Why Did They Close?
Despite being accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, the institution faced mounting challenges regarding student achievement. The accreditor initiated the withdrawal of accreditation due to alleged shortcomings in maintaining satisfactory student graduation and employment rates.
In a significant turn of events, Independence University abruptly canceled classes scheduled to commence in May 2021. Subsequently, on August 1, 2021, the institution ceased operations altogether. This closure influenced a significant setback for students pursuing education through online platforms, emphasizing the importance of consistent academic oversight and attendance to accountability within online education. The closure of Independence University underlines the significance for educational institutions to prioritize student success and ensure that accreditation standards are consistently upheld.
Independence University was a private online career college based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Established in 2010 through a merger with Stevens-Henager College, Independence University operated four schools: Healthcare, Business, Technology, and Graphic Arts.
Programs & Courses
Computer & Information Technology
- Graphic Arts
- Web Design
- Software Development
- Mobile App Development
- Computer Systems Technician
Healthcare
- Nursing
- Healthcare Management
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
Campus Locations
West Haven, UT 1890 South 1350 West, West Haven, UT 84401
Financial Aid Services
Tuition costs and requirements for aid differ by location and program. Contacting the school to discuss funding options is the first step to determine eligibility. The Institute of Technology admissions staff is available on campus or through e-mail to answer any questions.
Student Services
Each attendee gets support that is unique to them. Tutoring and advising are available through the online Student Success Center. Instructors give individual aid too, with networking and mentoring opportunities.
IU also provides all class resources at no extra cost. This includes textbooks, a tablet, and a laptop. There is a forum called The Study Cafe where students can meet up virtually to assist each other.
Career Services
While there is no guarantee, the Career Services department wants attendees to find jobs. Independence University can show them how to prepare a resume, search for a job, negotiate a salary, and interview. A career assessment on the IU website helps individuals see if they’re on the right path.
Veteran and Military Services
The flexible online learning plan and benefits at IU are helpful for active duty service members, veterans, and their families. The institution supports the Veterans Educational Assistance Program, the GI Bill, and tuition discounts. There are more scholarships, grants, and loans as well for those who qualify. This helps reduce the cost of schooling for military students.
Alumni Services
The alumni association aims to maintain a connection to those who have attended. All graduates may hear about job openings and get the chance to network. Independence University alumni often interact with one another, bringing the benefit of mentoring from professionals.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Independence University has a reputation of being a for-profit institution that left many former students with significant debt and no way to get their transcripts. The reviews are overwhelmingly negative, accusing the school of being a “scam” and caring only about money.
Overall Score: 1.6/5 Stars
Common Praises
There are no meaningful praises in the provided reviews. One reviewer noted that the “teachers were good,” but this was an isolated comment within a larger critique of the school’s fraudulent practices.
Common Criticisms
Fraud and Lawsuits: The most prominent theme is that the school is a “scam.” Reviewers allege that the university took their money, charged them for services they did not receive, and is facing a lawsuit. External information confirms that the U.S. Department of Education has determined that the school engaged in “widespread and pervasive substantial misrepresentations.”
Significant Financial Burden: Students complain about being charged for “add on fees that make no sense” and being left with large amounts of debt, even after the school closed. A former student claimed to have been charged $9,500 for only 30 days of attendance.
Lack of Transcripts and Diplomas: Multiple reviewers state that they were unable to get their transcripts or diplomas, even after the school closed, which has made it difficult to transfer credits or prove their educational credentials.
Poor Customer Service: Students describe staff as “rude and arrogant,” and they were unable to get in touch with anyone after the school closed.
Momentum
The reviews show a consistent and overwhelmingly negative momentum. External information confirms the severe issues raised in the reviews, with the school permanently closing its doors on August 1, 2021. The closure was a result of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) beginning to withdraw its accreditation due to the school’s alleged failure to maintain acceptable rates of student graduation and employment. The Department of Education has since announced a group discharge of over $1 billion in federal student loans for all students who attended Independence University and other schools under its parent company, the Center for Excellence in Higher Education (CEHE). This relief is automatic for eligible borrowers and is a result of a determination that the school engaged in widespread misconduct. Transcripts for former students are now being handled by a third-party service for a fee.