SAN DIEGO, CA (August 20, 2008) - Bridgepoint Education, an independent private education company focused on delivering high-quality and affordable education in both traditional and online environments, today was named the 14^th fastest growing private company in the United States by Inc. magazine in its annual “Inc. 500” rankings.  The company was also ranked first in growth rate among private education companies in the nation, as well as the fastest growing private company in San Diego.

With revenue growth of 6,794.1 percent over the past three years, Bridgepoint Education is the only company on the Inc. 500 to be named in the Top 20 two years in a row while also moving up the list – from 17^th last year to 14^th on the current list.

In August 2007, the company was named the fastest growing private education company in the country with 2006 revenue of $31.4 million and a growth rate of more than 4,000 percent over the previous three-year period. This year, Bridgepoint Education moves into the Top 15 on Inc.’s list with revenues of $85.5 million in 2007.

“This tremendous honor demonstrates that our company's mission to connect deserving students of all types with high-quality, higher education opportunities is on target," said Andrew Clark, chief executive officer of Bridgepoint Education. “And being recognized with this award for the second year in a row, while moving up the list at the same time, underscores our vision of strong, sustainable growth.

"Bridgepoint Education was founded on the principle that education improves lives. We've built this company on the premise that every academically qualified student is entitled to a barrier-free higher education, regardless of their demographic profile or geographic proximity," Clark said. "The numbers tell the story: Bridgepoint’s innovative higher access to higher education -- either on campus or online -- is in high demand.

"In today's economy, it is more important than ever for the country's workforce to have baccalaureate credentials for career advancement, leadership and well-being. We are committed to helping our students achieve success. And it's a great reward to be recognized for our efforts by Inc. magazine," he added.

Bridgepoint Education currently offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees through its two regionally accredited institutions: Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa, and University of the Rockies in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

About Bridgepoint Education

Based in San Diego, Bridgepoint Education was founded on the principle that anyone who is academically prepared deserves access to higher education without sacrificing quality, transferability of credits, accessibility, academic standards or credentials. As an independent, private higher education company, Bridgepoint Education is committed to serving the millions of adults seeking an affordable alternative to high priced higher education. Bridgepoint Education subsidiaries provide both traditional and online education offerings, in addition to recruiting and admissions services. Our comprehensive education services have helped thousands of students improve their lives and careers through higher education. For more information, please visit us at http://www.bridgepointeducation.com or contact Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

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