By: Anna Hill
“We’re here to educate — not turn a profit,” says Dr. Carol A. Palmer, President of Amberton University. “That principle influences all our decisions.”
As tuition costs continue to rise across the country, Amberton University stands out with a unique approach. With the average cost of a graduate degree at Amberton under $11,000, the university is offering a response to growing concerns over increasing student debt and degrees that may not lead to desirable job outcomes.
Founded more than 50 years ago to cater to working adults, Amberton’s mission remains focused on providing relevant, affordable, and quality education. The university does not provide dorms, sports teams, or expansive campus facilities. Instead, it prioritizes investments in curriculum, student services, and faculty, ensuring that students get maximum value without unnecessary overhead.
For more information, visit Amberton University.
A Low-Cost, High-Value Model That Makes Sense
Amberton offers graduate degrees starting at $9,750 in tuition. Even its highest-priced 60-credit program remains around $22,500. By comparison, many for-profit and even some non-profit schools charge several times more for similar programs.
Dr. Palmer comments, “We don’t inflate tuition just to offer discounts later. The price you see is what you pay. No hidden fees, no pricing tricks.”
More than 97% of graduates report that their degree was affordable and would consider Amberton again if given the opportunity.
No Tenure, No Waste, No Irrelevance
Amberton does not offer tenure. Professors are employed on annual contracts and are expected to perform at high standards. Almost all faculty members are experienced professionals with terminal degrees—PhDs, DBAs, or EdDs—who teach in their respective fields. This helps to avoid the stagnation found in some institutions where the curriculum may remain unchanged for extended periods.
In 2024–2025, Amberton added 19 new classes, four new degrees, and nine new certificates. These offerings were developed in response to market demands, input from industry partners, and the evolving needs of the workforce.
“Education must evolve or risk becoming obsolete,” Dr. Palmer emphasizes. “We updated every single course last year—not just the content, but the skills and competencies integrated into them.”
Degrees That Are Valued in the Professional World
Amberton focuses on degrees that are practical and aligned with clear professional pathways. From Clinical Mental Health Counseling (its largest and most successful program) to applied degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Finance, and Healthcare Administration, students gain valuable skills and credentials that employers recognize.
The university has also integrated “acquired skills” into each course. These include project management, finance fundamentals, AI strategy, counseling techniques, and more. These are tangible skills that students can include on their resumes, supported by a portfolio of their work.
An AI-Literate Campus
Amberton is positioning itself as a leader in higher education’s technological transformation. Its Applied Artificial Intelligence degree emphasizes practical uses of AI for business and organizational improvement, rather than focusing solely on theory or development.
Students engage with Amberton’s AI Testing Environment and build portfolios that can help advance their careers.
Furthermore, AI competencies are woven throughout all courses, from economics to counseling. Students learn about the ethical implications, strategic applications, and tool proficiency of AI across various disciplines, making Amberton one of the few fully AI-literate campuses in the country.
Designed for Working Adults, Not for Show
With an average student age of 38, Amberton is designed specifically for adults balancing work and family responsibilities. Courses are available online, in hybrid formats, and during evenings. With four 10-week terms per year, the university provides flexibility for students to plan their schedules and enroll or pause their studies as needed.
Amberton’s advisors closely collaborate with students to ensure they complete their degrees at a pace that suits their individual needs. The university’s structure, without superfluous extras, allows students to pay only for what they use.
“We meet students where they are,” says Dr. Palmer. “We don’t expect them to fit into a traditional model that was never intended to accommodate them.”
Results That Speak for Themselves
Amberton’s outcomes compare favorably with national averages for adult learners. Over 90% of students are employed during their enrollment. More than 60% report promotions or salary increases after completing their degrees, with 90% stating their studies directly influenced those career advancements.
Graduation rates remain strong, with 54% of graduate students completing their degrees within eight years. This figure is well above the national average for part-time adult learners.
Ethical Foundations, Transparent Practices
As a Christian university, Amberton’s core values are rooted in ethical responsibility and service. Its approach, however, is inclusive and non-denominational, welcoming students from all backgrounds. All tuition, course details, and degree requirements are publicly available on the university’s website.
There are no hidden gates, no deceptive tactics, and no fine print.
Amberton has also earned recognition as a Military Friendly School, offering low tuition and flexible formats that allow many veterans to use their VA benefits to fully cover their education costs.
Final Thoughts
Amberton University is reimagining what higher education can be. It is affordable, practical, transparent, and centered around the needs of its students: working adults who seek an education that justifies their time, money, and effort.
“Our students are looking for value,” Dr. Palmer concludes. “And that’s what we strive to deliver every day.”
To learn more or explore program options, visit Amberton University.
