

Portland, ORprivate forprofitwww.achs.edu/
Admit rate has ranged 35%–92% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The American College of Healthcare Sciences (ACHS) is a niche, accredited online institution specializing in holistic health education. With a selective acceptance rate hovering around 53-58%, ACHS offers a focused curriculum in integrative health, aromatherapy, and herbal medicine, attracting students passionate about alternative healthcare. Its online format and strong faculty support make it a standout for non-traditional learners seeking flexible, career-oriented programs in wellness fields.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Campus & location
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
ACHS maintains a selective admissions process, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 53% to 58% according to multiple sources. The college does not require SAT/ACT scores but considers them if submitted. Applications are due by July 16 for regular admission. In 2024, the school admitted 69 out of 129 applicants, reflecting its moderately competitive stance among specialized health sciences institutions.
ACHS specializes exclusively in holistic health education, offering 13 certificates, 10 degrees, and 3 diploma programs across graduate and undergraduate levels. The curriculum emphasizes integrative approaches like aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and wellness coaching. Students consistently praise the faculty's expertise in holistic health and their supportive, communicative teaching style. All programs are delivered online, catering to working professionals and non-traditional students.
As an entirely online institution, ACHS fosters community through virtual platforms. The college's Facebook page serves as a hub for student interaction, with nearly 50,000 followers. While lacking traditional campus activities, students connect through:
The student body consists primarily of adult learners balancing education with professional commitments in healthcare fields.
ACHS reports a 50% six-year graduation rate, significantly higher than the 24% median for two-year institutions. Half of students complete their degrees within eight years. While specific earnings data isn't available for ACHS, comparable health sciences programs show graduates earning median incomes around $119,000 four years post-graduation. The focused curriculum aims to prepare students for careers in growing wellness industries.
ACHS provides financial aid options including federal grants (received by 83% of students, averaging $6,755) and loans (75% take out loans averaging $6,286). The college offers a Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator to estimate costs after aid. Notably, no state/local or institutional grants are currently available, making federal aid the primary funding source for most students.
ACHS carves a unique niche as one of few accredited institutions specializing exclusively in online holistic health education. Its focused curriculum in aromatherapy, herbal studies, and integrative health attracts students seeking alternative healthcare careers. The 50% graduation rate outperforms many online programs, while the selective admissions ensures engaged peers. For non-traditional students passionate about wellness modalities, ACHS offers rare academic legitimacy in often-unregulated fields.