2U, Inc. and its University Partners Reach Company Milestone of Supporting More than 10,000 Students

LANDOVER, Md., June 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU), a leading provider of cloud-based software-as-a-service solutions for leading nonprofit colleges and universities to deliver high-quality education to qualified students anywhere, announced today that more than 10,000 students have enrolled in its partners' programs since the first program launched in 2009. This milestone was reached with leading institutions of higher education including American University; the George Washington University; Georgetown University; Simmons College; University of California, Berkeley; the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; University of Southern California and Washington University in St. Louis.

These 10,000 students hail from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia as well as from more than 60 countries. They are true Trojans, Tar Heels, Sharks and Bears, who, upon graduation, join the vast alumni networks of these preeminent universities.

Through 2U's cloud-based software-as-a-service platform designed to support learning and success, students in 2U-enabled programs are attending live small seminar-style classes and study groups and consuming high quality self-paced content. Students are also participating in on-the-ground learning experiences, attending campus graduation ceremonies and receiving degrees identical to those of their on-campus peers.

These students, including more than 2,500 graduates, are using their educations to impact society, often contributing in areas of great need. They are social workers dedicated to serving the military, math and science elementary school teachers, public health professionals, entrepreneurs, advanced practice nurses and professionals in many other areas of business and service.

"2U's model of delivering our degrees online without compromising our rigor and quality has helped to further our mission at the USC School of Social Work beyond Southern California," says Marilyn Flynn, dean of the USC School of Social Work. "Our relationship with 2U has been critical to extending the presence and impact of highly prepared social workers across the U.S. and the world."

"Since UNC enrolled our first students in 1795, we have been committed to providing access to learning," says Doug Shackelford, dean of the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and Meade H. Willis Distinguished Professor of Taxation. "When we explored how to extend that commitment beyond our campus, we found a great partner in 2U. Together we are making it possible for students around the world to benefit from the same transformative education that our on-campus students experience."

"A superior education requires a superior commitment and, since 2008, 2U has dedicated itself to serving its university partners and its students," says Chip Paucek, co-founder and CEO of 2U. "I'm so proud of the faculty and staff of our university partners and the 2U staff for reaching this milestone and showing the world that the online programs we enable can successfully help universities reach and teach more students."

A 2U Impact Report, which represents 2U-enabled online graduate degree programs as of December 31, 2013, shows average class sizes of 10.4 students, a post-graduation salary increase of 25 percent (compared with pre-enrollment salary), more than 97,000 instructor-led live class sessions, nearly 3,000,000 hours of field training completed by students and a Net Promoter® Score of 68.5.

About 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU)

Founded in 2008 by a team of education and technology veterans, 2U enables leading colleges and universities to deliver their high-quality education to qualified students anywhere. Our cloud-based software-as-a-service platform provides schools with the comprehensive operating infrastructure they need to attract, enroll, educate, support and graduate their students. Our mission is to enable the education our clients provide to reach its highest potential so students can reach theirs. To learn more, go to 2U.com. Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/company/2u), Twitter (http://twitter.com/2Uinc) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/2u).

Media Contact:
Shirley Chow, 2U, Inc.
[email protected]
858-336-0358

SOURCE 2U, Inc.