Kaplan University

Kaplan University (KU) is the "doing business as" (DBA) name of the Iowa College Acquisition Corporation, a company that owns and operates for-profit colleges. It is owned by Kaplan, Inc., a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company.

Kaplan University is predominantly a distance learning institution of higher education that is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Kaplan University was named in honor of Stanley H. Kaplan, who founded Kaplan Test Prep.

In 2015 U.S. News & World Report ranked Kaplan University tied for 137th in the online bachelor's program category. The university's graduate nursing program was unranked.
Kaplan University has faced several federal whistle-blower lawsuits whose accusations dovetail with the findings of an undercover federal investigation which revealed high-pressure recruiting and unrealistic salary promises. Kaplan's enrollment has declined from 119,000 to 65,000 amid these controversies.

According to the New York Times, 23% of Kaplan's programs fail the proposed gainful employment regulations, and an additional 10% are close to failing. This means that a significant number of Kaplan graduates are unable to pay back their student loans.

In 2015, Kaplan settled with federal Officials regarding allegations that it hired instructors who were not qualified. Approximately 300 former students of Kaplan will receive tuition refunds as part of the settlement.
The American Institute of Commerce was established in 1937 before changing its name to Quest College. In November 2000, Quest College's name was changed to Kaplan College after Kaplan, Inc. acquired it with the purchase of Quest Education Corporation.

In September 2004, Kaplan College officially changed its name to Kaplan University after it was granted permission to offer graduate-level degree programs.

The university’s school of nursing was awarded a national professional accreditation for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in April 2006 from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In October 2007, all seven Iowa and Nebraska-based Hamilton College (Iowa) campuses merged with Kaplan University and are now operating under the Kaplan University brand. Concord Law School merged with Kaplan University in October 2007, changing its name to Concord Law School of Kaplan University. Concord is not recognized by the American Bar Association, which does not accredit online institutions, although students with non-ABA-accredited law degrees are allowed to take California's bar examination and practice law once admitted to the bar.
Kaplan University has an open admissions policy.[not in citation given] Applicants are eligible for both Pell grants and federal student loans. The university offers members of the military discounted tuition rates as well as granting service members college credit for some of the military education they may have received while in the service.