.
Students from Kaplan University are typical of students from universities and colleges all across the country, whether they are online colleges or traditional colleges. Student survey comments often compare online with traditional schools. However, numbers of positive comments are made by students supporting an entire family and working a full-time job. For these students, Kaplan University provides an extremely convenient methodology for working toward a college degree. And despite the expense per course, the convenience is an extremely significant factor, i.e. studying at the computer while being home with children, monitoring the household and being there for the spouse.
If that sounds good to you, why not consider signing up for a few online courses? With little interference with your present routine at home or at work, you can make progress toward your own associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. And you will be the one determining your own study schedule and doing so at your own pace.
All comments are most welcome and encouraged. This is a continuing series of articles on reviewing and selecting the best online colleges. Do come back and visit us again soon!
