Ashford University announced today that its parent company, Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI), a provider of postsecondary education services focused on providing higher access to higher education, has entered into a License Agreement with Pearson eCollege for its online learning platform. 

“Bridgepoint Education is committed to continuous improvement, and we expect the Pearson eCollege solution to help us further enhance the student experience at Ashford University,” said Andrew Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Bridgepoint Education. “We believe the Pearson eCollege platform and services will best serve our student population and expect to begin implementation during the fourth quarter of 2009.”

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. 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 contact Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513. 

About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education’s postsecondary education services focus on offering associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in the disciplines of business, education, psychology, social sciences and health sciences. Bridgepoint Education’s regionally accredited academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – deliver their programs online as well as at traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or contact Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations at 858.668.2580. 

About Pearson eCollege

Pearson eCollege, a part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), is the leader in powering online learning and programs that enable educators globally to achieve measurable success for online and blended academic programs through on-demand education solutions that advance and improve the teaching and learning experience for learners in multiple types of educational institutions and programs. Pearson eCollege provides a composable (SaaS) learning platform, academic analytics and assessment, rich content solutions and renowned multi-level user support that allow students and teachers to achieve their academic goals. Pearson eCollege is the choice provider of online learning technology and services to the top online schools and programs globally. For more information, go to www.pearsonecollege.com or contact Susan Aspey at 800.745.8489.