American College of Healthcare Sciences

91.7%Acceptance

$12,656Tuition

810Students

Private forprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About American College of Healthcare Sciences

American College of Healthcare Sciences focuses entirely on natural health and wellness education, training students to become aromatherapists, herbalists, nutrition consultants, and well-rounded health coaches. With 810 students, this specialized school operates primarily through online and distance learning programs from Portland. The college accepts 92% of applicants, making it accessible to most students interested in alternative medicine careers.

The financial picture tells an important story about career expectations. Students pay an average of $24,016 per year after aid, regardless of whether they live in Oregon or elsewhere since tuition stays flat at $12,656. However, graduates earn a median salary of just $28,012 five years after graduation, which barely covers living expenses in most cities. With typical debt of $13,523 and monthly loan payments of $143, students need realistic expectations about earning potential in natural health fields. About 62% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating many come from lower-income families.

The student body is overwhelmingly female at 92%, reflecting the demographics of alternative health professions. Only 3% of students come from Oregon, showing this school draws students nationally who want flexible, online health education. The 50% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the online format or discover the field isn't what they expected.

Academics & Faculty

American College of Healthcare Sciences focuses entirely on well-rounded health and natural wellness education, making it one of the few colleges dedicated specifically to alternative medicine fields. The school offers programs in aromatherapy, herbal medicine, nutrition, and well-rounded health practices that you won't find at traditional universities. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay relatively small for personalized attention in specialized subjects. However, the 50% retention rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs, possibly due to the demanding nature of health science coursework or the online format that requires strong self-discipline. Most learning happens through distance education, which works well for working adults but requires students to be highly motivated and organized.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 58.3%
Retention Rate: 50.0%
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Career)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems.	Associate	$15,922

View all 13 programs →

Campus Life

American College of Healthcare Sciences operates primarily as an online institution, so there's no traditional campus life to experience. With 810 students scattered across the country (only 2.86% are actually from Oregon), most learning happens through virtual classrooms and digital labs focused on well-rounded health studies.

The student body is overwhelmingly female at 92.35%, which reflects the school's focus on areas like aromatherapy, herbalism, and natural wellness. Since this is distance learning, your "campus" becomes wherever you set up your computer. Students often connect through online discussion forums and virtual study groups, building networks with classmates they may never meet in person. The semester system means you'll have structured deadlines, but the flexibility to study around work schedules appeals to many non-traditional students. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll get some individual attention during virtual office hours, though it won't feel like a small seminar. Weekend activities depend entirely on your location, not the school, since most students are balancing coursework with jobs and family responsibilities from their own communities.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1978

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 37°–46°F
July Avg: 57°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.1"
Annual Snowfall: 3.6"

Student Demographics

American College of Healthcare Sciences draws students who want to work in natural health and wellness fields. With 92% women, the school reflects the gender makeup typical of alternative healthcare programs like aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and well-rounded nutrition. Most students come from across the country rather than Oregon, showing the school's national reach in specialized health education. About 62% receive Pell Grants, meaning the college serves many first-generation and lower-income students who see natural wellness as an accessible path into healthcare careers.

Men: 7.7%
Women: 92.4%
White: 51.7%
Black: 20.3%
Hispanic: 10.9%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 2.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 61.9%

Location

American College of Healthcare Sciences sits in Portland, Oregon's largest city with about 650,000 people. Portland is known for its food scene, outdoor culture, and liberal politics. The city has no sales tax, which helps stretch student budgets. Only 2.86% of students come from Oregon, showing this school draws people from across the country who want to study natural health in a city famous for alternative wellness approaches. Portland sits between the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, giving students access to hiking, skiing, and beaches within two hours. The city's "Keep Portland Weird" motto reflects its acceptance of non-traditional paths, which fits a school focused on well-rounded health education. Students considering colleges in Oregon may also compare American College of Healthcare Sciences with similar schools in the region.

Address: Portland, Oregon 97239

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (5 years): $28,012
Monthly Loan Payment: $143/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,523

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at American College of Healthcare Sciences?

American College of Healthcare Sciences accepts 91.67% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for students interested in well-rounded health careers. The school focuses on natural wellness education rather than selective admissions, drawing students who want to pursue alternative and complementary medicine fields.

How much does American College of Healthcare Sciences cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $24,016 annually, with 61.92% receiving financial aid. The school charges the same $12,656 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students, reflecting its specialized online and distance learning focus.

What is the student-faculty ratio at American College of Healthcare Sciences?

The college maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio across its 810 enrolled students. ACHS specializes in well-rounded health and natural wellness programs, offering both online courses and hands-on training in aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and nutrition.

What are the job prospects after graduating from American College of Healthcare Sciences?

Graduates earn a median income of $28,012 five years after completion, with a 78% employment rate. The college prepares students for careers in the growing alternative medicine field, though graduates typically carry $13,523 in median debt with monthly payments of $143.

Where do students at American College of Healthcare Sciences come from?

Only 2.86% of students are from Oregon, indicating the school's strong national draw through distance learning programs. The student body is 92.35% female, reflecting the demographics typically attracted to well-rounded health and wellness careers.

Does American College of Healthcare Sciences have good student retention?

The college has a 50% retention rate, which is lower than many traditional institutions. This reflects both the challenges of distance learning formats and the specialized nature of well-rounded health programs that may not suit all students who initially enroll.