Ashford University, an academic institution owned by Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI), has enrolled the largest on-campus student body in the institution’s 92-year history. The university's official on-campus enrollment for the fall 2011 semester is 959 full-time students.
The increase in students is attributed to the university’s Academic Scholarship Program, which is a three-tiered approach for rewarding students for academic excellence.
“About 76 percent of Ashford’s on-campus students are receiving these academic scholarships,” said Dr. Elizabeth Tice, president of Ashford University.
The President’s Scholarship covers full tuition and is awarded to students with a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. The Provost’s Scholarship, an annual award of $12,500, is available to students with a grade-point average between 3.25 and 3.49. The Dean’s Scholarship provides $10,000 annually for students with a grade-point average between 3.00 and 3.24.
“A scholarship program like this helps attract great students to Ashford University,” said Dr. Tice. “Since the program’s inception a year ago, we have seen an increased amount of recognition for our academic and athletic accomplishments.”
Also contributing to the increase in enrollment are the numerous improvements the university has undergone since its population surge in fall 2010, including the rebuilding of several classrooms, the purchase and conversion of the nearby Best Western into dormitories, the addition of modern technology, and the construction of a new athletic field.
This year, Ashford has seen a rise in its international student population, growing from 43 students in 2010 to 57 students from 24 countries in 2011.
The number of returning students has also set a new record. The university reports 528 returning students, compared to 304 returning students last year.
“It demonstrates that students feel they have a great experience at Ashford University,” said John Ballheim, Ashford University vice president and campus director. “I can’t tell you how often I hear from students and faculty that Ashford is a special place.”
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.