Frequently Asked Questions
• How much will a degree from Ashford University cost me?
• Can I transfer all the credits I have earned from other schools I attended?
• Will my military or other prior work experience transfer as credit?
• How long will it take me to earn my degree?
• Is there any way that I can graduate faster than the regular four years?
• Is Ashford University an accredited school? What is the difference between regional and national accreditation?
• How do Ashford University's online classes work?
• How often do I need to participate in my online class?
• Do I have to participate at a specific time?
• What assistance does Ashford University offer to students who need extra academic support?
• Do I have to complete my Associate's degree before I can start an Ashford University Bachelor's degree program?
• How does my degree from Ashford compare to degrees from other schools?
• Will I be able to use my military education benefits, veterans' benefits or financial aid to pay for my education?
• How does the graduation ceremony work for online students?
• What if I want to talk to a real human being and get more information?
1. How much will a degree from Ashford University cost me?
You'll find the affordable cost per credit hour is much less than most traditional universities and colleges, whether on-campus or online. Click here for complete tuition information.
As an additional benefit, Ashford University offers course materials and reduced tuition and fees to Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, and their spouses, as well as to DoD and Coast Guard employees and any student using VA Education Benefits. Click here for information regarding the Ashford University Military Tuition Grant and eligibility.
2. Can I transfer all the credits I have earned from other schools I attended?
You'll be thrilled to learn that you can transfer up to 90 approved credits* from regionally or approved nationally accredited institutions to Ashford University. Ashford's online Bachelor's degree programs have between 38 and 53 elective credits, which means there's plenty of room for AS credits and AAS industry-specific credits to apply as well. As part of your evaluation, Ashford University will review and grant credit as appropriate from your AART, SMART, or CGI transcript. Click here to learn more about transferring credits.
* Please note that transferring credits is always subject to Ashford University transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.
3. Will my military or other prior work experience transfer as credit?
Yes, there are 3 different ways in which additional credits may be applied toward your degree program.
1) The Ashford University Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Program allows you to earn credit for college-level learning that occurs outside a traditional classroom setting while pursuing a baccalaureate degree. The PLA program is managed by the Director of Prior Learning Assessment and complies fully with Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) standards for excellence.
2) Transfer up to 75 credits* from approved National Testing Programs, such as CLEP (College Level Exam Program) and DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests).
3) Military and training experience is of great value and may also help you get closer to a degree. Transfer up to 75 military credits* at Ashford University where efforts and experience in the military are recognized.
* Please note that transferring credits is always subject to Ashford University transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.
4. How long will it take me to earn my degree?
As a member or veteran of the armed forces, you will have the opportunity to receive up to 75 credits from military experience and training which may reduce the time it will take you to achieve your Bachelor's degree by approximately two years. In addition, with Ashford University's accelerated pace you can expect to finish your Bachelor's degree in four years. Many students who transfer in a large number of credits from previous schools often graduate in a much shorter time frame. For example, if you transfer 60 semester credits and stay continuously enrolled, you could finish in two years.
Courses run continuously, rather than in semesters. Typically, you take one course at a time and move on to the next course without a break. Opportunities to enroll and begin a course sequence in a degree program are available every week.
5. Is there any way that I can graduate faster than the regular four years?
Yes, first and foremost an evaluation of previous military schools and experience gives you a head start on your education goals. Since you may earn up to 75 semester credits* for previous experience, many active duty military and veterans start working directly on the major courses or finish general education requirements.
Another way is to transfer in credits* from previous coursework. As a member of the military, many take advantage of national testing programs such as CLEP and DSST. After you discuss the reduced cost of college testing for eligible service members with your base Education Counselor, Ashford University will have advisors work with you to determine an effective plan to minimize your effort for completing your degree.
In some cases, you may also choose to take two classes at once, if you qualify after having completed your first two classes online. Work with your Admissions Counselor and Academic Advisors about this option. Another way to speed your success is to turn your work and life experience into transferable credits* through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). From work training, workshops, and other sources, you can earn credit for learning experiences by documenting that learning.
* Please note that transferring credits is always subject to Ashford University transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.
6. Is Ashford University an accredited school? What is the difference between regional and national accreditation?
Yes, Ashford University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). Whereas national accreditation is primarily limited to vocational or trade schools, regional accreditors typically accredit more traditional universities that offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
7. How do Ashford University's online classes work?
As an online student with Ashford University, your online classes take place in Ashford University's online platform. The online learning platform is an asynchronous environment, meaning that you can log in at any time at your convenience. You will communicate with your instructor and fellow students, read some assigned texts, access some course digital materials, post your assignments, and comment on other students' assignments all through the online learning platform.
8. How often do I need to participate in my online class?
You are expected to participate in your online course by actively engaging in weekly discussion forums with substantial posts and completing the required assignments for each week. In most cases, you should expect to academically participate in your course two times per week. Failure to meet academic participation requirements may negatively impact an assignment or course grade.
In addition, you must meet minimum attendance requirements. Attendance is defined as posting in a graded discussion forum, submitting a written assignment, or submitting a quiz or an exam. You must attend at least once in any seven consecutive day period when enrolled in undergraduate introductory courses (EXP 105 and PSY 202), or once in any fourteen consecutive day period in all other courses, to avoid being administratively withdrawn.
9. Do I have to participate at a specific time?
No, you get to choose when and where to log in for participation in your class, which allows you to fit your degree program into your busy schedule. Your online classroom takes place in an asynchronous environment, which means that you are free to participate at your own pace, so long as you meet the attendance and academic participation requirements for your course.
10. What assistance does Ashford University offer to students who need extra academic support?
You will also have your own personal Military Admissions Counselor who will support you through the entire process, and to whom you can direct your questions. You will find all your instructors very understanding, supportive, and easy to contact. Since Ashford University's online degree programs are specifically designed for adult learners, these academic support systems are built in to help you achieve success in your classes.
11. Do I have to complete my Associate's degree before I can start an Ashford University Bachelor's degree program?
No. You can enroll in an online Associate's or Bachelor's degree program at Ashford University if you meet all of our admission requirements, even if you have never attended a college or university before.
12. How does my degree from Ashford compare to degrees from other schools?
Your degree from Ashford University is valuable, accepted, and honorable as any equivalent degree you could earn from another accredited school or university, whether on a traditional campus or online. The only difference between a degree from Ashford University and a degree from another school is the money and time you'll save through Ashford University.
13. Will I be able to use my military education benefits, veterans' benefits or financial aid to pay for my education?
If you are eligible for Military Tuition Assistance and/or veterans education benefits, you will have the opportunity to work with one of our experienced Military Financial Services Advisors to move through the process.
To determine your eligibility for military tuition assistance please consult your base education office. While you are there, many education offices provide scholarship and grant information specifically created for service members, spouses and DoD employees.
If you find you still need additional assistance, Ashford's Military Financial Services Advisors can determine whether you can benefit from the various financial aid options offered. Financial aid programs include the Federal Stafford Loan, the Federal PLUS Loan and in some cases, the Federal Pell Grant.
14. How does the graduation ceremony work for online students?
No matter where you live, even as an online student you are invited to participate in commencement ceremonies held in May and December on our campus in Clinton, Iowa. If you are visiting from out of town, you are responsible for arranging your own travel and accommodations. Remember that all students, both on campus and online, are required to submit the appropriate paperwork to petition to graduate.
15. What if I want to talk to a real human being and get more information?
No problem! Don't wait...call us today toll-free at 1.800.877.1192. An experienced Military Admissions Counselor is ready for your call.