Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University was originally established as the American Institute of Commerce in 1937 and today serves more than 53,000 online and campus-based students throughout the country and around the world. 

The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( www.ncahlc.org ) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The University offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, and it has 11 campuses throughout Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Maine, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Wisconsin, Indiana, Maryland, and Missouri.  

University Facts:

• Kaplan University had more than 53,000 online and campus-based students in 2011. The University has more than 40,000 online graduates.
• More than 55% of our students are older than 30 – compared to 4-year public institutions, where only 17% of students are over 30. Our programs and support services are specifically designed to meet the needs of adult learners.
• 75% of our students are women – compared to other American universities in general, where 57% of the undergraduate students are women.
• Fifty-one percent of the University’s students are pursuing bachelor’s degrees, 38 percent are pursuing associate’s degrees and nine percent are pursuing master’s or juris doctor degrees.
• Kaplan University is a military-friendly educational organization. Five percent of current students are in active military service, 7% are military veterans, and 2% are spouses of active-duty military servicemembers. In 2009, Kaplan University was awarded the Excellence in Online Programming designation by Military Advanced Education magazine. 
• The University offers a 55% tuition reduction for active military personnel and reservists, a 38% discount for veterans and a 10% tuition reduction for military spouses for all undergraduate online programs. The University also partners with AMVETS, Inc. to provide tuition reductions to veterans and their families for online degree programs.
• The University has more than 4,500 faculty members, 38 percent have doctoral degrees and 98 percent hold advanced degrees.
• The University offers the Kaplan Commitment, which allows students to take classes for credit during an introductory period without incurring any financial obligation. If they do not succeed or students decide the program is not right for them, they can leave the University without any education-related debt or tuition charges.
• The University offers customized learning options through its universal degree plans, which provide students with a larger open elective pool that allows them to bring in more transfer, military and/or experiential learning credits.
• Kaplan also offers innovative academic support through its academic advising team, online tutoring, writing and math labs and online assessment programs that utilizes career planning and student success diagnostics to help students craft a course of study that maximizes their career potential.
• Kaplan University offers a distinct and engaging virtual community comprised of more than 30 honor societies, professional clubs and student associations.
• The Hagerstown, MD campus has more than 70 years of experience in career education and is proud to have the unique distinction of being the oldest school in the vicinity.
• Kaplan University was among the first participants in the Department of Education’s Distance Education Demonstration Program, enabling students in its online degree programs to apply for Title IV funding.

Community Outreach:

Kaplan University has partnerships with:

• United Way
• The Urban League of Broward County
• Children’s Home Society, Broward and Palm Beach County divisions

In addition, University staff and faculty volunteer their time and resources to various organizations and community events, including:

• The Kaplan University Charity Golf Classic
• Chicago Cares Serve-A-Thon
• The Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Toys for Tots
• Operation Troop Appreciation
• Habitat for Humanity