CLINTON, Iowa, Dec. 13, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford University, a university offering graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton campus, graduated a total of 8,268 students in 2010.

There were 343 associate's, 6,083 bachelor's and 1,842 master's degrees awarded. More than 98 percent of the graduates earned their degree online.

This year's third graduation ceremony was held Dec. 11 at the Ashford University campus. With increasing student enrollments, commencement ceremonies are now held three times annually.

"In 2010, we graduated 3,000 more students than in 2009," Jane McAuliffe, president of Ashford University, said. "The 2010 graduating class is by far the largest in Ashford University's 92-year history." In 2009, the university graduated a total of 5,268 students, up from 2,567 in 2008 and 876 in 2007.

"At Ashford, we believe in higher access to high-quality higher education. Our dramatic increase in graduates demonstrates that non-traditional students – from working moms to military war veterans from across the nation and beyond – are increasingly successful in furthering their education and earning their college degrees through online education."

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.

SOURCE Ashford University