Ashesi Welcomes the Class of 2011

For the 2007 Admissions recruiting season, Ashesi University received 536 applications which represents a 14% increase over last year’s total and a 340% increase over the inaugural class in 2005. The admissions process continues to be very selective with only 19% of all applicants comprising the incoming class of 100 students. The Admissions office was also pleased with the percentage of admitted students who accepted Ashesi’s offer of admissions this year, which resulted in a stronger enrolment yield of 78% compared to 71% a year earlier. Overall, the quality of the applicant pool was stronger this year, which led to a very competitive admission process. The Admissions team attributed these improving trends to Ashesi’s growing reputation, a generous financial aid program, and targeted school visits.

Each year Ashesi’s brand recognition steadily improves which has led to an increase in student interest. A brand study conducted by MBA students from UC Berkeley in June of this year further confirmed the strength of Ashesi’s reputation in Ghana. The survey results revealed that corporate Ghana ranks Ashesi very high relative to other universities in Ghana based on several criteria including reputation, facilities, quality of instruction, quality of curriculum, and career preparation. Our graduates especially stand out in Corporate Ghana’s evaluation of communication skills; poise confidence and maturity; professional skills; ethics; and interviewing skills.

Financial aid was an important factor in admitting a class that was not only smart, but also from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Ashesi strives to be the school of choice for promising students with leadership potential regardless of their ability to pay the full fees. Nearly $124,000 in financial aid was given out this year to the freshman class, with an average of $2,812 of aid awarded per financial aid recipient. 44% of the Class of 2011 received financial aid this year compared to 50% in the previous year. Although the number of students awarded aid was slightly less than last year, the average amount of aid awarded per student was higher, which suggests that Ashesi is reaching more students who really need financial support. Of those students awarded financial aid, 41% were women.

The 2011 Class is comprised of 42% women and 58% men. We welcome our international students from Guinea, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Gambia and the Ivory Coast, who make up 5% of the incoming class. The number of senior secondary schools represented among this incoming class is also diverse with graduates from 45 different schools.