Anything ICT Web DeskSo you’re considering pursuing your degree through Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University), but aren’t sure if their programs are respected? This is an important question when making decisions about your education.
In this post, I’ll give you a thorough analysis of Purdue Global’s reputation, accreditation, and how their degrees are viewed by employers and graduate schools.
Purdue Global’s Background
First, some background. Purdue Global offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees primarily as an online university focused on working adults. They have over 30,000 students and are known for flexibility and affordability.
Importantly, Purdue Global is part of the respected Purdue University system. Purdue purchased Kaplan University in 2018 and rebranded it as a non-profit public university called Purdue University Global in order to expand access to education. This backing by a top research university has increased perceptions of Purdue Global.
Accreditation and Quality
One major factor in assessing a school’s degree quality and respect is proper accreditation. Purdue Global has regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission since 2001, when it was still Kaplan.
Regional accreditation is the main type that indicates academic and institutional quality. The criteria focus on factors like academic rigor, student outcomes, and continuous school improvement.
Purdue Global also has discipline-specific accreditation for certain programs like nursing, business, and more. This validates the education quality in those fields meet high standards.
So in terms of legitimacy, Purdue Global checks those boxes. But are the actual program and student outcomes up to par?
Academic Rigor and Value of Degree Earned
While online colleges can sometimes be known for high acceptance rates and easy coursework, Purdue Global emphasizes academic rigor:
Their acceptance rate ranges from 52-57% depending on the program. Students are required to participate consistently in online discussion boards, assignments, and other learning activities.
In a survey of over 5,000 alumni, 85% said their degree was worth the cost and 88% would recommend Purdue Global.
The value of their programs is shown in Purdue Global graduates landing jobs at reputable companies like Amazon, Walmart, UnitedHealth Group, Deloitte, and more. Their career-focused education seems to be paying off.
Employer Acceptance of Online Degrees
What about employer perceptions though? There can sometimes be stigma around online colleges.
The good news is employer acceptance of online degrees has improved dramatically in recent years as they’ve become more common and the focus is more on skills, capabilities and experience. Multiple surveys have found that most employers consider online degrees equal to a traditional degree:
65% said perception of online degrees improves with greater familiarity of online universities according to QS Endeavor.
79% believe online degrees are considered equal to or better than those earned offline according to College Recruiting.
76% said skills taught are more important than where degree earned according to Rasmussen University.
As you can see, while some employers may still have reservations about online degrees, they are increasingly mainstream and what matters most is the knowledge and competencies gained.
Graduate School Acceptance Rates
What if you want to use your Purdue Global bachelor’s degree to apply for graduate school?
The graduate school acceptance rates for Purdue Global students falls within the ranges of national averages:
Purdue Global cites a 60% medical school and 80% law school acceptance rate for alumni applicants.
Nationwide, 41% of medical school applicants and 56% of law school applicants were accepted in 2021 according to AAMC and LSAC.
So getting into graduate school with an online degree also seems in-line with traditional colleges.
Admissions officers care most about your personal statement, test scores, research experience, grades and other application components over where you specifically earned your degree.
Final Thoughts: Purdue Global Degrees Are Respected
Given Purdue Global’s rigorous curriculum, Purdue University backing, proper accreditation, and where many graduates end up, you can feel confident pursuing your degree through their programs.
While some outdated stigmas may remain in certain circles about online colleges, acceptance is continually improving – especially for graduates that can demonstrate knowledge and capabilities. Skills matter more than degree origin these days.
In the case of Purdue Global – with its high academic standards and graduate success – you can be at ease that your degree will open doors in the working world and for further education. The value is about what you make of it.
Anything ICT Web Desk
