By: James Rhodes

“We’ve always believed that education should work for the student, not the other way around.” — Dr. Carol A. Palmer, President of Amberton University.

As more adults question the cost and value of traditional college degrees, Amberton University remains committed to serving those who balance education with careers and family. Through flexible programs, affordable tuition, and relevant coursework, Amberton is demonstrating that higher education can be accessible and aligned with the needs of working professionals.

Designed for Working Adults Since Day One

Amberton University opened its doors in 1971 and became an independent institution in 1982. From the start, it focused on adult learners; those returning to school later in life or completing a degree they had previously paused. Today, the average Amberton student is 38 years old, and most are employed full-time. The university’s schedule, format, and curriculum are all tailored to support the needs of working adult learners.

“We’re not trying to compete with four-year schools that offer dorms and sports,” Dr. Palmer explains. “Our students are looking for flexibility, value, and results.”

Flexible Terms, Real Schedules

Amberton offers four 10-week sessions per year. Classes meet at night or online. Most degrees are fully online, with hybrid options available for students who prefer some in-person instruction. Their courses are structured to allow for stop-in, stop-out enrollment. This means students can take a break and return without facing penalties. Weeknight classes meet once per week, while Saturday classes meet only five times per term. This setup is convenient for those juggling job shifts and childcare responsibilities.

Students also have access to remote advising and flexible faculty office hours through Zoom or phone.

Low Tuition With High Transparency

At $325 per credit hour, Amberton’s tuition is notably lower than that of many private and for-profit institutions. A 30-credit-hour master’s degree can cost approximately $11,000, including fees. Even an extensive 60-credit graduate program can remain around $22,500. There are no hidden fees. All tuition details are publicly available on Amberton’s website. Students are not required to submit contact information to view degree plans or course requirements.

As Dr. Palmer puts it: “What you see is what you pay.”

No Tenure, No Complacency

Amberton does not offer tenure. Instead, professors are on renewable contracts and must demonstrate performance each year. This ensures that every course is taught by an engaged, current expert, rather than by someone using outdated material. Nearly all faculty hold terminal degrees and also work professionally in their field. This includes licensed counselors, executives, project managers, and finance professionals.

“Our instructors bring real-world experience into every class,” Dr. Palmer explains. “Students aren’t just learning theory. They’re learning what works in practice.”

Acquired Skills and AI Across Every Program

During the 2024-2025 academic year, Amberton updated 100% of its courses. Every class now includes a list of “acquired skills” and an embedded AI competency. This ensures that students leave with concrete knowledge that can be applied in their careers. Skills include:

• Time value of money in finance

• Emotion regulation techniques in counseling

• AI use in communication and business strategy

• Customer service and conflict resolution in leadership training

These updates are based on feedback from employers and alumni, aiming to ensure graduates leave with the tools companies need.

Relevant Degrees, Real Outcomes

Amberton’s degree programs focus on fields with clear demand. These include:

• Clinical Mental Health Counseling (the university’s largest program)

• Applied Artificial Intelligence

• MBA in Finance

• Healthcare Administration

• Training and Development

All programs are structured to meet employer expectations, with input from advisory boards made up of industry professionals.

“Our goal is to equip people to do the job they want,” Dr. Palmer says. “We focus on programs that align with real-world needs.”

Strong Outcomes for Working Professionals

Amberton tracks student success through course completion, employment rates, and post-graduation surveys. The numbers are encouraging:

• 97% of eligible students were employed during enrollment in 2022–2023

• 60% of graduates received a promotion or salary increase after enrolling

• 90% said their studies directly influenced that advancement

Graduation rates also tend to outpace national norms for adult students. Amberton’s graduate programs report an 8-year completion rate of 50%. Students also report high satisfaction. More than 93% say their degree helped them meet the goals they set out to achieve.

A Community Rooted in Purpose

Amberton is a Christian university. However, it does not require any religious affiliation for admission. Its faculty and leadership adhere to Christian ethics, which are reflected in its conduct and service standards. These values are outlined in the university’s Six Pillars of Service Excellence:

• Welcoming

• Knowledgeable

• Professional

• Initiative

• Excellence

• Communication

Students are not just enrolled; they are supported every step of the way.

“We listen to our students. We treat them with dignity and respect. That’s not just policy—it’s part of our culture,” says Dr. Palmer.

Final Word

Amberton University continues to demonstrate how many institutions can better serve working adults by respecting their time, money, and goals. Through updated programs, embedded skills, flexible learning, and affordable tuition, Amberton shows that higher education doesn’t need to be expensive, bloated, or outdated.

“We’re focused on results,” Dr. Palmer says. “If we’re not helping our students move forward in life and work, we’re not doing our job.”

To explore programs or enroll, visit Amberton University.