About Ashford University
Ashford University operates as one of the country's largest online universities with 23,734 students enrolled. The for-profit institution built its reputation around flexible degree programs designed for working adults and non-traditional students. Most students attend virtually, though the university maintains administrative offices in San Diego. Women make up 61.88% of the student body, reflecting the school's appeal to career-changing professionals seeking accessible higher education options.
Students face significant financial challenges at Ashford. The average net price reaches $25,321 annually, while graduates earn a median of $35,404 ten years after enrollment. Students typically graduate with $31,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $331. Only 24.63% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule. The employment rate stands at 90.2%, but the low earnings relative to debt burden create financial strain for many graduates.
Retention tells a troubling story about student satisfaction and support. Just 30.65% of students return for their second year, and only 8.80% complete their degree within six years. The 9.29% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many online learners face balancing education with work and family responsibilities. These completion rates raise serious questions about whether students receive adequate support to succeed.
Students face significant financial challenges at Ashford. The average net price reaches $25,321 annually, while graduates earn a median of $35,404 ten years after enrollment. Students typically graduate with $31,250 in debt and monthly loan payments of $331. Only 24.63% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule. The employment rate stands at 90.2%, but the low earnings relative to debt burden create financial strain for many graduates.
Retention tells a troubling story about student satisfaction and support. Just 30.65% of students return for their second year, and only 8.80% complete their degree within six years. The 9.29% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many online learners face balancing education with work and family responsibilities. These completion rates raise serious questions about whether students receive adequate support to succeed.
Academics & Faculty
Ashford University operates as an online for-profit institution primarily serving working adults seeking flexible degree options. The university attracts students with its entirely online format and career-focused programs in business, education, and health sciences. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, class sizes remain manageable for an online environment. However, the 8.80% six-year graduation rate and 30.65% retention rate reflect the challenges many students face balancing work, family, and academic demands. The university draws a diverse student body, with 61.88% women and significant representation from Black (28.23%) and Hispanic (21.45%) communities. Most students receive federal financial aid rather than institutional scholarships, with only 3.32% receiving institutional grants.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 4.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 9.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 8.8%
- Retention Rate
- 30.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,404
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| International Business. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Sustainability Studies. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Military Applied Sciences. | Bachelor | $56,415 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $51,179 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $50,149 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,911 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $45,618 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $45,328 |
Campus Life
Most of Ashford's 23,734 students never set foot in San Diego, despite the official campus location. This for-profit institution operates primarily as an online university where students log into virtual classrooms from across the country. Only 7.54% of students actually live in California, with the majority scattered nationwide taking courses remotely.
The online experience centers around asynchronous learning modules and discussion boards rather than campus quads or dining halls. Students typically balance coursework with full-time jobs, given that 90.2% find employment during their studies. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio translates to online office hours and email communication rather than face-to-face mentoring. Weekend "social life" might involve catching up on recorded lectures or participating in online group projects. With a 30.65% retention rate, many students struggle to maintain momentum in the digital format. The university attracts a diverse student body that's 61.88% women and serves significant populations of Black (28.23%) and Hispanic (21.45%) students seeking flexible degree options while managing work and family responsibilities.
The online experience centers around asynchronous learning modules and discussion boards rather than campus quads or dining halls. Students typically balance coursework with full-time jobs, given that 90.2% find employment during their studies. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio translates to online office hours and email communication rather than face-to-face mentoring. Weekend "social life" might involve catching up on recorded lectures or participating in online group projects. With a 30.65% retention rate, many students struggle to maintain momentum in the digital format. The university attracts a diverse student body that's 61.88% women and serves significant populations of Black (28.23%) and Hispanic (21.45%) students seeking flexible degree options while managing work and family responsibilities.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Other
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 44°–65°F
- July Avg
- 63°–78°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 12.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Ashford attracts working adults seeking flexible degree options, with women comprising nearly two-thirds of the student body. The university draws students nationwide rather than locally, with over 90% coming from outside California. The diverse student population includes significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities. Most students qualify for Pell Grants, reflecting the school's role serving lower-income learners who need accessible higher education. The gender split aligns with Ashford's focus on fields like business, education, and health sciences that traditionally attract more women students.
- Men
- 38.1%
- Women
- 61.9%
- White
- 39.8%
- Black
- 28.2%
- Hispanic
- 21.5%
- Asian
- 2.7%
- In-State Students
- 7.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.1%
Location
Ashford University operates from San Diego, California, though 92.46% of students study online from locations across the country. San Diego sits along the Pacific coast near the Mexican border, offering year-round mild weather and beach access. The city ranks as the eighth-largest in the United States with a population over 1.4 million. Students who do visit campus find themselves in a major metropolitan area known for its military presence, biotech industry, and tourism. The surrounding region features coastal communities, desert landscapes to the east, and proximity to Los Angeles 120 miles north. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Ashford University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- San Diego, California 92123
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,404
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,956
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 24.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $331/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $31,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Ashford University?
Ashford University operates as an open-access online institution, meaning they accept most students who apply with a high school diploma or equivalent. The university focuses on serving working adults and non-traditional students who need flexible scheduling options.
How much does Ashford University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Ashford University is $25,321 annually, with tuition set at $13,160 regardless of residency status. Only 31.14% of students receive financial aid, and the typical graduate leaves with $31,250 in debt.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Ashford University?
Ashford University maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its online programs. The university operates primarily as a distance learning institution, serving 23,734 students through virtual classrooms and digital coursework.
What is the graduation rate at Ashford University?
Ashford University has a 6-year graduation rate of just 8.80% and a 4-year rate of 9.29%, among the lowest in higher education. The university struggles with student retention, keeping only 30.65% of first-year students through their second year.
Where do Ashford University students typically live?
Most Ashford University students live across the country rather than in California, with only 7.54% coming from in-state. The university operates primarily online from its San Diego headquarters, allowing students to complete degrees from anywhere while working full-time jobs.
How much do Ashford University graduates typically earn?
Ashford University graduates earn a median of $35,404 ten years after enrollment, with 90.2% finding employment after graduation. However, only 24.63% successfully repay their federal loans, and graduates face average monthly payments of $331.
