CLINTON, Iowa, Nov. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford University's official on-campus enrollment for the fall 2012 semester is 968 full-time students, making it the largest on-campus student body in the university's 93-year history.

Once again, the increase in enrollment is attributed to the growing reputation of the campus' programs; the student experience; and the university's Academic Scholarship Program, a three-tiered approach for rewarding students for academic excellence.

"More than 74 percent of Ashford's on-campus students are receiving these academic scholarships," John Ballheim, Ashford University vice president and campus director, said.

The President's Scholarship covers full tuition and is awarded to students with a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. The Provost's Scholarship, an annual award of $12,500, is available to students with a grade-point average between 3.25 and 3.49. The Dean's Scholarship provides $10,000 annually for students with a grade-point average between 3.00 and 3.24.

"The new student class this fall is the third under our innovative academic scholarship program which continues to attract academically talented students and quality student athletes to Ashford University," said Ballheim. "Our higher achieving students also volunteer more time in the community. In fact, Ashford students volunteered more than 5,000 hours, through their academic courses, to Clinton area not-for-profit agencies during the last academic year. In addition to academic scholarships, the constant modernization of our campus has allowed us to bring high technology applications to virtually all of our classrooms and labs."

In concert with increasing on-campus enrollment, the international student population has grown from 57 students from 24 countries in 2011 to 76 students from 31 countries in 2012.

"We believe that our growing school enrollment demonstrates that students appreciate their living-learning experience at Ashford University," Ballheim said.

About Ashford University
Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. Ashford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor's degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

Contact: Shari Rodriguez, Associate Vice President of Public Relations
858.513.9240 x2513 · shari.rodriguez@ashford.edu

SOURCE Ashford University