Press Release

Franklin University is a leader in educating adult students. For over 100 years we have recognized the importance of accessibility, affordability and transferability for the adult student. We understand how to serve adult students better than any other institution because it's all we've ever done.

This understanding is important now more than ever as students are looking for value. Franklin University offers the best value with high quality programs that students can afford. Our tuition is one of the lowest in the state and among the lowest 10% in the country. At a time when the economy and unemployment rates are forcing many adults to look for ways to stand out in their profession or even start a new career, Franklin University provides access to a quality, affordable degree.

Franklin University students are typically career-oriented working adults. We are primarily looking on the north side of Indianapolis where these students are more densely populated.

The University is working closely with two governing bodies, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) as well as the Indiana Commission on Proprietary Education (ICOPE). The application process for both has been completed and ICOPE granted the University applicant status in February. The HLC application process was launched in February and is currently scheduled to be finalized at its June meeting.

Our plan is to begin to offer our largest and most popular undergraduate programs and graduate programs such as business and accounting as well as the MBA. Then, based on interest we will make the determination if other programs should be made available.

Franklin University has been a leader in online education. This fall, 25 of our programs will be offered fully online so students will be able to take courses face-to-face, online or in some combination. Students could also take some preparatory courses face to face and complete classes online for those majors that we are not bringing to the Indy location. Our advising, tutoring and other services will be available to all students no matter what format.

We believe that students should have face-to-face access to instructional faculty, academic support and student services. All newly enrolled students will be assigned to the Indy-based local Student Service Coordinator (SSC), who remains the primary point of contact for the length of the student's enrollment providing assistance in preparing a chronological degree path, periodic reviews of academic progress, and liaison services with other University departments. Additionally the SSC will provide general financial aid and transfer credit assistance to these students.

The Indianapolis site will have a Learning Resource Center to provide students with library services, testing and tutoring. Students at Franklin's Indianapolis location will have technology resources available to them that are identical to their counterparts at the central Ohio campus such as a computer lab, access to an electronic resource database through the library, computerized classrooms, wireless connectivity and quick use student kiosks on site. These systems currently are in place in the central Ohio suburban locations.

Once a location has been identified it generally takes approximately three to four months to build out the space. We believe that should put us sometime in August. Assuming everything goes as scheduled Franklin University plans to begin courses when the fall term begins. Fortunately because of Franklin University's accelerated courses and flexible scheduling there are multiple start dates within the term, in other words, new courses begin every few weeks, which provide additional flexibility for the actual start date.

As part of our commitment to the community and helping to stimulate the local economy, Franklin University will be hiring the majority of the employees from Indianapolis. However in order to successful transfer some of the current Franklin University DNA and assure that the same high standards as the Columbus campuses are met, one or two experienced administrative staff may be exported to the new site.

We are passionate about eliminating barriers for adult students and providing students what they need to be successful. Franklin University's flexible class schedules, multiple start dates, on campus and online delivery, support services, and overall student-centered approach set it apart from other colleges and universities.

But it's not just how we deliver, it's what we deliver. Curriculum is taught by faculty who are experts in the industry, working in their fields during the day and teaching at Franklin University at night. Curriculum is developed based on research from adult learning theory, learning styles, and instructional strategies applied to a practice-to-theory-to-practice approach. This approach to curriculum development provides students with the ability to take what they learn in class and immediately apply it on the job - this along with critical-thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills uniquely positions Franklin University graduates to take their career to the next level.