DeVry University Accreditation: A Comprehensive Overview

DeVry University, established in 1931, is a private for-profit university that offers both on-site and online programs. A key question for prospective students is whether DeVry University is accredited. Accreditation signifies that an institution has met rigorous quality standards and is committed to providing a valuable education. This article delves into DeVry University's accreditation status, its significance, and related aspects.

Accreditation Status

DeVry University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. This accreditation extends to DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. The Higher Learning Commission is a regional accrediting commission, one of the oldest accrediting organizations in the United States. You can verify DeVry's accreditation status directly on the HLC website.

What Accreditation Means

Accreditation involves an independent agency evaluating a school or program to ensure it meets specific standards. When a school is accredited, it signifies that it has been reviewed and approved by an official accrediting body. Being accredited means DeVry has met rigorous quality standards and is committed to giving students the education they deserve.

Programmatic Accreditation and Professional Recognition

In addition to institutional accreditation, many of DeVry's degree programs and specializations hold programmatic accreditations or professional recognitions. These reflect adherence to industry standards in fields such as business, technology, and healthcare. For example, several degree programs at DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management were reaffirmed as accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). Degree programs that achieve GAC accreditation must demonstrate and meet the GAC’s rigorous global standards of accreditation, which include an assessment of each program’s objectives and outcomes, faculty and student evaluations, on-site and online resources, annual self-evaluation, and proof of continuous improvements in the area of project management education. In 2021, PMI also recognized DeVry University as an Authorized Training Partner (ATP), approved to offer Project Management Professional (PMP)â certification exam preparation, plus disciplined agile training. To earn the PMI Authorized Training Partner designation, a provider must meet rigorous standards for quality and effectiveness. It also means students receive PMI-approved and vetted instructors and high-quality PMI-developed course content. The Health Information Management and Health Informatics accreditor of DeVry University is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The University’s accreditation for the associate degree in Health Information Technology has been reaffirmed through 2032-2033.

The Importance of Accreditation

Accreditation is important for several reasons:

Quality Assurance: Accreditation ensures that the university meets certain standards of educational quality.
Transferability of Credits: Credits earned at an accredited institution are more likely to be transferable to other colleges and universities.
Employer Recognition: Many employers recognize the value of a degree from an accredited institution.

DeVry University: A Closer Look

History and Background

DeVry University was founded in 1931 as the De Forest Training School in Chicago, Illinois, by Herman A. DeVry. Over the years, DeVry has undergone several changes in ownership and focus. Bell & Howell completed its acquisition of DeVry Technical Institute in 1967. In 1996, DeVry acquired Becker CPA Review. In 2003, DeVry acquired Ross University, a medical and veterinary school based in the Caribbean. In March 2005, DeVry moved into the nursing field with the acquisition of Deaconess College of Nursing, a St. Louis-based institution. In 2010, DeVry University had nearly 90 campus learning sites in 26 states and more than 7,000 employees. DeVry University's parent company is Cogswell Education, LLC. Cogswell purchased DeVry at no original cost from Adtalem Education. Cogswell Education is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut. In 2023, Elise Awwad became the first female President and CEO of DeVry.

Academics and Programs

DeVry University provides flexible, accredited education designed to help working adults succeed. The university operates on a uniform academic calendar for both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, consisting of six eight-week sessions. Most degree programs are offered at both the associate's and bachelor's level. DeVry offers career-focused programs in business, technology, and healthcare. It is also at the forefront of AI innovation in education.

Online Education

DeVry University offers a robust online learning environment. Students can earn their degree or certificate 100% online. Online classes offer the flexibility to study at a time and place that works for each student. Each 8-week class is taught in an online course platform by professors experienced in their field of study and includes peer discussion. The cost per credit hour is the same, whether students study online or in a hybrid format. All students receive access to the same tools and support, including career services, 24/7 tutoring, and counseling services.

Student Support

Student support is central to DeVry's mission. The university provides comprehensive support from the initial conversation through graduation and beyond. Advisors work with students to identify the right program and schedule to fit their life and goals. DeVry also provides extensive career services support to students during their education and after graduation.

Awards and Recognition

DeVry has received several awards and accolades. For example, DeVry ranked #2 on the 2026 Best Colleges for Information Technology in America list according to Niche and was named to the 2026 GSV 150, a list recognizing the world’s most transformational companies in digital learning and workforce skills.

Read also: Your Guide to DeVry Admissions

Concerns and Controversies

DeVry University has faced scrutiny over the years.

Investigations and Lawsuits

DeVry University has been the subject of numerous investigations and lawsuits alleging a variety of false or deceptive practices. In 1995, DeVry was suspended from the Ontario Student Assistance Program after a large number of its students misreported their income. In 2016, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit alleging certain advertising claims DeVry made between 2008-2015 were misleading. The case was resolved through a settlement addressing all FTC claims and DeVry did not admit wrongdoing. In 2022, DeVry University was one of 153 institutions included in student loan cancellation due to alleged fraud.

Campus Closures

In April 2015, DeVry University announced the closing of 14 campuses around the United States by 2016. In fiscal year 2018, DeVry closed eight additional campuses. According to the US Department of Education, DeVry closed five more campuses between 2019 and 2020.

Student Loan Default Rates

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, DeVry University-Illinois has a six-year graduation rate of 28% for first-time full-time students who began their studies in 2013. While the university's 3-year student loan default rate is 11.2%, a Brookings Institution report found that DeVry's five-year default rate was 43%.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

For-Profit Status: DeVry University is a for-profit institution, which refers to its federal tax classification. This means DeVry is privately owned and pays taxes, unlike private and public not-for-profit universities.
Legitimacy: DeVry University is a legitimate, accredited institution that has been educating students since 1931.
Investigation Status: DeVry University is not currently under investigation. A past Federal Trade Commission (FTC) inquiry into advertising claims was resolved in 2016 through a settlement agreement without admission of wrongdoing.
Continuous Operation: DeVry University has operated and enrolled students continuously since its founding in 1931.

Alternatives to DeVry

For those considering alternatives, especially individuals with some prior college credit, institutions like Western Governors University (WGU) are worth exploring. WGU is a fully online, accredited university that offers competency-based education, allowing students to progress at their own pace.

Read also: DeVry Tuition and Aid

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