Jones International University

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Staff
Updated August 7, 2020

Jones International University is the pioneer in online learning, established by Glenn R. Jones in 1993. Jones, a cable television magnate, began his career providing at-home education when he launched the cable television network, Mind Extension University (ME/U) in 1987. Through that endeavor, more than 30,000 students were able to take college level courses through their television, long before there was the availability of online classroom learning.

Jones International University was the first to exist entirely online. The first degree offered by the university was a Master of Arts in Business Communications in 1995. The university continued to grow over the years and, in 2004, Jones was inducted into the United States Distance Learning Association. That same year, the United Nations Development Programme selected Jones International University to run its Virtual Development Academy.

In 2006, Jones International University joined forces with Maricopa Community College, one of the largest community college systems in the country, to provide students a smooth route to their bachelor's degree. In 2005, they signed an agreement with the Colorado Community College System in order to offer their students a smooth transition into bachelor's degree programs.

Cyberdome, a virtual arena that is unique among online colleges, was launched in 2006, serving as the venue for graduation ceremonies, along with entertainment and educational productions. Doctoral programs were added in 2007.

In March 2015, Jones International University announced that it was closing the university. All students enrolled were able to transfer their studies to Trident University International through a formal transfer agreement.

Jones International University Accreditation Details

Jones International University was the first fully online university to receive regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation indicates that the university strives for excellence in education. In addition, the university has received National Council for Teacher Education accreditation for their School of Education.

Jones International University Application Requirements

There are no longer any application requirements at Jones International University. Students must apply using the application procedures at Trident University. Students who are already attending Jones International University should complete the FERPA Release in order to have transcripts sent to Trident University and complete a JIU Withdrawal Form.

New students who were planning to attend Jones International University must now complete the online application at Trident University. Once they have submitted the application, an admissions counselor will call to start the enrollment process.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Because Jones International University has closed and transferred students to Trident University, tuition and fees are based on Trident enrollment.

Trident University tuition for standard undergraduate students is $375 per credit hour. Retired military, veterans, partnerships or immediate family members pay $300 per credit hour while military and their immediate family members pay $250 per credit hour.

Standard master's program tuition is $510. Retired military, veterans, partnerships or immediate family members pay $375 per credit hour and military and their immediate family pay $325 per credit hour.

Standard Ed.D tuition is $725 while standard Ph.D. program tuition is $975. Retired military, veterans, partnerships or immediate family members pay $650 per credit hour for standard Ed.D tuition and military members along with their immediate family pay $625 per credit hour. Retired military, veterans, partnerships or immediate family members in the Ph.D. program pay $870 per credit hour while military and their immediate family pay $800 per credit hour.

Financial aid is available and may include federal aid such as Pell Grants or Direct Loans. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for any financial aid. Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Benefits are also accepted at TUI as are the following VA benefits:

  • Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill
  • Dependent Education Assistance Program
  • Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve
  • Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
  • Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
  • Vocational Rehabilitation

Direct billing of employers for tuition costs is also available. Students may also set up payment plans if their employer offers tuition reimbursement. In addition, students may use deferred billing until the end of the session if they are employed by partnering organizations. Students may also be eligible for scholarships or private loans. Payment plans are also available for those who do not have employer funded tuition options.

Online Degree(s) Available

Master of Education for Licensed K-12 Educators and Administrators

During its existence, Jones International University offered an online Master of Education program designed for licensed educators who wished to enhance their skills and knowledge. Students were able to select an area of study from one of the following options:

  • Elementary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
  • K-12 English for Culturally Linguistically Diverse Second Language Education
  • K-12 Instructional Technology
  • Secondary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
  • Education Leadership and Administration: Principal and Administrator Licensure

In addition, the college offered a Master of Education program that would lead to Initial Licensure and a Master of Education for Adult Educators and Administrators.

All degrees were designed to develop innovative leaders who were able to solve urgent educational issues. Students were given a project-based curriculum using professional standards that led to the growth of diverse learning organizations in the communities students planned to serve. The program was led by an international and inspirational faculty who created an ongoing and proactive program that included evaluation and assessment. Graduates were prepared for their own life-long learning and professional growth as well.

Students who were enrolled at Jones International University in the Master of Education program will now have the opportunity to learn through Trident's Master of Arts in Education program. Like JIU, Trident provides a program that integrates theory and practice, allowing students to gain skills, theories and strategies that are designed to meet the needs of diverse student populations.

Although Jones International University decided to close its doors in 2015, students who were planning to attend the college are still able to achieve their higher education goals through Trident University. The online programs available at Trident meet the strict, high-quality requirements that Jones International University held as critical since the university was established by Glenn Jones in 1993. Online learning allows adult learners who may have work, family or social obligations the ability to achieve their higher education goals while still meeting those obligations.

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