Trident University International: Accreditation, History, and Oversight

Trident University International, based in Chandler, Arizona, is a private, for-profit online university. Understanding its history, accreditation status, and any scrutiny it has faced is crucial for prospective students and stakeholders. This article delves into the university's background, accreditation journey, and significant events that have shaped its present form.

Founding and Early Accreditation

Trident University International was established in July 1998 as Touro University International, a branch campus of Touro College, by Yoram Neumann and Edith Neumann. A notable achievement was its distinction as the first university globally to offer a regionally accredited doctorate program online without any residency requirement. Initially, Touro University International held accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). In 2004, Touro College, including its Touro University International branch campus, underwent and successfully completed the re-accreditation process by MSCHE.

Transition to For-Profit Status and Name Changes

In October 2007, a significant change occurred when Touro University International was sold to Summit Partners for $190 million. Following the sale, a new institution named TUI University (now Trident at AIU) was formed and incorporated as a private, for-profit entity. This transaction was viewed by many as reflective of a broader trend involving the conversion of nonprofit higher education entities to for-profit status. However, the Touro deal was unique because it may have represented the first instance of a nonprofit college selling one of its divisions. In January 2011, TUI University officially changed its name to Trident University International.

Teach-Out Agreement with Jones International University

On March 29, 2015, Jones International University (JIU), the first accredited online school, announced its closure for 2016 and a formal teach-out transfer agreement with Trident University International. This agreement provided all JIU students with the opportunity to continue their studies at Trident. Furthermore, Trident revealed plans to rename its business school The Glenn R. James A. John W.

Accreditation Scrutiny and "Show Cause" Order

In June 2011, the WSCUC Commission (WASC Senior College and University Commission) received information indicating that Trident had awarded baccalaureate degrees to students who had not met the university's general education (GE) requirements. Moreover, Trident had not informed WSCUC about this issue when it was initially brought to the institution's attention by the Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOCNAV). SOCNAV is an organization that collaborates with the United States Navy to ensure that colleges attended by Navy personnel possess appropriate accreditation and are military-friendly. Due to these violations of Standards One and Two, related to integrity and general education, the Commission issued an Order to Show Cause, requiring Trident to demonstrate why its accreditation should not be terminated, effective March 30, 2012.

Allegations and Investigations

In 2017, the Veterans Education Success organization made allegations that Trident had used misleading information to recruit "survivors" who had Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. On August 30, 2018, the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, a unit of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, issued a Citation and Order of Abatement. Furthermore, on March 9, 2020, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) suspended G.I. Bill funding for new students at Trident. Later, the VA backed down from its plan to suspend the University of Phoenix and other colleges from accessing GI Bill benefits.

Current Affiliation and Accreditation

Trident University International is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Trident at AIU - The Higher Learning Commission. In November 2022, Trident University International's Doctor of Business Administration program was granted accreditation by the ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs).

Notable Rankings and Recognition

Washington Monthly has included Trident University International in its college rankings.

Key Figures

Several notable individuals have been associated with Trident University International, including:

Yoram Neumann: Co-founder of Touro University International.
Glenn R. James: The namesake of Trident's business school.

Additional Information

Trident University International has opened a satellite office in San Antonio. The university participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

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