Ashworth University: My Experience as a "Correspondence School" Student

Let me begin by sharing my personal background. Since September of 2005, I've been employed with KinderCare Learning Center. When I was hired, I only had a high school diploma, with minimal child-care experience. The company now requires that employees have a CDA (Child Development Associate) or higher degree in Education (Associate, Bachelor's, etc).

In April 2006, I saw on TV a commercial advertising for PCDI (Professional Career Development Institute). When "Early Childhood Education" popped up on the screen, it sparked my interest. Knowing that I would be required to have a degree in order to stay employed at KinderCare, I decided to call the school and get some information on the Associate degree program. Within 10 minutes, I was enrolled as an "Ashworth College" student. Now at the time, I was only concerned about the price and how long it would take to get my study materials. I ended up paying an upfront cost of only $5.00, just to have my books sent out to me. The school representative told me the price of the program was $889.00. So I said to myself "WOW!" that's a really great deal for a degree program, and I get to study and do my tests from home! Plus, I only had to pay $41.00 per month in tuition, interest free. How much easier could it get?

Well, I later learned that the cost of the program was not so cheap, after all. It ended up being $889 PER SEMESTER. And with 4 semesters in the entire program, the total cost ended up being almost $4,000. Yes, that is much cheaper than traditional college, but I was misled. The rep I spoke to on the phone never included that tiny fact that there were 4 semesters, and each one cost $889. Oh well. So I moved on and started my first course as it arrived in the mail. I flew through the first 5 courses in the 1st semester with no problem. Then it got better! As an employee of KinderCare, I was eligible for education assistance, meaning the company would help me pay for my tuition costs. Big help!

I must say that some of the courses and test taking were moderately difficult, but I did learn a lot about child care and early childhood education. Test taking was simple, students of the college can log on to the school's website and take their tests right there online. Then, once the test is completed, it is graded instantly. All of the student's information is on the website. Tuition costs, grades, student profile, tests, delivery tracking of course materials, and a survey to complete after finishing each course. Students may also make payments online.

One of the problems that I did have while going through the program was contacting the school. Whether it was by e-mail or phone, I hardly ever could get in touch with someone in a timely fashion. Over the phone, my wait time was usually about 20 minutes to 45 minutes. When I e-mailed them, I wouldn't get a reply until about 3-4 days later. That was very frustrating for me.

Another problem that I had was with the school's policy on graduating. The school states "Graduation from any Ashworth University course of study requires that all lessons are complete, all academic requirements are met and TUITION IS PAID IN FULL." This statement can be found on the Knowledge Base from http://www.ashworthuniversity.com. I was upset to learn that I had to pay the entire cost of the program, even after KinderCare reimbursed some of the costs. I ended up with a balance of about $1,800. So there I was, finished with my courses but not at "graduated" status because I could not afford to pay off my balance. I fought with the school, I fought with my employer. I tried to do everything I could in order to get my degree and get my promotion at work. Well, my work did bump me to Group Supervisor status, but school did not budge. In my opinion, I don't believe it's fair to hold a degree from somebody, who has successfully completed the program and has paid their monthly payment on time every month. Traditional colleges will allow students to graduate, THEN pay off their dues. If Ashworth University is trying so hard to become just like a traditional college, then they should adopt the "graduate, then pay" policy. It's not easy to pay off the balance when you're only making a little over minimum wage. Give us our degree, let us get a promotion and make a little more money at our jobs, then we will be able to pay off the balance with no problem. Does anybody agree with me on that aspect? I really would like some input. Do you think if enough people contact the school about this problem, they may change the policy for future students?

Besides those 2 problems, the program was definitely a good one. I must admit that I did learn a good bit. The program only took me about 9 months to finish. It all depends on how hard you work at it. I completed about a lesson per week, give or take some. This will definitely be helpful in the future if I ever do decide to advance in the Education field. It provides a sturdy foundation if I ever wanted to return to college and further my education. I already recommended the program to a few of my co-workers, who have also completed the program. At the time I started the program, I was 19 years old, living on my own, and I absolutely had to work in order to stay on top of my monthly payments. Going to college and working part time was out of the question. I'm glad that there are schools out there, like Ashworth, that are convenient for people like me. I would recommend this program to anybody, who like me, had no choice but to work full time and go to school too. The school also offers high school diploma programs, career certificates, Bachelor's degree programs and Master's degree programs.
To anybody who decides to enroll in any of those program, I wish you the best of luck in doing so! Since I finished the program, I have seen a lot of changes for the better. I hope that future students do well, and maybe they won't run into the same problems I did. Good luck! :)