Nexford

Nexford University (NXU) is an online university headquartered in Washington, D.C. that offers competency-based degree programs in business and technology, including associate, bachelor's and master's degrees plus shorter certificates. Its catalogue spans more than 20 programs, among them a Master of Business Administration and MBA specializations (AI, Finance, Sustainability, International Business, E-Commerce, Cybersecurity, Fintech & Blockchain, Healthcare Management, Entrepreneurship), MS degrees in Data Analytics, Digital Transformation and AI & Technology Management, a Mini-MBA certificate, a Bachelor of Business Administration with specializations in AI, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing and Entrepreneurship, a Bachelor of Science in AI for Business, and Associate of Applied Science programs.

Instruction is delivered fully online with no semesters: learners choose a start date on the first of any month, live sessions are optional, and courses run roughly four to eight weeks, carry three credits and require an estimated 10-15 hours per week. Programs are designed to be completed at a self-selected pace, with accelerated paths of as little as nine months for master's degrees and 24 months for bachelor's degrees, and the option to pause enrollment and payments. Individual courses can be taken standalone, each producing a certificate and counting toward degree credit, and Nexford evaluates transfer credit from prior college coursework, professional certifications such as PMP, CompTIA and SHRM, standardized exams, training programs and military or government learning.

The university states that curricula were developed using analysis of 30 million job postings and input from large global employers, and that it addresses three problems identified in learner surveys: affordability, relevance of graduate skills to employers, and flexibility for working adults. Learners are supported by a Career Success Coach, and the institution provides an AI career advisor tool ("Cary") and a program-matching quiz.

Business model

Nexford sells online degree and certificate programs directly to learners. Graduate degrees are billed on a flat monthly subscription basis while enrolled, and undergraduate degrees are billed per course; there are no textbook or hidden fees, and a one-time $25 non-refundable application fee applies. Tuition is regionally priced by country of residence and includes a tuition cap; because charges accrue with progress, faster completion lowers total cost. Payment options include credit and debit cards, bank transfer, PayPal and Venmo, with local payment methods including mobile money and local-currency payment in many countries. Learners can pause a program to stop payments and resume later.

Tuition-based: recurring monthly payments for graduate programs (advertised from roughly $450-$470 per month) and per-course fees for undergraduate programs (advertised from about $250 per course, with individual courses listed at $490), plus a $25 application fee.

Traction

The university reports more than 6,000 alumni worldwide, learners in more than 100 countries (the About page cites the US and more than 90 countries), more than 20 business and technology programs, and alumni outcome statistics of 98% who would recommend Nexford, 81% reporting a salary increase over the last 18 months and 80% reporting a promotion within 18 months; the company notes outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.

Latest developments

In June 2024 Nexford announced the completion of a $10.8 million Pre-Series A funding round to support expansion plans. The current program portfolio emphasizes AI-oriented credentials, including an MBA specialization in AI, an MS in AI & Technology Management, a BBA specialization in AI, a Bachelor of Science in AI for Business and an Associate of Applied Science in AI for Business.