What is the U.S. Career Institute Known For?
The U.S. Career Institute, founded in 1981 in California, is a distance learning institution that offers online, self-paced courses with the full support of its extensive faculty. They are known for their online and competitively-priced career training options that can be completed in as little as four months. The U.S. Career Institute boasts certificate programs and degree options in healthcare, business, law, wellness, skilled trades, and high school diploma completion pathways.
Is it Legit?
The U.S. Career Institute is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. They are additionally approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Private Occupational School Board and recognized as a military-friendly school.
Further, the U.S. Career Institute is an accredited Better Business Bureau member with an A+ rating. The Council for Higher Education (CHEA) also recognizes the institution. It boasts a range of programmatic accreditations, including from the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) and the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals Organization (ABMP).
Is the U.S. Career Institute Worth It?
The U.S. Career Institute is a lauded distance learning institution with over 40 years of quality education. According to student alum surveys, 97% of students would recommend the U.S. Career Institute to a friend seeking higher education.
With its 24/7 study availability, unlimited access to instructor support, and education benefits available to students in the military and other industries, it’s easy to see why. In addition to the substantial support system the U.S. Career Institute offers its students, the school boasts multiple workforce partners, including major corporations such as Walgreens, to give its students a leg-up when seeking employment and experience.
Overall, the benefits and resources available to students are hard to match, making the U.S. Career Institute a competitive pick for your higher education needs.
U.S. Career Institute vs. Community College
The U.S. Career Institute offers students advantages that are often hard to come by as a community college student. Known for its affordability, the institution has an ironclad money-back guarantee, with low monthly payments, a 5-day risk-free preview, and a 100% money-back commitment.
In addition, the courses and programs offered are entirely self-paced and online, with no set class schedules, so students can set their own pace and study whenever they can, 24/7. Courses offered by the U.S. Career Institute are incredibly flexible and even accessible by phone through the school’s mobile-friendly student portal.
They are known for emphasizing real-world skills necessary for students’ career success. With a proven reputation for cutting-edge vocational training that fosters skills critical for students’ academic and professional success, the U.S. Career Institute enables its students to succeed.
U.S. Career Institute Acceptance Rate
The U.S. Career Institute has an acceptance rate of 100%.
U.S. Career Institute Cost Per Year
Tuition at the U.S. Career Institute varies depending on the program, but certificate and vocational training courses range from $585 to $1,539 for the entire program. High school diplomas additionally cost $1,839. Semesterly tuition for degree programs at the U.S. Career Institute is around the same, at $1,989 per semester.
School Catalog
A copy of the U.S. Career Institute course and program catalog can be found here.
School Hours
As the U.S. Career Institute is a fully online institution, content and technological support is generally available 24/7 and accessible by phone or email.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Marketing
Criminal Justice and Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
Healthcare Administration and Services
- Healthcare Management
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Medical Transcription
Healthcare and Nursing
- CNA
- Dental Assistant
- EKG
- Electronic Medical Records Specialist
- Medical Assistant
- Patient Care Tech
- Phlebotomy Tech
- Pharmacy Technician
- Sterile Processing Technician
Social Services
- Counseling
Sports Management
- Fitness Trainer
Wellness
- Massage Therapy
- Physical Therapy
Campus Locations
U.S. Career Institute 2001 Lowe St, Fort Collins, CO 80525
Financial Aid Services
While they don’t offer any financial aid, USCI has affordable monthly payment plans for students. The cost of tuition covers electronic books, lesson supplements, and career support. Attendees may also take advantage of special seasonal discounts, if eligible. The school will give a full refund to any person who decides a program isn’t for them within the first five days.
Student Services
Students have access to USCI instructors by email if they have questions about coursework. They can also submit assignments online, and in certain instances, by phone. An automated student information line is available for those with questions or concerns.
Veteran and Military Services
U.S. Career Institute offers a 25% tuition discount to military members and their spouses. Those in active duty roles may enjoy the immediate start dates and flexible pacing. USCI accepts military education benefits like the GI Bill and MyCAA funds to assist with paying for school.
Alumni Services
Graduates from U.S. Career Institute each receive a career starter guide. This resource has helpful tips on creating a resume and cover letter and advice on landing a job. USCI alumni can call with questions about finding employers or brush up with one-on-one practice interview sessions.
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, US Career Institute (USCI) appears to be a school with a very mixed reputation, receiving both strong praise and severe criticism. The sentiment is highly polarized, with graduates celebrating their success and disgruntled students feeling misled and scammed.
Overall Score: 3.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Self-Paced and Flexible Learning: A major positive for many students is the self-paced, online format. They appreciate the ability to study on their own schedule, which allows them to balance school with work and other life commitments.
Supportive Staff and Instructors: Several positive reviews mention staff and instructors by name (e.g., Jennifer Manns and Bryan) for being kind, helpful, and attentive. Students feel they have a good support system, with instructors always available for guidance.
Effective Exam Prep: Graduates from programs like Patient Care Technician and Medical Assistant praise the course material for being thorough and effective. They report successfully passing their national certification exams and some even getting jobs at major hospitals. USCI also highlights its 95% CCMA exam pass rate.
User-Friendly Platform: Reviewers appreciate the simple, organized, and easy-to-navigate online learning management system (LMS).
Common Criticisms
Misleading Information and Unclear Accreditation: This is the most significant and recurring criticism. Students feel they were not given clear information about accreditation, and that credits from USCI are not transferable to “real public or state schools.” They accuse the school of predatory practices and being a “racket” that misleads students for money.
Outdated Course Material: Several reviewers complain that course materials are outdated, with one student mentioning they were learning with accounting information from 2012. This leads to concerns that the education is irrelevant for the current job market.
Lack of Job Placement and Clinical Support: Graduates express feeling “cheated” and that their certificate “means nothing” because they can’t find a job. The school states it does not offer job placement or guarantee employment, which some students find misleading, especially in competitive markets where clinical hours are a requirement that the school does not facilitate.
Poor Customer Service and Communication: A number of reviews, particularly from prospective students, describe interactions with staff as “rude,” “unprofessional,” and “impatient.” They report not receiving call-backs or getting straight answers to their questions, leading them to ultimately not enroll.
Financial Issues and Refund Problems: Some reviewers complain about being charged for services they didn’t receive, difficulties with refunds, and being sent to collections for large sums of money in a short period. They accuse the school of being a “scam.”
Momentum
The momentum for USCI is highly conflicted. There is a consistent flow of positive reviews celebrating the flexibility and support for those who succeed, often in the Medical Coding and Billing programs. However, the severe and persistent negative feedback—specifically the lack of support for mandatory hands-on training (Sterile Processing) and the alleged lack of employer recognition for the certification/credit—indicates major structural limitations that prospective students must carefully consider.