Achieve Your Goals Using Tailored Learning
Located in the centre of Ohio, Ashland University is well-known for its distinct offering of education. It has over 7,500 students pursuing graduate and undergraduate degrees of their choosing, having earned the prestige of offering education up to the philosophy of "we teach you how to think, not what to think."
Ashland University, as its name suggests, is strongly associated with the Brethren Church, having been founded in 1878. It has over 60 distinct majors, being organised in four colleges which makes the education of an individual easier. The outreach and standardised test focus of over 80.5% acceptance rate for student's highlights the school's dedication to improving higher education whilst maintaining quality is laudable.
Students looking for a comprehensive integration of support services with diverse and nurturing culture at the school choose Ashland rather than other colleges and universities. The system of rolling admissions makes it easier for the students.
What Makes Ashland University Special: The Personalised Education Difference
Transformative Small Classes
Student-Faculty Relationship Excellence:
Ashland University's 13:1 student to faculty ratio means that students will not be numbers lost in a sea of lecture halls. Professors in such learning environments are able to understand their students personally and are in the best position to provide tailored guidance to assist them in achieving their academic and personal goals.
Comprehensive Academic Programmes
Four Distinguished Colleges:
- College of Arts and Sciences: Provides a liberal arts foundation and allows students to major in a liberal-arts discipline
- Schar College of Education: Focused on Teacher Preparation and Instructional Leadership
- Dauch College of Business and Economics: Focused on Business, Economics, and Entrepreneurship
- Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences: Offers programmes in health and medicine
State-of-the-Art Facilities:
The £15.5 million Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Science Building is a flagship of the University's £15.5 million AU construction investments and gives students access to the latest technologies. It houses a clinical laboratory, a teaching simulation centre, and other simulators along with other equipment for the students to work with.
Campus Life and Community
Vibrant Student Engagement:
AU has more than 100 student organisations as well as 4 fraternities and 4 sororities. There is a great variety of academic, professional, diversity, faith-based, media and special interest clubs for students to engage in.
Eagle Pride and Traditions:
As Eagles, students from AU are actively engaged in NCAA Division II sports as members of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), helping to build school spirit and a sense of community enduring well after one's college years.
Step-by-Step Admission Process: Your Path to Ashland University
Phase 1: Application Preparation (6-12 months prior to enrolment)
Step 1: Select an Application Strategy
Ashland University accepts applications through two convenient methods:
- Free AU Application: Available on the university's website
- The Common Application: Streamlined process for applicants to multiple institutions
Advantages of Early Action:
Applicants are able to enjoy the advantages of early action, never worrying about missing a deadline as Ashland processes applications within a rolling system. This means that students are able to submit applications at any time and expect quick decisions.
Step 2: Collect Essential Documents
For Incoming Freshmen:
- High school transcript: official
- Standardised test results: most programmes do not require them
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose outlining personal goals (programme-specific)
For Students Transferring:
- Official transcript from all colleges attended for those with 30+ semester hours
- High school transcripts for students with less than 30 semester hours
- Transfer evaluation for assessment and analysis of credit earned and transfer eligibility
Phase 2: Meeting Admission Criteria
Step 3: Understanding the Academic Criteria
Traditional Admission Eligibility:
- GPA: 2.50
- ACT: 18 / SAT: 970 / CLT: 62
- Typical student: 3.6 GPA and 23 ACT/1150 SAT
Test-Optional Admission:
- 2.85 GPA on 4.0 scale
- Not available for the nursing and some other specialised programmes
Nursing Programme:
Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA and require a 20 ACT or 1040 SAT.
Master's Programme:
2.75 GPA for undergraduates and 3.0 for graduates.
International Students:
2.5 GPA equivalent under the American system.
Step 4: Funding and Investment
Understanding the Structure of Costs:
- Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable, no waivers available)
- Enrolment Deposit: $1,000 (applied toward tuition)
- Tuition Investment: Comprehensive packages available
Living Expenses:
Estimated $37,440 for undergraduates, $23,040 for graduates
Phase 3: Considerations for an International Student
Step 5: Application for International Students
F-1 Visa Information:
All international students must have an F-1 Visa for study and must provide specific documents and proof of financial funds for eligibility.
Benefits for International Students:
- Meritorious scholarships with renewability criteria
- International Student Services offers thorough and comprehensive support
- Integration Programmes
- Graduate programmes have no GRE/GMAT prerequisites
Processing Timeline:
- Decision Time: 10-14 business days for notifications post submission of fully completed applications
- Visa Processing: Time needed for issuance of I-20 form
Student Support Services
A Comprehensive Approach to Wellness
Ashland University attends to every aspect of student wellbeing:
- Health Services: Offers healthcare services with a dedicated clinic for students
- Counselling Services: Manages personal, academic, and career issues through counselling
- Recreation Centre: Houses two gymnasiums, a fitness centre, climbing walls, and a swimming pool
Academic Support Systems:
- New Student Orientation: Overall transition support
- Peer Mentoring: Guidance from upper-year students
- Academic Advising: Strategic academic engagement
- Learning Support: Tutoring and other academic aid services
Student Life and Campus Experience
Housing and Community Living
Residential Life Philosophy:
Upper-year students are strongly encouraged to live on campus to foster community relations, although there are off-campus options for eligible students. The residential experience includes:
- Hawkins-Conard Student Centre: Central hub for student activities
- Dining Services: Diverse meals and dining facilities
- Campus Safety: Safety services, support, and emergency response available 24/7
Extracurricular Opportunities
Student Organisation Categories:
- Academic and Professional: Career-oriented networking and skill-building opportunities
- Diversity and Inclusion: Cultural awareness and community-building
- Faith and Religion: Community service and spiritual development
- Media and Performance: Communication and creative expression
- Campus Programming: Event management and leadership
- Service and Volunteerism: Community service, engagement, and social responsibility
Greek Life and Leadership:
AU's Greek Life focuses on leadership, friendship, scholarship, and service, alongside personal and professional development, featuring four fraternities and four sororities.
Conclusion
Ashland University does not simply issue a college degree; rather, it is an institution that seeks to change the life of the student and the community by educating them to be active, responsible, and engaged citizens. AU's students benefit from an institution that prioritises them through personalised learning and robust support programmes, hence students learn to embrace their life calling.
In addition to the strong academic programmes at AU and their unmatched supportive community, the individual growth and strong foundation that the university offers, helps students lead a successful and meaningful life. Ashland is ideal for students who wish to undergo true transformation as the university helps guide students throughout their life with mentorship and a variety of experiences anchored in personal integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate and the admission competitiveness of Ashland University?
Ashland University has an acceptance rate of 80.5%, making it lightly selective. The university has rolling admissions and flexible criteria, focusing on value-driven alignment with the university.
Is it possible to apply without a standardised test?
The majority of programmes do not require standardised tests, so their admissions criteria is GPA based, set at a 2.85. Nursing and some specialised programmes, however, continue to need standardised test scores.
What help can international students get?
International students receive comprehensive support such as International Student Services and cultural integration programmes, as well as merit-based scholarships and F-1 visa assistance.
In what ways does the 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio help my education?
With this ratio, the educational experience provides greater student retention and enhanced attention, stronger relationships with professors, greater participation in lectures, improved access to research, and tailored guidance on academic and professional pathways.
What is distinctive about Ashland University's education?
Ashland University faculty are dedicated to creating academic and career pathways with every student as a result of the university's commitment to personalised education. The university promises to equip students with the ability to think critically and independently by teaching them how to think, not what to think.
Student Testimonial
"I appreciated how the whole community welcomed me starting from my visit. The professors from my programme, my later on teammates, and even random students greeted me as I walked around. It was incredibly positive and I still think about it when deciding which college to go to." -- AU Student.
