What is the School Known For?
American Sentinel University is an esteemed vocational institution, famous for its bespoke online programs tailored to the needs of busy nurses and healthcare professionals. For over 15 years, it has held a strong reputation as a for-profit trade school, delivering online education to registered nurses and healthcare professionals globally.
This flexible and practical institution offers a wide array of programs:
- RN to BSN
- MBA-Healthcare
- MSN (8 Specializations Available)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (4 Specializations)
- Master of Science in Nursing (8 Specializations)
- Dual degrees and other programs
The university offers monthly and bi-monthly start dates and an array of specializations, enabling students to personalize their education. With partnerships with over 200 healthcare providers nationwide, American Sentinel University stands as a valuable choice for those pursuing a career in healthcare.
Is American Sentinel University Legit?
Yes, the American Sentinel University is a legitimate institution. The school holds programmatic accreditation for its nursing programs from esteemed organizations like:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): This accreditation covers their baccalaureate and master’s degree nursing programs.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): The Doctor of Nursing Practice program, with four specializations, holds this accreditation.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition costs at American Sentinel University are contingent on the chosen program. For example, a credit hour under the Master of Business Administration program costs $510, while the Competency-Based (RN to BSN/MSN CBE) programs will set you back about $4,000 per semester. The rates for other programs generally sit between these two figures.
Do bear in mind that these costs don’t include possible extra fees that might also apply. For the most detailed and current overview of costs, make sure to visit their official website.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare Administration and Services
- Healthcare Management
- Public Health
Healthcare and Nursing
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing
Campus Locations
Waterbury Campus 800 Country Club Road Waterbury, Connecticut
Financial Aid Services
The college welcomes funding from a range of sources, including Federal Student Aid. American Sentinel also has a financial office which assists enrollees during the application process. Help comes in many forms such as online chats as well as web pages.
Student Services
American Sentinel University provides students many services to help them succeed. The school pairs each student with an advisor who answers questions, gives advice, and supplies relevant resources. For help with classwork, the writing center offers feedback and document templates.
Veteran and Military Services
American Sentinel accepts any GI Bill benefits granted by the U.S. government. In addition to these types of aid, candidates can apply for a military student scholarship. This award grants a lowered tuition and waived graduation fee.
Alumni Services
Graduates of American Sentinel enjoy several perks as well. Besides newsletters and emails, alumni have access to career coaching, networking, and job planning tips. If students wish to further their education with the school, they qualify for a unique alumni tuition rate.
Reviews
Since 2016, the Google reviews for American Sentinel College have been highly mixed, presenting a polarized view of the school. A balanced assessment of the provided feedback, along with the owner’s responses, places the score around 3.5 out of 5. The reviews are highly individual, with some students having a very positive experience while others face significant issues.
Overall Score: 3.5 / 5 Stars
Common Praises
Convenience for Working Professionals: Reviewers, particularly registered nurses, praise the school’s online format for its flexibility. This allows them to balance their studies with a demanding work schedule.
Supportive Staff: Some reviews, especially older ones, mention helpful and understanding staff and faculty. One student noted that the staff was “very helpful during the entire process” and accommodating during personal challenges.
Quality Education and Value: A few positive reviews mention a “high quality, great value education” and highly qualified faculty.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Financial Issues: A serious, recent negative review alleges that the school was unhelpful in resolving a problem and refused a refund. Another older review from 2017 complains of a delay in a 100% refund, calling the school’s handling of money unprofessional.
Lack of Support: One of the most severe criticisms is from a recent student who claims the school was unhelpful and unwilling to fix a problem, despite publicly responding to their review. This suggests a disconnect between the school’s public-facing image and its internal support.
Technical Issues: A review from a few years ago mentions facing technical issues with accessing assignments, which the school owner denies is a widespread problem.
Momentum
The momentum for the school is difficult to gauge as the reviews provided are spread out over many years and are highly contradictory. While the owner’s responses show a commitment to addressing concerns, the most recent review from a dissatisfied student claims the response was disingenuous. The school’s public responses to negative reviews are a positive factor, demonstrating active engagement, but they don’t appear to have fully resolved the underlying issues for some students. The overall impression is a mixed bag, with no clear trend toward improvement or decline.