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.

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"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

SOURCE: Ashford University

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