Nexford University

Nexford University is a for-profit, online university headquartered in Washington, D.C., established to address affordability and relevance gaps in higher education. The university was founded in January 2019 by Fadl Al Tarzi and Mo Rayes. Al Tarzi, an entrepreneur with extensive experience in digital strategies and emerging markets, was inspired by the mismatch between traditional education and available jobs, particularly remote positions. His background in leading tech startups, including a social media listening tool, informed Nexford's data-driven approach. Initially, the founders considered selling software to existing universities but pivoted to creating their own institution to directly implement their vision.

Nexford operates on a model designed for a global audience, with a mission to enable social and economic mobility. It is structured as a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), legally required to balance financial returns with a positive social impact. The university's revenue is generated through a subscription-based tuition model, where learners pay a flat monthly fee, allowing them to graduate faster and at a lower overall cost. This model avoids the large upfront payments required by many traditional institutions. As of July 2025, the university's estimated annual revenue reached $15M. Nexford has successfully raised capital to fuel its growth, including a $10.8 million pre-Series A round and an $8 million Series A round.

The university offers a range of programs entirely online, including Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, alongside certificates and individual courses. Its curriculum is developed using AI and data analysis of millions of job postings to ensure the skills taught are what employers are seeking. This competency-based education model allows learners to advance by mastering skills rather than accumulating credit hours. Specializations are available in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, and E-commerce. Nexford is licensed by the Higher Education Licensure Commission (HELC) in Washington D.C. and is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Keywords: online university, higher education, competency-based education, Fadl Al Tarzi, affordable tuition, global learning, remote education, skills-based curriculum, subscription model, BBA degree, MBA program, DEAC accreditation, Public Benefit Corporation, edtech, workforce development, digital marketing, business analytics, artificial intelligence, lifelong learning, career mobility