Ashford University

How much will a degree from Ashford University cost me?

You'll find the affordable cost per credit hour is much less than most traditional private universities and colleges, whether on-campus or online.

Click here for the Tuition and fee schedule for undergraduates. [36KB]

Click here for tuition and fee schedule for graduate students. [84KB]

What is Tuition Reimbursement?

The Tuition Reimbursement Plan is available as a finance option for students who qualify for their employer's tuition reimbursement program.

If you use Tuition Reimbursement as your primary finance option, then your tuition can be deferred a maximum of 90 days from the start of each course regardless of when you receive reimbursement from your company. Applicable fees are due on or before the start date of each course. To qualify for this tuition deferment, students must provide a valid credit card number (debit cards are not accepted) and their authorization to charge the credit card for each course not fully paid for within the 90-day time frame.

Can I transfer all the credits I have earned from other schools I attended?

You'll be thrilled to learn that you can transfer up to 99 credits of previous coursework toward your Bachelor's degree from Ashford University. Talk to an Enrollment Advisor to find out how your credits can transfer. Click here to learn more about transferring credits. Please note that transferring credits is always subject to Ashford University transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

How long will it take me to earn my degree?

Thanks to Ashford University's accelerated pace, you can expect to finish your Bachelor's degree in no more than four years. Many students who transfer in a large number of credits from previous schools often graduate in less than two years.

Courses run continuously, rather than in semesters. Typically, you take one course at a time and move on to the next course without a break. Opportunities to enroll and begin a course sequence in a degree program are available every week.

Is there any way that I can graduate faster than the regular four years?

Yes! One way is to transfer in credits from previous coursework. In some cases, you may also choose to take two classes at once, if you qualify after having completed your first two classes online. Work with your Enrollment and Academic Advisors about this option.

Another way to speed your success is to turn your work and life experience into transferable credits through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). From work training, workshops, and other sources, you can earn credit for learning experiences by documenting that learning. You may transfer in up to 75 credits through Ashford University's PLA Center. Use these credits to satisfy requirements in your Bachelor's degree program. Click on the PLA Documentation Guide for more information. [465KB]

Is Ashford University an accredited school? What is the difference between regional and national accreditation?

Yes, Ashford University takes pride in academic excellence and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). Accreditation by the commission provides assurance to employers that Ashford University has been found to meet the commission's stated requirements and criteria for high-quality institutions of higher education. Whereas national accreditation is typically associated with vocational or trade schools, regional accreditation denotes a traditional university that prepares students for advanced degrees. Regional accreditation is important to anyone seeking a degree, because it serves as the recognized standard used to identify quality in American higher education. Credits earned at one regionally accredited university or college can readily be transferred to another regionally accredited university or college.

What are Ashford's basic eligibility requirements for admission to a Bachelor's degree program?

Ashford University requires that all degree-seeking applicants, before registering in their first online course, meet the following basic requirements:

• High school diploma or GED or completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law or 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited post-secondary institution.
• Minimum age requirement is 22 years or older, be a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Provost via the “Under 22 Appeal” process
• Technology capabilities (minimally, students must have a computer with the following features and system configurations: Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or greater or Windows 2000, NT, or XP or greater; Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space; Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat; Web Browser: Firefox, Netscape 6 or greater, Internet Explorer 5.5 or greater, Safari, or Opera; Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or cable modem; and Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Google mail.)
• English Language Requirement

How do Ashford University's online classes work?

As an online student with Ashford University, your online classes take place in Ashford University's online platform. The online learning platform is an asynchronous environment, meaning that you can log in at any time at your convenience. You will communicate with your instructor and fellow students, read some assigned texts, post your assignments and comment on other students' assignments all through the online learning platform.

Do I have to complete my Associate's degree before I can start an Ashford University Bachelor's degree program?

No. You can enroll in an online Associate's or Bachelor's degree program at Ashford University if you meet all of our admission requirements, even if you have never attended a college or university before.

Do I qualify for Financial Aid?

You will partner with a Financial Services Advisor to determine whether you can benefit from the various Financial Aid options offered. Financial Aid programs include the Federal Stafford Loan, the Federal PLUS Loan and in some cases, the Federal Pell Grant.
Click here to learn more.

What kinds of personal advisors does Ashford offer?

Personal advisement is freely available, from the time you first express interest in AU, all the way through to Graduation day. As an Ashford student, you will have three personal advisors to assist you throughout your educational journey. Your Enrollment Advisor provides the information, guidance, and support many adult learners need to help get started and decide which school to attend. Financial Services Advisors answer any questions regarding financing a degree program and making it as affordable as possible – including information about applying for financial aid. And your Academic Advisor will create a class schedule customized to your individual needs. And you can count on Academic Advisors to provide you with options to earn college credit through alternative means, such as National Testing Programs, Prior Learning Assessment, and additional transfer credits. That means you can accelerate you degree completion, saving time and money.

Will I have a graduation ceremony?

Ashford University conducts commencement ceremonies two times each year for both online and traditional students on our campus in Clinton, Iowa. When you complete your hard-earned degree, you will have the chance to walk with your fellow students. Attendance is not required, but Ashford University encourages every student to take part in this amazing experience!

What if I want to talk to a real human being and get more information?

No problem! Don't wait, call us today toll-free at 800-877-1702. An experienced Enrollment Advisor is ready for your call.