Hello. I got a cousin who started his online Associate at UoP. He recently told me he's considering doing his online Bachelor at Ashford instead of staying at UoP. Do you think it's a good or bad idea (changing from UoP to Ashford)? He's studying business. Thanks
Ashford is a step up from UoP, in my opinion, but I think he could do better. I recommend getting away from the for-profit schools. They are over-priced and many employers aren't too fond of them. I think your cousin should switch to an affordable state college or university that also offers online degrees in business. Here are a few online programs your cousin should consider... Peru State College...state college in Nebraska....uber cheap http://www.peru.edu/distanceeducation/ University of Wyoming....uber cheap (for now). Tuition is starting to go up but if your cousin competes the degree in the next 2-3 years, it's still a bargain. Management & Marketing | College of Business | University of Wyoming Fort Hays State University (uber cheap) This school also offers an online associate's degree in general studies if your cousin hasn't finished at UoP yet as well as a BS in management. Management - Fort Hays State University Columbia College (also very affordable) This school offers several different business degrees as well as an associates degree in general studies Columbia College Online Campus - Academic Departments
I agree with aviator. Many will associate an obvious for profit with low quality. Add in the cost and its easy to make another choice. Take a look at eastern New Mexico university and chadron state in addition to the list above.
He could also go to one of the "Big 3", finish a BSBA quickly for not too much money and then transfer to one of these schools mentioned above for a master's degree. It depends upon what his goals are.
There are currently some questions about the future of Ashford's regional accreditation. Ashford was historically a B&M campus in Iowa, with accreditation through HLC-NCA, which is the regional accreditation agency for the Midwestern states. However, most of Ashford's operations are now online and based in San Diego, California. This means that Ashford has to seek accreditation from WASC in the future, because WASC is the regional accreditor for California and Hawaii. So Ashford applied for regional accreditation with WASC -- but in July 2012, they were rejected. For now, Ashford still has its old HLC-NCA accreditation, but it's not clear whether they will be allowed to keep it. HLC-NCA will make a decision on this in February 2013. The uncertainty about the accreditation issue has caused some problems for Bridgepoint Education (Ashford's owner). These issues are even making the sports news, because of Bridgepoint's sponsorship of the Holiday Bowl game (UCLA vs Baylor, Dec. 27): Personally I would not recommend Ashford until these issues are sorted out.
It is a bad idea, just move away from for-profit academic institution as possible. Ashford University is as bad as University of Phoenix, just different owner.
For someone who is seeking a BA in Business, it seems silly to limit yourself to Phoenix and Ashford. It's one of the most commonly offered degree programs. Wherever your cousin lives the state university system is likely to offer an online equivalent that would be both less expensive and more highly respected than either of those mentioned programs.
Definitely tell your cousin to leave UoP and avoid Ashford. As was previously mentioned, there are many other RA, NON profit, cheaper schools that will do the job much better.
To me the issue isn't for profit or non-profit, it's overpriced versus not. As many have said, both schools you list are far too expensive. I'd go with any of AV8R's suggested alternatives first.
I do agree - I never subscribed to the for-profit vs non-profit narrow minded view. My for-profit MBA was cheaper per credit then my public school graduate certificate.
Yeah profit is a good thing. If you are a business major you should already know that. But look out for your own bottom line. You can finish most of the associates level courses through CLEP testing and that is the cheapest option of all. $80 for a test gets you 3 credits. Look it up. You will kick yourself later on if you don't. UOP is definitely not the cheapest option out there. I recommend taking a look at Thomas Edison State College because its a public school that has no limit on credit transfer and no limit on the number of credits you can use from CLEP tests. That is rare.
I did a lot of testing out when it was my time, but it's not right for everyone. Schools like TESC are great for self-starting types who are into independent study, but someone who wants something more structured might be better off at Columbia College, Fort Hays, or Peru State.
I have no problem with "for profit", but they (especially UofP) have made a name for themselves exploiting students and federal financial aid. Their business model was based on a disregard for their customers...I'm shocked they had such a long run of success. American Public University/American Military University appears to be a pretty solid for profit. NCU seems to be another. The thing is that with the institutions being propped up the market didn't self correct. The simple answer remains...pick another choice. UofP and Ashford have significant issues right now that make them far from the first choice.
You have identified the real problem. In higher education, the term "for profit" has become conflated with exploitation, in large part due to the behavior of for-profit institutions. Had more institutions used the AMU model, then I think we would have less stigma.
I can vouch for AMU/APU, since I am a faculty member there. It is a very decent online for-profit school that is trying to become even better. AMU was started by a Marine Corps major who tried to provide options for deployed military personnel. They are also flexible in policy for deployed individuals, and are reasonably priced.
I will say that there are 2 for profits that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone. AMU/APU and Grand Canyon University. I have heard great things about both schools, and GCU has an excellent reputation here in Phoenix. So I guess my experiences with for profits has tainted my opinion a bit (I have gone to 4 of them, wont do it again).
+1, I believe AMU/APU and GCU are a very few good apples in the whole for-profit colleges sector. My experiences at GCU has been great. I have had plenty of job offers/internships just for being an GCU student and my tuition is absolutely free since my scholarships covers 100% of it. Whether your cousin decides to be an online or on-campus student, he/she should definitely check out GCU or AMU/APU.
