Bridgepoint Education Acquires Colorado School of Professional Psychology; the Colorado Springs-based School will be Renamed University of the Rockies

SAN DIEGO, CA (September 12, 2007) - Bridgepoint Education, recently recognized as the fastest-growing private education company in the United States by Inc. Magazine, has acquired the Colorado School of Professional Psychology in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and renamed the school The University of the Rockies. The university offers highly specialized psychology degrees at the masters and doctorate levels, and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

“Bridgepoint Education’s mission is to actively seek acquisitions and partnerships with tier one educational institutions,” said Andrew Clark, CEO of Bridgepoint Education. “The University of the Rockies is an acclaimed institution, with one of the most compelling Psychology degree program offerings in the country. We look forward to expanding the schools’ already formidable programs and attracting even more students, while maintaining and preserving the school’s culture and tradition of academic excellence."

Given Bridgepoint’s unwavering commitment to effect positive change in the communities it serves, all proceeds from this transaction will go towards the creation of the University of the Rockies Foundation. The Foundation will continue to operate the Switzer Counseling Center, which provides low cost psychotherapy to adults, families and children in the community who are uninsured or have limited finances. It also serves as an onsite training center for students in the Clinical track to complete their Practicum. The Colorado School of Professional Psychology, now the University of the Rockies, will continue its program as a distinctive and distinguished school among others to be developed within the new university structure.

“We are honored to partner with Bridgepoint Education, and know that this alliance will benefit our students, faculty, and of course the community and people of the city of Colorado Springs,” said Dr. Emory Cowan, the President of the University of the Rockies. “Bridgepoint’s history of operational innovation and program development will truly take us to the next level.”

The acquisition is the second for Bridgepoint Education. It also owns and operates Clinton, Iowa-based Ashford University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and was named by US News and World Report this year, as one of the top tier baccalaureate colleges in the Midwest.

About Bridgepoint Education

Based in San Diego, Bridgepoint Education was founded on the principle that anyone who is academically prepared deserves access to higher education without sacrificing quality, transferability of credits, accessibility, academic standards, or credentials. As an independent, private higher education company, Bridgepoint is committed to serving the millions of adults seeking an affordable alternative to high priced higher education. Bridgepoint Education subsidiaries provide both traditional and online education offerings, in addition to recruiting and admissions services. Our comprehensive education services have helped thousands of students improve their lives and careers through higher education. Bridgepoint Education was named by Inc. magazine as the fastest growing private education company in the United States. For more information, please visit us at www.bridgepointeducation.com or contact: Jessica Caris, Director of Public Relations, at 800.798.0584 Ext 2515.