Founded in 1878 as Ashland College, the name of the institution was changed to Ashland University on May 12, 1989. This change was a practical and logical step based on the many diverse undergraduate, graduate and professional programs offered by the institution.
Ashland continues to have a rich tradition as a private, comprehensive institution preparing students for exciting professions and careers. The University consists of four academic colleges -- College of Arts & Sciences, Dauch College of Business & Economics, Schar College of Education and Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences -- as well as the Graduate, Online and Adult Studies; the Founders School for Continuing Education; and Ashland Theological Seminary.
Ashland University places great emphasis on the importance of each individual. The phrase “Accent on the Individual” has been our motto for many years and characterizes well the nature and content of the campus environment. It means that our concern for the student extends beyond ensuring a quality education in the classroom and laboratory to include a commitment to provide a stimulating and supportive environment in every respect. Translating the ideas of the Mission Statement into the realities of everyday life is the responsibility of each Ashland University employee. These ideas must be evidenced daily in the classroom, residence halls, each teaching site, on the playing fields and in our interaction with others. It should be the goal of each Ashland University employee to ensure that our Mission Statement is not merely words on paper but a true reflection of who and what we actually are and intend to be in the future.
- Ashland University is ranked as a Top Tier Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
- Ashland University is one of the most affordable private schools in the country.
- 70+ Undergraduate programs and majors; 10+ Master's programs (does not require GRE or GMAT); 2 Doctor's programs
- Ashland offers conditional admission and Intensive English Program (IEP) for students who have low or no TOEFL/IELTS score.
- Small classes, 16 students in the average class.
- LG Corp's CEO is an alumnus of Ashland University.
- Ashland, Ohio one of the safest communities of its size, conveniently located within an hour of three big cities. This means triple the amount of great shopping, dining, community and cultural activities along with awesome internship opportunities!
- The International Club and community create a warm and welcoming environment, and offers many opportunities and events for international students.
Our rankings and graduate successes clearly illustrate that Ashland holds dear its commitment to serving the individual student and that an Ashland education is a proven investment in your future. We pride ourselves on providing students with an educational experience that offers internships and global experiences, as well as the individual commitment necessary for them to stay competitive in a fast-paced world.
Below is just a sampling of the national recognition Ashland University has garnered:
- AU is one of the Princeton Review’s 'Best in the Midwest'
- AU's Online DNP Program Ranked as One of Most Affordable in the Country
- AU Ranked as the Fifth Best Online College in Ohio by BestColleges.com
- AU’s Online Master’s in Educational Technology tops in Ohio, says Online Schools Report
- Three of Ashland University’s online programs ranked by U.S. News and World Report
- Six AU online degree programs get national rankings from Intelligent.com
- Ashland University Ranked as Best Private School in Ohio in Online Master’s Degree Ranking
- U.S. News and World Report Ranks Ashland University as a Top University
- Ashland University Named to The Princeton Review’s ‘Best in the Midwest’
- Ashland University Receives No. 1 Ranking From Great Value Colleges
- Ashland University Named Second Best Online College in Ohio for 2019
- Home of Ashland University Ranked as 10th Cheapest Place to Live in America
- Ashland University Online Master’s Program Receives Top National Ranking
- U.S. News and World Report Ranks Ashland University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program as One of the Best
- Ashland University’s Master’s Program Named Seventh Best Program in the Nation
- Ashland University Social Work Program Receives Top Recognition
- Ashland, Ohio, Tied for Second Most Affordable Conservative College Town in the Nation
- AU’s Master’s Program Named One of the Top Programs in the Nation
- Ashland University Online Programs Receive National Recognition
- Ashland University’s Accounting Program Ranked as Second Best in Ohio
- Two Groups of Ashland University Nursing Graduates Score High Pass Rates
- Ashland University Once Again Ranked in Top Tier by U.S. News and World Report
- Ashland, Ohio Ranked as 30th Safest College Town in the United States
