Independence University Closure Information and Student Resources

Updated August 24, 2021

This page provide updates and relevant information to students affected by the August 1, 2021 closure of Independence University. This page is intended to publish information that students affected by these events can use to continue in their program and/or apply for loan discharges or restitution. The page will be updated as information is received.  Please check back.

US Department of Education information for Independence University students on transfer and closed school loan discharge options, and on obtaining academic records.

US Department of Education FAQs about school closures.

8/5/2021 ACCSC Guidance for CEHE Students

8/11/2021 update for SEVIS students

Transfer School information
For information on exploring transfer credit options, select a school below. Information or links are provided for online and IVC programs as well as on-ground programs.

For information about transferring credit, click on Common Questions tab on here.  This website provides transfer and articulation information for the public Utah System of Higher Education (USHE); however, most of the information provided is general guidelines around transfer.  

Where will IU credits transfer? 
(A Note on National Accreditation versus Regional Accreditation)

We have heard from IU students that some potential transfer institutions indicate “IU credit will not transfer because IU was regionally accredited.” Historically, there were two broad categories of accrediting agencies: regional accreditors oversaw state-owned or non-profit colleges and universities; national accreditors accredited trade and vocational schools and career programs.  A general credit transfer rule of thumb when there were two categories of accreditors was: 

  • credit from regionally accredited institutions may transfer to other regionally accredited institutions
  • credit from regionally accredited institutions may transfer to nationally accredited institutions
  • credit from nationally accredited institutions may transfer to other nationally accredited institutions
  • credit from nationally accredited institutions will likely not transfer to regionally accredited institutions

 

In 2019, the Department of Education eliminated this distinction between accreditors; however, you may still encountered instances where potential transfer reference regional accreditation.  You should share that Independence University was accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) at the time it closed. ACCSC is an accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education.  Students might also contact ACCSC as an option to explore credit transfer to other institutions accredited by ACCSC.

What do I have to do to find out if IU credits transfer?
IU students need to provide evidence of what they learned in each class. Institutions generally reviewed credits on a course-by-course basis to determine which will transfer and determine credit equivalency.  The more information you can provide about the courses taken, the easier it is for a new institution to evaluate credits for transfer. In addition to a transcript and a catalog course description, course syllabi are important documents for transfer evaluation. Ask if exams, papers, or other project will help a new institution make a credit transfer decision.

Independence University Transcript Service
Gramarcy Transcript Services is the designated repository for Independence University and Stevens-Henager College transcripts. Please visit gramarcy.com to order your transcript. Be prepared to provide the following information:   

  • The first and last name as they appear on your transcript (if your transcript is under a different last name, please indicate).   
  • Your Student ID# or Date of Birth or the last four digits of your social security number

Gramarcy provides electronic copies of transcripts only. Transcripts sent to .edu or .org email addresses will be password encrypted. Students may request encryption for transcripts sent to a .com or other email address.