Ashworth College

Norcross, Georgia, United States · Est. 1987 · Online College

Affordable online college and career training with flexible, self-paced programs since 1987.

  • Founded in 1987 as Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI); became Ashworth College in 2000
  • Private for-profit online college accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
  • Based in Norcross, Georgia; serves over 300,000 alumni worldwide
  • Offers career certificates, career diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and undergraduate certificates
  • No longer accepts new graduate students (as of 2021); does not offer federal financial aid
  • Owned by Penn Foster Group, a subsidiary of Bain Capital (acquired 2019)

Academics

Ashworth College offers flexible, self-paced online programs across seven areas of study: Business, Creative Services, Education, Healthcare, Legal Studies, Technology, and Trades. The college provides career certificates and diplomas for rapid skill development, as well as associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and undergraduate certificates. Notable programs include Veterinary Technician (accredited by AVMA), Medical Billing and Coding, Pharmacy Technician, and Early Childhood Education. The college is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission and authorized by the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission.

Admissions

Ashworth College has a streamlined admissions process requiring no standardized test scores or essays. Students must be at least 16 years old (or have parental consent) to enroll in career programs; college degree programs require a high school diploma or GED. The college does not accept or offer federal financial aid or student loans, instead emphasizing affordable tuition and flexible payment plans. Enrollment is available online year-round with immediate class start options.

Student Outcomes

According to a 2023 Ashworth College Alumni Survey, 88% of students achieved their goals, 93% would recommend the college to a friend, and 95% reported satisfaction. The college boasts over 300,000 alumni globally. In 2024, Ashworth College was ranked 52 out of 200 online colleges by Newsweek's 'America's Top Online Colleges' list.

History & Ownership

Ashworth College evolved from a 1987 family-owned school offering a single distance education course in real estate appraisal. The organization expanded to include James Madison High School (1996) and introduced online associate degrees (2000) and bachelor's degrees (2007). All programs merged under the Ashworth College umbrella in 2007. In 2019, Penn Foster Group (a Bain Capital subsidiary) acquired the college. The college settled FTC charges in 2015 regarding misleading advertising claims about credit transferability and career licensing requirements.

Founded
1987
Type
Online College
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
Websitehttps://www.ashworthcollege.edu
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
88% placed
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources