Purdue Buys Kaplan University Apr 2026

: Purdue leaders determined it would be faster and more effective to buy an established online infrastructure rather than building one from scratch.

In 2017, Purdue University made the groundbreaking decision to acquire the for-profit Kaplan University for a nominal fee of $1, transforming it into the public online entity now known as Purdue University Global . This "education marriage" was designed to leapfrog Purdue into the competitive online market and expand access for adult and non-traditional learners. The Logistics of the Deal

The deal has faced significant scrutiny from faculty and external observers regarding transparency and financial outcomes: purdue buys kaplan university

: While the university became a public institution, Kaplan, Inc. (a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company ) remained as a long-term business partner.

: The move was intended to create an additional revenue stream at a time of uncertain state funding. Performance and Criticism : Purdue leaders determined it would be faster

: Purdue paid exactly $1 to acquire Kaplan’s academic operations.

: Kaplan receives a percentage of revenue for providing "back-office" services, including marketing, technology support, and financial aid administration for a 30-year term. Motivations and Strategy The Logistics of the Deal The deal has

: President Mitch Daniels framed the acquisition as a way to fulfill Purdue's land-grant mission by reaching "working adults and others unsuited to traditional campus study".