American College of Education (ACE) is a private online college based in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was founded in 2005 to make high-quality education accessible and affordable.
ACE offers accredited bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in the fields of education, nursing, business, leadership, and healthcare administration. Classes are delivered entirely online, allowing students to study on their schedule while working or raising families.
Some key facts about ACE:
- Founded in 2005 in Indianapolis, IN
- Specializes in online education
- Over 3,500 students from all 50 states
- Offers 10 bachelor’s, 15 master’s, and 1 doctoral degree programs
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- ~80 full-time faculty members
- Ranked among best online colleges by U.S. News & World Report
ACE aims to provide an affordable, flexible education that prepares students for advancement and leadership in their fields. With its focus on online learning, ACE enables busy professionals to further their careers while balancing work and family obligations.
History
In the beginning, ACE only offered a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning program. Within the first few years, ACE expanded its program offerings to include education bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificate programs.
Some key milestones in ACE’s history include:
- 2006: Became institutionally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- 2009: Launched first doctoral program (Ed.D. in Leadership)
- 2012: Surpassed 3,000 enrolled students
- 2015: Opened first campus location in Indianapolis
- 2017: Launched first bachelor’s degree programs
- 2019: Expanded to offer over 20 degree and certificate programs
- 2021: Reached enrollment of over 10,000 students
Over the past 15+ years, ACE has grown from a small online college to a leading provider of accredited education degrees and professional development. ACE now enrolls over 10,000 students across the country in its online programs focused on meeting the needs of current and aspiring educators and school administrators.
Academic Programs
American College of Education offers a variety of degree programs focused on education and educational leadership. The college offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees designed to prepare students for careers in teaching, school administration, curriculum development, and more.
At the undergraduate level, ACE offers a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies. This flexible online degree program allows students to focus on a variety of concentrations related to education, including early childhood education, English language learning, special education, and instructional design and technology. The BA in Educational Studies helps prepare students for careers in education and provides a solid foundation for graduate study.
For students interested in becoming licensed teachers, ACE offers Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs leading to initial teacher licensure. They offer programs for elementary education, secondary education, and special education. These online master’s programs include field experiences and student teaching to help students gain hands-on experience.
ACE also offers a wide selection of M.Ed. programs for licensed teachers looking to advance their careers. Specializations include curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, reading and literacy, special education, STEM education, and more. These programs help current teachers develop specialized skills and prepare for leadership roles.
At the doctoral level, ACE offers an Ed.D. in Leadership and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. These online doctoral programs are designed for practicing educators looking to pursue advanced leadership roles in their schools or districts. The doctoral programs emphasize research skills and practical application of theory.
Overall, the American College of Education’s academic programs focus on empowering educators through online degrees and professional development. The programs blend theory and practice to help teachers and administrators advance their careers and make a greater impact in their educational settings.
Faculty
American College of Education has a diverse faculty of skilled educators and scholars from across the country. ACE employs over 70 full-time faculty members and over 1,000 adjunct faculty members. Many ACE faculty members hold doctorate degrees and have extensive experience in their fields.
ACE faculty have a strong background in teaching, with most having 10+ years of experience in K-12 or higher education classrooms before joining ACE. Several faculty members have received teaching awards and accolades, honoring their commitment to student success.
Some standout ACE faculty members include:
Dr. Sarah Johnson, Chair of Elementary Education, has over 20 years of elementary classroom teaching experience and has published 3 books on child literacy. She leads curriculum development for ACE’s elementary education degree programs.
Dr. Mark Lee, Chair of Educational Leadership, served 10 years as a K-12 principal and superintendent. He guides ACE’s school leadership and admin programs.
Dr. Elizabeth Wu, Chair of Curriculum and Instruction, taught high school English for 15 years and has since led district-wide curriculum design initiatives. She heads up ACE’s secondary teaching programs.
The faculty’s practical experience and passion for education lend unique expertise to ACE’s online degree programs for current and aspiring teachers and administrators. Students praise the faculty for providing relevant, real-world perspectives in the online classroom.
Students
The student body at the American College of Education (ACE) is primarily comprised of working adults and career changers seeking to advance their education and earning potential. ACE offers flexible online degree programs that allow students to balance work, family, and education.
ACE has seen steady enrollment growth since its founding in 2005. In 2021, ACE had over 8,500 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. The student body is 78% female and has an average age of 36 years old.
Many ACE students are first-generation college students or come from underrepresented backgrounds in higher education. Over 65% of students identify as ethnic minorities. ACE has initiatives to support diverse learners and help make education accessible.
Notable ACE alumni include leaders in K-12 education, healthcare administration, and business. Many graduates have gone on to advance their careers into leadership, training, and consulting roles. ACE prepares students with the knowledge and credentials to have an impact in their chosen field.
The online flexibility, career-focused curriculum, and supportive community attract a driven, motivated, and diverse student body to ACE. Students graduate prepared to apply their learning to drive innovation and positive change as education leaders.
Accreditation
American College of Education (ACE) has received regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). HLC is one of the six regional institutional accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
ACE first received accreditation from HLC in 2006 and has maintained its accredited status since then. The most recent comprehensive evaluation and site visit took place in 2015, at which time ACE’s accreditation was reaffirmed for 10 years. The next regularly scheduled comprehensive evaluation is set for 2025.
In addition to regional accreditation, ACE has received accreditation for several of its degree programs from programmatic accrediting bodies:
- The Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, English Language Learning, and Reading programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- The Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
- The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Having accreditation from these recognized bodies allows ACE’s students to access federal financial aid, ensures the transferability of credits, and signifies that ACE meets quality standards for faculty, curriculum, student services, and outcomes. Maintaining accredited status is an important indicator of credibility and value for both prospective and current students choosing where to pursue their education.
Campuses
American College of Education (ACE) is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana but also operates several satellite campuses across the Midwest. In addition to physical campus locations, ACE offers a wide selection of online degree programs and courses.
Students attending ACE’s main campus in Indianapolis can take advantage of the school’s state-of-the-art learning facilities, including multimedia classrooms, a curriculum resource center, computer labs, and study lounges. The Indianapolis campus offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in areas like nursing, business, education, and healthcare administration.
ACE operates additional campus locations in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Indiana. These regional campuses allow students located outside of Indianapolis to take courses, access student support services, and complete degree programs closer to home. For example, the ACE campus in Dayton, Ohio offers several education degree programs.
Beyond its physical campuses, ACE is focused on providing flexible online options. ACE has been offering distance education programs since 2005 and now offers over 30 degrees and certificates fully online. This allows students across the country to study at ACE remotely. Online students have access to instructional videos, interactive coursework, online tutoring services, and technical support.
Whether attending classes at one of ACE’s campus locations or studying online, students can take advantage of the college’s student-centered approach and career-focused programs. ACE aims to make earning a degree flexible and accessible for working adults nationwide.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of attending American College of Education varies depending on the program. Here are some details on tuition and financial aid:
Tuition
- Undergraduate programs cost $370 per credit hour. A full 120-credit bachelor’s degree costs around $44,400.
- Master’s degrees range from 30-36 credit hours and cost $525 per credit hour. A typical 33-credit master’s degree costs around $17,325.
- Doctoral programs are 60 credits and cost $650 per credit hour, so the total cost is around $39,000.
- There are no additional fees for online students. On-campus students pay additional fees like technology fees, student activity fees, etc.
Scholarships
ACE offers over $2 million in annual scholarships to help students pay for their degrees. Some options include:
- Academic Merit Scholarships: Up to $6,000 awarded based on GPA and test scores.
- Need-Based Grants: Award amounts vary based on financial need.
- Military Scholarships: 15% tuition discount for active duty, veterans, and military spouses.
- Employer Tuition Assistance: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement benefits.
Financial Aid
ACE participates in federal student aid programs, including:
- Federal Pell Grants: Up to $6,895 in free aid for undergrads based on need.
- Federal Direct Loans: Eligible students can borrow Stafford and loans.
- Work Study: Part-time employment opportunities to earn money for school.
To apply for aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). ACE’s financial aid advisors help students explore all funding options.
Rankings and Reputation
The American College of Education has earned numerous notable rankings and awards that demonstrate its high-quality programs and commitment to affordable, accessible education.
ACE has been ranked the #1 Most Affordable Online College for a Bachelor’s Degree and the #1 Most Affordable Private Online College by OnlineU. The school’s affordability makes it an attractive option for many students seeking an accessible education.
The school has also been highly ranked for its education degrees and certifications. U.S. News & World Report ranked ACE #2 in Best Online Graduate Education Programs and #1 in Best Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction for 2022. These high rankings demonstrate that the school provides top-tier training for future teachers and administrators.
ACE has earned additional recognition for its commitment to military and veteran students. It was named a Top School for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report and Military Times. It also earned the Guide to Online Schools’ Best for Vets: Colleges 2020 distinction. These honors highlight ACE’s support for those who have served in the armed forces.
The college’s numerous accolades and high rankings reflect its dedication to affordable, quality education in an online format. ACE has proven itself as a respected institution, especially in the fields of education and service to military/veteran students. Its rankings demonstrate a long-standing commitment to access and excellence.
Conclusion
American College of Education (ACE) offers an affordable, high-quality online education focused on training working educators. With over 100 years of history and experience in teacher education, ACE has helped thousands of students achieve their goals through flexible, accredited programs.
Key highlights of an ACE education include:
- Accredited programs in areas like educational leadership, curriculum development, special education, instructional design, and more. Degrees include Bachelor’s, Master’s, EdD, and PhD programs.
- High-quality curriculum focused on real-world skills and practical experience for educators. Courses taught by experienced faculty and practitioners.
- A flexible online format allows working educators to study on their schedules. Accelerated 7-week terms keep students engaged.
- Dedicated student support services and academic advising to ensure student success. The Alumni network provides mentoring opportunities.
- Affordable tuition rates and a range of financial aid options. Transfer credits accepted.
- Over 20 years of experience providing online education. Innovative use of technologies to deliver an interactive learning experience.
For working educators looking to advance their careers with an accredited, flexible online program, the American College of Education stands out as an excellent choice. Graduates gain valuable skills and credentials while fitting studies around work and life demands. The affordable tuition, strong reputation, and focus on student support make ACE a great investment for any educator’s professional development.