Study at Ashford University

Profile of Ashford University

Located in Clinton, Iowa, Ashford University is a private liberal arts institution owned by Bridgepoint Education, Inc. The 24-acre campus is situated on a scenic bluff about a half-mile from the Mississippi River. Its origins trace back to 1918, when Mount St. Clare College was founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Clinton. This institution underwent a steady period of expansion during the latter half of the 20th century, culminating in its transition to the Franciscan University in 2002. When Bridgepoint Education acquired the institution in 2005, its name was changed to Ashford University. The University offers Associate, Bachelor and Masters Degrees at its Clinton campus and also online via its College of External Studies.

Points of Distinction

• 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Opportunity to pursue double majors and minors
• offers both campus and online education degrees

Course Topics

Ashford University offers over 25 undergraduate programs leading to Associate Degrees in arts and business; Bachelor Degrees in Arts, Science, and Applied Science; and graduate programs leading to Masters Degrees in Business Administration and Organizational Management.

Accreditation

Ashford University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The University's teacher education program offered by the College of Education is accredited by the Iowa Department of Education.

Faculty Strengths

Ashford University has 26 full time and 26 part-time faculty members, all of whom serve as student advisors and take a personal interest in the success of each student. The student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1 affords professors the ability of offering personal attention to their students.

Ashford University Student Enrollment

As of April 2007, the University's Student Enrollment consisted of almost 3,500 undergraduates and over 350 graduate students. The diverse population includes students from across the United States as well as from many other countries.

Ashford University Student Life

Ashford students have access to study and entertainment lounges and recreation areas, and are housed in residence halls known for their friendly family-type ambiance. The University boasts numerous clubs and organizations, including the International Club, the Concert Choir, service organizations, special event planning committees, support groups, honor societies, and recreation clubs. The school has a student-run newspaper, The Clarion, which is published monthly. The University is also very active in sports, fielding varsity teams in men's baseball, basketball, golf and soccer, and in women's basketball, golf, soccer, softball, and volleyball. As members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Ashford's athletic teams are known as "The Saints".