Who attends Independence University? Most of our students are mature, working, successful, motivated adults who want a degree to advance their career. They need, and must have, a flexible, focused, fast educational track, which is what Independence University offers you.

Why do students attend Independence University? For the pride, prestige, and earning power that a college degree offers. In short: career advancement, promotion, licensure, a new job, a higher salary. A degree opens doors that may have been closed.

Is IU accredited? Yes. We are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). Our respiratory therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

What is online distance education? It has the same course materials, textbooks, and services as campus-based courses, but it’s all at your fingertips at home, at work, or while traveling. You have online and paper versions of study guides and all of your instruction and services are a click away. This method of learning works very well for both traditional and nontraditional students, such as working mothers.

Do I ever have to visit a campus? No. You can complete your program from the comfort of your home, work, while traveling, or any place you choose.

How do I take exams? Take your exams conveniently online and receive instant scoring and feedback. Final exams for each course must be supervised (proctored) by an approved test administrator. Our team of student advisors will help set you up with the appropriate proctor.

Can I sit for licensure? Yes, our accredited RT and ECE program is nationally accepted for licensure in most states.

Is it easy to cheat? No, we watch for and test for plagiarism and cheating. We do catch and expel students. Test administrators (proctors) must be approved by IU.

What if I’m having trouble? Student advisors, instructors, and support staff work tirelessly to help you succeed. If you ever have trouble completing your courses, just ask for help.

How can I pay the tuition? Everyone can afford to go to IU through a variety of private student financial aid programs. There are: tuition reimbursement from your company, Sallie Mae, Bank One, and US Bank for student loans; VA student benefits, DANTES for active military personnel, and EduPlan™. And there are grants and scholarships — there is a plan for everyone.

What programs do you offer?We offer master's, bachelor's, and associate's degrees, plus certificates. Choose from allied health, business, or education programs, including Respiratory Therapy, Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Wellness Promotion, Community Health, Health Care Administration, Public Health, Allied Health, Health Services Management, Business, and an MBA, including an MBA in Health Care.

How much time will it take? You should commit as much time as you would at a full- or part-time campus-based program, minus the commuting, parking, and waiting. Schedule 12–25 hours per week. The accelerated pace is one course (three credits) per month. The maximum time allowed to complete a course is three months. If you have prior credits, you could finish a degree in as little as one year; otherwise, plan on two-to-four years depending upon your personal drive and motivation.

Can I get a leave of absence (LOA)? If you have a good reason, a leave of absence may be requested (which will extend the three months’ time frame). Leaves are discouraged and two maximum will be granted in each 12 months.

Is online distance education easy? Yes and no. Certainly the fact that it is so convenient and flexible makes it easier. But educationally, distance education is as challenging as any other college-level material except that you will learn without having to listen to lectures in a classroom. Online distance education provides you the flexibility needed to balance your personal and professional responsibilities and allows you to control your own schedule.

To succeed in your online education, you should be self-directed and well organized. Take the Distance Education Readiness Survey sponsored by the Utah System of Higher Education to explore your awareness and readiness to be successful in a technology delivered class.

Can I transfer in any previously earned credits? Yes. Credits earned at accredited schools are accepted. We also accept credits earned through ACE, CLEP, DANTES/DSST, AP, ACT, Excelsior/Regents/PEP, and USAFI.

Can I get credit for work experience? No. We are an institution of higher learning, and only credits earned from academic accredited study can be recognized and transferred.

Is my entire program delivered at a distance? Yes. There is no requirement to visit any campus to complete your entire program. Certain programs, such as Respiratory Therapy, require attendance at a clinical site (perhaps your employer’s) for hands-on instruction.

Do you offer student financial assistance? Yes. We have many different private financial aid programs that make it possible for all students who qualify to enroll.

What computer will I need? Our programs are designed so that you can use pretty much any computer. The speed will vary based on the power of the computer used and your Internet connection speed. Minimum computer requirements are: Pentium, Windows 95 or above, 150 MB of free space, 32 MG of RAM, recent video and sound card, speakers, Internet service provider, 56K speed modem, CD/ROM player, Internet browser, e-mail account.

Do you have any scheduled activities? No, for the entire program you arrange your best times to study. However, you should schedule certain times in the morning, at lunchtime, or evenings, when you can be alone and quiet and can study for several hours. Three to five days per week is best.

Do I have to wait for a particular start time? No, because the delivery is distance education, you may start right away.

Is distance education as good as on-campus? Yes, many studies have indicated that distance education is the equivalent of on-campus, except that it’s far more convenient and flexible. Our online courses have the same course content and exit competencies as an in-classroom version does. Even better, our online courses are specifically designed to take advantage of the online environment, making your learning experience more efficient.