In a report released today by the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee titled: “Is the New G.I. Bill Working?: For-Profit Colleges Increasing Veteran Enrollment and Federal Funds,” Ashford University was recognized as having “put policies into place since 2010 that are specifically directed at improving outcomes” for students.

“We are dedicated to making a high quality education accessible and affordable to all students and we are especially proud of the thousands of active duty and veteran students who have come to Ashford to advance their careers and move ahead in their lives,” said Dr. Richard Pattenaude, president of Ashford University and a Vietnam veteran. “We also take numerous steps to support student success, from enrollment through graduation.”

The University’s initiatives include the “Ashford Promise,” which allows students who do not feel that they have made appropriate academic progress in the first three weeks of their first course to opt out without incurring any costs and avoiding financial aid liability. Ashford also limits class size in early courses to promote increased interaction with faculty and other students and provides access to counselors throughout their studies.

“Ashford University has long supported active-duty military and veteran students through additional benefits,” said Dr. Pattenaude. This includes the following:

• Fee Waivers – Waiving technology fees and offering free books and shipping to military students.
• Special Advisors – Specialized advisors who work exclusively with military students.
• Military Tuition Grant Program – Offering reduced tuition to all active duty military, their dependents, National Guard and reservists, Coast Guard employees, civilian Department of Defense employees, and others eligible for survivor’s benefits.

The University, which currently has nearly 16,000 students from the above military student groups, has been recognized many times for its commitment to the military. For example, Ashford has been included in the directory of military-friendly schools in the United States for service members and veterans by Military Advanced Education magazine.

About Ashford University

Where heritage meets innovation – that’s Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor’s, and master’s online degree programs, while the Clinton, Iowa campus offers bachelor’s programs. Whether on campus or online, Ashford students enjoy the same supportive community. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu, www.facebook.com/ashforduniversity, www.twitter.com/AshfordU, or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.