Admissions Process

Checklist for Your Transition to College

Please review this helpful checklist that will guide you and your family through the transition to college. This easy-to-use reference will help you organize the steps that you need to take throughout your senior year:

1. Visit the campus. A visit to Ashford's campus in Clinton, Iowa will let you meet faculty and students and see what campus life at Ashford is all about. To make an appointment, call the Admissions Office at 800.242.4153 or email us at admissions@ashford.edu
2. Apply: There are three ways to apply to Ashford University:
   1. Apply online at https://oap.ashford.edu/.
   2. Download a PDF application
   3. Request a paper application by calling the Admissions Office at 800.242.4153 or emailing us at admissions@ashford.edu
3. Complete a housing contract. If you’re planning to live on campus, you should complete your housing contract as soon as possible so you have the best chances of getting your top housing choice. Housing contracts will be mailed out after the first of the year. A $100 deposit must be submitted with your contract. This deposit is refundable through May 1.
4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA). Complete this federal form as soon as possible after January 1 to find out if you qualify for federal, state or institutional funds. The FASFA form is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. After you finish the FAFSA, you will receive your Student Aid Report, which should be sent to us ONLY if an error exists.
5. Accept/Decline Award Letter. Once the FAFSA information is received, our Financial Aid Office will determine assistance eligibility and send you an award letter outlining available funds. You'll need to accept or decline the award online.
6. Complete Important Forms. Please send the “Student Immunization Record and Insurance Information, Medical Authorization & Emergency Contact Form” to the Student Success Office.
7. Sign up for Orientation. We’ll send you information about new student orientation dates. Orientation will help reacquaint you with our campus, give you an opportunity to meet other students and finish registration for classes. 
8. Get your parking permit.
   Permits are available online at ThePermitStore.com. Please enter your parking destination as the institution at which you will be parking (Ashford University). Click on the “Apply” button and complete all fields of requested information.
   
   Your first permit is FREE and is necessary to park on Ashford property in Clinton, Iowa. If you need a second permit because of loss or damage, a $10.00 fee will apply. If you have questions about using ThePermitStore.com, please contact Customer Service at 805-963-9400 or email custserv@iparq.com.