JIU was founded in 1993 as the first university to exist entirely online. And, in 1999, JIU became the first fully online university to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org, 312.263.0456), an accrediting body for institutions of higher education in the United States. The majority of JIU's students are working adults, generally balancing both career and family at the time they decide to continue their educations. For many of these individuals, a campus-based institution is simply out of the question, between scheduling conflicts, business travel, and childcare issues. These are among the individuals for whom JIU was created.

Kaplan University offers a broad selection of programs that address the career goals of working adults from a variety or professional disciplines. Our emphasis is on real-world knowledge and skill development, and we offer programs from which students learn concepts and techniques they can use to take control of their professional destinies. Our courses are designed to empower you with the knowledge and skill you need to move to the next level in your career plan. Kaplan University gives you the control to schedule your education. There are no job interruptions, travel expenses or hours spent searching the campus map. You can go to class anytime, anywhere 24/7. The flexibility and dynamic interaction of online education at Kaplan University also allows for innovative web-based learning opportunities via message boards, online readings, academic exercises and web field trips.