Trident University

Trident University was established in 1996, beginning as a branch of Touro College, which was founded in 1970 in New York City. In 2007, the university gained independence and was purchased by Summit Partners. At that time, it was reorganized into a for-profit institution and the name was changed to Trident University International.

Since its inception, TUI has used a unique learning model in online education. More than 28,000 adults, including military and veterans, are alumni of the university. TUI has received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and was named to Victory Media's Military Friendly School's List in 2015.

TUI's mission is to provide exceptional online education for all students, especially diverse adult learners. The faculty adheres to the highest standards of academic excellence and foster a learning community where students are encouraged to think critically and solve problems in order to enhance their lives and the lives of others.

Faculty and staff strive to answer all questions within 24 hours and include others who may have additional information to assist as well. They strive to motivate students and measure results so that outcomes are defined to insure success.

TUI's PhD in Education was ranked the most affordable online program in 2015 and has been named one of the most affordable colleges for bachelor's degrees by CollegeChoice.net. The Online Master's in Healthcare Administration has been ranked at the top of affordable degrees by GetEducated.com.

The majority of students enrolled at TUI are adult learners over the age of 30 and one-third of the doctoral students are over the age of 50. More than 80 percent of the students enrolled in bachelor's degree programs and half enrolled in master's degree programs are either active duty or retired military.

Trident University Accreditation Details

Trident University is the only fully online university accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Accreditation is considered the gold standard in higher education, validating that academics are challenging and rewarding. Specific degree programs may also have specialized accreditation from organizations in their industry.

Trident University Application Requirements

Undergraduate students who wish to attend TUI must hold a diploma from an accredited or state-approved high school and must have a GPA of 2.0 in all high school coursework. Students who have 24 semester hours or more of college credit may transfer to TUI as long as they demonstrate a 2.0 GPA. Students must complete an online application and authorize the college to access transcripts. Students who have completed CLEP, DSST or military training must provide that documentation.

Students who want to enter a graduate program at TUI must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and maintained a GPA of 2.5 on the most recently conferred degree.

Trident University Tuition and Financial Aid

Undergraduate tuition at TUI is $375 per credit hour for standard students. Retired military, veterans, partnerships or immediate family members pay $300 per credit hour while military and their immediate family members pay $250 per credit hour.

Master's program tuition is $510 for standard students. Retired military, veterans, partnerships or immediate family members pay $375 per credit hour while military and their immediate family pay $325 per credit hour.

Tuition of the Ed.D. program is $725 for standard students. Retired military, veterans, partnerships or immediate family members pay $650 per credit hour while military and their immediate family pay $625 per credit hour. Tuition for the Ph.D. program is $975 for standard students. Retired military, veterans, partnerships or immediate family members pay $870 per credit hour while military and their immediate family pay $800 per credit hour.

Financial aid is available at TUI and may include federal aid such as Pell Grants or Direct Loans. To qualify for federal aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Benefits are also accepted at TUI as are the following VA benefits:

• Chapter 30 - Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill
• Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation
• Chapter 32 - Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
• Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Chapter 35 - Dependent Education Assistance Program
• Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve
• Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

TUI will direct bill employers for tuition costs or set up a payment plan should the employer offer tuition reimbursement. In addition, students may use deferred billing until the end of the session if they are employed by organizations partnered with TUI. Students may also be eligible for scholarships or private loans. Payment plans are also available for those who do not have employer funded tuition options.

Trident University Online Degrees Available

Ph.D. in Business Administration

Students enrolled in the Business Administration doctoral program at TUI are prepared to solve complex problems in an ever-changing world. Students are provided tools for effective writing and presentation as well as the practice of scientific research methods. The program is designed to help students with a strong business background develop advanced research skills through their dissertation. The program requires ten core courses before the dissertation proposal seminar. TUI accepts no more than four semester credits of doctoral work from other universities and the transferred course must meet the same content standards as the same course at TUI.

Students must concentrate their studies in one of these five concentrations:

• Accounting/Finance
• Information Systems/Information Technology Management
• Leadership
• Management and Organizations
• Marketing

The student must submit to a comprehensive examination with both oral and written portions. Students are evaluated on their understanding of theory, research methods and statistical concepts related to the research process in their particular area of study. The written exam consists of an evaluation of an article published in a top tier journal in the industry. A committee of two or three faculty members will review the written examination to determine if the student is prepared for the oral examination. If the student is prepared, the oral examination is given within a week. If the student is not prepared, they will be given one additional chance to pass the qualifying examination. If they do not do so on the second attempt, they are disqualified from the program.

Trident University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through a completely online format. This allows students who may have family, work or social obligations the flexibility to achieve their higher education goals through Trident University.