Ashford University

16 days ago Christine Kennaugh - Gitchel
cngitchel ((at)) yahoo dot com

Well my loans did dusburse late, but my pell grant still has not and like I see others saying, they do not like to contact you back, they avoid full answers teling you to call another number they are rude at that number being just a call center. I know for me this is it. My first and last year.

2 months ago Melissa
gizzies_girl2004 ((at)) hotmail dot com

I am currently attending Ashford University online courses and have had little problems. The only problems that I have are due to technical issues with my online classroom. I have not received my refund yet and I am about to start my 4th week in my second course. I am not worried yet as my financial aid hasn't been disbursed yet. I don't understand why people are having trouble getting in touch with someone at the school. I had an issue the other day and emailed my student adviser (Kevin) and he called me back within the hour of me sending it. I too am scheduled to take an Introduction to film course and don't know why because I am going for my BA in psychology. I figured that there has to be a good enough reason why or else they wouldn't have scheduled it. Maybe it's to fill up my schedule and it is an interesting class? I don't know but I have to trust them or else I will end up like most of the people who have issues with Ashford and be miserable. So far I am having a blast and I find my self wanting to start the next week early once I am finished with one week. I would say that if anyone has a problem with Ashford and they hate it but are still attending (like I read in some of these other posts) then who REALLY is to blame? Not Ashford. If you are having a problem with the school but don't want to quit then you really don't have a problem. If you don't want to "waste time and money" by quitting, well then you haven't done your homework because there are ALWAYS people out there in the legal system who can help you out. Just saying that, in my opinion, people need to either suck it up and realize that in the long run, once you get your degree, it will all be worth it or just move on and find something else. The question that comes to mind is how much are you willing to pay to obtain your dream? My dream is to become a psychologist and one day have my own office with my own clients. You can laugh at that but I believe that it WILL come true if I work at it and not just sit back and wait for it to happen.

10 months ago Somia Cameron

I just started at Ashford 4 weeks ago and so far havn't had any problems. My financial aid is still due to be dispersed in about a week and a half ago. As for the staff I couldn't be happier with them. My academic advisor calls me like 3 or so times a week just to see how I'm doing. I've even had non school related conversations. He kept reasuring me that they arn't one of those schools that don't call and don't care. I'm sorry for the people who have had a bad experience here but I'm glad i made the decistion to go here. In fact I don't remember being pushed into going here either. The staff at Ashford to me are great and caring people.

12 months ago Nancy Mair
brandonandnancy ((at)) verizon dot net

Ashford is a wonderful school...never had a problem...had to do Income Verification forms two consecutive years...but if you are literate, and dedicated, it is absolutely no problem. I am double majoring in Healthcare Administration and Psychology...have remained on the Dean's List since I started with Ashford, and have become members of both GoldenKey Honor Society and Alpha Lamda Sigma Hoo=nor Society. I fully intend on seeking my Masters Degree in Healthcare Adminitration, as well. The people who have experienced problems have either not been on top of their paperwork, or had no idea that college was going to be challenging...whether it be brick and mortar or online. It's a shame that so many had bad experiences, but in the evaluation of the claims, it seems clear that it was more personal error than institutionally related. If you drop out...you still have fees...if you take care of business to do so correctly, those fees will be very limited. Every school is the same way...don't kid yourself. This is a fantastic school.

12 months ago Nancy Mair
brandonandnancy ((at)) verizon dot net

I am in the process of Seeking double majors in Psychology (which I completed a while back) and Health Care Administration through Ashford Online. I have absolutely loved the classes, but as earlier mentioned...you get out of it what you put into it. I am a mother of three, and still have remained on the Dean's list throughout the entire endeavor. Thanks to my hard work, and Ashford's connections, I am a member of the Alpha Lamda Sigma Honor Society and a member of the GoldenKey Honor Society, as well. I graduate next December (at this rate with honors), and have already had a host of job offers based on my current standing with the University. Since I have had such a wonderful experience with Ashford, I plan on seeking my Masters in Health Care Administration. I have already completed all of my paperwork to actually attend graduation in Clinton,IA...walk, and receive my Diploma in hand in front of my family, friends and God. I've worked incredibly hardfor it...I've earned it...and anyone who gives this school their best effort can have the same outcome! Financial Aid is a pain in the rear no matter what school you go to...I've had to do verifications every year...but that doesn't stop me from completing my education, and you shouldn't either. The technology fee is a onetime fee...and yes, Federal Aid pays for it. The only thing I have ever had to pay for out of pocket for through Ashford is text books...and the Stipend funds leftover from the tuition cover that...and then some...including your internet costs. On a different note...employers seem to like the Ashford name over Phoenix online...I've had several make remarks to that degree...Just food for thought. On an ending note- Ashford is a wonderful school if you are willing to be eloquent and substantive with your posts, and follow the class requirements. Once again, you get out of it what you put into it.

about 1 year ago Derek

I thought Ashford was a decent school. The recruiters came on a bit hard but I eventually ended up going to the school and I am currently attending. One thing that I have realized going to this school, is that not all the compliants that people have are from disgruntled employees and students. Once I did more digging on the school and found that they have a pretty cut-throat organization going on there then it all hit me. (1)Anytime you have to be recruited so heavily just to go to a school and you have never been to school or have anything academically going on for you, you probably shouldn't go to that school. (2)Anytime you google a school and losing accreditation or scam or scandal shows up next to the name, you probably shouldn't go to that school. (3)If you see so many people with financial aid problems, dont go to the school. Before you choose Ashford, consider other schools such as ASU online and Park University online. The prices are about the same (and no pressure to attend becasue they know they will always be there)and they actually care about producing a quality product because they actually have reputations to uphold. I'm beginning to feel that Ashford is a rip off. They are currently seeking accreditation elsewhere becasue they are one of the schools currently under fire for the abuse of students Title IV benefits, and that makes me feel just as dirty for being associated(read the article "Looking West" www.insidehighered.com. There is nothing wrong with people trying to better themselves through any means possible, but please consider your means. So if you are considering Ashford, think long, think hard, and sure some schools are a bit harder to get into but if you want your money's worth.....

about 1 year ago raqueldavenport

I recently graduated from Ashford June of 2010. I am not what other people are talking about, but I can tell you that I worked hard to achieve my degree in Psychology and Sociogoly. Even though it is an online school, I put in five hours a day to get an "A" seven days a week. This school is not for everyone if you do not want to put that much effort into it. Yes, I had some trouble with an academic advisor, but the rest of them have been great! As for the financial aspect of it, I did not have any experience with Ashford. However, I know that my daughters had trouble getting financial aid from their school and it took them two years before they qualifed for one. So, I must say if you rely on financial aid, you better wait and know all the rules and requirements and not solely rely on the school to do the work for you. Even if your provide all the requirements needed, it is not Ashford that makes the decision. It is the government and although we could say that it's the financial aid people to follow up on those applications, then perhaps you might want to think again. You have to do your work as well and not rely on them 100%. Not all experience would be the same. All I can say is that I have good experience with Ashford and if they offfer the degree program I want to pursue, I will stay with them. Unfortunately, they do not and I am now choosing a different school. I can understand how a bad experience can turn your back on them, but please do not ruin it for everyone as your experience was not the same as mine or the others. I have other friends who graduated from Ashford and yes they are happy receiving their diploma from them. I am happy with Ashford.

about 1 year ago jeff

I recently took a class at Ashford University in order to satisfy my degree requirements with my home school. Although Ashfor had no issue taking my payment for the class I took, and passed with a perfect score, they are refusing to communicate with my home school so that I can receive the appropriate amount of financial aid which in turn has impacted my status leaving me a large unpaid balance with my home school. The financial department, I refuse to say financail aid or financial services have been consistently condescending and dismissive. From this point I recommend giving that place a wide berth and throw your money in the street, I'm sure I would have had better luck if I had done the same.

over 1 year ago Brittany

I used to work for Ashford in Clinton IA, and I thought that I was going to be an adviser and help people but instead,I was selling school. I left my previous job because they promised me a free Masters degree as I already had a BS from a State University. It really only mattered that we get an App (short for application). If you fail to get enough apps for the month you get fired. I wasn't fired but I really did care about the students and even walked students thru the FASFA on the phone and called and checked up on students.My dedication to the students was not looked upon as a good thing. Ashford urges the employees to only help the first 2 weeks of class then the students should have it from there.Asford hopes to be more like University of Phoenix and they follow UOP (mostly)to the letter. As for my MBA, I have it,not from Ashford but from the University of IL.Ashford kept changing the rules for employee education. It's unlikely that the accreditation will be garnished because they are a brick and motor school and have been for a very long time (But not as Ashford) My suggestion if your a student and must go online do it thru your community college or state university your going to end up paying less and the name and reputation of the University will more than likely better received than Ashford(known for online) Many university's are now offering classes for full time workers. My MBA class was once a week for 2 years and one Sat a month. School is hard and time consuming but you have to be about your education! Research your self ask questions and be informed about your choices.

over 1 year ago Bridgette
bridgends ((at)) yahoo dot com

Ashford University is a rip off and all they care about is getting your monies and dodging your calls. Make sure you do a lot of reading on dead lines and be careful what you sign. Make sure you READ, READ, READ becuase they will get you, your money and your esteem would go to zilch.

over 1 year ago D

Ashford is not a diploma mill. You can even check the same article on wikipedia and it says that Ashford of London is a mill, not Ashford in Iowa.

almost 2 years ago Ally

I keep reading that Ashford is going to lose it's accreditation, but yet I'm not finding anything in regards to that on the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools website. You know I went for my AA degree on a campus school, at Clark State Community College from June 2004-June 2006. I had so many problems with finacial aid, which seems to be the biggest problem people are having. But honestly, that's any school. If you judge Ashford based only on it's financial aid department, then that's so short sided. Ashford shouldn't start you so soon, or before the financial aid is granted, but I had to take out a MUMMA Loan or a temporary loan at Clark State until the financial aid department took it's time. There was always a form that I was missing. Most of the people working in the financial aid office were work studies, and I knew more than them. So it was always a struggle. My husband goes to wittenberg university, which is definitely not a diploma mill. They failed to tell him that his student loan funds had been received. Their website gives you no idea when they do their disbursements, and to top it off, the website is so disorganized. So yeah, if all schools were to be investigated because of financial aid department complaints, every school would be at risk for losing accreditation. And further more, how do we know, that some of you were 100% perfect in putting the paperwork in. If you don't put the paperwork in, or follow withdrawl procedures, yeah you might owe. I have a 3,000 bill from Clark State CC that I'm paying down, because I Forgot to withdrawl from class. I can't blame that on the financial aid department, and I still owe the debt there. And from what I've read, some former students did the exact same thing. So seriously, MATT MERYK, since you are in the know about Ashford losing accreditation soon, please provide us all a link. Cause at this point I'm a bit skeptical.

almost 2 years ago Lisa Clifton

I am an Ashford alumni. I took my undergraduate degree in Organizational Management and then began immediately on my MBA, graduating in November of '09. Overall, the experience was good for me. I did experience difficulty with my Financial Aid office, but learned very early on to keep excellent documentation on who I spoke to and what they told me, and as an added protection, I followed everything up with an e-mail. I was always able to get my Financial Aid issues straightened out. My Academic Advisor was non-existent, but then I didn't really require any hand-holding on that front. For the negative comments on the education that I have read on this web-site, I would like to point out that an education can be received for free at the local library. You get out of it exactly what you put into it. Can you float through these courses and pull decent grades? Yes, of course you can, but in the end the only person you are cheating is yourself. If you put in the time and effort this is a good and affordable education. Is this a diploma mill and only out for profit? If you need me to answer that, then you should probably spend a little more time on your Finance courses. What do the terms "private" and "for profit" institution mean to you?

over 2 years ago Chad Whiteside
clc28rc ((at)) sbcglobal dot net

I have been attending class at Ashford for just over a year and one half, graduating with my B.A. in Organizational Management Feb, 2010. Let me first say that college, whether online or at a brick and mortar campus requires dedication. Essentially, you get out what you put into class. Those who have complained about Ashford's online program in my opinion were too lazy to research all of the costs and requirements prior to enrollment. The technology fee is in black and white, and is applied within the first semester. This is not unique to Ashford, all online programs have a technology fee which is for the use of and to maintain technologies used for online classroom. Secondly, the requirements for the FAFSA are enforced by our government, who provide these loans, not Ashford. Any complaints of this nature are unfounded in my opinion. As for the learning experience, I will state again, you get out what you put into class. If you want to learn, this is a fantastic college. If you want a free pass, this is not the college for you! There are plenty of diploma mills out there, go find one of these if a piece of paper is all you are looking for. Classes in the online format are fast paced, require much reading and writing papers in a short time. Typically a three to five page paper is due in week two, a draft of your reflective paper is due in week three, with the final paper due at the end of week five. Along with this, discussion board topics are due weekly, as well as weekly exams. Ashford in my opinion has provided a quality education at a fair price. I plan on enrolling in the MAOM upon completion of my BAOM.

over 2 years ago sincere

Ashford University is a ripoff! They're profiting on students finicial aid and don't give a damn about anything else.

over 2 years ago Thia, persuing B.A. in Social Science online
NewMerciesIC ((at)) aim dot com

I am in the 4th week of my second course at Ashford, and thankfully, for me it's been good so far. I was able to transfer about 50 credits from my prior two colleges, even though it's been a few years since I had earned them. My enrollment adviser (Adrienne)was great and got the ball rolling for me to begin classes within about 2 wks from the day we first spoke. I'm 30 plus, and a busy wife and at-home mom of 3, so it would have been impossible for me to attend my local state college to finish my degree. But Ashford is convenient to my time and is making it possible for my dream of earning my B.A. to come true. That said, as far as administration problems, I don't know if AU has a high employee turnover or what, which may be causing some of the communication issues I've read about here. I can relate to having to wait for my excess Student aid money. I was told it would be issued after completing week 6. Now going into my 9th week, I still haven't received the refund yet, although the school received and applied my Student Aid money at least 2 weeks ago. I attempted to send a second email to my financial adviser two days ago and it came back undeliverable due to being marked "spam." This is the only still-unresolved issue I've had w/ the school. Other than that, my instructors have been very knowledgeable and well qualified. I've put forth a lot of effort, and so far am earning very good grades. I'm looking forward to graduate in late 2011, if not before. My advise to anyone considering AU, just do your homework first. Know the policies and guidelines before signing up. The continuous, rigorous 5 wk courses aren't for everyone, but if you're willing to work hard, this MAY be the school for you!

over 2 years ago Liz Scott

I'm not sure what the correlation between the UDP and Ashford University. Ashford is recognized by the department of education and is regionally accredited. I am receiving an great education from this university and I will be very proud of my degree. I was just wondering why this web page cited diploma mill information from wikipedia under the Ashford University Summary. If you search wikipedia for a list of unaccredited institutions (or diploma mills), you will not find Ashford University. Ashford is an awesome school with a fantastic curriculum.

over 2 years ago Mike Blackstone

If you are even thinking of signing the contract, you better look again. I got an A in my first class (a joke really). I was 3 weeks and another A into my second class when I got the "tuition Increase" email. My degree went from $57,000 to over $70,000 and I was only in my second class of 4 years. I was not wiling to gamble on the actual final cost by then and dropped out. They are billing me directly for a "Technology Fee", even though I had a student loan. They gave me 15 days via email to pay or go to collections. The student loan won't allow payment of this fee, which should speak for itself. It is illegal and wrong. My new goal is to make sure not another veteran signs up for Ashford, and that not a single lender will give a student loan for Ashford. It's University Of Nevada Reno for me. Do yourself a favor and go to a real school.

over 2 years ago nikki

I am hearing from others hear how Ashford is a top notch school. In some ways yes but when you are given wrong information at the time of enrollment then everything changes. I am not employeed so when I decided to go back to school to obtain a degree because where I live most jobs had gone out of business. So when I called and told the enrollment advisor at Ashford that I was not working and needed help with purchasing books I was told by the enrollement advisor not to worry because my finacial aid would come in time for me to purchase the books and for future classes. Well after I had signed up with Ashford it took 4 months before I had recieved any of my finacial aid. Even though I had maintain a A and B average without a book. I still wanted to give Ashford a chance. Stupid me. When it came time to recieve financial aid again, Ashford emailed me the week before I was to recieve my finacial aid to tell me that they had started a new thing that no one could recieve financial aid untile after 14 weeks of succesfully completing 2 classes. The thing about this that up set me was the fact that Ashford waited at the last minute to send me an email about holding finacial aid when I depended on it to help puchases their expensive books. So when I called to inquire about the matter my financial advisor told me it was to help me out. When I asked how it would help me out by holding my money that I have to pay back and still have to be responsible for books when it was well documented that I needed help purchasing books and other materials due to non employement. So after screaming and threatening to take my money some where else and to let my financial aid advisor know that if anyone ask me if Ashford is a good school to go to? I would simply say no and that Ashford dosen't care about the student only the money. She decided to send my money on time. Now things are starting up again with the financial aid and I am not sure if I want to continue my education with Ashford. One finacial aid advisor is telling one thing and another finacial aid is telling me something else. The only thing I want others to know is to be careful before enrolling with this school and get everything in writing. If you can't get in writing, it might be best to look into other schools. Yes their classes are challenging and are very good. But if you can not afford the textbooks it might not be the school for you.

almost 3 years ago faithful_1
scottdeveda ((at)) gmail dot com

Ashford's online course is not a joke! You have to be prepared to read a lot and display storng critical thinking skill if you're a student. I have taken 3 courses at Univ. of Phoenix and hated the group work. I received 59 credits from Nova Southeastern Univ and all of my credits were accepted applied towards my Social Science degree. I'm learning a lot, but it requires plenty of discipline and competent academic writing skill. This is not an online course for people attempting to get FREE financial aid money after dropping a class in two weeks. And it's not for adults that make excuses for not turning in assignments or those with low expectations. You have to be a self-starter and willing to be accountable for the effort you put forth. I'm very pleased so far and I have 3 children from 2yrs to 15 and a husband who is also in college full-time, and we both work full-time. People just need to grow up and buckle down and get it done! If that's not you don't enroll or you'll be whining too!

about 3 years ago Mark
hd dot man70 ((at)) hotmail dot com

Ashford is a fine school and has the proper accreditation. It is not going to lose its accreditation! I have taken ten classes with Ashford and have had little to know problem with them, any problem I did have with the college was resolved quickly. My friend was taking classes at Ashford and transferred to another college to get an Associates Degree. The other college accepted all of his Ashford credits. The only reason he transfer out of Ashford is because Ashford only has one online AA degree plan. Ashford is primarily geared toward undergraduate and graduate degrees. Before going to Ashford I attended and received my AA degree from Central Texas College. I had more problems with that college than I have ever had with Ashford. When I would call that college to get something done, the staff was either off for a holiday or the offices where done for the day. No matter what college you go to you are going to have a problem or two with it. I am in the Military and Ashford has been a good college to go to. Sometimes I can’t submit an assignment on time due to my military duties and the instructors have worked with me every time. They don’t give me extra month to submit my assignment but usually give me an extra couple of days or so. The other thing that I like is that the instructors are not one sided, they understand you have your point of view in discussion assignments and respect it.

about 3 years ago Perez
mspenny75 ((at)) hotmail dot com

Where can I verify that they are about to lose their accreditation? What is your resources? I would like to investigate this for myself. FASFA would not be approving money to an unaccredited school. "MATT MERYK - Hold on everyone! Do you know what Ashford University really is? It is a money laundering organization and it is owned and opersted by organized crime! Ashford University claims to have 18,000 on line students. This is crazy. Add it up. One book per student, every 5 weeks and they use an outside service to distribute these? Ashford uses false names for students and instructors. Ashford is about to be unaccredited and what will your degree be worth then?"

about 3 years ago Linda
luckylady2105 ((at)) aol dot com

I am currently an Ashford student and it is a ripoff and a very bad school.I have read the posts and I wonder how many posts are from Ashford staff ? I mean this is the type of school that make you have red flags flying everywhere. In 2006 when I first started it seemed like the perfect school everything was nice. Then in 2007 things was not adding up so I did some research on my own and made phone calls. From the first part of this year (2008) until now I have had the headache of my life. Ashford is a nightmare when it comes to being an online student with financial aid. They have taken my living expense money and I called and asked to speak to the Dean and was told that they had many Deans but none for online students. They would never send my excess funds within the 14 days time frame. The Instructors are a joke, you might have three out of your whole program that sounds real with morals. Iwas talking with a financial aid counselor in Iowa who said I did not get a Pell grant and there was no one else I could talk with. I called San Diego just after I hung up the telephone with her and she answered the phone in San Diego, now I know we have fast technology on travel but this was crazy. I asked her did she had jets under her feet to get there that fast. She hung up the phone.. I am know talking to The Department of Education so that they can do an audit of Ashford. A new technique is coming in to swindle more money out of students. The so called 30-70 disbursement plan. You will have to attend 7 weeks to get 30% of your funds and 14 more weeks to get the 70% of your funds. I called my lenders and they said they never heard of funds being disbursed like that. I called FASA and they told me that was illegal because they only disburse twice a year and that was how the school was suppose to disburse funds. If anyone say that you can get in touch with Ashford and they will call you back the same day- they are lying. I called for a week staying on the phone and I did not recieve a phone call yet. I always had to get a number off the internet to talk to the President of Ashford and present my issues.. Something is seriously wrong with this school and if I did not have so much time, money and energy involved I would quit. The work assignments are easy and you will pass them, until Ashford wants more money and tell the imitation instructor to fail you, so you can pay for a retake. I am in Organizational Management so why would I need a class in Introduction to Film. Someone please explain that one to me. Please look some where else for a school you can trust. Ashford gives online schools a bad name.

about 3 years ago MATT MERYK
MYTEBYTE ((at)) NETZERO dot NET

Hold on everyone! Do you know what Ashford University really is? It is a money laundering organization and it is owned and opersted by organized crime! Ashford University claims to have 18,000 on line students. This is crazy. Add it up. One book per student, every 5 weeks and they use an outside service to distribute these? Ashford uses false names for students and instructors. Ashford is about to be unaccredited and what will your degree be worth then?

over 3 years ago Corey
bankscorey ((at)) yahoo dot com

Wow, after reading some of the comments, I am not sure if some people are talking about Ashford. My experience with Ashford has been great. I have attended three colleges, so I know what to expect. My experience with Ashford has been awesome. The personnel including professors, advisors, and other administrators are always available and willing to help. The only problem I did have was when two of my professors were not grading my papers or discussions fast enough. HERE'S MY RECCOMENDATION: If you are disciplined enough read and also able to write a 5-8 page paper every week Ashford is the place for you. You can even submit your paper to a writing consultant for suggestions, prior to turning it in. Also, to succeed at Ashford, you need to be self-motivated and driven. I have been at AU for a year, and I have had any group assignments.

over 3 years ago Rich
weho5r ((at)) yahoo dot com

I'm in my last class at Ashford and just wanted to add my two cents here. I spent 4 years at a major university here in Los Angeles before having to drop out. First of all, there are always admin and financial aid problems. You just have to know how to stay on top of what you need. I had FAR less of a problem with Financial Aid here at Ashford than I did at the other university. The counselors are helpful, the faculty is helpful but the bottom line is that you really have to work. This is not an easy way out. It's college. Act like an adult, be responsible and you will succeed!

over 3 years ago Anonymous
evergoose79_mo ((at)) yahoo dot com

I just completed my degree with Ashford and it has been overall good. My degree was Organizational Mangement and I found the instructors to be pretty good and I like the fact that the online courses are 5 weeks and you can can see your grades as your progress from week to week. Also, I like the fact that there was a sort of unfirom standard from class to class, for example initial posts were on Thursdays, and final posts, written assignemnts and quizzes were on Tuesdays (which is so much better than Friday because you have the weekend to read through the posts). Their online courses are structured for people that work and have families. Their expectations are clear and you can see the entire course syllabus from the student page before actuallt taking the course. I have found that the online courses at Ashford seem to be more tailored to adults that are working and have families, as opposed to other online formats. The tution I guess is average to other classes that I would have taken, however, I wish that that they had adjusted my rate to the in-state level since I was using the GI Bill to pay tuition. The adminstrative experience at Ashford was a litle rocky, they told me that they would get my transcripts, but they had some problems. I had applied for Financial Aid and the paperwork took awhile from the school's side. However, whenever I e-mailed I got a call that day, I had requested transcripts one time and they actually called to get some clarification. I have encountered different situations at different schools, and Ashford is not any different. However, their Online Structure for Online Bachelor's Degreees is structured and organized compared to some of these more famous schools. You get what you put into it, nobody is going to hold your hand and but they give you their expecation up front, and that is something that I like about any institution.

almost 4 years ago Denise
rusymac2 ((at)) yahoo dot com

I am currently enrolled in my last two online classes at Ashford before receiving my BA. I did have a problem with the scheduling of classes towards the beginning of my program, but it was quickly resolved, and the only problem I have had. I do not find the courses to be difficult as long as you can write at the college level. Online courses involve a lot of writing by their very nature. It is difficult to give exams online since who would know who was really taking it - so every class at Ashford culminates in a research paper. And with weekly written assignments it is very apparent if the student actually wrote the paper. An 8-10 page research paper every 5 weeks can seem tough for some, especially if they have poor writing sills, but it is very doable. I doubled my classes to finish sooner, so I have been doing two such papers, plus the regular coursework, so it can definitely be done. They accepted all of my transfer credits and I have found the vast majority of professors to be outstanding and helpful (especially Professor Norwood - my absolute favorite). Ashford did not have my official transcript evaluation completed when I started classes, but they were very willing to only schedule me in classes that I was sure I did not have in transfer equivalencies. You will pay tuition for classes at any University whether you complete them or not if you do not officially drop out by the drop date. Any fees incurred, such as transcript evaluations, are non-refundable at all universities as well. I have taken online courses at a few community colleges and they always charge a technology fee - it is the fee to use the technology that allows for the class to be online in the first place. Also, the federal government requires cancellation of loan funds if you do not complete 67% of the classes you enrolled in, or a lesser amount if dropping a class takes your status from full to part-time. Ashford does not make the rules regarding federal loans, our government does. I loved that Ashford allowed me to start classes before my financial aid was complete. Some other schools will make you pay out-of-pocket until your aid comes in for at least part of your tuition. Ashford did not - and they even paid for the books for my first class. If you think their tuition is high, compare it to other REGIONALLY ACCREDITED online programs and you will quickly discover that it is not. I have never had any technology issues. There have been one or two instances in the past year where Blackboard (their class hosting software) "went down," but I don't think it was for more than 10 minutes either time. Attending Ashford has been a wonderful experience for me. I highly recommend the University for anyone looking to complete an online degree program.

almost 4 years ago Sherina Watts
msrina7 ((at)) yahoo dot com

Ashford University is a terrible school. The people they have working in the financial office have no clue of what they are doing. First they lost all of my paper work but yet I was taking classes with without my student loan. I filled out my work stating I wanted any unused funds returned to me Ashford refuse to give the refund. I called 3 times a day and I don't get a return call or email until a week later. I was told after my 3rd class I could withdraw from the school and any remaining funds will be mailed to me. They never processed my withdrawl. Then I was given paper work to fill out about the remaining money of my loans I didn't understand so I call to get help and to find out I was sent paper work with would cancel out all my loans and I would have had to pay Ashford out of pocket for the 3 classes I took. I would not recommand this school to my worst enemy.

almost 4 years ago Devon Holden
dth0183 ((at)) yahoo dot com

I have finished 2 courses at Ashford and will graduate in about a year. As far as the complaints below, I would ignore them. The complaint that it is too hard sounds like it is coming from someone dumb or lazy. I have to put in a lot of time reading the texts, and have to spend time writing. It takes time and effort and if you do not want to put in the work then do not go, but if you do it is wonderful. The administration is helpful, I get calls weekly from staff. While things can come up that need a follow up, this happens at any university and was much worse at University of Arizona which I previously attended. If you are a serious student that works full time this is an excellent choice due to the one course at a time structure.

about 4 years ago Juice
phipsijuice ((at)) hotmail dot com

I recently graduated from Ashofrd University with a BA in Organizational Management and I am now enrolled in Ashford's MAOM program. It sounds like the people who were not satisfied with Ashford, would not make it anywhere. If you can't get the basics down, than college is not for you, period.

about 4 years ago Belinda Medellin
billiemed ((at)) netscape dot net

I just completed my Masters at Ashford University and it was tough but amazing. Did I mention I took advantage of the online program? As a working single mother, there was no doubt that online was the way to go and I did my research. Not only was the recruiter helpful, but the path they led me to made sense. Not only did I obtain my dream career because of my degree path at Ashford, but I learned how to push myself academically. It was harder then my undergrad because I had to be on top of everything. However, the instructors were great, the classes were extremely interactive, and I no problems with financial aid. The only problem was with the bookstore, so I quickly resorted to Halfbooks.com. Yes there were many people that dropped out of the course, but any Graduate program is tough. You just have to want it bad enough to stick with it. Ashford University online is an excellent choice for those who can be committed to success.

over 4 years ago Dr. Mijanovich
Profmijanovich ((at)) myway dot com

On line schooling is not a give me. I have gone back to Ashford University to receive degrees in a different field than my previous field of engineering. I have found Ashford to be a good school, but is demanding. Many think that online schooling is a snap, think again. Many noted magazines have made the comments that on line education is as hard if not harder than in class programs. If individuals can't handle the administration problems which can come up than this is not the type of education for them.

over 4 years ago jenn
jen29aplms ((at)) aol dot com

wow, after reading these comments i am a little worried about any online school offering a degree. i have heard bad and good things about each one i have researched i have spent a month researching , talking to advisors and friends, and i just dont really know about this. my main worry is having trouble on a class or tech problems and no body ever there to help you or answer a question. thanks for listening. lost

over 4 years ago Lisa
ky_lcornett ((at)) hotmail dot com

I recently graduated from Ashford and I absolutely loved my distance learning classes there. I earned my MBA and never had 1 ounce of trouble from the financial aid department, academics, or any of my counselors. I miss class so very much, in fact!! I guess if things do not proceed smoothly from the beginning for some people, they might not be determined enough to continue on with their education at a college that is truly EDUCATION-based, not athletics, not any other extra-curricular activity mattered to them - only that I received the highest quality education with great feedback from my instructors on each and every assignment. I miss it, today and I highly advise anyone to attend Ashford University. It changed my life.

over 4 years ago Bryce
brycewerckman ((at)) yahoo dot com

I will be graduating from Ashford University at the end of the summer. I have taken 11 classes to finish my degree, and I have found this college to be the best at what they do and the most affordable. You have to actually do the work to get credit, and the courses are challenging. The administration still needs to work out a few issues as far as student contact goes, however, my academic advisor has been very helpful and with me every step of the way. Over half of the poeple that started the courses with me have dropped out, but it was obvious from the beginning that several who were admitted could barely read or write. That is a reflection of the high school system in this country, not of Ashford. You have to demonstrate basic competencies in composition, grammar and spelling in everything you do there. If your looking for a degree mill, look elsewhere.

over 4 years ago Rob
sandymorales1 ((at)) yahoo dot com

I was going to take a class online found no help it was too difficult and I got no assistance. So I quit after the very first class, repeatedly emailed and called my counselor. No return call then 2 months later get a call stating I owe $700. This really is a bad school and I don't understand why I should have to pay for a course I never took

over 4 years ago caprice
capricerenea ((at)) comcast dot net

I am very upset with this school. From day one they lead me to believe that everything would be smooth transition. I took two classes and have dropped from the school. Since I took my second class they are stating that I have to pay $500.00 for transcript fees, $250.00 in technology fee (when I was an online student), $175.00 Student Services Fee, and $65.00 in orientation. For a total of two classes they are charging me $3500.00. I am glad I am no longer attending and beware if you are thinking of doing so.

over 4 years ago jenny
jennifer_swart9480 ((at)) yahoo dot com

I really find Ashford to have a helpful administration. They are in constant contact with me and easy to get a hold of. I did not have any issues with them receiving my transcripts and when they reviewed them they accepted more transfer credits. Most other universities are only willing to take up to 64 credits, but Ashford took 90 credits.

almost 5 years ago dorothy
dchar90 ((at)) yahoo dot om

this is the worst school I have ever been to. The administration at the school is terrible. They don’t inform you about important matters, I started the school in March. They didn’t inform me until my second class that they didn’t receive all my transcripts. Then they put me in the wrong field that I was majored in. I don’t what kind of people are working in that office but they are not very smart. I have wasted my time and money coming to this school and I will not recommend it for any other person.