Frequently Asked Questions about Ashford University^®

What is the history of Ashford University?

You can trust Ashford University's more than 90 years of history, tradition, and academic excellence to provide you with a first-rate education.

Mount St. Clare College (MSC) was founded in 1918 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Clinton, Iowa. MSC became The Franciscan University in 2002 and in 2005, Bridgepoint Education, Inc., a higher education organization, acquired the institution and changed its name to Ashford University. The institution is a coeducational, liberal arts university. Click here for more about Ashford's history.

The last 90 years have brought significant changes, but what has never changed is Ashford University's commitment to provide affordable, innovative, and high-quality learning opportunities to adult learners. You'll find that Ashford University is the perfect blend of tradition with 21st-century vision.

Where is the University located?

The campus sits on a scenic bluff in Clinton, Iowa (population: 28,000), near the Mississippi River and midway between Chicago and Des Moines.

What academic programs does Ashford University offer on campus?

Ashford University offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in a variety of different majors ranging from Accounting through Visual Arts. You may also select from several Bachelor of Science majors, such as Biology, Health Science, or Natural Science; or, you may prefer to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree, customized with a core subject area. You are also free to add a minor to any of these Bachelor's degree programs.

If you have already completed your undergraduate studies, then you have the opportunity to earn a Master's degree through the adult accelerated ASPIRE program.

What if I want to transfer from a community college or another 4-year school?

You can absolutely transfer to Ashford University from a community college or university. You will find that Ashford University is a great place to continue and complete your education. Most of your transfer credits from a regionally accredited or approved nationally accredited college or university can be accepted by Ashford University under certain specified guidelines. For more details, please click here to see how you can transfer in your previous coursework.

Also, you may exercise your rights under an articulation agreement between your previous school and Ashford University. Currently, Ashford University honors articulation agreements from more than a dozen different community colleges and schools. Click here to see if your previous school holds an articulation agreement with Ashford University.

What kinds of academic support and learning resources does Ashford offer?

You have access to Ashford University's modern Library as a member of the Ashford community. Ashford's Library offers a wealth of both hard-copy and online research materials and services, and is an online member of the PrairieCat (formerly Quad-LINC) online public access catalog. Click here to visit the Library Resources page.

You are also welcome to drop in at Ashford's Flavian Center, which provides free tutoring services by professional staff and peer tutors who have demonstrated excellence in a variety of content areas.

Do I need a laptop?

Yes. As a traditional, semester student at Ashford University, you will be required to own your own laptop starting in the fall 2010 semester. Your laptop must meet Ashford University's minimum system requirements listed below. Please be aware that certain classes or majors may have additional requirements.

Minimum System Requirements for Student Laptop

• Platform: Mac OS X 10.4 or greater or Windows XP, or greater;

  Highly Recommend Windows XP Professional or greater Professional Windows OS

• Hardware: Minimum 2GB RAM, DVD-ROM, 10 GB free disk space, sound card, and speakers;

  Highly Recommend 4GB RAM, DVD-RW

• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word 2007, PowerPoint 2007, Excel 2007, and Adobe Acrobat reader 8;
• Windows Media Player 11.0 or higher;
• Web Browser: Internet Explorer 8 or greater, Firefox 3.6
• Networking: Ethernet Network Port
• Email: configuration of Ashford University student email account; and
• Compatible with 802.11b and/or 802.11g wireless networks

If you do not have a laptop, or if your laptop does not meet minimum system requirements, you may be eligible to receive additional money in your financial aid package to cover the cost of a laptop. Call 800.242.4153 for more information. Students in the Ashford University ASPIRE program are not required to own a laptop.

What facilities does the campus feature?

The campus features seven facilities to meet your academic, athletic, recreational, and social needs. The main complex comprises five interconnected buildings: St. Clare Hall, the Science Building, the Library, St. Francis, and Regis. You'll find Durham Hall and the Durgin Educational Center just a short walk away.

What athletic programs are offered at the University?

The Ashford University Saints compete at a high level as members of the Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).The University fields teams in men's baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer and track & field, and in women's basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, softball, track & field and volleyball. Men's and women's bowling and tennis will debut in fall 2010. The University's teams are known as "The Saints" and Champ, a St. Bernard, is the University's mascot. Click here for more information on the athletics programs.

What kinds of activities can students be involved in at Ashford?

Outside of class, you can choose from a wide range of social and recreational activities. Ashford University offers many opportunities for you to get involved in clubs and organizations on campus. Campus organizations include service organizations, special interest groups, special event planning committees, support groups, honor societies and recreation clubs. Click here for more information on student clubs and organizations.

Can I visit and tour Ashford University's campus?

You may certainly visit our campus. Ashford University is located at: 400 North Bluff Blvd. Clinton, Iowa 52732. Click here for map and directions. Call our toll-free number to schedule a tour: 800.242.4153.

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 of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). Whereas national accreditation is limited only to vocational or trade schools, regional accreditation denotes a traditional university that prepares students for advanced degrees. Regional accreditation is important to anyone seeking a degree, because it serves as the recognized standard used to identify quality in American higher education. Credits earned at one regionally accredited university or college can readily be transferred to another regionally accredited university or college. Furthermore, the Iowa Department of Education accredits the teacher education program within the College of Education.

How does Ashford University's tuition compare to other schools?

You may be surprised to see just how competitive and affordable tuition is at Ashford University, compared to comparable universities. Your personal Enrollment Advisor can provide you with specific and up-to-date price comparisons between Ashford University and several other schools. Plus, you won't pay out-of-state tuition at Ashford University.

Is it true that I can get a degree for free?

Not at all. There is no such thing as a university education that is free of charge. Almost all students choose to apply for student loans, which do have to be re-paid. The idea that you can go to a four-year university for free is a persistent misconception. Some students receive small grants and scholarships, but these are relatively rare and almost never cover the full cost of tuition, even at a highly affordable institution like Ashford University.

Do I qualify for Financial Aid?

You will partner with a Financial Services Advisor to 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.

How do I request an official transcript?

To request a transcript from Ashford University, please visit our Transcript Request page. If you were a student at the former Bridgepoint Education / TeleUniversity, dba Charter Learning / Advanced Learning Network and need to request an official transcript, please click here to complete and return the appropriate form.

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 800.242.4153 to speak to someone in our Admissions office.