So, I have been at Ashford University and I can not say enough amazing things about this school. Well, yesterday I got my first big disappointment 
When I transfered to Ashford University, I knew that since my previous college was on a different format than Ashford (I was taking a semester based curriculum), that not all my credits would transfer. I must say that I was pleased with the amount of credits that did transfer, but it did push my anticipated graduation date that I had already set back a bit. As I continued with my studies, I found out that I had the option of doubling up on my classes. The school does not recommend it because you are already on an accelerated course, but if you have a good GPA and can handle the workload, they allow you to double up for 4 terms( a total of 8 classes) each academic year. After looking at my schedule and talking with my academic adviser, I realized how many credits I had left, and if I could double up my classes the whole way through, I would cut 40 weeks off of my schedule and be able to attend graduation December of 2009, right around the time I had originally set up for myself.
My academic adviser told me to continue with the doubled classes that I had, and if I did good, I could submit a one page petition requesting to allow me to do this. So I worked very hard in my classes, and bumped my GPA up significantly. After submitting my petition, I got an approval. But now, there were different rules for the students that doubled up. I had to get it approved through the financial department, which I didn't need to do before. For my currently doubled classes, my financial aid, military grant, and Pell Grant had helped covered the costs, which was amazing. But because students were racking up huge amounts of debt, now, if you want to double up, if you do not have the credit on your account, you have to pay for the classes up front in order to take your doubled classes.
So, seeing as I rely on my financial aid for school, I am not able to pay the amount for the classes. I spoke with a financial supervisor and explained my situation. Right now, she is going to look at my financial aid disbursements that are set for this year, and see if maybe I can do a payment plan so I can continue with the schedule that I hope for. If not, then I won't be graduating till May 2010. I know it's just a few months after December, but I have had this in my mind for a while and I really want to graduate in December. So everyone, cross your fingers for me and I will update when I have more information.