Local and State Officials Laud 100 Percent Tuition Scholarships for Ashford University Students

Local and State Officials Laud 100 Percent Tuition Scholarships for Ashford
University Students

CLINTON, Iowa, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford University's new tuition
scholarships are bringing economic relief to current and future students,
optimism to the local community and accolades from a U.S. congressman. These
scholarships reward traditional, on-campus students who excel in academics
with up to 100 percent tuition for four years.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091015/LA92884)

"I'm glad to see Ashford University's new scholarship program, as it allows
top students from across the country to qualify to receive full tuition," Rep.
Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) said. "The program is good for students, good for the
local community and good for families who may be struggling in today's economy
to send their hard-working children to college."

A student's grade-point average is the only qualification for Ashford
University's new scholarship awards. The President's Scholarship covers 100
percent tuition (currently $15,720 per school year) for applicants with a
grade-point average of 3.50 and above. The Provost's Scholarship covers
$12,500 toward tuition for applicants with a grade-point average between 3.25
and 3.49. The Dean's Scholarship covers $10,000 toward tuition for applicants
with a grade-point average between 3.00 and 3.24.

Programs are for full-time, traditional on-campus students who begin classes
in Fall 2010. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years, provided the
student maintains minimum grade-point averages.

In his back-to-school speech, President Barack Obama, who spoke at Ashford
University in his presidential campaign, encouraged students to excel at
school and Ashford University wants to reward students who do exactly that.

"If these scholarships were in place this semester, approximately half of
Ashford University's current traditional on-campus students would qualify for
a tuition scholarship," said Jane McAuliffe, president of Ashford University
and senior vice president/chief academic officer of Bridgepoint Education. "At
the same time, response from prospective students and high schools has
exceeded expectations."

These scholarships are merit-based; current students with high grade-point
averages will be granted a tuition scholarship based upon their final grades
at the end of the spring semester. New students who meet the criteria will
also be awarded scholarships until enrollment capacity is reached.

Christine Justice, an Ashford University sophomore who will automatically
qualify if she maintains her current 3.59 grade-point average, says the
tuition scholarship changes her future. Due to financial constraints, she
wasn't sure if she'd be able to attend next year. Now, she knows she'll be
back.

"I've been in the higher education industry for more than two decades, and to
my knowledge, there has never been a scholarship program like this one," said
John Ballheim, vice president and campus director of Ashford University.

"When Ashford University came to Clinton, we made the commitment to work with
our community and we've been listening," Ballheim said. "Beyond the strong
financial incentive for students, this scholarship program has an impact on
the local community by bringing more students to the area," added Ballheim.

Clinton Mayor Rodger Holm said, "In this uncertain economy, a ray of sunshine
has come to Ashford University and therefore to Clinton, Iowa. It's a gift to
students who excel and also a boost to our local community. Because the
university's new scholarship program has the potential to bring hundreds of
additional students to Ashford, it will also bring hundreds of additional
residents to Clinton. This will likely stimulate economic development for our
city."

Admission applications for the Fall 2010 class must be postmarked, along with
current high school transcripts, by Nov. 23, 2009. Ashford will award
scholarships to students who qualify until the campus has reached enrollment
capacity.

"At Ashford University, we believe that hard-working students who have earned
good grades throughout their education deserve the opportunity to embark upon
a high-quality higher education," McAuliffe said. "We're rewarding the best
and brightest students who have demonstrated their capability and commitment
to learning. It's an honor to support these future leaders, especially in this
difficult economic environment."

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,
director of Public Relations, at 858/513-9240 x2513.

Contact: Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations
858/513-9240 x2513 shari.rodriguez@bridgepointeducation.com
or
Debbie Mitchell, Mullen Public Relations
602/222-4343 dmitchell@mullenpr.com

SOURCE Ashford University

Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, +1-858-513-9240, ext. 2513,
shari.rodriguez@bridgepointeducation.com; or Debbie Mitchell of Mullen Public
Relations, +1-602-222-4343, dmitchell@mullenpr.com