Ashford University - Online Degree Programs
Overview
Ashford University is a private liberal arts college that was founded in 1918 and is located in Clinton, Iowa. It is owned by Bridgepoint Education Inc. The school was originally known as Mount St. Clare College, which was opened by Father James Murray and the Sisters of St. Francis. The College began offering online degrees in 2002.
Programs
Ashford University offers bachelors and masters online accredited degrees in a variety of subjects. The institution has over 25,000 students enrolled in several fields of study that include accounting, business administration, economics, business information systems, communication, early childhood education, education & public policy, entrepreneurship, health care administration, history, public relations, social science, sociology, social and Criminal Justice and many more.
Accreditation
Ashford University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The University is a member of The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, which supports universities that provide opportunities for working adults and employers through their Adult Learning Focused Institution Initiative. The College is also a accredited by CHEA, which is the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. These accreditations allow the university to award various online degrees.
Mission
The school’s objective is to provide students, both undergraduate and graduate students, with innovative, accessible and affordable learning opportunities. Some of the college’s missions are to advance the intellectual and personal growth of students, to develop foundational values that are relevant to leadership such as self-worth, creativity, and integrity, as well as maintaining operational, strategic and financial strength to make sure the college can exist in the future.
Awards & Accolades
The University has also been awarded the Presidents Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, which is the second time in a row. This award began in 2006 and is presented to colleges and universities that support innovative and effective community service and service-learning programs. This award is the highest federal recognition a learning institution can receive for its service-learning, civic engagement and volunteering services.
Admissions
Ashford University has an easy online admission procedure that entails a prospective student to complete an application, pay the applicable application fee, and submits any required documentation from previous learning institutions. Once the necessary forms have been received and processed, students can begin their distance learning programs. Students can also transfer to the University up to 99 semester credits to be applied to a specific degree program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The University is determined to provide an affordable online education. Tuition fees are at $354 a credit hour, with a technology fee of $990 and additional fees depending on the program chosen. For a masters degree, the school charges between $463 and $515 a credit hour, plus additional fees depending on the course taken. The school also provides a list of organizations that provide scholarships that students can apply for.
Ashford University has financial aid plans offered through the Federal Pell program, SEOG grant Programs, as well as Stafford subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and PLUS loans. Students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and submit the required documentation in order to get the financial assistance required to begin a distance learning program.
