Purdue Gets Final Approval For Controversial Online University

Purdue University has received final approval for its controversial acquisition of Kaplan University, now known as Purdue University Global.

The Higher Learning Commission, the institution’s accrediting body, gave the OK Monday.

“We are grateful for the Higher Learning Commission’s decision to approve Purdue University’s conversion of Kaplan University to Indiana’s newest public institution of higher education, Purdue Global,” said Purdue President Mitch Daniels in a statement. “It opens a new era for our institution, with the opportunity to expand our land-grant mission to millions of adult students around the country.”

Purdue’s acquisition of for-profit Kaplan has been marked with controversy ever since it was announced last April.

Faculty members worry the deal will tarnish Purdue’s reputation and diminish the value of a Purdue degree. But Purdue President Mitch Daniels and other higher education officials have said the acquisition is a way to increase education access to a population of adults that desperately needs it.

Purdue University Global’s main campus will be in Indianapolis. Officials expect to launch the new program in April.