Grantham University

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have further questions, please e-mail us

How much credit can I get for prior studies and work experience?

To receive a degree from Grantham University, each student is required to complete a minimum amount of course work at the University. Associate degrees require the completion of at least 60 credit hours, which may include up to 75% of the degree program credits, as transfer credits. Bachelor degrees require the completion of at least 120 credit hours, which may include up to 75% of the degree program credits, as transfer credits. Master degrees require the completion of 36 credit hours, which may include up to 9 credits, as transfer credits.

Prior studies and work experience must be properly documented or evaluated. Acceptable documentation includes transcripts from regionally or nationally accredited institutions, ACE evaluations, SMART, CGI, AARTS, or CCAF transcripts for military students.

When can I apply/register for courses?

You can apply and register any time during the year. Grantham University operates continuously throughout the year and offers courses which start weekly.

How much time do I have to finish each course?

Because students have unique learning styles and educational goals, and to ensure that each student gets the most from his or her academic experience Grantham University offers two academic delivery options.

Standard Cohort Format
In this delivery format, all cohort participants enter the program at the same time and proceed through the course of instruction as a group. The cohort model is designed so that participants have the opportunity to interact, work together in team-based projects, and begin to formulate professional working relationships with each other as well as the faculty member. The cohort model provides students with a sound basis for future teamwork, interaction, and life-long networking opportunities.
Accelerated Format
Some students prefer the autonomy of an accelerated course format. Although all students enter the Standard Cohort Format, students may proceed through the course at an accelerated pace, but still maintain significant interaction with the faculty member. Interaction with fellow students is also available in this format. This format is designed to offer students the opportunity to complete courses more rapidly than in a standard eight-week format. Students unable to maintain the accelerated pace will be required to meet the applicable milestones as identified in the course syllabus.

You must complete all courses for which you are enrolled by the conclusion of the enrollment period of 56 days (8 weeks). If you do not complete your course(s) in 56 days, you may request an incomplete from your instructor. If approved, you will have an additional 28 days to complete the course and earn a grade. If a grade is not posted within the additional 28 days, the “I” will convert to a grade of “F.”

Will credits earned at Grantham transfer to other schools?

Yes, but not all of the time. Decisions about transfer of credit are made at the local level by colleges and universities. Sometimes there is not an adequate fit in curriculum or standards between two schools and credits will not transfer. You should always contact the Registrar at the university in question to determine whether credits from Grantham will transfer to that institution. For additional information related to the transferability of credits, go to www.chea.org and read the handbook on the Fundamentals of Accreditation. Additional information can be found from Grantham's accrediting body, DETC's "Student Guide to Transfer of Credit."

How long will it take me to graduate?

For most courses, Grantham University offers courses and programs based on two learning models: standard cohort format and accelerated format. In the standard cohort format, you enter the course/program at the same time as other students and proceed through the course of instruction as a group. Some students prefer the autonomy of an accelerated course format. Although all students enter the Standard Cohort Format, students may proceed through the course at an accelerated pace, but still maintain significant interaction with the faculty member. Interaction with fellow students is also available in this format. This format is designed to offer students the opportunity to complete courses more rapidly than in a standard eight-week format. Some students have completed their bachelor's degree in as little as 18 months depending on the number of transfer credits accepted, diligence in studies, type of degree program, number of electives, etc.

What is a proctored final exam?

Throughout a student’s program of study, the final exams from select courses will be proctored. The proctor (or person supervising the exam) is chosen by you and designated as your proctor upon the University's approval. Your proctor could be a principal, librarian, clergy member, education officer in the military or an education or human resources officer at your workplace. Proctored final exams are used both to finalize credit and to assess mastery of the subject matter presented in the course. This is a comprehensive exam covering all of the material from the given course. The proctored final exams for all courses at Grantham are open book and open notes. This exam is weighted in your overall course grade according to the syllabus. Specific information on proctor forms and exams is included in the Grantham University Catalog.

Does the college provide a computer?

No, the college does not provide a computer. Grantham has established a special purchase program which provides discounted pricing on Dell computers for all Grantham students.

If I need help paying for my education, do you have some suggestions?

Grantham University offers various scholarships in addition to several extended payment plans and private student loans to assist you in financing your education. For more information, visit: www.grantham.edu or speak with an Admissions Representative.

Can I get reimbursed from my employer?

Many Grantham students are reimbursed by their companies. Check with your company and contact the University for assistance. We also have a list of companies which are paying or have paid their employees' tuition.

I am/was in the military. Can I apply for VA benefits while attending Grantham?

Grantham degree programs are approved for the payment of VA benefits. Grantham awards credit for properly documented military experience. For more information regarding VA benefits, please visit: http://www.grantham.edu/other/veterans-programs.php.

Does Grantham accept International students?

Grantham University welcomes International students. Grantham’s distance education model is a solution for those who want a degree from an accredited American college, but who cannot afford the time and expense to reside in the United States. Applicants with high school or previous education in a foreign country who do not reside in an English-speaking country (ex. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand), must demonstrate English language proficiency. Official documentation must be submitted with the admission file and admission granted before the applicant may begin the program.

International students who wish to transfer college-level courses to earn credit at Grantham must arrange for official transcripts to be sent to Grantham University. Transcripts that are not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Visit the Transfer Credit Policy page for more information on credential evaluations for foreign students.

Can I substitute more technical courses for general education courses?

Each Grantham student is required to fulfill the 42-hour General Education course requirement, either by transfer credit or through course completion. You may take any course listed in the University Catalog under the General Education course listing matrix to fulfill this requirement. You may choose from a variety of subject areas including English, Math, the Natural Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, or Business. Some of these courses (e.g., EE100, PH301, EN361) have a technical component, but may fulfill Grantham’s general education course requirement.

I completed college algebra at the local community college. Do I have to take it again?

If you’ve completed college algebra or a course determined to be its equivalent, which consists of three (3) semester credit hours or four (4) quarter credit hours, from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education, and you achieved a "C" or better for undergraduate coursework, you will not need to take it again.

How much math do I have to take to earn a degree?

Depending on your degree program and electives you choose, it could range from three to 12 credit hours of math.

Do I have to declare a major?

You should select a degree program on the enrollment agreement prior to enrollment to ensure you’re enrolling in courses that would fulfill degree program requirements. On the other hand, if you’re wishing to pursue individual course enrollment, you should enroll as non-degree.

Is tuition paid to Grantham tax deductible?

As circumstances differ for everyone, check with your accountant or tax professional to be certain of the IRS laws.