Social and Criminal Justice Reviews

Great

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on November 9, 2009

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This is my first year at Ashford University and I am very satisfied. It was easy to get started, I love my classes, they are challenging but not overwhelming. I am learning a lot, especially in terms of writing papers. My enollement advisor and academic advisor is great. My only complaint would be that there was a mess up with my student loan amount. I ended up being shorted and everytime I called Sallie Mae or Ashford, I recieved a different story. My financial advisor was not quick to respond. However, it did just finally get resolved. I am sure situations like this happen at all universities. I think sometimes it is harder if you cant go visit the financial aid office in person to settle an issue. Anyway, I like Ashford. I am happy i am attending. It is great for my schedule too. I work full time and have two kids. It would be impossible for me to have to show up to school at a particular time.

10 th class

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on October 26, 2009

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This was my problem. I asked Mr. Robison, my professor at the time, if he could elaborate on the assignment due dates. His response was, "not everything in life is easy". I thought to myself maybe this teacher is a joker or something. I emailed him again with the same question. He responded back a week and half later, telling me there's nothing can do. "Assignments are due on Tuesday and Thursday." I replied thanks I suppose every teacher at Ashford has their own teaching styles. Ever since that day I nothing but problems. blackboard was down one day. So I called tech support. They told me their having diffulties but they will note in my record, just tell the instructor. Which I did through email. Explaining that my paper and posting are going to be late because the systems down. This instructor gives me a 0%, then after I complained he revised it and gave me a 80% because it was submitted late. I told my acedemic advisor and she told me all instructor have the discretion of accepting a paper late or not even if there is a tech problem. My beef is that is wasn't my tech problem it was the schools. It's like going to school the day of your test and the school is closed because of a bomb threat. then the teacher gives you a 0% or late points. Totally not fair.

Ashford University review

By: ecsc130 (Graduate) on October 4, 2009

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After having attended this univeristy and performing  extensive research into other academic venues,I found this University to be ideal for the working adult who needs to obtain a viable degree. I genuinley worked for this degree although, I had over twenty five years of law enforcement experince, which made it easier to comprehend. The course reports were just long enough to make you think but short enough not to exhaust you mentally. This program was a great experience for me, and for those of you who have adult life experince this is a ideal avenue to get an accredited degree, as I am now in law school because of getting this degree. 

Good  Luck with your reserach

Just about Finished

By: tntcullen (In Progress) on September 1, 2009

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I really believe people just like to give bad ratings and there is real no merit behind those ratings.

I have been at Ashford for over 2 years now and it has worked out well with my job and family.  The classes were good and there was alot of work.  Make sure you stay on top of the work because you can get behind real fast.  I have had two family emergencies during the two years and both times my academic advisor was there to help.

I have one class left to go and then I am done, Sure its no Harvard or MIT but it is still a great college and I am proud to say I will graduate from Ashford.

Do your homework!!

By: simplyuniqueindividuals (In Progress) on June 2, 2009

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I have read several of teh complaints and must say the ones that are compaining about being able to transfer their credits did not do their homework. My sister is a financial aid advisor at a school in Los Angeles and recommended before I enrolled to research the accreditation. Ashford is accredited, but regionally not nationally. Meaning that your credits will only be transferrable in the region for which they are accredited. Just like any other university you are advised to contact the college you plan to transfer to prior to taking a class to ensure it will be accepted. This is advice for online and off line students. For instance, although I completed my AA in Los Angeles Community College District not all State of California Universities would transfer them. Also if you look at their webiste it has a list of achools that they are partners with. Once again do your homework!!!

Good, becareful, as you would anywhere

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on June 2, 2009

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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....

Good as any

By: forjlw (In Progress) on June 1, 2009

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I am midway through Criminal Justice, and I find it very satisfactory.  I have attended both a traditional accreditated community college and a state university, and I don't see the big difference, other than the convenience of doing it online.  Some students are just malcontents.  I have gotten prompt and ample support every time I've asked, but I haven't had to ask frequently. It's not cheap, but it is no worse than other reputable online colleges. The textbooks are the same as other universities.  The five week format is great as far as I'm concerned, and contrary to someone else's assertion, they are NOT all identical.

Seeking out another University

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on March 30, 2009

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My initial contact with AU was quite pleasant, my enrollment advisor kept in contact until I was settled in my class. And she did follow-up after being in class awhile. My advisors has changed about three times and financial advisor twice. 

All of this essay writing is absurb. English I understand but, the rest of these classes unnecessary. This is my 5th class and I have yet to take a class that is remotely close to my major.

Lastely, they are now dictating how and when you receive your loan disbursements. 30% after 7 weeks and the remainder in 14 weeks. There claim is if you have to withdraw then you will not be liable for the amount you have spent. Who signed the loan agreement? It sure wasn't Ashford, so what gives.

The books thats another issue - I thought I was finished. The buyback is a joke and too expensive for paperback. Why not just continue to post the chapters and read from the computer. $900.00 for technical support, RIP OFF!!!!!!

If anyone knows of another University that is pretty descent let me know.

I like this school!

By: clickfold2004 (In Progress) on March 2, 2009

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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.

Ok, but listen good and take ur time

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on February 6, 2009

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I am currently completing my degree. My advice is to listen good to the recuiter you speak with. They say things in a way that sound "concrete", but don't work out that way. E.G. Transfer of credits was disappointing, as she told me all of my credits would transfer, but then only about 60% did. She made it sound like doing the PLA/Life Experience credits was a breeze, but I am currently finding it is not. 

As someone who has attended a standard classroom at a university, I will say the course materials are on par and the instructors are like you would like in any university. Some will be better than others. I do think Ashford is worth the time and effort, if you don't allow the recruiters to mislead you.

Give me a break!!!

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on February 3, 2009

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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.

Ashford is a rip-off

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on January 7, 2009

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It is important to know that Ashford will never EVER do what they say they will- your transcripts will take months to get reviewed, you will never know how much financial aid you have to borrow until it is too late. They stole $2000.00 of my financial aid and I am now responsible for that loan when I never even got to finish a class! They don't return your calls in financial aid and they are very rude.

I advise you strongly do not enroll in this program! There are other reputable schools that actually communicate with their students in a timely manner. By the way, the blackboard is always going down, but they hold you accountable for your work, even though you can't log in. 

They are doing unethical things with financial aid, they tell you the first class is free (online program) as well as the books and then they charge you.

Don't fall for it!

Ashford is a Good School

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on January 6, 2009

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My experience with Ashford has been mostly positive, yes there are schools out there that are cheaper and there are schools out there that are more expensive but overall the value has been worth it. Ashford has the same challenges that any school that promotes online has. There are challenges with communication and staff, if one does their homework on online schools before signing up you will know that it is common. 

I find it interesting that some people are quick to point out the negatives with Ashford and claim that they've been to strenuous and prestigious schools. Yale, Harvard and Stanford have online classes, why not go there if you're not happy with the quality of student that is at Ashford?

Trust me Ashford is better than most online schools

Ashford University

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on January 5, 2009

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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.

Degree vs Experience

By: Anonymous (Graduate) on December 18, 2008

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I work as a law enforcement officer in the military. Ashford stated they will take in lots of military credits but they didn't. I have schooling in the military as an investigator/forensics. They couldn't even grant me those credits towards their courses. How can my military schools and experience compare to an online investigator/forensics course. It can't even compare. They are a bunch of bull. I don't recommend this school to any military personnel.

It's OK!

By: Rlm1267 (In Progress) on December 16, 2008

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I am at the end of my 9th class and all is good so far some classes better than others same with the instructors, some great some suck and do nothing. I have found out that if the bookstore says 6th edition Ashford, a person can get edition 5 and it will be word for word and I have gotten some of the books for $1.50 compared to Ashford’s $75-$100. As far as the F.A. new policies go on the stipend, if it sneaks up on you like it did me all you have to do is tell them it’s not cool you need the money for school stuff they will give it to you the first time than the second time it will be the 7 and 14 week way. Overall it’s pretty good I don’t feel dumb for going. I been in for a year and the same lady (K.M.) that signed me up for the school still calls me and emails me just to see how I am doing. If you like it you like it a lot if you hate it you hate it a lot. And if you don’t get the answers you want from someone there keep calling and asking for someone else, it may take a little time but you will find the right person that will help with what you need THEY ARE THERE! You just have to find them.

Ashford University

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on October 20, 2008

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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.

So far, so good

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on September 26, 2008

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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.

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