BPI Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford University, an academic institution owned by Bridgepoint Education (NYSE: BPI), has formed a new articulation agreement with Las Vegas, New Mexico-based Luna Community College (LCC). LCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Luna Community College offers regional students a wide selection of classes that can support their career preparations. A true local college, with satellite campuses established elsewhere in New Mexico, the school was founded in 1967 by the New Mexico legislature. Popular fields of study on the LCC campus include nursing, business, tech, construction and law enforcement. The school places significant emphasis on encouraging graduates' progression to advanced educators like Ashford University.

The articulation agreement between Ashford University and Luna Community College will make it possible for LCC graduates to transfer up to 90 credits to a four-year Ashford degree.

"Ashford University's new articulation agreement with Luna Community College will be a great benefit to both schools," commented Mark K. Young, Ashford's director of Academic Partnerships. "LCC is an educational fixture in New Mexico. With the opportunity for a four-year Ashford degree, their students can begin their advanced education locally and finish at a fine four-year school."

This articulation agreement formally recognizes that Ashford University and Luna Community College are active educational collaborators, committed to improving educational opportunities and services for students transferring between institutions.

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, associate vice president 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, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

SOURCE Bridgepoint Education Inc.