UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018

or

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from________________to________________

Commission File Number: 001-34272

___________________________________________________________________________

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

____________________________________________________________________________

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 59-3551629 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

8620 Spectrum Center Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92123

(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

(858) 668-2586

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

____________________________________________________________________________

None

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒    No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒    No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☒ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☒ Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐    No ☒

The total number of shares of common stock outstanding as of November 2, 2018, was 27,142,295.

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION		3
Item 1. Financial Statements		3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	7
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		26
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		37
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		38
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION		39
Item 1. Legal Proceedings		39
Item 1A. Risk Factors		39
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		40
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities		40
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures		40
Item 5. Other Information		40
Item 6. Exhibits		41
SIGNATURES		42

2

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements.

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except par value)

	As of September 30, 2018			As of December 31, 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	163,091		$	185,098
Restricted cash	25,444			20,428
Investments	2,203			2,065
Accounts receivable, net	33,566			27,077
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	20,361			22,388
Total current assets	244,665			257,056
Property and equipment, net	14,715			10,434
Goodwill and intangibles, net	13,332			14,593
Other long-term assets	3,030			5,456
Total assets	$	275,742		$	287,539
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	58,369		$	71,165
Deferred revenue and student deposits	53,870			68,207
Total current liabilities	112,239			139,372
Rent liability	4,790			7,001
Other long-term liabilities	9,835			12,708
Total liabilities	126,864			159,081
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 15)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value:
20,000 shares authorized; zero shares issued and outstanding at both September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017	—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value:
300,000 shares authorized; 65,257 and 64,887 issued, and 27,136 and 27,158 outstanding, at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	653			649
Additional paid-in capital	203,913			201,755
Retained earnings	452,500			431,818
Treasury stock, 38,121 shares at cost at September 30, 2018, and 37,729 shares at cost at December 31, 2017	(508,188		)	(505,764		)
Total stockholders' equity	148,878			128,458
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	275,742		$	287,539

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2018			2017			2018			2017
Revenue	$	114,858		$	119,367		$	353,723		$	373,438
Costs and expenses:
Instructional costs and services	54,470			57,756			165,318			181,943
Admissions advisory and marketing	41,902			43,669			129,971			132,133
General and administrative	13,731			11,441			39,028			37,019
Legal settlement expense	—			—			141			—
Restructuring and impairment expense	1,225			8,004			3,795			8,004
Total costs and expenses	111,328			120,870			338,253			359,099
Operating income (loss)	3,530			(1,503		)	15,470			14,339
Other income, net	367			381			899			1,165
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,897			(1,122		)	16,369			15,504
Income tax benefit	(408		)	(1,161		)	(7,464		)	(718		)
Net income	$	4,305		$	39		$	23,833		$	16,222
Income per share:
Basic	$	0.16		$	0.00		$	0.88		$	0.49
Diluted	$	0.16		$	0.00		$	0.87		$	0.47
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in computing income per share:
Basic	27,061			29,123			27,131			33,333
Diluted	27,589			29,671			27,532			34,193

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Net income	$	4,305	$	39	$	23,833	$	16,222
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains on investments	—		—		—		1
Comprehensive income	$	4,305	$	39	$	23,833	$	16,223

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income			Treasury Stock
	Shares	Par Value													Total
Balance at December 31, 2016	64,035	$	641	$	195,854		$	421,281	$	(1	)	$	(337,069	)	$	280,706
Stock-based compensation	—	—		2,834			—		—			—			2,834
Exercise of stock options	479	4		3,795			—		—			—			3,799
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	15	—		141			—		—			—			141
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	265	3		(1,765		)	—		—			—			(1,762		)
Stock repurchase	—	—		—			—		—			(152,000		)	(152,000		)
Net income	—	—		—			16,222		—			—			16,222
Unrealized gains on investments, net of tax	—	—		—			—		1			—			1
Balance at September 30, 2017	64,794	$	648	$	200,859		$	437,503	$	—		$	(489,069	)	$	149,941

	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Treasury Stock
	Shares	Par Value													Total
Balance at December 31, 2017	64,887	$	649	$	201,755		$	431,818		$	—	$	(505,764	)	$	128,458
Adoption of accounting standards (Note 2)	—	—		—			(3,151		)	—		—			(3,151		)
Stock-based compensation	—	—		3,590			—			—		—			3,590
Exercise of stock options	122	2		453			—			—		—			455
Net share settlement of stock options	—	—		(1,097		)	—			—		—			(1,097		)
Stock issued under employee stock purchase plan	16	—		98			—			—		—			98
Stock issued under stock incentive plan, net of shares held for taxes	232	2		(886		)	—			—		—			(884		)
Stock repurchase	—	—		—			—			—		(2,424		)	(2,424		)
Net income	—	—		—			23,833			—		—			23,833
Balance at September 30, 2018	65,257	$	653	$	203,913		$	452,500		$	—	$	(508,188	)	$	148,878

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2018			2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	23,833		$	16,222
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Provision for bad debts	18,538			24,440
Depreciation and amortization	5,200			6,821
Amortization of premium/discount	—			20
Deferred income taxes	54			25
Stock-based compensation	3,590			2,834
Net gain on marketable securities	(63		)	(193		)
Reassessment of lease charges	1,864			5,829
Loss on disposal or impairment of fixed assets	334			66
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(27,713		)	(32,286		)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,027			(1,081		)
Other long-term assets	2,082			(3,164		)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(14,743		)	(13,920		)
Deferred revenue and student deposits	(14,801		)	(12,952		)
Other liabilities	(10,870		)	(9,405		)
Net cash used in operating activities	(10,668		)	(16,744		)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(1,696		)	(2,876		)
Purchases of investments	(1,050		)	(83		)
Capitalized costs for intangible assets	(700		)	(438		)
Sales of investments	975			—
Maturities of investments	—			22,725
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(2,471		)	19,328
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	455			3,799
Tax withholdings related to net issuance of stock options	(1,097		)	—
Proceeds from the issuance of stock under employee stock purchase plan	98			141
Tax withholdings on issuance of stock awards	(884		)	(1,762		)
Repurchase of common stock	(2,424		)	(152,000		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,852		)	(149,822		)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(16,991		)	(147,238		)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	205,526			332,335
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$	188,535		$	185,097
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:
Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	462		$	67
Issuance of common stock for vested restricted stock units	$	2,569		$	4,520
Property and equipment under build-to-suit leases	$	6,076		$	—
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	163,091		$	165,176
Restricted cash	25,444			19,921
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	188,535		$	185,097

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1. Nature of Business

Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), incorporated in 1999, is a provider of postsecondary education services. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ashford University^®, is a regionally accredited academic institution, which delivers programs primarily online. Ashford University offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bridgepoint Education, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 21, 2018. In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary to present a fair statement of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented.

Operating results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, or Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (“ASC 606”), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”). This literature is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The accounting guidance also requires additional disclosure regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments, as well as assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606using the modified retrospective adoption method. In accordance with the modified retrospective adoption method, the Company elected to retroactively adjust only those contracts that did not meet the definition of a completed contract at the date of initial application. The new guidance impacted the amount and timing of the Company’s revenue recognition as follows:

• Deferral of revenue recognition for the corporate full tuition grant (“FTG”) contracts that include a material right under ASC 606. This material right is deferred until the earlier of redemption or expiration.

8

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

• Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, we recognized revenue to the extent of cash receipts when collectibility was not reasonably assured. Under ASC 606, collectibility issues may indicate an implied price concession, which is accounted for as variable consideration. Consequently, revenues for these types of contracts are accelerated, net of any amounts to which we expect to be entitled.

• Under ASC 606, once a student is deemed to have a history of collection issues, future revenues earned are subject to a price concession as the student has demonstrated that they may not pay the full tuition price based on past behavior. This results in a reduction in the transaction price such that revenue is recorded based on the amount to which the Company expects to be entitled if, in the future, a student is deemed to have resolved their collection issues, a price concession will no longer be recorded.

At the date of adoption of ASC 606, the Company recorded a cumulative adjustment to its consolidated balance sheet, including an adjustment to retained earnings, to adjust for the aggregate impact of these revenue items, as calculated under the new guidance. The cumulative effect adjustment decreased the opening balance of retained earnings on January 1, 2018, as follows (in thousands):

	Closing balance at December 31, 2017		Adjustments due to ASC 606			Opening balance at January 1, 2018
Accounts receivable, net	$	27,077	$	(2,686	)	$	24,391
Deferred revenue and student deposits	$	68,207	$	465		$	68,672
Retained earnings	$	431,818	$	(3,151	)	$	428,667

The following tables present the impact of changes to the condensed consolidated financial statement line items as a result of applying ASC 606 to the periods presented (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30, 2018
	As Reported under ASC 606		Adjustments due to ASC 606		Amounts under ASC 605
Revenue	$	114,858	$	2,921	$	117,779
Instructional costs and services (1)	$	54,470	$	1,651	$	56,121
Net income	$	4,305	$	1,270	$	5,575

	For the nine months ended September 30, 2018
	As Reported under ASC 606		Adjustments due to ASC 606		Amounts under ASC 605
Revenue	$	353,723	$	5,236	$	358,959
Instructional costs and services (1)	$	165,318	$	4,364	$	169,682
Net income	$	23,833	$	872	$	24,705

(1) Adjustment for instructional costs and services is due to change in provision for bad debts.

	As of September 30, 2018
	As Reported under ASC 606		Adjustments due to ASC 606			Amounts under ASC 605
Accounts receivable, net	$	33,566	$	2,686		$	36,252
Deferred revenue and student deposits	$	53,870	$	(211	)	$	53,659
Retained earnings	$	452,500	$	(4,023	)	$	448,477

9

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

Comparative historical information on the condensed consolidated statement of income has not been restated and continues to be reported under ASC 605. For further information regarding the disaggregation of revenue recorded in the current period, refer to Note 3, “Revenue Recognition” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize the following for all leases at the lease commencement date: (i) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (ii) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Lessees will no longer be provided with a source of off-balance sheet financing. Public companies should apply the amendments in ASU 2016-02 for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Lessees (for capital and operating leases) and lessors (for sales-type, direct financing and operating leases) must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the implementation date. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019. While the Company continues to assess all potential impacts of the standard on existing leases and contracts, it currently believes the most significant impact relates to its accounting for office operating leases. The Company anticipates that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Improvements to Non-Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to non-employees for goods and services. Under the literature, most of the guidance on such payments to non-employees would be aligned with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees currently under ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation. Board members are the only non-employees that the Company grants to, who are treated as “employees” under ASC 718. The guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years, and interim fiscal periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company believes that the adoption of ASU 2018-07 will not have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

3. Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to the institutions’ students, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Determining whether a valid customer contract exists includes an assessment of whether amounts due under the contract are collectible. The Company performs this assessment at the beginning of every contract and subsequently thereafter if new information indicates there has been a significant change in facts and circumstances.

The Company’s contracts with customers generally include multiple performance obligations, which it identifies by assessing whether each good and service promised in the contract is distinct. For each performance obligation, the Company allocates the transaction price, including fixed and variable consideration, on the basis of the relative standalone selling prices of each good and service in the contract, which is determined using observable prices.

The following table presents the Company’s net revenue disaggregated based on the revenue source (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Tuition revenue, net	$	104,246	$	322,406
Digital materials revenue, net	6,305		18,849
Technology fee revenue, net	3,874		10,974
Other revenue, net (1)	433		1,494
Total revenue, net	$	114,858	$	353,723

(1) Primarily consists of revenues generated from services such as graduation fees, transcript fees, and other miscellaneous services.

10

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

The following table presents the Company’s net revenue disaggregated based on the timing of revenue recognition (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Over time, over period of instruction	$	96,753	$	302,270
Over time, full tuition grant (1)	11,663		31,716
Point in time (2)	6,442		19,737
Total revenue, net	$	114,858	$	353,723

(1) Represents revenue generated from the corporate full tuition grant (“FTG”) program.

(2) Represents revenue generated from digital textbooks and other miscellaneous fees.

The Company operates under one reportable segment and has no foreign operations or assets located outside of the United States. For further information refer to Item 1. “Business” within the Company’s 2017 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 21, 2018.

The Company generates the majority of its revenue from tuition, technology fees, and digital materials related to students whose primary funding source is governmental funding. Tuition represents amounts charged for course instruction, and technology fees represent amounts charged for the students’ use of the technology platform on which course instruction is delivered. Digital materials fees represent amounts charged for the digital textbooks that accompany the majority of courses taught at the Company’s institution. With the exception of students attending courses within the three-week conditional admission period at Ashford University, the majority of tuition and technology fees are recognized as revenue as control of the services is transferred to the student, which occurs over the applicable period of instruction. Similarly, the majority of digital materials fees are recognized as revenue when control of the product has been transferred to the student, which occurs when the student is granted unrestricted access to the digital textbook, generally, on the first day of the course. Revenue generated from students within the conditional admission period is deferred and recognized when the student matriculates into the institution, which occurs in the fourth week of the course.

The Company's institutions' online students generally enroll in a program that encompasses a series of five to six-week courses that are taken consecutively over the length of the program. With the exception of those students under conditional admission and students enrolled under the FTG program, online students are billed on a payment period basis on the first day of a course. Students under conditional admission are billed for the payment period upon matriculation.

If a student's attendance in a class precedes the receipt of cash from the student's source of funding, the Company establishes an account receivable and corresponding deferred revenue in the amount of the tuition due for that payment period. Cash received either directly from the student or from the student's source of funding reduces the balance of accounts receivable due from the student. Financial aid from sources such as the federal government's Title IV programs pertains to the online student's award year and is generally divided into two disbursement periods. As such, each disbursement period may contain funding for up to four courses. Financial aid disbursements are typically received during the online student's attendance in the first or second course. Since the majority of disbursements cover more courses than for which a student is currently enrolled, the amount received in excess effectively represents a prepayment from the online student for up to four courses. At the end of each accounting period, the deferred revenue and related account receivable balances are reduced to present amounts attributable to the current course.

In certain cases, the Company's institution provide scholarships to students who qualify under various programs. These scholarships are recognized as direct reductions of revenue consistent with the timing of recognition associated with the related performance obligations. Also, for some customers, we do not expect to collect 100% of the consideration to which we are contractually entitled and, as a result, those customers may receive discounts or price adjustments that, based on historical Company practice, represent implied price concessions and are accounted for as variable consideration. The majority of these price concessions relate to amounts charged to students for goods and services, which management has determined will not be covered by the student’s primary funding source (generally, government aid) and, as a result, the student will become directly

11

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

financially responsible for them. The reduction in the transaction price that results from this estimate of variable consideration reflects the amount the Company does not expect to be entitled to in exchange for the goods and services it will transfer to the students, as determined using historical experience and current factors, and includes performing a constraint analysis. These estimates of variable consideration are recorded as direct reductions of revenue consistent with the timing of recognition associated with the related performance obligation.

A portion of tuition revenue, technology fee revenue, and digital materials revenue is generated from contracts with students enrolled under the corporate FTG program, which is a 12-month grant that, when combined with a corporate partner’s annual tuition assistance program, enables eligible students to earn their degree without incurring student loan debt. Students enrolled under this program are eligible to take up to ten undergraduate or eight graduate courses per 12-month grant period and must first utilize 100% of the funds awarded under their employer’s annual tuition assistance program before they can be awarded the FTG grant. The grants awarded by Ashford University under the FTG program are considered a material right, and, as such, the Company records a contract liability for a portion of the consideration received or due under these contracts. The contract liability is recorded in deferred revenue and student deposits on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, and further discussed in the deferred revenue section below. The standalone selling price of the material right is determined based on the observable standalone selling price of the courses. The transaction price in each FTG contract is allocated to this material right on a relative standalone selling price basis. The contract liability is recognized as revenue at the earlier of satisfaction of the future obligation or its expiration. Billing of products and services transferred under a FTG student contract generally occurs after the conclusion of a course. There are no material differences between the timing of the products and services transferred and the payment terms.

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue consists of cash payments that are received or due in advance of the Company’s performance as well as deferrals associated with certain contracts that include a material right. Below are the opening and closing balances of deferred revenue from the Company’s contracts with customers (in thousands):

	Deferred Revenue
Opening balance, January 1, 2018	$	19,600
Closing balance, September 30, 2018	17,857
Increase (Decrease)	$	(1,743	)

For further information on deferred revenue and student deposits, refer to Note 7, “Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts - Deferred Revenue and Student Deposits” and for further information on receivables, refer to Note 6, “Accounts Receivable, Net” within the condensed consolidated financial statements.

For the majority of the Company’s customers, payment for products and services is due at the beginning of each course. Under special circumstances, some customers may be offered non-interest bearing payment plan arrangements that can extend for up to a maximum of three years. These payment plan arrangements give rise to significant financing components. However, since the Company historically collects substantially all of the consideration to which it expects to be entitled under such payment plans within one year or less, the impact of these significant financing components is not material to any period presented.

The difference between the opening and closing balances of deferred revenue primarily results from the timing difference between the Company’s performance and the customer’s payment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we recognized $19.6 million of revenue that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of January 1, 2018. Amounts reported in the closing balance of deferred revenue are expected to be recognized as revenue within the next 12 months.

4. Restructuring and Impairment Expense

The Company has implemented various restructuring plans to better align its resources with its business strategy and the related amounts are recorded in restructuring and impairment expense on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income. During the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, the Company recognized a total of $1.2 million and $3.8

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

million, respectively, to restructuring and impairment expense, which were comprised of the components described below. There was $8.0 million of restructuring and impairment expense during each of the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017.

The Company closed Ashford University’s residential campus in Clinton, Iowa during 2016. With this closure, ground-based Ashford University students were provided opportunities to continue to pursue their degrees as reflected in their respective student transfer agreements. The Company previously recorded restructuring charges relating to future cash expenditures for student transfer agreements. For each of the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, the Company reassessed this estimate and adjusted the related restructuring charges by an immaterial amount.

During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, the Company executed a strategic reorganization resulting in reductions in force. The reorganization was part of the Company’s overall reassessment of resources based upon benchmarking activities with competitors in the Company’s industry. As a result, for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, the Company recognized $0.9 million and $1.9 million, respectively, as restructuring and impairment expense relating to severance costs for wages and benefits. There was $2.2 million of such charges during each of the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017. The Company anticipates that these costs will be paid out by the end of the fourth quarter of 2018 from existing cash on hand.

The Company had previously vacated or consolidated properties in San Diego and Denver, and subsequently reassessed its obligations on non-cancelable leases. As a result of these reassessments, during the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, the Company recognized expense of $0.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively. There was $5.8 million of such charges during each of the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017.

The Company vacated certain leased space and retired $0.3 million of assets during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018. There were no such charges in the three months ended September 30, 2018, nor in the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017.

The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in the restructuring and impairment charges line item on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of income for each of the periods presented (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2018			2017		2018			2017
Asset impairment	$	—		$	—	$	325		$	—
Student transfer agreement costs	(268		)	—		(268		)	—
Severance costs	855			2,175		1,874			2,175
Lease exit and other costs	638			5,829		1,864			5,829
Total restructuring and impairment charges	$	1,225		$	8,004	$	3,795		$	8,004

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company's restructuring and impairment liability by type during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 (in thousands):

	Asset Impairment			Student Transfer Agreement Costs			Severance Costs			Lease Exit and Other Costs			Total
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	—		$	594		$	195		$	10,643		$	11,432
Restructuring and impairment expense	325			(268		)	1,874			1,864			3,795
Payments and adjustments	(325		)	(270		)	(1,459		)	(10,605		)	(12,659		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	—		$	56		$	610		$	1,902		$	2,568

The restructuring liability amounts are recorded within either the (i) accounts payable and accrued liabilities account, (ii) rent liability account or (iii) other long-term liabilities account on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

5. Investments

The following tables summarize the fair value information for investments as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively (in thousands):

	As of September 30, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Mutual funds	$	2,203	$	—	$	—	$	2,203

	As of December 31, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Mutual funds	$	2,065	$	—	$	—	$	2,065

The mutual funds in the tables above, represent the deferred compensation asset balances, which are considered to be trading securities. There were no transfers between level categories for investments during the periods presented. The Company’s money market securities are recorded in the cash and cash equivalents line item on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, and are classified as Level 1 securities.

There were no differences between amortized cost and fair value of investments as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. There were no reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income during either the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017.

6. Accounts Receivable, Net

Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following (in thousands):

	As of September 30, 2018			As of December 31, 2017
Accounts receivable	$	49,231		$	44,656
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(15,665		)	(17,579		)
Accounts receivable, net	$	33,566		$	27,077

There is an immaterial amount of accounts receivable, net, at each balance sheet date with a payment due date of greater than one year.

The following table presents the changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for accounts receivable for the periods indicated (in thousands):

	Beginning Balance			Charged to Expense		Deductions (1)			Ending Balance
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable:
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018	$	(17,579	)	$	18,538	$	(20,452	)	$	(15,665	)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017	$	(16,154	)	$	24,440	$	(22,541	)	$	(18,053	)

(1) Deductions represent accounts written off, net of recoveries.

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

7. Other Significant Balance Sheet Accounts

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consists of the following (in thousands):

	As of September 30, 2018		As of December 31, 2017
Prepaid expenses	$	6,106	$	6,195
Prepaid licenses	5,554		4,882
Income tax receivable	4,971		8,889
Prepaid insurance	2,625		1,215
Insurance recoverable	682		1,192
Other current assets	423		15
Total prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	20,361	$	22,388

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net, consists of the following (in thousands):

	As of September 30, 2018			As of December 31, 2017
Buildings	$	6,076		$	—
Furniture and office equipment	43,538			43,330
Software	12,516			12,313
Leasehold improvements	5,375			5,445
Vehicles	22			22
Total property and equipment	67,527			61,110
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(52,812		)	(50,676		)
Total property and equipment, net	$	14,715		$	10,434

For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $1.0 million and $1.3 million, respectively. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, depreciation and amortization expense was $3.2 million and $4.2 million, respectively.

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

Goodwill and Intangibles, Net

Goodwill and intangibles, net, consists of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2018
Definite-lived intangible assets:	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Capitalized curriculum costs	$	21,954	$	(20,127	)	$	1,827
Purchased intangible assets	15,850		(6,912		)	8,938
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	37,804	$	(27,039	)	$	10,765
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles						2,567
Total goodwill and intangibles, net						$	13,332
	December 31, 2017
Definite-lived intangible assets:	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
Capitalized curriculum costs	$	21,463	$	(19,300	)	$	2,163
Purchased intangible assets	15,850		(5,987		)	9,863
Total definite-lived intangible assets	$	37,313	$	(25,287	)	$	12,026
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles						2,567
Total goodwill and intangibles, net						$	14,593

For the three months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, amortization expense was $0.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, amortization expense was $2.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes the estimated remaining amortization expense as of each fiscal year ended below (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
Remainder of 2018	$	566
2019	2,000
2020	1,733
2021	1,495
2022	1,264
Thereafter	3,707
Total future amortization expense	$	10,765

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BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consists of the following (in thousands):

	As of September 30, 2018		As of December 31, 2017
Accounts payable	$	4,004	$	5,619
Accrued salaries and wages	5,186		8,573
Accrued bonus	6,707		6,924
Accrued vacation	8,089		8,237
Accrued litigation and fees	8,041		9,886
Accrued expenses	19,970		16,024
Current leases payable	4,122		12,971
Accrued insurance liability	2,250		2,931
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	58,369	$	71,165

Deferred Revenue and Student Deposits

Deferredrevenueand studentdeposits consists ofthe following(inthousands):

	As of September 30, 2018		As of December 31, 2017
Deferred revenue	$	17,857	$	19,135
Student deposits	36,013		49,072
Total deferred revenue and student deposits	$	53,870	$	68,207

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consists ofthe following(inthousands):

	As of September 30, 2018		As of December 31, 2017
Uncertain tax positions	$	842	$	8,893
Lease financing obligation	6,076		—
Other long-term liabilities	2,917		3,815
Total other long-term liabilities	$	9,835	$	12,708

8. Credit Facilities

The Company has issued letters of credit that are collateralized with cash in the aggregate amount of $15.4 million, which is included in restricted cash as of September 30, 2018.

As part of its normal business operations, the Company is required to provide surety bonds in certain states in which the Company does business. The Company has entered into a surety bond facility with an insurance company to provide such bonds when required. As of September 30, 2018, the Company’s total available surety bond facility was $6.5 million and the surety had issued bonds totaling $4.3 million on the Company’s behalf under such facility.

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BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

9. Lease Obligations

Operating Leases

The Company leases certain office facilities and office equipment under non-cancelable lease arrangements that expire at various dates through 2023. The office leases contain certain renewal options. Rent expense under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements is accounted for on a straight-line basis and totaled $11.3 million for each of the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Rent expense in certain periods also includes the restructuring and impairment charges recorded and therefore, may differ significantly from cash payments. For additional information, refer to Note 4, “Restructuring and Impairment Expense.”

The following table summarizes the future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements in effect at September 30, 2018 (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,
Remainder of 2018	$	5,104
2019	21,010
2020	11,209
2021	7,321
2022	3,825
Thereafter	20,677
Total minimum payments	$	69,146

During the third quarter of 2018, the Company entered into a lease agreement consisting of approximately 131,000 square feet of office space located in Chandler, Arizona. Although the Company is not the legal owner of the leased space, the Company is involved in the construction and the build-out of the space, and as such, serves as the construction agent on behalf of the landlord. Under such arrangement, the Company has obligations to fund cost over-runs in its capacity as the construction agent, and accordingly has determined that under lease accounting standard ASC 840, Leases, it bears substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership as measured under GAAP. The Company is therefore required to report the landlord's costs of construction on its balance sheet as a fixed asset during the construction period as if the Company owned such asset. In connection with this arrangement, the Company has recorded a $6.1 million building in construction in property and equipment, net, and an equal and corresponding lease financing obligation in other long-term liabilities, on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2018.

10. Income Per Share

Basic income per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period.

Diluted income per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders for the period by the sum of (i) the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, plus (ii) potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the period, if the effect is dilutive. Potentially dilutive securities for the periods presented include stock options, unvested restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and unvested performance stock units (“PSUs”).

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Numerator:
Net income	$	4,305	$	39	$	23,833	$	16,222
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	27,061		29,123		27,131		33,333
Effect of dilutive options and stock units	528		548		401		860
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding	27,589		29,671		27,532		34,193
Income per share:
Basic	$	0.16	$	0.00	$	0.88	$	0.49
Diluted	$	0.16	$	0.00	$	0.87	$	0.47

The following table sets forth the number of stock options, RSUs and PSUs, excluded from the computation of diluted income per share for the periods indicated below because their effect was anti-dilutive (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2018	2017	2018	2017
Stock options	1,560	2,625	2,709	1,858
RSUs and PSUs	2	19	2	9

11. Stock Repurchase Program

The Company's board of directors (“board”) may authorize the Company to repurchase outstanding shares of its common stock from time to time in the open market through block trades or otherwise depending on market conditions and other considerations, pursuant to the applicable rules of the SEC. The Company's policy is to retain these repurchased shares as treasury shares and not to retire them. The amount and timing of future share repurchases, if any, will be determined as market and business conditions warrant.

During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, the Company repurchased approximately 18.1 million shares of the Company's common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $152.0 million, including fees.

On November 17, 2017, the Company's board authorized a share repurchase program of up to $20.0 million in aggregate value of shares of its common stock over the next 12 months. The timing and extent of any repurchases will depend upon market conditions, the trading price of the Company's shares and other factors, and subject to the restrictions relating to volume, price and timing under applicable law. The Company may commence or suspend share repurchases at any time, or from time to time. Under this program, during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, the Company repurchased approximately 0.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.4 million, including fees.

Separate from the authorized repurchase program noted above, on November 21, 2017, the Company repurchased 2.1 million shares of the Company's common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $16.7 million, including fees.

12. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recorded $1.3 million and $1.1 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $3.6 million and $2.8 million of stock-based compensation expense for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

The related income tax benefit was $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $0.9 million and $1.1 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, the Company granted 0.8 million RSUs at a grant date fair value of $6.84 and 0.4 million RSUs vested. During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, the Company granted 0.5 million RSUs at a grant date fair value of $10.48 and 0.4 million RSUs vested.

During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, no performance-based or market-based PSUs were granted and no performance-based or market-based PSUs vested.

During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, the Company granted 35,088 stock options at a grant date fair value of $2.97 and 0.8 million stock options were exercised. During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, the Company granted 0.3 million stock options at a grant date fair value of $4.76 and 0.5 million stock options were exercised.

As of September 30, 2018, there was unrecognized compensation cost of $5.9 million related to unvested stock options, RSUs and PSUs.

13. Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset-liability method to account for taxes. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements that will result in income and deductions in future years.

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets if realization of such assets is more-likely-than-not. In order to make this determination, the Company evaluates a number of factors including the ability to generate future taxable income from reversing taxable temporary differences, forecasts of financial and taxable income or loss, and the ability to carryback certain operating losses to refund taxes paid in prior years. The cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended September 30, 2018 constituted significant negative objective evidence against the Company’s ability to realize a benefit from its federal deferred tax assets. Such objective evidence limited the ability of the Company to consider in its evaluation certain subjective evidence such as the Company’s projections for future growth. On the basis of its evaluation, the Company determined that its deferred tax assets were not more-likely-than-not to be realized and that a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets should continue to be maintained as of September 30, 2018.

The Company determines the interim income tax provision by applying the estimated effective income tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year to income before income taxes for the period. In determining the full year estimate, the Company does not include the estimated impact of unusual and/or infrequent items, which may cause significant variations in the customary relationship between income tax expense and income before income taxes.

The Company’s current effective income tax rate that has been applied to normal, recurring operations for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 was 1.4%. The Company’s actual effective income tax rate was (45.6)% for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, which includes a discrete tax benefit of $1.7 million recorded in the first quarter of 2018 associated with refund claims for qualified production activities tax deductions for the tax years 2013 and 2014, a discrete benefit of $5.7 million recorded in the second quarter of 2018 associated with a reduction in uncertain tax position mainly associated with the California audit examination settlement for the tax years 2008 through 2012, a discrete benefit of $0.1 million recorded in the third quarter of 2018 associated with a reduction in uncertain tax position associated with the Oregon audit examination settlement for the tax years 2012 through 2014 as well as other states.

On December 22, 2017, President Donald Trump signed into law H.R.1, formerly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Legislation”). The Tax Legislation significantly revised the U.S. tax code that will affect the Company’s year ending December 31, 2018, including, but not limited to, lowering the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%; bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing of qualified property; limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation and other deductions; and limitations of net operating loss carryforwards created in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017.

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BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

The enactment of the Tax Legislation resulted in a one-time remeasurement of the Company’s U.S. federal deferred tax assets and liabilities from 35% to the lower enacted corporate tax rate of 21%. The provisional remeasurement of the Company’s deferred tax balance was primarily offset by a corresponding change in the valuation allowance. The Company is still analyzing the impact the Tax Legislation will have on the remeasurement of the deferred taxes or whether new deferred taxes exist. Where the Company has not yet been able to make reasonable estimates of the impact of certain elements, it has not recorded any amounts related to those elements and has continued to account for them in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of the tax laws in effect immediately prior to the enactment of the Tax Legislation. Examples of certain elements include accounting for the existence of deferred taxes, as well as the impact the Tax Legislation may have on state jurisdictions. New guidance from regulators, interpretation of the law, and refinement of the Company’s estimates from ongoing analysis of data and tax positions may change the provisional amounts.

As of September 30, 2018, the Company had $0.8 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $0.7 million would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had $18.9 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $14.8 million would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized. Although the Company cannot predict the timing of resolution with taxing authorities, if any, the Company believes it is reasonably possible that the total of the unrecognized tax benefits could change in the next twelve months due to settlement with tax authorities or expiration of the applicable statute of limitations. These unrecognized tax benefits primarily relate to apportionment of online service revenues for corporate income tax purposes. Although the Company believes the tax accruals provided are reasonable, the final determination of tax returns under review or returns that may be reviewed in the future and any related litigation could result in tax liabilities that materially differ from the Company’s historical income tax provisions and accruals.

The Company has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal and state jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. The tax years 2001 through 2017 are open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.

The Company is currently under Internal Revenue Service audit examinations of the Company’s income and payroll tax returns for the years 2013 through 2016.

During the prior quarter ended June 30, 2018, the Company executed a Closing Agreement with the California Franchise Tax Board to settle a tax audit examination principally associated with sales factor apportionment issues. The settlement resolved the sales factor sourcing and research and development credit issues for the audit period covering the California income tax returns for fiscal years 2008 through 2012. The sales factor sourcing issues under the aforementioned audit period have no impact on the future years due to the California tax law changes that were in effect starting in 2011. The unrecognized tax benefits previously recorded for the audit were $7.8 million. Upon executing the Closing Agreement, an income tax benefit of $5.7 million was recognized for the prior quarter ended June 30, 2018. The Company’s income tax returns for the tax years 2013 through 2015 are under examination by the FTB and the Company continues to work toward resolution, and based on all available information the Company has accrued for any uncertain tax positions that may be addressed in the audit.

In September 2018, the Company executed a Closing Agreement with the Oregon Department of Revenue to settle a tax audit examination. The unrecognized tax benefits previously recorded for the audit, less the settlement, were recognized for the quarter ended September 30, 2018.

In March 2018, the Company was notified by the Florida Department of Revenue that the Company’s income tax returns are under examination for the tax years 2014 through 2016. The Company was notified in early July 2018 that no adjustments would be made to the income tax returns filed for all examination years. Accordingly, the Company executed a Taxpayer Agreement to close the tax audit examination for the aforementioned audit period in July 2018.

14. Regulatory

The Company is subject to extensive regulation by federal and state governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular, the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (“Higher Education Act”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Department of Education (“Department”) subject the Company to significant regulatory scrutiny on the basis of numerous standards that institutions of higher education must satisfy in order to participate in the various federal

21

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

student financial aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (“Title IV programs”). Ashford University is regionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (“WSCUC”).

Department of Education Open Program Review of Ashford University

On July 7, 2016, Ashford University was notified by the Department that an off-site program review had been scheduled to assess Ashford University’s administration of the Title IV programs in which it participates. The off-site program review commenced on July 25, 2016 and covered students identified in the 2009-2012 calendar year data previously provided by Ashford University to the Department in response to a request for information received from the Multi-Regional and Foreign School Participation Division of the Department’s Office of Federal Student Aid (“FSA”) on December 10, 2015, but may be expanded if the Department deems such expansion appropriate.

On December 9, 2016, the Department informed Ashford University that it intended to continue the program review on-site at Ashford University. The on-site program review commenced on January 23, 2017 and initially covered the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 award years, but may be expanded if the Department deems such expansion appropriate. To date, the Company has not received a draft report from the Department.

Program Participation Agreement for Ashford University

On April 23, 2018, Ashford University received an updated Program Participation Agreement from the Department. Based on the updated Program Participation Agreement, Ashford University is provisionally certified to participate in Federal Student Financial Aid Programs until March 31, 2021. Ashford University is required to submit its reapplication for continued certification by December 31, 2020.

WSCUC Accreditation of Ashford University

In July 2013, WSCUC granted Initial Accreditation to Ashford University for five years, until July 15, 2018. In December 2013, Ashford University effected its transition to WSCUC accreditation and designated its San Diego, California facilities as its main campus and its Clinton, Iowa campus as an additional location. As part of a continuing monitoring process, Ashford University hosted a visiting team from WSCUC on a special visit in April 2015. In July 2015, Ashford University received an Action Letter from WSCUC outlining the findings arising out of its visiting team's special visit. The Action Letter stated that the WSCUC visiting team found evidence that Ashford University continues to make progress in all six areas recommended by WSCUC in 2013. As part of its institutional review process, WSCUC commenced its comprehensive review of Ashford University with an off-site review in March 2018. Ashford University was notified on June 8, 2018 that the Ashford University Accreditation Visit originally scheduled for fall 2018 had been rescheduled to April 3-5, 2019.

GI Bill Benefits

On May 20, 2016, the Company received a letter from the Iowa Department of Education (“Iowa DOE”) indicating that, as a result of the planned closure of the Clinton Campus, the Iowa State Approving Agency (“ISAA”) would no longer continue to approve Ashford University’s programs for benefits under the GI Bill after June 30, 2016, and recommending Ashford University seek approval through the State Approving Agency of jurisdiction for any location that meets the definition of a “main campus” or “branch campus.” Ashford University began the process of applying for approval through the State Approving Agency in California (“CSAAVE”), and the Company subsequently disclosed that on June 20, 2016 it received a second letter from the Iowa DOE indicating that the Iowa DOE had issued a stay of the ISAA’s withdrawal of approval of Ashford University’s programs for GI Bill benefits effective immediately until the earlier of (i) 90 days from June 20, 2016 or (ii) the date on which CSAAVE completed its review and issued a decision regarding the approval of Ashford University in California. Ashford University received communication from CSAAVE indicating that additional information and documentation would be required before Ashford University’s application could be considered for CSAAVE approval. Ashford University subsequently withdrew the CSAAVE application and continued working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”), the Iowa DOE and the ISAA to obtain continued approval of Ashford University’s programs for GI Bill benefits and to prevent any disruption of educational benefits to Ashford University’s veteran students.

On September 15, 2016, in response to a Petition for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief (“Petition”) filed by Ashford University, the Iowa District Court for Polk County entered a written order (“Order”) staying the Iowa DOE’s announced

22

BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

intention to withdraw the approval of Ashford University as a GI Bill eligible institution until the entry of a final and appealable order and judgment in the action. On June 23, 2017, the Iowa District Court held a hearing on Ashford University’s Petition and on July 17, 2017, the Court ruled in favor of the Iowa DOE and denied the petition. Ashford University filed a motion for reconsideration of this ruling, which was denied on August 17, 2017. On August 23, 2017, Ashford University filed a Petition to Vacate or Modify the Iowa District Court’s July 17, 2017 ruling, based on material evidence, newly discovered, which could not with reasonable diligence have been previously discovered by Ashford University (“First Petition to Vacate”). On September 18, 2017, Ashford University appealed, inter alia, the July 17, 2017 ruling to the Iowa Supreme Court and posted an appeal bond, which stayed this matter pending resolution of Ashford University’s appeal. As a result, Ashford University’s approval was not withdrawn, and Ashford University’s programs remain approved for GI Bill purposes. The Assistant Attorney General handling this matter on behalf of the Iowa DOE also advised Ashford University that the Iowa DOE would take no action pending the post-ruling motions and appeal. On October 12, 2017, Judge Eliza Ovrom, the Iowa District Court Judge who issued the July 17, 2017 ruling, filed a Disclosure Statement revealing family ties to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. Following motions by Ashford University for her recusal, Judge Ovrom recused herself from all further proceedings. On October 24, 2017, Ashford University filed with the Iowa Supreme Court a Petition to Vacate or, in the Alternative, for Limited Remand (“Second Petition to Vacate”), in which Ashford University argued that the July 17, 2017 ruling and all other material orders entered by Judge Ovrom should be vacated due to her previously undisclosed conflict of interest. On January 8, 2018, the Iowa Supreme Court remanded the Second Petition to Vacate to the District Court, where all proceedings in this matter were consolidated before Judge Michael Huppert. On April 26, 2018, Judge Huppert granted the Second Petition to Vacate and vacated all material rulings by Judge Ovrom, including the July 17, 2017 ruling, thus on June 21, 2018, the Iowa Supreme Court issued a Procedendo stating that the appeal was concluded. Judge Huppert’s decision mooted the First Petition to Vacate and Ashford’s appeal of, inter alia, the July 17, 2017 ruling. The case will now proceed on the merits de novo before Judge Huppert.

On July 6, 2017, Ashford University received approval from the Arizona State Approving Agency (“ASAA”) to provide GI Bill benefits to its students. On September 13, 2017, the VA accepted the ASAA’s approval, subject to Ashford University's compliance with the approval requirements, and the University subsequently received a facility code from the VA. On November 9, 2017, the VA informed Ashford University that the ASAA had not provided sufficient evidence to establish that it has jurisdictional authority over Ashford University’s online programs. The VA stated that they intend to suspend payment of educational assistance and approval of new student enrollments and student re-enrollments for Ashford University’s online programs in 60 days unless corrective action was taken.

On November 17, 2017, Ashford University filed a petition for review in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit challenging the VA’s actions. In response to that petition, the VA agreed to stay the actions with respect to the suspension and reenrollment it had announced on November 9, 2017 through the entry of judgment in the Federal Circuit case, on the condition that Ashford University request and submit an application for approval to CSAAVE on or before January 8, 2018. Ashford University submitted an application to CSAAVE for approval on January 5, 2018. On February 21, 2018, CSAAVE provided notice of its intention not to act on Ashford University’s initial application for approval for the training of veterans and other eligible persons. The notice directs Ashford University to request approval of its application by the VA. Ashford University continues to work in good faith with the VA while its petition for review remains pending with the Federal Circuit.

15. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

From time to time, the Company is a party to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. When the Company becomes aware of a claim or potential claim, it assesses the likelihood of any loss or exposure. In accordance with GAAP, the Company records loss contingencies in its financial statements only for matters in which losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Where a range of loss can be reasonably estimated, the best estimate within that range should be accrued. If no estimate is better than another, the Company records the minimum estimated liability in the range. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company discloses the nature of the specific claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount involved could be material. The Company continuously assesses the potential liability related to the Company’s pending litigation and

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BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

revises its estimates when additional information becomes available. Below is a list of material legal proceedings to which the Company or its subsidiaries is a party.

California Attorney General Investigation of For-Profit Educational Institutions

In January 2013, the Company received from the Attorney General of the State of California (“CA Attorney General”) an Investigative Subpoena relating to the CA Attorney General’s investigation of for-profit educational institutions. Pursuant to the Investigative Subpoena, the CA Attorney General requested documents and detailed information for the time period March 1, 2009 to present. On July 24, 2013, the CA Attorney General filed a petition to enforce certain categories of the Investigative Subpoena related to recorded calls and electronic marketing data. On September 25, 2013, the Company reached an agreement with the CA Attorney General to produce certain categories of the documents requested in the petition and stipulated to continue the hearing on the petition to enforce from October 3, 2013 to January 9, 2014. On January 13, 2014 and June 19, 2014, the Company received additional Investigative Subpoenas from the CA Attorney General, each requesting additional documents and information for the time period March 1, 2009 through the current date.

Representatives from the Company met with representatives from the CA Attorney General’s office on several occasions to discuss the status of the investigation, additional information requests, and specific concerns related to possible unfair business practices in connection with the Company’s recruitment of students and debt collection practices.

The parties also discussed a potential resolution involving injunctive relief, other non-monetary remedies and a payment to the CA Attorney General and the Company recorded an expense of $8.0 million related to the cost of resolving this matter.

The parties did not reach a resolution and on November 29, 2017, the CA Attorney General filed suit against Ashford University and Bridgepoint Education.

The Company intends to vigorously defend this case and emphatically denies the allegations made by the CA Attorney General that it ever deliberately misled its students, falsely advertised its programs, or in any way was not fully accurate in its statements to investors. However, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise. At present, the Company cannot reasonably estimate any updated range of loss for this action based on currently available information and as such, the prior accrual remains.

Massachusetts Attorney General Investigation of Bridgepoint Education, Inc. and Ashford University

On July 21, 2014, the Company and Ashford University received from the Attorney General of the State of Massachusetts (“MA Attorney General”) a Civil Investigative Demand (“MA CID”) relating to the MA Attorney General’s investigation of for-profit educational institutions and whether the university’s business practices complied with Massachusetts consumer protection laws. Pursuant to the MA CID, the MA Attorney General has requested from the Company and Ashford University documents and information for the time period January 1, 2006 to present. The Company is cooperating with the investigation and cannot predict the eventual scope, duration or outcome of the investigation at this time. The Company has not accrued any liability associated with this action.

Department of Justice Civil Investigative Demand

On July 7, 2016, the Company received from the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) a Civil Investigative Demand (“DOJ CID”) related to the DOJ's investigation concerning allegations that the Company may have misstated Title IV refund revenue or overstated revenue associated with private secondary loan programs and thereby misrepresented its compliance with the 90/10 rule of the Higher Education Act. Pursuant to the DOJ CID, the DOJ has requested from the Company documents and information for fiscal years 2011 to 2015. The Company is cooperating with the DOJ and cannot predict the eventual scope, duration or outcome of the investigation at this time. The Company has not accrued any liability associated with this action.

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BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)

Shareholder Derivative Actions

In re Bridgepoint, Inc. Shareholder Derivative Action

On July 24, 2012, a shareholder derivative complaint was filed in California Superior Court by Alonzo Martinez. In the complaint, the plaintiff asserts a derivative claim on the Company’s behalf against certain of its current and former officers and directors. The complaint is captioned Martinez v. Clark, et al. and generally alleges that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties of candor, good faith and loyalty, wasted corporate assets and were unjustly enriched. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary relief and disgorgement on behalf of the Company, as well as other equitable relief and attorneys’ fees.On September 28, 2012, a substantially similar shareholder derivative complaint was filed in California Superior Court by David Adolph-Laroche. In the complaint, the plaintiff asserts a derivative claim on the Company’s behalf against certain of its current and former officers and directors. The complaint is captioned Adolph-Laroche v. Clark, et al. and generally alleges that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties of candor, good faith and loyalty, wasted corporate assets and were unjustly enriched.

On October 11, 2012, the Adolph-Laroche action was consolidated with the Martinez action and the case is now captioned In re Bridgepoint, Inc. Shareholder Derivative Action. A consolidated complaint was filed on December 18, 2012 and the defendants filed a motion to stay the case while the underlying securities class action is pending. The motion was granted by the Court on April 11, 2013. A status conference was held on October 10, 2013, during which the Court ordered the stay continued for the duration of discovery in the underlying securities class action, but permitted the plaintiff to receive copies of any discovery responses served in the underlying securities class action. The stay was lifted following the settlement of the underlying securities class action and all defendants filed demurrers on October 3, 2016, which were granted with leave to amend on October 6, 2017. On October 17, 2017, the plaintiff submitted a litigation demand to the Company's Board of Directors, which appointed a working group to evaluate the demand. The Board refused the demand and the Plaintiff filed a Second Amended Complaint on October 3, 2018. The Defendants are evaluating the Complaint and intend to file another motion to dismiss.

Reardon v. Clark, et al.

On March 18, 2015, a shareholder derivative complaint was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California in San Diego. The complaint asserts derivative claims on the Company’s behalf against certain of its current and former officers and directors. The complaint is captioned Reardon v. Clark, et al. and generally alleges that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties of candor, good faith and loyalty, wasted corporate assets and were unjustly enriched. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary relief and disgorgement, as well as other equitable relief and attorneys’ fees. Following the dismissal of the underlying Zamir securities class action and pursuant to a stipulation among the parties, on May 10, 2018, the Court ordered the case stayed while the Company’s Board of Directors evaluates a litigation demand submitted by the plaintiff.

Larson v. Hackett, et al.

On January 19, 2017, a shareholder derivative complaint was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California in San Diego. The complaint asserts derivative claims on the Company's behalf against certain of its current and former officers and directors. The complaint is captioned Larson v. Hackett, et al. and generally alleges that the individual defendants breached their fiduciary duties of candor, good faith and loyalty, wasted corporate assets and were unjustly enriched. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary relief and disgorgement, as well as other equitable relief and attorneys’ fees. Following the dismissal of the underlying Zamir securities class action and pursuant to a stipulation among the parties, on May 10, 2018, the Court ordered the case stayed while the Company’s Board of Directors evaluates a litigation demand submitted by the plaintiff.

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Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following Management’s Discussions and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 of this report. For additional information regarding our financial condition and results of operations, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“Form 10-K”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 21, 2018, as well as our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of the Form 10-K.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, in this report the terms “Bridgepoint,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Bridgepoint Education, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly owned and indirect subsidiaries.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding future events, future financial and operating results, strategies, expectations, the competitive environment, regulation and the availability of financial resources, including, without limitation, statements regarding:

• our ability to successfully convert Ashford University to a not-for-profit university;

• Ashford University's ability to continue to operate an accredited institution subject to the requirements of the State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (“BPPE”);

• our ability to comply with the extensive and continually evolving regulatory framework applicable to us and Ashford University, including Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (“Higher Education Act”), and its implementing regulations, the gainful employment rules and regulations, the “defense to repayment” regulations, state laws and regulatory requirements, and accrediting agency requirements;

• projections, predictions and expectations regarding our business, financial position, results of operations and liquidity, and enrollment trends at our institution;

• our ability to obtain continued approval of Ashford University’s programs for GI Bill benefits through the Iowa State Approving Agency (“ISAA”), the Arizona State Approving Agency (“ASAA”), or the California State Approving Agency for Veteran's Education (“CSAAVE”), and to prevent any disruption of educational benefits to Ashford University’s veteran students;

• Ashford University’s ability to continue participating in the U.S. Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program for active duty military personnel and to prevent any disruption of educational benefits to Ashford University’s active duty military students;

• the outcome of various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings;

• new initiatives focused on student success, retention and academic quality;

• changes in our student fee structure;

• expectations regarding the adequacy of our cash and cash equivalents and other sources of liquidity for ongoing operations;

• expectations regarding investment in online and other advertising and capital expenditures;

• our anticipated seasonal fluctuations in operational results;

• management's goals and objectives; and

• other similar matters that are not historical facts.

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Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions, as well as statements in the future tense.

Forward-looking statements should not be interpreted as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time such statements are made and the current good faith beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management regarding future events. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of some of these risks and uncertainties, see Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” as well as the discussion of such risks and uncertainties contained in our other filings with the SEC, including the Form 10-K.

All forward-looking statements in this report are qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this report, and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect actual results or any changes in our assumptions or expectations or any other factors affecting such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If we do update or revise one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

Overview

We are a provider of postsecondary education services through our regionally accredited academic institution, Ashford University^®. Ashford University offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs primarily online. As of September 30, 2018, our academic institution offered approximately 1,260 courses and approximately 90 degree programs. We are also focused on providing innovative technologies to enhance the student experience and support faculty and student engagement.

Key operating data

In evaluating our operating performance, management focuses in large part on our revenue and operating income and period-end enrollment at our academic institution. The following table, which should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report, presents our key operating data for each of the periods presented (in thousands, except for enrollment data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2018		2017			2018		2017
Consolidated Statement of Income Data:
Revenue	$	114,858	$	119,367		$	353,723	$	373,438
Operating income (loss)	$	3,530	$	(1,503	)	$	15,470	$	14,339
Consolidated Other Data:
Period-end enrollment (1)
Online	39,536		42,065			39,536		42,065
Campus-based	48		67			48		67
Total	39,584		42,132			39,584		42,132

(1) We define period-end enrollment as the number of active students on the last day of the financial reporting period. A student is considered active if the student has attended a class within the prior 15 days or is on an institutionally-approved break not to exceed 45 days, unless the student has graduated or provided notice of withdrawal, unless the student has graduated or provided notice of withdrawal, or for new students who have completed their third week of attendance, and posted attendance in the fourth week.

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Key enrollment trends

Enrollment at our academic institution decreased6.0% to 39,584 students at September 30, 2018 as compared to 42,132 students at September 30, 2017. Enrollment decreased by 2.8% since the end of the preceding fiscal year, from 40,730 students at December 31, 2017 to 39,584 students at September 30, 2018.

We believe the decline in enrollment over the past few years is partially attributable to a general strengthening of the economy which drives lower unemployment and increased competition, as well as a general weakening in the overall education industry due in large part to increased regulatory scrutiny. The decline is also partially caused by the initiatives our institution has put in place to help ensure student preparedness, raise academic quality and improve student outcomes, as well as our voluntary decision to stop enrolling new students eligible to use GI Bill benefits in the period from mid-November 2017 through early February 2018.

We also believe new enrollment has been impacted by the deliberate changes in our marketing strategy in which we significantly reduced our spending in the affiliate channel and reinvested some of those savings in other, more cost effective, channels. We have been implementing this updated marketing strategy that reflects a shift in our advertising mix, in an effort to attract prospective students who have a higher probability of being academically successful, while concurrently making meaningful improvements to the efficiency of our advertising, admissions and marketing spend.

We continue to focus our efforts on first stabilizing and then restarting enrollment growth. Through the end of October 2018, Ashford University has launched 14 of the 16 programs for which they received approval from the Department in November 2017, and plans to launch the remaining new programs during the remainder of 2018. Expanding the course offerings with these new programs will be one factor that will contribute to our goal of stabilizing enrollment and then achieving new enrollment growth, and over time total enrollment growth.

One area in which we are experiencing positive enrollment trends is within the Corporate Full Tuition Grant (“FTG”) program, which is a portion of our Education Partnerships programs with various employers. These corporate partnership programs provide companies with the opportunity to offer their employees a way to pursue and complete a college degree without incurring any student debt. Enrollments in the FTG program account for approximately 15% of our total enrollment as of September 30, 2018. Revenue derived from Education Partnerships is cash pay, and is therefore not considered federal student aid for purposes of calculations under the 90/10 rule.

Trends and uncertainties regarding revenue and continuing operations

Proposed conversion transactions

Ashford University submitted a separate application to WSCUC seeking approval to convert Ashford University to a not-for-profit California public benefit corporation. The WSCUC team site visit for the conversion application occurred in September, with a recommendation to WSCUC sometime in November. As part of the conversion transaction, Ashford University will separate from the Company. Following the proposed conversion and separation, the Company anticipates that it would be a technology services provider and would provide certain services to the newly-formed not-for-profit university. The transactions described above are collectively hereinafter referred to as the “Proposed Transaction.”

The Company and Ashford University are continuing to review various federal and state regulatory requirements that could impact the viability and timing of the conversion transaction and separation. The Company and Ashford University's board of trustees are taking steps to protect Ashford University's independence in considering the conversion transaction in order to enable Ashford University to act in the best interests of Ashford University and its students. As such, the Company is not bound to move forward with the conversion at this time.

Restructuring and impairment charges

We have implemented various restructuring plans to better align our resources with our business strategy and the related charges are recorded in the restructuring and impairment expense line item on our condensed consolidated statements of income. Changes to these estimates could have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. For information regarding the restructuring and impairment charges recorded, refer to Note 4, “Restructuring and Impairment Expense” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

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Valuation allowance

We recognize deferred tax assets if realization of such assets is more-likely-than-not. In order to make this determination, we evaluate factors including the ability to generate future taxable income from reversing taxable temporary differences, forecasts of financial and taxable income or loss. The cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ended September 30, 2018 constituted significant negative objective evidence against our ability to realize a benefit from our federal deferred tax assets. Such objective evidence limited our ability to consider in our evaluation other subjective evidence such as our projections for future growth. On the basis of our evaluation, we determined that our deferred tax assets were not more-likely-than-not to be realized and that a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets should continue to be maintained as of September 30, 2018.

Recent Regulatory Developments

Negotiated Rulemaking and Other Executive Action

On December 16, 2016, the Department released final regulations to clarify state authorization requirements for postsecondary institutions offering distance education that participate in federal student loan programs, as required by the Higher Education Act. The final regulations were scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2018, however, on May 25, 2018, the Department published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register announcing the postponement, until July 1, 2020, of the effective date of the final regulations. The Department delayed the regulations based on concerns raised by regulated parties and to ensure that there would be adequate time to conduct negotiated rulemaking to reconsider the final regulations, and as necessary, develop revised regulations.

On July 31, 2018, the Department published a notice in the Federal Register announcing their intention to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to prepare proposed regulations for the Federal Student Aid programs authorized under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. In September 2018, interested parties commented at three public hearings on the topics suggested by the Department in the notice, and suggested additional topics for consideration for action by the negotiated rulemaking committee.

The proposed topics for negotiation include those regarding accreditation agencies, such as requirements for accrediting agencies in their oversight of member institutions; requirements for accrediting agencies to honor institutional mission; criteria used by the Secretary to recognize accrediting agencies, emphasizing criteria that focus on educational quality; developing a single definition for purposes of measuring and reporting job placement rates; and simplifying the Department's process for recognition and review of accrediting agencies.

Additional proposed topics outside of those regarding accreditation agencies include: state authorization, to address the requirements related to programs offered through distance education or correspondence courses, including disclosures about such programs to enrolled and prospective students, and other State authorization issues; the definition of “regular and substantive interaction,” as that term is used in the definitions of “correspondence course” and “distance education”; the definition of the term “credit hour”; the requirement that an institution demonstrate a reasonable relationship between the length of a program and entry-level requirements for the recognized occupation for which the program prepares the student; the arrangements between an institution and another institution or organization to provide a portion of an educational program; the roles and responsibilities of institutions and accrediting agencies in the teach-out process; the barriers to innovation and competition in postsecondary education or to student completion, graduation, or employment, including, but not limited to, those contained in the Department's institutional eligibility regulations and student assistance general provisions; and direct assessment programs and competency-based education, including consideration of regulations that are barriers to the implementation of such programs, such as certain requirements for term-based academic calendars and satisfactory academic progress.

Gainful Employment

In October 2014, the Department published gainful employment regulations impacting programs required to prepare graduates for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. Almost all academic programs offered by Title IV-participating private sector institutions of higher education must prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. The gainful employment regulations became effective July 1, 2015, with certain institutional disclosure requirements which became effective early 2017. The gainful employment regulations have a framework with three components:

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• Certification: Institutions must certify that each of their gainful employment programs meet state and federal licensure, certification and accreditation requirements.

• Accountability Measures: To maintain Title IV eligibility, gainful employment programs will be required to meet minimum standards for the debt burden versus the earnings of their graduates.

◦ Pass: Programs whose graduates have annual loan payments less than 8% of total earnings or less than 20% of discretionary earnings.

◦ Zone: Programs whose graduates have annual loan payments between 8% and 12% of total earnings or between 20% and 30% of discretionary earnings.

◦ Fail: Programs whose graduates have annual loan payments greater than 12% of total earnings and greater than 30% of discretionary earnings.

Programs that fail in two out of any three consecutive years or are in the zone for four consecutive years will be disqualified from participation in the Title IV programs.

• Transparency: Institutions will be required to make public disclosures regarding the performance and outcomes of their gainful employment programs. The disclosures will include information such as costs, earnings, debt and completion rates.

The accountability measures will typically weigh a calculated debt burden from graduates who completed their studies three and four years prior to the measuring academic year and earnings from the most recent calendar year prior to the conclusion of the measuring academic year. Thus, for the 2014-2015 academic year, the two-year cohort will include graduates from the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 academic years and earnings for those graduates from calendar year 2014.

On October 20, 2016, we received draft debt-to-earnings rates and certain underlying data from the Department for the first gainful employment measurement year. On January 8, 2017, we received our institutions’ final debt-to-earnings rates for the first gainful employment measurement year. Based on the final rates, none of our institutions’ programs were determined to fail. Two of our current programs, including the Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education and the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education/Administration, were determined to be in the zone. As of September 30, 2018, approximately 3.1% of our institutions' students were enrolled in the Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education and approximately 8.7% of our institutions' students were enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education/Administration. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, we derived revenue of approximately $2.7 million from the Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education and approximately $7.7 million from the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education/Administration.

The fact that none of our programs were determined to fail and only two of our current programs were determined to be in the zone is significant given the framework discussed above, as a program would be disqualified from participation in Title IV programs only if it were to fail for two out of three consecutive years, or either fail or be in the zone for three out of four consecutive years. The gainful employment regulations contemplate a transition period in the first several years to afford institutions the opportunity to make changes to their programs and retain Title IV eligibility.

On June 15, 2017, the Department announced its intention to conduct additional negotiated rulemaking on certain issues related to gainful employment. Because the negotiated rulemaking committee did not reach consensus, the Department planned to publish a proposed regulation through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”), take public comment, and issue final regulations by November 1, 2018, with the final regulations effective July 1, 2019.

On June 30, 2017, the Department granted institutions until July 1, 2018 to comply with disclosure provisions related to promotional materials and prospective students, and extended the deadline for all programs to file alternate earnings appeals. The Department did not change a July 1, 2017 deadline requiring institutions to provide a completed disclosure template, or a link thereto, on gainful employment program web pages and our schools have complied with this requirement. In January 2018, the Department announced the release of the 2018 gainful employment template. While the aesthetic of the template remained the same, the Department removed certain data points. This included the amount for off-campus room and board, the percentage of students who borrow money to pay for the degree program, and the typical annual earnings after leaving the program.

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On March 16, 2018, the Department announced it would release a new draft gainful employment completers list in late spring. On April 27, 2018, the Department announced that it would send institutions their completers lists on April 30, 2018. Schools had until June 13, 2018 to review, correct, and submit the lists back to the Department. The Department has not announced when schools can expect the next round of draft debt-to-earnings rates.

On June 18, 2018, the Department announced it will allow additional time, until July 1, 2019, for institutions to comply with the requirements of the gainful employment regulations in 34 CFR 668.412 (d) and (e) that include the disclosure template, or a link thereto, in their gainful employment program promotional materials; and directly distribute the disclosure template to prospective students. Because the Department intends to develop proposed regulations that would replace the gainful employment regulations, and as part of that rulemaking process, the Department continues to evaluate the efficacy of these disclosures to students and the implementation of these requirements. Institutions must continue to comply with the requirements in 34 CFR 668.412(a), (b), and (c) to post disclosures on their gainful employment program web pages using the approved disclosure template provided by the Department. The deadline for these actions was April 6, 2018 and, as discussed above, our institution has complied with this requirement.

On August 14, 2018, the Department proposed to rescind the gainful employment regulations and update the College Scorecard, a web-based tool, to provide program-level outcomes for all higher education programs at all institutions that participate in Title IV.

On August 24, 2018, the Department announced that it would still require institutions to comply with the October 1, 2018 reporting requirement. Schools were to submit gainful employment program data for the 2017-18 Award Year to the National Student Loan Data System by October 1, 2018. Our institution submitted this reporting timely.

We continue to review the information provided by the Department to understand the potential impact of the gainful employment regulations on our programs. We will also continue to evaluate options related to new programs or adjustments to current programs that could help mitigate the potential adverse consequences of the regulations. We will also continue to monitor changes to the existing regulations.

The Company’s institution had compliance findings during the year ended December 31, 2017 related to gainful employment requirements and is uncertain of the impact, if any, to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Defense to Repayment

On June 18, 2015, the Department announced processes that will be established to assist students in gaining relief under the “defense to repayment” provisions of the Direct Loan Program regulations. The defense to repayment provisions currently in effect allow a student to assert as a defense against repayment of federal direct loans any commission of fraud or other violation of applicable state law by the school related to such loans or the educational services for which the loans were provided.

On June 14, 2017, the Department announced a postponement of the defense to repayment regulations and its intention to resubmit the regulations through the negotiated rulemaking process. The Department announced an additional postponement on October 24, 2017. On February 14, 2018, the Department announced that it was postponing the effective date of this rule until July 1, 2019 so that it could complete the negotiated rulemaking process and develop the new regulations. Because the negotiated rulemaking committee did not reach consensus, the Department published a proposed regulation through an NPRM, took public comment, and planned to issue final regulations by November 1, 2018, effective July 1, 2019. While rulemaking occurs, the Department will continue to process claims under the current borrower defense rules. We will continue to monitor changes to the existing regulations.

Cohort Default Rate

For each federal fiscal year, the Department calculates a rate of student defaults over a three-year measuring period for each educational institution, which is known as a “cohort default rate.” An institution may lose its eligibility to participate in the Direct Loan Program and the Federal Pell Grant Program if, for each of the three most recent federal fiscal years, 30% or more of its students who became subject to a repayment obligation in that federal fiscal year defaulted on such obligation by the end of the following federal fiscal year.

The most recent official three-year cohort default rates for Ashford University for the 2015, 2014 and 2013 federal fiscal years were 13.5%, 14.9% and 14.5%, respectively.

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For additional information regarding the regulatory environment and related risks, see Part I, Item 1, “Business” and Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Form 10-K.

Seasonality

Our operations are generally subject to seasonal trends. We generally experience a seasonal increase in new enrollments during the first quarter of each year, subsequent to holiday break, as well as during the third quarter each year, when most other colleges and universities begin their fall semesters. While we enroll students throughout the year, our fourth quarter revenue generally is lower than other quarters due to the holiday break in December, with an increase in the first quarter of each year.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

The critical accounting policies and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates” included in Part II, Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, using the modified retrospective method. For information regarding the impact of this recent accounting pronouncements, refer to Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting Pronouncements” as well as Note 3, “Revenue Recognition” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report. There were no other material changes to these critical accounting policies and estimates during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018.

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our condensed consolidated statements of income data as a percentage of revenue for each of the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2018		2017		2018		2017
Revenue	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Costs and expenses:
Instructional costs and services	47.4		48.4		46.8		48.8
Admissions advisory and marketing	36.5		36.6		36.7		35.4
General and administrative	12.0		9.6		11.0		9.9
Legal settlement expense	0.0		0.0		0.0		0.0
Restructuring and impairment expense	1.1		6.7		1.1		2.1
Total costs and expenses	97.0		101.3		95.6		96.2
Operating income (loss)	3.0		(1.3	)	4.4		3.8
Other income, net	0.3		0.3		0.3		0.3
Income (loss) before income taxes	3.3		(1.0	)	4.7		4.1
Income tax benefit	(0.4	)	(1.0	)	(2.0	)	(0.2	)
Net income	3.7	%	0.0	%	6.7	%	4.3	%

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

Revenue. Our revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, was $114.9 million and $119.4 million, respectively, representing adecrease of $4.5 million, or 3.8%. The decrease between periods was primarily due to adecrease of 7.5% in average weekly enrollment from 42,280 students for the three month period ended September 30, 2017 to 39,107 students for the three month period ended September 30, 2018. As a result of the decrease in enrollments, tuition revenue decreased by approximately $4.1 million. The decrease in revenue between periods was also due to higher scholarships for the period, anincrease of $3.5 million, as well as the decrease due to the implementation of the new revenue recognition standards in 2018, of approximately $2.9 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2018. The overall decrease was partially offset by a tuition increase, effective February 6, 2018, as well as anincrease in net revenue generated from course digital materials of approximately $1.6 million.

Instructional costs and services. Our instructional costs and services for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were $54.5 million and $57.8 million, respectively, representing adecrease of $3.3 million, or 5.7%. In addition to the decline in enrollment, specific decreases between periods primarily include direct compensation (including financial aid processing fees) of $1.8 million, bad debt of $0.6 million, information technology costs of $0.3 million, professional fees of $0.2 million, and amortization of intangible assets of $0.2 million. The change in bad debt included the impact from implementing the new revenue recognition standards in 2018, was approximately $1.7 million for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2018. Instructional costs and services, as a percentage of revenue, for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were 47.4% and 48.4%, respectively, representing adecrease of 1.0%. This decrease primarily included decreases in direct compensation (including financial aid processing fees) of 0.8%, bad debt of 0.3%, and professional fees of 0.2%, offset by an increase in instructional supplies of 0.3%. As a percentage of revenue, bad debt expense was 5.9% for the three months endedSeptember 30, 2018, compared to 6.3% for three months endedSeptember 30, 2017.

Admissions advisory and marketing. Our admissions advisory and marketing expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were $41.9 million and $43.7 million, respectively, representing adecrease of $1.8 million, or 4.0%. Specific factors contributing to the overall decrease between periods were decreases in compensation of $2.2 million, and advertising costs of $0.6 million, primarily offset by increases in professional fees of $0.6 million, license fees of $0.3 million and corporate support services of $0.2 million. Admissions advisory and marketing, as a percentage of revenue, for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were 36.5% and 36.6%, respectively, representing adecrease of 0.1%. This

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decrease primarily included decreases in compensation of 1.3%, mainly offset by increases in professional fees of 0.5%, license fees of 0.3%, advertising costs of 0.1%, and corporate support services of 0.1%.

General and administrative. Our general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were $13.7 million and $11.4 million, respectively, representing anincrease of $2.3 million, or 20.0%. The increase between periods was primarily due to increases in professional fees of $1.1 million, other administrative costs of $0.9 million, and administrative compensation of $0.3 million. General and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenue, for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were 12.0% and 9.6%, respectively, representing anincrease of 2.4%. This increase was primarily due to increases in professional fees of 1.1%, other administrative costs of 0.9%, and administrative compensation of 0.6%, partially offset by a decrease in corporate support services of 0.3%.

Legal settlement expense. There were no legal settlement expenses for either the three months endedSeptember 30, 2018 or 2017, respectively.

Restructuring and impairment charges. We recorded a charge of $1.2 million to restructuring and impairment for the three months ended September 30, 2018, comprised primarily of revised estimates of lease charges as well as severance costs resulting from a reduction in force. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, there were $8.0 million of similar restructuring and impairment charges.

Other income, net. Our other income, net, was approximately $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and approximately $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The slight decrease between periods was primarily due to decreased interest income on average cash balances.

Income tax benefit. We recognized an income tax benefit of $0.4 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, at effective tax rates of (10.5)% and 103.5%, respectively.

Net income. Our net income was $4.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to net income of $39,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a $4.3 million increase in net income as a result of the factors discussed above.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Revenue. Our revenue for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, was $353.7 million and $373.4 million, respectively, representing adecrease of $19.7 million, or 5.3%. The decrease between periods was primarily due to adecrease of 9.1% in average weekly enrollment from 44,469 students for the nine month period ended September 30, 2017 to 40,420 students for the nine month period ended September 30, 2018. As a result of the decrease in enrollments, tuition revenue decreased by approximately $17.5 million. The decrease in revenue between periods was also due to higher scholarships for the period, anincrease of $7.9 million, as well as a decrease due to the implementation of the new revenue recognition standards in 2018, of approximately $5.2 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018. The overall decrease was partially offset by a tuition increase, effective February 6, 2018, as well as anincrease in net revenue generated from course digital materials of approximately $5.2 million.

Instructional costs and services. Our instructional costs and services for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, were $165.3 million and $181.9 million, respectively, representing adecrease of $16.6 million, or 9.1%. In addition to the decline in enrollment, specific decreases between periods include bad debt of $5.9 million, direct compensation costs of $4.4 million, license fees of $2.2 million, instructor fees of $1.7 million, corporate support services of $1.3 million, and information technology costs of $1.1 million. The change in bad debt included the impact from implementing the new revenue recognition standards in the first quarter of 2018, was approximately $4.4 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018. Instructional costs and services, as a percentage of revenue, for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, were 46.8% and 48.8%, respectively, representing adecrease of 2.0%. This decrease primarily included decreases in bad debt of 1.3%, license fees of 0.5%, and direct compensation costs of 0.3%. As a percentage of revenue, bad debt expense was 5.2% for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, compared to 6.5% for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017.

Admissions advisory and marketing. Our admissions advisory and marketing expenses for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, were $130.0 million and $132.1 million, respectively, representing adecrease of $2.1 million, or 1.6%. As a result of our change in marketing strategy and the shift in advertising mix, specific factors contributing to the overall decrease between periods include decreases in compensation of $6.2 million, and facilities costs of $0.9 million. These

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decreases were partially offset by increases in advertising costs of $3.2 million, consulting fees of $1.1 million and license fees of $0.4 million. Our admissions advisory and marketing expenses, as a percentage of revenue, for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, were 36.7% and 35.4%, respectively, representing anincrease of 1.3%. This increase primarily included increases in advertising costs of 1.7% and consulting fees of 0.3%, partially offset by a decrease in compensation of 0.9%.

General and administrative. Our general and administrative expenses for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, were $39.0 million and $37.0 million, respectively, representing anincrease of $2.0 million, or 5.4%. The increase between periods was primarily due to increases in other administrative costs of $1.5 million, corporate support services of $1.5 million and professional fees of $1.5 million, partially offset by decreases in administrative compensation of $2.4 million. Our general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenue, for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, were 11.0% and 9.9%, respectively, representing anincrease of 1.1%. This increase was primarily due to increases in professional fees of 0.6% and other administrative costs of 0.6%.

Legal settlement expense. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, there were $0.1 million of legal settlement expenses. There were no legal settlement expenses for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017.

Restructuring and impairment charges. We recognized $3.8 million of restructuring and impairment charges for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, comprised primarily of revised estimates of lease charges, as well as severance costs resulting from a reduction in force. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, there were $8.0 million of similar restructuring and impairment charges.

Other income, net. Our other income, net, was $0.9 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, as compared to $1.2 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, representing adecrease of $0.3 million. The decrease between periods was primarily due to decreased interest income on average cash balances.

Income tax benefit. We recognized an income tax benefit of $7.5 million and $0.7 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, at effective tax rates of (45.6)% and 4.6%, respectively.

Net income. Our net income was $23.8 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 compared to net income of $16.2 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, representing a $7.6 million increase as a result of the factors discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We finance our operating activities and capital expenditures primarily through cash on hand and through cash provided by operating activities. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our cash and cash equivalents were $163.1 million and $185.1 million, respectively. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had restricted cash of $25.4 million and $20.4 million, respectively, and investments of $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively. At September 30, 2018, we had no long-term debt.

We manage our excess cash pursuant to the quantitative and qualitative operational guidelines of our cash investment policy. Our cash investment policy, which is managed by our Chief Financial Officer, has the following primary objectives: (i) preserving principal, (ii) meeting our liquidity needs, (iii) minimizing market and credit risk, and (iv) providing after-tax returns. Under the policy’s guidelines, we invest our excess cash exclusively in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated financial instruments. For a discussion of the measures we use to mitigate the exposure of our cash investments to market risk, credit risk and interest rate risk, see Part I, Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”

There was a slight increase in the fair value of our investments at September 30, 2018 as compared to December 31, 2017. We believe that any fluctuations we have recently experienced are temporary in nature and that while some of our securities are classified as available-for-sale, we have the ability and intent to hold them until maturity, if necessary, to recover their full value.

Title IV and other governmental funding

Our institution derives the substantial majority of its respective revenues from students who enroll and are eligible for various federal student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Our institution is subject to significant regulatory scrutiny as a result of numerous standards that must be satisfied in order to participate in Title

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IV programs. For additional information regarding Title IV programs and the regulation thereof, see “Business—Regulation” included in Part I, Item 1 of the Form 10-K. The balance of revenues derived by our institution is from government tuition assistance programs for military personnel, including veterans, payments made in cash by individuals, reimbursement from corporate affiliates and private loans.

If we were to become ineligible to receive Title IV funding or other governmental funding, our liquidity would be significantly impacted. The timing of disbursements under Title IV programs is based on federal regulations and our ability to successfully and timely arrange financial aid for our institutions’ students. Title IV funds are generally provided in multiple disbursements before we earn a significant portion of tuition and fees and incur related expenses over the period of instruction. Students must apply for new loans and grants each academic year. These factors, together with the timing at which our institutions’ students begin their programs, affect our revenues and operating cash flow.

Stock repurchase programs

The Company's board of directors may authorize us to repurchase outstanding shares of its common stock from time to time in the open market through block trades or otherwise depending on market conditions and other considerations, pursuant to the applicable rules of the SEC. The Company's policy is to retain these repurchased shares as treasury shares and not to retire them. The amount and timing of future share repurchases, if any, will be made as market and business conditions warrant. The timing and extent of any repurchases will depend upon market conditions, the trading price of our shares and other factors, and subject to the restrictions relating to volume, price and timing under applicable law. We may commence or suspend share repurchases at any time or from time to time. For information regarding share repurchases, refer to Note 11, “Stock Repurchase Programs” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Operating activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $10.7 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $16.7 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, an overall decrease between periods in net cash used in operating activities of $6.1 million. This decrease in cash used in operating activities is primarily attributable to the $7.6 million increase in net income between periods, decrease in liabilities in current period versus prior period, changes in long-term assets, and a decrease in accounts receivable balances. These changes were partially offset by the release of an uncertain tax position accrual, lower bad debt in the current period versus prior period, and a decrease in the reassessment of lease charges. Despite the cash used in operating activities during the period, we expect to generate cash from our operating activities for the foreseeable future.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $2.5 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $19.3 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017. During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, we had purchases of investments of $1.1 million, sales of investments of $1.0 million, and no maturities of investments. This is compared to purchases of investments of $83,000, no sales of investments, and $22.7 million maturities of investments for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017. Capital expenditures for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 were $1.7 million, compared to $2.9 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017. We expect our capital expenditures to be approximately $4.5 million for the year ending December 31, 2018.

Financing activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $3.9 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $149.8 million for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017. During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018, we repurchased approximately 0.4 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.4 million, including fees. During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2017, we repurchased approximately 18.1 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $152.0 million, including fees. During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 net cash used included tax withholdings related to the net issuance of stock options. During each of the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, net cash used also included tax withholdings related to the issuance of restricted stock units vesting. During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, the cash used was partially offset by the cash provided by stock option exercises.

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Based on our current level of operations, we believe that our future cash flows from operating activities and our existing cash and cash equivalents will provide adequate funds for ongoing operations, planned capital expenditures and working capital requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, changes could occur that would consume our available capital resources before that time. Our capital requirements depend on numerous factors, including our ability to continue to generate revenue. There can be no assurance that additional funding, if necessary, will be available to us on favorable terms, if at all.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Significant Contractual Obligations

As part of our normal business operations, we are required to provide surety bonds in certain states where we do business. In May 2009, we entered into a surety bond facility with an insurance company to provide such bonds when required. As of September 30, 2018, our total available surety bond facility was $6.5 million and the surety had issued bonds totaling $4.3 million on our behalf under such facility.

The following table sets forth, as of September 30, 2018, certain significant cash and contractual obligations that will affect our future liquidity:

	Payments Due by Period
(In thousands)	Total		2018		2019		2020		2021		2022		Thereafter
Operating lease obligations	$	69,146	$	5,104	$	21,010	$	11,209	$	7,321	$	3,825	$	20,677
Other contractual obligations	41,268		6,335		11,656		9,496		3,626		2,620		7,535
Uncertain tax positions	842		—		842		—		—		—		—
Total	$	111,256	$	11,439	$	33,508	$	20,705	$	10,947	$	6,445	$	28,212

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements, refer to Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Market and Credit Risk

Pursuant to our cash investment policy, we attempt to mitigate the exposure of our cash and investments to market and credit risk by (i) diversifying concentration to ensure we are not overly concentrated in a limited number of financial institutions, (ii) monitoring and managing the risks associated with the national banking and credit markets, (iii) investing in U.S. dollar-denominated assets and instruments only, (iv) diversifying account structures so that we maintain a decentralized account portfolio with numerous stable, highly rated and liquid financial institutions and (v) ensuring that our investment procedures maintain a defined and specific scope such that we will not invest in higher-risk investment accounts, including financial swaps or derivative and corporate equities. Accordingly, pursuant to the guidelines established by our cash investment policy, we invest our excess cash exclusively in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated financial instruments.

Despite the investment risk mitigation strategies we employ, we may incur investment losses as a result of unusual and unpredictable market developments, and we may experience reduced investment earnings if the yields on investments that are deemed to be low risk remain low or decline further in this time of economic uncertainty. Unusual and unpredictable market developments may also create liquidity challenges for certain of the assets in our investment portfolio.

We have no derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments.

Interest Rate Risk

To the extent we borrow funds, we would be subject to fluctuations in interest rates. As of September 30, 2018, we had no outstanding borrowings.

Our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates. At September 30, 2018, a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on our future earnings, fair value or cash flows related to interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents or investments.

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Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of any possible controls and procedures.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and our principal financial officer, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) and Rule 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2018.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We continually assess the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting and make improvements as deemed appropriate. There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting, during the three months ended September 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

For information regarding our legal proceedings, refer to Note 15, “Commitments and Contingencies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Part I, Item 1 of this report, which note is incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 1.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

Investing in our common stock involves risk. Before making an investment in our common stock, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Form 10-K. The risks described in the Form 10-K are those which we believe are the material risks we face, and such risks could materially adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may impact us. Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those previously disclosed in the Form 10-K.

If the proposed change in organizational structure is consummated, we will be subject to various risks and uncertainties, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and operations, and our stock price.

As discussed above under “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Trends and uncertainties regarding revenue and continuing operations,” we are seeking approval of the Proposed Transaction. The consummation of the Proposed Transaction would be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to, obtaining the necessary approvals, agreement between us and Ashford University on financial and other terms, and execution of definitive agreements. If the Proposed Transaction is ultimately consummated, then many aspects of our operations would change. These changes include, but are not limited to, the following:

•Our academic and related operations and assets, as well as a percentage of our full-time employees and substantially all of our part-time employees, would transfer to Ashford University. Following this transfer, we would no longer own and operate a regulated institution of higher education, but would instead provide a host of services in support of Ashford University’s operations. While the services we would provide are services that we currently provide as part of our business, we have limited to no experience operating as a service provider to third parties.

•Initially, all of our revenue would be derived pursuant to a services arrangement with Ashford University. Accordingly, Ashford University’s ability to continue to increase its enrollment and tuition and fee revenue, and our ability to continue to perform the services necessary to enable Ashford University to do so, would be critical to the success of our services business.

•It is anticipated that a significant portion of consideration payable by Ashford University for the acquired assets, which will be material, will be in the form of a long-term obligation. All of the key terms, including amount, form, interest rate and timing are being negotiated.

If the Proposed Transaction is consummated, but we are unable to successfully transition our business to providing services to third parties, or if the contemplated services arrangement with Ashford University fails to achieve the anticipated levels of performance, then our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as our stock price, could be materially and adversely affected.

We may experience unforeseen tax consequences.

On December 22, 2017, President Donald Trump signed into law H.R.1, formerly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Legislation”). The Tax Legislation significantly revised the U.S. tax code that will affect our year ending December 31, 2018, including, but not limited to, lowering the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%; bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing of qualified property; limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation and other deductions; and limitations of net operating loss carryforwards created in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 to 80% of taxable income with an indefinite carryforward period.

The enactment of the Tax Legislation resulted in a one-time re-measurement of our U.S. federal deferred tax assets and liabilities from 35% to the lower enacted corporate tax rate of 21%. The provisional remeasurement of our deferred tax balance was primarily offset by a corresponding change in the valuation allowance. We are still analyzing the impact the Tax

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Legislation will have on the remeasurement of the deferred taxes or whether new deferred taxes exist. Where we have not yet been able to make reasonable estimates of the impact of certain elements, we have not recorded any amounts related to those elements and have continued to account for them in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of the tax laws in effect immediately prior to the enactment of the Tax Legislation. Examples of certain elements include accounting for the existence of deferred taxes, as well as the impact the Tax Legislation may have on state jurisdictions. New guidance from regulators, interpretation of the law, and refinement of our estimates from ongoing analysis of data and tax positions may change the provisional amounts.

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

None.

Item 5.  Other Information.

None.

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Item 6.  Exhibits.

Exhibit	Description
10.1	Office Lease dated August 15, 2018 with Ascend Northrop, LLC, related to the premises at 1811 E. Northrop Boulevard, Chandler, Arizona
31.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, executed by Andrew S. Clark, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Kevin Royal, Chief Financial Officer.
101	The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, filed with the SEC on November 8, 2018, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017; (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017; (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017; and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	BRIDGEPOINT EDUCATION, INC.
November 8, 2018	/s/ KEVIN ROYAL
	Kevin Royal Chief Financial Officer (Principal financial officer and duly authorized to sign on behalf of the registrant)

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