Strayer University: What It Is and How to Evaluate It as an Online Degree Option
Strayer University is a for-profit, primarily online institution that offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs. Understanding what Strayer is—and what it isn't—requires looking at its structure, accreditation, program offerings, and how it fits within the broader landscape of online higher education. This information can help you assess whether it aligns with your specific educational goals and circumstances.
What Strayer University Is
Strayer is a fully accredited, for-profit online university that has operated since 1892, originally as a campus-based institution before expanding into online delivery. It offers degrees across business, information technology, criminal justice, nursing, education, and related fields. The university operates on a flexible schedule, with rolling start dates and self-paced or cohort-based course models depending on the program—a structure designed to accommodate working adults and non-traditional students.
The institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which is the same accrediting body that accredits many traditional universities. This regional accreditation means that credits are generally transferable to other regionally accredited institutions, and degrees meet baseline educational standards.
Key Distinctions: For-Profit vs. Non-Profit and Public
Understanding Strayer's position in higher education requires recognizing several structural differences:
For-profit vs. non-profit status. Strayer is a for-profit institution, meaning it is operated by a private company whose shareholders benefit from profits. Non-profit universities (whether public or private) reinvest revenue into operations and student services. This distinction doesn't automatically indicate quality or value—it reflects how finances flow—but it does mean Strayer has different incentive structures and regulatory requirements than public or non-profit institutions.
Online vs. campus-based. While Strayer maintains some physical campuses, the vast majority of instruction happens online. This model offers flexibility but also means you'll have limited in-person networking, campus resources, or face-to-face mentorship unless those are built into specific programs.
Profit motive and recruitment. For-profit institutions operate under closer federal scrutiny regarding recruitment practices and loan default rates. This is important context: some for-profit universities have faced lawsuits or regulatory action for aggressive recruitment or misleading claims. Strayer itself has faced such scrutiny over the years. This doesn't mean the degrees are invalid, but it's part of the institutional landscape you should be aware of.
Accreditation and Credential Recognition
Regional accreditation matters. Strayer's accreditation by MSCHE is legitimate and recognized. This means:
- Credits earned are generally transferable to other regionally accredited institutions
- Degrees are recognized by employers in most sectors
- Graduates are eligible for professional licensing exams in relevant fields (though eligibility also depends on the specific program and state requirements)
- The institution is subject to federal oversight and accountability standards
However, recognition is not universal. Some employers, particularly those in competitive fields or industries with strong ties to traditional universities, may view a for-profit online degree differently than a degree from a public or established private university. Graduate schools' attitudes toward for-profit degrees vary as well. This is not a blanket rule—it depends heavily on the employer, the field, your experience, and the specific program—but it's a real variable to research for your circumstances.
Program Offerings and Structure
Strayer offers degrees across several areas:
- Business and management (accounting, business administration, finance)
- Information technology (cybersecurity, network administration, software development)
- Health sciences (nursing, healthcare management)
- Criminal justice and public safety
- Education
- General studies and liberal arts
Programs are available at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. Many are competency-based or self-paced, which appeals to students who need flexibility, but also requires self-discipline and clear self-direction. Some programs operate on cohort schedules with fixed start dates, which provides more structure and peer interaction but less scheduling flexibility.
Cost and Financial Aid Considerations
Strayer's tuition falls in a range typical for for-profit online institutions—generally higher per credit hour than public universities but competitive with other for-profit providers. You should:
- Request current pricing from the university directly, as tuition changes and varies by program
- Understand what is and isn't included (textbooks, technology fees, proctoring fees)
- Explore federal financial aid eligibility (Strayer participates in federal Title IV aid programs, meaning students may qualify for federal loans and grants if they meet requirements)
- Compare net cost after aid with peer institutions
An important note: federal student loans issued to students at for-profit institutions have historically carried higher default rates than loans at public or non-profit institutions, according to Department of Education data. This suggests that borrowing patterns and repayment challenges may differ. This doesn't mean individual students won't succeed—it reflects aggregate patterns—but it's relevant when considering how much debt a program would require.
Variables That Shape Your Experience
Whether Strayer is a fit for you depends on several factors:
| Factor | What It Affects |
|---|---|
| Your field and career goals | Employer perception of a for-profit degree varies dramatically by sector. Tech and business roles may be less sensitive to institution type than others. |
| Your work and life schedule | Online, flexible programs suit working adults; they don't suit everyone. Self-discipline and time management are critical. |
| Your networking and mentorship needs | Limited in-person interaction may or may not matter depending on your learning style and career trajectory. |
| Your intended next step | Pursuing graduate school? Verify that specific programs are recognized by schools you're interested in. Seeking immediate employment? Research employer attitudes in your target industry. |
| Your financial situation | How much you'd need to borrow, your current debt, and your expected salary post-graduation all shape whether the investment makes sense. |
| Transfer or prior credits | If you're transferring credits, verify how Strayer evaluates them and how your earning timeline changes. |
What to Research Before Deciding
If you're considering Strayer or any online for-profit university, here are the critical questions to ask:
About the program itself:
- What is the completion rate? How many students finish?
- What do graduates do after earning the degree? Does the university publish employment outcomes?
- What's the support structure? How accessible are advisors, tutors, and career services?
- Are there hidden fees beyond tuition?
About employer and credential recognition:
- In your target field or role, how is a degree from this institution perceived? Ask people working in that field.
- Does your target employer have any stated preferences or restrictions regarding for-profit degrees?
- Are you considering graduate school? Verify that your target programs accept Strayer degrees.
About the financial commitment:
- How much would you borrow, and what's your expected salary post-graduation? (Use realistic, field-specific salary data, not marketing claims.)
- What is the program's student loan default rate?
- Are there scholarships or employer reimbursement opportunities?
About alternatives:
- Could you earn a similar degree from a public university online? How do costs, flexibility, and employer perception compare?
- Does your state offer online degree programs through public universities?
The Bottom Line
Strayer University is a legitimate, accredited institution with a structured online delivery model designed for working adults. Its degrees are recognized in many sectors and employers do hire Strayer graduates. However, it operates under different incentive structures than public universities, and employer perception varies by field and individual company. A Strayer degree is not inherently inferior, but it's also not universally equivalent to degrees from public or established private institutions—and that difference may matter depending on your goals.
The right choice depends on your specific circumstances: your field, your schedule, your financial situation, your career timeline, and where you want to work. Comparing Strayer directly with public online options and with other for-profit providers will give you a clearer picture of whether it's the right fit for you.