In 1937, as the country was still reeling from the Great Depression, work was scarce and companies were beginning to search for employees with formal education, something that was difficult for many people throughout the United States. A small school opened in Davenport, Iowa, in an effort to provide area residents with the education they needed to become gainfully employed. The leaders of the American Institute of Commerce were dedicated to providing the knowledge and skills necessary for people to enter or return to the workforce.

The following year, Stanley H. Kaplan began a small business designed to tutor immigrants who wanted to expand their opportunities in the United States. It was Kaplan’s belief that everyone deserved an education and, if provided the right training, anyone could enter the same prestigious universities that had previously been reserved for the wealthy. His company, Kaplan, Inc., grew over the next few years, becoming a leader in tutoring and test preparation that helped many under-privileged students gain entrance to colleges.

At the same time that Kaplan was growing his company, AIC was also making a difference in Iowa. Over the next 50 year, AIC added more courses and increased its size tremendously. In 1999, the school was included in only 15 participants in the United States Department of Education Demonstration Grant. This allowed AIC to offer distance education courses using an online format. The name of the college was changed to Quest College and, in 2001, joined forces with Kaplan, Inc. to become Kaplan College. The same year, 34 students enrolled in degree programs that would be earned completely online.

The college gained university status in 2004 after receiving approval to offer graduate degrees. In 2011, Kaplan expanded even further by adding additional professional entry-level and ongoing licensing programs. Today, more than 94 percent of students enrolled at Kaplan complete their courses online and 61 percent of on-campus students take some of their courses online.

Kaplan University Accreditation Details

Kaplan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation indicates that the school meets or exceeds criteria set forth by the accrediting agency demonstrating excellence in education. In addition, specific programs are accredited by the following industry-related organizations:

  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
  • Behavior Analyst Certification Board
  • Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Program Management Institute General Accreditation Center Accreditation

Kaplan University Application Requirements

The first step in applying for admission to Kaplan University is to complete an information request form online and speak to an admissions counselor. The admissions counselor will conduct an interview in order to define your educational goals and explore whether a degree from Kaplan will help. Undergraduate students must complete the Academic Readiness Assessment before creating an educational plan. Students must provide an official transcript showing high school graduation as well as transcripts from any college or university attended. A resume may be required of graduate applicants and nursing students may need to provide a copy of a nursing license, depending on the program chosen.

Kaplan University Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition at Kaplan University is as follows:

  • Undergraduate Online Programs – $371 per credit hour
  • Undergraduate Online, Learning Center and Campus Military Service Members – $165 per credit hour
  • Undergraduate Online, Learning Center and Campus Military Veterans – $230 per credit hour
  • Maine Residents Online – $295 per credit hour
  • Maine Campus – $295 per credit hour; BSN and RN to BSN Programs – $315 per credit hour
  • Maryland Campus – $385 to $460 per credit hour
  • Iowa and Nebraska Campuses – $335 to $440 per credit hour
  • Graduate Online – $385 to $460 per credit hour
  • Graduate Active Duty Military – $320 per credit hour
  • Graduate Military Veteran – $331.10 to $395.60 per credit hour

Kaplan University is committed to helping students afford college, which is why they offer scholarships, grants, experiential learning credits and other forms of financial aid. The university also offers a tuition cap. Upon enrollment, tuition is capped so that students pay only a fixed amount for their education. Once that cap is reached, students no longer make payments toward their education, even if they must retake a course, as long as other enrollment requirements are met. This can result in savings of as much as 33 percent.

In order to qualify for financial aid, they must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who are interested in obtaining student loans must complete the Loan Entrance Counseling Quiz.

Kaplan University Online Degree(s) Available

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN

Kaplan University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program designed to prepare nurses for the next level of professional opportunity. The online program allows students to complete their degree in as little as 18 months. Students are provided a strong focus on professional leadership through courses in management, research and emerging healthcare trends. Students are also instructed in therapies, health assessment and community health. There is a strong focus on health promotion, community health, health care information, professional ethics, diversity and healthcare management as well. Students develop a portfolio that allows them to demonstrate their professional and practical competencies as well as a comprehensive development plan that includes their planned career goals.

The program is available in either an advanced start, which requires 90 credits, or standard track, which requires 130 credits. Both programs require the following courses:

  • Professional Presence
  • Bioethics
  • Statistics
  • Fundamentals of Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Professional Leadership Transitions
  • Nursing Research
  • Physical Assessment for the Nursing Professional
  • Nursing Care for the Older Adult
  • Leadership and Management in the changing Healthcare Environment
  • Public Health Nursing – Population Centered Healthcare in the Community

Some of the electives available for students to choose from include:

  • People, Power and Politics – An Introduction to American Government
  • The 1960s – Reshaping the American Dream
  • The Technical Revolution – A Social Scientific Approach
  • Critical Evaluation in the Humanities
  • Ethics
  • Humanities and Culture

A Capstone course is also required to complete the program as well as 55 credits in elective courses.

Kaplan University offers many degrees that are available in completely online formats. This provides flexibility for students who wish to advance their education buy have work, family or social obligations that prevent them from attending traditional classrooms. Kaplan University provides an option for adult learners who wish to move into a new career or who want to advance in a current career.

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