McKinley College is a private for-profit post-secondary distance education institution based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. It is owned and operated by Weston Distance Learning, Inc. It is regarded as one of the largest distance education schools in the country. Its mission is to provide high-quality and affordable distance education through innovative practical curricula that is attainable to students in all areas. It prides itself on being student-centered, employment-focused, experientially based, and industry-relevant. Every educational program at McKinley College is specifically created for guided online study to meet the goals of students such as entry into a profession, advancement in a current career, or gaining a competitive edge. All courses focus on real-world applications. All textbooks and course materials are customized by professionals in the industry to ensure students are effectively prepared for careers.
McKinley College offers five class sessions per year and students are able to choose which courses they want to take during each session. To provide the best possible programs, McKinley often evaluates the effectiveness of curricula and student academic achievement. With the flexible programs, students are able to finish their degree programs in as little at 16 months. McKinley College offers Associate of Applied Science degree programs in accounting, business management, e-commerce, entrepreneurship, fashion merchandising, financial services management, health information technology, human resources, marketing, medical specialties, and social work.
All online assignments are open-book and located with the course materials. Every assignment includes instructions and instructors may offer additional instructions. All degree programs feature proctored exams that are required to be completed to gain credit for the course. Students must submit proctor nomination forms with three individuals who can verify the student’s identity with a government-issued photo ID, access the exam through the Internet, administer the exam by the specific deadline, and time the exam for up to 3 hours. Proctors should be a trustworthy person who is not a family member or close friend and does not have personal interest for a student’s exam performance.
McKinley faculty and staff are highly qualified and have professional experience in the fields they teach. They concentrate on the needs of students to offer excellent and relevant instruction and service. The support staff and graduate counselors provide assistance to students as they progress through the program and answer any questions and offer guidance as needed. McKinley College is committed to providing students with quick and easy service via email or phone. Students are able to contact representatives to obtain various types of information such as payment status or checking grades. Students also have unlimited career support and graduate counselors assist with creating resumes, practicing interviewing skills, and searching for jobs. Graduate counselors also provide support by listening to professional and personal goals and offering specific suggestions on ways to meet those goals. The college also offers a Career Development Strategies course that provides students with sample resumes, cover letters, flyers, and business cards.
McKinley College wants all students to be successful in their programs and it offers two self-graded tutorial exercises in the first course, Online Success Strategies. One test measures basic English abilities and the other measures basic mathematical skills. Completing these exercises enables students to determine if they need a refresher course. McKinley College also provides a variety of resources and all students have access to a virtual library that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The help desk is available during specific hours 7 days a week.
Accreditation
The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council accredits McKinley College.
Financing Options
McKinley College offers an all-inclusive tuition that includes all course costs, fees, books, and other course materials. The college offers students numerous ways to pay for tuition and fees including educational loans and employment reimbursement. Military students and veterans may also be eligible for other tuition discounts and benefits such as the GI-Bill, MyCAA, and VA benefits. The college also offers a 25 percent discount to military spouses and a no-interest payment plan.
Credit Earning Options
McKinley College grants transfer credit for previous education or experience. Courses completed at another accredited institution with a grade of at least a C or better are eligible for transfer credit. Students are able to receive a maximum of 50 percent of the total credits of a certain program. Students may also earn credit for examinations such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), Excelsior College Exams (ECE), and American Council on Education (ACE) exam. The college grants credit for life experience and students are able to transfer up to 25 percent of the total credit hours for life experiences. Students seeking credit for life experiences must successfully complete the McKinley College Life Experience Exam. Students seeking any type of transfer credit must submit official transcripts, examination scores, and other supporting information.