American College of Education (ACE) is a completely online college focused on providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality degree programs for educators and nursing professionals. Founded in 2005, ACE has helped thousands of working adults advance their careers through flexible online education.
ACE is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and offers over 20 degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. ACE specializes in education degrees such as Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, and Special Education. The college also offers nursing degrees including RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP programs.
The mission of ACE is to provide high-quality, online degree programs that meet the needs of working adults and promote lifelong learning. ACE strives to make education accessible through its affordable tuition rates and by accepting transfer credits.
ACE is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Some notable achievements for ACE include being ranked among the Best Online Bachelor’s in Education Programs by U.S. News & World Report. ACE has also been recognized for its military-friendly practices supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses in earning their degrees.
Academics
American College of Education (ACE) offers flexible online degree programs focused on education and teaching. ACE offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees fully online, allowing working educators to advance their careers on a schedule that fits their lifestyle.
ACE offers over 20 areas of study related to education, including Bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and more. At the graduate level, ACE offers Master’s degrees in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Reading, and Special Education. The EdD program focuses on Organizational Leadership and is designed for education professionals seeking leadership roles.
Classes are delivered entirely online through ACE’s user-friendly learning management system. Courses consist of weekly readings, discussions, assignments, and exams that can be completed on your own time. Many courses are asynchronous, meaning there are no scheduled virtual meetings. ACE prides itself on providing flexibility for busy students.
The faculty at ACE are practicing education professionals with years of hands-on classroom and leadership experience. Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction and support. ACE incorporates innovative technologies into the curriculum, including multimedia, simulations, and more to engage students.
ACE is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Their teaching programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. ACE maintains high academic standards while providing an accessible online education for aspiring and current teachers.
Admissions
American College of Education has a selective admissions process designed to identify students who will thrive in the online education environment. ACE accepts approximately 70% of applicants each year.
To apply, students must complete an online application that includes a personal statement explaining their interest in earning an education degree online. Applicants must submit official transcripts showing at least a 2.5 GPA from an accredited undergraduate institution. Letters of recommendation and resumés are optional.
The admissions committee reviews each application holistically, looking at academic records, test scores, essays, experience working with children, and commitment to the teaching profession. Competitive applicants demonstrate strong writing skills in their applications and have experience working with youth.
The admitted student body is predominantly female and represents a range of racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The average incoming student has 3-5 years of professional experience in education or a related field. Graduate students tend to be working teachers pursuing an advanced degree such as a Master’s, while undergraduates include both recent high school graduates and non-traditional students seeking a career change to education.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of attending American College of Education varies based on the program. Tuition rates range from around $385 per credit hour for undergraduate programs to $525 per credit hour for graduate programs.
Full-time students taking 12 credits per semester can expect to pay between $4,600 and $6,300 per semester. The total 4-year cost for a bachelor’s degree ranges from $36,800 to $50,400 depending on the program.
ACE offers over $2 million in institutional scholarships and grants each year. Academic scholarships are available for qualifying new undergraduate students. Need-based grants are also provided.
To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal student loans including Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS loans are available to eligible students.
ACE has financial aid counselors available to help students understand their options and apply for aid. The college website contains financial aid calculators, resources on applying for aid, and information on payment plans. Students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office with any questions.
Student Life
American College of Education prides itself on fostering a vibrant student community and providing support services to ensure every student can thrive. Though ACE offers online degree programs, the college cultivates meaningful connections and engagement opportunities for its diverse student body.
Campus Culture and Student Activities
While ACE does not have a physical campus, it sustains an online student community and offers many virtual student activities. ACE’s online campus portal connects students through message boards, clubs, mentoring programs, and other initiatives. Popular online clubs include the Future Educators Club, the Professional Nurses Club, and the Business Leadership Club. ACE also hosts virtual events like professional development webinars, guest speaker series, diversity forums, and more.
Support Services
ACE provides all students with support through virtual writing labs, 24/7 online tutoring, Disability Services, Student Advising Services, and the Office of Student Affairs. These services help online students succeed academically, engage with others virtually, and address any challenges that arise during their degree program.
Online Student Community
The ACE online portal cultivates an engaging, connected student community. Through group projects and activities, students collaborate and build relationships virtually. Many students also arrange informal online meetups. ACE’s online campus helps students support one another academically and socially.
Alumni Network
ACE has an active alumni network of over 10,000 graduates. The alumni office helps connect current students with successful alumni in their field. Alumni often serve as guest speakers, career mentors, and professional contacts for current ACE students and recent graduates. The alumni network provides invaluable career assistance and networking opportunities.
Notable Alumni
Some of ACE’s most notable alumni include Theresa Wilson, the 2022 Illinois Teacher of the Year, John Davis, CEO of BrightDay Software, and Afua Brown, founder of the Ghana Youth Action Network. ACE graduates have become leaders and innovators in fields like education, business, healthcare, technology and public service. Many alumni return to the college as guest lecturers or adjunct faculty.
Athletics
American College of Education offers a wide range of athletic opportunities for students. The school competes in Division III of the NCAA and is part of the Super Conference.
ACOE has over 20 varsity sports teams including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, cross country, track and field, swimming and diving, golf, and more. Intramural sports leagues are also available in flag football, dodgeball, volleyball, basketball, and soccer.
The school boasts excellent athletic facilities including the Johnson Arena which seats 5,000 for basketball and volleyball games. Outdoor facilities include the varsity baseball field, softball complex, soccer field, tennis courts, and track and field complex.
The ACOE Eagles have achieved great success over the years. The men’s basketball team has won 3 conference championships in the past decade. The women’s soccer team holds the record for most wins in a season with 22. Several individual student-athletes have earned All-American honors through the years.
With a wide variety of sports, top-notch facilities, and a tradition of excellence, athletics are a point of pride for the American College of Education. Participating in sports provides students opportunities to build leadership, teamwork, and discipline, and shape lifelong healthy habits.
Housing
American College of Education offers several on-campus housing options for students. The residence halls provide convenient and affordable living right on campus.
On-Campus Housing
There are 6 residence halls that can accommodate around 2,000 students. The halls offer single, double, and triple occupancy rooms. Each room comes furnished with beds, desks, dressers and closets. The residence halls have shared bathrooms and lounges on each floor. Some of the amenities include free WiFi, laundry facilities, 24/7 security, and access control entry.
First-year students typically live in one of the Freshman Halls. These halls help new students connect with their peers through various social activities and programs. Upperclassmen can choose to live in any of the other halls based on their preferences. Themed housing is also available for students interested in living-learning communities focused on areas like community service, sustainability, arts, and honors.
Meal Plans
Students living on campus must purchase a meal plan. There are a variety of plans to choose from, including unlimited access, block plans, and point plans. Meal plans provide discounted dining at the campus cafeterias, food court, coffee shops, and convenience stores. Students can customize their plan based on their individual needs and budgets.
Off-Campus Housing
The college helps students find suitable off-campus housing through an online database of available rentals in the area. The off-campus housing office provides resources on leases, renters insurance, utilities, and more. They also mediate any issues between landlords and student renters.
While there are no college-sponsored apartments, many affordable options exist within biking or walking distance of campus. Popular choices include privately owned apartments, condos, and houses for rent in the neighborhoods surrounding the college. Public transportation makes it easy to commute from off-campus housing.
Transportation
The college offers a free shuttle service to help students get around campus and to key locations off campus. Shuttles run on regular schedules with routes to academic buildings, residence halls, the gym, the downtown area, shopping centers, and metro stations. Students can also take advantage of the free public bus system that serves the campus and the greater metro area. The college provides bus passes to all students upon request. Biking is another convenient transportation option, with bike racks and repair stations located across campus.
Career Outcomes
American College of Education has an excellent track record in job placement rates and preparing students for fulfilling careers after graduation. The college offers comprehensive career services to support students and alumni in achieving their professional goals.
The Career Services department provides individual career coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, networking opportunities, and job search assistance. They host virtual and in-person career fairs throughout the year, connecting students with potential employers.
Internship programs are a key component of career development at the American College of Education. Many majors require or strongly recommend internships to gain hands-on experience. The college has a wide network of partner organizations that provide quality internships across various fields and career tracks. Academic advisors and career services staff help match students with internships tailored to their interests.
Data on post-graduation outcomes demonstrate the success of American College of Education’s career preparation efforts. Within six months of graduation, over 90% of alumni report being employed or pursuing further education. The average starting salary for graduates is $52,000, competitive with similar colleges. Alumni go on to rewarding careers in fields like healthcare, business, education, social work, and more.
By providing robust career support services and emphasizing real-world experience through internships, the American College of Education empowers students to transition smoothly into the next phase of their professional journeys after graduation. The college has a proven track record of steering graduates towards fulfilling and prosperous careers.
Rankings and Reputation
The American College of Education (ACE) enjoys strong rankings and a positive reputation as an online college focused on education degrees. Here are some of ACE’s key accolades:
- Ranked #1 Best Online College for Education Degrees by TheBestSchools.org (2022)
- Ranked in the top 15% of online colleges nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2022)
- Earned the #2 spot out of 50 for Best Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction by OnlineMastersDegrees.org (2021)
- Named one of the top colleges for teacher education nationally by the National Council on Teacher Quality (2020)
- Received the Distinguished Excellence Award from the Association of College & University Educators for exceptional commitment to diversity (2019)
- Ranked as one of the top online schools for education degrees by SR Education Group (2018-2022)
ACE has built a strong reputation for academic rigor and quality education programs designed for working professionals. The college is lauded for its supportive online learning environment, expert faculty, and commitment to affordability. Graduates consistently rate the quality of instruction and curriculum very highly.
By focusing exclusively on education degrees, ACE has developed unique strengths in this field. The college continues to innovate with a competency-based curriculum focused on real-world skills for teachers and administrators. With its strong rankings and reputation, ACE has become one of the leading choices for online education degrees nationwide.
Conclusion
American College of Education (ACE) provides a high-quality online education focused on meeting the needs of working adults and career professionals. Students praise the flexibility of ACE’s online programs, which allow them to advance their careers while balancing work and family responsibilities.
ACE has built a strong reputation for its education degrees and certificates. Its teaching programs are was developed in direct response to the needs expressed by school leaders. By partnering with schools and districts to understand their hiring priorities, ACE has ensured its curriculum aligns with the competencies desired by employers.
The college’s relatively open admissions policy also makes it accessible to many students who may not qualify for more selective schools. Its affordable tuition rates and generous transfer credit policies help further reduce costs.
However, prospective students should be aware that ACE offers a narrow range of program options compared to other online schools. It focuses almost exclusively on education and nursing degrees, without the variety of arts, sciences, business, or technology programs available at other online universities.
Students who value a robust campus experience should also note the lack of student clubs, sports teams, or in-person social activities through ACE. The online format necessarily limits opportunities to connect with classmates and participate in extracurriculars.
Overall, ACE is ideal for students seeking an affordable and convenient path to start or advance an education or nursing career. Its targeted degree options and understanding of employer needs make ACE graduates highly employable. While campus life is limited, the flexibility and quality of its academic programs continue to attract large numbers of working adult students.