CLINTON, Iowa, April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashford University today announced the continuance of its Academic Scholarship Program with scholarships for classes beginning fall 2011. The scholarship program rewards full-time, on-campus students for excellence in academic achievement and can cover up to 100 percent of a student's tuition.

"Scholarship programs encourage on-campus students to strive for academic excellence and receive immediate, direct benefits for their hard work," said Dr. Elizabeth Tice, president of Ashford University. "We're pleased to continue our Academic Scholarship program rewarding the best and brightest students who have demonstrated their capabilities and commitments to learning."

Ashford University has three campus scholarship levels. The President's Scholarship covers 100 percent of the yearly tuition (currently $15,720) for applicants with a grade-point average of 3.50 and above. The Provost's Scholarship provides $12,500 toward tuition for applicants with a grade-point average between 3.25 and 3.49. The Dean's Scholarship provides $10,000 toward tuition for applicants with a grade-point average between 3.00 and 3.24.

A student's grade-point average is the only qualification for these scholarship awards. All of the scholarships are renewable if the student maintains a minimum grade-point average as outlined in the President's, Provost's, or Dean's Scholarship criteria. Recipients of the President's Scholarship may also apply for the Room and Board Scholarship, which covers complete room and board valued at $6,000.

Ashford University awards scholarships to all 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 recognition and support as they advance to high-quality higher education," Tice said.

Ashford University's on-campus population surged in fall 2010, with 761 full-time students, the biggest class in the university's 91-year history. Growth is attributed to the regionally accredited university's scholarship programs. Nearly half of the 2010 student body is attending on a full-tuition Academic Scholarship and almost 70 percent receive benefits from one of the three scholarships.

"Our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable higher education to deserving students. You can't get any more affordable than an academic scholarship covering 100 percent of tuition," said Tice.

New student scholarship applications are now being accepted for the fall 2011 class. Students who are already enrolled automatically receive scholarship benefits based upon their grade point averages.

For additional information on Ashford's campus Academic Scholarship Program, contact the Ashford Admissions Office at 800.714.3035 or visit www.ChooseAshford.com.

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.

Contact: Shari Rodriguez, Associate Vice President of Public Relations
858.513.9240 x2513 • shari.rodriguez@bridgepointeducation.com

SOURCE Ashford University