Strayer University Reviews
Strayer University is a hybrid university, with campuses both online and in 78 physical locations, that has been providing education in some form since the late 1800s. It began as Strayer Business College in 1892, where it focused on giving former farmers business degrees to help them adjust to new lives in urban areas. In later years, especially during World War I, the school focused on producing skilled accountants and clerks. In 1998, the school was granted the status of university, and established itself as a school that helped working adults get their degrees part-time.
As of 2013, more than half of Strayer’s student body attends school through the online programs, mostly resulting from the shutdown of over 20 Midwestern campuses in the previous two years. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
REVIEW
Strayer offers Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate degrees, in the fields of business, information technology, healthcare, criminal justice, human resources, education, and public administration. Their tuition rates are on par with many other online programs, and are quite a bit lower than competitors like University of Phoenix and Kaplan.
Class sizes at Strayer are larger than other online programs, with up to 22 students reporting for a single class (most online programs report that their classes are made up of 15 or less students). Their class schedules are somewhat flexible to work with your schedule, but do require some time spent in discussion with class during live hours. The support staff is frequently cited as being professional and knowledgeable, something that many online universities struggle with.
The biggest reoccurring theme in student reviews of Strayer is a major lack of competence in the financial aid department. As with many other online universities.
The biggest reoccurring theme in student reviews of Strayer is a major lack of competence in the financial aid department. As with many other online universities, keeping financial aid running smoothly seems to be an issue. Strayer is frequently referenced as a school that does not serve military students well, who experienced frequent and disastrous mix-ups, and an overall unwillingness to work with the VA when it came time to exchange paperwork.
RATINGS
BRAND REPUTATION COMPARISON
USER ENGAGEMENT COMPARISON
POPULARITY TREND COMPARISON
- Inexpensive compared to major competitors
- Higher retention rates than many other online universities
- Friendly and knowledgeable support staff
- Frequently cited issues with financial aid and enrollment
- Difficulty working with the VA for military students
- Class sizes larger than other online universities
- Low overall graduation rate
- Part-time faculty that aren’t required to maintain or develop teaching careers
CONCLUSION
Overall, Strayer University is one to approach cautiously. It appears, based on most of the student reviews, that if you can get through the enrollment process and have the ability to stay on top of the financial aid process, you’ll probably succeed with Strayer University. Be sure to check if their degree will be accepted by the company or industry you want to enter, and make friends with the financial advisors; it’s likely you’ll be speaking with them often.
If you are a military student, you are probably far better served in another school entirely. The inability of Strayer to work with the VA on simple paperwork matters does not inspire much confidence in their ability to work with your unique scheduling needs as a service member.
Have you had an experience with this company? Please share your Strayer University reviews below.
