Strayer University is a for-profit online school offering bachelor's and master's degrees

Strayer University is a for-profit institution that operates primarily online, with some physical campuses in a handful of states. It awards bachelor's degrees in fields like business, information technology, criminal justice, and nursing, along with master's degrees in business administration, accounting, and related fields. The school is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which means credits may transfer to other institutions and federal student loans are available to those who meet requirements.

The university operates on an eight-week course cycle rather than a traditional semester, meaning you move through material faster but also commit to a more compressed schedule. Most programs are designed for working adults, with classes held in the evenings or online so you can study around a job. Tuition varies by program and changes periodically, so you will need to check the current cost on Strayer's website or speak with an admissions counselor for exact figures.

Key Takeaways

  • Strayer University is a for-profit online school accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which allows federal student loans and credit transfers.
  • The school uses eight-week course cycles instead of traditional semesters, so you complete classes faster but with a more intense weekly workload.
  • Most degrees are designed for working adults and offered online or in evening classes at physical locations in select states.
  • You can use federal student loans, employer tuition reimbursement, and military education benefits (GI Bill) to pay for Strayer programs if you meet the requirements.
  • Strayer's for-profit status means tuition is typically higher than public universities, and you should compare total cost and job placement outcomes before enrolling.

How the eight-week course cycle works

Instead of a 15-week semester, Strayer organizes most programs into eight-week courses. You take one or two classes at a time during each cycle, which means you finish a course in half the time of a traditional university but spend more hours per week on that course. A typical full-time student might take two courses per cycle, while part-time students take one.

This structure appeals to working adults because you can complete a degree faster and because the shorter commitment makes it easier to fit school around a job. However, it also means less time to absorb material and less flexibility if your work schedule becomes unpredictable during those eight weeks. Before enrolling, consider whether you can commit to consistent study time on this compressed schedule.

Degree programs and fields of study

Strayer offers bachelor's degrees in business administration, accounting, information technology, criminal justice, healthcare management, and nursing, among others. Master's degrees focus mainly on business administration (MBA), accounting, and information technology. The school also offers certificate programs in some fields, which take less time than a full degree.

Each program has specific course requirements and prerequisites. Some programs, like nursing, may require clinical or hands-on components that are not fully online. You should review the specific program requirements on Strayer's website or ask an admissions counselor whether a program is entirely online or has in-person requirements, and whether it will meet the licensing or credential requirements for your field.

Paying for Strayer: loans, employer benefits, and military education benefits

Because Strayer is regionally accredited, you may borrow federal student loans (Direct Loans) if you meet federal requirements. You will need to complete the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your may be able to access and loan amount. Private student loans are also available through various lenders, though they typically carry higher interest rates and fewer protections than federal loans.

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs that cover part or all of Strayer's tuition if you work while studying. Ask your HR department whether your employer participates. If you are a military service member or veteran, you may use the GI Bill or other military education benefits to pay for Strayer programs. Strayer is approved for GI Bill benefits, so you can use those funds directly toward tuition.

Strayer also offers payment plans that let you spread tuition across multiple months rather than paying in full upfront. Speak with the financial aid office about what options are available for your specific program.

Accreditation and credit transfer

Strayer holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This accreditation means the school meets certain academic standards and that credits earned at Strayer may transfer to other regionally accredited institutions. However, not every school accepts every credit, and transfer policies vary widely. If you think you might transfer later, ask Strayer's registrar about articulation agreements with schools you are considering.

Accreditation also makes Strayer may be able to access to participate in federal student loan programs and allows employers and professional licensing boards to recognize the degree. However, some employers or licensing bodies may have their own preferences about where degrees come from, so you should research whether a Strayer degree meets the requirements for your specific career goal.

For-profit university costs and what to consider before enrolling

As a for-profit institution, Strayer's tuition is typically higher than public universities and comparable to other for-profit schools. Exact costs depend on the program and change over time, so you will need to request current tuition information directly from Strayer. When comparing cost, factor in the total cost of the entire degree, not just per-course fees, and consider whether financial aid or employer reimbursement will reduce your out-of-pocket expense.

Before enrolling, research job placement rates and salary outcomes for your specific program. The U.S. Department of Education publishes data on for-profit school outcomes, and you can also search for reviews from current and former Strayer students. Ask Strayer directly about what percentage of graduates in your field find employment and what average starting salaries are. Compare these outcomes to similar programs at public or nonprofit universities to make sure the cost is justified by the career prospects.

Online learning format and student support

Most Strayer programs are delivered entirely online through a learning management system where you access lectures, readings, assignments, and discussion boards. You attend virtual class sessions at scheduled times, usually in the evenings, and complete independent work between sessions. This format requires self-discipline and reliable internet access, and it means you will not have the in-person campus experience of a traditional university.

Strayer offers online tutoring, writing centers, and academic advising to support students. You can contact instructors and advisors by email or phone, though response times may be slower than in-person help. If you have never taken online classes, consider whether this learning style suits you before committing to a full degree program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer credits from Strayer to another university?

Credits earned at Strayer may transfer to other regionally accredited schools, but each institution sets its own transfer policies. Some schools accept all Strayer credits, while others accept only certain courses or none at all. Contact the registrar's office at the school you want to transfer to and ask whether they have an articulation agreement with Strayer.

Does Strayer offer financial aid?

Yes. You can borrow federal student loans through the FAFSA, and Strayer also offers payment plans and scholarships. Private loans are available through third-party lenders. Military education benefits and employer tuition reimbursement can also be used. Contact Strayer's financial aid office for details on what you may be able to use.

How long does it take to earn a bachelor's degree from Strayer?

A full-time student taking two courses per eight-week cycle typically completes a bachelor's degree in two to three years, depending on the program and whether you have transfer credits. Part-time students taking one course per cycle may take four to five years. The compressed eight-week format speeds up completion compared to traditional universities.

Is a Strayer degree recognized by employers?

Strayer's regional accreditation means most employers recognize the degree as legitimate. However, some employers or industries may prefer degrees from public or nonprofit universities. Research whether employers in your field have preferences about where degrees come from before enrolling.

What if I need to take a break from my program?

You can withdraw from individual courses or take a leave of absence from your program. Speak with your academic advisor about the process and any important date for withdrawing without financial penalty. If you have federal student loans, understand that interest may continue to accrue during a leave of absence.