For-profit private university in Virginia that closed in 2022 after losing accreditation.
Stratford University awarded graduate and undergraduate degrees through multiple delivery formats: online, residential, and blended programs. The university offered non-credit continuing education and professional development courses in IT certifications (Oracle, MSCE, .Net, Cisco, Linux, security), culinary arts, and event management. A Language Institute provided ESL programs for international students. The university maintained specialized programs for US military and former military personnel, recognized by the Veterans Administration as a Yellow Ribbon Program member.
Stratford operated urban campuses in Alexandria and Woodbridge, Virginia; Baltimore, Maryland; and a learning site in New Delhi, India (a joint venture with the Modi Group). The student body was predominantly non-traditional, with approximately 20% international students and 20% military-affiliated. Students represented over 30 countries. The university's mascot was the Cardinal, with colors of blue and silver.
Stratford was accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to award degrees through the master's level. Specialized accreditations included nursing (CCNE), medical assisting (ABHES), culinary programs (ACF), and ESL (CELPA). The university received Virginia's V3 Perseverando Award in 2015 and 2016, and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce's Presidential 'E' Award for Exports in 2016 for its international education initiatives.
Stratford University ceased operations at the end of the Fall 2022 semester after the U.S. Department of Education decertified its accreditor, ACICS. The university had faced accreditation investigations regarding unapproved programs and other compliance issues. In 2023, Stratford filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.