Unfortunately this online school is not even close to a good university. This university cannot be compared to Harvard, UCSD, or even Devry. Below are some reasons why:
1) They are nationally accredited. Once you start with this school you must complete with them. You do have the option of transferring out but none of their credits will count toward a regionally accredited college degree. This is as compared to schools like National University or SDSU which are regionally accredited (WASC regional accreditation is always better).
2) The university's Financial Aid Department is the worst. The person who runs this department (even if it does not say so on paper) is probably the most unknowledgeable human I’ve worked with. The university is not even qualified to give out half of the grants the other schools are (no Cal Grants). You will sign documents that state that once you are enrolled in courses, you should receive your living expenses. However, you will only receive your money when the university "feels" that you are a safe candidate and will not harm their retention rate. They do not trust their students. Even though the documents you signed do not state that this condition will apply. This is unethical behavior. By the way, work study is not available.
3) If you look up this university on Wikipedia you will learn that it is the same school as Pacific Western. Pacific Western is notorious for giving away diplomas to students who never found a job. The staff and management is the same people. Specifically the president of the University is the same person. He still receives letters from students of the past. They question why he promised that their degrees will be accredited and have lied to them.
4) They are a very limited online school. If you want any majors that are useful in the job market (engineering, mathematics, sciences) they do not have any available. Don't bother showing up to the school, just call them and check. They have one classroom in their entire "campus" which the staff also uses as a conference room and a lunchroom. You have no choice of teachers, which you would in any other university. They have one person for each course and that is it. Supposedly you have a choice of electives (or specialties) but you do not. Because of their low number of students, there are only very few courses that are available at a time so you are stuck with what is available. Compare this to other schools where many staff members and teachers are available for help.
I understand that most students do not have enough time to do extensive research, but making time to learn more about a university you will be attending in the next 2-4 years is very important. Time and money will be wasted otherwise. If you visit their site the only example of someone doing anything post-graduation is someone going back to Peace Corps (she was already part of this organization before attending this university). I will not be attending college to not change my life. Steer Clear.
