Independence University


Independence University, formerly known as California College for Health Sciences, is an online university headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Independence University is the online branch of Stevens–Henager College, and operates four schools: the School of Healthcare, the School of Business, the School of Technology, and the School of Graphic Arts. Independence University is owned and operated by Center for Excellence in Higher Education. It is a nonprofit institution.

History

In 1978, the school began to offer education at a distance and operated as California College for Health Sciences. In 2005, it was renamed Independence University in order to reflect the institution's broader range of programs and its claimed philosophy that education should lead to greater independence. In 2010, Independence University merged with its affiliated institution, Stevens-Henager College, becoming a branch of Stevens-Henager's main campus in Ogden/West Haven, Utah. Stevens-Henager was started in 1891.

Academics

Independence University claims to offer degrees specially tailored to working people looking to further their education. It offers programs in the fields of technology, business, graphic arts, and healthcare. Students attending the university may receive an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or a master's degree.
The university does not function on a typical college schedule and does not have semesters or quarters. Instead, classes start each month and generally run for 4 weeks.

Military assistance

Independence University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that allows approved institutions of higher learning and the Department of Veterans Affairs to partially or fully fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the established thresholds under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. IU offers several different types of aid for active military members, veterans, and their families. The university provides military financial specialists to help military members and their families get the most out of their service. IU also helps veterans transfer their military experience into university credits to be used for their education.

Accreditation

Independence University is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Independence University was placed on probation in September 2018 due to ACCSC's concerns that "the inputs, resources, and processes of CEHE schools are designed and implemented in a manner that is not designed for student success."

Student outcomes

According to the College Scorecard, people who have attended Independence University have a