Ashworth College

Ashworth College is a private, for-profit online college based in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Ashworth College previously had Madison School of Healthcare as a subsidiary but no longer does. The institution also held the subsidiaries of PCDI Canada and James Madison High School.[1]

Ashworth College
Former name
Professional Career Development Institute
MottoDito Cum Scientia
Motto in English
To Enrich with Knowledge
TypePrivate for-profit online college
Established1987
PresidentBill Okun
Location
Peachtree Corners
,
Georgia
,
United States
ColorsMaroon and white   
Websitewww.ashworthcollege.edu

As of 2019, Penn Foster Group acquired Ashworth College and its two subsidiaries, all of which remain available presently.[2]

History
Ashworth College headquarters in Peachtree Corners, Georgia

Since its founding in 1987, Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI) has developed a large selection of distance-learning programs for its high school, career, and degree programs.

James Madison High School (JMHS) was established in 1996 to aid students who need an alternative approach to a high school education. JMHS provides the curriculum needed for students to complete one to four years of high school coursework that will lead to a high school diploma.

In 2000, PCDI established Ashworth College to offer associate degree programs to students who need an alternative approach to a college education. Ashworth College started offering master’s degree programs in 2004 and bachelor’s degree programs in 2007.

In 2007, all schools under PCDI merged under the Ashworth College umbrella.[3]

In May 2015, the Federal Trade Commission and Ashworth College entered a settlement in which the college agreed to alter its advertising claims.[4] The commission had charged in its complaint[5] that the college had deceptively marketed its online college degree and career-training programs. It stated that some Ashworth programs failed to meet the basic educational requirements set by state licensing boards for careers or jobs such as real estate appraisers, home inspectors, elementary school educators, and massage practitioners. The commission also claimed that the college's credits were represented as fully transferable, although it lacked supporting data that other colleges and universities would accept their credits.[6]

As of 2021, the college is no longer accepting new students for its graduate programs.[3]

Academics

Ashworth offers programs for career certificates, career diplomas, undergraduate certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees[3] but no longer offers graduate programs.

Accreditation and licensing

Ashworth College is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The associate degree in veterinary technician program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). Ashworth College is also authorized by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission to offer instruction in career programs, undergraduate certificates, associate degree, bachelor's degree, and master's degree programs.[7]

James Madison High School is regionally accredited by Cognia.[8]

Ashworth Community

The Ashworth College Community gives students the opportunity to participate in online study groups, clubs, and organizations and receive tutorial assistance, career advice, and student support. The Ashworth College student body includes students from all 50 states and many countries.[9]

Admissions and financial aid

To be accepted to Ashworth College, students must be at least 16 years old or have an enrollment form filled out by a parent or guardian. College degrees require a high school diploma or a GED to enroll. Ashworth College does not accept or offer federal or financial aid or provide student loans, claiming that this is due to its mission to make tuition affordable to all.[10]

References
  1. "Our Online Schools". Ashworth College. Retrieved 24 September 2018.
  2. "Penn Foster Acquires Online Ashworth College". 2019-02-07. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  3. "Ashworth College Catalog" (PDF). www.ashworthcollege.edu. Ashworth College. Retrieved 2021-04-27.
  4. "Ashworth College Settles FTC Charges it Misled Students About Career Training, Credit Transfers". Federal Trade Commission. 2015-05-26. Retrieved 2021-08-13.
  5. "Complaint for Permanent Injunction and Other Equitable Relief" (PDF). Federal Trade Commission. Retrieved August 17, 2021
  6. "Ashworth College Settles FTC Charges it Misled Students About Career Training, Credit Transfers - Federal Trade Commission". www.ftc.gov. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  7. "Ashworth College Accreditation". Ashworth College. Retrieved 2017-08-01.
  8. "Institution Summary". Cognia. Retrieved 2021-04-25.
  9. PCDI, Ashworth College. "Welcome to Ashworth College Online - Student Portal". community.ashworthcollege.edu. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  10. "Ashworth College Admissions and Financial Aid".

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