Ashford University, a university offering graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and on campus, has ranked No. 5 on MyCollegesandCareers.com's Top Ten Online Universities for 2011. 

My Colleges and Careers serves as a resource established to assist potential students in finding a compatible online education program to earn a college degree and embark on a rewarding career. 

According to the organization, the top online universities list was compiled based on the variety of degrees offered, student body population, collective student sentiment according to Internet reviews and overall website design and accessibility. 

"Ashford University is one of the only schools with a strong online presence that also has a strong campus program," said Michael Moss from MyCollegesandCareers.com. 

Moss indicated that factors such as the purple and gold school colors, the ability to root for the school's sports teams and even Champ, the Saint Bernard mascot, are what separate Ashford from other schools. 

"Ashford offers online students the sense of identity and pride that is so crucial to the college experience, but is absent from other online programs," Moss said. 

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.