Higher Education Done Differently
Together, we celebrate 20 years of ACE.
20 Years of Unconventional Thinking
As American College of Education embarks on its 20th year of providing high quality online education, we reflect on our history and what brought us to this milestone. One thing above all stands out – when higher education is done differently, amazing things can happen. Join us as we share the memories, stories and moments that have made us who we are today.
Key Historical Events
2005
2007
2009
2011
2013
2014
2016
2018
2020
2023
Message From the President
To our cherished ACE community,
Geordie Hyland
This year, American College of Education celebrates its 20th anniversary. This is a momentous milestone in the world of online higher education, especially during a time when the value of higher education itself is being called into question. With students facing catastrophic levels of student debt, it’s no wonder people are asking, “Is higher education really worth it?”
We know that it’s high time for higher education – a sector rooted in history and tradition – to change. In fact, we’ve known this for 20 years. Right from our founding in 2005, ACE had a disruptor mindset. We were created as the answer to the question, “How can we provide teachers with master’s degrees for less than $5,000?” It seemed like an impossible proposition, yet we were able to make it happen despite the odds because we made a conscious choice to do higher education differently.
I’m proud to say that, 20 years later, ACE is still choosing to be different every single day and the results are undeniable. While other institutions experience declining enrollments, our student body is growing. While others raise tuition, we’ve kept it the same since 2016. While the average student faces over $40,000 in total student debt,² 86% of our students graduate with none.³
ACE’s 44,000 alumni and 11,000 students can attest to the fact that when higher education is done differently, amazing things can happen. We look forward to sharing these stories with you as we celebrate this year.
ACE President and CEO
2Source: Education Data Initiative
3Source: Internal research completed in June 2024
Explore the ACE Difference
Learn more about how we are defying conventions within higher education.
Celebrating Our Community
Our students, alumni, staff and faculty share their stories, from 20 years ago all the way to today.
Kelly Young
M.Ed. in Educational Technology
“You should enroll at ACE because the program is designed for working professionals. The calendar and coursework is predictable allowing students to manage all of their responsibilities and coursework.”
Syncia Sama
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
“I recommend this program to anyone who is looking to further their education in any field. The flexibility is what makes it suitable for anyone who is working a full-time job or busy with other responsibilities. The cost is very reasonable as well, and did not break my pockets at all!”
Kasey Harkness
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
“I resisted enrolling in a graduate program for a long time because, between my full time job and my family, I couldn’t fathom how I would make the time for one or scrounge up the money. Then I found ACE! ACE was affordable and fully online, which meant I could do my coursework from anywhere and control the pace and timing of my week. Going through my program without having to sacrifice my family time was invaluable, and what I learned was immediately applicable in my profession.”
