Exploring Independence University's Religious Affiliation And Values

Independence University (IU), formerly known as the California College for Health Sciences, was a private online career college headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was founded by Carl Barney and was owned and operated by the Center for Excellence in Higher Education (CEHE). The university offered programs in various fields, including technology, business, graphic arts, and healthcare, and provided associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. However, Independence University permanently closed its doors in 2021 due to accreditation issues and financial problems. While the university is no longer operational, its former students are now pursuing their educational goals at other institutions.

Independence University is now closed

Independence University (IU), formerly known as the California College for Health Sciences, was a private online career college. It was headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was the online branch of Stevens-Henager College. The university offered programs in technology, business, graphic arts, and healthcare, with classes starting every month and running for four weeks.

Unfortunately, Independence University has permanently closed its doors as of August 1, 2021. This difficult decision was made due to issues with accreditation and financial difficulties. The university's accreditor, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, began withdrawing accreditation because the university allegedly "failed to demonstrate successful student achievement by maintaining acceptable rates of student graduation and employment."

In July 2021, the university management announced financial troubles, stating that the school had not received any cash from the US Department of Education since May 2020 and that most workers would be laid off in the following months.

Former students of Independence University can request transcripts through an outside transcript service for a nominal fee. Additionally, transcripts have been given to state regulatory agencies for safe-keeping. For students wishing to continue their studies, several schools have been identified as potential options for transferring credits, including:

• Miami International University of Art & Design
• National American University
• Colorado Technical University
• Westcliff University
• Western Governors University

It was a private online career college

Independence University (IU), formerly known as the California College for Health Sciences, was a private online career college. It was headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah and was the online branch of Stevens-Henager College. The university was founded by Carl Barney and was owned and operated by the Center for Excellence in Higher Education (CEHE).

IU offered programs in technology, business, graphic arts, and healthcare. Students could obtain associate, bachelor's, or master's degrees. The university had a unique structure, with classes starting each month and running for four weeks, rather than following a typical college schedule with semesters or quarters. This flexibility, along with its online format, made it a convenient option for working adults and those with other commitments.

IU had a diverse student body, with a significant proportion of low-income individuals and a large number of students attending under the GI Bill. The university participated in the Yellow Ribbon Program, allowing it to partially or fully fund tuition expenses for eligible students.

However, IU faced several controversies and challenges. In 2020, Carl Barney was fined $3 million by the State of Colorado for defrauding students at CEHE schools. This led to the suspension of CEHE President Eric Juhlin by the U.S. Department of Education. Subsequently, IU's accreditor, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, began withdrawing its accreditation due to concerns about student achievement and graduation rates. These issues ultimately led to the permanent closure of Independence University in 2021.

Despite its closure, IU left a mark on the lives of its students, with varying reviews. While some students praised the helpfulness of the staff and the convenience of online learning, others expressed disappointment with the lack of instructor support and issues with accreditation.

It was headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah

Independence University (IU), formerly known as the California College for Health Sciences, was headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. The university was a private online career college and the online branch of Stevens-Henager College. It offered programs in technology, business, graphic arts, and healthcare, with students able to obtain associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees.

IU was founded by Carl Barney and owned and operated by the Center for Excellence in Higher Education (CEHE). The university was accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, but in 2020, Carl Barney was fined $3 million by the State of Colorado for defrauding students at CEHE schools. Following this judgement, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges began the process of withdrawing the university's accreditation.

In July 2021, Independence University management announced that the school had been placed on Heightened Cash Monitoring and had not received any cash from the US Department of Education since May 2020. This led to the university closing its doors permanently on August 1, 2021.

The university's campus was located near an urban/suburban population center, providing students with easy access to public transportation, inexpensive eateries, and other amenities. While the university did not offer on-campus housing, the Office of Admissions assisted students in finding housing options within close physical proximity to the campus.

As a private not-for-profit institution, Independence University served a diverse student body, with 35.2% of its 11,501 full-time undergraduates identifying as racial or ethnic minorities. The university was also known for its thriving international student community, adding to the campus's cultural diversity.

The university's location in Salt Lake City, Utah, offered students a blend of tranquility and excitement. The city's suburban setting provided a safe and peaceful environment, while its proximity to the city center ensured easy access to urban conveniences and attractions.

It was accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

Independence University (IU), formerly known as the California College for Health Sciences, was a private online career college headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was the online branch of Stevens-Henager College and offered programs in various fields, including technology, business, graphic arts, and healthcare.

Now, let's focus on the accreditation aspect that you're interested in.

Accreditation by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges:

Independence University was accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). This accreditation is a significant indicator of the institution's quality and recognition within the education sector. The ACCSC is a trusted entity responsible for evaluating and accrediting career schools and colleges across the nation.

The ACCSC's accreditation of Independence University signified that the university met specific standards and criteria for educational quality. It validated the university's commitment to providing a sound education and reflected well on the institution's reputation. This accreditation also provided certain benefits and opportunities for the university and its students.

However, it's important to note that Independence University encountered some issues with its accreditation status. In 2018, the ACCSC placed the university on probation, citing concerns about the design of its inputs, resources, and processes, and whether they were conducive to student success. Subsequently, in 2020, the university's founder, Carl Barney, faced legal troubles and was fined by the State of Colorado for defrauding students. These events led to further complications with the university's accreditation.

The U.S. Department of Education suspended the participation of CEHE President Eric Juhlin in federal programs. As a result, the ACCSC initiated the process of withdrawing Independence University's accreditation. By 2021, the university faced the revocation of its accreditation status, and it ultimately closed its doors permanently.

This sequence of events underscores the critical role accreditation plays in maintaining the integrity and quality of educational institutions. Accreditation ensures that colleges and universities adhere to established standards and provide their students with a valuable education that meets recognized benchmarks.

While Independence University initially earned accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, the institution ultimately lost this accreditation due to various factors, including concerns about student achievement and legal issues involving its administration.

It offered degrees in business, technology, graphic arts, and healthcare

Independence University (IU), formerly known as the California College for Health Sciences, was a private online career college. It was headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah and was the online branch of Stevens-Henager College. The university offered degrees in various fields, including business, technology, graphic arts, and healthcare, through its four schools: the School of Healthcare, the School of Business, the School of Technology, and the School of Graphic Arts.

The School of Business provided programs such as Business Administration at the bachelor's and master's levels, with a focus on helping students develop their business acumen and leadership skills. The School of Technology, on the other hand, offered degrees in fields like computer science and cybersecurity, equipping students with the technical knowledge and skills demanded by the digital age.

The School of Graphic Arts allowed students to explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills, offering degrees in Graphic Design at both the associate and bachelor's levels. This school provided a platform for students to hone their design skills, learn about industry-standard tools, and build a portfolio to showcase their talents.

The School of Healthcare, previously known as the California College of Health Sciences, had a long-standing reputation as one of the leading nursing schools in the country. It offered a range of programs, including Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, and Healthcare Management. These programs prepared students for careers in the healthcare industry, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

Unfortunately, Independence University permanently closed its doors in 2021 due to various issues, including accreditation problems, financial difficulties, and legal troubles involving its owner, Carl Barney. Despite its closure, the university left a mark on the lives of its students, with many alumni expressing mixed feelings about their experiences and the impact on their careers and financial situations.

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