Is a Degree from Purdue Global Respected?
Purdue Global is part of the Purdue University system, but is a Purdue Global degree respected? We dive into everything you need to know about the online university.
Purdue Global is the online branch of Indiana's public Purdue Global. It's designed specifically for busy adults with responsibilities, like jobs and dependents.
Purdue Global offers a variety of degree programs, but is a Purdue Global degree respected? Thanks to its strong programs and affiliation with the respected Purdue Global system, Purdue Global is well respected. We break it all down below.
Is Purdue Global Accredited?
Purdue Global is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
At the institutional level, colleges and universities in the United States can either be regionally accredited or nationally accredited. Most are regionally accredited, and regional accreditation is generally the preferred accreditation.
There are six agencies in the U.S. that bestow regional accreditation, each responsible for the schools within a specific area of the country.
The HLC is the largest of these and covers the Midwest, however, it includes states as far southwest as Arizona and as far northeast as West Virginia.
Although Purdue Global offers programs to students across the world, because Purdue Global is located in Indiana, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Higher Learning Commission.
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Programmatic Accreditation and Approvals
Individual programs within an institution can also be programmatically accredited by a body that oversees programs in that field. Agencies that accredit programs at Purdue Global include:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Commission for Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Administration Education (CAHME)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California
- Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.)
- International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)
- National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC)
Additionally, the school is a member of many associations and boards, meaning they have promised to uphold the educational guidelines set by those organizations.
What Is Purdue Global Known For?
Purdue Global is known for delivering personalized online education tailored to the unique needs of adults who have work or life experience beyond the classroom.
The online university has been awarded several accolades Purdue's rankings include:
- Education Brand That Matters by Fast Company in 2022
- #7 Best Value by Wall Street Journal in 2022
- #16 Most Innovative Company in the World by Fast Company in 2023
The university is also known for its ExcelTrack programs, which are self-paced and competency-based programs.
These programs give credit for prior experience and allow students to proceed through courses at their own pace, rather than a pace set by the instructor.
Is Purdue Global a Good Choice?
While online learning isn't for everyone, many students find Purdue Global to be a good choice.
The university is committed to providing education to all students, but is specifically geared toward adult students with busy lives:
- 59% of students are over the age of 30
- 85% hold a job while enrolled
- 52% have at least one child or other dependant
Students seem to be highly satisfied with their experience at Purdue Global, according to the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE).
At least 92% of students rate their experience as 'excellent' or 'good' at the end of their first year, compared to the national average of 79%. That number increases to 94% at the end of senior year, compared to the national average of 82%.
On review sites, most reviews of Purdue Global are four or five-star reviews, with many students appreciating the flexibility of programs and student support services.
Acceptance Rates at Purdue Global
Purdue Global has open admissions, which means that it accepts all students who meet the application requirements.
For undergraduate admissions, students must submit evidence of high school graduation, a GED certificate, or a home study certificate. Students can apply while still in high school so long as they eventually submit evidence of graduation.
Some students are required to take an entrance exam. Those who fail the exam may not be admitted or be required to first take foundational coursework.
Individual programs may have their own requirements. For example, students applying to nursing programs may need to submit proof of health examinations, tests, or immunizations.
Online Programs Offered at Purdue Global
Purdue Global offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees, as well as certificate programs. These programs are available in the following fields:
- aviation
- business
- communication
- criminal justice
- education
- fire and emergency management
- health sciences
- human services
- information technology
- legal studies
- nursing
- professional studies
- psychology
- public policy
The most popular fields of study at Purdue Global include business, health sciences and nursing, and information technology.
The self-paced ExcelTrack programs are available at the bachelor's and master's levels for some business, information technology, and nursing programs.
What Are Online Classes Like at Purdue Global?
Online classes at Purdue Global vary depending on whether the course is part of a traditional program or part of an ExcelTrack program.
Traditional online classes are typically offered asynchronously, meaning you can log in at a time that works best for you. However, you will still have due dates that you will need to meet.
Courses may include online quizzes, discussion boards, seminars, student/instructor feedback, and more. The online classrooms are designed to be user-friendly, interactive, and collaborative.
ExcelTrack programs work a little differently. You'll start by taking an exam to assess your knowledge and experience, then receive a personalized curriculum made up of highly-focused single-credit courses.
You then proceed through the curriculum at your own pace. Once you've mastered one course, you move on to the next. This allows you to speed through content you find easy and spend more time on complex topics.
These programs charge per term rather than per credit, and there's no limit to how many courses you can complete in each term.
Start Your Degree Today
Purdue Global offers convenient online degree programs for busy students across the world. With the guide above, you can determine if a degree from Purdue Global is right for you.
