Resource Development International (RDI), an independent provider of United Kingdom university qualifications, has become Arden University, after receiving confirmation from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills that it meets the criteria for university title which is required to operate as a university in the United Kingdom.

Arden University, which will begin developing UK degrees later this year, will be the second distance learning university to launch in the UK since The Open University was established 51 years ago. The Coventry-based distance learning company has a 25-year heritage of working successfully with UK university partners. Arden University will build on this experience to offer degree programs designed to meet growing UK and international need for affordable, flexible learning.

“Receiving this approval is an important development for RDI and a strong validation of the rigor and quality behind their offerings,” said Kevin Gilligan, Chairman and CEO of Capella Education Company. “As Arden University, they will help fill a critical international need for affordable, flexible and career relevant degrees. While it will take time to establish and build Arden University, this is an exciting extension of Capella Education Company’s vision to provide individuals with the most direct path to their professional ambitions through career relevant learning.”

This announcement follows the granting of Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP) in April 2014 by the Privy Council - a formal body of advisors to Her Majesty the Queen - following rigorous scrutiny by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for Higher Education.

As well as offering its own programs through Arden University, RDI will also continue to offer distance learning programs from its UK university partners. Students who are currently studying with RDI will not be affected by the changes.

“I congratulate Resource Development International on achieving University Title status to become Arden University,” said Jo Johnson, Minister for Universities and Science. “This is a positive step in our effort to enhance the diversity of our world-class higher education sector, and I wish them well in their future delivery of specialist distance learning to students.”

“For over a quarter of a century, we’ve worked incredibly hard to develop a credible Higher Education Institution (HEI) that complements the UK campus university sector,” said Dr. Philip Hallam, Chief Executive of RDI. “To receive confirmation that the Government recognizes this work, and is confident that our academic standards, financial status, and governance structure meet the stringent criteria required for university title, is a fantastic achievement.”

About Capella Education Company

Founded in 1991, Capella Education Company (http://www.capellaeducation.com) is a leader in online education, primarily through our wholly owned subsidiary Capella University (http://www.capella.edu), a regionally accredited* online university with more than 37,000 learners as of June 30, 2015. In addition, Capella Education Company offers online education through Arden University, formerly called Resource Development International Ltd. (RDI) (http://www.rdi.co.uk), an independent provider of United Kingdom (UK) university distance learning qualifications. Capella Education Company also owns Sophia (http://www.sophia.org), an innovative learning platform leveraging technology to support self-paced learning.

*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Capella Education CompanyInvestor Contact:Heide Erickson, 612-977-5172Heide.Erickson@capella.eduorMedia Contact:Mike Buttry, 612-977-5499Mike.Buttry@capella.edu

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