American College of Healthcare Sciences

Key Highlights

• Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, with the next institutional review listed for 2028
• Founded in 1978 and operating in the United States since 1989
• Specializes in online integrative-health and wellness education
• Official Fall 2026 schedules list undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral courses

Student Life & Environment

Student life at ACHS is primarily virtual. There is no evidence of a residential campus experience, so community participation depends on online classrooms, the Student Center, peer interaction, and scheduled support rather than residence halls, dining, athletics, or campus clubs. This can work well for students balancing study with employment or family responsibilities, although those seeking daily in-person social life should account for the difference. The online classroom provides asynchronous discussion forums and may include optional synchronous lectures or chats. ACHS also operates a Peer Support Center where peer mentors assist with assignment planning, writing, APA style, research strategies, case studies, and technology. The broader Student Services team advises on registration, course sequencing, proctored examinations, graduation, time management, and barriers affecting academic progress. Current support information also identifies 24-hour Canvas technical assistance, online library resources, librarian support, and virtual health and well-being services. TimelyCare offerings described by ACHS include scheduled counseling, health coaching, referrals for psychiatric services when appropriate, and virtual group sessions such as meditation and yoga. Service availability and eligibility should be confirmed at enrollment. Because participation is technology-dependent, students need dependable internet and a computer that meets the institution’s requirements; phones and tablets may not support every activity.

Location & Surroundings

ACHS lists its headquarters at 5005 South Macadam Avenue in Portland, Oregon. For applicants, however, Portland should be understood as the institution’s administrative base rather than the setting for a conventional campus experience. ACHS describes its academic programs as fully online, and its technology guidance assumes students will participate from home or another location with reliable internet. This structure largely removes relocation and commuting from the enrollment decision. Students outside Oregon can access coursework remotely, subject to the college’s state-authorization rules and any restrictions affecting their location or chosen field. International students likewise study online rather than relocating to Portland; ACHS does not describe sponsorship of a residential experience on its international admissions page. The location decision is therefore mainly about authorization, time zone, technology, and professional recognition. Administrative offices use Pacific Time, while students may complete asynchronous work elsewhere. Before enrolling, applicants should verify that ACHS can serve students in their state or country and that the intended credential meets any local employment, practice, or professional-registration requirements.

Costs & Career Outcomes

For courses beginning July 1, 2026, ACHS publishes undergraduate tuition of $435 per semester credit for degree and most other undergraduate programs; the separate applied-certificate rate is $170 per credit. Graduate tuition is $665 per credit, and Doctor of Science tuition is $735 per credit. The institution estimates minimum 2026–2027 annual degree tuition of $10,440 for undergraduates completing 24 credits, $11,970 for master’s students completing 18 credits, and $11,760 for doctoral students completing 16 credits. These figures are tuition estimates, not complete budgets. ACHS states that tuition excludes registration charges, textbooks, supplementary materials, course packs or laboratory kits where applicable, and shipping. A $200 program registration fee is listed. Actual cost depends on course selection, pace, accepted transfer credit, and materials. Because programs are online, ACHS does not present institutional room and board as a campus charge; students still need to budget for their own housing, food, computer, and internet. Funding options described by ACHS include federal student aid for eligible students, military and employer assistance, semester payments, and monthly payment plans. International students generally are not eligible for U.S. federal aid, and ACHS says it does not currently offer scholarships specifically for international students. Career support expanded in April 2026 with Handshake access for current students and alumni, including job and internship listings, employer connections, profiles, résumé help, and job-search resources. These services do not guarantee employment, earnings, certification, or licensure. Applicants should evaluate the exact program against the qualifications required for their intended occupation and jurisdiction.