KAPLAN UNIVERSITY

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

In a recent national study conducted by the independent consulting firm of R. W. Baird & Co., Kaplan University emerged as America's number 1–ranked online university, surpassing all for-profit institutions of higher learning for quality of education, benefits vs. cost, and student recommendation rate. Founded in 2000, the University provides innovative undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional educational programs designed to offer working students the opportunity to launch, enhance, or change careers. Kaplan University is committed to general education, a student-centered service and support approach, and applied scholarship in a practical environment. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Distance Learning Program

As a distance learning institution, Kaplan University provides challenging academic programs developed and assessed by faculty members, staff members, and members of educational, professional, and business communities. These programs provide intensive and comprehensive instruction to more than 21,000 students, instilling the value of lifelong learning by stimulating intellectual curiosity, creative and critical thinking, and awareness of culture and diversity. The University plans and provides facilities and resources that respond to the needs of students and assists them in developing professional attitudes, values, skills, and strategies that foster success in their careers and in life.

Delivery Media

Kaplan University focuses on adding a human touch to the high technology of learning online. Faculty members are committed to providing students with personal attention and academic support when they need it. The flexibility and dynamic interaction of online education at Kaplan University also allow for innovative learning opportunities, including online quizzes with instant feedback, message boards for discussions and advice from professors, and interactive seminar sessions.

Programs of Study

Master's degrees are offered in business, criminal justice, and education, each averaging eighteen months to two years to complete (less with transfer credits).

Bachelor's degrees are awarded in business, criminal justice, education, information systems and technology, nursing and health care, and paralegal studies. Programs typically require 180 credits and four years to complete (less with transfer credits).

Associate degree programs are offered in the arts and sciences, business, criminal justice, information systems and technology, and paralegal studies. Each usually requires 90 credits and two years to finish.

Certificate programs in criminal justice and education may be completed in nine to fifteen months.

Continuing and professional studies programs in business, finance, and health care are self-paced.

Special Programs

Kaplan University offers a 15 percent tuition discount to active-duty service members and their immediate families, as well as discounts on other Kaplan, Inc., products, including educational test-preparation services. The University is a Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC), part of an association of schools working together to help service members and their families enroll in college programs by simplifying credit transfers and reducing residency requirements.

Student Services

The University offers rich academic support through no-fee tutoring and online writing and mathematics labs, as well as a distinct virtual community made up of honor societies and professional associations. Kaplan University provides students a full complement of library services via the University of Alabama, whose entire library catalog is available online. Students can easily access a description of any item in the collection.

Credit Options

Kaplan University's policy is to transfer experiential and prior learning credit according to American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines. Students may also earn credit toward degrees through CLEP and DANTES examinations. These methods can greatly reduce the time it takes to earn a degree.

Faculty

Kaplan University programs are taught by practicing professionals. As of May 2006, the faculty comprises approximately 1,700 part-time and 170 full-time instructors. Nearly 45 percent have doctoral-level degrees.

Admission

Admissions advisers are trained to counsel and help students with all aspects of their educational and career goals, from selecting the program that is right for them to assisting them in securing financial aid. Prospective students can chat live with an admissions adviser online at http://www.kaplanuni-versity.edu or speak with one at 866-527-5268 (toll-free), Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon (Eastern time) and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern time). For more information, students can also complete an online request form and receive a return call or e-mail within 24 hours.

Tuition and Fees

All undergraduate programs, the Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning, the Master of Education, the Iowa Teacher Intern Certificate, and the Professional Development for Teachers Program are $305 per credit, while the Master of Science in Criminal Justice is $350 per credit and the Master of Business Administration is $395 per credit. Books, when required, are included in the price of tuition for all undergraduate degree programs. Not all courses require textbooks; some use electronic instructional materials. All online students are required to pay an $85 technology fee per term (waived for the Professional Development for Teachers Program). For the M.B.A. program, the technology fee is prorated to $42.50 per six-week term. A minimum deposit of $95 is required at the time of enrollment and is credited toward tuition at the start of classes.

Financial Aid

Kaplan University actively assists students in securing financial support for their education. Sources include federal grants; federal, state, and private lending programs; and military financial aid. The University also awards scholarships to eligible undergraduate students.

CONTACT

Online Program Admissions
Kaplan University
6301 Kaplan University Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309
Phone: 866-527-5268 (toll-free) an class="textStyle13">954-515-4015 (international) 866-572-6026 (TYY-TDD; toll-free) Fax: 888-887-6494 (toll-free)
E-mail: infoku@kaplan.edu
Web site: http://www.kaplan.edu