SAN DIEGO, Dec. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI), a provider of postsecondary education services focused on providing higher access to higher education, today announced that Ashford University has entered into an articulation agreement with Sacramento City College in Sacramento, California. Ashford is a Bridgepoint academic institution.

This agreement between Ashford University and Sacramento City College will permit students of the college, the oldest higher-learning institution in Sacramento, to transfer up to 90 credits towards a bachelor's degree at Ashford. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Sacramento City College courses are awarded full credit by schools like the University of California, and now their 25,000-plus student body can do the same with Ashford University.

"Articulation agreements with stalwart local educators like Sacramento City College provide a direct path to four-year degrees for a broad selection of non-traditional students." Ashford's Director of Academic Partnerships Mark K. Young added, "We're happy that Ashford University can be the next step for Sacramento City College students."

The articulation agreement formally recognizes that Ashford University and Sacramento City College are active educational collaborators, committed to improving educational opportunities and services for students transferring between institutions.

About Bridgepoint Education

Bridgepoint Education's postsecondary education services focus on offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in such disciplines as business, education, psychology, social sciences and health sciences. Bridgepoint Education's regionally accredited academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – deliver their programs online as well as at traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About Sacramento City College

Established in 1916, Sacramento City College is an open-access, comprehensive community college, serving a diverse student population. We provide a wide range of educational opportunities and support services leading to transfer, career advancement, basic skills development, and personal enrichment. Our commitment to continuous improvement through outcome-guided assessment, planning, and evaluation promotes student learning. Through these efforts, we contribute to the intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality of the community. 

SOURCE Bridgepoint Education, Inc.