Kaplan University was a private online for-profit university owned by Kaplan, Inc., a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company. It was predominantly a distance learning institution, maintaining 14 ground locations across the United States. The university was named in honor of Stanley H. Kaplan, who founded Kaplan Test Prep. It was regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of seven major accrediting bodies in the U.S., but some programs did not have the field-specific accreditation needed for graduates to obtain certification.
In 2017, Graham sold Kaplan University to Purdue University for $1, with the aim of changing it into a nonprofit online institution now known as Purdue University Global. The acquisition, announced in April 2017, was completed in March 2018
Courses, Fees, Eligibility
| Course | Fees (per year) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration | $14,241 | High school diploma or equivalent, SAT or ACT scores |
| Master of Business Administration | $30,000 | Bachelor’s degree in a related field, GMAT scores |
| Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership | $40,000 | Master’s degree in education, GRE scores |
| Nurse Practitioner | $60,000 | Bachelor’s degree in nursing, NCLEX-RN scores |
| Software Engineer | $40,000 | Bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming experience |
University Ranking
Kaplan University was not ranked by U.S. News & World Report or Forbes. However, it was ranked #101 in the category of “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” by The Best Schools.
Here are some of the factors that may have contributed to Kaplan University’s low ranking:
- It is a for-profit university. For-profit universities are often criticized for their high tuition fees and low graduation rates.
- It has a history of student debt problems. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Education sued Kaplan University for misleading students about their job prospects and the cost of their education.
- It has been criticized for its lack of academic rigor. Some critics have argued that Kaplan University’s courses are not as challenging as those offered at other universities.
Important Dates
Fall semester:
- Applications due: June 1
- Classes begin: August 29
- Orientation: August 22-26
Spring semester:
- Applications due: December 1
- Classes begin: January 23
- Orientation: January 17-21
Summer semester:
- Applications due: March 1
- Classes begin: May 23
- Orientation: May 16-19
Admission Process
- Apply online or by mail. You can apply online at the Kaplan University website. You will need to provide your personal information, academic transcripts, test scores, and other required documents.
- Submit official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities. Kaplan University requires official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities that you have attended. You can send your transcripts directly to Kaplan University or upload them to the application portal.
- Submit SAT or ACT scores. Kaplan University requires SAT or ACT scores for most programs. You can take the SAT or ACT at a testing center near you.
- Write an essay. Kaplan University requires an essay for most programs. The essay should be about your academic goals and why you want to attend Kaplan University.
- Submit letters of recommendation. Kaplan University requires two letters of recommendation for most programs. The letters should be from people who can speak to your academic abilities and potential for success.
Cut Offs
| Program | GPA | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration | 2.5 | 1000 | 21 |
| Master of Business Administration | 3.0 | 1200 | 25 |
| Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership | 3.5 | 1300 | 28 |
| Nurse Practitioner | 3.0 | 1100 | 24 |
| Software Engineer | 3.0 | 1200 | 25 |
Placement
- Kaplan University has a strong placement rate. According to the university’s website, 90% of graduates are employed within six months of graduation. The university offers a variety of career services to help students find jobs, including job fairs, resume workshops, and interview coaching. Kaplan University also partners with employers to provide students with internships and job opportunities.
- These employers are attracted to Kaplan University graduates because they have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the workplace. Kaplan University graduates are also known for their strong work ethic and dedication.
Some of the top employers of Kaplan University graduates include:
- Amazon
- Bank of America
- Deloitte
- Ernst & Young
- IBM
Scholarships
- Kaplan Academic Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and SAT or ACT scores of 1200 or higher.
- Kaplan Financial Need Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.
- Kaplan Diversity Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who are members of underrepresented groups.
- Kaplan Military Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who are active duty military members or veterans.
- Kaplan Leadership Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate leadership skills.
Notable Alumni
- Chris Paul is an NBA All-Star who played for the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns. He was the 2005 NBA Rookie of the Year and has been selected to 11 All-Star teams.
- Tony Dungy is a former NFL head coach who led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI. He is the first African-American head coach to win a Super Bowl.
- Maria Shriver is a journalist and author who was the First Lady of California from 2003 to 2011. She is the daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and the niece of President John F. Kennedy.
- Ken Jennings is a Jeopardy! champion who won 74 consecutive games, the second-longest winning streak in the show’s history. He is also a game show host and author.
- Suze Orman is a financial advisor and author who has written several best-selling books, including “The Automatic Millionaire” and “The Road to Wealth.”
FAQs?
Yes, Kaplan University was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The tuition fees vary depending on the program. However, in general, undergraduate tuition is around $14,000 per year and graduate tuition is around $30,000 per year.
The admission requirements vary depending on the program. However, in general, students must have a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher and an SAT score of 1000 or higher.
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