Ashford University
January 5, 2011 by
Filed under Online Universities & Colleges
Ashford University is located in Clinton, Iowa and offers classes online and at the campus in Clinton. Students attending this university may earn associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees in 25 different program areas. According to the university’s mission statement, the school is focused on providing education that is available to all, cost-effective and of the highest quality.
This university began in 1918 as the Mount St. Clare college. It was founded by the Sister of St. Francis. Originally, the college was started as a branch of the Mount St. Clare Academy and built to serve as the higher education center for the school. The school received its first accreditation in 1950 from the North Central Association Colleges and Schools. Today the university maintains that regional accreditation.
Expansion of the university began in 1958 when a library, gymnasium and speech and hearing center were built. It continues in the 1960s when a residence hall and science building were built. The education expansion was also underway in the 60s when the school received permission to grant bachelor’s degrees. The first bachelor’s program was in business administration. In 2004, the school began master’s degree programs. Finally, in 2005 the school’s name was changed to Ashford University.
The college campus is located in Clinton, Iowa on 24 acres near the boarder of Iowa and Illinois. It is located near the Mississippi River and just north of Highway 30. The best known building on campus is St. Clare Hall. The last building was built in 1998 and is the home of the arena and sports facilities.
The school prides itself on three main points. It offer affordable education. This school’s tuition costs are said to be some of the lowest prices in the Midwest. The school also boosts small class sizes and a real sense of community among students. Finally, the school offers opportunities. Students can earn degrees in 25 programs at three different levels. They also have the chance to participate in 17 different athletic teams in nine different sports, from bowling to tennis to basketball.
The university offers online classes in addition to those on campus, making it one of the many colleges and universities realizing that online education is becoming a trend in higher education. Students can earn associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree completely online through the schools online campus.
The goal at Ashford University is to help every student have a chance at higher education. Advisors and financial assistance faculty are available to help students ensure they choose the right degree program and get the financial aid they need to continue their education at the university. Students, whether attending online or on campus, will find they get help along the way to ensure they are making the right choices regarding their education.
This school is designed to make obtaining a college degree is simple. Students are given support throughout the application process and while they earn their degree. The focus here is helping everyone have access to a good quality education that they can afford.