The University of Northern Virginia, founded in 1988, is a for-profit, accredited private undergraduate and graduate university. This year marks UNVA's tenth anniversary. Now established as a major international university, the University of Northern Virginia offers accredited American-style educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Online Learning
UNVA Online Learning provides educational opportunities for adults whose schedules or distance from the campus make it impossible to attend on-campus classes. E-Learning uses a convenient method of course delivery which is not constrained by time and/or location. Students have accessibility to instruction at anytime from anywhere, and the convenience of taking a course via the internet, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A UNVA e-Learning credit course is the equal to the on-campus section of the same course in terms of objectives, content, rigor and transferability. Course outlines, textbook information, and other course materials are available to students by accessing the specific course website shown with each UNVA e-Learning class. Courses will also include electronic discussion groups which require ongoing student participation.

UNVA’s distance education program offers asynchronous courses that allow independent online study, meaning students can access course content from UNVA’s computer system and interact with the instructor at different times and places.

Instructors assess online students the same ways they do traditional students, that is, by assigning homework, written exams, quizzes, research projects, etc. Scheduled live chats serve as open discussion sessions in which all students can participate. During these sessions, students can ask questions about topics covered in the course, homework, term papers, exams, etc. Students can also contact their instructor outside the scheduled live chats by such means as telephone, e-mail or by scheduling personal meetings. In this way, a constant academic dialogue is maintained.

Financial Aid
While Candidacy Status is not full accreditation, it is a very big step and does confer some of the privileges and recognition of full accreditation. For example, a non-profit school with Candidacy Status can apply for American Financial Aid (Title IV) funds.

Accreditation
UNVA is accredited by American Council of University Accreditation (ACUA), and The European Council for Business Education (ECBE).