Lakewood University

What Lakewood University does

Lakewood University is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit online distance education institution headquartered in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, founded in 1998 (originally as the American Center for Conflict Resolution Institute). It delivers 100% online degree and certificate programs primarily to working adults, veterans, and career-focused learners across the United States (with NC-SARA nationwide authorization and a Global Education initiative). The program portfolio spans Associate degrees in Business Management, Healthcare Administration, Information Technology, and Paralegal Studies; Bachelor's degrees in the same disciplines; an MBA; and a graduate Project Management certificate. Undergraduate and career certificates cover Cybersecurity (CompTIA-aligned), Pharmacy Technician (ASHP-accredited), Medical Billing/Coding, Legal/Paralegal, and various business tracks, including Combination Programs that integrate two disciplines.

The underlying technology is a proprietary online learning management system with a student portal (mylakewoodu.com), a mobile application, and Salesforce Sites integration for enrollment processing. A Success Coach model assigns a personal coach to each student from enrollment through graduation and beyond, complemented by lifetime career services. Curated courseware (e.g., Ascend Education for CompTIA exam prep) is integrated into the platform.

Revenue is generated primarily through tuition billed per semester ($5,052 full-time and $1,263 part-time for Associate degrees, with certificate programs varying by length). Multiple funding channels diversify revenue: GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits, WIOA workforce funding through state Eligible Training Provider Lists, Union Education Trust (Ohio OCSEA), employer tuition reimbursement, and flexible payment plans with no credit checks. The university reports 2,900+ current students, 10,000+ historically enrolled, 80% job placement, 72% re-enrollment, 99% student satisfaction, and 99.2% debt-free graduation for veteran students.

Name

Lakewood University

Legal name

Lakewood University

Website

https://lakewood.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Lakewood University is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit online distance education institution offering Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees plus career certificates in business, healthcare, IT, legal, and cybersecurity fields, primarily serving working adults, veterans, and career changers through flexible 100% online programs with GI Bill, WIOA, and employer-funding channels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Online Higher Education / Distance Learning

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online Nonprofit Universities (EDAHALAK)

Keywords

• Online higher education
• Distance learning programs
• Career certificate programs
• Veteran education benefits
• Nonprofit university

Headquarters

HQ city

Cleveland Heights, oh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition Payments: Students pay tuition per semester or term. Payment plans available with low-interest financing. No credit checks for payment plans. Degree programs: $5,052/semester full-time, $1,263/semester part-time. Certificate programs vary by program length and content.
2. GI Bill and VA Education Benefits: Veterans and eligible family members use GI Bill education benefits to cover tuition. Yellow Ribbon university participant. Benefits cover full tuition in most cases with no out-of-pocket costs for qualifying students.
3. Workforce Funding (WIOA): Approved on multiple state WIOA Eligible Training Provider Lists. Eligible students receive workforce funding covering tuition, books, and related expenses through local workforce agencies.
4. Union Education Trust (UET): State of Ohio OCSEA employees receive UET funding for approved training, often with little to no out-of-pocket costs.
5. Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Partner with employers offering tuition assistance/reimbursement programs. Students can apply employer benefits to tuition.
6. First Certification Exam Paid: University pays for students' first professional certification exam attempt upon successful program completion.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Lakewood University is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) online distance education institution offering 100% online degree programs (Associate, Bachelor's, Master's/MBA) and certificate programs in Business Management, Healthcare Administration, Information Technology, Paralegal Studies, Cybersecurity, Pharmacy Technician, and Medical Billing/Coding. All programs are delivered through an online learning management system with flexible weekly start dates, supported by a personal success coach model, career services, and GI Bill/VA education benefits for qualifying veterans.

Product overview

Lakewood University is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit online university offering distance education programs primarily for working adults, veterans, and career-focused learners. The institution provides a comprehensive portfolio of educational products organized into degree programs (Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's/Graduate levels) and certificate programs (Career Certificates and Undergraduate Certificates). Degree programs span Business Management, Healthcare Administration, Information Technology, and Paralegal Studies. Certificate offerings include specialized career-focused programs in Cybersecurity (with CompTIA certification prep), Medical Billing/Coding, Pharmacy Technician (ASHP accredited), Paralegal/Legal studies, Professional Coaching, Real Estate Management, and various business-related fields. The university also offers Combination Programs that integrate two disciplines in one streamlined curriculum. Programs are delivered 100% online with flexible start dates, personalized success coaching, and GI Bill acceptance for veterans.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Associate Degree in Business Management A 60-credit hour, 2-year associate degree program that prepares students for entry-level positions in business, industry, and non-profit organizations. The program covers core business concepts including management, marketing, accounting, and business ethics.
• Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration Associate of Science degree preparing students for opportunities in healthcare administration, covering healthcare language, hospital finance, human resources, leadership, and healthcare operations.
• Associate Degree in Information Technology Associate of Science degree designed to prepare students for opportunities in IT, covering hardware, software, secure networking, cloud services, database management, and project management.
• Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Business degree preparing students to support attorneys in transactional and litigation fields, covering legal language, legal research, document drafting, case management, and evidence gathering.
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Management Bachelor's degree program advancing leadership and expertise in business management, preparing students for professional advancement and leadership roles.
• Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration Bachelor's degree program in healthcare administration for advanced skills and leadership roles in healthcare settings.
• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology Bachelor's degree program in information technology for advanced technical skills and leadership positions in IT.
• Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies Bachelor's degree program in paralegal studies for advanced legal knowledge and career advancement in the legal field.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) Graduate-level MBA program designed for working professionals, developing advanced leadership, analytical, and management skills.
• Project Management Graduate Certificate Graduate-level certificate in project management for advanced project planning, organizing, and execution skills.
• Cybersecurity Undergraduate Certificate 16-week certificate program covering information security technologies, contingency planning, network security, firewall technologies, and preparation for CompTIA Security+, Network+, A+ certifications.
• Vet Tec 2.0 Cybersecurity Certificate Veteran-focused cybersecurity certificate program under Vet Tec 2.0 initiative for military veterans, with CompTIA certification prep and first exam paid by the school.
• Entrepreneur Certificate 2-semester certificate introducing business language, management functions, entrepreneurship concepts, and skills needed for starting and operating a small business.
• Law Office Management Certificate 2-semester certificate covering law office management, legal research, case coordination, client relations, and administrative oversight for legal operations.
• Legal Assistant Certificate 24-credit certificate program providing legal knowledge and administrative skills for paralegals, with preparation for NALA and NALS national certification exams.
• Legal Document Preparer Certificate Certificate program introducing legal assistant roles, common areas of law, legal research process, and preparation of legal documents.
• Legal Secretary Certificate Certificate program preparing students for careers in legal office administration, covering legal analysis, writing, and law office operations.
• Office Manager Certificate Certificate covering business communication, leadership, and organizational management skills for managing productive workplaces.
• Project Management Undergraduate Certificate Certificate providing practical skills in planning, organizing, and executing successful projects from start to finish.
• Restaurant Business Management Certificate Certificate focused on restaurant operations, customer service, and business success in hospitality management.
• Administrative Medical Assistant Certificate Career certificate for administrative medical assisting roles in healthcare settings, aligned with NHA standards for national certification eligibility.
• Criminal Justice Certificate Career certificate in criminal justice for entry-level positions in law enforcement and related fields.
• Medical Billing Certificate Certificate program preparing students to manage patient billing and insurance claims in healthcare settings, aligned with NHA standards.
• Medical Coding Certificate Certificate program for medical coding in healthcare settings, preparing for national certification exams and aligned with NHA standards.
• Pharmacy Technician Certificate Certificate program for pharmacy technician careers with ASHP accreditation and PTCB recognition, including externship opportunities at Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy locations.
• Professional Coaching Certificate Certificate covering professional coaching principles, ethics, business strategies, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and leadership skills.
• Paralegal Diploma Program Diploma program for paralegal careers meeting NALA requirements for national certification examination.
• Real Estate Management Certificate Certificate in real estate investment and management for careers in property management and real estate investing.
• Mediation Certificate Certificate in mediation and alternative dispute resolution techniques.
• Combination Programs Integrated certificate programs combining two disciplines, including Criminal Justice & Paralegal, Medical Billing & Coding, Pharmacy Technician & Medical Billing, and other combinations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99.2% of veteran students graduate debt-free
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CVS PharmacycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPharmacy Technician graduates have opportunity to complete externship and receive hands-on pharmacy technician training at CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide. Partnership provides practical work experience and employment pathway for graduates.
• WalgreenscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Walgreens for Pharmacy Technician externship opportunities nationwide. Students gain hands-on pharmacy technician training at Walgreens locations, enhancing employment prospects.
• Union Education Trust (UET)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState of Ohio OCSEA bargaining unit employees receive UET funding for approved training and education at Lakewood University, often up to set annual amounts with little to no out-of-pocket costs.
• WIOA Eligible Training Provider ListscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApproved on multiple state WIOA Eligible Training Provider Lists. Eligible dislocated workers, unemployed, underemployed, and low-income adults receive workforce funding covering tuition, books, and related expenses.
• CompTIAcoreTechnology or IntegrationCompTIA authorized education partner. Lakewood provides Ascend Courseware for exam preparation and pays for students' first attempt at CompTIA A+, Security+, Network+, and Project+ certification exams.
• Employer Tuition Assistance ProgramsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLakewood partners with companies offering tuition assistance or reimbursement programs. Students apply employer benefits to cover tuition costs.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• University of Phoenix: Large online for-profit university with strong veteran and adult-learner enrollment. Direct competitor in online associate, bachelor's, and certificate programs aimed at working adults.
• Liberty University Online: Online division of a large private university offering associate through doctoral degrees with strong military and veteran enrollment. Comparable scale and online-only delivery model.
• National University: Nonprofit university system with a strong online division focused on working adults, military, and career-focused learners. Similar one-course-at-a-month structure and adult-learner positioning.
• Western Governors University: Nonprofit, fully online university serving adult learners with competency-based degrees and certificates. Directly comparable in mission, online-only delivery, and focus on working adults and career changers.
• Purdue University Global: Online university within the Purdue system targeting adult learners, military, and career-focused students. Competes directly in the same online adult-learner segment with similar degree offerings.
• Southern New Hampshire University: Large nonprofit online university serving adult learners and military students. Closely comparable in online delivery model, GI Bill acceptance, and degree-plus-certificate program mix.
• Strayer University: For-profit university with a primarily online and evening model serving working adults. Overlaps in target market (working adults, career changers) and online delivery focus.
• University of Arizona Global Campus: Online university serving adult learners and military students with associate through doctoral programs. Historic parallel to Lakewood as a career-focused online institution.

Emerging players

• Ashworth College: Online career-focused school offering certificates, diplomas, and degree programs to adult learners. Comparable in flexible online delivery and career-oriented programs, though narrower scale.

Others

• CompTIA (training partner network): Industry training and certification partner ecosystem. Lakewood is a CompTIA Authorized Partner, and the broader CompTIA Authorized Partner network represents the most direct competitive set for the IT and cybersecurity certificate programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/lakewoodu

Compliance14 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lakewood University