Ashford University Reviews
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School recommended by
Cierra
on
July 13, 2010
15/15 people found this review helpful
I am just now enrolling into Ashford, and my start date is July 20, 2010! So Far it has been great, I am transferring from GCU.... and the enrollment counselor has done nothing but encourage and help me with everything!
Learn More about Ashford UniversityGreat School
School recommended by
Patrice Locklear
on
July 10, 2010
6/6 people found this review helpful
I enrolled at Ashford in March 2007, I had a n excellent experience. I graduated in May. Everyone on the staff were always polite and very helpful. If I emailed or left a message, I would receive an answer back or get a returned phone call the same day. Loved my time with Ashford great school.
Very let down
School not recommended by
michelle
on
July 10, 2010
4/18 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but trouble I have gone to a camps and done the online and yes I know Ashford is both but I have had nothing but trouble there is no real support and I get told one thing at one moment and something different at another and the adviser do not call you back this has been the worst experience I have had.
I am changing schools and for those that seem to think if you are unhappy with the serves of the school you failed at college I have not failed at college I have and will finish what I have started just not through Ashford I expect high quality of services from the school I go to or attend.
One word...AMAZING
School recommended by
John
on
July 02, 2010
14/16 people found this review helpful
So I just graduated from Ashford. From day one I have talked to my enrollment advisor that actually was in Iowa when I graduated to congratulate me. I have no idea how people had a bad experience, it was perfect.
Thank you so much Ashford for changing my life. I got a degree in healthcare and just got a job in a hospital. For everyone that has bad comments, cool down just because you failed at college doesn't mean it is the universities fault.
Also some people really aren't smart, financial aid is run through the government not the school. Thanks again Ashford, please everyone believe me you will love it.
lies lies lies
School not recommended by
Unknown
on
June 30, 2010
21/32 people found this review helpful
Now I enrolled in this school in May and I turned all my financial aid documents in the my FA adviser. Knowing the curious person I am. I call my enrollment advisor and asked if he could checked if the documents been sent to them and he said yes.
Thinking that they were processing it all this long, I called back again just to check up on it and they said they didn't receive it and I cussed them out and sent them again by kinkos. Called them back and said yea that have it and will make sure this time that it will be ok.
Now tell me why like last week someone from an unknown number from financial aid called me and said I didn't turn in some documents and I told them I did. For some reason this woman research them and found them out the blue delaying my Financial aid process. I asked them was this a game and why are they playing with me like that.
My enrollment advisor is no where to be found and hasn't returned my messages I left and ur FA adviser forget it they are never going to return ur call or email u like they are suppose to. Everyone better check up on their stuff each week like I've been doing.
The school think they are slick, they try to wait till the last minute until its to late and make you try to pay out the pocket giving them money. The whole time you think that everything is alright and its not. The enrollment advisers are nothing but sales people meeting their day to day quota and the school is nothing but a big sales department bribing people out of their money for some easy 123 school making it seem like college.
Enrollment advisor is FAKE and Financial advisor is an idiot!
School not recommended by
Melody Smith
on
June 29, 2010
17/24 people found this review helpful
There is nothing more fake then a College enrollment advisor, they giggle, listen to your problems and offer promises that they have no intention of ever keeping. Once you are enrolled, you are abandoned.
The financial advisor is an absolute idiot. I was first given a girl who informed me that she was new, I quickly asked for a more seasoned FA. I may have gotten a FA that has done her job longer but she is as uninformed about the process of Financial aid as one can imagine.
We are left doing all the leg work while she refuses to answer the phone and speak to us. Even her manager who we called and left messages with 3 times, didnt answer the phone but was quick as lightening to shoot us out a reply email.
As soon as this terms financial aid runs out, I will be going elsewhere!
BTW Just by transfering to Ashford, I lost my level 3 tier financial aid because they didnt accept 3 credits. This cost me $2000 loss in FA. AND now, I am being forced to take an english class I already took and passed at my local community college, same as my mother who is also a student at Ashford. What a crock!
Great experience
School recommended by
Brian
on
June 28, 2010
13/16 people found this review helpful
First off, not sure why some are complaining, my experience at Ashford was excellent. Like many, Ashford was not my first school. I received my associates at a traditional school, however this was not an option for finishing my education due to career strains.
Ashford has been rewarding and the classes well laid out. You get from it what you put into it as with any online learning experience. I have had no problems contacting staff at Ashford who always helped in any situation. I am continuing my education and will start my masters in public administration from Ashford.
There are many financing problems
School not recommended by
an employee
on
June 20, 2010
10/18 people found this review helpful
There is a ratio that is 10 percent cash students and 90 percent financial aid. This is the highest government sponsored financial aid ration that is allowed by Title 4 schools.
This is why the military division is so important to Ashford/Bridgepoint education the holding company from ashford university. The military division does not require FASFA financing.
My experience has been negative, and EA's are required to make numbers whether the resources are available or not. Two thirds of the military business is supposed to be "referrals". Unless you have a wife or husband or military contacts then you will be asked to compromise your ethics to succeed.
The Management is full of slight of hand and other "dirty tricks" to succeed. Not best in class, but do anything to get the job done, wink wink and nod nod.
Drink the Koolaid since the company has no ethics it is necessary to drink the Koolaid or leave.
I am now curious.
School recommended by
Steven Aulisio
on
June 18, 2010
27/34 people found this review helpful
It seems like allot of simply angry people have decided to vent here. This is understandable, there is no way to satisfy everyone, so in respect to all of you, and your situation, there are a couple corrections and generalizations that have been made and "facts" stated that may need to be cleared up.
First correction, this is not an "Online Only" school.
Even the person that wrote this is full of crap totally. "As a former employee, I find that absolutely despicable." You were a former employee? Why would you then say "I'm a college grad, from a REAL university, not some crappy online school." And not realize that Ashford was Mt. Saint Claire College and has brick and mortar classrooms. https://ashford.edu/campus/
And as I always say if you don't like the pay, move on. You worked there? I have now to question if you really have a degree at all, or if you're just working for another college spouting inaccuracies. This is basic stuff here, and you can't get that right.
My advice, investigate a school, call them several times. When I called several other schools when I was looking for information there were schools I called during regular hours and could not even get through to.
Secondly "Getting a degree which is not recognized." The correct statement is that Ashford (Previously Mt. St. Claire College) is regionally accredited. This to me sounds like you're not smart enough to be recognized yourself, and simply want to blame someone, or something. If people do not take you seriously, why is this someone else's fault?
"Teachers let people with bad grammar get away with it" Firstly, your input is in reference to the standard online posting of assignments. My question is, do you actually KNOW what the grades are for these other students? Can you provide proof of your statement? I am sorry but I require at least that.
Certainly there are people new to college, online college as well, and their posts can be terrible. Their spelling and grammar is also horrible at times, but without knowing what grades they get, you're assuming. I have seen someone in my class who has improved in their writing, I don't know what their grades are.
My wife just received her BSBA from W.N.E.C, and most of it was online and Western New England College is right down the road from our home, she had the traditional cap and gown graduation day. There were students in her online classes that NEVER participated in TEAM projects.
Without knowing what they received for grades, how do I know what they got away with? Would it be fair to criticize other students or instructors when I have no idea what their grades actually are?
Finally, OH MY! A rich person is despicably greedy. D U H! Welcome to the real world where the rich will always be greedy, how do you think they get where they are? Being kind? You should just be thankful you are not like that. Personally I don't understand why you being surprised by this surprises me. In this country we even believe politicians still.
STAY AWAY FROM ASHFORD UNIVERSITY....
School not recommended by
jen
on
June 17, 2010
11/38 people found this review helpful
THE MOST DANGER SCHOOL THAT ANY BODY COULD ATTENDED THEY WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY,AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REACH ANYONE.TEACHER ARE NO GOOD.THERE ONLINE PROGRAM IS NO GOOD.ONBODY WILL CALL YOU IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEM,WISH YOU WILL.LOOK PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM ASHFORD.
Ashford's CEO made nearly $21 million in 2009
School not recommended by
Former Employee
on
June 17, 2010
15/29 people found this review helpful
In an interview with the Ashford University (owned by Bridgepoint Education) CEO Andrew Clark, published June 13, 2010 in the San Diego Union Tribune, one of the negative issues mentioned about this school was his gigantic salary. In 2009 ALONE, he earned over $20 million dollars. As a former employee, I find that absolutely despicable.
Why? Because the reason I quit my job with Ashford in 2008 was because of their poverty-level wages. I'm a college grad, from a REAL university, not some crappy online school. I took the job with Ashford, as an Academic Advisor, during the height of the recession because I needed a job--plain and simple. The pay scale for employees in my position was $32k to $40k annually, of course based upon experience, education level, etc. There were, at that time, about 100 of us.
But let's say that all 100 made the maximum of $40k per year. This scenario of course isn't true, but for the sake of argument, let's say it is. 100 people making $40,000 per year comes to $4 million dollars. Mr. Clark earned $20 MILLION dollars. He made FIVE TIMES MORE than 100 of his employees' COMBINED earnings. How despicable is that? So read the article yourself, and then judge for yourself why he so ARDUOUSLY defends "for profit" universities, even bottom-feeding schools like his that will enroll ANYBODY with the money to pay for a degree.
And I mean that, seriously. As an Academic Advisor, I saw some of the dumbest people in the world, with less than 2.0 GPA's get accepted at this school. Any reputable university would have turned them away as not being college-worthy.
And let's face it: as "politically correct" as we'd like to be in this country, college isn't for everybody. Some people just aren't cut out for it, just like everybody isn't cut out to be a Marine or a doctor. But not at Ashford University. If you have the money to pay, you're in. But don't believe me, take a look at the interview with Ashford's CEO for yourself. It was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on June 13, 2010. A link appears below. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jun/13/bridgepoint-ceo-talks-online-education-raps/
Straight from an Employee's Experiences
School not recommended by
D. Vasquez
on
June 16, 2010
15/24 people found this review helpful
As a former employee of Ashford University (who left by choice) who was not in the enrollment/admissions department, but in a parallel department I am well versed in Ashford University policies and the admissions process and department.
I cannot in good faith recommend anyone to Ashford University and largely because of the enrollment process. Ask an enrollment advisor about Mako Mondays and ask them to quote Donald Trump. A Mako is a shark and on a handout was part of the enrollment numbers and enrollment goals that enrollment was given to meet.
There is a lot of pressure on enrollment advisors. These stories are not anecdotal. Employees that arent disgruntled will attest, there is no hiding from the fact that Ashford University is purely a numbers driven agency as any for-profit company is. It is to the detriment of the student except for their focus on time to completion. That is commendable.
However, otherwise Andrew Clark uses the term Best in Class to death. It sounds really pretty but ultimately its a marketing gimmick. It is a veneer over the enrollment department. Ask around you'll hear the negative stories more than the positives---theres a reason. Thats why these stories are not anecdotal. Do not enroll at Ashford.
Its more expensive-- the only reason people go to Ashford is because Ashford doesnt' require SAT or ACT scores and you could just lie and say you graduated from any given High School-- all Ashford does is verify the school existed. They do not require diplomas. How they are accredited-- I dont know. But the worst part is the sleazyness of the enrollment team. Ask them on a Mako Monday what will happen if they dont make their numbers and you'll understand.
EARNING your degree vs BUYING a degree
School not recommended by
Greg Carter
on
June 16, 2010
8/21 people found this review helpful
These are the fundamental questions you need to ask yourself when deciding whether or not to attend Ashford. If you don't care that you won't learn anything, your degree will not be respected in the workplace, and you just want a fast, easy college degree, then by all means, go to Ashford University. If you want a REAL education, if you want to actually LEARN something, go ANYWHERE else.
Quality education!
School recommended by
Angela Streckeisen
on
June 13, 2010
17/18 people found this review helpful
I have attended Ashford for over a year now and am very pleased with the school. At first the workload was light and I thought it would be a breeze. Then the fun began. With a full time job and a family, sometimes the workload is heavy. I still love Ashford and would definately recommend this school to anyone.
I have had no problems with my AA and financial aid, They have both been great. If you are looking for a quality education, look no further than Ashford University.
Financial Aide Makeover!!
School not recommended by
Jana
on
June 08, 2010
18/22 people found this review helpful
I do not have a problem with the cirriculum but their financial aide department is horrible! I have been with Ashford for two years now and up until February of this year all was fine.
My husband enrolled in October and is military so he gets great benefits and he also applied for financial aide. Well, we are 7 months into this now and he still is waiting for his award letter for 2009/10!! Fafsa released the funds back in October.
My husband did have some incorrect numbers at first and fixed the problem right away and then we had to send w-2's and tax information in which the financial aide department lost them twice! So, we are still waiting for his financial aide and I have now been waiting for my pell grants to be dispursed because the financial aide department compare our information now to make sure we are putting all the same information which is fine, but tell me who has ever waited this long for their money to be dispursed by a college?
Ashford has our money but their processing department can take as long as they want to dispurse it. We rely on this money to purchase books and keep our computers going and pay our internet so we can go to college and I am an assistant teacher and do not work for two months in the summer so it helps us stay afloat and we are sinking right now because of their incompitancies!
We have turned them into the Department of Education and we were told that they have had several complaints and they advised that we look at transfering to another college. Well, we are getting ready to do this but I just want people to know that this is a constant issue with this college.
I am very disappointed to be treated in this manor and we should not have to fight for things like this. My husband and I have served this country and for this to happen it just makes me sick to my stomach! Do your research! Check with colleges close to you. You might be surprised!
I believe in Ashford
School recommended by
Denise Kersey
on
June 08, 2010
13/15 people found this review helpful
I have been attending Ashford since Feburary 2009. I love what they have to offer. The experience has been wonderful and really worth the time and energy I put into my education.
I have had nothing but positives from my enrollment Advisor (who is AWESOME) to my instructors. I have had two instructors that were horrible, however because I am self motivated I made the most out of the situation.
The course work is difficult and demanding. But what do you expect from an University? I recieve great grades because I work hard. My spouse attends and he recieves average grades. He does not put in as much effort as I do and it shows.
I recommend this university to anyone who is serious about their education.
Can you think critically?
School recommended by
Anonymous
on
May 28, 2010
18/20 people found this review helpful
I see so many negative comments. Some of these comments are understood and some seem as though they are blaming the institution for their inabilities.
I will admit that some of the people in my class seem like they should not be in a college setting. The fact that they seem to not know how to write a decent discussion on a topic makes it hard for the people who do their assignments well to write required responses. However, they may just need some time to work themselves out.
My academic adviser does annoy me because he refuses to let me take more then one class at a time, and I am not allowed to choose which gen eds I take. Although, he is very reliable when it comes to contacting him, and he stays on the phone with me as long as it takes.
I can not stand my financial adviser. I can never get a hold of her and she never calls me back. When she does get in touch with me it is an email that does not answer my question and sounds like she feels contacting me is a waste of her time. Instead of continuously crying about it or just transferring like many people do, I am calling the supervisor and telling her about my problem. I will be requesting a new financial adviser.
You will have your ups and downs with several people. It is called life. Whether you go to a traditional institution or go to an online institution, you will have some sort of problem. Whether you get a job at a gas station or an elementary school, you will have a problem at some point. The question is, what are you going to do about it? Are you going to just complain and do nothing, contact the appropriate people to fix it, or find the easy out and just quit?
I recommend Ashford to those who can think critically and educate themselves. I noticed that many people are blaming their professors for them not learning anything. This is not a traditional institution. No one will hold your hand and tell you what needs to be done. No one is going to explain things to you unless you ask. If you can not think critically and take responsibility for your own education then Ashford is not for you.
I have learned so much from the classes that I have attended through Ashford. This is because I question, I read, I think critically, and I take in what others have to say. The professor is not the problem, the student is the problem. The student must take responsibility for their own education and motivate themselves in an independent learning setting. If they can not do that, do not attend any online college setting.
Terrible Choice
School not recommended by
Matt
on
May 27, 2010
15/23 people found this review helpful
The only thing you will get from Ashford is a big bill. I've been attending for two years now. On the verge of graduating and suddenly I can't pass a class. The instructor decides who passes. My last class I made all A's on the 4 tests but was scored down on each weekly conversations just enough to give me a D+. Guess what you need to get credit for the class. You got it, a C or better.
I contacted my advisor and was transferred to a voice mail with no call back. I called again and was transferred to a live person who told me to appeal the grade. I appealed the grade to my instructor then filed the appeal using their own line form.
The person's answer was the "weights" of the grades for the discussions, out weighed the weights for the objective tests and the accumulation of points the instructor gave was the deciding factor. Then he told me to contact my advisor so I could reschedule it again. Nice run around.
Yes, Ashford places over 50% of the weights on subjective measures even though you participate and make As on all the tests you can be made to take the class again. You can CLEP the material in most schools and not have to pay for the full class so an instructor who didn't make their life's fulfillment can just decide you should take it again.
I asked who can I appeal the grading system too and no one at their staff would supply an answer for me. Isn't there someone that investigates fraudulent academic processes in the US? I'm trying to find out but so far Ashford chooses not to disclose who governs their rights to pull this dog and pony show off.
My suggestion is to take local classes and stay away from Ashford, also, I noticed those that like the school, have not graduated or used their degree in their field. I think that says it all. Final verdict, I would not recommend it to anyone who is serious about an education.
When are you going to release my financial aid?
School not recommended by
Shell
on
May 21, 2010
23/32 people found this review helpful
At first, I loved Ashford. I started attending with my spouse and our grades were good, we were on the right track. BUT, I elected to have my financial aid disbursed to me. Mostly because I am very smart about money and I don't like other people handling my money, be it a loan or scholarship.
After five, six, seven, eight emails to my financial advisor, academic advisor and finally Student Services Advisor, I have nothing to show for it. Be weary of what is really going on at Ashford. You are held to one standard, having your money taken out literally at 12:01 a.m the day your class starts and then not having your funds disbursed to you.
Read the reviews of people before going to Ashford, before you get into extremelly high debt with nothing to show for it.
Ashford Get What You Put In
School recommended by
:)
on
May 17, 2010
32/34 people found this review helpful
I have attended two or three different online colleges. I finally found Ashford, and I can honestly say that I am truly happy to be where I am at.
I have read the negative reviews on here, and I understand some of them. Yes, I have on occasion got a professor who was negligent and whatnot. However, its important for those who are thinking about attending Ashford, not to think this is the norm. As the end of each course they send out a survey to evaluate the course and instructor. If you have a problem with the instructor, this is the time to let them know.
I also have had excellent communication with my enrollment, academic and financial advisor. My enrollment advisor still emails me after each course to check if I have questions or comments. My academic advisor checks in with me after each class to talk about my next scheduled course, my degree progress and any other problem I may be having.
I believe the work to be just as demanding as any other school. Some subjects are harder than others. As far as getting A's all the time, that is a complete lie. I have turned in what I believe to be an A paper, and receive a B or C.
My only advice to anyone interested in Ashford is to talk to an enrollment advisor. Before I began here I talked to three different schools. What sold me on Ashford was how they answered my quesions and stayed on the phone with me as long as I needed, they didn't make me feel as if I were bothering them.
Wow....
School recommended by
My name
on
May 16, 2010
26/39 people found this review helpful
Ok…. If you think you can go to Ashford and get some kind of financial aid check…then you are not going to school for the right reason…Ashford is a great school for you to get a quality education…
For all the people who are writing bad reviews, you should be ashamed of yourselves…I have learned so much from this school, and you will to if you attend…
There is nothing to worry about if you are trying to educate yourself…if you are looking for a handout then just don’t go to school period….I am tired of hearing “my financial aid is messed up or wrong”….
Fafsa is the easiest thing to complete…I you can’t figure that out, then just keep doing what you are doing….you are obviously to smart for college…Plus. If the only thing you are worried about is financial aid, then don’t even try to get a degree, your mindset isn’t right for college…
If you are getting good grades, then there will be no problem at all…You bad review writers give good schools a bad name…And by the way, serious students don’t listen to your bad attitudes…they overcome any obstacle that is in their way, and succeed, that is what separates good students from people who don’t know what they are doing…
Ashford is a great choice….don’t let the bottom feeders deter you from gaining personal success!
Ashford Employee providing insight
School recommended by
Anonymous
on
May 06, 2010
32/34 people found this review helpful
As with any school there are pitfalls and there are also great benefits. I am a Financial Aid Advisor and there are challenges with the process but if you have a solid Advisor you can have a better understanding of how everything works.
Several students complained about the app fee of $55 but students are advised they will be charged if they drop so that is fully disclosed. If anyone is having issues getting in touch with their financial advisors I would recommend calling ext 1911.
Higher standards than other internet schools
School recommended by
Deena Craycraft
on
May 06, 2010
37/38 people found this review helpful
I am currently in my 3rd year at Ashford and am earning a B.A. in psychology. I completed my first year at Central Florida Community College. Between the two schools, the academic standards and curriculum levels have been equivalent. Ashford's course load is heavier since the module-like format requires more writing and research. That’s one of the trade offs when you do not commute.
Alleging that Ashford’s accredited classes are below college level standards is an underhanded accusation. Since each class is rigidly structured, this college’s learning style proves to be too monotonous for some. Most students quickly recognize that what they are experiencing are the demands of a college education without any of the fluff that some need in order to stay motivated (another trade off).
Ashford requires a level of self-sufficiency that some people are simply not prepared for or cut out for. Social interaction is not really included and some fall flat on their faces-- especially if they are less than 20 years old. It is easier to blame Ashford than to admit otherwise. After all, mistakes are expensive and a real let down.
Personally, I appreciate the efficiency that Ashford offers since it allows me total control over my schedule. I am getting the same if not a better education than other schools provide. Toward the end of each course, we also have to research and write an 8 page thesis. They do enforce plagiarism rules, and will bust you cold. I have witnessed this on blackboard assignments.
Also, if your English skills are weak you should rethink enrolling until after you have brushed up your grammar skills. You may squeak by at first, but below average writing skills will quickly affect your GPA. They do show more leniency if English is your second language and even offer tutoring.
Also, if your computer should break down, you have less than a week to repair it and get caught up before you are booted from the course for non-attendance. They are not sympathetic to lingering technical issues. I have a laptop and an older desktop which serves as a backup.
I do have one gripe-- Ashford is suspiciously enticing students into buying the new e-text books for 74.00 or more. I dislike that format but who wants to pay 150.00 or more for a hardcover each month? I think their strategy might involve pushing these so-called “discounted” e-texts as a measure that they hope will eventually lead to phasing out all hardcover text books.
After that, it is likely that they will steadily jack up the prices of the e-texts to hardcover prices. What is worse is that you won’t be able to legally re-sell your book or find a used one for sale. Right now, you actually own a hardcover after the purchase, and can later recover a portion of your investment if you chose to sell it. After doing some cumulative math, it’s clear that more big money will probably be finagled out of students’ meager pockets.
In many respects, it is lucrative for Ashford to pursue e-texts the prospective profit margin has them drooling.
Other than that trinkie-dink, Ashford is a credible learning institution. It bothers me when people unfairly undermine Ashford’s on-line program. We invest the same amount of effort and money into our educations that the brick and mortar students invest. It seems that schools such as the University of Phoenix as well as Kaplan’s ridiculous reputations are inhibiting the progression of on-line education for everyone.
Sadly, because of this perception issue I am seriously considering attending graduate school at a brick and mortar institution. I can’t prevent drop-outs and a worthless wave of on-line schools from spawning a stereotype that could ruin an otherwise judicious movement in education. This is a form of discrimination but what can you do.
say no to for profit schools
School not recommended by
steven marty
on
May 05, 2010
3/18 people found this review helpful
I went to interboro college 7 years ago and quickly realized that for profit schools placed a heavy emphasis on getting you to sign up and little on eduction, for profit schools have little incentive to provide a quality education, it is all about recruitment and getting finacial aid money to continue to make profits, for profit schools have no place in this country and the quality of education and the cost of these schools are highly questionable, the government needs to do more to provide funding to expand community colleges in this country.
Until the government provides more in funding, for profit schools will continue to take advantage of this situation.
Very Positive Experience - Military Friendly
School recommended by
Fred
on
May 03, 2010
19/21 people found this review helpful
I retired from the US Army about 5 years ago and am using the 9/11 GI Bill to attend Ashford University. I have an AAS and am now attending my 5th class toward a BA and have had no problems at all. In fact everything has been smooth.
My enrollment advisor was courteous and helpful. The class instructors are well qualified and responsive to students. I actually switched from CTU to Ashford because of the amount of transfer credits allowed.
