Bridgepoint Education Statement on Frontline Story about Private Sector Higher Education

On Tuesday, May 4, FRONTLINE aired a story titled “College Inc.” about the growth of the private sector higher education industry.

In the report, two former Ashford University employees claimed that they were told to recruit students in an unethical manner. The statements made by these individuals are completely contrary to the school’s policies, standards, and practices. We have zero tolerance for these types of alleged practices. Ashford University maintains stringent standards for ethical behavior and regulatory compliance requirements for our enrollment advisors. The school also provides rigorous training to every enrollment advisor when they first join the University and throughout their employment, closely monitoring the conversations of enrollment advisors with prospective students. If an enrollment advisor is found to be in violation of Ashford University policies, he or she is disciplined in accordance with our professional standards.

Bridgepoint Education firmly believes in creating greater access to higher education. With its universities, Bridgepoint Education’s mission is to meet the needs of thousands of Americans seeking an affordable, quality college education. We support the Obama Administration’s goal to significantly increase the number of college graduates by 2020. To achieve this, we must all work together to provide options that work for every student in today’s challenging economic environment. 

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, director of Public Relations at 858.668.2580.