What is Ashworth College known for?
Founded in 1987, Ashworth College is a private, online college in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. The institution offers over 125 career-focused programs in various high-demand fields, including healthcare, technology, and business.
Ashworth College additionally operates subsidiary schools–the Madison School of Healthcare, PCDI Canada, and James Madison High School, awarding diplomas, professional certificates, and Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees.
The institution additionally partners with other distance learning institutions, such as Penn Foster College, providing students with a flexible and affordable opportunity to advance their education and career at a competitive price.
Is it Legit?
Ashworth College is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission recognizes the institution to offer instruction in career programs, as well as Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees.
The state has also approved Ashworth College to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), overseeing postsecondary distance education.
Specific programs at Ashworth College have received additional certifications from relevant institutions. For example, the school’s Veterinary Technician Associate’s degree program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AMVA-CVTEA).
Is Ashworth College worth it?
Ashworth College offers a considerably flexible and affordable education for students striving to succeed in their education and careers. The institution boasts over 300,000 graduates worldwide, and 95% of students and graduates of the school’s 20 most popular programs state they were satisfied with their education, based on a 2017 survey.
Additionally, Ashworth College partners with other leading institutions in online education, granting their students a premier education in technically-advanced subjects at specialized online universities.
Ashworth College vs. Community College
Ashworth College is accredited to offer diplomas, professional certificates, and Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees. In comparison, community colleges’ offerings are typically restricted to Associate’s degrees and a limited selection of vocational programs. The institution offers an online and flexible education opportunity for career-focused students with an emphasis on vocational training.
Alumni of community colleges who elected to pursue a career-focused pathway may find employment immediately upon graduation, but many students who graduated with more general degrees may need additional licensing or training before employment.
In contrast, Ashworth College prioritizes career preparedness, providing students with the training necessary to start their careers as soon as possible. The institution also offers remarkably affordable tuition, financing options, and student discounts.
Ashworth College Acceptance Rate
Ashworth College has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Ashworth College Cost per Year
Tuition for career diplomas at Ashworth College may range from $549 to $1,099. Tuition for career certificates may range from $549 to $1,699. Undergraduate certificates may go from a price of $1,399 to $2,899. Monthly payment plans are offered, though students may receive discounts of up to $300 by paying in full.
Undergraduate degrees are billed on a semesterly basis. Associate’s degrees cost between $1,699 to $2,899 per semester, with most programs requiring 4 semesters to complete. This brings the total cost for Associate’s degrees to $6,796 to $11,596. Bachelor’s degrees cost between $1,399 to $2,899 per semester, with most programs requiring 8 semesters, or 120 credits, to complete. This brings the total program cost for a Bachelor’s degree to $11,192 to $23,192.
Though Ashworth College does not accept federal financial aid, they offer students various discounts and rewards of up to $300 per program. In addition, the school provides students with monthly payment plan options, proving to be flexible for students both educationally and financially.
School Catalog
A copy of the degree catalog can be found here, and a copy of the career catalog can be found here.
School Hours
Ashworth College’s online coursework is available 24/7.
The institution’s campus in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday. Online student services, such as career support and advising, are available from 9 AM to 6 PM ET, Monday through Friday.
Programs & Courses
Automotive
- Automotive Technology
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Marketing
Computer and Information Technology
- Computer Systems Technician
Construction and Architecture
- Carpentry
Criminal Justice and Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
- Private Investigator
Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management
- Culinary Arts
- Restaurant Management
Graphic, Design, and Arts
- Graphic Design
Healthcare Administration and Services
- Dental Office Assistant
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Nursing
Healthcare and Nursing
- Pharmacy Technician
HVAC and Building Services
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Plumbing
- Electrical
Trucking and Transportation
- Diesel Technology
Veterinary Services
- Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinary Technician
Wellness
- Physical Therapy
Campus Locations
Ashworth College 6625 The Corners Parkway, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092
Financial Aid Services
Ashworth College takes pride in making continuing education affordable. The cost of attendance varies by program, and the fees cover both tuition and necessary materials like books. Attendees can select from a range of payment plans. Some choices include zero percent interest financing and require a down payment.
Student Services
Academic advisors assist with transferring credits from other institutions. They also help arrange for personal tutoring if needed. Alumni of Ashworth College are eligible to receive discounts if they return to take more courses. The school even gives bonuses for referring friends, colleagues, or family members.
Career Services
All students have access to career guidance beginning at enrollment. The web portal has tutorials and templates that can help when searching for jobs. Ashworth College also partners with outside organizations for networking and externship opportunities.
Veteran and Military Services
Members of the armed forces, their families, and veterans may use their benefits towards tuition. Many find Ashworth College’s flexible start dates and self-paced learning convenient, especially overseas. Military advisors can help with enrollment and any special concerns.
Reviews
Based on a high volume of Google reviews, Ashworth College has a poor reputation, with a very low overall score. The reviews reveal a significant divide between a handful of students who had a positive experience and a vast majority who report severe and frustrating issues, particularly within the last year.
Overall Score: 2.7/5 Stars
Common Praises
Affordability and Flexibility: A small number of positive reviews mention that the school’s tuition is affordable and that the self-paced, online format is ideal for students who work full-time or have busy schedules. A few long-term graduates express gratitude for being able to complete their degrees without accumulating significant debt.
Positive Past Experiences: A handful of reviewers, some who graduated many years ago, state that their experience with the school was excellent. This suggests that the school may have been a more effective institution in the past, with many recent reviews noting a major decline in quality over the last year.
Common Criticisms
Severe Customer Service and Communication Issues: This is the most prevalent and consistent criticism. Students report extreme difficulty reaching a live person by phone, with many having to resort to email or an unresponsive online portal. A recent system change appears to have exacerbated these problems, with students reporting being locked out of their accounts and unable to access their coursework for months.
Financial and Billing Problems: Many students feel that the school is deceptive about its costs. Reviewers report that their monthly bills increased unexpectedly without notification and that the school uses aggressive collection tactics. Some allege that the institution is a “scam” and have filed complaints with consumer protection agencies.
Problems with Transcripts and Program Support: A major source of frustration is the school’s policy of withholding official transcripts and diplomas until all financial obligations are met. Even when a student has paid their balance, many report being unable to obtain their documents. Reviewers also complain about a lack of academic and instructional support, with some programs being allegedly under-resourced or even shut down.
Momentum
The momentum for Ashworth College is overwhelmingly negative. The most recent reviews are highly critical, focusing on widespread issues with the new student portal, communication failures, and financial disputes. Although the owner is highly responsive to almost every complaint, several reviewers claim that these responses lead to no actual resolution, reinforcing the impression of a school with significant operational problems.