31 Enero 2025

Universidad Andrés Bello Strengthens Its International Presence Through the Acquisition of Post University in the United States

This acquisition marks a milestone for UNAB and the Chilean higher education system, significantly expanding internationalization opportunities for the university community and its students.

Post University, located in Connecticut, was founded in 1890. It has been institutionally accredited for more than five decades and currently educates over 20,000 students, either on its physical campus or through online programs. The university offers 58 undergraduate and graduate academic programs across various fields.

As part of its Institutional Strategic Plan, Universidad Andrés Bello has acquired Post University to deepen its internationalization strategy. Founded more than 130 years ago, Post University has a 23-hectare campus and serves more than 20,000 students across 58 academic programs. Since 1972, it has been institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and is widely recognized for its educational model and pioneering role in online and hybrid learning, which it has offered for 25 years.

This acquisition will integrate the UNAB community and students into the U.S. higher education system, one of the most advanced in the world. The goal is to enrich their academic experience through international opportunities that will prepare them for success in a globalized workforce.

«We are extremely proud of this step. This marks a milestone for the university, the higher education system, and the country. No Chilean institution has ever taken such a significant step to expand its international influence,» said UNAB President Julio Castro.

He further emphasized that «our Institutional Strategic Plan 2023-2027 prioritizes internationalization, recognizing that to prepare for the future, it is essential to engage globally—through both in-person and virtual platforms—while fostering collaborative partnerships that strengthen our institution and benefit our community. Being present in leading academic centers is crucial, as is showcasing our university model, which is committed to excellence and social impact, to the world.»

The $124.5 million investment was approved by multiple regulatory and accrediting bodies in the United States, including:

 

  • The U.S. Department of Education
  • NECHE (New England Commission of Higher Education), Post University’s accrediting body
  • MSCHE (Middle States Commission on Higher Education), UNAB’s accrediting body
  • The Connecticut State Office of Higher Education
  • NC-SARA
  • The U.S. Antitrust Agency

In Chile, the acquisition was duly reported to regulatory authorities in compliance with local regulations.

A key aspect of this agreement is that Post University and UNAB will remain independent institutions, with Post University maintaining its structure, governance, and academic model.

«The United States is recognized worldwide for its leadership in higher education, not only for its prestigious universities but also for its diverse, flexible, and innovation-driven system. It leads in research and development, where universities work directly with industry and play a crucial role in knowledge generation and technological advancement,» added President Castro.

For UNAB Vice Provost Nicolás Bronfman, this initiative opens up major opportunities for student mobility. «Once the acquisition is finalized, we will begin working on the specific opportunities this will create and how we can start generating benefits for our community. Initially, we see strong potential in fields such as education, computer science and IT, economics and business, as well as select health and sports-related disciplines. We see Post University as a unique opportunity to expand UNAB’s reach and create pathways for our students in the U.S.,» he said.

This milestone, according to President Castro, also represents an opportunity to strengthen UNAB’s academic mission and institutional legacy, as Post University has a strong financial and operational foundation, enabling long-term sustainability and a wide range of collaboration opportunities.

About Post University

Post University was founded in 1890 and is located in New England, Connecticut. It currently educates over 20,000 students and has been institutionally accredited since 1972 by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). It offers 58 undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as health, technology, education, economics, and business, among others.

The university is widely recognized for its tradition, community engagement, and strong campus infrastructure spanning 23 hectares. It also emphasizes personalized education, supported by a faculty of more than 1,100 professors delivering both on-campus and online programs.

In the online and hybrid education space, Post University is a pioneering institution, celebrating 25 years of leadership in distance learning through innovative methodologies and advanced technological tools.

Its mission and educational approach naturally align with those of Universidad Andrés Bello, as both institutions prioritize academic quality, workforce-relevant education, and strong employer partnerships to enhance graduate employability.

 

To learn more about Post University, visit: https://post.edu/