<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd">
<html>
	<head>
		<!-- Document created using WebFilings 6be6e6e -->
		<!-- Copyright 2008-2012 WebFilings LLC. All Rights Reserved -->
		<title>Form 8-K - HLC</title>
	</head>
	<body style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;">
<a name="s87bbb8c856ba4fa68f0dc6538b334a55"></a><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM&#160;8-K</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Pursuant to Section&#160;13 or 15(d)&#160;of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):&#160;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">July 12, 2012</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:16pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:16pt;font-weight:bold;">BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:98.2421875%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="5"></td></tr><tr><td width="34%"></td><td width="1%"></td><td width="32%"></td><td width="1%"></td><td width="32%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">Delaware</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">001-34272</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">59-3551629</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(Commission File Number)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(IRS Employer Identification No.)</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:96.6796875%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td width="50%"></td><td width="1%"></td><td width="49%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;text-align:center;">13500 Evening Creek Drive North, Suite&#160;600, San Diego, California</font></div><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">92128</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(Address of principal executive offices)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(Zip Code)</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">(858) 668-2586</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;font-weight:bold;">None</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form&#160;8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:9pt;">o</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Written communications pursuant to Rule&#160;425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:9pt;">o</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule&#160;14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:9pt;">o</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&#160;14d-2(b)&#160;under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:9pt;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:9pt;">o</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:7pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:9pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&#160;13e-4(c)&#160;under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><br><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="s1859008FC9CE82C069087DABA6FE1530"></a><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 8.01 Other Information.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-style:italic;font-weight:bold;">Notification from Higher Learning Commission regarding Special Monitoring</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">On July 12, 2012, Bridgepoint Education's subsidiary, Ashford University, received a letter from the Higher Learning Commission </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(&#8220;H</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">LC&#8221;) requiring Ashford University to provide certain information and evidence of compliance with HLC accreditation standards.  HL</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">C is a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and is the principal accreditor of Ashford University and its programs. The HLC letter relates to the recent visiting team report and action letter received by the University from the </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Western Association of Schools and Colleges (&#8220;WASC&#8221;) on July 5, 2012.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The letter requires that Ashford University submit a report to HLC no later than August 10, 2012 that will be followed by an Advisory Visit that will occur no later than October 9, 2012.   The University's report must demonstrate that the University remains in compliance with the HLC's Criteria for Accreditation and include: (i) evidence that Ashford University meets the HLC Criteria for Accreditation relating to the role and autonomy of the University's governing board and its relationship with Bridgepoint Education, including the role of faculty in overseeing academic policies and the integrity and continuity of academic programs, (ii) evidence that Ashford University's resource allocations are sufficiently aligned with educational purposes and objectives in the areas of student completion and retention, the sufficiency of full-time faculty and model for faculty development, and plans for increasing enrollments, and (iii) evidence demonstrating that Ashford University has an effective system for assessing and monitoring student learning and assuring academic vigor.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The letter states that HLC's President will present the report of the Advisory Visit team and the President's recommendation to the HLC Board for action at its February 2013 meeting.  At that meeting, the HLC Board may act to continue accreditation, with or without further monitoring, continue accreditation under sanction or &#8220;Show Cause&#8221; order, or withdraw accreditation.  The letter further states that Ashford University would be scheduled for a HLC Board Committee Hearing prior to any Board action to withdraw accreditation. HLC policies also provide for a right to appeal any Board action to withdraw accreditation.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Ashford University believes it is in substantial compliance with the HLC accreditation criteria and Bridgepoint Education and Ashford University intend to cooperate fully with HLC in this matter.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">This Current Report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements regarding Ashford University's plans in response to the Higher Learning Commission's communication regarding the institution's compliance with its accreditation requirements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the inability of Ashford University to demonstrate to the Higher Learning Commission its compliance with the Commission's accreditation requirements, which could lead to a loss of accreditation and eligibility to participate in Title IV programs; and uncertain costs, management distraction and potential business disruption. </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">More information on potential factors that could affect our future results is included from time to time in the &#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; and &#8220;Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations&#8221; sections of our periodic reports filed with the SEC, including, without limitation, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on March 7, 2012, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on May 1, 2012.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:13px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Forward-looking statements are made on the basis of management's views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made, and Bridgepoint Education assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates, except as required by law.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><br><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="sE0D31113B8E3CE8D81DF7DABF6DB44F4"></a><br><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly&#160;authorized.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td width="50%"></td><td width="4%"></td><td width="46%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Date: July 13, 2012</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Bridgepoint Education,&#160;Inc.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">By:</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">/s/ Diane L. Thompson</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Name: &#160;Diane L. Thompson</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Title: Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><br>	</body>
</html>
[{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "filename": "form8-kxhlc.htm", "description": "FORM 8-K", "secsgml_size_bytes": 24007}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "Bridgepoint Education Inc", "cik": "0001305323", "assigned-sic": "8200", "irs-number": "593551629", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-34272", "film-number": "12960534"}, "business-address": {"street1": "13500 EVENING CREEK DR. #600", "city": "SAN DIEGO", "state": "CA", "zip": "92128", "phone": "858-668-2586"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "13500 EVENING CREEK DR. #600", "city": "SAN DIEGO", "state": "CA", "zip": "92128"}}
Form 8-K - HLC
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
July 12, 2012
BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
001-34272
59-3551629
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
13500 Evening Creek Drive North, Suite 600, San Diego, California
92128
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(858) 668-2586
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
None
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
o
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 8.01 Other Information.
Notification from Higher Learning Commission regarding Special Monitoring
On July 12, 2012, Bridgepoint Education's subsidiary, Ashford University, received a letter from the Higher Learning Commission
of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges
("H
LC") requiring Ashford University to provide certain information and evidence of compliance with HLC accreditation standards.  HL
C is a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and is the principal accreditor of Ashford University and its programs. The HLC letter relates to the recent visiting team report and action letter received by the University from the
Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the
Western Association of Schools and Colleges ("WASC") on July 5, 2012.
The letter requires that Ashford University submit a report to HLC no later than August 10, 2012 that will be followed by an Advisory Visit that will occur no later than October 9, 2012.   The University's report must demonstrate that the University remains in compliance with the HLC's Criteria for Accreditation and include: (i) evidence that Ashford University meets the HLC Criteria for Accreditation relating to the role and autonomy of the University's governing board and its relationship with Bridgepoint Education, including the role of faculty in overseeing academic policies and the integrity and continuity of academic programs, (ii) evidence that Ashford University's resource allocations are sufficiently aligned with educational purposes and objectives in the areas of student completion and retention, the sufficiency of full-time faculty and model for faculty development, and plans for increasing enrollments, and (iii) evidence demonstrating that Ashford University has an effective system for assessing and monitoring student learning and assuring academic vigor.
The letter states that HLC's President will present the report of the Advisory Visit team and the President's recommendation to the HLC Board for action at its February 2013 meeting.  At that meeting, the HLC Board may act to continue accreditation, with or without further monitoring, continue accreditation under sanction or "Show Cause" order, or withdraw accreditation.  The letter further states that Ashford University would be scheduled for a HLC Board Committee Hearing prior to any Board action to withdraw accreditation. HLC policies also provide for a right to appeal any Board action to withdraw accreditation.
Ashford University believes it is in substantial compliance with the HLC accreditation criteria and Bridgepoint Education and Ashford University intend to cooperate fully with HLC in this matter.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Current Report on Form 8-K contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements regarding Ashford University's plans in response to the Higher Learning Commission's communication regarding the institution's compliance with its accreditation requirements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the inability of Ashford University to demonstrate to the Higher Learning Commission its compliance with the Commission's accreditation requirements, which could lead to a loss of accreditation and eligibility to participate in Title IV programs; and uncertain costs, management distraction and potential business disruption.
More information on potential factors that could affect our future results is included from time to time in the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of our periodic reports filed with the SEC, including, without limitation, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on March 7, 2012, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on May 1, 2012.
Forward-looking statements are made on the basis of management's views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made, and Bridgepoint Education assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates, except as required by law.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: July 13, 2012
Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
By:
/s/ Diane L. Thompson
Name:  Diane L. Thompson
Title: Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel