What are the odds? RA for APUS

What do you guys think the chances are of APUS getting their RA within this next year 2005-2006?

 

Would any RA move require a name change? The name "American Public University System" is misleading to say the least.

 

I thnk that their chances of becoming accredited eventually is very good. Will it come after their next comprehensive examination? I don't know.

I do know that they only became a candidate in 2004. How long do candidacies typically last? Don't accreditors often want to see an entire cycle, from intake to graduation? APUS has lots of bachelors programs. Are they upper-division degree-completion programs for JC transfers or full four-year programs?

My guess is that candidacy might be continued after the upcoming site visit and that there may be yet another visit down the road before accreditation ultimately happens.

(I've been watching U. West in California and their WASC candidacy has been extended though several visits.)

http://www.ncahlc.org/index.php?option=com_directory&Action=ShowBasic&instid=2853

 

I don't really have a problem with their name. I just hope if they do change it, it won't be lame. Like Argosy or Excelsior!

I'm starting their MPH program with a concentration in Environmental Management. It exactly matches my interests. I decided to go there because I figured they were a good candidate for RA. I don't know the exact length, it probably varies, but I've always understood 3-5 years for the whole ball of wax.

 

When APUS originally applied to the NCA, they hoped to hop over candidacy right to accreditation. Obviously, this did not occur.

When I visited the campus last December, it was clear that their main focus was on a successful visit this Fall. Even though my discussions with them regarded faculty development, the accreditation issue came up several times.

There is no way to assess their readiness without being much more involved than my conversations entailed. But I came away with a very positive impression.

I, too, have chided them about the name. It seems to be a product of groupthink, but I can't be sure.

 

Hi Jimwe,

I'm interested in the APUS MPH Program. Please let me know what you think of the program thus far. I will be looking to start their program in about two years (after I finish my BS in Psych at NSU).

Thanks,
Tom

 

I've been following them pretty closely, and I hope they make it. I think it will be debatable if they get it next year because my sense is that the RA agencies are getting a little more demanding regarding distance education. Don't ask me why I say that; it's just my "feeling." By all accounts, APUS is a very ethical operation, and their faculty members sport impressive credentials. They obviously are heavily slanted towards military topics (not that there's anything wrong with that) like counter-terrorism and military history. I'm sure that a very large percentage of their students are active military, and they are accomodating the fact that those folks can't attend a traditional brick-and-mortar school because of deployment and frequent transfer. I've noticed that the FOX News Channel sometimes has their faculty on as expert commentators on aforementioned military and historical subjects. On the downside, I'll bet the tuition soars if they get RA. Again, that's just my "feeling." A number of folks on this board apparently have enrolled there anticipating regional accreditation, and they are banking on having their tuition rates grandfathered before RA kicks in. That's a couple of big "ifs."

 

The problem with tuition raises

If tuition goes up, that will cause many issues with the core population of military students. The current fee of $250 per credit hour maxes out active duty tuition assistance (at least for the Air Force).

 

Re: The problem with tuition raises

I cannot reasonably forsee an increase in tuition due to APUS earning regional accreditation. As you point out, their largest constituent population being military would seem to preclude any such change; though stranger things have happened.

I hope APUS becomes regionally accredited by the end of 2007 at which point I should be about three quarters of the way through a bachelor degree.

 

I could possibly foresee a tuition increase for civilians once the RA happens. They will probably have a special "scholarship" or "partnership" with the DOD....kind of like NCU has with Law Enforcement.

I emailed them a couple of days ago regarding this and they advised me that they do not know of any increase coming in the future and that it is not anticipated. Though that was from an admissions advisor and if their chain of command works like most places, he's a mushroom (in the dark and fed BS).

I have a very strong feeling that they will receive RA if for no other reason then they fill a very distinct gap in higher education of offering AFFORDABLE degrees in areas of military interests.

I personally have been impressed with the school, one of my current Officers is attending for his associate degree and it seems to be very thorough to say the least.

I smell an RA coming.