SAN DIEGO, CA (September 19, 2008) – Bridgepoint Education, recognized by Inc. magazine in its September 2008 issue as the fastest growing private education company in the United States, has been named the single largest employer among the 100 fastest growing privately held companies in San Diego.

The distinction was made by the San Diego Business Journal’s 2008 list of the city’s fastest growing privately held companies.

Last night the business publication’s leaders honored the 100 fastest growing private companies in San Diego at an invitation-only ceremony held outdoors on the third floor terrace of the Westgate hotel downtown. 

Based on revenue increases over a two year period ending on July 1, 2008, Bridgepoint was named the second fastest growing privately held company with 2007 revenues of $85.7 million and a growth rate of 978%.

At the same time, Bridgepoint Education was honored as the number one largest employer on the list with a total of 903 employees as of July 1, 2008.

“It is an honor to receive both of these recognitions and to know that the contributions our company provides in the way of local employment truly makes a difference in the lives of San Diegans,” said Andrew Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Bridgepoint Education.

Under the leadership of Clark, Bridgepoint Education’s revenues have jumped from $7.95 million in 2005 to $85.7 million in 2007.  In 2006, the company employed 80 people.  Since then the number has increased to over 900.

Last year, Bridgepoint Education was named number one on the San Diego Business Journal’s list of fastest growing companies, putting it in one of the top two positions for the second year in a row.

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 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 the second year, Bridgepoint Education was named by Inc. magazine as the fastest growing private education company in the United States. For more information, please visit us at www.bridgepointeducation.com or contact Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240, extension 2513.