Originally established as Resource Development International (RDI) in 1990, it was later bought by Capella Education and awarded university status by the British government in 2015.

Resource Development International (RDI), the forerunner of Arden University, was established in 1990 by the Coventry-based entrepreneur John Holden.

RDI originally provided distance learning programmes for commercial and industrial clients and established several subsidiary operations in the US, Europe, Africa, and the Far East.

By 2010, it had closed most of its foreign subsidiaries and had expanded to include distance learning degrees validated by several UK universities.

In 2011, Holden sold RDI and its remaining subsidiaries to the US-based Capella Education and went on to develop an online business school based in Coventry.

[3][4] Capella Education had originally bought RDI as part of its strategy to accelerate the company's expansion into the international market.

[10][2] In July 2024 the Office for Students issued their Regulatory case report for Arden University Limited: Ongoing condition B3 investigation outcome.