Social Science/Education Reviews

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS COLLEGE!!!!!!!

By: ilovetoteach1 (In Progress) on August 12, 2009

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I HAVE BEEN ATTENDING ASHFORD FOR THREE YEARS NOW AND I STILL LOVE IT. OF COURSE IT HAS ITS BAD POINTS AS WITH ANY COLLEGE.  I FOUND THE SUPPORT ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. THEY RESPOND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY.  MY LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE NEAR ME WOULD NEVER EVEN RETURN MY CALLS OR EMAILS.  

I AM DISABLED AND COULD NOT CONTINUE GOING ON CAMPUS TO A COLLEGE BECAUSE OF MY HEALTH.  THIS COLLEGE HAS MAD IT POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE IMPOSSIBLE. I CAN NOT TAKE TEST BECAUSE OF SEVERE ANXIETY BUT AT ASHFORD, THEY HAVE A PROGRAM THAT DOES NOT MAKE ME TAKE TEST OR FINAL TEST.  STUDENTS HAVE TO WRITE ESSAYS INSTEAD OF STUDYING FOR FINALS.  IT HAS ELLIMINATED MY ANXIETY PROBLEM.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS COLLEGE, BUT ONLY IF YOU ARE WILLING TO REALLY LEARN HOW TO WRITE.  THEIR EXPECTATIONS CAN BE HIGH WHEN WRITING ESSAYS.  THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO PAPERS IN EVERY CLASS BUT NO FINAL TESTS TO CRAM FOR.  THANKS GOD. LOL.  

I AGREE THAT THE LOAN PROCESS IS VERY SLOW BUT IF YOU ARE AWARE OF THIS, YOU CAN EASILY MAKE IT WORK.  I BUY ALL MY BOOKS USED AND HAVE ONLY BOUGHT ONE BOOK NEW IN THREE YEARS. MY AVERAGE COST PER BOOK IS HALF THE PRICE OF THE NEW BOOKSTORE PRICES.  

IF YOU WANT MY ADVICE, AND WANT TO LEARN TO BE A GOOD WRITER, THEN ENROLL IN THIS COLLEGE.  I PLAN TO STAY AT ASHFORD WHEN I GRADUATE WITH MY BA AND GET MY MASTERS WITH THEM.  

THIS COLLEGE MAY OR MAY NOT FIT YOUR NEEDS AS WITH ANY COLLEGE. SO DO YOUR HOMEWORK. LOOK AT THEIR EXAMPLE CLASSES ON BLACKBOARD. ASK MANY QUESTIONS AND YOU SHOULD MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION ABOUT WHICH COLLEGE TO ATTEND.  

THIS COLLEGE IS NOT FOR EVERYONE AS WITH ANYTHING IN LIFE. 

GOD BLESS,
COLLEGE MOM

Ashford University--3 years, about to graduate.

By: kychickadee (In Progress) on July 28, 2009

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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.

Disappointed

By: Anonymous (In Progress) on July 27, 2009

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I attended Ashford for the last year. I found their curriculum to be extremely predictable and it offered no challenge whatsoever. If you like writing papers, this is the school for you because this is just about all you will do. 

The work assigned throughout each course offered me no real value. I do not believe that I would have been prepared to go out into the workforce upon graduation if I continued with Ashford.

Their financial aid dept. is awful to work with. They are very rude and ignore emails. They have a rule of dispersing out funds in a 30/70 manner. In other words, if you need your excess funds for books....you are going to have to wait. They "issue" out 30% of your excess funds only after 7 weeks of successful attendance, then after another 7 weeks, you get the remaining 70%. And 'round and 'round it goes. 

If you are looking for a quality education with involved instructors this is not the college for you. I have had many classes where the instructors communicated with students very minimally. 

I do not think that this college is a scam, however, I do think that it is not a college that will do anybody much justice if you really want to learn new things that will be helpful to you and your career choice.

My Experince with Ashford

By: icityrei (In Progress) on July 20, 2009

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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

My recent experience

By: dominicanfrenchie (In Progress) on June 29, 2009

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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.

Satisfied Student at Ashford

By: mlvogeler (In Progress) on May 13, 2009

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 I have been attending Ashford University since last August. I love it and anyone who says negative things about this school needs to try another option. It is perfect for someone who works full time as you can work at your own pace as long as you get the assignments. I will graduate next March with my Bachelor's degree and plan on getting my Master's after that. When I first enrolled, my advisor was very helpful. She walked me through the process step by step. She was available for questions at anytime I needed. The professors I have had have been very helpful and understanding about life's issues. I would recommend Ashford University to anyone who was thinking about attending online classes. I am absolutely 100% satisfied with Ashford.

Ashford University 3 units in 5 weeks

By: brianlourich (In Progress) on April 20, 2009

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     I have attended Pepperdine University, Cal State Northridge, U.C. Santa Cruz, Pasadena City College, and Cal Tech.  Ashford is selling degrees without really teaching a whole lot.  I pay about $400 per unit and finish 3 units every 5 weeks.  The work that I put into it is minimal (less than 20 total hours per class)and I have gotten all A's and one B+.  You have to by the textbooks printed for Ashford. Academically, this university is a joke but I will have my degree soon and they did accept all my old units towards my general ed. requirements.  
     I had a problem with the weekly quizzes and getting answers wrong even when I showed my teacher the textbook answer. One teacher changed my score and another teacher said no. I called to complain and suddenly no one was calling me (enrollment advisers call a lot when you first enroll) back.  I tried leaving messages and emails and after 3 weeks I finally found out how to complain.  For the money that I am paying, I don't think that I am getting a very good education but at this point in my life (46 years old) I don't care. I just want my degree ASAP. Many colleagues don't even know what colleagues mean.

I guess even reviews have yeng and yang

By: zmdo2 (In Progress) on February 18, 2009

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I have been reading the other reviews and I just want to go on the record as saying that so far Ashford has been a pleasant experience. I have had no more trouble with financial aid than I did with the b&m school I attended and transitioning from one class to another is a breeze. You order your books in a timely manner and start. And to the individuals that said that no one would return their calls all I can say is that I have never had that problem. As far as the Blackboard going down....hasn't happened yet(except for scheduled times) My advisors and teachers have been very accessable. I think some of the people writing the reviews are either bitter because something didn't go their way or they think they might get something for free if they yell loud enough. For me Ashford is as perfect as any large institution can get.

Ashford Has Been an Excellent Experience

By: kellihubbard (In Progress) on January 25, 2009

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I am very satisfied with my experience at Ashford University thus far.  I have completed 3 classes and will be done with my 4th next week.  The online experience is very valuable for working adults especially those like me, who have chldren.  As far as my financial aid, I qualified for it, was never harassed by Ashford to pay anything before my aid was approved and I also received a stipend right before Christmas. I love the flexibility and freedom when logging into post assignments. My children enjoy seeing me so involved in getting my degree and their response to me is quite rewarding as well. All in all I will say Ashford is a great school to consider. Also, I highly recommend Tonya Rego, my student enrollment advisor. She was outstanding as far as communication, encouragement and explaining the requirements mandated by Ashford. She probably played the largest role in my decision to enroll at Ashford. Oh my GPA is 4.0

Frustrated and Disappointed

By: cathygrimes (In Progress) on December 10, 2008

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I have been extremely unhappy with my experience with Ashford.  I felt I was very thorough in my research and questioning before I enrolled, but quickly found out that it was not an institution to be trusted.  It all began the first week of my first class.  My instructor was impossible.  I emailed numerous times with a problem/question during my first week.  She never answered.  Then, when grades came out, she flunked that assignment.  When asked why, I was told I didn't do it.  It took me 6 weeks to get an answer to my week 1 problem and a 
explanation of my grade- which was eventually corrected only after I filed complaint after complaint.  When I filed the complaint on the instructor, I was told there was no legitimate reason for any action!  
My academic advisor told me that I could add a minor to my degree- that turned out to be false.  He also told me all my credits (109) would transfer and I would only have to take 5-7 classes to graduate.  I am now lined up for 11!  No one returns calls in a timely mannor or gives straight answers.  I have been jerked around the entire time.  The rules change in the middle.  I am now wondering, if I do finish with Ashford, will I have a legitimate degree?  Or, will I have wasted a lot of time and money?

BE WARNED!!!!!!!!!

By: ennikkifoster (In Progress) on December 2, 2008

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I wished I never heard of Ashford. The enrollment advisors will say anything to get you to enroll at Ashford. When I signed up for Ashford the enrollment advisor told me how great Ashford was and that if I needed anything they would always be here to help. Well "NOT TRUE"! For one I started school at the beginning of July and it took them three months to send me my first refund. Second you have to pay for books out of your on pocket which averages out to be around $200.00 a month, and even though you get grants and loans they will not take out money from that to help pay for your books. You also have to invest in Microsoft Word because that is the only doc. file that most of the teachers use. Finally they changed the way you get your refund back. Even if you have been in school for a year you now have to wait at least five weeks to get only 30% of your refund back and another nine to ten weeks to get 70% back.The reason they are doing this is that they don't want to see students fail. That is the reason the school gave to me. Also you pay $1000.00 for blackboard to get into group discussions and to turn in home work and in return blackboard is always down. I'm sorry but I feel like as long as I am going to school and passing with a high B average in all of the classes, why should I be punished for others wrong doings.

Excellent perks for military

By: theodore76 (In Progress) on October 12, 2008

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I am on my third course with Ashford and I have taken other online courses at AIU when I was in the military and let me tell you Ashford hands down is the best. My academic advisor and enrollment advisor are always there when I need them. They are a bit pricey, but they have some excellent perks for military, military spouses and veterans. Free books, free shipping, discounted courses, I can't tell you how much that saves me! They even transfered the majority of my other credits so only about a year and I should have my degree! So, far so good!

Ashford University

By: thecusacks (In Progress) on April 15, 2008

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Ashford University has been wonderfully challenging and has enabled me to complete my BA on my own terms.  I have 2 small boys that I stay home with and could not leave to go to a regular college.  We do not even have one that offers a 4 year degree anywhere me.  I am quickly going through the program and find the 5 week classes perfect.  I will be a proud graduate of this school in October.

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