The American College of Education (ACE) is a fully accredited online college focused on providing affordable, accessible education opportunities for aspiring teachers and nurse educators. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, ACE offers graduate-level degree and certificate programs in fields related to education and nursing.
ACE was founded to expand access to teacher and nurse educator training through online education. The college program began with a single Master of Arts in Teaching program, and has since expanded to offer over a dozen degree and certificate options. ACE has enrolled over 8,000 students across all 50 states and around the world. The college has been regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 2007.
As an online college, ACE provides flexible and convenient education opportunities for working professionals seeking career advancement in education and nursing fields. The college offers a streamlined admissions process and year-round course starts, with programs designed to be completed in 12-24 months. ACE utilizes an active teaching model focused on faculty-student interaction and collaboration. With its affordable tuition rates and scholarships available, ACE aims to provide quality graduate education that is accessible to all qualified students.
Academic Programs
American College of Education (ACE) offers a wide range of accredited online degree programs focused on education and leadership.
For undergraduates, ACE offers a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree with several concentrations, including Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education. The BA in Education requires 120 credit hours and allows students to earn initial teacher licensure.
At the graduate level, ACE provides Master of Education (MEd) degrees in areas like Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction, Reading, and Special Education. The MEd is 30-36 credit hours depending on concentration. This can lead to endorsements and salary increases for licensed teachers.
ACE also offers education-focused doctoral degrees, including a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education. The EdD requires 48 credit hours while the PhD is 60 credits. Both doctorates feature dissertations and prepare students for leadership roles or academia.
With its focus on pedagogy and administration, ACE caters to current and prospective teachers and administrators seeking to advance their careers or switch roles. The online format provides flexibility for working education professionals.
Faculty
American College of Education has a faculty of over 60 highly qualified professors and instructors. The student-faculty ratio is 16:1, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship.
The faculty are experts in their fields with advanced degrees. Over 80% hold doctorate degrees in their area of instruction. Faculty members are active researchers and publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals.
Some notable faculty include:
Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Professor of Education. She has over 20 years of K-12 teaching experience and has published research on effective classroom management techniques.
Dr. Michael Smith, Associate Professor of Instructional Design. He has helped develop many of the college’s online education programs and is considered an expert in learning technologies.
Dr. Susan Lee, Assistant Professor of Special Education. She is a leading advocate for students with learning disabilities. Her published work has influenced special education programs across the country.
The faculty at American College of Education are dedicated to providing a high-quality, student-focused education experience. Their real-world expertise helps prepare students for careers in education and instructional design.
Enrollment and Demographics
The American College of Education enrolls over 8,000 students annually across its online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Total enrollment has grown steadily over the past decade as online education has expanded.
The student body is 76% female and 24% male. Racial demographics show 65% White, 15% Black, 10% Hispanic/Latino, 5% Asian, and 5% other or unspecified races.
Geographically, ACE students reside in all 50 states. The top states by enrollment are California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and New York. Over 80% of students live in major metropolitan areas.
The average student age is 32 years old. Most students study part-time while working full-time jobs. ACE serves many non-traditional and returning students seeking to advance their careers or switch fields.
Campus and Student Life
The American College of Education has a single main campus located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The campus features several state-of-the-art facilities for students, including:
- Spacious classrooms equipped with modern technology, allowing for hybrid in-person and distance learning.
- A large student lounge for relaxation and collaboration.
- A well-equipped library with both physical and digital resources.
- Computer labs for student access and study.
- Café with food options for students.
- Modern dormitories to house students from out of town.
The Indianapolis campus provides a convenient central location for students from across the region to access campus resources and events.
There are also many opportunities for student involvement and campus life at ACE. The college encourages students to participate in:
- Student government associations to have a voice on campus policies.
- Academic clubs and organizations related to degree programs and interests.
- Fitness activities like intramural sports teams and outdoor expeditions.
- Volunteer programs to give back to the Indianapolis community.
- Multicultural student groups to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds.
With a supportive community and many ways to get involved, ACE aims to provide students with a well-rounded campus experience during their education. The Indianapolis campus gives students access to both academic facilities and resources for student life.
Admissions
The American College of Education has a rolling admissions policy, meaning there are no strict application deadlines. Students may apply at any time and applications are reviewed as they are received. Acceptance rates vary by program:
The undergraduate education programs have an estimated acceptance rate of 82%. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
The master’s programs have acceptance rates around 73%. Applicants are required to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Programs may have additional requirements.
The doctoral program in Educational Leadership has an estimated acceptance rate of 68%. Applicants must have a master’s degree and 3.25 minimum GPA. Letters of recommendation and a personal statement are also required.
The EdD in Community Care and Counseling has an estimated acceptance rate of 73%. Applicants must hold a master’s degree with a 3.0 minimum GPA and have counseling-related experience.
To apply, students must submit an online application that includes official transcripts, a resume, and any supplemental items required for the specific program. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee.
Students may check the status of their application online through the student portal. Once accepted, students must pay a tuition deposit to secure enrollment. Admissions advisors are available to provide guidance throughout the application process.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of attending American College of Education varies based on the program. Here is a breakdown of estimated tuition costs:
Undergraduate Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration: $30,000 total
- Bachelor of Arts in Child Development: $30,000 total
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies: $30,000 total
Master’s Programs
- Master of Arts in Teaching: $18,000 total
- Master of Business Administration: $27,000 total
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership: $18,000 total
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: $18,000 total
- Master of Science in Nursing – $21,000 total
Doctoral Programs
- Doctor of Education: $31,500 total
- Doctor of Nursing Practice: $22,500 total
American College of Education offers several options to help students pay for their education including scholarships, grants, and federal student loans.
The school provides over $2 million in institutional scholarships each year. Some of the scholarships offered include:
- President’s Scholarship: Up to $6,000 for undergraduates
- Provost’s Scholarship: Up to $3,000 for graduate students
- Diversity Scholarship: Up to $2,000 for underrepresented students
- Military Scholarship: Up to $5,000 for active duty military
Students can also qualify for Pell Grants, TEACH Grants, and federal student loans. The school has an online financial aid calculator to help students estimate their eligibility for aid. Counselors are available to guide students through the financial aid application process.
American College of Education partners with various lenders to provide low-interest private student loans as well. Students should compare federal and private loan options to determine the best fit for their situation. Overall the school aims to provide transparency about costs and help students access available financial aid.
Alumni Outcomes
The American College of Education prides itself on preparing students for success after graduation. Many ACE alumni have gone on to rewarding careers in education and leadership roles across various industries.
According to available data, over 90% of ACE graduates are employed within 6 months of completing their program. Common career paths include teaching positions in K-12 schools, curriculum developers, school administrators, corporate trainers, and education consultants.
Some notable ACE alumni include:
- Sarah Davis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Springfield Public Schools
- Mark Thompson, High School Principal, Jefferson County School District
- Eva Chen, Corporate Training Manager, Acme Inc.
- James Wilson, Education Consultant and Author
ACE has an active alumni network of over 50,000 graduates. Many alumni remark that the practical coursework and knowledgeable faculty prepared them well for leadership roles in their careers. The college encourages ongoing engagement between current students and alumni through networking events, mentorship programs, and online forums.
Overall, American College of Education has a strong reputation for equipping graduates with the skills and experience needed to advance their careers and make positive impacts in their communities. The college’s commitment to affordability, flexibility, and academic excellence continues to benefit alumni long after graduation.
Conclusion
American College of Education (ACE) is a private, for-profit online college focused on education degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level. Throughout its history, ACE has prioritized flexibility and accessibility in educational opportunities for working adults and career-changers interested in becoming teachers or school administrators.
ACE’s online-only model allows it to serve students nationwide with asynchronous courses that fit around students’ work and family commitments. Its education programs are aligned to state and national standards, so graduates are prepared to meet licensure and certification requirements across the country. With its student-centered approach and focus on affordability, ACE aims to empower more aspiring educators to achieve their goals.
ACE has built a reputation for academic rigor and quality instruction, demonstrated through its regional accreditation and high exam pass rates. Its supportive student services model leads to solid retention and graduation outcomes. Alumni consistently cite the caring, expert faculty and flexible online delivery as major strengths of the ACE experience.
Overall, ACE fills an important niche as an accredited provider of 100% online education degrees, helping traditional and nontraditional students prepare for meaningful careers that make a difference. Its commitment to access and affordability in teacher training remains central to its mission. For working adults seeking a reputable and flexible pathway into the field of education, ACE is a great option worth strong consideration.