Kaplan College Becomes Kaplan University, Institution Approved to Offer Graduate Level Programs

New Programs Include Master of Arts in Teaching & Learning, Master of Education and Bachelor of Science in Nursing

September 27, 2004 – Kaplan College today announced that it has officially changed its name to Kaplan University, having received formal approval from its accrediting body, The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Kaplan University will offer its first graduate-level degrees, a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning (M.A.) and a Master of Education (M.Ed.), and has also been approved to offer a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). Kaplan University's new offerings can be found at www.kaplan.edu.

"This is an exciting day for our institution," said Andrew Rosen, President of Kaplan University and President and C.O.O. of Kaplan, Inc. "Kaplan has become a leading provider of higher education for working adults and non-traditional students. Now we look forward to delivering master's-level programs that will help teachers develop their professional skills and advance their careers."

Kaplan University, based in Davenport, Iowa, has support centers in Chicago, Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida. The institution was among the first participants in the U.S. Department of Education's Distance Education Demonstration Program. Today, students have access to a wide variety of online programs, with traditional classroom-based studies available at the Davenport campus. Enrollment has grown rapidly, with approximately 200 students in 2000 to over 18,000 online and campus-based students today. Kaplan University is affiliated with Concord Law School, the first institution to offer a Juris Doctor (JD) degree online.

The M.A. in Teaching and Learning offers professional development opportunities for practicing K-12 teachers who seek additional skills and lifelong learning to enhance their performance in the classroom. The deadline to enroll for the first term is November 5, 2004, and classes begin November 15, 2004.

The M.Ed. will offer elementary and secondary teaching concentrations that will help career-changers seek initial licensure and entry into the teaching profession. Kaplan University will begin enrollment in the M.Ed. program in 2005.

"The Graduate School of Education promises to provide a flexible online opportunity for the country's qualified adults who seek a more satisfying career as a teacher, but cannot attend a traditional school for teacher training," said Harold O. Levy, Executive Vice President, Kaplan, Inc. Last March, Levy, the former New York City Schools Chancellor, joined Kaplan to assist in the creation of a new graduate school of education on the heels of his success leading the effort to establish the New York City Teaching Fellows program. Levy was also a member of the New York State Board of Regents.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) will serve registered nurses who have earned associate's degrees and diplomas and wish to grow professionally; to improve their job opportunities and salaries; and to prepare for graduate work at the master's level. The curriculum builds upon course work taught in associate and diploma programs, providing a more in-depth study of nursing research, public and community health, and nursing leadership.

Kaplan University's curriculum reflects standards as defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Iowa Board of Nursing. The B.S.N. program will be delivered online with a mandatory clinical component and has interim approval from the Iowa Board of Nursing. This program is currently seeking National Accreditation and will be reviewed by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The deadline to enroll for the first term is November 5, 2004, and classes begin November 15, 2004.

Kaplan University has eight schools: the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Criminal Justice, the Graduate School of Education, the School of Nursing and Healthcare, the School of Paralegal Studies, the School of Technology and Design, and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. The newly structured School of Technology and Design is currently offering four new emphasis areas in its Bachelor of Science and Information Technology program, including: Business and Communications Entrepreneur, Branding and Visual Communication, Web Optimization and Integration, and Multimedia and Animation.

About Kaplan Higher Education and Kaplan, Inc.
Kaplan Inc.'s higher education division, including Kaplan University and Concord Law School, is comprised of 68 campus-based locations in 16 states. Kaplan Higher Education offers master, bachelor and associate degrees, as well as certificates designed to provide students with the skills necessary to qualify them for employment in the fields of business, criminal justice, education, fashion and design, healthcare, information technology, legal and paralegal studies. Kaplan, Inc., which has been helping people achieve their goals for 66 years, provides educational and career services to students, schools, professionals, and businesses worldwide. Kaplan is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For more information about Kaplan, Inc., please visit www.kaplan.com.

Press Contact:

Charles Lynn
561-981-7190
clynn@kaplan.edu

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