Representing the more than 15,000 students worldwide who graduated from online educator Ashworth University (AU) in the past year, AU on August 4 awarded high school, associate and masters degrees during its first-ever "real-time" graduation ceremony. More than 100 students converged on Atlanta from around the world, including one student from Baghdad and many from Georgia.

Going to school is no longer about sitting in a classroom five days a week. Every year, millions of students break out of that stereotype -- using online and correspondence education options to earn career credentials and expand their skills in increasingly competitive work environments.

Many are beyond the traditional 18 to 21 college age and must fit education around the demands of family members, jobs, travel and financial constraints.

Ashworth’s 2007 graduates used AU’s lifestyle-friendly learning options, taking advantage of the flexibility of the program to proceed at their own pace, selecting programs of study relevant to their careers and life goals.

Get An Education Without Going to School
Unlike other online universities, Ashworth University requires no campus attendance. There are no scheduled course start or end times or rigid deadlines. Students design their own schedules to fit their personal learning styles, without being hindered by classroom walls or classmate competition. The student experience is enhanced with personalized, fast-access support services.

“Ashworth University is about making dreams come true, not simply getting a job,” says Vink. “From parents returning to the workforce to military personnel continuing their education, AU creates opportunities for people to improve their lives no matter what their circumstances.”

By the Numbers          
Online education is growing steadily in participating students and total revenue:
·Total students in online programs grew 24 percent and total tuition revenue grew 30 percent, to 6.2 billion, in 2006 over 2005

·It is projected that by the end of 2008, there will be approximately 2.13 million students participating in online programs, representing 11.5 percent of all U.S. higher education students.

About Ashworth University
For 20 years, Ashworth University (www.AshworthUniversity.edu) has been innovating and evolving distance learning as it has become a viable education option for millions of students. AU provides globally accredited online and correspondence education to high school, college and career students who require flexible, individualized education and training options that recognize and respect their lifestyles.

Since its founding in 1987 as the Professional Career Development Institute (PCDI), hundreds of thousands of adult learners from all walks of life have benefited from AU’s quality, career-focused programs. Through its depth of experience in the industry, AU has grown and adapted to become an industry leader by making its services more personalized and flexible for today’s students. Ashworth University is committed to “educating minds and changing lives.”