Bridgepoint Education Inc. (NYSE: BPI), a leading provider of postsecondary education services, announced today that Ashford University graduated a total of 2,871 students in May. One hundred and seven associate's, 2,134 bachelor's and 630 master's degrees were awarded.

Graduation ceremonies are held semi-annually. More than 1,300 graduates from across the country and overseas participated in commencement ceremonies held May 8 and 9 at the Clinton, Iowa, campus. With five ceremonies in two days, it was the largest graduation weekend in Ashford University's history.

More than 98 percent of the graduates earned their degrees online. Since the last graduation in December, there were 2,818 online graduates and 53 on-campus traditional and accelerated graduates.

"We had more than double the students come to Clinton to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas in person," Dr. Jane McAuliffe, president of Ashford University, said. "Many of our students meet face-to-face for the first time at graduation.

"While almost all of our students earn their degrees online, there's a connection to the university community at our traditional campus. Graduation ceremonies are a wonderful opportunity for graduates to come together to celebrate their higher education experience at Ashford University."

Basketball legend Bill Walton, who also made a career for himself in television broadcasting, delivered the keynote address at each of Ashford University's graduation ceremonies.

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 and are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org).  For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Rodriguez, director 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, visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of public relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.