University of Arizona Global Campus: An Overview

The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC), formerly known as Ashford University, stands as a public online university affiliated with the University of Arizona. It caters to working adults, providing accessible higher education through a variety of online degree programs. The institution claims a history dating back to 1918, the founding year of Mount St. Clare College.

Historical Context and Evolution

Mount St. Clare College was founded in 1918 by the Sisters of Saint Francis, driven by a need for higher education in Clinton County, Iowa, and its surrounding areas. This liberal arts institution gained approval as a teacher education college from 1932 to 1954. In 1942, a significant portion of teachers in Clinton County and the city of Clinton school system had received their training from Mount St. Clare College. The college received its initial accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1950.

Throughout its history, Mount St. Clare College underwent several transformations. In 1997, the Sisters of Saint Francis moved off-campus. The Durgin Educational Center, featuring new athletic facilities, including Kehl arena, opened in 1998. In 2003, the institution changed its name to The Franciscan University and began offering its first master's degree online.

The university's history also has roots with TeleUniversity, an online school created by entrepreneur Michael K. Clifford. In 2003, Warburg Pincus, a private equity firm, invested in Charter Learning and the name changed to Bridgepoint Education. In 2005, Bridgepoint Education purchased the small Franciscan University of the Prairies campus in Clinton, Iowa, retained the school's valuable accreditation, and renamed it Ashford University.

Transition to University of Arizona Global Campus

In 2017, Ashford University school faced the potential loss of GI Bill funding as enrollment decreased more than 50 percent from its peak in 2011. Bridgepoint Education merged Ashford with the University of the Rockies and planned to convert Ashford to a non-profit university. In 2018, the university took steps to become a nonprofit institution.

Even though it did not finalize the acquisition and assume control of the institution, Ashford University was renamed the University of Arizona Global Campus.

Academic Programs and Structure

The University of Arizona Global Campus offers over 50 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs with accelerated online classes designed to help students gain the skills they need. The university aims to make higher education accessible to a wide range of students who don’t fit the mold of a “typical college student” through its convenient online format and flexible class schedules. At UAGC, online degrees provide a flexible way for busy adults to fit college into their lives. Each online course is taken one at a time and lasts for just 5 or 6 weeks.

Accreditation and Recognition

The University of Arizona Global Campus holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Employers are increasingly accepting online degrees as digital college classes become more mainstream. Candidates with the experience of earning online degrees may be better positioned to help old industries transition into the digital marketplace.

Student Demographics and Outcomes

University of Arizona Global's undergraduate population is diverse: 43 percent white, 31 percent black, 16 percent Hispanic, 4 percent 2 or more races, and 2 percent Asian.

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UAGC serves a highly mobile, adult student population. These students are likely to transfer credits into and out of multiple institutions during their course of study. When looking at bachelor’s students who attended UArizona Global Campus in 2017-2018, the data shows that a majority of the students, 86.7%, were transfer students.

Funding and Partnerships

The former Ashford University received approximately 95% of its money from the US federal government, including $41 million from military tuition assistance and $26 million from GI Bill funds.

Ashford University partnered with more than 100 companies to offer tuition discounts and a limited number of full-tuition grants. Partner companies included T-Mobile, Bridgestone, Hewlett-Packard, Zurich Insurance Group, and Comcast.

Challenges and Criticisms

Ashford University and its parent company Bridgepoint Education have faced scrutiny and investigations regarding their recruiting and finance practices.

Benefits of Online Degrees at UAGC

Earning a degree online at UAGC offers several advantages:

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Flexibility: Online degrees provide a flexible way for busy adults to fit college into their lives.
Career Advancement: The ability to earn your degree while working allows you to continue gaining work experience while studying to give you the knowledge and skills you need to advance in your career.
Cost Savings: An online degree can save you money on transportation-related costs.
Reduced Stress: Online learning can be less stressful in general, and strong online institutions provide supportive communities of students who understand your experience, along with tools to help you stay focused, organized, and on track to success. Additionally, you’re able to learn in a way that works best for you whether that be in your home office, at your favorite coffee shop, or while burning off steam at the gym.
Investment in the Future: An online degree is a powerful investment, an opportunity to be part of human history in the making and join the most important conversations of our time.

UAGC Student Experience

Students at the University of Arizona Global Campus have the opportunity to join several honor societies, including Alpha Sigma Lambda and Phi Theta Kappa.

Contact Information

I may contact UAGC directly at 866-711-1700. I may opt out of SMS anytime by replying STOP, and can text HELP for assistance.

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