OK, first of all, I am a graduate from Meridian University (formerly the Institute of Imaginal Studies), so I am well-qualified to place this review. I chose this school based on my desire to become a licensed MFT and practice the craft of healing, so I enrolled in the MA. in Counseling Psychology program. I attended weekend classes with a cohort for two and a half years. The experience was one of the best gifts I have ever received, and definitely one of the best decisions I ever made. I did not graduate with my cohort because I fell behind in my coursework. It was over the next two years, as I struggled to complete my outstanding coursework, that I discovered how truly committed Meridian University is to the success of their students. I can not count how many times I expected Meridian to turn their back on me because they already had their money. But time and again, Meridian showed up for me with constancy, support and integrity. In short, they walk their talk. They teach about cultural leadership and accountability and they model the same, and because of their shared commitment to my success, I have finally completed my coursework. Transformative Education is not supposed to be easy, because humans are not easily transformed. If you are looking for a school that has the capacity to transform, you should consider Meridian. If you are looking for the easy and predictable status quo, you should definitely look elsewhere! One more thing: for the record...I am an intelligent woman. I live in the REAL WORLD. I hold an undergraduate degree in a NON-SOCIAL SCIENCE. I am from the working class, married, have three children and work full time now as well as while attending Meridian. In short, I don't live in a fantasy bubble. I live right here with you, in the trenches.