2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
8
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on May 7, 2012
(email verified)
| Materials: |
 |
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Enjoying my experiences
I am currently in my fifth class here at Ashford University. I keep reading all of these reviews about the financial department, and I think a lot of it is who is your financial adviser. I have not had a single problem with my finances, any questions I have had were all answered either the same day or the next day. I would send a quick e-mail out and would get a call in return. My classes are fairly easy, I do not feel over-stressed about the workload. If you are the not the kind of "do-it yourself" person, then this is not going to be the place for you. As long as you keep up with the reading, discussions, and assignments, then this program really is a breeze. It's all about time management. I also LOVE how military friendly Ashford is. Classes and materials are discounted, which really save a lot of money. My husband and I live off of his income alone, since I am a stay at home mom at the moment, and we don't make a lot of money, so to get that extra help to make school affordable is amazing. I truly have had no bad experiences with any of my advisers or teachers and would sincerely recommend Ashford University.
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on May 7, 2012
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Discouraged even before enrollment
The reps from this school will not leave me alone! I requested information about this school online and received a phone call 5 minutes later. I was busy at that moment, so I turned my phone off so I could call back at my own convenience. I check the phone 2 hours later and saw 4 missed calls from the same number. So finally he calls back for a 6th time and I pick up. The representative started blabbing on and on about the school and then forced me to go through the sign up process right then and there. I was on the phone with him for a hour. He already started talking about payment options and it was all just going way too fast. I wasn't even sure if I wanted to enroll but he kept giving me all these deadlines about paperwork and financial options. I decided to read reviews like on this site and found many people had the same complaints. Then I learned that their reps work on commission would would explain the pushiness of the rep I talked to. They try to get as many people signed up every day as they can. The more I read about this school, the more I was sure I didn't want to enroll.
So I emailed the guy I talked to politely letting him know I was no longer interested. He emails me back saying, "Whenever you are ready to get serious about your education, call us back." Um, like I wasn't already serious about my education before? That type of comment from him was so inappropriate!
A few days later, I got 3 calls from them in one day, and then the next day and then the next! Seriously, Ashford University will blow up your phone with their begging you to join or reconsider your decision about declining. A month later, they were STILL calling me every day...I finally had to BLOCK their number. It's really ridiculous for any company to call anyone that much!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
8
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on May 1, 2012
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
 |
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Love the school, dislike the financial aid department
I am in my third class at Ashford, and I am of two minds about it. Firstly, the staff is excellent! They are very well qualified and know their subjects. I am taking online classes, so you do have to expect to be patient when waiting for your instructor to get back to you. Overall, I am very satisfied with my education so far.
My only complaint is that the financial aid department and their policies are seriously lacking. I have been to a traditional brick and mortar school, and understand that financial aid can be difficult, but Ashford Universities financial aid department is terrible. Because it's a "private" school, you will be rushed to start classes before your financial aid is ready; this can pose a problem for students who are depending on that extra funds for books, technology, etc. I am as I said in my third class, and still have not yet received my financial aid. Do NOT select the option to have Ashford hold onto your funds! Choose the option that allows you to receive your funds two weeks after they are disbursed to Ashford. You REALLY have to make sure you understand their financial aid policies. Ask a lot of questions!
All in all though, I feel that Ashford is a great school, and I am really enjoying myself! I would recommend this school to others, however as I said before, be prepared to call or write financial aid often. Best of Luck!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
6
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on April 30, 2012
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Eh, its been okay
I am only in my first class at Ashford University. I was forced to withdraw from a traditional university due to health problems and could not afford it after the fact. There have definitely been the pros and cons. Pros- it is convenient. I really like the self- teaching 5 week classes. So far it is all really simple and I enjoy the class. It seems easy to me since I have taken 3.5 years of college already. My advisor is actually really nice. I love Celinda Garza. She calls me about once a week, or sends me an e-mail checking in on me. She even let me know she was going to have a 4 day weekend so if I needed to contact someone, it needed to be so and so. The cons- financial aid department. They have been such a hassle. I'm only 21 so I am considered a dependent student although my family pays for nothing. I live on my own, pay my own bills and am paying for my own enducation. I have sent e-mails multiple times about verification and they are like yes we got everything we need, and just today they called me and were like "we need this and this." Are you kidding me? Not only do I live about an hour from my family, I have to contact them by phone and do everything by e-mail. If the school wasn't so convenient, I would withdraw simply because of how unorganized the financial aid department is. They really need to get their act together. They also only took 69 of my 112 credits from my old university. As this wasn't a huge deal (I knew some of them wouldn't transfer), I wasn't expecting to have to redo half my degree. Overall, so far I have been pleased. As long as my advisor doesn't stop calling me I may not kill the financial aid department. I will submit another review later on.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
8
10
Michael.martha
(Graduate) on April 11, 2012
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
 |
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Satisfied Graduate
I would like to start this off by saying I hope my review of Ashford University helps you make an informed decision. Don't not only take my word for it, sometimes you truly have to just try something to form your opinion, continuously reading reviews will only add to the confusion. With that being said, I must use this line that I read from another individual who wrote a review, "If you don't have the patience or attention span to read this review, then Ashford University is not the place for you." I say this because if you truly want to learn something you must: Read, read and read some more.
You will get out of this school, as with any school, what you put in. Yes, sometimes it is easier to just not read the chapters in the book. If this is the case, then don't go to school. You are paying to attend, and it is not by force, so you might as well learn something. I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration. I really worked hard the last two years (I came in with an Associate's Degree). With any online institution, there is a stigma. Look past this because that is how a lot of workig adults complete their education in order to advance or start a new career. In my opinion, working full time and going through Ashford University, or any online institution is more challenging than attending a campus. Classes in the BA Degree program at five weeks each. So they are fast-paced.
Be prepared to write a paper almost every week. Some papers are 3-5 pages and some are 8-12 pages. Doing this method, has definitely developed my skills as a writer, reader and researcher. I am more confident in my abilities to produce a report that is high quality. Since classes are five weeks in length, also be prepared to go through textbooks at a fast pace. This is where time management and dedication come in. My suggestion is read! Some classes also have quizzes every week. Although this may seem easy, most are in a critical thinking format, where the answers are not directly found in the book.
All professors were very helpful. Most responded to my emails quickly and some took their time. They responded to my questions, and were always able to clear up confusion.
The classes are designed to have two discussion questions that had to be answered every week. Most professors made sure you have detailed answers and your work is cited properly. Even when responding to classmate's posts, most made sure you responses entailed more than just an agreement or disagreement. My advice, is to truly engage in these conversations, remember: You get out, what you put in.
In reading some reviews, I have noticed a trend. This trend is the negativity placed on financial aid and the academic advisors. Some have legitimate concerns, and other feel as though they are the only student or the school revolves around their concerns. It is important to remember that thousands attend this school. I have had my advisor swtiched two or three times. My latest one, would take a while, but almost always answered my questions. I did have one negative experience that stands out from the rest. I had classes that were two weeks apart (end date of one class to start date of another class). So I had to fill out a leave request form. That was processed normally and I did not think I had any issue. I got a voicemail from my academic advisor reminding me about attendance. You have to log in and be active a certain amount of times per week otherwise you can be dismissed. I did not have a class to log in to because I was between them. I called her back and left her a message asking for clarification. I missed her call again and she left me the same exact voicemail. Now common sense would tell me to figure out why I am not attending, and you would be able to clearly see I didn't have a class at the moment. That was eventually straightened out, and I went through another advisor to do it. I have personally not had any trouble with financial aid.
I still have not decided if I will be attending for my graduate degree, but I am definitely not ruling it out. I hope this review helps you in your journey.
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
1
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on March 27, 2012
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
 |
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Pros and Cons
Ashford definitely has its pros and cons. The university, I feel, would work wonderfully for a professional person trying to get a leg up or switch careers. It is not, however, a place for someone looking to do serious research and academic work. I tried out the MA in Education to see if I wanted to in fact continue a traditional path for my higher education and decided four classes in to my Ashford experience that it is not the school for me. I went to a traditional undergraduate institution and will be attending a traditional Master's program in the fall. As far as instructors go, its an absolute crapshoot as to whether or not they will take the course seriously. Some of my instructors were fantastic-others I think could have done better as a retail sales assistant than being a teacher. The financial side of Ashford seems great at first, but their financial department is absolutely horrible. Upon stopping classes and active membership at Ashford, it took them three months to decide I had a balance on my account, then demanded I pay it that week or they would send me to collections. This was after receiving my first notice that I had a balance, three months after I was no longer a student there.
All in all, Ashford is an affordable school, and you get what you pay for. Do not expect top quality education or work. At best, attitudes of staff and professors pass as professional, at worst amateur and ignorant. Overall, while I did have some acceptable instruction, I would not recommend Ashford to anyone.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
22 of 29 people found the following review helpful
5
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on March 17, 2012
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
This Place is FRAUDULENT and a SCAM
I wish I can rate them as zero. OK here it is, Im going to tell you the truth, only cause Im losing sleep over it. I am an Admissions Counselor employee at Ashford. This place is so un-ethical and full of fake people its disgusting. So here's the deal. We pretend to care about you, like the snake that puts on a fake smile and stabs you in the back. An Admission Counselor's job is to "hold your hand" for the 1st 5 weeks. These are actual words used in training class. For new employees, you think you are about to enter into a career and the world is great. For old employees, its the "whoever pays me" and "puts food on the table" ideology that they are loyal to. I cant blame them in this economy, because a job is hard to come by.. but for they all know deep down inside what they are doing, but block it off or ignore it for the undeniable strong fact that Ashford pays, and they pay well.
So we "care" for the 1st 5 weeks, WHY? well let's break it down as simple as possible shall we..
each unit is $390, making 1 class $1170.
the technology service fee is $1290, there are many other fees but lets just start there to make it simple. so $1,170.00 + $1290.00= $2460. Financial Aid will give "ANYBODY", i mean ANYBODY, thats any US citizen, or legal resident with a GED or diploma who wants to enroll in college full time $9500 in loans and sometimes up to $5550.00 in Pell grants. Each class is only 5 weeks long, and Financial Aid takes about 5-7 weeks to process, so once you finish your 1st class (which a 5th grader can pass), they are already got you for $2500.00+. Drop out or change your mind if you want, this is now their money from the Financial Aid and now you owe the government. You feel so smart now so you enter your 2nd class, which is also a breeze.. by the 2nd week of your 2nd class, your charge for the technology service fee is $1290 is now in stone and unrefundable. Assuming your a genius and you finish your 2nd class, so now you owe $3670. so my job was to take care of you and make sure you show up and finish your 1st college course (what a joke), and once you finish, I hand you over to an Academic Advisor that is in chargeo of 400-600 students. WOW! get the picture yet? But what's really genius is the CEO. Damn, what a mastermind... GENIUS!
What they are selling is the dream.. the dream that your dumbass can graduate college. They mainly target the South, because they know these are poor areas and if we can only get somebody on the phone, we tell them to close their eyes, and picture getting the degree. will it change your life? get you that high paying job you see in the movies? Sure you can, why not? Jimmy down the street graduated, so can you. All you have to do is click "APPLY NOW". Sure, these online programs will work for those who REALLY need this service, but notice the below 30% graduation rate? lol.. All the counselors here know what they are doing, we discuss it during lunch, after work, over the weekends etc... We all speak amongst ourselves how this place is a joke and its sad what we are doing to innocent dreamers but we do it anyway cause nobody is really hiring out there. We all know the deal, but we all turn away because he who feeds you has REAL control.
OK, now lets look at the BIGGER PICTURE and what this is doing to America. They are selling debt to hardworking Americans. A debt that they wont get out of because school loans are forever, even if you file for bankruptcy. I used to have that attitude, that if they're dumb enough to sign up, I get paid. and gettin paid comes 1st, its the American way. That is after 1 year into the job, and I decided to call back most of the students Ive enrolled. Out of over 50 students, only about 2 made it past the 3rd class. So I checked up on them and all of them are now in debt. Some have newborn kids and no support system whatsoever. Some of my students were the sweetest and nicest people youll ever meet, but they're so nice that they get suckered by snakes like me with the gift of gab of "painting a picture" in your head. OK, im done, you can figure the rest out on your own. So much bullshit and politics in one building.. you have entry level employees who get promoted into managers, directors, and HR, who's EGO's suddenly got a lot bigger since theyre new role. Last year, they were square JOE who had no friends coming in, after the promotion, they all of a sudden have all the balls in the world since they basically determine the future of you being employed or unemployed. promotion, attitudes and egos... I get enough drama from this place that I dont even watch TV anymore. they should make a reality show about this place.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
1
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on February 24, 2012
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
 |
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
STAY AWAY!
I had so little interaction with my instructors that in one course I had no interaction at all, other than one email I initiated to ask a question. Nothing in the discussion forums at all, and there were others like me.
Their financial department is a joke, they sent me a letter of disbursement, I sent them everything they asked for, many times over, and then they said my Financial Aid was not approved? The money had been disbursed!
They are unresponsive, uncaring, and uninvolved. Stay away from here. Try U of Phoenix or Grand Canyon University, both are WAAAAAY better than this shower.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
8
10
Anonymous
(Graduate) on February 21, 2012
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
MAOM
I graduated from Ashford in January 2011, having completed a bachelor's program in August 2009 and then the master's in January 2011. While Ashford was not perfect in every area, for the most part my experience was a good one. I've read many of the reviews posted here and it is my opinion that some of the reviewers looked at Ashford as a simple way to get a degree, and were frustrated when they had to follow specific procedures and rules.
My experience was that as long as I did the work to the best of my ability, handed it in on time, and kept up with the class, things went absolutely fine. Sure, there were occasional issues with the finance department, but with persistence and professional attitude, all were handled.
The bottom line is that within an online university setting, the student is responsible for reading the information provided to you about the program, the financial obligations, and even the stipends. Ashford gives you options and you need to understand those options and act accordingly.
I kept the same advisor throughout my entire time with Ashford; generally you are required to change when you move to a master's program, but I requested that I be allowed to keep the same one, and Ashford allowed it. He was excellent and very responsive.
You, the student, are the consumer in this scenario and it is your resposibility to make sure things are handled and completely. If you expect other people to care about your education as much as you do, you will have issues. But if you stay on top of things, do your assignments, network with the teachers and students, you will leave Ashford with a degree that you EARNED.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
9
10
Jayrob1974
(In Progress) on January 29, 2012
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
High quality instruction that is user-friendly
I am on my 5th course with Ashford University and I have very few complaints. My courses are challenging and interesting and taught by qualified folks who know their stuff. Financial aid funding happens for me the way it is supposed to, though I have had to wait a few days for a reply to an email or voicemail from my FA advisor a couple of times. My new advisor takes an average of 2 days to get back to me, but I am sure I am sharing him with a zillion other students, so I understand. If you are a high maintenance type, or are just impatient by nature, this will not work for you. I will get into that and more later; for now I want to focus on the goods, which, in my opinion, are the academics.
The texts so far have all been ebooks and of high quality. I like that we don't just cover selected chapters of a text in any given course, as was my experience in the 2 schools I attended prior to Ashford. Ashford texts are custom editions and the entire book is used in a course, and courses are only five weeks long. In addition, there are supplemental readings and multimedia resources that contribute to learning. The online learning platform is user-friendly, and so far I have had no technical issues with it. There have been a couple of site maintenance incidents that did not affect me at all though my instructor was alerted of the situation and gave us an extra day to turn in assignments with no point deductions. Oh, and speaking of time, we get a 2 week holiday break at the end of the year, and national holidays are observed in the sense that I have been given an extra day to turn in assignments during units containing a national holiday. Aside from that, the five week terms run one right after the other, though you can take a term off if you need to. I did once and there were no academic or financial consequences.
I was never promised anything, and I knew that since I started classes before my financial aid was processed I would have to pay out of pocket for that first course if my financial aid situation didn't work out as planned/hoped. Asking questions always helps! My one beef with on-line colleges in general is that the enrollment crews operate under the presumption that every incoming student will get the aid that everyone hopes for. Still, and just like with every other area of life, you have to do your due diligence and make sure you understand what is going on. I do not like predatory enrollment practices anymore than anybody else, but I have been lucky in my own experiences in that regard. Still, until I leave this world, I will assume that I and I alone ultimately have my best interests at heart and act accordingly.
As far as Ashford being investigated is concerned, let's not fool ourselves into thinking that this is the first incident of scandal in higher education. Ashford students will only gain from this, since it seems to me that Ashford will only up their game and deliver the goods better than ever to prove their worthiness. I consider myself to be more liberal than anything else, but I, in my old age, have come to the understanding that competition can serve an exalted purpose in the grand scheme of things. Like it or not, higher education is business, and the competition is only getting stiffer. This competition will, hopefully, continue to steer higher education in the direction of being uniformly high in quality and accessible to anyone who is capable of benefitting from it.
Now that the sermon part of my review is complete, back to the actual review: I highly recommend Ashford to anybody serious about earning a degree online, but it should be understood that online does not mean that your computer will do the work for you. There are deadlines to meet same as in any traditional college, and there is nobody to hold your hand. The coursework is writing intensive, and plagiarism is not tolerated. A lot of ground is covered in five weeks, so you have to be disciplined and motivated to get the work done or risk falling behind, and that is easy to do if you are balancing other commitments such as full-time work, etc…I know, I know, I said the sermon was over. Hey, I just want to be as helpful as possible and drive home the importance of individual responsibility. As with anything else, you will get out of your education what you put into it, and it is my humble opinion that Ashford University is as good a place to do this as any.
In the interest of truth, I will be sure to report on my experiences at Ashford, positive or negative, until I am handed my degree some time in 2013.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
8
10
Anonymous
(Graduate) on January 28, 2012
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Self Education
I believe that everyone chooses what they want to do in life. If you are ultimately going to complete your online degree, you more than likely know that you will not have significant interactions with the professors. This is where self dedication comes into play. The literature itself is a great teacher for its respective classes. Those individuals who give a negative review are probably those who learn from visual interactions. Overall, I graduated almost one year ago and everything I have learned I have applied in my life and future goals. I personally have a vision that requires me to not depend on others, but rather requires me to adhere to my own principals and my own values. Ashford University has done that for me by providing its online degree program. I am truly grateful for the program and what it has transformed me into. Overall, if you have the self motivation, will, and want to learn, then Ashford is for you. If you are not willing to read and learn from a non face-to-face environment, then turn back time to when you were 18 or 19 go back to a formal college and learn the traditional way as many individuals call it. Unfortunately, for those of us who have to provide for a family, maintain a full time job, and learn, Ashford University does a great job at that.
8
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on January 26, 2012
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Current accounting student
I have been a student at Ashford for over a year now, and have learned a lot. My academic and financial advisor contacts me at regular intervals, and my teachers have all been knowledgeable in their fields. I agree that sometimes there are students that do not seem to belong in the class, and am sure their grades reflect this, as in all schools. There is also an issue with Ashford specific books and materials that is a little irritating, but that is getting easier. Overall, I am happy with my educational experience, my financial aid process, and my degree progress. I think this is a great program for people who need to work, but also need an education.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
9
10
Robertavila
(In Progress) on January 11, 2012
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Changed the way I do business
Materials: The textbooks were almost all excellent. The text for international law (well, the ipad version, anyway) was difficult to read. The Strategy course book was also a let down. Everything in it had been discussed in other books. However, I kept several of my text books; they are great resources: accounting, marketing, HRM, international finance, and logistics text books are all keepers.
Teachers: Every teacher I had added a lot. In a traditional class, the prof speaks, and a few people ask questions. Others visit office hours in private, and get special training and learning. In an online course, you say what you have learned, and the prof comments on your "teaching". You can read the professor's conversations with all the other students.
Institution: The overall experience, in my personal experience, completely missed the things others' seem to complain about regarding online programs. In the two years I was there, finishing a B.A. (I finish 3 weeks after this review), I saw continuous improvement. The platform of interaction is easier and easier to use, and that frees up time to do all the reading!
Support: Professors respond usually within 48 hours. Administrative people, though, typically respond very quickly, within 12 hours.
Value: I gave the lowest score here. The entire program is online. I don't see why it should cost more than some traditional campus programs. However, from what I see of this program, I expect the respect of an Ashford degree to increase in perceived value. The business model appears excellent; it seems they have aggressive talent, and the evidence of lean management is ample.
Use of Technology: A lot of the improvement is in the tech. Students can access everything a student typically wants to see: current gpa (there is even a gpa predictor tool to calculate your theoretical gpa if you earn the grades you predict for your remaining courses). On the main desktop are the names, phone numbers, and emails of every person involved in your process.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
9
10
Drewthedude
(In Progress) on January 2, 2012
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Political Science - Good Experience So Far.
I am almost finished with the curriculum for the BA in Political Science and Government. Overall, I have enjoyed my experience with Ashford, and learned quite a bit. My academic adviser has been readily available throughout my studies, and most of my instructors gave good feedback. The coursework is challenging, and out of two other online schools I've attended, is the most difficult. The courses are accelerated, but each week you are required to compose two detailed discussions, complete a quiz, and most weeks require a research paper. Each course concludes with a comprehensive research paper that is at least six to eight pages long. In short, if you are willing to put work into your research, you will learn alot from the program.
I've read alot of complaints about Ashford's financial services, but being in the Military, I've had no problem whatsoever. I simply tell my adviser which course I want to take next, he schedules the course, then I enroll through the Army's education portal. So far no issues.
As far as the institution itself, I am a bit concerned about the future of Ashford's reputation. I know they underwent quite a bit of scrutiny and auditing for recruiting practices etc.., but I believe they are cleaning up these practices. They are regionally accredited, and I read that they are seeking accreditation from the Middle States Association, in addition to the (current) accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. I have a friend who completed her BA through Ashford and was accepted into Boston University's graduate school - BU is a very well respected school. Furthermore, after completing my degree through Ashford, I plan to apply to Penn State's grad school. AU can be a great stepping stone to grad school, but I unless you couple your degree with solid life experience, I wouldn't put all your trust in the school's reputation for your future employment. Signs of the times seem to indicate that the institution is really gearing up to be a top provider of online education - I'm just hoping they don't become so big they get lumped in with schools like University of Phoenix.
So, overall I've enjoyed my experience. I've learned a ton, the support has been good. For what it's worth, I have no ties with the school - no ulterior motives for posting a good review, I just wanted to post my experience since it's been a good one. The University is "for-profit" so of course they're main goal IS to make money - it IS after all, a business. However, as long as they retain regional accreditation, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. I for one, enjoy the quick service, which caters to me as the customer, and serves my needs.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
8
10
Marshaashe
(In Progress) on December 4, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Happy so far..............
I have been attending Ashford for almost a year now, finishing my BA in Accounting. So far I have been happy. You may have to contact FA a few times if there is a glitch, but if you are persistent, it gets taken care of. The academic advisers call about once a month to check on you AND they always have returned my calls. The coursework can be challenging as you advance, well at least in accounting. The couple of beginning classes you take can seem a bit simple, and you must pass those with a C or better to stay in, but if you can not pass these classes with a C or better, maybe you should rethink your goal of attending college. I transferred out of another online college which was a freaking nightmare and wish I would have went here first. Everything is spelled out for you when you begin, IF YOU READ THE PAPERWORK THEY SEND YOU! Financial aid is somewhat your responsibility, but if you eligible, you will get what your ELIGIBLE for here, well at least I did. The professors will NOT hold your hand and spoon feed you, but if you complete the work assigned and put effort into it, you will be successful. I am looking forward to graduating, and actually considering them for a masters if I choose to continue, though it would be a MBA, and I would rather have a masters in accounting. If your a busy person, or have some other issues that make attending college difficult, this is a great place to go.
2 of 4 people found the following review helpful
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
0 of 3 people found the following review helpful
1
10
Anonymous
(Graduate) on November 8, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Horrible school
The school is nothing but a business trying to make money. At first they seem helpful, but as soon as they get you in, they only try to line your pockets. I had 41 transferable credits and it taked a couple weeks once you are in to post. They only gave me 5 of these credits, I had only enrolled in the school to complete my AA, but at that rate I am starting over again. They made me take the introductory class I had previously taken through CTU, which is a much better school. After I had realized they were only going to give me 5 credits, I decided to drop the class and go somewhere else, I was only in the second week. They told me I would have to pay $350 to drop out of the $750 for the simple introductory class. I decided to continue the class since I was on tuition assistance and was basically going to the school for free. I would have had to pay the $350 out of pocket or pass the class and have TA pay the entire amount. So I had decided to continue.
On the third week I had completed all of my assignments early (thursday) I did not need to turn in another assignment untill the following thursday. I had logged in monday after turning in the assignments on the previous thrusday to review what I need to turn in on thursday on the fourth week. When I went to turn in my week four assignments that Thursday, I had been locked out of my class for not logging in for a seven day period. Which I had, just did not complete any work for the simple fact that I didnt need to. I contacted the faculty and had to write an appeal to be let back in to my class. I was not let back in until the following Tuesday of week 5 and now behind a weeks worth of work.
I had asked my teacher for an extension, which she had approved. When I went to turn in the assignments, I was told I was too late and the final grades had been submitted, which resulted in me failing.
The school is horrible, they will bombard you with emails and phone calls for no real reason. Save your money and go somewhere else.
I cannot begin to describe how many glitches their system has and how many times I submitted work only to get a system error which resulted in me writing the assignment over again. Nothing on their system is completely functional, regardless if your computer is fully updated etc.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
9
10
Hlsmith1972
(In Progress) on October 22, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford University Online - Absolutely
I have been attending Ashford University Online since May 2011, and I have to say, it has been a great experience for me. I am n ot sure why some of these individuals are having so many issues with this university, but I have had no such problems. In fact, in the past few weeks, I was having medical issues that kept me from participating in my recent course. My academic advisor was very helpful and gave me the option to start the class over next week, or continue my absence. I opted to start the class over next week. I was only in the class for 1 week previously and was reimbursed for the course and the money was applied the the next course. The work is not easy, and it isn't going to be. If you are doing an online course you arew going to have a tremendous amount of reading and writing to do because you are not in an regualr classroom. I had problems in high scool and dropped out when I was 16. I got my ged at 21, and enrolled in a regular classroom based college. I had to quit after only one semester due to a disability. It is not 12 years later, and Ashford accepted my credits from my previous college experience. I have only had issues with one instructor out of 6, and the instructors have gotten back to me with answers to my questions very quickly. As far as plagiarism, I make sure I do what I am supposed to do and do it right. I do not pay attemtion to the other students because they are not my responsibility. I am averaging a 4.0 GPA and A's in every class. This is coming from a student who didn't think she would make it at all. I am retaining a tremendous amount of information and learning so very much. I am having a great time meating new people and getting to know interesting instructors. Yes, I am nervous about getting a reputable jobn once I graduate, but I feel that would be the case with any person who has been out of the job market for over 10 years. I am a stay at home mom of 4 kids, a daughter-in-law, and a grandchild who I love caring for, taking care of my home and going to college online full time. I am having a wonderful experience and I would recomend Ashford University Online to anyone I meet. Good luck to everyone!
8
10
Grant.lightfoot
(Graduate) on October 22, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Where's The Critical Thought and Personal Accountability?
Ashford is a great school. I love the fact that they are (Bridgeport) is attached to a physical structure of higher education in Clinton, Iowa. I understand that this is kind of a marketing thing, wherein you don't feel like a UOP, Devry or insert the name of any other 100% online school. I like the history that they acquired, the fact that they are a total package with on-campus students, sports, etc. This is a savvy for-profit outfit.
I'm glad that there are still people out there, like those at Bridgeport, that take advantage of what our mixed-market and free economy has to offer. There's nothing wrong with making money in this country, unless you're occupying Wall Street right now. But I digress.
My experience has been nothing less than 100% positive. It takes a lot of self-discipline and time management to go to this school. It takes a lot of dedication and commitment to get the grades you want. For working professionals that want to earn degrees, this is a great place to go. I moved up to executive management prior to even completing my BA.
I have learned so much and it shows in all areas, especially in written communication, which in this world is vital. I plan on obtaining my MA from Ashford and then attending North Central University or University of the Rockies for my PhD.
No matter what anyone is saying on this comment thread, you can't go wrong by going to college here. It works for those that work and want to work for what they get.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on September 30, 2011
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Financial Aid Issue
I am using the semi-new post 9/11 GI Bill in tandem with grants and student loans. I am a new student to Ashford but transferring in with a fairly substantial amount of credits from previous schools and filling in electives with my SMART transcript (military).
I have read a numerous amount of complaints regarding grants and loans. If you are a new student I would suggest you begin by reading what you are signing.
Ashford will absolutely try and sneak a form in on you which authorizes them to basically control your stipend. You do not have to sign this and you can change it at any time if you did sign it. They will happily give you reasons why they choose to try and control the delivery of stipends all of which make sense. Students who fail the courses, withdraw to late, drop, do not meet attendance requirements, you name it the ways to generate financial aid issues are numerous and can apply anywhere it is not exclusive to Ashford.
All of that being said what they will do if you sign off on it is wait 7 full academic weeks after your award letter is approved to disburse %30 of the stipend to you. They do this to control the aid money should you default for any reason. They wait another long period of time to disburse the rest of it.
If you are like me (and I am sure most people are) you do not want it done this way. You want it all, every penny of the balance, to you and into your account as soon as possible. So, to start do not sign that form and if you do pick up your phone and call them being sure to fill out the revocation form changing your status.
What this will do is bring you back into a more traditional state of affairs. Specifically, once you have received your award letter Ashford is responsible to disburse stipends within 14 days. All of the balance, directly to you, in whichever way you opted for.
Ashford online verifies attendance and while it is very easy to maintain your attendance simply by logging in and completing your assignments ON TIME it could be just as easy to fail to do the opposite and land yourself in scenerio where you are creating the potential to almost ensure a headache. Whether or not it affects your disbursement is not clear to me because I do not have this issue. Just know that Ashford does regulate attendance but that its certainly nothing to concern yourself with if you are even a semi-responsible human being and able to meet obligations ON TIME within a perfectly reasonable arena.
I have a wife and three kids and I am not finding Ashford a difficult environment. Its like many online programs. If you do not log in, if you do not complete assignments on time, prepare to deal with academic and financial complications you would rather not be dealing with.
If I do not receive my stipend within 14 days of receiving my award letter I will absolutely come back and post to that affect. However, reading through some of the posts, while some had nothing to do with it others were clearly unaware they had ever signed a form allowing Ashford to handle thier stipend however they wished. And then when months had gone by before discovering it only by being disgusted at receiving an amount %70 lower than the expectation becoming all sorts of upset over it.
New students using financial aid....read what you are signing. If you already signed it just call them, fill out the form they ask you to fill out, and get a %100 of balance stipend versus a plus additional 7 week waiting period %30. A lot of the above complaints would have never of occured otherwise. Not all of them, I've read them, but enough to justify posting this to try and help people like me who are new students and wondering what all the fuss is about.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
8
10
J623
(Graduate) on September 27, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Progressive Improvement
I am a proud, recent MBA graduate of Ashford University. I had an instructor or two that I felt could have exerted more effort and things did not always go perfect. The other eleven or twelve instructors were outstanding. I put an effort into my reading, my discussion answers, and my papers that gave me maximum value for my future. The program will develop your writing skills to the point you feel you could write a corporation’s policies and procedures handbook. The program’s design allows a student to become comfortable with the online environment and progressively becomes more challenging. I know the accounting, economics, finance, and operations management classes are thought-provoking and sometimes perplexing. In life there are many kinds of people, including solution finders and complainers. I am a solution finder. I had questions pertaining to financial aid and questions about taking two classes at once. It may have taken a few days to get the answers or work out the details, but because I did not wait until the last minute and I was patient, the very capable administration at Ashford University provided the needed outcome. I am now enrolled in a PhD program at Ashford’s sister school the University of the Rockies.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
1
10
Meredith.tammy
(Graduate) on August 21, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
DO NOT GO TO THIS SCHOOL
This is a school that will take your money, will not use all the financail aid available to you, tell you that you are out of funding and make you pay at the last minute before its time to graduate! I graduated in 2008 and had to pay $5,398.00 out of my own pocket plus the graduation fee in order to graduate. Needless to say, I looked into my funding and I still have (to this day) over $3,000 of funding available. As an even bigger mistake, I started my masters there and now owe them for two classes I dropped and I can not even get the BA transcripts I PAID FOR! What kid of school lies about finanacial aid and makes you pay at the last minute? My spouse also went to this school big mistake, he did not receive any financial aid for 4 months so he had to quit and leave his classes. No help. This school is a total scam and is not worth a dime. Use your available financial aid for a school that is legal and does things right. There are hundreds of schools out there that will not screw you over. Read the reviews, there are plenty of them that will tell you the same, I just didnt' realize that there were others in the same situation. We need a lawyer to settle this!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
3
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on August 12, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Do your research on the school
I am a former student of Ashford University, just having left the school in May 2011 to transfer into Bellevue, University. I will neither say that the school is outstanding or horrible, but this school does have its issues.
The reasoning behind my leaving the school was because of the lack of professionalism on the staff's part as a whole, to include the degree auditing department, business office, and the financial aid department.
The auditing department continuously lost my transcripts and then gave me credit that belonged to someone else. The business office as well kept loosing my documents and I had to resend documents to them. Now the financial aid department is a whole different story. Now being that I am in military, TA pays for part of my tuition up to $4500.00 and my GI Bill pays for the portion TA doesn't cover, so there is never a lapse in payment for my classes.
My classes are always paid for approximately two weeks after my grade has been sent out by Ashford University, and I have always maintained a zero balance, I checked this daily. However, I got a bill from Ashford University for $1050.00 and they couldn't explain how this happened and said it had to be paid. I paid the bill, but this is also the straw that broke camels back, and is when I decided to transfer to Bellevue, University which is a more reputable school, that is private and non-profit.
In closing, I would advise everyone not to just use these post as your sole deciding factor on whether a school is good or bad, but research the college navigator web-site I have listed below, to get informaiton on perspective colleges before making a decision to attend a particular school. This web-site will give you a wealth of information, about student default rates, graduation and retention rates, accreditation status and many other things.
http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
10
10
Aubreybreezy13
(In Progress) on August 10, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Best thing to happen to me
I'm a recent highschool graduate from sterling illinois, and finding a good art college was a very hard thing for me to find. All of the colleges i was looking into were $40,000 or more. I come from a family in which they couldn't pay for my tuition so everything was on me. I had heard of ashford from my boyfriends sister, since she is attending there, and i decided to look into it.
This is the best choice i have made, alot of people are skeptical of how ashford works and alot say it's a bad school. I have gotten so much from this school, it's unbelievable!
Because of my GPA i got a scholarship for it, this made me feel like my hard work paid off. I got a scholarship for my room and board, i don't have to worry about food at all! My counselors helped me out every step of the way and my financial aid counselor was always eager to answer any question my mom and I had; she did alot of extra research too to make sure I had a financial aid package that fitted me. They even sent me a letter to notify me on my entire financial aid.
my total of scholarships for my whole 4 years is 88,000 dollers! I'm already so far ahead of many people going to other colleges, they only get 10,000 or less from a college for all of the 4 years. I won't want to pay off so much as many college students do!
Visiting the college, there is so much diversity in there. Even though it's small, we have so many different faces attending our school. People from florida, california, even swizterland, vietnam! The people I have met so far are amazing and open. If you could attend Ashford as a student living there, I would recomend it, they have so much for you to do and their technology is very advanced!
I'm excited to start as a freshman there, and alot of my friends are very jealous of all the money i'm saving going there.
1
10
Glassribbon
(In Progress) on August 1, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Choose Any Program EXCEPT Ashford-Extremely Poor Service.
I enrolled in Ashford University about two years ago, and at the time, the program seemed to suit my needs. It was online, which was convenient because I had a strange work schedule, and I enjoyed the first two classes I had. The instructors at Ashford are actually quite good, and while the textbooks are overpriced and rarely used (I got A's in several classes that I didn't even purchase the textbook for) the overall isntruction isn't bad. However, the customer service, financial aid office, and student advisement services are sub-par. If I could have awarded Ashford a 0 in these departments, I certainly would have.
My student advisor was changed several times, the last of them being Whitney Walker. Most of my advisors up to that point-while short lived-were at least willing to work with me on the program and try to accommodate my desires. Ms. Walker patently refused to do so. I was less than halfway through my program when she scheduled me for a 4 credit class-Dependence of Man on the Environment. As soon as I saw this class come up on my schedule, I called Ms. Walker and requested that it be postponed, and that I take something else in it's place. I had not yet taken any of my elective courses, so there was certainly a wide range of things that I could have taken rather than the four credit course. I explained to Ms. Walker that the workload for that particular course was not going to be feasible with my current situation-it required two board discussions, a lab, and a written assignment every week. Most Ashford courses do not require this much work. I requested to take an elective 3 credit course. Ms. Walker refused, and would not even give me information on other course offerings. She left me a voicemail saying "Sorry-there's really nothing else I can put you in. I'm gonna go ahead and leave you in that course." I decided to try and tough it out. Two weeks in, I realized the course wasn't going to work. I called again, and got another advisor, and explained that my advisor had refused to reschedule the course, but I needed to change it because I wasn't going to be able to handle the workload, and I needed a different course. I expressed concern that I would get a low grade, which would affect my scholarship status, and the advisor looked up my GPA and said "Oh well your GPA is great. You can handle a C-no problem." Whether I could or not was immaterial-I wanted to keep my GPA as high as possible. Again, my concerns were ignored, and my request was denied.
At this time, Ashford had just changed their online software. As a result, one of my assignments was lost in the new system. I didn't get credit for it. At this point I was three weeks in, and I knew if I dropped I'd be charged, but out of fear for what it would do to my GPA, I sent a written request stating that I needed to drop the course. This time, Ms. Walker did process the drop request.
However, what she failed to tell me is that dropping that course put me under my designated amount of completed hours needed to keep my financial aid award. So Ashford returned a large portion of my financial aid to my lender, and then told me I owed them $1100 and I would have to pay it out of pocket in order to receive further financial aid, or continue to attend classes at Ashford.
First of all, if Whitney Walker had done what I asked her to do in the first place, the entire situation would have been avoided. Secondly, had it been explained to me that dropping the class would have affected my financial aid status, I'd have accepted a lower grade and stayed in. But this wasn't explained to me.
After this incident, I informed Ashford I was not going to take any further classes with them. They continued to call me and email me for months-acting as though I hadn't withdrawn from their program, and offering me new start dates. I kept telling them not to contact me, and they persisted. I enrolled in a different program and had no problem getting my transcript from Ashford. However, I decided not to enter that program, and enrolled in another. Ashford refused to send my transcript to that program.
I requested a form to file a formal grievance. Ashford refused to send me that form, and said instead it was customary to go through a mediation process, in order to try and resolve complaints before the formal grievance level. I said I was not interested in the informal process, I wanted to proceed to the formal grievance process. They refused, and said I had to go through the informal process first.
They asked me to present my case to a mediator, and tell the mediator what I thought the resolution should be. I explained the situation to him, the highly unprofessional behavior of Ms. Walker, her refusal to reschedule the class when I'd explicitly asked her to, and her negligence in explaining the consequences to my financial aid award status once she finally did do as I requested and dis-enroll me from the course. He asked what my ideal resolution was, and I said I wanted my transcript released immediately, and while I didn't feel it was fair, since Ashford was at fault, I would be willing to pay a reduced amount on the outstanding balance. The mediator told me to expect a resolution within two weeks.
Four weeks passed. I hadn't heard anything, and then out of the blue, I get emails from Whitney Walker, and my former financial aid advisor, Elise Dellagala, informing me that the most recent course at Ashford had resulted in an incomplete, and could therefore have negative effects on my financial aid award. Could I please call them at my earliest convenience to discuss the situation?
Unbelievable. They don't advise me at the time the situation occurs, but they want to advise me SIX MONTHS after I've quit the program, and am enrolled in another?
I emailed the mediator and forwarded their emails to him, and told him that this was exactly the type of unprofessional behavior and shoddy service I'd complained of in my initial grievance. Furthermore, I'd like to continue on with the formal grievance process. He emailed me back and said "Oh, I know that must have been frustrating. Could we talk over the phone?" Well, I work all day-I don't have time to take personal calls, and I told him as much. Besides that, (and I didn't include this in my email to him, but it was my reasoning) I was tired of being given the runaround by these people. I wasn't about to let him try and placate me with empty promises-it's clear what this organization is about. I asked to be informed by email.
I received an email from Ashford's mediation department today, stating that they were refusing to release my transcript, the balance would not be lowered, but the University is offering to extend a payment plan so I can avoid collection. Oh, how very gracious. THEY cause the problem, and THEY give bad service, but I'M expected to make all concessions in the situation. I don't think so. I informed their mediator that this was unacceptable, and that I wished to proceed immediately with the formal grievance process, I would be filing complaints with every agency and governing board associated with Ashford University and Bridgepoint Education, and that I would be contacting an attorney.
After this I went online and found page after page of similar complaints. This wasn't the case when I enrolled-Ashford had a good reputation then. I found it because it was recommended by the Tyra Banks show as a good university for those seeking an online alternative to traditional classes. I did research, and found a lot of good things on the internet about Ashford. This isn't the case anymore. Obviously, something has changed, because there are a lot of people out there with similar stories to mine.
Buyer beware-Ashford is an unethical and unprofessional organization with no conception of customer service-and why should they have? My situation shows, they're not going to take ownership when their employees mess up. Apparently, there is no consequence to employees for giving inadequate service-so why should they bother? They get their money either way, and it's the consumer that suffers. Had this situation been handled differently, I would have been happy to try and continue on there-the instructors at Ashford are good, and the online format is easy to use. Once they get the bugs worked out (like the one that evaporated my assignment) it will probably be a good system. Their online library is also very good. But you'd get better customer service from an outsourced call center in a third world country. Don't sell yourself short-your education is too important to entrust to people with no ethics and no sense of professionalism.
Jena P.
Springfield MO
8
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on July 27, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
love it, but worried
I've been a student for over a year, but am not always challenged. Although this is true, I have learned a lot. In reading these reviews, I'd say that the negatives just depend on the people. My academic, financial, and even enrollment advisors have been great and they make it easy for me every step of the way. Friends that I have made have been transferring out, which leads me to my next point: the retention rate is low. REALLY low. I like the school & all, but after reading about it on Wikipedia, I am becoming skeptical. Tell you one thing: I will not be happy if I graduate from there & the degree counts for nothing!
9
10
Jayrob1974
(In Progress) on July 21, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
1st Class--So Far So Good!
Ashford is my 3rd on-line college (so right away I know you are suspicious!) and all I can say is that the learning platform is consistent with the previous two schools. What is different is that it seems that I have an entire team of people at my disposal to help me with everything from financial aid to the transferring of my credits from my, um, collection of previously attended schools. I've had to email four different people since my first course began recently, and I received an email within an hour all four times. There was also a voicemail on my cell phone waiting for me after work (I have to keep my phone off while on duty) reiterating everything that was in each email. Oh, and did I mention that the information was extremely helpful and delivered professionally?
I was never promised anything, and I knew that since I started classes before my financial aid was processed I would have to pay out of pocket for that first course if my financial aid situation didn't work out as planned/hoped. My one beef with on-line colleges in general is that they don't seem to want to accept the fact that a student might not get the aid everyone hopes for. That I will say against them, period. But I have to acknowledge the fact that on-line education is here to stay, and schools like Ashford seem to know what they are doing. As far as them being investigated, let's not fool ourselves, people, into thinking that this is the first incident of scandal in higher education. Ashford students will only gain from this, in my opinion, since it seems to me that Ashford will only up their game and deliver the goods better than ever to prove their worthiness. Higher education is business, folks, and the competition is only getting stiffer.
A word of advice: Please, please, PLEASE! if you are not self-motivated, accountable, and, like, a responsible adult, DO NOT enroll in an on-line program. I honestly think that many people assume that when you attend college on-line that the computer does the work for you or something. NO! It's all you, baby, and the only person you will have breathing down your neck to complete assignments is YOU. This method of learning is legitimate and here to stay (so get over it already!) but certainly not for everyone.
In closing, let it be known that I am a realist to the core, and I will be sure to report on my experiences at Ashford, positive or negative, until I march down that aisle in Clinton, Iowa in June 2013. Yes, Ashford has a traditional campus also that used to be a private college once upon a time.
10
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on July 14, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Great school
I don't understand why all of these persons are having such a rough/difficult time with Ashford. I graduated Salutitorian from my High School, received an Associates at a local community college, attempted to receive a Bachelor's from our local university and could not work full-time and go to class at night. Most courses are scheduled for those non-workers. It would have taken me forever to do two classes a semester, etc. I began researching schools, looked at their degree accreditation, looked into financial aid, called multiple persons, did many weeks of research and found Ashford to be the best suited school for my needs. I was hesitant at first to complete an application, but after talking with the enrollment advisor was very at ease adn did so..Best choice ever. I am less than four months away from graduation. Would have been completed except due to time, etc I did not do as well as wanted. So.. for anyone whom says they did not learn anything..That is their own fault.. Read the text. If oyu are confused ask your classmates..ask your professor..For financial aid, etc.. Ask questions..Do research...If something seems off..ask again.. I just can't beleive these people that expect everyone else to do stuff for them and b/c of little things they just get angry and 'hate'. But Ashford has been an amazing experience for me...
5
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on July 12, 2011
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Not a Typical University
I just applied a few days ago. Like most universities, this would mean I wouldn't be starting until the winter like I intended since I applied so late. My plan was to go back to community college and get a lot of the general electives out of the way (history, math, economics) for a semester before going to Ashford for financial reasons. My "guidance counselor" (aka a sales woman) called me literally an hour after I submitted my application. Since then, my phone and e-mail has been blown up with messages. I explained my financial situation, seeing as a class at my school costs about 300 dollars, and I'd have to pay 2,000 for my first class at Ashford and wanted to make the most of my Pelle grant. They took 51/62 credits, which I had no issues with. However, the woman went from telling me transferring classes from my transcript was no problem and how they take 89 credits to telling me how "dangerous" it was to continue at a community college for basic classes accepted every where (US History and Intermediate Alegebra, for example). Soon I had 3 different people (a "manager", a financial aid advisor, and my guidance counselor) calling me each once a day and getting frustrated because they would call me at strange times while I was at work when I've told them time and time again I'm not coming until winter and didn't expect to be pressured into signing up the same day that I submitted my application.
Basically, it's very clear that they work off of commission and after being borderline harassed for over a week now..I'm so turned off by coming to this school that I don't even care if it's a great school or not. Perhaps your institution should be a little more friendly and less obvious that you're just working to get your credit on your pay check instead of helping people get an education.
9
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on July 6, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Great school if you're willing to do the work.
I enrolled at Ashford last September and I'm just about to finish up my first year. I can say that this school definitely exceeded my expectations on so many levels.
I had an awesome enrollment adviser. He helped me through my FAFSA application, the application for the school, the application to request my Army transcripts, and my first class. We talked just about everyday leading up to my first day of class. If i sent him an email or called I usually got an answer by the end of the day or first thing in the morning. I definitely felt like I was a priority. The only reason he stopped talking to me everyday throughout my first class is that I felt confident in what I was doing and did not request his help as much. I got an email every week for the first class and if I didn't answer right away he would call just to check up on me.
I have to admit, I was worried about financial aid a little bit because of reading so many negative reviews about it, but I haven't had one issue with it. Any question I've had has been answered with 24 hours. My AA and my FA have been sincerely honest and know what they are talking about. I also took a short 2 week break for vacation last April and I expected some hiccups but everything went smoothly.
My first couple of classes were exceptionally easy as I figured they would be. It can be frustrating to sit through them but you have to remember that they are meant to introduce you to the online learning environment. Some of your classmates may not have the same level of computer competency as you and may have been out of school for DECADES. They classes do get harder as you go and normally your classmates will either learn and improve from other classes or drop out because they can not meet the standards Ashford holds everyone accountable for.
That being said, Ashford is not a diploma mill and you should not expect to receive easy grades. I've worked very hard to keep my GPA as high as it is (3.96). I've also been selected for the Dean's List and I was invited to join an honor society. If you aren't an independent learner or willing to be then Ashford is not for you and you are probably better off going to a brick and mortar school. Also, you should not expect unrealistic things from your instructors. Many of them have second jobs and a family on top of instructing your class. My current TA is also TA for 3 or 4 other classes. That's a lot of papers to grade and questions to answer. You have to be patient.
The quality of the classes blew my mind. After the initial "starter" classes, they quality of the materials and of the instructors were exceptional. I haven't had one serious gripe about my instructors or the TA's. The only class I really had an issue with was my Anthropology class. The quizzes seem like they are based off a different textbook and it was really hard to answer some of the questions correctly. However, I still received an A- in the class so no worries. When I was in high school I was very bored with the classes I was taking because I didn't feel like I was learning anything I didn't already know. High school was more of a "memorize and repeat" type of environment, where Ashford seems to be more "learn and apply".
The instructors I've had have all been awesome! I had one that gave me extra credit for pointing out a mistake on a quiz. Many of my instructors have read and replied to my discussion posts and have asked me really thought provoking questions. My current TA even wrote a recommendation for my LinkedIn profile without me even asking.
All in all I have to say that Ashford has provided me with an education I am proud of. I recognize that this type of learning is not for everyone, but I have no serious complaints and I can not wait to walk across that stage and receive my diploma in 2014.
On a side note, my boyfriend has also just started his BA with Ashford and though he has had some issues with FA, it has not been with the school, it has been with getting the right paperwork from the IRS regarding his taxes last year. He's really enjoying the school so far and is about to start his second class.
9
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on June 27, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Go to Ashford
If you can go to a traditional campus and take 5 classes a semester go to a traditional campus. If you work full time or have a family, and can't take AT LEAST 5 classes go to Ashford otherwise it's going to take 5-12 years to get a degree. They offer an accredited degree for a fraction of the cost of their competitors. Every school makes money off of you and your financial aid. Tuition costs pay for faculty and staff at ay university, plain and simple whether it's a community college, online program, or ivy leage campus. Most of the people on here who complain about Financial Aid are the students who are only signing up for a school and using Financial Aid to try and pay some bills. Unfortunately, if you don't go to school, post attendance, or do your work you get dropped and have to pay for the class that you failed. Long story short, don't sign up for school ANYWHERE unless you're actually committed to finishing. If you can't go to a traditional campus go to Ashford. If you can't go to ashford don't go because if you can't succeed there, you shouldn't be going to school. PERIOD.
8
10
SK1TOOSK1
(In Progress) on May 27, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
What are you talking ABOUT
Reading the prior post,I was getting a little upset and then it turned to what is really going on, I will say this and get this part out the way, their financial aid dept / and or financial advisor don't know anything and because they don't know anything they have a ill fated attitude. I had to ask the guy did he have a problem with? Then is whole attitude changed. They need better trained advisors.
OK, with that said ASU is a great skill,and one dummy said he didn't do know work and finished,well we all no that a tale. You just heard a young lady say she had to do a lot of research papers. By doing the research paper you should be soaking up the info your writing about.The instructors engage in the proper manner, and far as the posts go that how you participate with the class, and when you post it needs to be clear you had nothing to do with plagiarism. The teacher does talk and within the class room and out,I have Ashford to be challenging and a good school. To the one guy who said you got done with cheating your way thru, one I don't know how and two it's very hard to do and your cheating yourself, when you get that new job and is told to do something you wont have a clue their taking about, first if you can make it through the interview, with out someone you know, I can't see you making in through. You have to really want this and travel time is an issue and you really want it then stop complaining and do it already or maybe this isn't the place for you.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
8
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on May 18, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
 |
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Some Great, some not so great moments
I turned to Ashford for the convenience and the value. I have received a Bachelor of Science with Education Concentration from them, and am now working to complete my Masters in Education with a Specialization in Reading Literacy. The convenience is great! Many of the support staff are wonderful people. Most of the teachers are top-notch! The problems: You do not know what book you need (truly) until you gain access to your classroom, because the books they list in the library are not correct. The reason is to keep you from renting or buying elsewhere. My fantastic Academic Advisor gave me the sneak attack key to finding out ahead of time what the books will be, so I now know and rent to save $100's. Not everyone is privey to that info, with the exception of anyone in my classes. ;) As I said, the support people are great people, but uninformed people. If you are going for the BS with Concentration in Education, DO NOT do the Rio Salado sister school addition!! I REPEAT, DO NOT DO THE RIO SALADO ADDITION! Instead, see what your state has to offer in the way of an Alternative Certification Program. I saved 2 more years, and over $7,000. You can, too! The tuition at Ashford is fantastic, and I think you will find no other school that charges this little. Because the support staff is not informed like they should be at times, you might find them frustrating, but the school is really worthy of your time. Good luck!!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
9
10
Schelly
(Graduate) on May 17, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Your Focus = Your Reality
Institutions differentiate themselves to provide value to various markets. Traditional schools focus on students just starting out who need a well-rounded foundation to get started in their working life. Online schools focus on working adults who need to earn their degree to advance in their careers, but have little ability to schedule classroom face-time.
Reading these reviews is instructional. Note that those with primarily positive comments tend to write well, understand how to research information for themselves, and don't expect somebody from the school to "tell you the fine prints" (nperkins36, 2010, para 1). In short, if it confuses you that the University is located in Clinton, Iowa and its employees call you from San Diego, CA, this program may not be right for you. If it upsets you that the school uses one edition of APA rather than another, you may not have the temperament needed for college. If you do not understand that most college work involves "teaching yourself" then do yourself a favor and do not apply to *any* college or university. Try a vocational technical program instead. There is no shame in this - just go to the kind of school where your needs are best met.
Overall, after 30 years in my field I found that earning my MBA/IS confirmed a great deal that I experienced in my working life, and expanded my horizons in the way I looked at a number of issues. I learned a lot. This is because I read a lot, researched a lot, communicated with others in my class a lot, and participated in the discussions a lot. I liked some instructors better than others, but I reminded myself frequently that these are human beings who each have their own views and preferences just like I do. I did not attend their classes to enjoy myself. However, in most cases I did enjoy my classes.
The Ashford experience was totally different from my (early life) bachelor's pursuit, where I attended a brick-and-mortar campus. Nobody cared about my educational career more at that school than at Ashford. That isn't their job. This is college - not a K-12 cradle school. The reason the first campus experience was different is because the focus was different. I didn't know much of anything as a young person, and I tended to focus more on memorization, trying to learn processes and understand how things work. When you're a working adult, you tend to focus more on learning new ways of doing what you already know how to do, so you can do them better.
Ask yourself what your focus is, then find a school that will best meet your needs and help you make your educational goals a reality. If all you want is somebody to hold your hand and walk you through your education, you will be disappointed with Ashford's educational offerings. Personally, I was very happy in my experience with Ashford, and I earned the degree I expected to receive as a result of my extensive research. No more, no less. I was satisfied with the service my counselors provided because I didn't expect more from these front-line workers than they could provide.
If you find yourself angry (not just about school, but about anything in life) remember this. What angers us most in others is often what we dislike most about ourselves... we just don't want to admit it. As another wrote, do your homework and take personal responsibility before you sign any contractual agreements and you'll be okay.
Personally, I loved Ashford and selected the school because my research proved it offered the greatest value at the lowest price of any other MBA program, including those offered at state-run institutions. As another reviewer wrote, you are not likely to become a Fortune 500 CEO after earning your MBA here because the institution is not accredited by AACSB and does not have a GMAT requirement.
You get what you pay for. Govern yourself accordingly.
10
10
Teofilo_h_rivera
(Graduate) on May 9, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
MOAM @ Ashford University
Some background data:
I completed a 4 year tour in the U.S. Army with an Honorable Discharge as a NCO. I have a Bachelors Degree in Information Technology from Baker College in Auburns Hill, MI. I have experience with Training, Business, Education, Information Technology, and ERP Systems. I have been working as a Business Systems Analyst for the last 15 years.
My program:
I completed a Masters of Arts in Organizational Management with a minor in Supply Chain Management. I chose Ashford for their online program and cost.
My experience with Ashford:
Each individual will have a different and unique experience at Ashford University. I can only share my personal experience with you.
I have read various reviews on Ashford University, both good and bad. My experience was a great one. The classes were challenging, and the Teachers were excellent.
It was convenient not to have to travel to a brick and mortar classroom; however it was tough to complete a Master online. There is a lot of reading, writing, and posting.
I ran into personal problems that required a change in my priorities and I could not keep up with the class pace. Ashford scheduled my courses with two week between courses. In one instance I requested and was granted a Leave of Absence during a personal emergency.
Overall, I am happy with my investment, and after a deserved vacation and I planning on added Project Management to my degree.
Regards,
8
10
Dadezgrl72
(In Progress) on April 30, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford experience
Ashford while it is not perfect, it has grown on me. I think that how much you are committed to the program will determine how satisfied you will be. When I first began Ashford, I thought this was going to be hard, but after a few classes I got the hang of it, and for the most part everything is the same, in each class except maybe the subject. The format is easy to understand. I have been attending Ashford since august of 2009, while it has not been perfect, it has been a great learning process. I have had only two instructors that were lazy and did absolutely nothing to help in the class, however if you follow the guidelines that are set for you to handle those situations, and they did it in a timely manner. The cost has gone up, but the money I save when I get books is tremendous. I found that I can get book that are a few editions older, however they work for the 5 weeks I am in class and only cost about 5 buck so far. This has been an overall great experience, it all depends on how bad you want your degree as to whether or not you do well in any online setting.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
9
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on March 30, 2011
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
A college is a college, you wil learn if you choose
The negative comments must be taken at face value; the rhetoric written is typical of online raving. AU allows students who choose to learn an opportunity to do so. There are many degree holders from other regioanlly accredited institutions who are clueless about what they learned in lecture halls. At AU, you can opt to sleepwalk and probably earn a degree, guess what? You can do so in any school in this country. However, why not choose to learn and get credit for your knowledge? I am certain that some critics encountered problems and that happens in every school, we deal with humans after all; make no mistake, the respopnsibilities of earning income or credit for education lies with each of us. AU can be an educational experience for those who make it that! Some derogatory comments actually are useful as the administration has continued to make positive changes, especially in light of Federal demands. AU, as most other RA online colleges, will raise the bar on admissions. Finally, I must comment that my nephew graduated from a top ten college and told me that tuition at his school has been raised by 100 percent, all schools do at some point. I am not happy about it either. I am in my 6th class and attended an IVY league school many years ago. Guess what, you get what you put into anything that is worthwhile in this life. Time management and total dedication to learning is the key at this school. Do not enroll if you are not willing to learn independently, in fact, skip the entire "college experience", for most schools will soon offer most courses online.
10
10
(In Progress) on March 28, 2011
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Stop complaining
I don't know what a lot of you people are complaining about. From day 1 I have had a wonderful experience here at Ashford. Here are some good things I have to say about what Ashford has to offer.
1) ADVISORS: My advisors are AWESOME and answer every question I need answered. They send me emails that I request the same moment I am on the phone with them. I have had nothing but motivation and support from these people and they have made it so easy for me.
2) CLASSES: I cannot begin to tell you how relieved I am to not have to get up in the morning, gather supplies, and worry about finding a parking place at school. These classes are 5 weeks long each, so you don't have to take on 3-4 classes at a time for 4 months long each. You worry about one class at a time. You have two discussions per week, one quiz (open book), and one assignment (which normally consists of building blocks to a paper so once week 5 comes up, your paper is already done). Is this something to complain about? I think not. Not that it's easy, but it's for people who actually work, have children, travel, etc., yet still WANT to get their education.
3)TEACHERS: Teachers here are great! It's a big discussion board, so emailing a teacher is just a click away. You ask, they answer. Someone complained about "teachers not having control of the quizzes". This is far from the truth. I take my education very seriously so when I'm done with a quiz, I will look over anything I answered wrong and double check if I was falsly marked wrong. Yes, this has happened, and my teacher gave me FULL credit after I informed her.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
8
10
Jyoung1va
(Graduate) on December 10, 2010
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
A very valuable learning experience, and worth it!
I started Ashford in 2009 after I withdrew from an MBA program at another online university that did not give me the support I needed. What I found at Ashford was that the courses are divided into six weeks, and there is a certain value for each week's work, which keeps you working, and aware of deadlines, which is of real value in today's business world. Each course culminates, typically, with an assignment that pulls in all the learning of that course and ascertains that the student really does understand what the course has taught them. The coursework was challenging, and even though the school has no official thesis requirements, as my last assignment for my Information Systems specialization, I had to write a strategic plan for an IT project. As the assignment was laid out, it ended up being a total of over 50 pages at completion, but not only incorporated my IT courses, but actually finance, operations, marketing, and legal aspects as well. It was a great review, and underscored the learning I achieved in my program as a whole. I am now done with this program, and can call myself an MBA, and am proud to recommend Ashford's MBA program to others.
There was only one problem I ever had with Ashford, and that is that their financial aid representatives are not very good at communicating with students, and at one point my financial aid did get fouled up and was late. Knowing that this might be the case, when I did not get a response from my Financial Aid rep, I contacted the main office and got the information I needed. It all worked out. I got all my loans and was able to complete my program. All in all, I would say the school was worth my time and money, and will make a positive difference in my employability in the future.
10
10
Nlshawley
(In Progress) on December 9, 2010
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Excellent school at a FAIR price!
First off Ashford University is a physical college based out of Clinton, Iowa. Just like any other college you have to pay for your books, and you may be qualified for Student Loans and/or grants. If not, your Financial Advisor will discuss this with you. If you are approved for a student loan you will not be required to pay back this loan until 6 months post grad. If you receive grants, you are not required to pay those back. Some students may received an overpayment check which can be used towards your electric bill, books, and/or internet fees. No college, University, or business school comes without fees; if they do then they are not a true school. I am a third year Social and Criminal Justice student at Ashford along with my husband. We have had a wonderful experience with our school, and it hurts me to hear people say negative things about it. Penn State University Online Courses cost around $80,000...and that is just for an Associates Degree; a Bachelors Degree at Ashford is only $46,000; I will let you do the math. If you have a problem with the school, the only fault lies in your belligerence in handling the situation.
9
10
Evamarie
(In Progress) on October 30, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Please consider Ashford
I personally found the classes to be easy; however, I attended private primary schools and completed my secondary education at two college preparatory schools; so I was well-prepared for college-level work. For personal reasons, I never completed my college degree, but I did attend various junior colleges. At 41, I returned to school. I am now 43 and I graduate in 50 days. I believe my educational experiences have afforded me a different perspective from most people. I consider Ashford's curriculum to be on par with most “traditional” universities. I have done the research and read numerous reviews.
For the record –
“Ashford University is a regionally accredited institution and their credits transfer to other regionally accredited institutions. They are recognized by the Higher Learning Commission which is a member of the North Central Association of colleges and schools” (watsonlisa15, 2009, August 10). Furthermore, “This university has received Quality Matters(TM) Recognition for two years in a row--which acknowledges Ashford's commitment in assuring its courses are based on rigorous, research-based standards” (watsonlisa15, 2009, August 10). This is all verifiable.
It is not just an “online school” – it has a real campus folks. In fact, as a previous reviewer also noted, President Obama delivered a speech at its campus when he was still a senator. You can read about it here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/13/us/politics/13obama.html.
You can get financial aid – it’s called Stafford loans. I have invested thousands into obtaining my degree – but it’s far less than I would have paid at U.T., Austin, I can promise you. Do I have to pay it back? Of course I do. Higher education is not free.
I empathize with anyone who experienced difficulties during the financial aid process. However, please remember that like every major purchase you make in life, you must do the research and educate yourself. Do not rely solely on others to guide you every step of the way. Like the saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink.” People must be responsible for their own decisions and actions. There are plenty of resources to educate you in the financial aid process. I started here: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
I hope it will offer perspective students additional “food for thought” about Ashford University while deciding on which school to attend. Please research all the facts on a school before you make your selection – whether it’s this school or another – just do your “homework” before walking on campus or signing-on for the first time.
As someone with a 3.95 major GPA, and a 3.97 cumulative undergraduate GPA, I have received exactly what I put into it – a solid education. Like the other reviewer, I too will proudly accept my BBA degree from Ashford University. They offer a decent education at an affordable price.
I wish all of you the best in your future endeavors.
Eva Marie
7
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on October 30, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Kids....
It seems 99% of the reviews are posted by angry little kids who were spoon fed for the past 20 years. I am former ARMY and currently contracting in Afghanistan, so my options for schooling are pretty limited. I have taken five classes so far, and have since doubled my course load (6 credits every 5 weeks). If you are military/former military books are free and tuition is discounted. This is an affordable option for myself and other vets, and on that note I cannot speak about the financial aid department that seems to be the number one complaint here. Almost all of my science/math classes transferred over, as well as some military education courses.
It seems everyone here cries about not having there hand held at all times. All I can say to that is good luck in life, maybe get mummy and daddy to work through your issues for the rest of your life. It is an accelerated program which works for me. I had 70+ credits from a brick and mortar school, and there is little difference between sitting in a desk and staring at the wall or sitting in my hooch and staring at my lap top. I think the classes are easy at Ashford, and felt all of my science and math classes I completed before were easy as well. You get the syllabus, you do the work, suck it up, drive on.
Yes, the enrollment advisors try their hardest to get you into school. Does that mean you cannot do the slightest bit of research on your own? Absolutely not, but I know how hard www.tryasearchengine.com can be to use. My financial advisor is quick to respond and post my information through VA so I get reimbursed for my classes. My academic advisor responds to my emails within hours - I write a message in Afghan and get a response the next day (same day for her).
Issues with the cost of tuition? Research other schools... all expensive. A college degree is not cheap. Join the ARMY, see the world, get a college degree. For half of the people ranting on this board, it would probably do you some good.
Will this degree help me on the outside? I do not know. But I imagine having a degree and at least showing my future employer I have the motivation to better myself and work for things will get me somewhere.
The caliber of student? Yes, there seems to be quite a few people who struggle to write a halfway decent sentence, let alone put a thought down on BlackBoard. Is it the same sitting in a lecture hall? Yes. Is it the same in life? Yes.
I am satisfied with Ashford, and honestly have no complaints. I could cry about the delivery of my books and the fact I have not received them yet, but I am in Afghanistan after all. Once I post this I will jump on USPS and post some angry hate mail for them.
You can't be miserable all of your life young buck!
9
10
Anonymous
(Graduate) on October 28, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Thumbs up for Ashford!
I graduated September 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management maintaining a GPA of 3.97. As a full time working adult (in my mid 40’s) with three children, I tried to complete my degree for the past 15 years at a traditional college campus and even a competitor’s online program. Ashford made my educational goals come true but it took a lot of hard work, perseverance and time management. I completed 25 courses at Ashford, which equals approximately 60 percent of the required credits to graduate and I give my educational experience an A+ rating.
Do not think for one minute that Ashford is a diploma mill or you can coast through the assignments and get a good grade. Classroom postings, replies, assignments, tests, and the two or more papers that are required for most classes quickly separate those who are serious about learning and those who are not. Traditional 15-week courses are compressed into five weeks so there is very little time to mess around or you will quickly fall behind. To maintain my GPA required many sacrifices and without the support of my family, vacation days from my employer and Ashford adjusting my course schedule, I could not have succeeded. As with any learning endeavor, you will only get out what you put in and all the instructors at Ashford recognize those who put forth the sincere effort.
In closing, I found myself more motivated at Ashford than any of the previous educational institutions I attended. My fellow classmate’s discussions and instructor’s real world experiences provided a modern ‘virtual’ learning atmosphere for our rapidly changing times. All said and done, I have learned how to apply many of my newly learned skills but what I did not expect is the compelling force to continue life-long learning!
7
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on October 26, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford is decent
AU does not pretend to be something that it is not. It is a run-of-the-mill university offering an average distance learning experience. Some of the negative reviews I read through were accurate, and others were posted by people that obviously blindly enrolled without taking the time to do any research. A justified complaint would be that it seems like anyone can get into the school and you will see posts by some students that are grammatically atrocious. An unjustified complaint would be that the school is too expensive and has some miscellaneous fees.
There have been times that I could not believe what I was reading when reviewing a post by another student. One time in particular I almost quit and emailed the President of the school, especially after the instructor of the class praised the student whom made the post I found so objectionable. I was so outraged, even offended, that this person stood a chance of graduating with the same degree as me. In the end, I neither quit Ashford nor emailed the Dean because it would not have done any good. Ashford is not helping that student improve, and it will show in future job interviews. That was no reason for me to deprive myself of an education, or even slow my progress as I looked for another school that may be exactly the same. As for the unjustified complaint I referenced in regard to the cost of attending AU, OPEN YOUR EYES. There has not been a single charge that has caught me by surprise because I knew what was coming. In fact, a Google search of "Ashford University tution and fees" just netted me a page on the Ashford website that details EVERY fee. If this simple research is too difficult for a prospective student to accomplish, maybe they should wait before considering a college education. AU is not a Tier 1 school, and does not advertise as such. Some of the content in the early weeks and months can be remarkably simple, but it does get increasingly difficult as classes progress. I admit it, outside of writing Research Papers, nothing has challenged me academically to this point. If you are looking to sit through countless lectures, be assigned homework that routinely requires burning the midnight oil to complete, and think you are capable of writing a thesis that will someday be a published work, then no, Ashford is not for you. If you are more of a realist and acknowledge that the average holder of a four year degree is a regular Joe that has a piece of paper saying they committed to attending a few classes, then Ashford is no better or worse than all the other schools offering a nearly identical experience.
Best of luck
1
10
Hunniebearr
(In Progress) on October 14, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford is a joke in everyway
Ashford University does not have the students best interest at heart. Instead they want to keep your hard earned dollars flowing through the university.My name is Lakisha, I have been a student at Ashford for 8 months, during this time I have found the teachers to be inconsistent with course material. The books to be manufactured by the school an Lacking in a lot of important information.Ashford also expects you to write research papers in the hardest format available(APA)with little guidance.If you are experienced in this format I am sure you will do ok. But if you are not skilled. I dont advise you to attend Ashford. The Instructors are not willing to elaborate on the proper technique. They rather you teach yourself.They also require different concepts of the format. Each instructor will want something unique and complicated in the assignment.To make matters worse, I was a accused of plagirism without even knowing what I plagirized. The instuctor gave me know feedback. Submitted my paper to a review board, the review gave me no feedback but told me I would be flagged in my file for plagirism and still I have not a clue what it was I plagirized because I am teaching myself the format. since I am learning on my own through A study guide Ashford themselves wrote. I am constantly confused on what each insructor wants. the worst part is they failed me for the entire course and want me to retake the calss again.As if I have cash on hand to retake classes, when I am supporting four kids. And finacial aid and loans, what a JOKE. Every dollar you get they hold on to it, an send you pennies here and there when they feel necesarry. But dont count on it improving your finacial outcome. believe me, you will barely be able to buy books and materials at the same time. They will always hold on to 80 percent and give you the student 20.I am highly disatisfied. I cant believe that this is legal. The student has no say in the matter. The board found me guilty without even giving me a chance to defend myself. I was not allowed to even rewrite my paper or given a second oppurtunity to fix a confusing problem. Now I am flagged as a plagirist and have no clue how to keep this from occuring again.I recieved no feed back, and a decision was made on my behalf without any input from me. Now I am faced with the delima of where do I go from here. Wherever I go Ashford wont be a part of it.Please think long and hard before choosing Ashford University.
10
10
S_obie86
(In Progress) on September 14, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Amazing
A friend of mine started at Ashford almost two years ago. Since she started, there have been a handful of our other friends that have started. Finally, I started. In the two years that friends have been attending this school, I have not heard a single bad thing about it.
When it was time for me to go back to school, I did my research and decided that Ashford would be the best fit for me, too. They're cheaper than online programs through local colleges and universities. If you want a cheap education, an online program isn't for you.
I'm only in my third class, but so far, everything has been great. No, you can't just sail by. If you don't do the work, you do NOT get the credit.
The teachers have been welcoming of any questions one might have and they do a pretty good job of getting back to you in a timely manner. There are also TA's, who do a great job of answering questions as well.
The first class, EXP 105 is, what I take to be, an intro to online college class. I've taken classes at a local college and they require the same type of class.
Loans don't get disbursed until you've completed a certain number of classes, which is typical of ANY college. Also, for the first class, you are charged $75 for the course, but you are also reimbursed the $75 a few days later.
When it comes to books, there are cheaper alternatives rather than buying the books directly from Ashford for a 5 week course. On Chegg, you can rent books for a few weeks and then return them. Best of all, for every book rented, they plant a tree! Also, you're not stuck with an expensive book that you don't need! The books there aren't expensive, either.
There is ONE $990 technology fee that you have to pay, but every other school that I or my friends have gone to have had technology fees, even the local community college. It should most definitely be expected of any online college.
The bottom line is that you only get what you put in. If you don't ask questions, you won't get answers. The staff doesn't hold your hand and lead you through everything. This is college, not elementary school. You have to do things for yourself.
5
10
Broncsbaby
(Graduate) on July 26, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Not happy now
I graduated from this school last September and after reading many other reviews, I agree with several past students. this school is not worth the money. My advisers kept changing on me as well as financial advisers. When I had questions for some of my instructors, it would take several days to get a response. As far as what I learned, I feel like I learned nothing but how to cut and paste my papers and get a 100% even after it was 2 days late. Finally, the financial side was horrible! When I was close to graduating I looked at my account and noticed I had a balance due...I called the school only to be informed that the rated had gone up and they didn't get enough money from the govt to cover them so I had to pay, which I am but not before fighting it and even telling them I would take it to the dean but it did no good so I am making the monthly payments. When I looked at my statement a few months back I saw a late fee so I called the school asking about it...turns out that when you make payment arrangements for this outstanding bill and not pay the entire thing upfront, they charge a late fee. Oh and by the way, you can find MUCH cheaper books online that you can rent. Please look around, there are far better schools, oh yeah, even people that live in Iowa have never heard of this school when I ask..hmm makes u wonder????
1
10
Jon13_14_casey
(In Progress) on July 26, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!
This school is a JOKE! I was attending Ashford's online program, and when I decided that it wasn't for me, they made it impossible for me to withdraw. My academic counselors did not answer their phone, return phone calls or e-mails. They signed me up for another class, and I just did not log into the class at all. When I did finally hear back from them, they were demanding money for the class that I never took. I also had a student loan (and Pell Grant) and they had all the rights to take more money from the loan, yet they were still coming after me for over $1,000. And now that I am ready to go back to school, they will not release my transcripts because they are still claiming this non-legit charge. Basically, Ashford has screwed me over because without my transcripts, I cannot attend school anywhere! THANK YOU ASHFORD!!!!
7
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on July 20, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
A little more than okay
I found the classes to be fairly easy. They are strict about receiving their funds. But like any school, you can't attend unless you have the money to pay for it! Some teachers are more involved than others (as with all schools) I attend my local college as well, which supposedly is an excellent school, and I consider the material I learned there to be equal to Ashford's. Online means you pay for convenience, which of course means higher tuition and what not. I'll be graduating this year, really have no complaints. As long as you have a plan as to how you're going to pay, there should be no problem. You won't be "dropped" from your classes or what not. And as far as people complaining about the books, go to any school's bookstore and see how much the books are. Ashford DOES NOT make custom books, they only say ASHFORD UNIVERSITY on it. You can get the same book on eBay for $10.00 without ASHFORD on it and it is the same exact book for class. I have paid between $8.00 - 45.00 for my books on eBay. I don't know if I will stay for my B.A. I will be doing research on other schools, but it's a good school for your A.A.
10
10
Mk714
(Graduate) on July 17, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Highly Recommend Ashford
I completed a bachelors degree in Social Science and I am currently completing my masters in Organizational Management from Ashford. As a working adult, the school and education process has allowed me to continue with my career and family responsibilities while completing my course work at home and wherever my job may take me for that particular week. I have completed assignments in hotel rooms and while traveling for work. I enjoyed the classes, learned a lot from the assignments, and would highly recommend this school to anyone who would like to finish their degree.
I have read some of the comments from some people and I am amazed at their difficulties.
First, it takes personal discipline to complete all assignments on time. some people just are not committed enough to discipline themselves to complete online programs anywhere at any school.
Second, some of the critics say it's too easy and other complain that it is too hard. I believe what may help many of these critics is for them to grow up and quit whining about everything and anything. I too paid the full tuition
out of my pocket for my education. I am thankful for Ashford, their education program, and having a system that allowed me to better myself and my family through education.
Third, not one university in America is perfect and flawless in every respect. Sometimes an issue or problem will arise anywhere. Nonetheless, in my opinion, Ashford is a great university for those that want to take online classes. It takes personal discipline and a commitment to want to finish. I would suggest that those that belittle Ashford, which has thousands of graduates like myself, are likely not suited for college anywhere.
1
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on July 9, 2010
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Please, stay away from this school!
At first I was very excited to being my adult education at Ashford. Now, I am kicking myself wishing I had researched a bit more.
I knew about the sales pressure. I knew about the financial complications. I knew about the technical fee. I thought to myself, "I know it is more money, I know I may not get my funds on time, but I will be able to have a full time job, and graduate in a shorter time." So, I went for it.
What a joke. I am not learning anything. All of the material I am reading has been written by the Ashford faculty. I have checked out the books for the next classes and the same applies to all materials. Some of these so called teachers are very young, and have no teaching degree.
In one of the books it has a word in bold, and then it gives a definition for it. Words like, "Profession, Craft, and Fictional writing." This is sad. If you don't know simple words such as these you shouldn't begin college, you should be in pre-course classes to help you prepare for regular college courses.
I tested a theory. I have been skimming for the last three weeks, and completing my writing discussions in less than five minutes. My grade did not change, it remained at one-hundred percent. I'm not learning anything.
The books are also filled with page fillers. Material we have covered already, and have to re-read for a second, third, and sometimes fourth time. I am so sick of repeats. If I stay at Ashford there is no way I will be able to use this information in a career field, because I will have learned nothing.
Oh, and I was right about not receiving funds on time. I am still waiting...
A single class costs over one thousand dollars. These are five week classes, you do the math! A course at a city college? The average runs a little under three thousand per semester. Do yourself a favor, get a part time job go to a regular school and live off grants and loans. I am convinced through my research that there is no safe, and sane online college.
I'm transferring, wish me luck. I know there will be complications.
10
10
Lloyd.w.williams
(Graduate) on July 5, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
My experience at AU
I attended an AU program (and finished). From my experience AU is a quality institution and offers some great programs. Here is a brief review covering most aspects of my experience.
Rigor
Each course requires about 5 open book quizzes, 10 discussion postings, 20 response postings, and 3 essay assignments. The assignments are graded and in most cases feedback is given using a rubric. About 40% of your grade comes from the essay assignments which demonstrates competency. Unlike most traditional schools, most essays submitted online are scanned for plagiarism. Online schools are no place to fake your education. Trust me; this is more work than was required during my first two years at a traditional college.
Format
The online format for learning requires a student that can crack open a book and learn. If you are the needy type, gets lost easily, needs constant feedback or moral support from a professor then online learning is not for you. From my experience, if I did have questions about what was expected of me I had no trouble getting help.
Professors
There were some instructors I liked a lot and others not so much. This comes with the territory and should be expected. Right now the trend for online courses is to hire instructors with a masters degree or higher in the fields they teach. Online adjuncts are also required to have real world working experience in the field. Every single professor did their job, and that includes the ones who didn’t give me an A+
Quality
I chose the “organizational management” path which focuses on the people side of management, leadership, HRM, and employee behavior. I found that the content of the courses and schedule contributed to my development and career goals. As an online student you get out of it what you put into it.
Administration and financing
Honestly I had some trouble in this area. The admin staff made some mistakes in my enrollment, my schedules and financing. Some of which could have been prevented if I was paying attention. If you are thinking about being an online college student, I recommend knowing everything about your degree plan and financing options. Don’t just go with the flow.
4
10
RJKersey1
(In Progress) on June 23, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Graduating in 6 weeks
I began this supposedly asynchronous program a year ago, and to date, I have not seen the value for my money. In the beginning, I put forth maximum effort and received high grades. As time went on, I put forth little effort and received high grades. I'm in classes with people who cannot grasp the basic concepts of grammar, yet they are making straight A's. I do not understand that. I am a teacher, and what I have rated as "A" level, graduate work is a joke. I have learned to use some new technological tools, but I could have taught myself to use them. If had had to go back, I would NEVER have gone here, nor will I recommend it to anyone. After battling the school over its false advertising of asynchronous classes that turned into group/cohorts, the school removed that piece from their advertising. Thankfully, I am employed and I know my subject area. I just needed an advanced degree. If I were to teach others based on what I learned at Ashford, I fear we'd all be lost.
7
10
Aubreymichelle2
(In Progress) on June 12, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Just getting started, so far so good....
So far my experience at Ashfird University has been a good one. I am almost finished with my first class, I started on 5/18/2010. Some of the reviews I have read make me glad I enrolled before reading them. Her is my opinion at the begining of my education with Ashford.
My enrollment advisor was obviously working to get me enrolled quickly because her job depends on it. She was nice, she was "friendly", but she was pushy, very pushy. They must get bonuses or they work on commision or something. While I was one the phone with her one time I heard a loud celebration and when I asked her what it was she told me they do that every time someone enrolls with them. When I told her I wouldn't be able to fax some forms in the minute she wanted me to she got rude. For some people having an advisor that calls and e-mails you through out the week might be nice, but for me it is an annoying waste of cell phone minutes. But, if that is the kind of support you are looking for, my enrollment advisor has done an awesome job of keeping up with me and trying to make sure things are going well.
My financial aid process was quick and fairly hassle free. My assistant financial aid advisor was less than helpful when I had questions about why my aid at Ashford did not cover the same things my aid did at my previous brick and mortar institution. My actual financial aid advisor has only contacted me one, and that was just to get my verification forms completed.
I am in PSY 202 Adult Development, and well, it is much like any other class I have attended in person. The main difference is that you are writing in a forum instead of interacting face to face. Since the discussions are written it also makes it more obvious which students are less than prepared for class and it can be frustrating for those who have worked hard to put up a good discussion post with all the requirements included. My instructor does not appear to ignore the students, she does get involved and show that she reads the posts.
according to htis website this is a no-profit school, and the BBB has given this school an A+ rating. I believe someone stated that they have a lot of complaint, acording to the BBB's website they do have 45 complaints in the last 36 months 7 of those were Administratively Closed
and 38 were resolved. The BBB of Iowa considers this an A+ business. http://www.bbb.org/san-diego/business-reviews/schools-academic-colleges-and-universities/ashford-university-in-san-diego-ca-23003139/#rating
This is just an initial review, we will see what happens as time goes on.
5
10
Ryanmourer
(In Progress) on June 9, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
An HONEST Review of my experience so far
This is an honest review of my experience at Ashford. I have been attending for almost 2 years and will complete my AA in business very soon. 1st of all, you have to realize that no 2 people will have the exact same advisors and instructors, so experiences will vary. That sounded like a disclaimer if I've ever heard one!
My enrollment advisor was excellent, as she should be! They want you to enroll in their college and bring your money to them -- right?! I have had 3 different academic advisors and they have all responded promptly to any questions and concerns when they came up. These 2 departments were sufficient and deserve an "A" for their support and effort.
The financial aid dept is a completely different animal! I have had numerous financial aid advisors (too many to count!) and they were all inept. They (as in all of them) DO NOT respond to any questions asked and if they do it will be weeks, if not months, when they get back to you. Your academic advisor seems to not be able to help either when you voice your concerns on this issue. So beware of this fact... they are a FOR PROFIT institution and are owned by Bridgepointe Education and based in San Diego, CA. This is certainly more about business and money than education. If you apply for financial aid expect to receive it - if you don't want any more you will keep getting it and it is difficult to give it back, because the financial aid dept will never get back with you! They act like you are trying to run a scam or something when you want to discuss your finances with them. I have the money to pay out of pocket for my tuition and only wanted 1 disbursement of student loans. I now have 2 times the amount I originally wanted. I'm bummed -- I don't have the time to deal with trying to resolve these financial issues constantly.
The quality of education varies. I have learned things in some classes, and not a thing in others. I really had to concentrate in the math and accounting courses, because if you cannot teach yourself the material -- good luck! Most of my instructors were prompt with answering questions, but I feel that a lot of them replied to discussion posts and assignments with "canned" or pre-prepared responses that were not even pertinent to what you or a classmate wrote. Not all of them, mind you, but most of them! Disscusion post plagarism happens often! I cannot tell you if it is addressed, because I am not privy to correspondence between other students and the instructor. Some students do not possess college level writing skills, or high school for that matter, yet they seem to show up in other classes on down the road -- what does that tell you?! I tried hard at 1st, but have loosened up as time goes by. I still have a 3.9 GPA and sometimes even skip whole assignments. I make the Dean's List every time it comes out. I thought this was a great accomplishment at 1st. Now it's not so great because I hardly try at all (apparently I don't have to) and still make it no problem!
The tuition is reasonable if you are a military vet like myself, but if I had to pay full price plus the cost of books, I would definitely go to another school. Try buying your books on eBay instead of new -- then resale them there. I get my books for free, since I am military, and then sell them there for whatever I can get after each class. College textbooks become obsolete after so long, so there isn't much use in holding on to all of them. Some are good to keep and reference though. My tuition rate stays the same, $750 fixed per course (military), but the regular students often see tuition increases -- at least once or twice per year. This may happen at every university, though, so be prepared for this. Is the degree worth anything to potential employers? I'm not sure, but it is an accredited university, so I would hope so.
If you want to get that piece of paper saying you have a degree from an accredited university, then Ashford is okay for you. If you are going to pay $1100 plus per class, and want a more quality educational experience, then I would research a higher ranked, NON PROFIT university to spend your hard earned money at.
I hope my review and time spent writing it helps someone out.
I am looking into Liberty University for pursuing my bachelors -- does anyone have any knowledge of this school they can share with me??
8
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on June 7, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Good school if you're willing to do the work
When I first began at Ashford a year ago, I was excited to be back in college, but was very disappointed with the slow way their financial aid refund process worked (They have since revamped the process and it's a lot more efficient now). Based on my intro class, I also thought the classes were going to be too easy to be much of a challenge. However, I soon found out that not to be the case.
Now a year in, I find the coursework has become more challenging, both because of the amount and content of the reading materials we have to complete each week. Just as with any university, the quality of the instructors vary, but thus far, the majority of my teachers hold doctorate degrees, and the rest hold master's--sometimes more than one. Some are more lenient, some are sticklers for the expectations they articulate through the new Classroom format. (BTW, Classroom is way better than the old Blackboard format.)
Anyway, anyone who comes to Ashford thinking this school is another diploma mill will be sorry they enrolled. Ashford can kick your tail with the amount and quality of work you're expected to do within the brief 5 week period each class lasts.
Still, if you're looking for the Harvard of online colleges, you may want to try Western Governors University, University of Maryland UC, or Regents. For me, a busy wife and mom of 3, Ashford coursework is challenging enough for me to have to put forth a lot of time and effort, but not so challenging that I am completely overwhelmed. After all, I working to earn my B.A., not a bunch of b.s.!
2
10
Kallygos
(In Progress) on May 31, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Buying your degree vs. an Education
Just get ALL your ducks in a row BEFORE you begin, despite the smiles, sweetness, promises and pressure. Get all questions answered, such as teacher student ratio, how many credits will be accepted, etc. As with me, rarely are 99 credits accepted, but a fraction of that is the norm (even from a nearby Top Ten University as mine were from), 90% of promises of people to do their job will be blown off, you will get about a 15% return call rate except for initial sales person /'advisor' - at first. Handle or track your own financial aid if possible. A large faceless corp. bought this school so buyer beware and know what you are dealing with. You can extract a degree but it won't be a learning experience with live professors, in fact you probably will never be able to talk with them, their teacher student ratios are probably astronomical, TA's as well. This is business folks not academia!
9
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on May 25, 2010
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
9 - Outstanding and exceeded your expectations
I have attended Ashford for about 2 1/2 years. I transferred in credits, I wrote two Experiential Essays to earn credit on two classes, I doubled up, and did a Minor in Psychology. I was determined to get the degree done and as an older student, I felt I needed to hurry and catch up, educationally speaking. Ashford provided me with this opportunity with excellent guidance. I am considering getting a Master's with Ashford because the school is reputable and REGIONALLY ACCREDITED meaning I can go to a top tier school for my doctorate. The Master's program will allow me to get done in 15 months, much faster than other colleges (I have checked a ton of online schools) and I can double up if I feel I can handle it. I give Ashford a double thumbs up!
The students who are bad mouthing Ashford on this string of comments may have legitimately had bad experiences, but my feeling is that these people are such a tiny voice of Ashford's online populous. Last time I asked, Ashford has at least 45,000 online students!! That is equivalent to a decent sized town. Another example of size is Ohio State has roughly 52,000 just on the Columbus campus.
Do your homework and find out if Ashford will help you achieve what you want. I graduate soon and am so happy that I finally can say I earned this Bachelor's. I have learned so much new knowledge that I probably would not have taken the time to research any of it had I not decided to return to school.
Something else to think about - a four-year degree is nothing these days so why not accelerate your degree with Ashford majoring in something that you are interested in and go to a top tier school for a Master's or a Doctorate? As long as you have a great GPA, write a great entrance essay, have great references, you have a great chance of getting accepted. Ashford is nationally recognized.
FYI: There are a range of ages and educational levels that attend so you may read posts from a few students who do not write well or express themselves very well. That can be frustrating, but you do not know what their grades are so don't compare your grades to what you think they are getting. You should only concentrate on your grades, not theirs. You do not have to respond to people who are off the mark in their posts or that you know are plagiarizing. Another thing to remember is sometimes students have learning or physical disabilities and online education works in their lives so do not be judgmental - hats off to them for going to college!! Concentrate on YOU and be the best YOU can be! Your efforts will pay off.
Good-luck and much success.
9
10
Hkim8392126
(In Progress) on May 15, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Great School
I do not understand why there are so many negative comments about the school. Honestly, it sounds like most of the negative comments are from students who have done stayed long at Ashford. The lower level classes are easy, but as you move onto your major and upper division courses, these classes are not easy cake by any means. Of course the lower division classes are gonna be easy just like at any college, but when you start moving up on levels, it's gonna get more challenging and teachers expect more from you. I have only 3 upper division courses left for my degree and 7 general education classes till I graduate. I have always had great support from the staff members and constantly contacted and checked on to make sure I'm doing ok. Some teachers are easier than others, but this is true at any college. The only difference is that you don't have the option to choose an easy teacher all the time like at a traditional college where you do your own schedule and pick your own teachers. If anyone is saying that the curriculum at Ashford is easy it's because they have not even taken a class in the upper division yet. In a typical 5 week upper division course, I have a 3-5 page paper due for three weeks, then a 8-10 page final research paper due in the last week, quizzes for week 2, 3, and 4, and to top it off a two discussion boards each week that requires research and critical thinking. All these papers, quizzes, and discussion boards takes up about 3 days straight worth of work. I miss my lower division courses because I started out with like one paper for the entire 5 weeks and no quizzes. As you move up the papers increased to two to four papers due within 5 weeks and 3 to 4 quizzes. I've taken classes at online and on campus courses through traditional colleges, University of Phoenix, and Ashford so I can say that Ashford is as hard as any traditinoal on campus course. If the classes are so easy to get an A it's because it's a beginners class, but it gets tougher as you move up because you will find that you will need to dedicate a lot more time than before. Sometimes I wish I can just attend an on-campus class because I wouldn't have to do so much work just to meet attendance. I don't have the luxury of cancelled classes or missing class and still pass the class like at a traditional on-campus college. Certain teachers are so easy while others are so tough on grading so to say it's just a diploma mill college is so inaccurate for this college. If only Ashford was that easy and I can get a degree in my sleep cause then I would not be stressing so much right now in my current class.
1
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on May 8, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford Univ., Run Forrest Run!
WARNING! Ashford University, RUN FORREST RUN!
If you are a plagiarism scholar, then Ashford University is the school for you.
If you lack integrity, honesty and fail to follow rules and policies then Ashford Univer. is the school for you.
If you support bigotry, discrimination and racism through their advisors, and you don't want to asks questions, then Ashford University is the school for you.
If you don't want to learn anything, or you/staff can't comprehend any of the books they recommend, or you support lazy instructors (not teachers) that don't return phone calls, then Ashford University is the school for you.
Ashford U policy is: It's OK to plagarized anyone's work or not learn anything, because we want your MONEY, HONEY!
WARNING!
1. You better not asks any questions or they will 'blacklist' you and throw their ridiculous 'student code of conduct' fake book at you. They will also tell you we are there for the monies, we don't care if you haven't learned anything from us or the instructors.
2. Don't forget, their Advisors are allowed to misinform, demean, twist your words and disrespect you. Ashford Univ. advisors have rights, NOT Principles.
3. Try contacting the CEO and President of the School, you will get NO WHERE. She cares nothing about any of the students, ONLY 'Where's the MONEY, MONEY, MONEY.'
4. There is NO support or respect for students at all.
So those students who are currently attending Ashford Univ. will complete with a degree of "knowing nothing", a "total Degree of Ignorance" and brag about a Grade Point Average of 4.0. with alot of student loans.
5. Ashford U courses are NOT transferrable to any unique college. So have fun! and PAY to Learn Nothing yall!
6
10
Anonymous
(Graduate) on May 1, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Financial Aid Advisor lack Customer Service Skills
Whomever had previously stated that the Financial Aid staff 'sucks' couldn't have said it better!
Numerous times, I have emailed my "financial advisor",(male), and he didn't even have the decentsy to email me back, and returning calls, forget it! Do they realize that these things are important to us students? If we had all the answers to our own questions, we would have no use for them, yet they are getting paid to "do a job". Maybe student needs are not part of their 'job'?? Yes, it seems that financial aid dept. has a problem releasing the funds that we are going to have to pay back now that we have completed our degrees. They are a total mess! Someone from FASFA needs to send someone to check on these people, and quick before none of us are able to get our funds!
1
10
Lilbecca
(In Progress) on April 24, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
CAUTION
Caution to all the honest har-working people out there trying to Though the staff at Ashford may seem like the nicest people on earth, they are only out for your money. They have no real concern for your well-being. As long as you are sending them money they are great. But as soon as a financial problem arises, they do a 180. To start the $55 fee that they assure you won't be charged to your account, will be charged to your account the very next day. Don't believe me.... check your account. In the beginning of the process I was contacted on a daily(some times several times a day) basis to see if I had any more questions or concerns. They had an answer for every question I had. But when I had my doubts and brought up that I had found a better option to get my degree, EVERYTHING CHANGED! They no longer had any answers for any questions I had. When I informed them that I no longer wished to continue with Ashford, the games started. They refused to hear what I was saying. All they did was talk me in circles and pass me to the next person on the phone. They are just out to get your money and meet their quotas, nothing else. They became down right rude with me over the phone. They are not paid to support you, they are paid to reel you in and take in as much of your money as possible. I am a honest, hard working women, just trying to better my life. All I got in return was disappointment. Please don't let them get you! There are other options out there. Look for other goverment programs. T.E.A.C.H is amazing program that actually cares about childcare workers, and they will go out of their way to help you. Save your time and money and tell Ashford to shove it. You can get the same or a better degree through T.E.A.C.H for a fourth of the prices, and with alot more rewards. I hope that this helps whoever comes across it. I don't think anyone should be taken adantage of(especially those who are trying to further their education and help teach the youth of our world), and that is all Ashford is about. So run! Best wishes!
8
10
Scarletsash
(In Progress) on April 17, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
A very good experience so far.
I have been taking courses at Ashford since 2008 and expect to graduate in 2011. After about a year and a half in the BAOM program, I am still feeling very good about the school. I am confused by reviews that say there is no support or that it is expensive. Here is how I would break down my experience so far:
Financial - FAFSA has so far loaned enough for my whole tuition with some to spare. A check I received last year was enough to cover my books for the entire year.
Before enrolling, I compared Ashford's program with others that I thought were comparable. At the time, Ashford's tuition was the second lowest.
Support - My enrollment advisor was the reason I started at Ashford. I had hung up on reps from several online universities whose information I had requested, because they seemed like used car salesmen to me. Ashford's advisor was different. He DID seem to be promising the moon at times, but I took a chance and so far those promises have been kept.
When dealing with my enrollment advisor and my academic advisor I feel like I am their only student. Responses come within 24 hours without fail. When issues need more follow-up, I literally wonder where they find the time and attention that they gave to me in their day. They have always been polite and patient with me, even when I was testy. I don't know what happened to people who complain about support but I cannot stress enough how different my experience has been.
Teachers - I have not attended classes on-campus in 14 years. When I did, it was at a California community college, so I don't have much to compare the online program with. Based on memory, I find Ashford's instructors to be similar to those from the JC in terms of personality and style.
Teachers - I have not attended classes on-campus in 14 years. When I did, it was at a California community college, so I don't have much to compare the online program with. Based on memory, I find Ashford's instructors to be similar to those from the JC in terms of personality and style.
I disagree with those who say the teachers are absent from the process. I have always received detailed answers from them. My only complaint is that I sometimes get feedback on an assignment that might shape my approach to the next one, and thus my grade, too late to make any changes.
Technology – My thoughts about teachers lead me here next. The teachers use the system differently. They post information in different places and aren't always very understanding when you don't find it. This lack of consistency has been a challenge for me. Other than that, Ashford is using the same technology as other schools (Blackboard).
Value - Ashford IS a regionally accredited school. The credits WILL transfer to the type of schools I would apply to. Again, I am confused by the surprise of other reviewers on this issue. Reading the admissions requirements to a program on any University's web page will tell you what they accept.
Even though it is among the least expensive of schools, I cannot give Ashford a 10 for value just yet. Frankly, I wonder sometimes what the value of this degree will be in the end. I have managed to hold a 3.96 GPA during my time with the school. I have not found this difficult to maintain.
In addition to "going to" school, I have a full time job and do part time work. I can put in as many as 60 hours per week working. I wonder what people who spend 20 hours a week on their coursework are doing.
In a week with no paper, I spend about 5 hours on assignments. If the 8-10 page paper in the last week of most courses is due, I spend about 11 hours on schoolwork that week.
Thus, the only concern I have about this school is how easy it has been. I wonder sometimes if this isn't all just too good to be true. However, if it turns out that this is really all that goes into obtaining a legitimate degree, I will have no regrets about choosing Ashford University.
6
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on April 10, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Mixed Emotions
I'm not an impulsive person so my research prior to enrollment was intense and I generally don't allow myself to be victimized. Ashford is no different than any other University in requiring tuition and fees. One must pay for an education, yes this is true, you can't get something for nothing. My professors were enlightening, engaging and informative. It's work but life requires work. So now, here's my complaint. Their Financial Aid Dept. leaves a lot to the imagination. Every time a refund was due to be issued it never made it to my home. Always, lost in the mail and getting it re-issued well now that was another month or so. So if your intention is to apply for Student Loans to cover expenses just know that you will repay you Student Loan and interest long before you ever receive your refund from the school. Quality everywhere else but the Financial Aid Department. It's not surprising that someone could mistaken them for Organized Crime because if you ever attended the school and had the experience than you could understand. I will not leave the school because I believe in making companies/institutions accountable and responsible. I want be degree from Ashford which I why I enrolled their and to think that I would leave because they hold on to funds that don't belong to them is cowardly of me. Once again, the staff is great. The Advisors are as informative as the questions you ask them. The professors I think are of high quality and my Enrollment Advisor was neither rude nor pushy. He gave me the space I needed to make my decision and as a result a really good friend of mines has also enrolled. Regardless of the issues that I've experienced I will always recommend them because they have a great program, however, their administration should be just a little more concerned and alarmed over the Accounting/Financial Aid Department. Who doesn't know that you can't handle peoples funds inappropriately without consequence. I'm pleased, I just would like to receive my refund.
7
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on March 8, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly
I attended the University of Utah. Ashford's courses are just as challenging. As you get higher up in the degree program, class sizes get smaller and more focused, just like they do at the brick and mortar colleges. The drawbacks of online learning; facetime and the chance to work through solutions. My current textbook was a rush job. There are 'self-study' questions after the learning objective is covered, but the solutions are at the back of the chapter, so you have to flip back and forth to work the problems. Far better to put the solution to the problem there, then several variations with references back to the learning objectives to reinforce the concept. Then go on to the next objective, then the problems at the back of the chapter. This way, you have the reasoning down.
I also had to protest my grade when my first accounting professor was yelling at me in caps. Then he downgraded my course work. I turned it in on time, properly cited and it was the equal (if not better due to spelling and grammar) of the rest of the students. He gave me a zero on my final paper. I documented each and every contact with him; did not use email (he never responded) and when I protested my grade, Ashford saw it my way. They have a grievance process just like any other university, and they resolved the issue. My grade went from a C- to an A. I filled out the survey for him as well. Here is the good part: During the time that Ashford was evaluating my grade, they released the Dean's list. I wasn't on it because of the evaluation, and they weren't going to put me on it. HELLO?
I EARNED that bloody A, and I EARNED IT in the time frame of consideration for said list. They revised the list.
Thank you. That was all I asked for. Would I use Ashford for my Master's? No. I think I got a solid education that will stand me in good stead. I got out of it what I am putting into it. Their tutorial service is a JOKE. Not only that, the tutoring service uses people from other countries who do NOT speak English (spare me the righteous indignation of your outraged offense), do NOT get in contact with you and then the chalkboard is totally user unfriendly. As someone who is paying BIG BUCKS for this, I want that portion of my tuition refunded so I can go to the online tutoring center of choice and get better instruction for the problem.
Is this unique to Ashford? Nope. I submit you will have similar problems. You just have to fight for your grade after you have studied and worked for it.
9
10
Luvsdard
(In Progress) on February 16, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Great experience
They transferred all of my community college credits (78), so that really helped with money and time. I cannot think of any other way that I could have gotten my BA, without a huge investment in time, money and aggravation. Some profs were great, others were ok, just like any other college. I started in fall of 2008 and will be done this April, less than 2 classes to go. I can't wait. I may just go for my Master's after I take a little break. You do get burned out from doing papers all the time, but that's what college is supposed to be like. If you are motivated and can work independently, it's for you, if not, then online education is not for you. Great value and experience for the money.
7
10
Ashleyerandall
(In Progress) on February 12, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Currently Enrolled, Graduating Soon
To those of you who are considering going to Ashford:
I enrolled in Ashford a little over two years ago. I am set to graduate in March and have been very pleased with the last two years of my education. Please keep in mind that the majority of individuals who seek out a place to write a review are going to be those people who have had a negative experience. If you have had a negative experience with something, it is natural to want to share it. If you have had a typical/positive experience, aside from friends and family, it's unlikely that you will seek out a place online to share that experience.
Any and all schools will have students who are unhappy and/or had negative experiences. It's kind of like your job - some people you work with like the job others hate it. But, those who hate it are usually the most vocal. It's the same for any website posting reviews of a school, so do not let the reviews discourage you. Trust your instinct.
I am receiving my degree in Social Science. I have been pleased with the classes and the course work. The majority of my professors have been professional, knowledgable, helpful and attentive. Like any school experience (think high school) there are going to be unattentive professors and I have had two of those in the last two years. I work full time (40+ hours a week) and have found that Ashford's attendance policy has been very accomodating. The coursework has been challenging, but not overwhelming or un-doable.
Some reviews have stated that the books are expensive. They are. We are in college and college books are expensive. period. However, for those who need an alternative to puchasing books new, search Google for "Ashford Mom Books." There is a website where current Ashford students get together and exchange, purchase, and sell old Ashford textbooks to and from each other. I have found this to be very helpful.
Some reviews have had trouble getting the Admin or FinAid offices to return calls. I have never had this problem. In fact, my advisor has called regularly (probably every 10 weeks) for the last two years to see how I am doing and if I have any issues or questions about anything.
I have really enjoyed my experience. I hope this review is helpful and, if you are considering going to Ashford, do not be discouraged by the reviews. Good luck!
8
10
Chamishab2008
(In Progress) on January 12, 2010
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Schools/Life aint picture perfect
I am a mother of 2 adorable children who influenced me to return back to school and obtain a BA in Healthcare Administration. Now after reviewing some of the reviews, I am starting to wonder if the people who attend the school previously was 22 years and up this is Ashford requirement for the age limited at Ashford University. Most of the reviews sounds like whining children, IF you didn't read the fine print before you actually took the courses than you are the idiot, everything in life including schools have policy, terms and conditions. All the information about Ashford appears to be from people who didn't do their homework, I am tired of people who want to criticize just because they are not happy with their decision. We all make mistakes in life, maybe your mistakes was intending online schools, as it is not for everyone, Ashford is just like any other school you get what you put in, nothing is going to be easy. online and offline school are a hassle with financial Aide what school can you attend if your financial Aide isn't right, I love this school I am in my 8th class the technology here is wonderful I am improving as a writer. Once you see yourself learning something new then you know you have taken your life into a new direction of learning new things. I can't speak for those who drop out because of not being satisfied and then want to play the blame game, Ashford is accredited school who is approved by the state, and also federal funding is approved by the school so how can you say that it is a scam. Nevertheless, many have complain about the stupid things, not answering phone calls, or responding to emails, I mean are you people really serious with these complaints?? I think that most of you are trying to find a reason to drop out of school, well good luck flopping from school to school, I will be done with my BA in DEC 2011 and will be returning for my master. No i don't work for Ashford my response are 100% real, as people may think that students can't leave good complaints not everyone think alike. Oh before I forget it is not up to the school to process your financial aide they are responsible for applying your funds to your account and keeping an account balance inquires in student portal, Now Ashford has a new classroom much easier to grasp, If for any reason you have complaints about funds contact FAFSA.EDU an obtain the contact information there.
6
10
Indazul
(In Progress) on December 17, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Education in General
This school is like all schools in that you get what you put in. I have attended several schools, including a top ranked school on the east coast, and did just as well in those schools. The largest difference (-) here is the loss of "face to face" time with professors and other students while the (+) is time management. I have always worked full time while going to school and getting to set when I "go to class" is great. Outside of these key differences I would have to state that the quality of students (in general) is lower at Ashford because the university does not require, well; entrance requirements. I have found several students in level 400 classes that still have trouble with sentence structure, spelling, and using references.
I could go to the local public library and get an education that would equal that of any state/private school if I wanted to put in the time. Of course I would lack the credibility that that piece of paper (degree) would bring and that is why we are in school correct? If in the future, I hope sooner than later, Ashford University implemented enrollment requirements I would have no reservation(s) of suggesting this as a great alternative. However, without enrollment requirements I cannot, nor do I, expect anyone to take my degree seriously although I was an honor student at several tradition schools. Lucky for me I am returning to a traditional environment for graduate school, that has enrollment requirements, to avoid anymore "glances" when I mention my education.
In summary, the majority of professors I have had are high quality, several teach at name schools throughout the United States, several of the students are high quality but this is much fewer than at a traditional school, and the only real low quality thing about Ashford University is that it does not have enrollment requirements. This of course is how the label "degree factory" comes into play.
8
10
Joseph.siemandel
(In Progress) on November 27, 2009
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
So far its ok
I am a current MBA student at Ashford, and will say that it is not the best, but it is an ok option for Military Service members, mostly National Guard that are working civilian jobs. For military you get at a minimum of FREE BOOKS, Half your Tuition fee covered, and your GI Bill to help you out. I had my doubts about online school, but I was surprised to see that ASHFORD is a real location in Iowa, it is an accreited university with a lot of positive feedback, and is not a fraud degree.
It maynot have the pull that an MBA from a big known school has, but an MBA is not really a necessity anymore that people think, its a label, and I want to be able to say that I have an MBA, plus it helps to have a masters in the military for promotions.
People are negative because they fail, but if you give at least an effort you will pass your classes. The instructors will answer questions and will give you feedback and teh advisors are always in touch when needed. I had a little fiasco when I first got in and was told I could use Pell Grants, (which you can not in the Masters Program) but I switched over to my Post 9/11 GI Bill and tuition worked out well with the TA from the Guard.
9
10
Nicole.foley
(In Progress) on November 25, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Wow.
I have to say, I am a little shocked at some of the reviews. I am a current student at Ashford University and I am very satisfied with them. Granted, I have only taken 2 classes, but so far so good. As far as accreditation concerns go, Ashford is as regionally accredited school, not nationally. I think people are confused on what that means. Usually Regionally accredited schools have higher standards than Nationally Accredited school and thus not accept courses from nationally accredited schools. If you are concerned if your courses will transfer visit the graduate school you would like to go and see what accreditation they will accept. For example, Cal State San Bernardino is a regular run of the mill four-year college. If you would like to attend graduate school there they ONLY accept regionally accredited schools (like Ashford). The same goes for the private four-year College University of Redlands. As far as jobs are concerned, if you are looking to be a CEO of a major corporation, Ashford University is not going to cut it. Try Harvard or Stanford. But if you are looking to apply your Bachelor’s degree towards being a teacher or getting a higher paying job this degree will work, just like any other four-year college.
My experience has been much better at Ashford than the school I transferred from. The regular four-year college I went to was very impersonal, the professors hardly showed up for class, and homework was never requested. Ashford does challenge you in that the issue homework and final papers so you can retain more information.
In my opinion the people who are so passionate about how “bad” the school is want to have the college experience. They was to be able to tell people that they are driving to school or that someone in class was being stupid or that the professor was late. Ashford works for people like myself who want to get in, learn, earn a degree, and leave. Very simple.
I have not lied about any of the statements I have made. I am not affiliated with the school at all besides being a student.
8
10
Sdmgdchick1904
(In Progress) on November 15, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Not whining here
Opposed to many reviews here, I did not feel pressured into enrollment with Ashford. I am content in my decision to get an education with Ashford, and my enrollment advisor is a very laid back, sweet woman that knows what she is talking about with anything pertaining to the enrollment process or Ashford in general. I am in my fourth course and I still keep in contact with her every once and a while, even though I have a different acedemic advisor.
My first financial advisor was a dissapointment and it aggravated me just trying to get ahold of him, let alone the ONE conversation I had with him, which proved to be a complete waste of time because of his incompitence. I now have a different financial advisor who has answered any and all of my questions within 24 hours or less. I would advise anyone having problems with one of thier advisors to simply ask to speak with a different advisor, not a supervisor, just a different advisor in that department, instead of complaining about it on a review board.
I am maintaing a 4.0 GPA, though I am still early in my education, and I have worked hard everyday since my second course (the first course was really easy, mainly there just to familiarize people with the online enviornment).
I manage a large hotel and am also a single mother, and Ashford has worked into my schedule wonderfully. I find all of my coursework challenging and when I am doing my school work I always learn something new. My instructors, with the exeption of one, have been absolutly great.
I know for a fact that a degree with Ashford IS accredited, because I have done extensive research to make sure it is; calling various HR departments, asking supervisors of accounting companies and businesses, etc. All over San Diego California, New Mexico, and Iowa(because those are the places I travel to for work). I have not had one company tell me that an Ashford degree is not acceptable. People who say that Ashford graduates are laughed at are rediculious, I don't think we will see anyone laughing when an Ashford graduate is running the business your working for.
8
10
Captain_blackheart
(In Progress) on November 10, 2009
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Currently going
I'm a current student of Ashford online, and after reading some of these reviews I am wondering if we are attending the same school.
The school IS accredited, (I did my research in that before signing up). Secondly, anyone who says the courses are "for idiots", I'm not sure what your definition of "an idiot" is. My current course is five weeks long and in order to finish we are having to read 3-5 chapters from our book per week, plus another 1-2 from a secondary book.
The discussion board is good, becuase it subsitutes for "Classroom participation", and shows that you've read the material. My instructor has outlined the fact that you are graded on your responses and knowledge of material, as well as writing and spelling skills and structure.
My final paper for this course is due in three weeks, and it's in collegiate APA style format.
Being middle aged, and in todays economy, I don't have a rich mommy or daddy to pay for me to spend my days driving back and forth to a brick and mortar university, and where I live there are NONE of the cheaper "community colleges" for me to attend.
I've been going to colleges across the country on and off for 20 years due to my work situation, and because of this, Ashford gives me the best choice for my time and money, and in this economy.
It's not perfect. The two biggest issues that I have with them so far is that the bookstore, (which is NOT part of Ashford, but sells the books), screwed up my delivery, and their online tech support guy was "Lazy" in attempting to help fix an application problem with their software. But that has NOTHING to do with the courses itself.
Like all adults, you need a level of maturity, and understanding of what you are getting into when you sign up for this. Many of the same "whines" I've read here, I heard from guys who joined the miitary and then decided that "they didn't like it"....
9
10
Uctechrichard
(In Progress) on November 7, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Very Pleased
I am finishing my BA in Psychology on the 14th of next month. This is the only online course I have taken, so I have nothing to compare it with. I had approached several colleges which offered online formats. Ashford was the only one that actually responded by phone. This told me something. My only concern was that, I had an enrollment advisor who was replaced by an academic advisor after the first course. Have had two since. I am applying at Grand Canyon U. for my graduate degree in counseling. It is my understanding that that one advisor will be with me through out my education with them. In addition, some people have advisors who check with them on a regular basis. The only one who checked in with me is the current one who called me once. Some of the students do seem subliterate in their forum posts. Besides these slight complaints, I have had a good experience. Ashford applied a lot of my previous experience as life credits. For instace, I received credits for attending Combat Engineer school for the National Guard (for building materials) and for a hazmat course I took as a volunteer fireman. The classes are demanding, requiring lots of reading and writing. APA format is strongly enforced. This is good, I am finishing my education at Ashford with a sense of accomplishment. Instructors are supportive and responsive. Financial aid has gone smoothly. It has paid for all my classes and have received stipend checks two or three times a year which helps with finances. The text books have been excellent. My last concern, as I am graduating, has been for the transferability of my credits. Ashford is regionally accreditted. The military advisor at GCU, who is assigned to me told me without hesitation, that my credits would be accepted. At 55 yrs of age, I have always wanted a college degree. My wife is a T 6 spinal cord injury, and I work full time. The online class has allowed me to meet all my responsibilities and get an education. If you are motivated enough to utilize an online format, I recommend Ashford. It is a challenging course, but a whole team is at your disposal to assist you. Thank you Ashford for an over all good experience.
7
10
Jmckinney1978
(In Progress) on October 26, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Rought Start, but Worth the Wait!
Ok, I've been in my program since June, and I am finishing up my 4th class. I had a VERY VERY rough start dealing with financial aid. Unfortunately, it took 5 months for my financial aid to get processed due to errors on my part and miscommunications from AU's financial aid office, however, I can say that it's worth the wait. They have a generous transfer credit policy which helps you graduate sooner. Although I had a headache trying to get through the financial aid process, and many times it was difficult trying to reach people to talk to (enrollment counselor, financial services advisor, academic advisor), but I will say this: IF you can get through the headache of miscommunication, waiting to hear from someone, trying to reach people and can't sometimes, you'll be satisfied with the school overall afterwards. I think the only complaint I really have is that it would take days for a return call back or email from my enrollment counselor, academic advisor and financial services advisor, which often got on my nerves. HOWEVER, I look forward to becoming an AU alumni...this is my honest opinion, and I don't have any other complaints about MY INSTITUION OF HIGHER LEARNING!!! GO SAINTS!!! :-)
8
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on September 13, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
No Problems so far
I have been attending Ashford University for over a year now and cannot really complain about the quality of the courses. No financial worries either since my GI Bill covers the cost and then some.
I did have a slight communication problem with one of my previous advisors but she was either transferred or otherwise left before I could complain and my current advisor has so far been very attentive to my concerns.
Before Ashford I had studied at a few traditional brick and mortar colleges (Santa Monica College, San Francisco City College, Wright State University) and the actual coursework (readings, papers, etc) is pretty much on the same level, the only thing different being the "classroom" experience.
I actually get more out of the online format than I did in the classroom but that is probably because I don't participate much in live classrooms anyway, preferring instead to just get on with it and do the readings and assignments. The same is true for my time at Ashford in that while they do require a certain amount of discussion posts, the assignments are really what matters so it pretty much works out for me.
What I'm worried about is how credible the degree will be considered. I have read and researched much that states that online degress from Ashford, Phoenix, Kaplan, are not even looked at twice by potential employers. However, given my choice of degree - Communications Studies - in relation to my current occupation and work situation, I think I should be ok.
Since I work for the government and Ashford is accredited, the degree will help to supplement my existing experience and skills with further advancement in my civil service career. However I would worry if I was expecting to get a position in a more technical or scientific field such as Information Systems based on an online degree since I think most of those fields often require some sort of practical application in addition to the book learning.
With that being said, I think that an online degree such as the ones being offered through Ashford are more applicable to someone who already has viable work experience. Whereas employers may shy away from an applicant with only an online degree, they may be more open minded to those who they may see as having attended college later in life wanting to improve on their already existing skills.
10
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on August 15, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford is an Excellent Online Option
My experience with Ashford has been excellent. Coming from a traditional in-seat experience at Broward College in Broward County, Florida, I feel that my knowledge from the curriculum at Ashford has definitely widened my scope. The professor's posed challenging questions and excellent feedback within the Blackboard forums. Get ready to do a lot of writing in pure APA format! Yes, you will have to be responsible for making contact with both your academic advisor and your financial aid advisor on a regular basis in order to fulfill the tasks you hope to achieve at Ashford, but that would be at any college in which you take initiative. I am currently in the final two courses (yes you can take two courses concurrently) of my Bachelor's of Organizational Mangagement and find that any college I am hoping to attend for my Master's in Public Administration have stated they will transfer the entire degree towards their MPA. That is of course, if I choose not to continue on with Ashford's MPA in October. Ultimately I only required eleven courses with Ashford in order to obtain my BAOM, so I was able to complete that task starting in January of 2009 and ending in September, 2009. Be sure to as about the PLA program (Prior Learning Assessment) as I was able to eliminate 23 elective credits by submitting a one page Credit Rational paper and $30 per credit. I don't think you can complete your BA at ANY other college in eight to nine months! As a Deputy Sheriff it will provide me an opportunity to advance within my career and my employer is not concerned with Ashford's 'credibility' because they have heard from many different agencies that they are excellent! On a scale from one to ten, I would give Ashford, its professors and its administrative staff a ten! Good luck in your endeavors.
7
10
Client.care247
(In Progress) on July 30, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Teachers Great--Office Staff Not So Much!!
I started the week of Thanksgiving 2008, probably not a good idea, was ill for about half of the class. The instructor never answered my emails requesting information about my progress (ie. Whether I should submit missed work, drop). I ended up getting an F, after my advisor told me to move on to the next class and I did not turn in the final paper (you cannot get an F). I obtained an 88 on the retake (for another $1500 charge) , plus A’s & B’s on subsequent classes. I prefer to get my books now from campusbookrentals.com to help defray out of pocket costs. I have been given the run around on financial aid. My most recent disbursement arrived on 7/7. To date, five emails to three different people over the last month have remained unanswered regarding when I can expect my $4000-5000 stipend. By the time it comes my car will be repossessed or just voluntarily relinquished to the loan company. The only way I received my last stipend was to call the supervisor and threaten to drop out of the school and contact a lawyer. I have considered going to another school but figured there are negatives all over. I also thought that attending an online school that actually had a physical campus somewhere would be more beneficial than the just freestanding Internet schools. But, clearly I was wrong. Another thing you must realize too is that online schooling is still in its infancy. It really emerged with the dot.com boom. But no one has as large a market share as University of Phoenix and even they have bad reviews. You need to do your research on their finances, professors, and login requirements. Also, what the other students are doing has nothing to do with you. If they can't put together a full sentence then that’s their problem. Surely, you can find 2-3 other classmates to correspond on a discussion with. No one really knows what the perception is in the workplace about online degrees because there really are not enough studies. But, employers have to realize that when adults go to school online it decreases the amount of time they need off or away from work. No, you are not going to be able to compete with the likes of Harvard, Yale, or Princeton. The teachers are all different. One can be demanding like you are at an Ivy league school and another can obviously be just doing this for extra money in between his real full time job. It’s what you make of it. You can skimp on the assignments just to get an A or you can apply yourself so that you can have some real world experience to use. If it weren't for the financial aid problems and conflicting answers that I get from the office staff, then I would have been able to recommend this school with no reservations to others. The staff knows that I prefer they not contact me unless in writing because of my dissatisfaction with the advisement that I have received since 11/2008.
8
10
Kychickadee
(In Progress) on July 28, 2009
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford University--3 years, about to graduate.
I enrolled at Ashford in mid-2006. The bottom dropped out of my home life less than a year in, but my academic advisor was very helpful, and after having to take one of my allowed leaves of absence I got back on track rather quickly. I have only purchased ONE text through the campus bookstore--cheaper alternatives are not hard to find if you look,and in all of the courses I've had I have never encountered a problem with the off-"campus" textbooks. I have no serious complaints about any of the courses in my degree program save one (a Phonics course for which I had to purchase a set of commercially available phonics CDs and workbooks). It's important to remember that the difference between this type of classroom and traditional, brick & mortar types is that everyone sees everyone else's work & the class average grade. The quality of YOUR education is what YOU put into it, not how what you do compares against someone else, and just because YOU think someone shouldn't pass a course doesn't mean that student hasn't met the required standards for a C-. As far as financial aid goes, I haven't had any issues but I had experience with it from my previous stint on a traditional campus. If you don't know what you're signing DON'T SIGN ANY FORM until you sit down with someone who does understand! Or...reject the aid package (you do have that right) and withdraw. In order to become federal Title IV financial aid eligible, Ashford had to comply with the same standards as any other traditional institution of higher education. And, AU is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. These things I learned from my own research before officially enrolling.
Know what you're getting into BEFORE you get into it. I've enjoyed AU, and will probably pursue an MA online--though most likely not with Ashford, as they don't offer my program of choice.
10
10
Icityrei
(In Progress) on July 20, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
My Experince with Ashford
I enrolled into Ashford in March 2009. I love this school! Anytime I have emailed or called, about a question with my homework, finical aide. or the blackboard; I receive a phone call or email within 24 hours. They are very supportive, understanding & helpful! Going to any school is stressful. But, my advisors have ALWAYS been there to help me, always! I would highly recommend this school to anyone who has a busy life & does want to go back to school. I do wish they had more variety on the degrees but who knows they might later on. I am really excited to get my bachelors degree. I don't know about any of the other advisors but I have already helped enroll 3 friends and they love it as much as I do. I also have other friends & family who are trying to get enrolled. So all the bad reviews IDK why or how you got to where you are but I know how I got to where I am. I checked my emails did all the info my advisor told me fill out. I made sure I got things done on time for class. You walk through the blackboard with your advisor or you have an option of a 24.7 800# that will help you if you get stuck.
I love this school & I know you will too, if you are willing to do the work & by the rules, not what is best for you. It's the same rules for everyone! Tuesdays you start your week first day of the class your have your INTRO due, next 4 weeks you wont have anything due on Tuesdays for that class. Thursdays is day 3 where you have to do the blackboard discussion assignment, then depending on the teacher & assignment you will have a written paper due Sunday day 6, then on Monday you have to make sure you respond to 2-3 people in your class about the discussion you wrote on Thursday & agree or dissagree with what they wrote. It's all about communication! They say you only have to sign in 2x out the week but honestly to keep above a 3.0 it's going to take you *tues, thurs, sun & mon* these are just my feelings & how I have been able to keep my grades so high. 3 to 4 days to get those A's =0} good luck to whatever you choose.
I just now started my 3rd week of my 4th class & have completed 3 classes giving me a total of 9 credits so far, and my gpa is 3.33. Out of my four teachers so far only one was hard to understand. But they all are so helpful in the end I would never want to go to any of the previous colleges like ENMUR online or AIU.
I love the Ashford staff they rock! If you want to go back & speak to I did get where I am call my advisor because I can speak that he is 100% dedicated to helping you come back to school. Also, I like that if you don't want to come back or go with Ashford my Advisor is very understanding & not a jerk like some of the other schools that pressure you or put you down or harass you.
Thanks & I hope this helps,
Felicity
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
8
10
Dirtbiking
(Graduate) on July 12, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Take these reviews with a grain of salt
A lot of these reviewers are either tainted by bad experiences and offer plain untruths. For instances, many (not all) Ashford University textbooks if purchased from THEIR bookstore are packaged with their name on it. However, the course information provides the full ISBN and you can buy the textbook anywhere online and usually cheaper. That said, their bookstore is very efficient. Living in Tennessee I normally received a book from them within 2 days. The few times I tried buying my books elsewhere was more hassle than the savings were worth.
As for academics, what do you expect, a Harvard or MIT education? Give me a break. I did the bulk of my undergraduate work (80+ hours) in a brick n' mortar institution (Univ of Nevada, Las Vegas) and found Ashford to be on par as far as a non-technical degree program goes. Like UNLV, Ashford has good and bad instructors, and some courses are relatively easy while others are not.
I actually found Ashford's course load to be much more intense than UNLV, and for the most part, their professors won't accept the "dog ate my homework" excuses many of my UNLV professors would.
As for brick n' mortar institutions, if you find sitting in a lecture hall with 150+ other students while a professor drones on non-stop for 50 minutes and then leaves without answering a single question a better learning environment, more power to you.
Finally, you have to separate the academic from the marketing side. all these institutions do this nowadays as they battle to fill seats. Otherwise, I have had very good academic advisors, and never experienced a single problem with their financial department whatsoever.
Bottom line: you get what you pay. Its not MIT but it's not a degree mill either. Ashford's online programs are accelerated and the workload bears this out. If you do not participate in the discussion forums, or turn in homework on time you fail, just like a traditional school. Like a traditional school, each course has its bright students and those who aren't so much, and this is reflected in their work.
I accomplished approximately 40 credits, obtain my degree, and found Ashford relatively on par with all the brick n' mortar institutes I've attended as far as course relevancy, instructors, and academics. Hope this helps other prospective students.
4
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on July 9, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
BE VERY CAREFUL!!! (And I'm a neutral party!)
I first contacted this school just to get general information, as I planned to look into several schools before making a decision. I can validate what a lot of other posts here have already stated: be careful! Once you make that call, they will suck you in and make it very hard to get away.
After I made the call, I was immediately pressured into completing their online application form. (I wasn't even ready to apply, though! I just wanted information!) But okay, so I agreed just to "apply"....and then I'd continue on with my plan to research other schools in the meantime. Well, they advisors they set you up with (upon your first call) will call you incessantly, day after day. It is very annoying, very high-pressure.....they just want you to sign up. It is more pressure you will receive than at a used car lot. I honestly wonder if these "advisors" are paid on a commission or something like that....
Anyway, I've done my research and for many reasons I've decided not to attend this school. So I encourage everyone out there to please do your research!! Draw clear boundaries with these guys and don't be forced into a decision. Here is what I found (and the reasons I won't be attending this school):
- It is NOT the cheapest online degree program out there. Check out a lot of other state and private universities, especially the ones that are reputable campus schools (not just the strictly online schools).
- You may get more financial aid by going to a state school, because most states have state grants that are provided for in-state schools too.
- The traditional university format has it's strengths: you get to pick your own courses each quarter and the traditional quarter-format is much more manageable in terms of work/life balance (for me,anyway).
- Many schools will NOT accept credits from Ashford if you choose to transfer or apply for graduate school. Please look into this if you've got educational plans beyond Ashford.
- Lots of complaints filed on Better Business Bureau. I compared their file to that of other schools I'd been researching, and it didn't even compare. Now if you think about it, why would any even have a reason to file a complain with BBB for a SCHOOL??? Well, of all the other schools, only one of them had 1 complaint filed. Ashford, on the other hand, had about 35. That's a lot for any business, let along a school.
So do your research, folks. It's up to you But who knows....this may be the perfect fit for someone out there. But not for me.
3
10
Dominicanfrenchie
(In Progress) on June 29, 2009
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
My recent experience
I thought I was one of the few exceptions to the rule when I enrolled in this school and things went so smoothly, my academic advisor couldnt call me enough, then the sh*t hit the fan, I was failed from a class after being promised to be given time to hand in assignments (while 2 other students were given full credit for handing it in after I did), Financial aid people are a joke, they dont call back, and whenthey do they have an attitude, i requested to be withdrawn from this school and here i am 3 months later still having issues. Do your homework, plus my first and second class were passed without purchasing a single book (they averge 100+, per class) not to mention that if you think your getting excess funds to buy books, NOT happening, they hit you with the Technology fee as soon as your account reflects excess funds, they have your go thru a huge rigamorole to request special permission to have your own money released to you then when you are approved, they charge you the technology fee so that there are no funds left over, plus the fact that they tell you that you can only get approval once, so any excess funds from consecutive disbursements are in limbo?? these people are full of malarchy, they are out to get whatever they can and in the process give you a "mediocre" education that no one values.... too much money for so little return.
9
10
Bradleygt89
(In Progress) on June 9, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Very Satisfied after 6 classes
I came to this review site back in October of '08 when I first decided to finish my degree. I am 38 years old and had about 60 credits to transfer, plus credits from when I was in the Navy. I read all the reviews on here, asked lots of questions from the staff at Ashford, my brother who has BS from a brick and mortar school and then weighed my options. While going to a CC was an option for me, it would have been very hard as a single father who at the time was in the car business and working 50-60 hours a week.
So I enrolled in Ashford. I have had a couple different academic advisers over the time and during one class, a professor was let go half way into it for allowing extra credit(which is against school rules it turns out). These have been my only two small issues, other then the usual stuff like Blackboard going down a couple times on me(which if its on a due date for work to be turned in, the Professor will let you have an extra day of course)
IF you take the time to fill out your FAFSA and other paperwork as required, you will be fine. I had NO problems with my loans or transfer of credits, although they did take longer then I thought they should, but all was in there by second week of class. IF you need or want someone to hold your hand and baby you the whole way through enrollment and your schooling this may not be for you. Most students that I have come across are like myself and either in the field they wish to study for and more mature (over 30).
Like any classroom or schooling environment, you will have one or two in your class that you know are bringing the bell curve down, but if YOU want to get an education and are motivated to learn, this is a great environment to do it in. There is a variety in the classroom situations unlike what some have said on here, but even in a brick and mortar situation you have the same tediousness in my opinion: do homework (discussion board), quizzes, reports and final papers. I have learned a lot in my classes here and already have applied them at my work and in my life.
To sum it up, if you are motivated and want a good education and have the drive to succeed without being pampered or told what to do, this will be a great choice for you. But do some research into other programs, both online and brick and mortar (look at the reviews for you local CC and University and you will see not all love them either) as well and make you mind up. Remember that enrollment advisers are salespeople and will SELL you on the benefits of their particular schools program. As a fellow salesman, I can see through the BS and make up my own mind. DO the same for yourselves and you'll be happy with your decision!
8
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on June 2, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Good, becareful, as you would anywhere
As long as you don't fall into the trap of believing everything you are told upfront, then I don't think you will be disappointed. The blackboard (BB) is no different here, than anywhere that uses it or a similar software. One post here says they don't credit you if the BB is down. I imagine that it is up to the instructor, but I have yet to have one not credit me if the BB was down. I have noticed many people who post things late in the BB. An assignment due date is there for a reason, so if you are going to be late, don't complain. I have 5 classes under my belt here and I won't complaint about the education I am rec'g, compared to the standard on campus education I have rec'd.
The financial aid issues are the same everywhere. I do think the advisors and enrollment people are less than qualified sometimes. They also acted as though my associates degree would full transfer, but only about 70% did. That was disappointing. Ashford is worth it though. They are accredited and I have found the instructors are serious about their topics. The Admin and books are what I question....
1
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on May 31, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
absolutely not worth the time
I am writing this on behalf of my step-sister. She separated from the US Navy last year and wanted to get her college degree. When she asked me for my input, I suggested she research her options very carefully. Nearly one week later, she informed me a local online consortium had contacted her and offered to accept her military training as a substitute for nearly ALL of her prerequisite 100 and 200-level credentials. Having spent several years working alongside a colleague who later became the president of a very well reputed corporation, I decided to inquire about the bona fides of an online university in today's business world. Sadly, her response was what I feared most-she told me to tell my sibling, "absolutely not worth her time." Unfortunately, my sister did not listen. She paid her enrollment fee and expected classes to provide her the necessary instruction to permit her to find suitable employment in the business community. Almost six months later, my sister had her BBA in marketing. To date, she is yet to find a job paying more than $28,650. Her total bill for materials and instruction: more than $50,000. Several potential employers have suggested she transfer her units to an accredited university, like USD or National. To my sister's disgust, these schools will NOT accept any of her upper division work, and few of her accredited transfer credits from the US Navy. SDSU told her she would likely have to start at the Freshman level, if they admitted her at all in lieu of her attendance/degree completion at another university.
1
10
Miagirllost
(In Progress) on May 22, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Continuing Post below:
I’ve since transferred to the local university, who accepted all my credits EXCEPT Ashford’s. I’ll be graduating this fall rather than summer because of this. However, I do agree with the University’s decision that the classes at Ashford are just not at the same level as most US Universities. Now, I have been receiving calls and letters saying, I owe $2011.00. I spoke to a Financial Aid officer at Ashford, who refused to send me an invoice. When I said I would not speak to her without one, she hung up. I called her again and once I questioned her as to why the Academic Advisor registered me for a course if I owed money, she hung up. I was never informed about the first balance. It clearly states in the student handbook, students are not allowed to register if there is a balance. Please note: Your academic advisor is the only person who can register or drop you. You yourself can’t do this, which makes it possible for your Academic Advisor to register you for courses without consent as well as driving up balances you may not know exist.
I have called Ashford University 20 times in last two days and no one is willing to send me the exact date and courses. I have emails stating I would be receiving financial aid. I do not know why I owe these people money. I have already made a report with the Better Business Bureau, as well as the US Dept. of Education’s Office of Inspector. I hope something will be done to stop Ashford from taking advantage of people who just want an education, while misrepresenting and lying about Federal Aid. I for one believe Federal Aid for this school should stop in hopes of steering people far away from this school.
8
10
Kmcurrie
(Graduate) on May 4, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Just Graduated Two Weeks Ago- An Honest Review
As a recent graduate of this university, there are some great things to report and there are only one or two items, which are less than positive. Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first. If for any reason you are scheduled for a class titled Man dependance on the environment, demand another class. This so called class is the biggest joke, and waste of money I have ever seen. You are required to purchase a book, which you can get for free online. The class is nothing more than the same topic expressed every week. Oh and let's not forgot the mindless online lab (50.00 you will never get back) It's rare I would ever say a class is worthless, since I believe all education is valuable, but this class is a waste. Additionally it takes seven weeks to get any money back from your student loans. There is no reason any school should take this long to refund YOUR money. After all some students are living off their loans, and can not wait seven weeks. Now we have this out of the way, my overall experience has been pretty great! The professors generally care about their students, and want them to succeed. I have made many friends, both in the student body and staff. I would highly recommend this school. However, I will offer this suggestion. Be sure to give yourself enough time on the written assignments.
10
10
Clwz28
(In Progress) on April 16, 2009
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Excellent Choice
After reading many reviews for online classes, I came to realize that all colleges receive a mixture of reviews, both positive and negative. Those who struggle in class seem to be the ones who scream the loudest about the integrity of the college they are bashing, often refering to the school as a diploma mill.
Let me set the record straight. Whether at a brick and mortar campus or an online classroom, you get out of your educational experience what you put into it. I have been enrolled at Ashford for one year, and will be graduating March of 2010. I currently hold a 3.97 GPA, but I will tell you that this is not a cake walk. On average, I put in approximately 20 hours per week to maintain this average. When grades are posted, a class average for each assignment is posted so you may gage your accomplishments to that of your peers. Let me tell you that not every classmate does this well. For example, on our latest writing assignment, the class average was 6.16 points out of a possible 10, I scored much higher than the average, but this speaks volumes to my statement of you get out of it what you put into it.
I have found all but one of my classes to be challenging, and the instructors are always posting questions to students Blackboard disscussions, pressing them to explore further. Ashford is a quality school, that is accredited. If you are serious about learning, not looking for a free pass, Ashford is an excellent choice.
8
10
Clarkjs
(In Progress) on April 2, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Enjoying My Experience Thus Far
I have only completed the mandatory introductory course; PSY 202, as well as one course within my major, and I am basing my evaluation soley on these two courses and the interaction I have had with my various advisors.
I have given Ashford an overall rating of 8.5. I feel that they have met all of my expectations thus far, but a 9 or 10 rating is reserved for exceeding all expectations.
The materials used by Ashford are the same texts that are used by a traditional university. they do have a few "custom" texts, however I think the only thing "custom" is the Ashford logo on the cover. The content of the books appears to be exactly the same as any other non-custom text.
The teachers, for the most part appear to be experts in their fields. I only had minimal interaction with any of the teachers, I did however interact with the teaching assistant. All of my emails or Blackboard postings to either of the instructors, were answered in a reasonable time. The grades were posted on a consistant basis, and constructive feedback was provided for all papers that I was required to write.
I feel that the institution rating feeds back to the overall rating of "8".
I have rated the support a perfect "10". I have called or emailed my enrollment, accademic, and financial advisor more than 15 times for various reasons. Each and every time I received a response from them within 1-3 hours. They appear to be very accessible and haven't made a habit of "passing the buck" if my question or issue wasn't their particular area of work.
As for value, I have rated Ashford a "10". I am a Military student using the Montgomery GI Bill. My books are provided by a Military grant and my tution is $750 per course regardless of the level (upper or lower). The course cost, along with the support functions make this school an extremely good value for me as a Military student.
Being that Ashford is an online school, of course they are using technology. I don't see them using more or less than any other school, and I rate them an "8"
Taking my experiences into consideration I would reccomend Ashford Universtiy to anyone seeking an online BA.
5
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on March 15, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford Advisors pfft!
First I'll start by saying Ashford advisors are a joke! The classes are OK, so far. The financial advisor is rude, will not return emails, answer phone, or give call backs. By the way her name is Erin Murphy, if you eroll request someone else or you will be unsatisfied. The enrollment advisor, calls you almost daily, sends emails like a spammer, and lies. I was looking for a degree in Natural Health. This college doesn't even offer it. The enrollment advisor told me, since they are "cheapest", I should possibly get my general education done then transfer. Well a load of crap in itself, they enroll me in classes that are, well, a 5th grader can get straight A's in. Then a "Film" class, stating that is an English class. I requested that I not take it and get something else.. She was then rude saying it was mandatory for a degree... Since then, she stopped the email spamming, won't answer her phone, etc. Finally I got through to her. She had the nerve to say, she seen me calling but was on the phone with other students. OK, so that verifies they have caller ID. The 3 days I tried calling practically every hour on the hour, she was on the other line? I doubt it.. I believe her and the enrollment advisor was laughing at me for obviously making a fool of myself calling so much. The classes are not that challenging! If you want an easy 3.5-4.0 this would be the school. Make sure you have extra funds for tylenol, you will need it.
All I have to say, if you have another option, PLEASE TAKE IT!
7
10
Clickfold2004
(In Progress) on March 2, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
I like this school!
I have been at Ashford for almost one year and I love it there. I like their online format, no group projects, no 'scheduled' times to be online...it's been a wonderful experience for me.
The classes are great, most of the instructors are great, but it can be hit-or-miss. Sometimes you get instructors who are more 'hands-on' which is what I prefer.
I've worked my butt off to maintain a GPA, and these classes aren't 'cake' by any means. You do have to work, you write two papers for each class, you have discussion prompts that really make you think...
I've not had a problem with my financial aid (knock on wood) but it has only been a year. I've never had a hard time getting in touch with anyone at the university, be it financial aid people, my academic advisor, or even my enrollment advisor.
I do look elsewhere for books, mainly Amazon or half.com, but there is also a blog put together by a lovely lady where people post what they want or need for VERY good prices.
Blackboard is neat, also. There was a period where it was out for an unexpectedly long time and extra time was given after Blackboard was fixed to turn in assignments. I've never had a problem with Blackboard going out that hasn't either been quickly fixed or that I haven't been given additional time to turn in my assignments.
So far, I have not had a problem at all with Ashford. The classes have been tough, but not to the point where they are impossible to pass, just enough to challenge you. I would recommend Ashford and I have. I've never been bothered for referrals, either.
9
10
Ryangapen
(In Progress) on February 24, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Great, for the right person.
I have been attending Ashford for about 2 years. I started out going for my degree in Organizational Management, and later added a second degree in business administration. I will admit that the school has some drawbacks, but it's worth the time. The academic advisors have changed a few times for me, and there have been some miscommunications, just like other schools. The only difference is that when I had an issue I didn’t have to wait in line for a half hour, I just sent an e-mail and waited a day to hear back.
For someone that is a self starter, I would highly recommend this school. You don't have to listen to boring lectures, and you can join in with the class at just about any time. I have had professors from several great schools such as MIT, and Yale. I would not have had an experience like this at any other school.
I was not the best student before, but after trying school online, I will never go back. If I get tired, and want to check out of class, I can. And if I wake up at 3am and want to go to school, I can. This has boosted my motivation, and I continuously want to do better. I have a GPA of 3.84 right now, and I am very proud because I worked very hard for it. Plus my tying skills have improved dramatically. I was able to side step my career to something that is far less labor intensive, and I am doing better than I ever have. It’s really hard to sum up Ashford in a few paragraphs. What I can say is that if you are a self starter, then you will do well here, but don’t expect it to be a cake walk.
2
10
Schumacher.ak
(In Progress) on February 23, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Good: An acclerated program. At Ashford your writing will improve, the curriculum is geared toward writing papers of modest length, using multiple sources for content. Two to 3 papers are due for every 5 week course. The weekly quizzes account for 20% of the overall grade, they're open book, and even if you don't do the assigned reading you can still do well enough on the quizzes.
The Bad: You are required to write two 300 word posts every week, and respond to a minimum of four posts. Everyone typically gets 80% to 100% credit for posting - regardless of quality - and sometimes the quality can be pretty poor. Just write something, anything, and you'll get credit.
The Ugly: Pretty much everyone passes. Just pay the money and show up.
9
10
Pinheads1
(Graduate) on February 15, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Great Experience!
I had always planned on going back to school and finishing my Bachelors degree as I dropped out of a community college after completing 66 units due to financial issues. Well, at the age of 50 I did so and chose Ashford U. after researching several other colleges (both on-line and traditional). My advisor got me started (first class in March, 2006) and I took out a couple of student loans to initially pay my tuition. Everything went smoothly for me. The classes were challenging and, as in any school, some instructors were better than others but none were poor. I found that my e-mails and phone calls were responded to in a timely manner and the instructors were willing to work with their students when issues arose. Again, as in any school, there were students who took issue with grades, complained when they were late with assignments and lost points or didn't purchase the text and expected to receive an A. Let's face it; you get out what you put into your academic career regardless of where you study and on-line classes take discipline as it is up to the individual to succeed or fail. I graduated on June 30, 2008 with a degree in Organizational Management (suma cum laude) and within a month received a promotion at work. Though I spent many a morning and hours on weekends studying, researching and writing papers, it was all worth it. Quite frankly, I miss the interactions and challenges of the classroom but it is nice to be able to surf in the mornings again! I feel that Ashford U. was a great experience and I am very glad that I chose this school to fulfill my goal of obtaining my BA.
4
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on February 3, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Give me a break!!!
Overall, the classes and instructors have been good. I enjoy my classes at AU. I have worked my tail off and have a 3.93 GPA, so I have no complaints on that part of the Institution. I am not sure I would recommend people to Ashford simply because of the problems I have encountered in other areas.
My main complaint about this school is the process of receiving financial aid. Frankly I don't care what some other students have done, I have four kids to feed and put a roof over their heads. I waited my 14 weeks and I did receive a portion of my financial aid, but they are still holding $1600(about a 1/3) of my money. My tuition is paid for through the military...so why? By the way, my 14 weeks was up in November....still nothing. I was told they will hold 2 classes worth, and then as the military pays they will issue me a check. Military has paid and I still have nothing.
They do not send invoices out in a timely manner, and when they do finally get them out, they loose the paperwork that was returned and say it was the military's delay. Not true, because they are furious over this, constantly resending vouchers to Ashford, and sending immediate payment as the invoices come in. I work, along with going to school and do not feel that I should have to hold Ashford's hand through-out this process, that is supposed to be their job.
I have attended other brick and mortar schools, taking their online classes and have never had this amount of problem with payments and receiving financial aid. I did notice that even though they only update my account activity once every 2 or so weeks (including attendance) tuition is immediately updated the day class starts. At least someone is on the ball in the billing department!
I have called numerous times and have gotten the run-around. Every single time I have asked to speak with a supervisor they are "in a meeting". I have left several messages on the supervisor's voicemail to return my call, if they ever give her a break from all those "meetings" (are they holding her hostage..should I call 911?)and she has not once called back. Policy is supposed to be 24 hours for a return call.
For those of you that are having similar problems, you can contact the College Student Aid Commission for Iowa, the number is fairly easy to locate. That will be my next phone call as I am growing tired of having to deal with this issue.
5
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on January 19, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
My Brief Ashford Experience
I completed 9 credits at Ashford University. To be honest, my experience was not all that bad. In fact, "good enough" may be the perfect words to describe my thoughts here.
All 9 of my credits tranferred seamlessly into my local state college when I was ready to move on, which was rather quickly. I will admit that my writing skills improved significantly during my brief stay with Ashford. Although, I must say that writing was always a relatively strong skill for me anyway. All in all, I learned several valuable skills at Ashford University in spite of the fact that I only took 3 classes.
I had three different instructors. One was mediocre, one was absolutely excellent, and one was lousy to the deepest depths of what lousy could possibly mean to any one person. This is the reason that the overall rating I gave was a 5.
Having said that, I ultimately transerred out of Ashford because I am a high-achieving adult student and I could get into better colleges. Ashford is so open enrollment that people without high school diplomas have claimed to be admitted into Ashford. Honestly, I got to see really serious grade inflation first hand because some of the people in my online class were barely functioning at a ninth-grade level and were being passed through the system. This is true without a doubt.
I think it is very likely that AU's reputation will continue to collapse for as long as witnesses to this grade inflation phenomenon are talking online. A college degree from Ashford will probably be viewed as a college degree for people who couldn't perform well in a traditional university. This comment is not to slam its curriculum, which I already admitted was decent. This comment is designed to mention that not everyone is quite capable of being college material. In my opinion, Ashford University is a college that better serves the needs of these people than those who can be successful at more selective institutions.
9
10
Ckd_808
(In Progress) on January 13, 2009
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Been a year with no problem
I have been enrolled for a year so far. SO far so good. I have been able to transfer credits from my local community college with no problem. I have also applied for financial aid with no problem and receive my money in a timely manner. I have read how others have had issues with communication, but I have had no issues and live 5,000 miles away from campus. Yes, it is expensive, but my location limits me in my options. Phoenix University was more expensive, less flexible and had a longer program.
Remember, Financial aid is up to you. You have to be the one to apply online at FAFSA.org once you do this and designate your appropriate school, fill out the proper forms for your school, its all good. Unless you missed a deadline, there should be no problems besides possible human error.
8
10
Stupafly
(In Progress) on January 12, 2009
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
So Far, So Good
I just wanted to say that I am in my third class at Ashford. The stipend payments were disbursed exactly when they said they would be in my notification via email, and the date of the payment under "financial information" link online coincided with when I received my check several days later. I already knew there would be a wait for the first disbursement, thanks to my enrollment advisor letting me know, but my first set of books was free, again, just like my enrollment advisor indicated.
Speaking of books, I tend to buy mine on Ebay. They are a lot less than at the online store.
As for Ashford being a diploma mill, I would disagree. So far I have a 4.0 grade point average, but the average grades for each class (which are posted) are much less than mine. The quality of some of the posting on Blackboard is poor, but I believe that people there are graded fairly. My three teachers so far have been very responsive to any questions I have had.
There are brick and mortar institutions where you actually have to wait all the way until the end of the quarter to receive any stipends for left-over funding. So that would be at three, six, nine and 12 months, if you attend even in summer. I don't feel the seven and 15 week policy is unreasonable.
2
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on January 5, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford University
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would strongly discourage anyone considering Ashford University from doing so. I am receiving my BA in psychology from Ashford and have completed all required hours, however after being told by my academic advisor and the registrars office that my degree completion transcript should be on its way, I am now informed that I have to complete 3 more hours of upper division credits. I have no problems in doing this if I did not believe I had already graduated. I have 30 hours in electives from another campus, and they will not substitute. I was hired at a mental health clinic pending my transcript (which I was told was in the mail), and now I am without employment due to turning in my two weeks notice to my previous job. I would have never made such a move, but was congratulated on my graduation, or the lie of such. I have been a champ with Ashford, My house was demolished in May 2008, due to an EF-4 tornado. I contacted my instructors and told them what happened and was given an "I" for incomplete. I contacted Ashford and informed them that I could not login to my classes, and one week later I was dropped and the "I"'s became "F". So yes I had to pay again and retake those classes. Ashford has been a headache and it is on you if you decide to go with Ashford. I would find a State University and pick an online format with them. I can not speak for Clintons campus, but the Online experience is horrible.
10
10
Shannon_zook
(In Progress) on January 1, 2009
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Very Satisfied
I am into my second class. I am a 33 year old mother of a two year old, and wife to a man with two jobs. There is just no way I can do the schedule of a community collage. Honestly, even if I could the one time I had to deal with the community collage employees I wanted to pull my hair out. My enrollment counselor has been absolutely amazing. Calling me back close to 10 times over a months time to see how my choices were coming. Always nice, never too pushy.
As far as the cost of the books....they are expensive EVERYWHERE. My husband went to a state collage for his bachelors and University of Phoenix for his MBA. No matter what school you go to books are always hard on the pocket book. It is harder, but you can still find Ashford books used too. I have found an $80 for $30 and a $88 book for $42 both on EBAY.
As far as my teachers so far the only one nit-picky thing I can think of is that it took 2 weeks to get our grades from the first week of assignments. The only reason I say that is because I was SO excited to get my grades. By the way I have gotten full credit on every assignment so far.
The assignments are all about writing. As you can see I love to write so I have NO PROBLEM! Basically, you will have questions about your reading assignments, and one quiz or a written assignment. My assignments so far have been essay style questions.
As far as value. Just as any other online degree it is very expensive, but as I have said before I do not have time to go to a traditional style collage, nor do I want to be in class with a bunch of 18 or 19 year old kids. I LOVE not having a certain time I have to log in! It is the only way to go! Yes, it will use all of the Stafford Loan money and yes I will owe them close to $40000 when I am done. I will also be able to almost double my salary with the experience I already have.
I researched and looked into every school you can imagine for over 3 months and they all have their flaws. Ashford had the fewest. Bottom line that you will probably hear from your enrollment counselor is if you do not like to write and are not a self starter then this is not for you. You have to be able to read 4 or 5 chapters at a time and write a response about what you read. It is a lot of work. I spend about 5 hours a week doing my assignments. Think about how much time I would have to spend if I had to drive to class 3 or 4 days a week.
I hope this helps and if you have ANY questions feel free to drop me a line shannon_zook@yahoo.com
Shannon Zook
9
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on December 16, 2008
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Military Spouse's Honest Opinion
I am now in my 4th class at Ashford University, and I find this to be a pretty good school. Ashford is a particularly good school for military service members, military spouses and dependents, veterans, and DoD employees, all of which are eligible for free books, discounted tuition at the Bachelor's level ($250 per credit hour), NO technology fees, and they take military credits. These are benefits that I greatly appreciate.
I've read through some of the other reviews who complain about the problems with financial aid and complaining that the classes cram a semester's worth of material into 5 or 6 weeks (depending on if you are in the bachelor's or master's program). Apparently, these people haven't attended a real brick and mortar school. Financial aid offices at brick and mortar schools get just as many complaints about people's financial aid as Ashford does. Unfortunately that is a normal occurrence. As for the length of the classes, has anyone every when to summer school or Maymester at a traditional college or university. Those classes are usually 4-5 weeks long. It's basically the same deal. I actually found the summer school classes to be more effective than the regular classes. I got better grades then too.
I will admit that the academic advisor's could be better. My first academic advisor was terrible, and I am glad to say that I don't have him anymore. My enrollment advisor was great, and he actually still calls once per class to see how I am progressing.
The technology is fine. I've used Blackboard before when I was working on my undergraduate degree at a traditional university, which has one of the top international business schools in the country (graduated in 2006). It's a simple and effective platform to use.
The classes do seem to require just as much if not more work than traditional ones do. The lessons do require critical thinking so this is not a degree that can be purchased. You do have to work for it. This is not a degree mill. If it was, I highly doubt that the US military would allow TA to be used here. This is a quality education. The books are about $75-$150 per class depending on if you are a graduate student or not (grad student books are more expensive). Those are reasonable prices because books at a traditional college or university cost just as much. The only thing I think that a traditional college has is that one can go to the bookstore and purchase used books, which can still be a little pricey.
I, as well as my husband, has had nothing but a pleasant experience at Ashford. As a matter of fact, my sister-in-law now attends Ashford and is having a positive experience.
You get out of college what you put into it. That is the truth at either an online or traditional school. If you work at it, you will do fine at this school.
9
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on November 30, 2008
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford University
I am not at all surprised by the handfull of people that have posted with complaints. They state that advisers, professors, etc are sometimes uncaring. I wish to ask them if they ever stepped foot in an actual college or university? I have seen the same form of uncaring, unknown individuals as you have seen from an online college.
As for those that commented about any "poor folk" could pass. I would have to beg to differ on that. Just like anything else in life, you get out what you put in. If you don't do the work, you fail. Plain and simple.
As for the comments on the professors being "housewives", I would like to see your proof on your assumptions. I did research on some of my professors and found what they stated in their introductions to be valid and truthful.
I have attended Ashford for over a year now, and yes, I've had my share of issues. I've spoken to a friend who has done both "regular" and "online" schooling and understands when certain things happen. If you can't reach them by phone, e-mail them. I have kept 99.9% of my communications with Ashford by e-mail. So financial aid has a new policy, did you RESEARCH it? Its not their doing, but a FEDERAL order. Don't always blame someone else for your own failures.
I am studying for a BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice. I have a friend who attends online with me. She would be the first to come forward if anything seemed "easy" or "fishy". Also, I had dropped out of high school ( but did obtain a GED ) and these classes are NOT a cakewalk.
If you don't like a college, then move on. Just because Ashford is owned by a private company, doesn't mean its bad. Look at other public colleges, look who runs them. A "Board of Regents" - sounds business to me.
9
10
Valerieahoward
(Graduate) on November 17, 2008
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford? Absolutely!
I enrolled at Ashford in June '06 and graduated in Dec '07 with a BA in Psychology. I had a wonderful experience. The 5 week intensive classes were just long enough to keep my attention. The only reason I did not continue at Ashford for my graduate degree is that my major wasn't offered. Now I have 10-week courses and find myself bored around week 6. Ashford kept me on my toes. I loved that I knew what to expect with each class because each class follows the same frame work (weekly quiz, discussion posts and responses, papers due in week 3 and week 5). It worked for me. Sure, there were classes in which the instructors were not as visible or available, but as an online adult learner, knowing how to work without supervision should be part of one's make-up anyway. This happens in B&M schools, too. I excelled at Ashford and was ecstatic to finally finish my B.A. with a 3.93 GPA at the age of 36. I earned every A. Ashford is no diploma mill. You study, do the work and put effort into it, you get good results. If not, well...then, not so much. I drove with 10 members of my family and close friends in a bad snow storm from Chicago to Iowa to the B&M Ashford for graduation and it was worth it. I truly accomplished something and am a role model for my kids and anyone who never thought they would have the chance to go back to school after making some bad decisions in their youth or just because life threw them a curve. I recommend Ashford to anyone who is computer literate, is a self-starter, and works well without supervision.
10
10
Sunshine071182
(In Progress) on November 16, 2008
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Psychology Major Review of Ashford University
I will obtain my Bachelors of Psychology in August of 2009 and have been pleased with the amount of feedback, support and information learned while attending these online courses. I have yet to be hassled about money, yet to experience lack of feedback or any other amount of unprofessionalism.
I do agree that some of the students do have a hard time reading, writing etc., but I admire and commend their tenacity to continue with their education. I do not know how much it will aid them in the near future if they are still struggling in college.
I do not like how expensive the books are and feel that the books that are purchased through the online bookstore should be versatile enough to be found at cheaper sites. I understand that textbooks are always being updated, but it is becoming a burden that I will not miss once I graduate from Ashford.
To any perspective students, I say that Ashford is like any other University. They strive for excellence, the professors expect excellence and they are very helpful and supportive as well as the Ashford staff. If you are looking for a school where you can learn, feel the support, be able to contact staff anytime and graduate with a feeling of accomplishment and no regret Ashford is the school for you!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
1
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on November 10, 2008
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
My Honest Opinion
I am currently a student at Ashford University. I have completed 3 courses and have a 4.0 GPA. The books are excellent, the teachers are mediocre, but everything else about Ashford is awful. The enrollment advisors will do anything to get you enrolled, but once you are enrolled you can never get in touch with them again. I have left message after message with no return calls. It is hard to get your financial aid. They send you one award letter then change the disbursement date two weeks later. When you threaten to cancel the financial aid they get part of the financial aid disbursed to them so they will not lose any money. WARNING: They have just instituted a new financial aid policy. You must be in school for seven consecutive weeks to get 30% of your financial aid, and the remaining 70% is disbursed after 15 weeks. It is essentially 9 and 17 weeks, because they have an additional 14 days to mail it to you. By the time you get your first disbursement of 30% you are into the second class, and the remaining 70% is not delivered until the end of the third class. For the second disbursement the 7 week and 15 week cycle starts all over again. So you are in your 5th class and the second disbursement comes at the end of your academic year which is at the end of your first semester starting into your 7th class. I know this is confusing, but it is the honest truth. They instituted this policy on October 13 2008, and they did not notify me until November 7. So make sure you have money to pay for books before you start, because you cannot count on financial aid for them. You will need to use your first disbursement for the first seven classes, so make sure you buy all of your books with the first disbursement. I would not want anyone to be in my situation. Keep in mind you are paying interest for the money they are keeping for as much as four months from the day it is disbursed. They did this "in case you fail a class so they will have the money on hand to pay for the class you have to take over again." According to the enrollment advisor I spoke to today, people were using their disbursements for car accidents, pregnancies, and medical costs, then they would drop out of school. So, we all have to suffer for what other bad people do.
It is owned by a for profit company called Bridgepointe Education, LLC in San Diego, CA. The real Ashford University campus is in Clinton, IA, but the support for online students is in San Diego, CA. The Better Business Bureau has processed a total of 22 complaints about Ashford University in Iowa, and 10 more complaints about them in San Diego.
I would not recommend this school to anyone. Financial aid is to pay for books and expenses for you to attend school. I already have my Bachelor's Degree, and my previous brick and mortar school was not run in this unprofessional manner. My recommendation is to look else where.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
3
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on October 20, 2008
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford University
An Ashford education is a joke. The classes are designed so that anyone with a junior high education can pass. Their so-called "Enrollment Advisors" are actually telemarketers, many of whom are NOT college grads. Their job is to get you in school at all costs. If they don't enroll a specific number of students per week, they get fired. So as you can imagine, Ashford's bottom line is more important than your education; they are a for-profit school.
The quality of your education there is questionable. If they are condensing an entire semester into five weeks, how much are you really learning? Or better yet, how much are you NOT learning? They make the classes easy so you won't drop out and take your student loan dollars with you.
Once you are in, expect to be treated like royalty...during your first class. The Enrollment Advisor doesn't get credit for enrolling you until you finish your first class, so they check in with you constantly to see how you are, help you with problems, etc. After you finish your first class, don't expect to hear from her again. Now you're on your own.
Their support system sucks. It takes weeks to get an answer to any questions. And they will bug you to DEATH for referrals. They don't want to spend any money on marketing or advertising, so they ask you constantly for names and numbers for your friends so they can be put on the call list.
8
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on September 26, 2008
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
So far, so good
So far, my experience at Ashford University has been a pleasant one. My enrollment advisor scheduled "call times" so that we could discuss how I was doing and if I had any questions. He checked in on me quite often throughout my first two classes. Kudos to John Basso. Then I was given an academic advisor who has been nothing but helpful. Anytime I have had a question, she has been there to help me, or to direct me to the person who has the answers, so thanks Brianna.
Financial aid was a hassle in the beginning. They didn't receive my faxes, or needed more information, or something, but once everything was straightened out, it was fine. I have already received my aid for my academic year, and am awaiting my award letter for my next academic year. My financial aid advisor was changed during the first go-around, which I am sure contributed to the mishaps, however, I have had no problems since being assigned my new advisor, Carly.
Also, the first few classes, I was shocked to see some of the students responses, however, now that I am in my sixth class, there are very few, if any, people with those previous communication skills. Anyone who has a HS diploma or GED can attend college (and attaining those are quite easy). I noticed students dropping out of classes, or the teachers writing announements regarding poor communication skills.
The books are quite expensive, in my opinion. I just received my book for my next class, SOC-120 (I believe), and it was quite expensive. $55 for a 119 page book. But so far, I have learned a lot and have attained knowledge I would have otherwise not known.
Trying to keep my 4.0 GPA has really been a challenge, so I would NOT say they are a Degree Mill by any means.
All in all, I find Ashford University to be a very good school. And I've checked out the Accredidations, they are legit.
10
10
Athleticgurl77
(In Progress) on September 9, 2008
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Excellent Choice
I am in my ninth course at Ashford and I am thoroughly enjoying myself. I really think it is horrible that people say such mean things about this wonderful school. I must agree that the first course (EXP 105) was easy, and there were some students taking the course that did not speak fluent English. The second course (PSY 202) was a bit harder and I was able to gradually see the attendance dropping as the curriculum became more advanced. Now, being in my ninth course, I can honestly say that I miss those first few easy courses. Right now I'm taking Literature, and I've had just about all I can take on Shakespere and Hamlet! The book for this course is titled, Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama - I'm not joking when I tell you that this book has 2,235 pages (more pages than the Bible). This has been my biggest text book so far and the hardest course yet. My next course is PHI 107 and I'm looking forward to it because I love philosophy (not literature!). I believe that anyone who actually stays at Ashford for more than the first couple of courses, will feel they have invested in a quality education. As for those who have called Ashford a "diploma mill," you have to make it through the first two courses before your exposed to the advanced stages of your college education. The first two are basically a warm-up to prepare you for what's to come. I was a little worried initially, but I'm extremely happy now (I love a good challenge). The most exciting thing about Ashford is that I have the option of flying to Clinton, Iowa to walk across Ashford's graduation stage with the rest of my class. I couldn't be more elated, GO SAINTS!
1
10
Wj52732
(In Progress) on August 28, 2008
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
run very fast away from this school
This school is so screwed up, I used to work there and take classes there. I actually took classes before i started working there. Wow what a mistake that was. It took me 7 months to get fin aid. They never told me about all the hidded fees. The classes are ok if you want to learn about writing papers on the subject of your choice. I went to work there and thought well that i could get my education for free as the perk of working there. Again very wrong, only if you enroll atleast 4 students every week. If you dont get your job done, they will pull you out of the class and then make you pay for it. They treat there students horrible, they make you ask them any type of personal information to use against the students, its what called AMMUNITION against so you can black mail them to stay into class. They will take any student that they can get enrolled, and if the student doenst send there transcript request page in, then they will hound for it, or they will just forge it them selves. If you dont believe me, after you apply, dont send them your transcript request page in for a couple days and see how many phone calls you get, even from personal cells,(which is not allowed by the higher learning comission). They will help you through the first class and then drop you to an academic advisor who has already about 400 active students, that they work with. If you are going into the education program, make sure you check with your state and let them know its online. The same state with the school(Iowa) will not except the program if it is taken online, the state education will only except the campus degree. This school is a joke, i quit working there because of ethics, not becuase i couldnt talk someone into an application. They treat their employess like crap and they have thier employess lie to students. Dont you think if they were reptuable school, that they would monitor phone calls, they dont, they can say anything that they want to students, and most of them will. Just to hit their goal. They have such a turn over rate that they are starting a busing system so that they can hit the bigger towns about 40 minutes away. Casue they cant keep employees in Clinton where the campus is located. this school has been under previous name, former Phoneix online employess had decided to start their own, so they bought a school that has been open since 1918, and through the name ashford university on it. What a joke, i would suggest that you use a local university for online, and make sure you read a much as possible before enrolling in this school and other school that you are looking at.
8
10
Kaldenbach
(Graduate) on August 26, 2008
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
I Understand Some of the Frustration, but...
When it comes to attending college, you get out of it what you put into it; with this I agree. I was initially concerned that some of the people in class did not appear to belong, but as things progressed I noticed that those people tended to drop out and the cumulative competency of the students rose. Isn't this at least part of what college is all about, to weed out the folks that cannot perform?
And to be truthful, administrative support at the school needs work, but the school is growing at a break-neck pace, which may be contributing to the problems people are experiencing.
Another thing that struck me was that a lot of the difficulties communicating had to do with the fact that for a number of students, English was a second language, which probably made conversational postings a little difficult. Just because people have difficulty speaking your language it doesn’t mean that they are stupid.
There have been accusations that Ashford is a degree mill. I believe this to be utterly false. People going through the motions or trying to buy degrees is not unique to an institution like Ashford. I know of students at prestigious traditional schools (I pay through the nose so my son can attend TCU, so I have a frame of reference) that cheat on their assignments and do as little as possible to get through, so you get losers in all kinds of environments, even the high-priced institutions.
Regarding the quality of the program (which should be your primary concern), the curriculum at every regionally accredited school is evaluated and must meet minimum standards to qualify for recognition. Ashford is a regionally accredited school, so if you are willing to put in the time and effort, you'll come out of the experience a better-educated and better-rounded individual.
Anyway, as I moved through the program, my appreciation and respect for Ashford increased; I came to believe that my success was contingent on my effort. I put in the effort, so I succeeded. I am now poised to choose a graduate school and after talking to several admissions counselors, my initial concerns with Ashford have been erased. It is a respected institution, so feel confident in your decision to attend.
And take a few minutes each week to follow your school’s sports teams! I know the school is small and doesn’t compete in Division 1, but it is nice to have a traditional school to identify with and sports teams to cheer for.
Go Saints!!
10
10
Neal.lampi
(In Progress) on May 27, 2008
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Happier Here
I have attend community college in California, University of Phoenix, ground and on-line, and now I am happily enrolled and making good progress toward completing my BA, I have one year left, and will stay for my post graduate work. If I could go to a bricks and mortar campus, I would, it is undoubtedly preferable. My second choice was and is now Ashford; I am enjoying having the same academic advisor as when I started last October, the same financial aid advisor, and most of all I enjoy being liberated from University of Phoenix Learning Teams. No school is perfect I have found fault here as well, but I will earn my education and will be able to proudly announce it on my resume.
9
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on May 22, 2008
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Outstanding!!!!
I am currently pursuing my BA in Organizational Management through Ashford. I have had a couple hangups with various steps of financial aid (mostly due to my own error, admittedly), but overall I am very satisfied with the convenience and affordability of Ashford. Sure, they are a for-profit school, but any endowed academy is certainly not in the business to lose money, are they?
I've noticed many people have commented on the support system and how it takes so much effort to contact and/or get an advisor to respond to phone calls, emails, or what have you. My advice? Save any and all emails from your advisors. If you have a problem, reply to any one of them, CC to every other advisor you have, and word your complaint strongly (yet tactfully), and you will get a timely response.
Case-in-point, I qualify for the military grant, which means $750 per course instead of $990 for level 200+ courses, and $0 for the tech fee. I noticed after my second class that I was not given the military grant, nor was I discounted the tech fee. I politely responded to my academic advisor's last email detailing the problem. I CC'd my enrollment advisor, Vince, my financial advisor, Daniel, as well as my work email. I received a response at noon eastern the next day (it was midnight when I sent the email). Last week, I found that my account was still not in-line, so without being overly frustrated, I completed the same process, this time also CC'ing Ashford's VA coordinator. My account was credited that same day.
As for the professors, all of mine I've had so far have been extremely insightful, supportive, and knowledgeable. Much more so than the in-person college I attended in 2002.
Go Saints!
6
10
FILHASHOPE
(In Progress) on May 15, 2008
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Good, Maybe needs Improvement
I hae read most of the reviews. I agree with most in some way. I do however think overall, this is a good school. All things considered, it is good. I don't understand how some people are saying they have not bheen able to get in touch with anyone. I never have a problem at all. Email does seem to work the best but even when I have called and left a message, I got a return witin a day.
I will say the financial aid part is VERY vague. I do feel like they are purposely not explaining total cost. I was shocked to get the $990.00 technology fee during my second course. No one explained that to me. I know I am responsible to read my catalog, but really, that should be pointed out.
One other thing is that I had to be very insistant on not wanting to take any outstanding general education courses with them. They just enroll you in courses without any explanation. I am taking those few general education courses at the community college to save money and do not want to pay for them at Ashford!
My degree audit was sent to me and then resent and were different. I called and spoke to my advisor and she said she had no idea what I was looking at, so I emailed her back her original email (that was funny) to show her what she had done. She did not apologize for the error or admit it, she juwt looked and basically said that I didn't understand what the first one said. I then nicely let her have it and only then did she "realize" there was a mistake and she better drop me from my current class because I did not need it.
All in all, here's the thing. Not matter what university y0u attend they will all have their problems. I don't see fraud at any level, just people doing business. As a student, it is our responsibility to keep on top of our paperwork and ASK QUESTIONS. Yes, they will make mistakes. We will make mistakes. Just keep on top of them. We are paying for an education. Being online students, we reallly aren't paying for an experience or we would have done that right after high school!
6
10
Scott534
(In Progress) on March 26, 2008
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Poor feedback from instructors
I am now in my 6th class at Ashford University. I am 42 years old and have been in my current career for 18 years. I was looking for an online environment that was challenging but still allowed me to be flexible.
There has been several issues with ordering books. My last class they actually ran out of the books in the bookstore, and they did not arrive until the 4th week. I now make sure to order the books weeks ahead of time, using ebay or amazon to save money.
The online environment, what they call "blackboard" is extremely confusing and took me several classes to become comfortable with.
My academic advisor, (I was switched to her with no notification) is ok. She will never answer her phone however, so I must always wait for a call back-which can be difficult during the day as I work full time.
My instructors have been great up to my last class. They have been very easy to communicate with, have provided a phone number to call them if needed, and have seemed fair with the grades. I bust my butt to keep an "A" average and my work has paid off.....so far....
My last instructor for a basic computer class-INF 103-was Melanie. She was horrible. She was rude to students in responding to issues (she would cc the entire class when she responded to a student regarding a computer issue-it was completely rude and unprofessional), she was pretty much non existent during the class, I had to ask for a review on one of my projects where she deducted points (she then realized she had screwed up and had to change my grade), she refused to explain her feedback and/or offer assistance with her grading criteria, she refused to allow any communication via telephone, and she was rude and very arrogant in her emails. I would not recommend her for any classes with Ashford.
I realize that not all instructors are like Melanie, just like all bosses and fellow employees in the workplace are not always ethical. But I am paying good money for this education, and she was unacceptable. Although I received an overall B+ for the class, I am lodging a formal complaint against her for her ethics as an instructor. I am not asking for my grade to be changed, but I am asking for action to be taken against her by the University. We'll see......
I am sticking with my schooling for now, as not one bad instructor does a school make-however, one more instructor like Melanie and I will go elsewhere.
7
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on February 18, 2008
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Positive Experience
I am currently enrolled with Ashford to obtain my Bachelor's in Psychology. I am not very far along as of yet but I was curious about how others feel/felt about Ashford so I decided to Google it and see what I could find.
I read through most of the posts, both good and bad, and I have to weigh in with my opinion. I see quite a bit about not getting responses back and having difficulty with money and/or feedback. I have to say that I'm about to enter my fourth class and I've not experienced any problems with communication, feedback or money. I am a FAFSA student and I've not received any invoices or calls from them asking for money. I am receiving responses from any and all Ashford staff members in a timely manner and thus far all of my professors have been quick to respond to my posts and emails.
I will agree that the classes seem pretty easy but I am a fairly good student and enjoy the classes. This is a tremendous help with passing. If you are not enjoying the class or enjoy attending school you will struggle, no matter what school you choose. Not every student is finding the classes easy but they are sticking with it. I don't expect every class to be this way.
I will also agree with one of the posts that the grammar from a lot of the students is horrendous and I'm very surprised that these individuals have made it through life in general, let alone any job they are currently working or previously held. However, I have seen comments by the instructors about those errors and that they are in danger of receiving low grades.
We are only allowed to see our own grades so these postings that claim you pass anyway, I don't know how they know this to be fact as they do not have access to other student's grades. They are assuming they are passing. As far as not receiving full credit for posts because of not meeting criteria, it is clearly defined what is required of us for posts. If you do not meet the criteria you do not receive full credit. I have received full credit for every post I've written. I am maintaining an A average because I am applying myself.
It is my opinion that the students who are complaining about Ashford and their way of doing things were expecting it to be smooth sailing and easy to get a degree, simply by showing up and doing as little as possible. I'm betting those same people do the very same thing on their jobs as well and wonder why they aren't being promoted and/or losing their jobs.
Ashford, so far, has been a positive experience for me. Apply yourself and do your best and stop worrying about other students. Get your degree and be proud of yourself for sticking with it. Don't quit because it takes a little hard work and then bash the school because you didn't apply yourself and weren't handed a degree.
2
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on February 12, 2008
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Not satisfied at all. Poor communication
The enrollment advisors are like car salesmen with tricks up their sleeves. I am sorry - I know there must be some great ones out there, but the joke of an advisor I got has tained my entire experience.
My advisor (initials I.Q.)gave me the whole speech, the pitch, and I was sold, which is fine by me, I want to be excited going to school. Well.. after I enrolled was the day I stopped hearing from him. COMPLETELY. I must have called him up to 5 times a day during my first week of school and he never returned my calls. Left msg's over the weekend. Heard nothing back. Sent up to 4 emails a day (cc'ing everyone, the financial aid people on it to) and NO ONE ever returned my email/call in a timely fashion. I was very disapointed.
I ended up quitting the first week because they pushed me to enroll and get started without figuring out how to pay for it. When I told them my financial information (Very detailed) they claimed I would get nearly everything paid for. When I actually got my Fasfa results, I didn't get JACK. I then was already in my 2nd day of classes, and not knowing how to pay for school, and no one would return my calls. So I finally called a manager of another office (where their brick n' mortar school - their internet/online degree advisors are all in a seperate building located in California) and she told me how to quite without getting charged.
So far I haven't gotten a bill, I quite within 1 week (so no charge as long as you don't sign in more than 3 times). But Financial Aid did call me the other day and left a msg. Who knows what they want now. Now they call, when I don't want them anymore.
Be ill-advised to sign up. My experience has been they are conning you until you enroll, then you really don't hear from your advisor again.
10
10
Carolelittle2000
(Graduate) on February 5, 2008
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Great Way to Complete Your Degree
Ashford made it possible for me to finally complete my degree 30 years after dropping out in my junior year for medical reasons. Although I had attempted to go back many times, I was always told that very few of my credits from Boston University would transfer because it was a private school and because it was so long ago. Ashford accepted more than half of my credits and in addition accepted CLEP and DANTES. As a working mother, taking one full time accelerated course every 6 weeks allowed me to finish my degree so that I can now pursue a graduate degree.
My enrollment counselor, Jessica Abbott, was wonderful as was my advisor, Kami Bear and the registrar's assistant, Renee Farrell.
I found the coursework rigorous and the burden was definitely on me to stay on track, do the reading and complete the assignments by the due dates. I had to order my books for the next course around half way through the current course to be sure to have them in time. Half the time, I could find them on Ebay or Amazon for a fraction of the price and saved a few dollars.
I did have occasion to follow up on a few speed bumps however they were resolved both timely and fairly. As a mother of a 19 year old college student, I can tell you that I have had to advocate and assist my son a few times to navigate the system in a well known, top notch, private institution as things occasionally fall through the cracks.
As with anything in life, you get out of Ashford, what you put in to it. I studied an average of two to three hours daily, sometimes more on the weekends when papers or additional assignments were given and when I slacked off so did my grades.
Some teachers were very engaged, some were so so and some started off very strong and disappeared towards the end but I still was held accountable for the assignments and had to demonstrate knowledge gained from the course content and other sources.
I highly recommend Ashford University as an affordable, good university for any non traditional student wishing to round out their education to match their experience. I am very proud of my Ashford Diploma.
1
10
Anonymous
(In Progress) on November 18, 2007
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
For Idiots Only
Great for the stupid, inept, lazy and incompetent masses.
Horrible, horrible, horrible. I enrolled in Ashford a year ago and after a few classes, decided to leave. The professors are given a grading scale by the university so that no matter how horrible your assignments and weekly posts, even if you fail to meet minimum standards set forth by the professor, you still get at least partial credit! What happened to professors being able to tell students their work is far below sub-par and that they didn't come close to meeting acceptable college-level standards? What happened to NO CREDIT for abysmal effort? Ashford caters to the dumbest people around and cares nothing of academic quality or excellence.
Great school if you're barely literate or never finished high school. Amazingly, a family member of mine with no high school diploma or GED was able to enroll here. Ashford allows almost any student, no matter how incompetent, to pass. Weekly required postings were often full of the same simple spelling and grammar errors, yet Ashford only allows for the deduction of a fraction of a point for this. Students are also only minimally penalized for writing like a fifth grader. There's no incentive to excel or try hard (aside from personal) because you'll pass no matter what. Now, a ton of complete idiots will receive degrees and will be reassured in their stupidity.
Having attended a traditional university with stringent entrance requirements and high class performance expectations, I cannot believe the joke of an education Ashford is. I marvel at how they are able to maintain accreditation for their online program.
Isn't college supposed to challenge the mind and encourage critical thinking? Most students can't critically think their way out of a paper bag. It's really as bad as some of the online message boards you stumble upon where the people clearly have little education. This proved true for 100 level as well as upper 300 level courses.
If you hate idiots, stay far, far away.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
10
10
Lotaleg
(In Progress) on September 7, 2007
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
I love Ashford!
I initially enrolled with Ashford in May of 2006. I was able to transfer in with 30 credits from my local community college, which was great. Also, I LOVED the fact that I was easily able to take a 6 month leave of absence when I gave birth to my son in Sept. of 2006.
I am currently just a few months away from obtaining my AA in Business. As soon as I get my AA, I am then going to continue my education with Asford and pursue my BA in Psychology. So far, just about everything has been great. My enrollment advisor, Marcus Hillman, has been awesome! Even though his obligations to me ended after he got me signed up and enrolled in my first classes, he has continued to email me or give me a phone call every once in awhile just to see how I am doing and to give me encouragement. My academic advisor is Erik Peiperdink and he has also been amazing. I have bugged him SO many times with numerous questions, and he has always been great about responding to me right away. The one negative thing that I have experienced with Asford is their financial aid dept! They have switched my financial advisor on me several times...and each one that I have gotten has been awful. They never answer my questions, or if they do, it is usually the wrong answer that I am given.
All in all, the teachers have all been great, I have been learning ALOT in my classes, and I really enjoy the fact that I can work on my assignments when it is convenient for me and my hectic schedule. Also, I just noticed that Ashford was listed as one of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News and World Report, which I thought was awesome. As for the person on here who did not have a good expereince, what were the names of the teachers/advisors who weren't doing their job correctly? Because as I said, so far I have had great experiences with everyone at Ashford, with the exception of the financial aid department. I love this school and I cannot wait to fly out to Iowa in May of 2009 to receive my BA in Psychology!!!:) (I am not going to attend the ceremony for my AA...I am going to wait until I get my BA)
9
10
T.swavely
(In Progress) on September 5, 2007
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Highly recommended
I am currently enrolled in my seventh class at Ashford University, pursuing a bachelor of arts in organizational management online. So far, the program has been wonderful. Classes are five weeks in length, making them fast-paced and intense.
Of course, the student gets out of it what he or she puts into it. Self-discipline, internal motivation, a strong desire to learn, and effective time-management skills are necessary for success. My first class at Ashford covered these personal skills and others, and presented stragies that help strengthen any weaknesses.
Classes at Ashford are competitively priced - a great value. The financial aid process is simple and efficient, and I have found my financial aid advisor very knowledgeable and helpful.
The textbooks for my first two courses were custom editions, available only through the university book store. However, subsequent courses are taught using standard college textbooks widely available for purchase. I have shopped around to compare prices, and have found that the university book store has competitive prices. The only place I have found my textbooks cheaper is on amazon.com, and their prices are only slightly less.
Ashford uses the BlackBoard platform to deliver online classes. Using BlackBoard, students are required to log in to their class two times per week and to complete assignments in the form of at least one, but usually two, discussion posts and replying to at least two fellow students per discussion every week. In addition to weekly discussions, a final reflective paper which makes up 25% of the course grade is required.
Many instructors take part in weekly discussions and make an effort to interact with each student. However, I have had one class in which the instructor seemed apathetic about interacting with the students. Ashford has procedures in place for problems such as these for students to report problems with instructors or classes. Also, students are given an end-of-course survey after each class in which they can rate the instructor and the quality of the course.
Overall, I feel that Ashford University is a great value for those seeking an online degree. I am very happy with my classes, so far. I researched other organizational management programs, both online and on-campus, and the program content seems to be at least standard, if not superior, to others. I have learned so much already, and am confident that once I complete my degree I will be as knowledgeable and prepared in my career field as graduates from other organizational management programs are. Therefore, I highly recommend Ashford University's online degree program.
8
10
Anonymous
(Graduate) on August 15, 2007
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford was awesome for me
I'm sure everyone's experience is different, but I just graduated with my master's in education, and had a great experience. It was pretty cool to attend graduation, and meet the study group I got to know virtually, and meet face to face. I feel badly for the guy who had a bad experience, but mine was awesome. My teachers were always available, they transferred 90 of my community college credits, and were affordable. AS a single mom, cost was important. Oh yeah, and my school district gave me a raise after I recieved my masters! Pretty cool!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
1
10
Mica
(In Progress) on July 20, 2007
(email verified)
| Materials: |
|
Teachers: |
|
| Institution: |
|
Support: |
|
| Value: |
|
Technology: |
|
Ashford is a JOKE
Ashford is a joke. I should have known better when the enrollment advisor screwed EVERYTHING up from day one. He listed me with the wrong major. He emailed me information for my first class, which turned out to NOT be the class that he enrolled me for. In turn, I purchased the books for thr wrong class. 3 weeks later, I finally got the textbooks (that part, as far as I know, was the bookstore's fault not the school), only to then find out that I had the wrong books. They sent me the correct books overnighted and THEY paid for it, which was wonderful. They gave me a student advisor who proved to be the ONLY person that knew what the heck she was doing, so she is the reason I gave them another chance. Their textbooks are specific editions to their school and after 2 classes, I realized that neither textbook was organized well, did nothing in terms of explaining ANYTHING, and was written like someone with ADHD and dyslexia. The second instructor I had made no attempts at interacting with most of the students, and my emails were left completely ignored. When I had finally had enough and asked to be withdrawn, the financial aid person says to me, in her exact words mind you, "Well since you are withdrawing so soon you know you'll have to pay us some money for it right?" EXCUSE ME?! I was never told this (and who would have told me besides the enrollment advisor who admittedly did not know what he was doing)? I am not paying them a penny, and I flat out told them that after EVERYTHING with them, how dare they expect a penny more from me. I mentioned this to my student advisor and she said that she would look into it and take care of that for me. These people are incredibly clueless and not at all organized and I would absolutely advise people AGAINST Ashford University online.
You can help by Writing a review
