Ashford University vs. The Big Three

[drewthedude]

Hi Folks,
I was wondering if some of you older students with alot of diverse educational experiences (or anyone here for that matter) could help me out with something. About a year ago I enrolled in Ashford University, and completed quite a few credits through them for a BA in Political Science. I'm almost finished, but I came across some info on the internet that basically said Ashford, being a "for profit" underwent quite a bit of scrutiny & auditing because of their recruiting practices etc. My experience with them has been great, and I've learned alot, but I really want a degree which is seen as legitimate. I'm hoping to eventually get a MPA from Norwich University (Vermont), and run for political office sometime down the road.
Anyway, I've been rethinking whether I should graduate from Ashford, or just switch my credits over to one of the big three. It would be easiest to just finish my degree with Ashford, but possibly detrimental down the line. The big three schools are not the top of the line or anything, but at least they are solid, respected, and have decent reputations. My question is: Do you guys recommend switching over, or should I just plunge on and finish my BA with Ashford? Would you refuse to vote for someone if they graduated from a school that might be perceived as cheap or phony? I know Ashford is regionally accredited, but I don't want to have a degree which is seen as a "U of Phoenix" degree or something. Thoughts?

Here's Ashford's website if you want to check it out: Ashford University.

Thanks!

[ryoder]

I can't imagine Ashford being as accepting of ACE, CLEP, DSST, TECEP, ECE and other sources of credit as one of the big 3.
So if it is not, then it would be easier to finish at TESC or one of the others.
I doubt Ashford will be seen as negatively as UOP since most have never heard of it.
I obviously recommend TESC due to having two degrees from the school. I have taken courses at TESC and transferred in many sources of credit and I can guarantee that you will be happy with the experience as long as you are a little patient and use this forum for additional guidance.

[cookderosa]

Stay where you are if you're happy. Chasing what other people want is a slippery slope. After all, the difference between Ashford and the big three is only distinct to a handful of people. For many, there is a difference between Harvard and Yale, so I guess it all boils down to who you ask.
Ashford online has a more liberal policy than Ashford on campus, I'm local to their campus program. If you're online, you're likely getting the same utility out of CLEPs, etc as those of us at the big 3.

[sanantone]

I don't think the Big 3 offer too many political science courses and there aren't many political science tests. You would have to transfer credits from other schools. Out of all the big for-profits, Ashford and American Public University were the only ones with acceptable student loan default rates.

[dcan]

I am not an expert but the only thing I would tend to be worried about is accreditation. If they lose accreditation any credits you take after that are pretty much non-transferable to a "real" college.

And like ryoder said, I really can't see them being viewed as worse than UoP. I mean, there isn't much room left to crawl under the dung under your shoes, right? milelol:

As far as voting? Pfft. We vote for people all the time without knowing a doggone thing about them. Why, I heard a rumour that one time, long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away, we actually voted for a president without really knowing anything at all about him. I'm more interested in all the campaign promises you'll lie about and all the looting and plundering you'll do once you are in office than anything else. I seriously can't imagine "Ashfordgate" where they find out you went to (gasp!) Ashford and the vultures suddenly take you down.

[LaterBloomer]

Heck, in that time frame/galaxy/etc. an Ivy-leager was elected to office. For the first time in history, the country Pearl-Harbored another nation. I'm thinking some place named Ashford looks good in comparison.

Seriously, get (seriously) involved with local groups, learn about local issues, and do what you can to improve your community. That's what matters with most voters.

[marianne202]

If you are almost finished and are enjoying your experience with Ashford I would suggest you just stay there. If you are planning on getting an MPA that will be degree that will the focus of any attention down the road. Most don't worry about undergrad degrees after you have a graduate degree. It would be problematic if Ashford loses its accreditation or if they attract negative attention like U of P, but if you can show you earned your degree while it was accredited your credits will be accepted by other accredited schools. Good luck!

[drewthedude]

Thanks for all the feedback folks. I'm still not sure what I'll do - I may finish the degree with Ashford, then if anything changes (i.e. bad publicity, lost accreditation etc..,) I'll transfer my credits into a school like TESC. The only reason I'm reticent to change now is because I'm almost finished, and Ashford awards the degree as soon as you complete requirements - you don't have to wait until a set graduation time. Which makes it easier to apply to and start grad school early.

Let me know if anyone has any other thoughts. Thanks again - good points all around.

[burbuja0512]

Did you plan on getting a masters degree?

If so, I agree with Marianne - once you get the masters, your undergrad won't be as big of a deal. And besides, it's not like TESC and COSC are big names. LOL... yes they're state colleges, which is a plus, but if you're looking to impress someone with your prestigious undergrad, none of the big 3 will cut it. It's just a matter of "oh no.. will someone think my degree is less valid because they saw Ashford advertising somewhere?"

If you REALLY hate the Ashford name, then switch to where you're most comfortable, after all, you will have to live with this degree for the rest of your life. Even if it makes a lot more sense to graduate, if you'll be happier, then do what seems best. Otherwise, just relax and graduate - spend any extra efforts on your next degree

[mrs.b]

I'm more interested in all the campaign promises you'll lie about and all the looting and plundering you'll do once you are in office than anything else. I seriously can't imagine "Ashfordgate" where they find out you went to (gasp!) Ashford and the vultures suddenly take you down.

I agree with everyone else as far as the school choice is concerned. For voting concern, what dcan said. I may be in the minority, but I tend to have more respect for someone whose graduation dates and school make it clear that a degree was earned later in life. I like seeing that come through on resumes for job openings, and I'd like to see it with more elected officials. It tells me they did not simply get an education because Mommy and Daddy were willing to foot the bill, or to avoid joining the real world for a few more years. It suggests a real appreciation for higher education (or at least what the piece of paper represents), and that life experience encouraged the additional effort. I'm more likely to see someone that graduated from something other than Ivy League fresh out of high school as an individual more likely to recognize the ups and downs those of us in the real world go through. Depending on the political platform, it's more likely to earn my vote. Like I said, though, I may be in the minority on that one.