Independence University (IU) is an online university headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. IU operates four schools: the School of Healthcare, the School of Business, the School of Technology, and the School of Graphic Arts. Independence University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Independence University began to offer education at a distance in 1978 with the philosophy that education should lead to greater independence. In 2010, Independence University merged with its affiliated institution, Stevens-Henager College, becoming an online branch of Stevens-Henager’s main campus in Ogden/West Haven, Utah.