Frequently Asked Questions


What is accreditation and why is it important?

The accreditation status of a college, university or vocational institution gives you an indication of its quality. Ashworth College is nationally accredited by the DETC, and Ashworth High School is also regionally accredited by SACS and CITA. This means that our educational programs are regularly examined by third-party accrediting organizations to ascertain the quality of our curricula, instructional methodology, faculty and administrative policies. We have consistently met – and often exceed – the standards set by these organizations.

When choosing a college, accreditation is important because:

  • Accreditation guarantees that an educational program is engaged in continuous review of its quality, goals and objectives.
  • Accreditation assures that the college is held accountable for meeting standards of compliance recognized by employers and professional associations.
  • Accreditation represents the overall quality of a college's educational programs.
  • Credits that you earn are more likely to be transferable to other accredited institutions, although each institution makes its own decisions on transfer credits on a case-by-case basis.

How do I know that Ashworth College's accreditation is legitimate?

When you're putting your hard work and money into your education, we understand that you want to be certain that our accreditation is genuine. That's why we encourage you to take a look at the credentials of our accrediting agencies below.

Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
Ashworth College is nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an official accrediting institution for college and university programs. DETC regularly reviews our curriculum, administrative policies, faculty and instructional services to ensure that we meet their exacting standards of quality. DETC Address: 1601 18th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) only accredits schools meeting their rigorous academic criteria, including a commitment to continuous improvement. SACS accreditation also ensures that we're recognized by most regional accrediting bodies, and that our students will benefit from an expert teaching staff, comprehensive courses, and quality texts. SACS accredits Ashworth College High School.

Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA)
The Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA) is a consortium of seven regional accrediting commissions which has established special educational standards and accreditation protocols applicable to schools worldwide, and works toward the development of academic freedom, peace and justice, and self-regulation among qualified educational institutions. CITA accredits Ashworth College High School.

What are my study options?

When it comes to your education, Ashworth leaves the options up to you. Take a look at the differences between online and correspondence study below in order to determine which study method will work best for you.

Through online study you can…

  • Receive comprehensive textbooks by mail
  • Access your study guides and online course materials from your computer

The online high school curriculum lets students access and complete all materials and assignments 100% online.

Through correspondence study you can…

  • Receive comprehensive textbooks and lesson guides/study materials by mail


How much time is needed to earn a diploma, degree or certification?

Masters degree programs are designed to be completed in about two (2) years. We allow you up to five (5) years from the date of your enrollment to complete your studies and earn your master's degree.

Bachelor's degree programs are designed to be completed in four (4) years. We allow you up to eight (8) years from the date of your enrollment to complete your studies and earn your bachelor's degree.

Associate degree programs are designed to be completed in two (2) years or less. We allow you up to four (4) years from the date of your enrollment to complete your studies and earn your associate degree.

Career diplomas are designed to be completed in six (6) months or less. We allow you up to one (1) year from the date of your enrollment to complete your career course.

High school is designed to be completed in six (6) to twelve (12) months for each academic year of high school required for graduation. We allow you up to four (4) years from the date of your enrollment to complete your studies and earn your high school diploma.

Will I have to attend any classes in person?

Ashworth's programs are offered 100% online with the option of correspondence study (High School, Career, & Associate programs), so you'll never have to waste time commuting to class or worry about paying for childcare. Study anywhere you want, whenever it's convenient for you!

Do I need any special equipment or software in order to pursue an online degree?

All you need is a computer with access to the internet and Microsoft Office software.

Do you have to live in the U.S. in order to take courses through Ashworth College?

You do not have to live in the U.S. or meet any citizenship/residence/visa requirements in order to take any of Ashworth's online or correspondence courses.

I have been out of school for a long time. Will I have trouble at Ashworth?

Ashworth's high quality curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students returning to school and/or juggling multiple priorities (education, career, family, etc.). Our tutors and instructors are available to assist you with your coursework and guide you through the program of your choice. We are deeply committed to the success of our students and will guide you every step of the way.

What information do I need in order to enroll today?

Complete our online enrollment application or contact an Admissions Advisor by phone at 1-800-957-5412 and provide a low initial payment to enroll and get started.

How soon after enrolling can I start my first course?

All of our programs are available on an open enrollment basis, so you don't have to wait for a new session or semester to begin. Get started anytime and progress through your studies independently, at your own pace. Once you've decided on your program, simply fill out our online application or speak with an Admissions Advisor at 1-800-957-5412. Within 24 hours of receiving your completed application, we'll mail your first course textbook and study materials, which are included in your tuition. All you need to get started is a computer with access to the internet and Microsoft Office software. You will be given access to our exclusive online learning system to immediately begin your first course.

Do you offer any student loans?

Our interest-free monthly payment plan is an attractive alternative to student loans. There are never any finance charges or interest fees, so you can graduate without being thousands of dollars in debt like you might at other schools.

Are there any other fees I will need to pay in addition to tuition?

We keep fees to a minimum, simply covering our costs to process your application and ship your materials. Shipping and handling within the U.S. costs $25 for most programs ($150 for international shipments outside the U.S.). We also charge an Administrative fee that amounts to whichever is less -- $200 or 20% of your price. That's it. Everything else is included in your tuition. There are just a handful of exceptions listed below due to weight of materials or extras like lab kits.

High School General Program – shipping & handling is $48.
High School College Prep Program – shipping & handling is $68.
High School Online Program – no shipping & handling.
Masters Degree Program – shipping & handling is $35, technology is $75, and application fee is $40.

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer a ‘no questions asked' money back protection if you cancel within the first 5 days after enrollment. The cancellation policy entitles the student to initiate the cancellation procedure. Only the student may initiate this procedure. If you cancel your enrollment after the first five days, you may be entitled to a refund or you may owe the school additional tuition. This is based on the number of lessons you've completed and the tuition you've paid. Any amount you owe or are due will be determined by the Tuition Protection Agreement printed on the back of your Enrollment Agreement.

Does Ashworth College accept credits from other universities?

You may receive credit for up to 75% of your degree program as a combination of transfer credits from other institutions and life/work experience.

Will my Ashworth College credits transfer to other schools?

Acceptance of transfer credits is at the discretion of the individual school. The decision whether to accept transfer credit is usually determined by the similarity of courses completed to courses offered.

How will I receive all my materials?

Course materials are sent automatically upon enrollment. If you are enrolled in a multi-course program, 75% of the first course must be completed before the next course will be shipped. If you are up-to-date on your tuition payments and your exam submissions, you will receive your printed textbooks, workbooks, study guides and other materials by mail in a timely manner. You may have immediate access to online study materials and lessons.

How are assignments, exams and grading handled?

You will upload a variety of course assignments directly to your instructor online. They are graded by your instructor within one week with helpful feedback and comments. You may also have computer graded assignments which are graded automatically. Exams and quizzes are taken online and grades are posted immediately. All grades and assignments are maintained in your confidential student folder.

Who can I contact if I'm having difficulty with my studies?

Our team of helpful tutors are just a toll-free call away, Monday through Thursday from 9am-9pm, on Friday from 9am-8pm and on Saturday from 8:30am to 5pm. They will work with you one-on-one to ensure that you fully grasp your lessons. You can also email your instructors anytime or get advice from other students in your course online. This way you're never alone in trying to find answers to the questions that will help you succeed.

Is there a graduation ceremony?

Yes. Each year, Ashworth graduates are invited to a graduation ceremony in Atlanta where they can celebrate their success with family and friends.

How soon after I graduate will I get my diploma and ring?

Your diploma and transcript will be mailed to you within 7-10 days of graduating (your account balance must be paid in full in order for you to graduate) and the ring will be ordered. You should receive the ring within 8-10 weeks.

How can I get a copy of my diploma or transcript from Ashworth?

Ashworth College's transcripts must be requested in writing using the Ashworth Transcript Request Form. Ashworth College transcripts may be obtained by contacting student services at 1-800-224-7234. The first transcript is free. Each additional transcript costs 5.00 and payment must be received before the transcript will be sent.

Do you offer career assistance?

Most courses include a comprehensive Career Search Manual that covers the four stages of your job search: (1) Focusing Yourself, (2) Preparing Yourself, (3) Communicating, (4) Presenting Yourself Well in an interview. In addition, at your request Ashworth will provide you with:

  • A Letter of Recommendation
  • A review and critique of your resume
  • A copy of your transcript
  • A listing of job search books
  • The opportunity to have any prospective employers call us to discuss your educational program, when they are ready to make a hiring decision
 

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Offer expires March 31, 2010 Enroll Online Request Info call
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430 Technology Parkway, Norcross, Georgia 30092 - 1-800-957-5412

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Accreditation by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).
High School regionally accredited by SACS CASI