Jones International University (JIU) is a pioneer in online learning and the first fully online university in the United States to receive regional accreditation. Its founder Glenn R. Jones was a staunch advocate of the belief that education must be accessible to anyone wherever he or she may be. Thus in 1987, he launched the Mind Extension University, a cable television network that allowed some 30,000 students to enroll in courses offered by more than 30 colleges and universities through television. With the advent of the Internet, Jones came up with the idea of establishing a purely online university. Thus, in 1993, the Jones International University was born – the first ever learning institution to exist 100% online.
Undaunted by the negative criticisms thrown his way, Jones persisted with his idea and, in 1999, received the best affirmation of the soundness of his idea when JIU became the first fully online university in the U.S. to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
Today JIU offers working professionals with degree and professional certificate programs either through its School of Education or its School of Business. Education degree programs offered include Master of Education, Education Specialist, Doctorate of Education and Certificates in Education. For business degrees, offered are Business Administration Certificates; Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication; Bachelor of Business Administration; Master of Arts in Business Communication; Master of Business Administration; and Doctorate of Business Administration.
Tuition cost varies from one online 3-credit course to the next. Financial aid is extended via loans, grants and merit-based scholarships.
In 2008, JIU was ranked as one of the Top 10 Online Universities in the World by Global Academy Online.
