- Agreement Includes Nearly 50 Louisiana Colleges -

CLINTON, Iowa, April 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford University and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) recently announced their partnership.

Through the partnership, all students enrolled within the system's seven regionally accredited community colleges, two technical community colleges and 40 technical college campuses in the state of Louisiana will be able to transfer into one of Ashford's acclaimed bachelor's degree programs.

Students from LCTCS can earn a bachelor's degree while enjoying Ashford's low tuition rate and transfer policy which allows for the potential transfer of 90 community college credits.

"The Louisiana Community and Technical College System is one of the newest community college systems in the United States whose goal is bringing educational opportunities to all citizens of Louisiana," said David Vande Pol, senior director of academic partnerships for Ashford University. "We are delighted to be partnering with such a progressive and high quality educational system."

LCTCS's articulation agreement with Ashford University enables eligible students, who opt to transfer, guaranteed admission and the ability to carry the credits they have already earned. The agreement is available to LCTCS students who graduate with an academic degree or certificate and opt to continue their education with Ashford.

"Louisiana's community and technical colleges are strongly committed to providing access for our students. The partnership we have formed with Ashford University is very significant and will bring a wealth of new transfer opportunities to the 60,000 students enrolled at our institutions who want to continue their educational pursuits. We are appreciative to Ashford for partnering with us to make this possible," said Dr. Joe D. May, president of LCTCS.

All applicable credits earned from LCTCS programs will be accepted and applied to the appropriate Ashford University degrees.

"We're excited to provide baccalaureate-seeking LCTCS students with this opportunity to earn their degrees through our partnership," added Vande Pol. "This unique collaboration opens the door for many who have long wanted to obtain a bachelor's degree but could only do so in a cost-effective and convenient manner."

To date, Ashford University has 26 articulation agreements representing 49 colleges.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is a coeducational institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, with programs in education, business, accounting, criminal and social justice, computer animation and graphic design, and other areas. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a range of student activities and athletics, at its Clinton campus. Online degree programs are available in education, organizational management, business administration, and psychology. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable on-campus and online programs, with tuition fees among the lowest in the U.S. compared to other private institutions. Its tagline is: "Higher Education Made Affordable"(SM). For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or contact Shari Rodriguez, director of public relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About Louisiana Community and Technical College System

Created in 1999, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System manages Louisiana's two-year colleges. The colleges that make up the Louisiana Community and Technical College System are: Baton Rouge Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, Delgado Community College, L.E. Fletcher Technical Community College, Louisiana Delta Community College, Louisiana Technical College, Nunez Community College, River Parishes Community College, South Louisiana Community College, and SOWELA Technical Community College. The mission of the LCTCS is to improve the quality of life of the State's citizens through educational programs offered through its colleges. LCTCS strives to increase the opportunities for Louisiana's workforce to succeed through skills training programs. And, the system works to provide Louisiana citizens the opportunity to learn continuously. LCTCS is committed to teaching what is needed, when it is needed, and where it is needed.

    Contact: Shari Rodriguez, Ashford University Director of
    Public Relations
    858.513.9240 x2513 - shari.rodriguez@bridgepointeducation.com
    or
    Kizzy Payton, LCTCS Director of Public Information
    225.922.2391 - kpayton@lctcs.edu

SOURCE: Ashford University; Louisiana Community and Technical College System

Web site: http://www.ashford.edu/