Ashford University

I would like to start this off by saying I hope my review of Ashford University helps you make an informed decision. Don't not only take my word for it, sometimes you truly have to just try something to form your opinion, continuously reading reviews will only add to the confusion. With that being said, I must use this line that I read from another individual who wrote a review, "If you don't have the patience or attention span to read this review, then Ashford University is not the place for you." I say this because if you truly want to learn something you must: Read, read and read some more. You will get out of this school, as with any school, what you put in. Yes, sometimes it is easier to just not read the chapters in the book. If this is the case, then don't go to school. You are paying to attend, and it is not by force, so you might as well learn something. I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration. I really worked hard the last two years (I came in with an Associate's Degree). With any online institution, there is a stigma. Look past this because that is how a lot of workig adults complete their education in order to advance or start a new career. In my opinion, working full time and going through Ashford University, or any online institution is more challenging than attending a campus. Classes in the BA Degree program at five weeks each. So they are fast-paced. Be prepared to write a paper almost every week. Some papers are 3-5 pages and some are 8-12 pages. Doing this method, has definitely developed my skills as a writer, reader and researcher. I am more confident in my abilities to produce a report that is high quality. Since classes are five weeks in length, also be prepared to go through textbooks at a fast pace. This is where time management and dedication come in. My suggestion is read! Some classes also have quizzes every week. Although this may seem easy, most are in a critical thinking format, where the answers are not directly found in the book. All professors were very helpful. Most responded to my emails quickly and some took their time. They responded to my questions, and were always able to clear up confusion. The classes are designed to have two discussion questions that had to be answered every week. Most professors made sure you have detailed answers and your work is cited properly. Even when responding to classmate's posts, most made sure you responses entailed more than just an agreement or disagreement. My advice, is to truly engage in these conversations, remember: You get out, what you put in. In reading some reviews, I have noticed a trend. This trend is the negativity placed on financial aid and the academic advisors. Some have legitimate concerns, and other feel as though they are the only student or the school revolves around their concerns. It is important to remember that thousands attend this school. I have had my advisor swtiched two or three times. My latest one, would take a while, but almost always answered my questions. I did have one negative experience that stands out from the rest. I had classes that were two weeks apart (end date of one class to start date of another class). So I had to fill out a leave request form. That was processed normally and I did not think I had any issue. I got a voicemail from my academic advisor reminding me about attendance. You have to log in and be active a certain amount of times per week otherwise you can be dismissed. I did not have a class to log in to because I was between them. I called her back and left her a message asking for clarification. I missed her call again and she left me the same exact voicemail. Now common sense would tell me to figure out why I am not attending, and you would be able to clearly see I didn't have a class at the moment. That was eventually straightened out, and I went through another advisor to do it. I have personally not had any trouble with financial aid. I still have not decided if I will be attending for my graduate degree, but I am definitely not ruling it out. I hope this review helps you in your journey.

I hear a lot of complaints but I must say I have been challenged. I am enrolled in the online Master Program at Ashford University. I consider myself a rigorous study student. I must say, there have been days when I have been studying and researching all day and part of the night. My GPA is a 4.0 and it has not come easy. Online studies require discipline. If you are not a motivated disciplined person, online courses at Ashford is not for you. Overall, my experiences at AU have been great.

Finishing up my Master in Public Administration in a few weeks. I've had a great experience. Like any online program, you have to be self-motivated and HONEST. If you do your own work and study hard, you will get a lot out of it. You'll also become a much better writer. I had about 15 hours of homework a week on average. It's a lot of work! Great setup and great program!