If you’re comparing Herzing University and Kaplan University, the main pros of Herzing include its current accreditation, broad program offerings, and strong support for healthcare careers, while Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global) stands out for its flexible online learning and large alumni network. The cons for Herzing can include higher tuition than some public options and limited national brand recognition; Kaplan’s cons include its transition to Purdue Global, which may confuse prospective students, and mixed reviews on employer perception. Both schools are primarily online, but their reputations, accreditation status, and student experiences differ in important ways.
Background: Herzing University and Kaplan University
Herzing University is a private, nonprofit institution founded in 1965, with campuses across several U.S. states and a strong online presence. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is known for programs in nursing, healthcare, technology, business, and public safety.
Kaplan University was a for-profit university established in 1937, which operated primarily online and at a handful of campuses. In 2018, it was acquired by Purdue University and rebranded as Purdue University Global (Purdue Global). This transition aimed to create a public, nonprofit online university that leveraged Purdue’s brand and academic standards.
Program Offerings and Academic Focus
Both institutions offer a wide range of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, with an emphasis on adult learners and career-focused education. Here’s how their academic offerings compare:
- Herzing University: Especially known for its nursing, healthcare, and allied health programs, as well as business, IT, and legal studies. Many programs are designed to prepare students for licensure or certification.
- Kaplan University/Purdue Global: Offers similar programs in nursing, health sciences, business, criminal justice, IT, psychology, and education. Purdue Global has expanded offerings since the acquisition, including doctoral programs.
Both schools are designed to serve working adults, with flexible scheduling and online coursework. However, Herzing maintains a network of physical campuses, while Purdue Global is primarily online.
Accreditation and Reputation
Accreditation is a critical factor in choosing a university, as it affects credit transfer, graduate school acceptance, and employer perception.
- Herzing University: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Many of its healthcare and nursing programs also hold specialized accreditations (e.g., CCNE for nursing).
- Kaplan University: Before its acquisition, Kaplan was also regionally accredited by the HLC. After the transition, Purdue Global retained HLC accreditation and benefits from the Purdue University brand, which is widely recognized.
Generally, regional accreditation is considered the gold standard. Both institutions meet this standard, but Purdue Global’s link to Purdue University may carry more prestige with some employers and graduate schools.
Cost and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees are significant considerations. Both Herzing and Purdue Global are private institutions, so their tuition is generally higher than that of public state schools but lower than some private universities.
- Herzing University: Tuition varies by program but is typically around $400–$600 per credit hour for undergraduate programs. Scholarships, grants, and federal financial aid are available. Herzing also offers a “tuition freeze” for students who remain continuously enrolled.
- Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan): Undergraduate tuition is usually in the $350–$400 per credit hour range. Military discounts, transfer credits, and various scholarships can reduce costs. Purdue Global also offers the “ExcelTrack” competency-based option for some programs, allowing faster completion and potential cost savings.
Always check the latest tuition rates and available financial aid with each school, as these can change yearly.
Flexibility and Student Experience
Both Herzing and Purdue Global cater to adult learners seeking flexibility. However, their approaches differ somewhat:
- Herzing: Blends online, hybrid, and on-campus classes depending on location and program. Many students appreciate the personalized support, including career counseling, tutoring, and job placement assistance.
- Purdue Global: Primarily online, with asynchronous courses and some live sessions. Offers 24/7 tech support, virtual career services, and a broad alumni network. The “ExcelTrack” pathway lets students progress at their own pace in select programs.
Student reviews commonly cite Herzing’s strong advising and supportive faculty, while Purdue Global is praised for its flexibility and the resources of a large university system.
Pros and Cons: A Side-by-Side Comparison
- Herzing University Pros:
- Current, regionally accredited nonprofit institution
- Hands-on healthcare and nursing programs with licensure tracks
- Personalized support and career-focused advising
- Physical campuses in addition to online programs
- Smaller class sizes and close faculty interaction
- Herzing University Cons:
- Tuition higher than public options
- Limited national name recognition compared to major universities
- Fewer program choices outside healthcare/business/IT
- Kaplan University/Purdue Global Pros:
- Now part of the Purdue University system
- Broad online program selection, including advanced degrees
- Competency-based options for faster completion
- Large alumni network and extensive online resources
- Transfer-friendly policies
- Kaplan University/Purdue Global Cons:
- Transition from Kaplan brand may cause confusion
- Mixed reviews on employer perception of online degrees
- Primarily online, so little campus community
- Some programs may lack specialized accreditation
How to Choose Between Herzing and Kaplan (Purdue Global)
Choosing the right university depends on your goals, field of study, and personal circumstances. Consider these factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure your program is regionally accredited and, if needed, holds specialized accreditation (especially for nursing or healthcare).
- Program Fit: Does the school offer your desired major? Are there pathways to licensure if required for your career?
- Learning Format: Do you want online-only, or is a campus experience important?
- Cost: Compare total tuition, available scholarships, and financial aid.
- Support Services: Look at advising, tutoring, job placement, and alumni resources.
- Reputation: Research employer and graduate school acceptance of degrees from each institution.
For example, if you want a hands-on nursing program near your home, Herzing’s local campus may be ideal. If you need maximum flexibility and a wider choice of online programs, Purdue Global could be a better fit.
Common Concerns and Misconceptions
Some prospective students worry about the credibility of online degrees or for-profit education. Here’s what you should know:
- Online degrees: Both universities are regionally accredited, so their degrees are generally respected. However, some employers may still prefer traditional on-campus programs, especially in certain fields.
- For-profit vs. nonprofit: Kaplan University was for-profit, but Purdue Global is now a public, nonprofit institution. Herzing is also nonprofit. This can affect eligibility for certain types of aid and employer perceptions.
- Transfer credits: Both schools accept transfer credits, but policies vary. Always confirm credit transferability, especially if you plan to attend graduate school later.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither Herzing nor Purdue Global fits your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Western Governors University (WGU): Nonprofit, online-only, competency-based degrees in business, IT, teaching, and health professions.
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): Nonprofit, regionally accredited, large online degree catalog.
- Local community colleges: Lower-cost associate degrees, often with transfer agreements to four-year universities.
- State universities with online programs: Many public universities now offer fully online degrees with strong reputations.
Always compare tuition, accreditation, and student support before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kaplan University still operating?
Kaplan University no longer exists as a separate institution. It was acquired by Purdue University in 2018 and now operates as Purdue University Global. All former Kaplan students and records are maintained by Purdue Global.
Are Herzing University and Purdue Global degrees respected?
Both are regionally accredited, which is the most important factor for most employers and graduate schools. Purdue Global carries the added benefit of the Purdue University brand, which is widely recognized. Herzing is respected in healthcare and allied health fields, especially in regions where it has campuses.
Can I transfer credits between Herzing and Purdue Global?
Both schools accept transfer credits, but policies depend on the courses and grades earned. Always check with each school’s admissions office to confirm how many credits will transfer and whether your previous coursework meets program requirements.
How do Herzing and Purdue Global support online students?
Both universities offer robust online platforms, technical support, academic advising, tutoring, and career services. Purdue Global, being larger, has more extensive online resources, but Herzing’s smaller size can mean more personalized attention.
Which is cheaper: Herzing or Purdue Global?
Tuition rates are similar, but Purdue Global may be slightly less expensive per credit for many programs. However, actual costs depend on transfer credits, scholarships, and how quickly you complete your degree. Always get a personalized estimate from each school.
Do employers prefer one school over the other?
Employer preferences vary by field. In general, Purdue Global’s association with Purdue University may carry more weight in some industries. Herzing is well-regarded in healthcare and nursing, especially in regions with local campuses. For either school, accreditation and program quality are more important than the name alone.
See the main Herzing University pros and cons.