Kaplan University-Cedar Rapids Campus

Key Highlights

• Dedicated to academic excellence
• Mid-size city location with balance of urban amenities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Kaplan University Cedar Rapids looked quite different from traditional college experiences. Most students were adults balancing education with jobs, families, and other responsibilities. This meant less emphasis on campus activities and more on getting to class, completing coursework, and returning to the rest of life. The campus lacked dormitories, sports teams, or the social organizations typical of residential colleges. Students connected primarily through classes and study groups rather than extracurricular activities. The student body brought real-world experience to classroom discussions, which could enrich learning but meant less of the coming-of-age experience associated with traditional college. Services focused on practical support: computer labs, study spaces, academic advising, and career services. The campus occupied commercial space rather than a traditional college campus, so the physical environment felt more like an office building than the quads and dormitories of residential schools. For students prioritizing credential completion and career preparation over the traditional college experience, this trade-off was acceptable. Those seeking campus life, social activities, and the typical college environment needed to look elsewhere. The community among students who did engage was often strong, as adults pursuing education together shared common challenges and motivations.

Location & Surroundings

Cedar Rapids sits in eastern Iowa along the Cedar River, the second-largest city in the state after Des Moines. With a metropolitan population around 275,000, it offers small city amenities without the complexity of major urban centers. The economy centers on manufacturing, particularly food processing, along with healthcare, insurance, and technology sectors. The city experienced significant flooding in 2008 that reshaped some neighborhoods, and recovery efforts have continued for years. Cultural offerings include the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, theaters, and music venues. The downtown area has seen revitalization efforts with restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. Cost of living remains well below national averages, making Iowa affordable for students and families. The climate brings genuine seasons: hot, humid summers; cold, snowy winters; and pleasant transitions in spring and fall. The landscape is quintessentially Midwestern, with agricultural land surrounding the city. Getting around typically requires a car, though the city has some public transit. Chicago is about four hours east by car, offering access to a major metropolitan area for occasional trips. Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa, lies about 30 miles south. The region offers a relaxed pace of life that some find appealing and others find limiting.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at Kaplan University varied by program but generally exceeded public community college costs while remaining below private four-year universities. The for-profit model meant tuition was a primary revenue source, and critics questioned whether costs aligned with educational value. Many students funded education heavily through federal student loans, sometimes accumulating significant debt. Understanding total program costs and comparing them to expected earnings after graduation was important but not always clearly presented. Financial aid packages could make enrollment seem affordable initially while leading to substantial debt over time. Scholarship and grant options were more limited than at traditional institutions. Career outcomes for Kaplan graduates varied widely. Some students successfully transitioned into targeted careers, while others struggled to find employment matching their training or earn enough to comfortably manage loan repayments. The reputation of for-profit credentials in some job markets posed challenges. Career services aimed to help graduates find positions, but employer perceptions of the credential mattered. Students considering career-focused education should compare options across community colleges, public universities, and private institutions, weighing costs against career outcomes. The transitions affecting Kaplan University mean anyone with Kaplan credits should research how those credits transfer and what options exist for completing programs or applying credits elsewhere. Due diligence on current program status and outcomes data is essential.

Compare with Similar Universities