Ashland University Institutes 'Four-Year Graduation Guarantee'

RELEASED Nov. 21/ASHLAND, Ohio – As tuition costs continue to rise, many families are trying to figure out how to finance their children’s education. Ashland University, an Ohio private college, is looking to help and is promising students that if they don't finish in four years, it will pay up to an additional year of tuition for the extra time it takes them to finish, as long as they adhere to their graduation plan.

Ashland University has introduced a “Four-Year Graduation Guarantee” to help keep college cost predictable for families. This guarantee enables students to earn their degree in four years, or have the university pay for up to one year of the additional tuition for the extra time it takes them to complete their program of study.

“College is one of the most significant investments a family will make and we believe we can help make this more affordable and predictable for families through this guarantee,” said Dr. Frank Pettigrew, provost at Ashland University.

“Most students don't anticipate staying in college for more than four years, but in reality there are a number of circumstances that can delay graduation,” Pettigrew said. "This plan provides the security for students and a commitment from the University that they will complete their degree in four years of study or go tuition free. It serves as the students’ security plan.”

This guarantee – one of the first of its kind in Ohio and across the nation -- will start with the 2012 incoming freshman class at Ashland University. Pettigrew said the program offers serious goal-oriented incoming freshmen assurance that they can complete their baccalaureate degree programs without incurring costs for tuition after four years (eight semesters) of study.

“However, other students may wish to take greater advantage of the depth and breadth of the Ashland University curriculum to explore and to discover unique educational aspirations,” Pettigrew said. “Those students may elect to extend their studies beyond eight semesters to take advantage of research, license, endorsement, minor program and/or athletic opportunities. For them, the guarantee would not apply.”

Pettigrew said there are a number of conditions that need to be met in order to qualify for the “Four-Year Graduate Guarantee,” and these are listed on the Ashland University admission website at: www.ashland.edu/admission/guarantee .

Pettigrew suggests that all students should check with the registrar’s office at Ashland University for a complete list of program requirements and exclusions.

Ashland University, ranked in the top 200 colleges and universities in U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities category for 2012, is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.