Kaplan University is predominantly a distance learning institution of higher education that is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Kaplan University was named in honor of Stanley H. Kaplan, who founded Kaplan Test Prep.
In 2014 U.S. News & World Report ranked Kaplan University as #56 of 205 in the online bachelor's program category. The university's graduate nursing program was ranked #70 of 95.
Kaplan University has faced several federal whistle-blower lawsuits whose accusations dovetail with the findings of an undercover federal investigation which revealed high-pressure recruiting and unrealistic salary promises. Kaplan's enrollment has declined from 119,000 to 65,000 amid these controversies.
History
The American Institute of Commerce was established in 1937 before changing its name to Quest College. In November 2000, Quest College's name was changed to Kaplan College after Kaplan, Inc. acquired it with the purchase of Quest Education Corporation.
In September 2004, Kaplan College officially changed its name to Kaplan University after it was granted permission to offer graduate-level degree programs.
The university’s school of nursing was awarded a national professional accreditation for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in April 2006 from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In October 2007, all seven Iowa and Nebraska-based Hamilton College (Iowa) campuses merged with Kaplan University and are now operating under the Kaplan University brand. Concord Law School merged with Kaplan University in October 2007, changing its name to Concord Law School of Kaplan University. Concord is not recognized by the American Bar Association, which does not accredit online institutions, although students with non-ABA-accredited law degrees are allowed to take California's bar examination and practice law once admitted to the bar.
Offerings and enrollment
Kaplan University offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees as well as certificates in such fields as education, business, information technology, arts and sciences, healthcare, nursing, criminal justice, and legal studies. Kaplan University serves more than 42,000 online and on-campus students. While Kaplan University is based in Davenport, Iowa, the main administration building is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In addition to 11 campuses in Iowa, Nebraska, and Maryland (and four Kaplan University Learning Centers), Kaplan has online student support centers in Florida and Illinois. Kaplan has nearly 3,600 instructors, professors, and administrators.
Academics
Kaplan University is academically organized into nine schools.
- Business
- General Education
- Graduate Education
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- Nursing[20]
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Kaplan Continuing Education
- Concord Law School of Kaplan University
- In January, 2014, Kaplan University issued its fourth annual academic report. The 50-page annual report, which covers the academic year beginning July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2013, includes an overview of Kaplan University and key metrics around the educational experience, student learning and employment outcomes, and graduate satisfaction ratings. It also provides profiles of individual schools within the university system.
Admissions and financial aid
Kaplan University has an open admissions policy.[not in citation given] Applicants are eligible for both Pell grants and federal student loans. The university offers members of the military discounted tuition rates as well as granting service members college credit for some of the military education they may have received while in the service.
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