Hubbry Logo
DeVry UniversityDeVry UniversityMain
Open search
DeVry University
Community hub
DeVry University
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
DeVry University
DeVry University
from Wikipedia

DeVry University (/dəˈvr/) is a private for-profit university in the United States. It offers both onsite (campus-based) and online programs. The university was founded in 1931 by Herman A. DeVry and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It has been the subject of several government investigations and lawsuits alleging false or deceptive claims.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Early history (1931–1970)

[edit]

DeVry was founded in 1931 as the De Forest Training School in Chicago, Illinois.[2] School founder Herman A. DeVry, who had previously invented a motion picture projector and produced educational and training films, named the school after his friend Lee de Forest.[2] De Forest Training School originally taught projector and radio repair, but later expanded to include other electronic equipment such as televisions.[2] After its founder's death in March 1941, the school was renamed DeVry Technical Institute in 1953 and gained accreditation to confer associate degrees in electronics in 1957.[2]

Bell & Howell completed its acquisition of DeVry Technical Institute in 1967. A year later, the company acquired the Ohio Institute of Technology and DeVry was renamed DeVry Institute of Technology,[2][3] which was accredited to confer bachelor's degrees in electronics in 1969.[2]

Keller Graduate School of Management (1970–1990)

[edit]

Dennis Keller and Ronald Taylor met one another in the early 1970s when the two were teachers at DeVry.[2] Keller and Taylor learned the economics of for-profit education while at DeVry and, in 1973, the two founded the Keller Graduate School of Management with $150,000 in loans from friends and family.[4] The school was originally conceived as a day school that granted certificates.[4] In 1976, the Keller School became an evening program offering MBAs, focused on working adults.[4] The school was fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1977, becoming the first for-profit school to be accredited by the body.

DeVry first received full accreditation in 1981.[4] The Keller Graduate School of Management acquired DeVry from Bell & Howell in 1987.[5] The leveraged buyout was worth $147.4 million.[4][5] The two schools were combined as DeVry Inc., with Keller acting as chairman and CEO and Taylor as president and COO.[2]

DeVry Education Group (1990–2018)

[edit]

DeVry Inc. completed its initial public offering on June 21, 1991.[6][better source needed] In 1992, DeVry lost the highest scoring basketball game in history to Troy State University (now Troy University), 258 to 141.

In 1995, its stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange.[7]

In 1996, DeVry acquired Becker CPA Review—a firm that prepared students for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination—for an undisclosed amount of cash,[8] the tentative purchase price of which was US$18.685 million (about equivalent to US$37,000,000 in 2024).[9] In 2003, DeVry acquired Ross University, a medical and veterinary school based in the Caribbean, for a price variously reported at $310 million (about $530 million in 2024)[10] and $329 million ($562 million in 2024).[11] DeVry moved into the nursing field in March 2005 with the acquisition of Deaconess College of Nursing, a St. Louis–based nursing college that conferred both associate's and bachelor's degrees in nursing,[2] at a price variously reported at about $5.3 million ($8.53 million in 2024)[12] and $5.4 million ($8.69 million in 2024).[11] Deaconess College of Nursing was later renamed Chamberlain College of Nursing.[2]

DeVry Inc. entered Brazil with its 2009 acquisition of Faculdade Nordeste (FANOR), Ruy Barbosa and ÁREA 1, which are universities located in the Northeast of Brazil.[13]

In 2010, DeVry University had nearly 90 campus learning sites in 26 states and more than 7,000 employees. The parent company had more than 12,000 employees. DeVry University's undergraduate enrollment reached 68,290 students by the summer of 2010.[14]

In 2012, the university acquired Faculdade Boa Viagem and Faculdade do Vale do Ipojuca.[13] DeVry acquired a sixth Brazilian university, Faculdade Differencial Integral, in 2013.[13] DeVry Inc. was renamed DeVry Education Group later that year.[15] DeVry Education Group changed its name to Adtalem Global Education in May 2017,[16] and announced in December 2017 that they would hand off DeVry University and Keller Graduate School to Cogswell Education (a division of Palm Ventures) for no upfront cost, pending regulatory and accreditor approval.[17]

In December 2018, the parent company Adtalem finalized the handover of both DeVry University and Keller Graduate School of Management to Cogswell Education.[18]

Cogswell Education (Since 2018)

[edit]

DeVry University's parent company is Cogswell Education, LLC. Cogswell purchased DeVry at no original cost from Adtalem Education. However, Cogswell could pay up to US$20 million.[19] Cogswell Education is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut.[20][21] The principal investor is Bradley Palmer of Palm Ventures.[20][21] Mr. Palmer has been involved in flipping Heald College, UEI College, and American Education Center.[22]

In December 2018, in a report titled VA's Oversight of State Approving Agency Program Monitoring for Post-9/11 GI Bill Students, the Department of Veterans Office of Inspector General mentioned DeVry's use of false claims. However the Veterans Affairs office did not indicate that any action would be forthcoming.[23]

In 2020, Tom Monahan III became president and CEO of DeVry.[24]

In 2022, the US government discharged more than $71 million in student loan debt for 1,800 former students of DeVry University, asserting that the university deceived students in the enrollment process.[25]

In 2023, Elise Awwad became the first female President and CEO of DeVry. The main campus and headquarters were moved to Lisle, Illinois.[26]

Devry has a case pending in Illinois challenging borrower defense to repayment (fraud) claims against the school. More than 30,000 fraud claims have been filed against DeVry.[27]

Locations and campus closures

[edit]

Between 2020 and 2022, all DeVry campuses were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[28] DeVry University has a presence at one military installation at Twentynine Palms, California.[29] List of DeVry campuses and learning centers, as of 2024:[30]

Arizona (73 students)

  • Phoenix Campus

California (1,677 students)

  • Folsom Campus
  • Newark Campus
  • Ontario Campus
  • San Diego Campus
  • San Jose Center
  • Sherman Oaks Campus
  • Twentynine Palms Military Base Extension

Florida (294 students)

  • Orlando Campus

Georgia (532 students)

  • Decatur Campus

Illinois (26,384 students, includes online)

  • Addison Campus
  • Chicago Campus
  • Chicago Loop Campus
  • Naperville Center

Nevada (10 students)

  • Henderson Campus

New Jersey (95 students)

  • Iselin Campus

New York (586 students)

  • Midtown Manhattan Campus

Ohio (226 students)

  • Columbus Campus

Texas (108 students)

  • Irving Campus
  • San Antonio Campus

Virginia (71 students)

  • Arlington Campus

Campus closures

[edit]

In April 2015, DeVry University announced the closing of 14 campuses around the United States by 2016. The closures occurred in Kansas City; Memphis; Houston; St. Louis; Tampa; Greenwood Village, Colorado; Edina, Minnesota; Milwaukee; and Maryland Heights, Missouri.[31] Students affected by the campus closings were eligible for discounted tuition to attend online or other campus locations for the remainder of their degree program.[32] In fiscal year 2018, DeVry closed eight additional campuses.[33] According to the US Department of Education, DeVry closed five more campuses between 2019 and 2020.[34] In 2021, Raleigh (NC), Merrillville (IN), Paramus (NJ) and Cleveland (OH) sites were closed. In 2022, at least 15 additional campuses closed.[35]

Academics

[edit]

DeVry University offers undergraduate and graduate programs onsite and online within its six areas of study: Accounting, Business, Healthcare, Technology, Liberal Arts, and Media Arts & Technology.[36]

DeVry operates on a uniform academic calendar for both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.[13] The university's academic calendar consists of six eight-week sessions.[13] Most degree programs are offered at both the associate's and bachelor's level. In addition, the institution offers various certificate programs in specific subfields such as information technology.

Courses and programs are also offered online.[37] DeVry has offered graduate classes online since 1998 and undergraduate classes since 2001.[13]

Faculty

[edit]

The US Department of Education's College Navigator reports 61 full-time faculty and 765 part-time instructors for 26,384 students at DeVry-Illinois.[38]

Accreditation

[edit]

DeVry is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.[39] Engineering technology programs are accredited campus-by-campus.

Student outcomes

[edit]

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, DeVry University-Illinois has a six-year graduation rate of 28%, for first-time full-time students who began their studies in 2013.[40] While the university's 3-year student loan default rate is 11.2%, a Brookings Institution report found that DeVry's five-year default rate was 43%.[41] The College Scorecard reports of a graduation rate of 18% for DeVry University-Illinois. Of those students in repayment, 31% were in forbearance, 29% were not making progress, 10% were in deferment, 10% defaulted, 10% were making progress, 6% were delinquent, 3% were paid in full, and 1% were discharged.[42] For the 2018–19 academic year, the amount that all undergraduate students received in federal student loans was $69.42 million.[1] Median salary after attending ranges from $23,000 to $62,000 depending on the field of study and location.

Investigations, lawsuits, and settlements

[edit]

DeVry University has been the subject of numerous investigations and lawsuits alleging a variety of false or deceptive practices. Some of the cases led to multi-million dollar settlements, though DeVry continued to deny the allegations.[43][44][45] In 2014, accumulated student loan debt from DeVry University and Keller, its graduate school, was about $12.1 billion.[46]

1990s

[edit]

In March 1995, DeVry's ability to grant U.S. degrees through its Calgary facilities was discussed during a session of the Alberta Legislative Assembly. Therein, Grant Mitchell—then the Leader of the Opposition for the Alberta Liberal Party—accused the Premier of Alberta, Ralph Klein, of maintaining a conflict of interest with DeVry through his relationship with John Ballheim, who was at the time an executive at DeVry serving as both the president of DeVry's Calgary campus and as a member of the Premier's special advisory council on postsecondary education.[47] Klein denied any conflict of interest.[47] In 1995, DeVry was also suspended from the Ontario Student Assistance Program after a large number of its students misreported their income. DeVry was reinstated after paying fines of C$1.7 million (equivalent to C$3.05 million in 2023) to Ontario and putting up a letter of credit totalling C$2 million (C$3.59 million in 2023).[48]

In 1996, students of DeVry's Toronto campus filed a class-action suit of C$400 million (C$707 million in 2023.[49]) claiming poor educational quality and job preparation;[50] the suit was dismissed on technical grounds.[51][52]

2000s

[edit]

In November 2000, Afshin Zarinebaf, Ali Mousavi, and another graduate of one of DeVry University's Chicago-area campuses filed a class-action lawsuit accusing DeVry of widespread deception, unlawful business practices, and false advertising, alleging that students were not being prepared for high-tech jobs.[53] The lawsuit contributed to a 20% slide in the company's stock.[54] The suit was not certified and the case was resolved for less than US$25,000 (US$38,994 in 2024) in June 2006.[55]

In 2001, DeVry became the first for-profit college or university to obtain permission from the Alberta Canada provincial government to grant degrees, on recommendation by the Private Colleges Accreditation Board.[56][circular reporting?] This decision was opposed by the Alberta New Democrats (sitting in opposition),[57][58] the University of Calgary Faculty Association, the Canadian Federation of Students, and the Canadian Association of University Teachers.[58]

In January 2002, Royal Gardner, a graduate of one of DeVry University's Los Angeles–area campuses, filed a class-action complaint against DeVry Inc. and DeVry University, Inc. on behalf of students in the post-baccalaureate degree program in Information Technology. The suit alleged that the nature of the program was misrepresented by the advertising. The lawsuit was dismissed and refiled. During the first quarter of 2004, a new complaint was filed in the same court by Gavino Teanio with the same general allegations. This action was stayed pending the outcome of the Gardner lawsuit. The lawsuits were being settled in late 2006.[55]

In April 2007, the states of New York, Illinois, and Missouri settled with three institutions that were participating in questionable student-loan practices. DeVry, Career Education Corporation, and Washington University in St. Louis were involved with the settlement. DeVry agreed to refund US$88,122 (US$133,633 in 2024) it received in revenue sharing from Citibank to students.[59]

In 2008, DeVry was accused of filing false claims and statements about recruitment pay and performance to the government of the United States.[60]

2010s

[edit]

DeVry was one of the universities highlighted in the 2018 documentary Fail State, which followed several stories of students who struggled with student loan debt after attending for-profit colleges. Murray Hastie, an Iraq War veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, told his story about how he ended up with $50,000 in student loan debt after his experience at DeVry.[61]

In January 2013, a lawsuit was filed by a former manager at DeVry which alleged that the college bribed students for positive performance reviews and worked around federal regulations on for-profit colleges.[62] In April 2013, the attorneys general of Illinois and Massachusetts issued subpoenas to DeVry to investigate for violations of federal law and filing false information about loans, grants, and guarantees.[63][64] In July 2014, DeVry stated that the office of the New York Attorney General was investigating whether the company's marketing violated laws against false advertising.[65]

In March 2016, the Veterans Administration reprimanded DeVry over allegations of deceptive marketing practices made by the Federal Trade Commission and suspended DeVry University from its "Principles of Excellence" status under the G.I. Bill.[66][67] On December 15, 2016, the Federal Trade Commission settled a US$100 million suit against DeVry, which alleged that DeVry's advertisements deceived consumers about the likelihood that students would find jobs in their fields of study, and would earn more than those graduating with bachelor's degrees from other colleges or universities.[68] Students were eligible for a refund who: enrolled in a bachelor's or associate degree program at DeVry University between January 1, 2008, and October 1, 2015; paid at least US$5,000 with cash, loans, or military benefits; did not get debt or loan forgiveness as part of this settlement; and completed at least one class credit.[69]

Separately, on June 16, 2016, two former DeVry students filed a demand for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association. DeVry responded by suing the students, claiming the dispute belongs in court and not in arbitration.[70]

In May 2017, the Higher Learning Commission designated DeVry "under governmental investigation" as a result of a Massachusetts Attorney General investigation alleging "fraudulent or deceptive practices".[71] In September 2017, the Higher Learning Commission removed this designation after DeVry negotiated a settlement.[72]

In August 2018, the Associated Press reported that according to United States Department of Education documents, DeVry received more than 3,600 (over 15%) of the 24,000 federal fraud complaints lodged against for-profit colleges between January 20, 2017, and April 30, 2018. This is in conjunction with a "nearly 20 percent" decrease in enrollment in the last year.[73]

In March 2019, former DeVry student Eric Luongo was invited to testify before the House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies about his experience at the university. Luongo, a disabled veteran, said he thought he would attend DeVry for free by using his GI Bill benefits. Luongo alleged that he was coerced into filling out federal loan paperwork and signing promissory notes. The result was that the veteran was left with over $100,000 in debt and a degree in graphic design with which he failed to procure gainful employment.[74]

2020s

[edit]

In 2022, DeVry University was one of 153 institutions included in student loan cancellation due to alleged fraud. The class action was brought by a group of more than 200,000 student borrowers, assisted by the Project on Predatory Student Lending, part of the Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School. A settlement was approved in August 2022, stating that the schools on the list included "substantial misconduct by the listed schools, whether credibly alleged or in some instances proven."[75][76] In April 2023, the Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the settlement and allowed to proceed the debt cancellation due to alleged fraud.[77]

Alumni

[edit]

Notable DeVry University alumni include:

Keller Graduate School of Management alumni:

Past partnerships and political interests

[edit]

In 2011, DeVry University partnered with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to become an official education provider for the United States' Olympic teams.[5] In April 2016, the USOC announced an extension of its partnership with DeVry through 2020. According to the USOC, more than 125 Team USA student athletes were enrolled in DeVry programs.[83]

In April 2014, DeVry University was named the "official education provider" for NFL Pro Legends, a group supporting players, coaches and other professionals who worked for NFL teams.[84]

DeVry University was the official education and career development partner of Minor League Baseball. DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management will provide higher education opportunities at the undergraduate and graduate levels for players, their spouses, umpires and National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL) employees and alumni through 2017.[85]

The peak year for DeVry's lobbying in Congress was 2011, when it spent more than $720,000.[86] The largest amount went to Thompson Coburn LLP. Democratic lobbyist Heather Podesta was a major lobbyist for DeVry University from 2010 to 2015.[87][88][89]

Adtalem's stock price rebounded after the inauguration of Donald Trump in 2017.[90] This has been attributed to deregulation by the U.S. Department of Education under Secretary Betsy DeVos, which contrasted with the more prosecutorial approach of the Obama administration.[90]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
DeVry University is a private for-profit institution of higher education founded in as DeForest Training School by Herman A. DeVry and to provide technical training in , radio, and motion pictures, evolving into a degree-granting university offering career-oriented undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as , , technology, and healthcare management. The university maintains regional accreditation from the and delivers instruction through a mix of on-campus locations in multiple U.S. states and a predominant online format, emphasizing practical skills for workforce entry amid a historical focus on adult learners and flexible scheduling. DeVry's growth in the late included acquisitions and expansions into graduate education via the affiliated Keller Graduate School of Management, positioning it as one of the larger for-profit providers before facing significant regulatory challenges. In 2016, the university settled charges for $100 million, admitting no wrongdoing but agreeing to redress after claims that its advertisements misleadingly implied 90 percent of graduates secured jobs in their field within six months, when data showed many retained prior employment unrelated to their studies or found positions outside advertised outcomes; this led to cash payments, loan forgiveness, and subsequent U.S. Department of Education actions forgiving over $700 million in federal loans for affected borrowers. Despite such scrutiny, DeVry continues operations under parent company , reporting expansions in scholarships exceeding $79 million for the 2024-25 academic year and ongoing program adaptations for and workforce-aligned curricula as of 2025.

History

Founding and Early Development (1931–1960s)

DeVry University's origins lie in the DeForest Training School, founded on September 14, 1931, in , , by inventor and engineer Herman A. DeVry in partnership with pioneering electronics inventor . DeVry, who had earlier developed portable motion picture projectors and contributed to visual education technologies through his DeVry Corporation established in 1913, sought to meet the demand for skilled technicians amid the rapid expansion of , , and industries during the early . The institution initially emphasized hands-on in repair, radio operation, and related technical skills, starting with correspondence courses before transitioning to in-person instruction at its facilities. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the school navigated the and by aligning its curriculum with wartime needs for electronics expertise, such as and communication systems, which bolstered enrollment and practical relevance. By the postwar era, De Forest Training School had established itself as a provider of vocational programs tailored to industrial growth in and manufacturing, with early graduates entering roles in and equipment maintenance. In 1953, following DeVry's death in 1941 and subsequent leadership transitions, the institution rebranded as DeVry Technical Institute to reflect its founder's legacy and expanded focus on technical proficiency. The marked a shift toward formalized higher education, with the introduction of the first programs in 1957, emphasizing electronics and related fields to accommodate the postwar boom in and precursors. This period saw steady institutional development, including facility improvements in and initial explorations of additional sites, positioning DeVry as a pioneer in career-oriented technical amid rising demand for skilled labor in an increasingly electrified .

Expansion into Higher Education (1970s–1980s)

Following its acquisition by Bell & Howell in 1967, DeVry Technical Institute—renamed DeVry in 1968—underwent significant expansion in the 1970s, transitioning from primarily vocational training to broader higher education offerings. The institution received authorization to grant bachelor's degrees in engineering technology in 1969, marking its initial entry into degree-granting higher education. Throughout the decade, Bell & Howell invested in a technology-focused emphasizing , , and emerging computer fields to prepare students for industry careers, while expanding campuses in the and regions. By the late 1970s, DeVry introduced additional bachelor's programs, including for business (later renamed computer information systems) in 1979 as its second such offering, alongside expansions in and . Parallel to these undergraduate developments, the 1973 founding of the Keller Graduate School of Management by Dennis Keller and Ronald Taylor represented a key step in DeVry's higher education maturation, targeting working adults with evening MBA programs. Keller received accreditation from the Illinois Board of in 1977, enabling it to award MBA certifications and growing to 1,300 students by the mid-1980s with annual revenues of $5 million. This graduate focus complemented DeVry's undergraduate efforts, fostering a model of accessible, career-oriented amid nationwide enrollment growth to 30,000 students by 1983. In the 1980s, DeVry further diversified its bachelor's programs to include , , and network and communications management, while securing regional from the North Central Association, enhancing its legitimacy as a higher education provider. Campus networks expanded across the , building on the 1970s foundation to support increased demand for technical degrees. A pivotal shift occurred in 1987 when Keller and Taylor acquired DeVry Institutes for $182 million, merging it with Keller Graduate School under the new DeVry Inc. parent company; this restructuring emphasized year-round scheduling, evening classes, and integrated business curricula to serve adult learners more effectively.

Corporate Growth and Acquisitions (1990s–2000s)

During the , DeVry Inc. pursued aggressive campus expansion and achieved key financial milestones to fuel its growth as a provider. The company completed its on June 21, 1991, initially trading on before moving to the in 1995, which provided capital for further development. By the late , DeVry operated 16 campuses under the DeVry Institutes of Technology banner and 31 locations for the Keller Graduate School of Management, supporting an enrollment of over 42,000 students. This physical footprint growth included the opening of a new undergraduate campus in West Hills, California, in November 1999. Revenue rose 64 percent from 1997 to 2000, with net income increasing 98 percent over the same period, reflecting strong demand for career-oriented programs in and . Diversification accelerated through strategic acquisitions starting in the mid-. In 1996, DeVry acquired Becker CPA Review, founded in 1957, which bolstered its training segment and later integrated with Conviser Duffy CPA Review to form Becker Professional Education. The company also began offering online programs in the late , culminating in the launch of an online MBA in in 2000 to reach broader student demographics. The early 2000s emphasized entry into healthcare and international-adjacent education via high-profile purchases. In May 2003, DeVry acquired Ross University, a provider of medical and veterinary degrees with campuses in the and St. Kitts, marking its first major foray into health professions education and adding offshore programs to its portfolio. In March 2005, DeVry purchased Deaconess College of Nursing, established in 1889, which was rebranded as Chamberlain College of in July 2006 to align with expanded baccalaureate and graduate nursing offerings. These moves shifted DeVry's focus from predominantly technical training toward a more varied array of professional credentials, though they later drew scrutiny amid broader regulatory pressures on for-profit institutions.

Restructuring and Challenges (2010s–Present)

In the early 2010s, DeVry University faced intensified regulatory scrutiny over its advertising practices, culminating in a December 2016 settlement with the (FTC) for $100 million, including $49.4 million in consumer redress and $50.6 million toward relief, after allegations of misleading claims about graduate employment rates and salary advantages compared to peers from other institutions. DeVry denied the allegations of wrongdoing but agreed to prohibitions on similar misrepresentations and enhanced disclosures in future advertising. This followed a period of peak enrollment around 68,000 students in 2010, after which numbers declined amid broader market shifts away from for-profit higher education and increased borrower complaints. Campus consolidations accelerated as part of cost-cutting measures, with DeVry closing 39 locations and reducing sizes at others since 2014, driven by falling revenues and regulatory pressures. Additional closures included the campus in June 2022, contributing to over 50 sites shuttered overall, shifting emphasis toward online delivery to maintain accessibility. In response to from for-profit sector watchdogs, DeVry voluntarily capped revenue at 85% of total funds in 2016, aligning with proposed reforms under the 90/10 rule that limits reliance on Title IV funds. Ownership transitioned in 2017 when parent DeVry Education Group rebranded as to refocus on healthcare and international segments, divesting non-core assets. In December 2017, Adtalem sold DeVry University to Cogswell Education LLC—a Silicon Valley-based —for no upfront cash, with potential earn-outs tied to performance, as part of a to exit the embattled U.S. undergraduate market. The deal, approved by regulators in June 2018 despite limited transparency on Cogswell's backers, aimed to stabilize operations under new private ownership amid ongoing litigation. Persistent challenges included thousands of borrower defense claims alleging deception, leading the U.S. Department of Education in February 2022 to approve relief totaling approximately $415 million for nearly 16,000 former students, partially crediting FTC findings on false job placement metrics. By 2023, an blocked the Department's attempt to recoup over $23 million from DeVry for improper aid payouts, highlighting disputes over institutional liability. These developments, alongside complaints regarding financial aid handling—totaling 30 VA reports in 2019–2021—underscored DeVry's adaptation to a contracted footprint focused on online and select hybrid programs.

Organizational Evolution

Ownership Changes and Parent Entities

DeVry Technical Institute was acquired by Company in 1967, integrating it into the conglomerate's educational division amid expansion into technical training. In 1987, the institute was purchased from by Keller and Taylor, founders of the Keller Graduate School of Management, for approximately $182 million, with financing from Citicorp, Mutual Life Insurance Company, and equity investors including Frontenac Venture Company; this transaction merged the entities under the newly formed DeVry Inc. as parent. DeVry Inc. rebranded to DeVry Education Group in November 2013 to reflect its diversified portfolio beyond the university, including professional training and international operations. The parent entity further renamed to in May 2017, emphasizing a global focus on healthcare and while distancing from the DeVry University brand amid regulatory scrutiny. In December 2017, Adtalem announced the transfer of DeVry University and Keller Graduate School of Management to Cogswell Education LLC—a subsidiary of Palm Ventures owned by entrepreneur David Paul—with the deal closing on December 11, 2018, involving no cash exchange to enable Adtalem's pivot to higher-margin segments; this shift followed federal settlements over deceptive marketing claims and enrollment declines. Cogswell Education LLC has remained the parent entity since 2018, operating DeVry as a private for-profit institution focused on technology and business programs.

Strategic Shifts and Rebranding Efforts

In April , DeVry University undertook significant operational consolidations amid declining enrollment and revenue, closing 14 campus locations and transitioning their programs to online delivery to streamline costs and emphasize digital education. This shift was part of a broader to concentrate resources in competitive markets, implement targeted local , reduce tuition rates, and strengthen partnerships with employers to enhance graduate employability. CEO Daniel Hamburger described these changes as essential for long-term repositioning and growth, following a 15% drop in undergraduate enrollment and 16% revenue decline in the prior quarter. Following regulatory scrutiny and a 2016 Federal Trade Commission settlement over misleading job placement claims—which required DeVry to pay $100 million and forgive student debt—the university's parent entity, DeVry Education Group, rebranded to Adtalem Global Education in 2017 to signal a pivot toward global healthcare and professional education while divesting from the core DeVry brand. In December 2017, Adtalem agreed to transfer DeVry University to Cogswell Education LLC, a smaller private entity focused on career colleges, completing the handover in 2018; this ownership change aimed to provide operational flexibility away from public market pressures, though it raised concerns among critics about oversight of federal aid-dependent institutions. Post-acquisition, DeVry maintained its structure but intensified focus on career-centered programs in technology, business, and healthcare, leveraging its early adoption of online learning since 1998 to adapt to market demands. Under new leadership, including President and CEO Elise Awwad appointed in 2024, DeVry emphasized innovation to address workforce skills gaps, with strategic initiatives targeting talent development in emerging fields. In September 2025, the appointment of Jason B. Horne as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer underscored efforts to drive expansion through aligned acquisitions and operational enhancements. Culminating these shifts, DeVry unveiled a revitalized brand identity in July 2025, retaining its core mission of student success and academic excellence while projecting a modern, forward-looking image to align with technological and career-oriented education trends.

Campuses and Delivery Models

Current Locations and Online Presence

DeVry University operates physical campuses across more than a dozen U.S. states, with a primary focus on urban and suburban areas to support hybrid learning models. As of October 2025, locations include sites in , (such as Long Beach, Newark, , , San Jose, and Sherman Oaks), (Jacksonville, Miramar, and Orlando), Georgia (), (two in , plus Addison and Lisle), , (Iselin), New York ( and Rego Park-Queens as DeVry College of New York), (Columbus), (Fort Washington; Philadelphia center no longer enrolling new students), and (Arlington). These campuses primarily deliver blended programs, where students combine on-site classes with online components, though availability varies by location and program. In parallel, DeVry emphasizes a robust online platform accessible nationwide, enabling fully remote completion of degrees without physical attendance. This includes associate degrees (e.g., in business, cybersecurity, and , completable in as little as 1 year and 4 months), bachelor's degrees (e.g., in , engineering technology, and healthcare administration, in as little as 2 years and 8 months), and master's degrees (e.g., in , , and applied , in 1-2 years). Undergraduate and graduate certificates are also available online in areas like and coding. Programs operate on 8-week sessions with full- or part-time options, 24/7 access via , and features like on-demand . This online infrastructure supports enrollment from any state, reflecting DeVry's shift toward digital delivery amid reduced emphasis on standalone physical sites.

Historical Closures and Operational Adjustments

In response to declining enrollment amid broader challenges in the for-profit higher education sector, DeVry University initiated a series of closures beginning in mid-2013. By April , the institution announced the shutdown of 14 campuses outside the , primarily in states including , Washington, and New York, with most closures completed by the end of 2016. These actions were part of a strategic turnaround plan aimed at consolidating physical operations and redirecting resources toward online delivery models, as enrollment at DeVry had fallen sharply due to increased regulatory scrutiny and competition from traditional universities. Specific examples included the closure of the , by December and the , location by the end of the same year, both transitioning affected students to virtual programs. Further closures followed, totaling at least 39 campuses between 2014 and 2016, with additional sites shuttered in subsequent years. Notable instances included the , , campus in July 2013, which shifted entirely to online instruction, and the , location on October 31, 2018. The DeVry University-Pennsylvania branch permanently closed on June 25, 2022, ceasing new admissions while providing teach-out options for enrolled students. Overall, DeVry has closed approximately 50 campuses historically, reflecting a contraction from its peak physical footprint. Operational adjustments accompanied these closures, emphasizing cost reductions and a pivot to digital . In 2017, DeVry Education Group (DeVry's parent at the time) recorded a $5 million pre-tax charge tied to consolidations and facility optimizations. The company adjusted operating expenses to offset over 90% of revenue declines from to 2017, including layoffs such as 90 positions in in and the closure of a office in of that year. These measures were exacerbated by a 2016 Federal Trade Commission settlement requiring a $100 million refund to students over misleading job placement claims, prompting accelerated emphasis on enrollment and streamlined administrative functions. By prioritizing virtual campuses, DeVry aimed to maintain while reducing overhead from underutilized physical sites.

Academic Offerings

Undergraduate Programs

DeVry University offers associate and bachelor's degrees as its primary undergraduate programs, focusing on applied skills in , , and healthcare to prepare students for entry-level professional roles. These programs emphasize practical , with many delivered through flexible formats including , hybrid, and on-campus options at select locations, and structured in accelerated 8-week sessions to accommodate working adults. Bachelor's degree programs, typically requiring 120 semester credit hours, include the in Business Administration with specializations such as , , or ; in Computer Systems; in ; in ; and in Design and Development. Additional offerings cover cybersecurity, networking, , and , often integrating industry-standard tools and certifications like or . Associate degree programs, generally completable in 1.5 to 2 years or about 60 credit hours, feature options like the with project management focus; Associate in Engineering Technology; , including specializations in cybersecurity or systems programming; and . These programs often serve as pathways to bachelor's completion, with credits transferable within DeVry's system.
Degree LevelKey ProgramsFocus Areas
Bachelor'sB.S. Business Administration, B.S. Computer Information Systems, B.S. Electronics Engineering Technology, IT,
AssociateA.A.S. , Associate in Technology, Associate in , , Healthcare

Graduate and Specialized Degrees

DeVry University's graduate programs are administered through its Keller Graduate School of Management, established in 1973 and focused on career-oriented education in business, technology, and management fields. These programs emphasize practical skills, with most requiring 30 to 51 credit hours and offered in formats including 100% online, hybrid, and accelerated options starting as frequently as eight-week sessions. Admission typically does not require GRE or GMAT scores, targeting working professionals seeking advancement in applied disciplines. The master's degrees include:
ProgramAbbreviationCredit HoursKey Focus Areas
AccountingMSAC30Accounting principles, practices, and preparation for certifications like CMA or CPA.
Accounting & Financial ManagementMAFM39Strategic financial planning, corporate finance, and accounting from a CFO perspective, with emphases in CMA/CPA preparation, finance, or general accounting.
Business AdministrationMBA39–51Leadership, strategic analysis, operations, finance, and HR, with options for embedded leadership certificates or concentrations such as project management.
Human Resource ManagementMHRM39Strategic human capital management, aligned with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) competencies.
Information Systems ManagementMISM45Technology strategy, systems analysis, network management, with concentrations in data administration, information security, or project management.
Information Technology ManagementMITM39IT strategy and leadership, with tracks in business analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, or project management; available starting January 2025.
Network & Communications ManagementMNCM45Managerial and technical skills in networks and communications, emphasizing information security or project management.
Project ManagementMPM39Project lifecycle management, including scope, cost, schedule, and risk control, aligned with Project Management Institute (PMI) standards.
Public AdministrationMPA39Governmental budgeting, public policy, and intergovernmental relations, with emphases in government or healthcare management.
Keller also provides specialized graduate certificates, typically 9 to 18 credit hours, for targeted or as stand-alone credentials complementing master's studies. These include programs in AI & Business Analytics (data-driven decision-making), Cybersecurity & Information Assurance ( and data protection), Entrepreneurship ( and ), Global Supply Chain Management (lean operations), Health Services Management (healthcare administration), Innovation ( and change , newly accredited as of September 15, 2025), Leadership (strategic decision-making, 12 credits), and Project Management (methodologies and ). Such certificates align with industry certifications and are accredited by bodies like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Curriculum Innovations and Adaptations

DeVry University has emphasized career-oriented curricula since its founding in 1931, initially focusing on technical training in and later expanding to and healthcare fields, with adaptations driven by technological advancements and labor market demands. In response to evolving workforce needs, the institution introduced an AI-powered platform in 2018 specifically for courses, which reportedly improved completion rates and outcomes by personalizing instruction based on student performance data. This platform represented an early integration of to address common barriers in quantitative subjects, aligning with broader shifts toward data-driven personalization in higher education. Annual curriculum reviews form a core adaptation mechanism, incorporating feedback from industry partners and analysis of student performance metrics to update program pathways. For the 2023 academic year, DeVry refreshed over 470 courses and enrolled 4,800 students in newly developed or enhanced programs, prioritizing skills in such as cybersecurity and data analytics. These updates emphasize modular, skills-based learning over traditional lecture formats, enabling faster credentialing for working adults while maintaining alignment with employer requirements in high-demand sectors. Recent innovations include the April 2025 launch of DeVryPro, a digital platform designed for upskilling and reskilling through flexible, online courses featuring AI learning coaches and industry-validated content in areas like AI ethics and . Complementing this, a January 2025 in was introduced to foster entrepreneurial skills, building on AI tools for design and faculty training. Additionally, a realignment in the of Engineering and Information Sciences, known as Tech Core, incorporated (IoT) competencies to prepare students for connected device ecosystems, reflecting adaptations to hardware-software convergence trends. To enhance delivery, DeVry partnered with Engageli in April 2024 to implement collaborative tools, allowing virtual simulations and group interactions without fixed schedules, which supports retention among non-traditional students. Broader AI integration, announced in September 2025, extends to student support and , aiming to bridge skill gaps identified in workforce reports, though outcomes remain tied to self-reported institutional metrics amid ongoing scrutiny of efficacy. These efforts position DeVry's adaptations as responsive to digital disruption, with a focus on measurable over theoretical depth.

Faculty and Educational Approach

Instructor Qualifications and Ratios

DeVry University requires faculty members to hold a or higher, with specific emphasis on 18 graduate semester hours in the subject area for undergraduate instruction. This aligns with (HLC) standards, which mandate that accredited institutions maintain policies ensuring instructors possess credentials at least one academic level above the courses taught or equivalent professional experience, such as tested expertise from industry roles. DeVry's catalog notes that nearly all instructors hold s, PhDs, or doctorates, supplemented by rigorous training and active involvement in professional organizations like the IEEE or to integrate real-world applications into teaching. The university prohibits the use of teaching assistants, ensuring direct instruction by qualified professors who draw on business and industry backgrounds for curriculum delivery. Faculty selection prioritizes practitioner perspectives, with roles filled by adjunct and visiting professors who demonstrate subject-matter expertise, communication skills, and motivational teaching abilities, often alongside certifications like SHRM-CP for courses. DeVry supports ongoing development through comprehensive programs to maintain instructional , particularly for and blended formats where faculty facilitate discussions and provide individualized feedback. While HLC verifies these qualifications institution-wide, DeVry's for-profit model has historically relied heavily on part-time adjuncts, comprising the majority of instructors, which can influence depth of academic research experience compared to traditional universities. Student-to-faculty ratios at DeVry vary significantly by campus, program, and delivery mode, reflecting its decentralized structure with both physical locations and extensive online offerings. DeVry University Online maintains a reported of 41:1, indicative of larger class sections common in asynchronous digital environments. Campus-specific data from sources like College Factual show ratios ranging from 13:1 at DeVry University-Ohio to 36:1 at DeVry University-Illinois, with full-time faculty often representing a minority (e.g., 23% at locations). These figures exceed national averages for four-year institutions (approximately 14:1 per IPEDS benchmarks), potentially limiting personalized interaction, though DeVry mitigates this via structured office hours, syllabus-mandated contact protocols, and technology-enabled engagement in courses. No uniform ratio is enforced across the system, and HLC oversight focuses on overall instructional effectiveness rather than prescriptive numerical limits.

Pedagogical Methods and Technology Integration

DeVry University's pedagogical methods emphasize experiential and hands-on learning to align education with career demands in , , and healthcare fields. This approach incorporates work-based opportunities such as internships, co-ops, apprenticeships, practicums, , and micro-internships, often integrated into the for and practical skill application. Virtual simulations via platforms like further enable hands-on experiences without physical presence, fostering self-directed learning suited to adult students' prior experiences. Technology integration supports these methods through hybrid and fully delivery models, with over 20 years of experience in flexible 8-week sessions accessible via mobile apps and learning management systems. Interactive elements include virtual labs, real-time discussions, and self-paced modules on DeVryPro, which feature applied case studies and sandbox environments for tech-forward skills like coding and . Partnerships, such as with Engageli since 2023, enhance virtual classrooms with features like breakout rooms, peer tools, guest lectures, and recorded playback for asynchronous review, piloted to boost engagement in and hybrid formats. Artificial intelligence plays a central role in personalizing instruction, with adaptive platforms in math courses since 2018 adjusting content based on performance to address gaps, and AI chatbots in programming classes like CEIS 312 providing 24/7 support for tasks such as Python dataset handling. The DeVry AI Lab, launched in 2023, informs curriculum updates across six degree programs and two certificates, embedding AI and machine learning for workforce preparation, while tools like the "Inspire" AI system identify at-risk students for targeted interventions. Faculty use student feedback to refine these tech-enhanced techniques, aiming for interactive, data-driven environments that prioritize practical outcomes over traditional lecturing.

Accreditation and Oversight

Regional and Programmatic Accreditations

DeVry University is regionally accredited by the , a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with this status encompassing its undergraduate and graduate programs, including those offered through the Keller Graduate School of Management. HLC's accreditation affirms that the institution meets standards for academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and compliance with federal regulations. In September 2021, following a comprehensive review under HLC's Standard Pathway for reaffirmation, the commission continued DeVry's accreditation with the next evaluation scheduled for the 2030-31 . Historically, DeVry's regional accreditation has faced scrutiny; in 2016, HLC placed the university on amid concerns over misleading job placement , as highlighted in a settlement requiring DeVry to pay $100 million in refunds and penalties. The status was lifted after DeVry demonstrated corrective actions, including enhanced transparency in and data reporting, allowing full reaffirmation by 2021. As of 2025, no ongoing sanctions are reported in HLC actions, though external groups like Veterans Education Success submitted comments during a 2024 mid-cycle evaluation urging closer examination of recruitment practices and outcomes for veteran students. On the programmatic level, DeVry holds specialized accreditations for select degrees, with more than 40 programs and specializations receiving recognition from bodies such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for business-related offerings, including bachelor's and master's degrees in areas like accounting, finance, and management. Engineering technology programs, including associate, bachelor's, and master's levels delivered online, are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET, with reaffirmation granted in 2017 covering curricula focused on electronics, biomedical, and computer engineering technologies. Additional programmatic approvals exist for fields like project management through affiliations such as the Project Management Institute's Global Accreditation Center, though these do not constitute full accreditation but align with industry standards. These accreditations validate technical competencies but apply only to designated programs, not the institution as a whole.

Regulatory Compliance and Audits

In 2016, the (FTC) charged DeVry University with deceptive advertising practices, alleging that the institution misrepresented job placement rates by claiming that 90 percent of graduates obtained employment in their field within six months, when the actual figure, based on a selective subset of graduates actively seeking jobs in their field, was significantly lower. DeVry settled the case for $100 million without admitting liability, including $49.4 million in cash refunds to affected students, forgiveness of $30.4 million in institutional loans, and cancellation of $20.2 million in outstanding . The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) responded to the FTC findings by imposing a $100 million fine on DeVry in April 2016 for similar misrepresentations regarding graduate earnings and employment outcomes, and temporarily suspending the institution's eligibility for programs pending compliance measures, including an independent of under Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). As part of a 2016 settlement agreement with the DOE, DeVry committed to submitting audited and undergoing an independent compliance within six months of its fiscal year-end, aimed at verifying adherence to federal verification and reporting requirements for student aid. In 2022, the DOE approved $71.7 million in loan forgiveness for approximately 16,000 borrowers who attended DeVry, citing evidence of institutional misconduct in misleading claims about career outcomes, directly tied to the FTC enforcement action. A 2019 audit by the DOE's Office of Inspector General (OIG) examined DeVry's compliance with federal verification procedures for applicant data in Title IV programs, finding instances of inadequate documentation and reporting errors that risked improper disbursement of aid, though the audit did not quantify total noncompliance. State-level audits, such as a 2015 review by the of DeVry College of New York (a DeVry affiliate), identified lapses in compliance with Tuition Assistance Program regulations, including incomplete eligibility verifications and inadequate record-keeping, prompting recommendations for enhanced internal controls. Post-settlement, DeVry implemented regulatory compliance teams to oversee student communications and public-facing materials, as disclosed in SEC filings, though ongoing federal scrutiny persisted, including a 2023 administrative law judge ruling blocking DOE efforts to recoup $23 million in aid liabilities pending further review. The , DeVry's regional accreditor, reaffirmed accreditation in 2021 following peer reviews that addressed prior concerns over institutional integrity but did not detail specific violations.

Student Profile and Performance

DeVry University's demographics reflect a focus on non-traditional learners, with 87.1% of students aged 26 or older as of 2023, 55.3% identifying as female, and 57.4% serving as parents or guardians supporting dependents. The institution reports a racially and ethnically diverse population, particularly at campuses like , where enrolled students in recent years have included approximately 36.4% or Latino, 24.7% , 15.3% or African American, and 9.6% Asian individuals. This composition aligns with DeVry's emphasis on serving working adults from varied socioeconomic backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, as evidenced by over 7,500 students participating in targeted scholars programs in 2023. Enrollment trends indicate a sharp decline from historical peaks in the early , when the for-profit sector faced reduced demand amid economic pressures and intensified oversight. By the 2023-2024 , total enrollment across DeVry University-Illinois—the primary reporting entity—reached 29,346 students, including 26,146 undergraduates and 3,200 graduate students, with roughly 46% enrolled full-time. Smaller satellite locations, such as (74 students) and (32 students), contribute minimally to overall figures. This contraction correlates with regulatory actions, including a 2016 settlement over job placement claims, which damaged recruitment and led to campus closures. Despite the downturn, internal metrics show improved session-to-session , rising from 83.1% in 2019 to 87.6% in 2023, alongside 11,894 degrees or certificates awarded between July 2022 and May 2023.

Completion Rates and Retention Data

According to data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, DeVry University's graduation rates—calculated as the percentage of first-time, full-time, degree-seeking undergraduates completing their programs within 150% of normal time—range from 22% to 26% across active campuses. Specifically, the rate is 25% at the primary campus, 22% at Georgia, 26% at , and 26% at . These figures derive from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) cohorts and reflect outcomes for bachelor's programs, which typically allow six years for completion.
CampusGraduation Rate (150% Time)
Illinois25%
Georgia22%
Florida26%
Texas26%
DeVry's self-reported graduation rates for the Fall 2018 first-time, full-time cohort show an overall 48% rate when including completions at any DeVry location, though this drops to 16% for all new full-time students (including transfers). Federal IPEDS data, however, consistently reports lower figures, such as 17% six-year completion at after exclusions for non-completers still enrolled. Retention rates, measuring the share of first-year students returning the following fall, average 65% for full-time undergraduates at the Illinois campus per IPEDS. Institution-wide for the Fall 2023 first-time bachelor's cohort, DeVry reports 63% retention for full-time students and 34% for part-time, with variations by location (e.g., 65% full-time at , 40% at Georgia). These metrics align with patterns in for-profit institutions serving predominantly adult learners, where external factors like employment often impact persistence.

Employment and Earnings Outcomes

According to data compiled by the U.S. Department of Education, former DeVry University students who received had median earnings of $46,100 ten years after entering the institution, whether they completed a degree or not. This figure, drawn from tax records of working individuals no longer enrolled, reflects outcomes across DeVry's programs and campuses, with similar medians reported for specific locations such as $45,987 at the campus. These earnings lag behind the national median of approximately $80,000 for holders overall, though direct comparisons are complicated by DeVry's focus on non-traditional, career-oriented students and inclusion of non-completers in the dataset. DeVry University's reported job placement rates have varied by program and jurisdiction, with some state-mandated disclosures showing low rates for new in-field employment, such as 0% to 4% in certain programs as of recent filings. Historically, the advertised that 90% of graduates actively seeking work obtained positions in their field within six months, a claim substantiated by internal metrics that included pre-existing jobs and excluded many job seekers. Federal investigations by the FTC and Department of Education determined these representations were misleading, estimating actual in-field placement closer to 58%, prompting a $100 million FTC settlement in 2016 and subsequent loan forgiveness of $415 million in 2022 for affected borrowers. Independent verification of recent graduate-specific employment remains limited, as self-reported data from for-profit institutions like DeVry has faced scrutiny for methodological flaws in prior audits.

Business Operations and Marketing

Revenue Model and Tuition Policies

DeVry University's revenue model centers on tuition and fees collected from enrolled students, with the majority derived from programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, including Pell Grants and federal loans, supplemented by military and veterans' benefits. In fiscal year 2016, approximately 80.9% of DeVry's total revenue, amounting to $1.2 billion, originated from these sources. As a for-profit institution, net tuition revenue is calculated by subtracting institutional scholarships, grants, and partner tuition discounts from gross tuition collections, with revenue recognized on a straight-line basis over instructional terms as services are delivered. Tuition policies emphasize per-session or per-credit-hour charges tailored to program type, with undergraduate rates set at $609 per credit hour for standard programs and $497 for TechPath options, effective through sessions starting July 2025. Graduate programs under the affiliated Keller Graduate School follow similar session-based assessments, with standard rates applying from July 2025 onward. DeVry has implemented tuition stability measures, including a that locks rates for continuous enrollment and periodic freezes, such as one extending through the 2023-24 academic year, alongside resource fees for courses, learning systems, and technology. Payment policies allow deferral of tuition and fees until week five of the following session via installment plans, with additional charges due within 22 days of initial billing, designed to accommodate working adult students while integrating eligibility for federal aid, employer reimbursements, and institutional scholarships to offset costs. Estimated annual undergraduate tuition and fees average $17,088, excluding variables like books ($700) and living expenses, though actual net costs vary based on aid packages and program length in DeVry's accelerated format. These policies reflect a market-driven approach prioritizing accessibility for non-traditional learners, though historical reliance on federal funds has drawn regulatory scrutiny over sustainability and value.

Recruitment Strategies and Advertisements

DeVry University utilized aggressive campaigns targeting prospective students, particularly working adults seeking career advancement in and fields, with promises of high job placement rates and competitive salaries. From at least 2008 to 2015, the institution's materials prominently featured the claim that 90 percent of graduates actively seeking had obtained jobs in their field of study within six months, a purportedly holding true since 1975. These advertisements appeared across , print, and online platforms, often highlighting testimonials and visualizations to underscore . The (FTC) investigated these practices and filed a in , alleging that DeVry's claims were deceptive because they compared graduates only to those from associate's or bachelor's programs at all institutions, inflating the figure by excluding unrelated fields and non-comparable degrees, while actual placement rates were closer to 58 percent when properly benchmarked. Additional advertisements misrepresented average starting salaries, claiming DeVry graduates earned 15 percent more than those from other colleges, based on selective data that omitted key comparators. Enrollment counselors were trained to emphasize these metrics during recruitment calls and campus visits, contributing to rapid enrollment growth in the 2000s and early 2010s. In December 2016, DeVry agreed to a $100 million settlement with the FTC, including $49.4 million in cash refunds distributed to affected students and $50.6 million in , without admitting wrongdoing but committing to cease unsubstantiated claims. The U.S. Department of Education also resolved related claims in October 2016, requiring DeVry to halt the 90 percent job placement assertion due to lack of supporting evidence. Post-settlement, recruitment shifted toward highlighting flexible online programs and career services, such as job search resources and employer partnerships via DeVryWorks, though federal oversight persisted through heightened cash monitoring.

Allegations of Misrepresentation (1990s–2000s)

In late November 2000, three recent graduates—Afshin Zarinebaf, Mustafa Husain, and Ali Mousavi—filed a against DeVry in Cook County Chancery Court, accusing the institution of fraudulent advertising that misrepresented the quality of its computer training programs and the employability of its graduates. The suit alleged that DeVry's promotional materials promised cutting-edge instruction in advanced technologies to secure high-paying tech jobs, but the reality involved outdated equipment, obsolete curricula lacking coverage of emerging tools like , insufficient course offerings, unqualified faculty, and substandard facilities, leaving students inadequately prepared for the workforce. The plaintiffs further claimed that DeVry systematically admitted unqualified applicants to maximize enrollment and revenue from federal student loans and grants, prioritizing financial gain over educational standards and exacerbating graduates' post-degree struggles in a competitive job market amid the dot-com era's demands for current skills. DeVry's representatives described the action as a "nuisance suit" with "frivolous" allegations, countering with data showing 86% of graduates securing in their fields within six months at an average salary of $38,900. The lawsuit's disclosure triggered an immediate 22% decline in DeVry Inc.'s stock price, closing at $30.31 per share on , 2000, with trading volume surging to nine times the average. No public record of a settlement or final resolution for this specific case has been widely reported, though it highlighted early criticisms of DeVry's tactics during a period of rapid expansion to over 30,000 students across U.S. and Canadian campuses. Throughout the and into the , DeVry advertisements prominently featured longstanding claims of approximately 90% job placement rates for graduates actively seeking work in their fields within six months—a representation traced back to 1975—which prospective students cited as influential in enrollment decisions, though the methodology for defining "in-field" employment later drew allegations of inflation by including loosely related roles. These practices fueled consumer complaints about unmet expectations in a sector under growing scrutiny for aggressive marketing.

Federal Investigations and Settlements (2010s)

In January 2016, the (FTC) initiated a against DeVry University and its parent company, alleging that the institution had engaged in deceptive practices by making unsubstantiated claims about graduate employment outcomes. The FTC contended that DeVry's advertisements misrepresented that 90 percent of graduates who actively sought jobs in their field within six months of graduation obtained such employment, a figure derived from a narrow subset of graduates that excluded many who did not meet specific criteria, such as full-time status or program completion timing. Additionally, the agency challenged DeVry's comparative claims that its graduates achieved higher employment rates and salaries than those from all other colleges combined, asserting these were based on misleading data manipulations, including selective peer comparisons and inflated salary figures. The FTC's investigation, which spanned approximately two years prior to the lawsuit, focused on advertisements disseminated from 2008 to 2015 that purportedly misled prospective students about career prospects, contributing to enrollment decisions tied to . DeVry disputed the FTC's characterizations, maintaining that its employment statistics were accurately reported based on internal surveys and that the challenged claims reflected legitimate outcomes for surveyed graduates, though the institution ultimately opted for settlement to resolve the matter without admitting liability. On December 15, 2016, DeVry agreed to a $100 million settlement with the FTC, comprising $49.4 million in cash refunds distributed to eligible former students harmed by the alleged misrepresentations and $50.6 million in forgiveness of outstanding institutional debts owed by students for tuition and fees. The agreement also imposed a permanent prohibiting DeVry from making unsubstantiated claims about graduate rates, salaries, or comparisons to other institutions, with requirements for rigorous data substantiation in future . Concurrently, in October 2016, DeVry entered into a separate settlement with the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) to address compliance concerns related to its promotional materials and operational practices. Under this agreement, DeVry committed to ceasing the use of a specific advertisement claim—that its bachelor's degree programs had higher employment rates than comparable programs at all other colleges—after DOE investigations determined insufficient evidence to support it, amid broader scrutiny of for-profit institutions' reliance on federal Title IV funding. The DOE settlement emphasized enhanced monitoring of DeVry's advertising and reporting obligations but did not involve monetary penalties, focusing instead on preventive measures to align representations with verifiable outcomes. These federal actions in 2016 marked a pivotal regulatory response to persistent allegations of misrepresentation in the for-profit higher education sector, though DeVry maintained that its programs delivered value through practical training and that settlements reflected regulatory pressures rather than systemic deception.

Recent Litigation and Borrower Claims (2020s)

In February 2022, the U.S. Department of Education approved approximately 15,700 borrower defense to repayment claims filed by former DeVry University students, resulting in the discharge of about $415 million in federal student loans; these approvals were based on findings that DeVry had misrepresented job placement rates, with evidence including internal documents showing inflated statistics and advertisements claiming 90% of graduates secured jobs in their fields within six months, often compared selectively to holders rather than all postsecondary graduates. The Department cited DeVry's prior $100 million settlement with the in 2016 over similar deceptive advertising practices as corroborating evidence, though DeVry maintained that its disclosures were accurate and that the claims process lacked . A class-action lawsuit filed in 2018, McCormick et al. v. Inc. (DeVry's parent company), alleged manipulation of graduate employment data to boost enrollment; it settled in 2020 for $44.95 million to compensate eligible alumni who attended between 2001 and 2015, with the settlement administration concluding on December 15, 2024, after processing claims and issuing payments. In May 2024, the FTC distributed additional refunds totaling up to $5 million from uncashed checks originating from the 2016 settlement, targeting students harmed by DeVry's unsubstantiated job success claims. DeVry has contested the borrower defense discharges in federal court, including a 2022 case (In re DeVry University, Dkt. No. 22-54-BD) challenging the Department's recoupment liability determination as a collateral attack on prior findings; an order of remand was issued, but DeVry argued the process relied on outdated advertising without verifying individual borrower harms. In a January 2025 statement, DeVry denied systemic misleading of students, asserting that the Department mischaracterized its historical outcome calculations and disclosures, while expressing intent to pursue legal remedies against what it views as an unlawful expansion of the borrower defense framework under regulations finalized in 2022. By mid-2025, the Department had approved additional claims from about 3,800 DeVry attendees as part of broader borrower defense reviews, though specific discharge amounts for these were not publicly detailed.

Achievements and Broader Impact

Notable Alumni Successes

earned a in from DeVry University in in 2011, later serving as the 25th from 2018 to 2024 after a distinguished career as a professional soccer player, including winning the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1995. David Crane, a DeVry Institute of Technology graduate, pioneered by developing titles like Pitfall! for the in 1982 and co-founding in 1979, which revolutionized the industry by enabling third-party game development for consoles. Adeline Gray, who received a from DeVry University in 2016 followed by a master's in from Keller Graduate School of Management in 2020, became the first American wrestler to win six world championships and secured an Olympic in the women's 76 kg freestyle event at the 2020 Games. Chris Mazdzer graduated summa cum laude from DeVry University with a bachelor's in concentrating in around 2015, while competing internationally in luge; he achieved a historic for the U.S. in the men's singles at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and pursued as a post-graduation. Other alumni successes include Kevin Bickner, a DeVry online student and U.S. Olympian in at the 2018 and 2022 Winter Games, where he set a national distance record of 244.5 meters in 2017; and , who obtained a bachelor's in from DeVry before building a prominent career as a Nigerian and film producer in .

Contributions to Workforce Development

DeVry University contributes to workforce development primarily through its DeVryWorks division, which delivers customized training programs to employers for upskilling and reskilling employees in fields such as technology, business, and healthcare. With over 20 years of experience in online learning modalities, DeVryWorks facilitates access to workforce , enabling companies to address immediate skills shortages and support amid technological disruptions. This approach aligns educational offerings with employer needs, including opportunities that integrate practical application into curricula. The institution's 2024 Annual Impact Report documents that 31% of enrolling students sought to switch career paths and 23% aimed to enter a new field for the first time, reflecting DeVry's role in enhancing labor market mobility for non-traditional learners, many of whom are working adults balancing employment and education. In September 2025, DeVry released a report on U.S. upskilling trends, identifying gaps between worker perceptions and employer demands, and advocating for collaborative training initiatives to bridge them. Launched in April 2025, the DeVryPro platform provides AI-enhanced micro-credentials and courses tailored to evolving job requirements, such as AI proficiency, which 52% of workers and 45% of employers identified as a top skill in a related DeVry study. Strategic partnerships further amplify these efforts, including tuition reimbursement collaborations with employers like and UPS, which reduce barriers to credential attainment for incumbent workers. In October 2024, DeVry allied with OneTen to offer up to $3,000 in scholarships and job placement support for programs targeting underrepresented talent pools, emphasizing work-ready competencies. Industry alignments with entities like and ensure curricula incorporate vendor-specific certifications, directly supporting entry into high-demand sectors. DeVry's inclusion in the 2026 GSV 150 list underscores its influence in scaling for skills transformation. Regulatory disclosures confirm ongoing reporting of graduate outcomes to bodies like the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, though historical claims of 90% placement rates were deemed misleading by federal authorities due to methodological issues excluding certain job types.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.