10-Q

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, 2019

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 No. 0-21039

Strategic Education, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in this charter)

Maryland		52-1975978
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2303 Dulles Station Boulevard
Herndon,	VA	20171
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (703) 561-1600

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	STRA	Nasdaq Global Select Market

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).    Yes   ☒     No   ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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  ☒

As of October 18, 2019, there were outstanding 21,964,505 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Registrant.

1

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

INDEX

FORM 10-Q

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Item 1.	Financial Statements
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019	3
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019	4
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019	4
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019	5
		Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019	7
		Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	8
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	32
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	41
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	41
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	43
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	43
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	43
	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	43
	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	43
	Item 5.	Other Information	43
	Item 6.	Exhibits	43
SIGNATURES			44

2

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

	December 31, 2018		September 30, 2019
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	311,732	$	397,094
Marketable securities	37,121		33,455
Tuition receivable, net	55,694		50,964
Income taxes receivable	—		6,970
Other current assets	15,814		17,130
Total current assets	420,361		505,613
Property and equipment, net	122,677		116,489
Right-of-use lease assets	—		93,208
Marketable securities, non-current	37,678		26,532
Intangible assets, net	328,344		286,844
Goodwill	732,540		732,075
Other assets	19,429		20,435
Total assets	$	1,661,029	$	1,781,196
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	85,979	$	86,092
Income taxes payable	419		—
Contract liabilities	38,733		45,571
Lease liabilities	—		26,167
Total current liabilities	125,131		157,830
Deferred income tax liabilities	59,358		57,016
Lease liabilities, non-current	—		83,067
Other long-term liabilities	51,316		38,624
Total liabilities	235,805		336,537
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01; 32,000,000 shares authorized; 21,743,498 and 21,964,505 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively	217		220
Additional paid-in capital	1,306,653		1,306,353
Accumulated other comprehensive income	32		447
Retained earnings	118,322		137,639
Total stockholders’ equity	1,425,224		1,444,659
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,661,029	$	1,781,196

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

3

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

	For the three months ended September 30,					For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018			2019		2018			2019
Revenues	$	160,945		$	241,747	$	392,082		$	733,365
Costs and expenses:
Instructional and support costs	103,079			132,527		240,830			397,281
General and administration	61,976			72,303		125,494			204,816
Amortization of intangible assets	10,278			15,417		10,278			46,251
Merger and integration costs	29,620			1,500		37,791			11,698
Impairment of intangible assets	13,119			—		19,304			—
Total costs and expenses	218,072			221,747		433,697			660,046
Income (loss) from operations	(57,127		)	20,000		(41,615		)	73,319
Other income	1,110			3,243		1,846			10,695
Income (loss) before income taxes	(56,017		)	23,243		(39,769		)	84,014
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(3,236		)	6,551		(1,643		)	31,413
Net income (loss)	$	(52,781	)	$	16,692	$	(38,126	)	$	52,601
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	(2.97	)	$	0.77	$	(2.90	)	$	2.42
Diluted	$	(2.97	)	$	0.75	$	(2.90	)	$	2.38
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	17,799			21,806		13,141			21,694
Diluted	17,799			22,129		13,141			22,096

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

	For the three months ended September 30,						For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018			2019			2018			2019
Net income (loss)	$	(52,781	)	$	16,692		$	(38,126	)	$	52,601
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax	(22		)	(2		)	(22		)	415
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(52,803	)	$	16,690		$	(38,148	)	$	53,016

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

4

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except share data)

	For the three months ended September 30, 2018
	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total
	Shares	Par Value
Balance at June 30, 2018	11,306,527	$	113	$	53,015		$	170,712		$	—		$	223,840
Issuance of stock in connection with the acquisition of Capella Education Company	10,263,775	103		1,236,858			—			—			1,236,961
Filing fee related to new stock issuance	—	—		(147		)	—			—			(147		)
Stock-based compensation	—	—		5,098			—			—			5,098
Exercise of stock options, net	131,779	1		6,830			—			—			6,831
Issuance of restricted stock, net	5,518	—		(426		)	—			—			(426		)
Common stock dividends ($0.50 per share)	—	—		—			(11,024		)	—			(11,024		)
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of tax	—	—		—			—			(22		)	(22		)
Net loss	—	—		—			(52,781		)	—			(52,781		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	21,707,599	$	217	$	1,301,228		$	106,907		$	(22	)	$	1,408,330

	For the three months ended September 30, 2019
	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total
	Shares	Par Value
Balance at June 30, 2019	21,948,563	$	219	$	1,305,148		$	132,060		$	449		$	1,437,876
Stock-based compensation	—	—		3,021			—			—			3,021
Exercise of stock options, net	12,795	1		(1,565		)	—			—			(1,564		)
Issuance of restricted stock, net	3,147	—		(251		)	—			—			(251		)
Common stock dividends ($0.50 per share)	—	—		—			(11,113		)	—			(11,113		)
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of tax	—	—		—			—			(2		)	(2		)
Net income	—	—		—			16,692			—			16,692
Balance at September 30, 2019	21,964,505	$	220	$	1,306,353		$	137,639		$	447		$	1,444,659

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

5

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except share data)

	For the nine months ended September 30, 2018
	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total
	Shares	Par Value
Balance at December 31, 2017	11,167,425	$	112	$	47,079		$	162,006		$	—		$	209,197
Impact of adoption of new accounting standard	—	—		—			(171		)	—			(171		)
Issuance of stock in connection with the acquisition of Capella Education Company	10,263,775	103		1,236,858			—			—			1,236,961
Filing fee related to new stock issuance	—	—		(147		)	—			—			(147		)
Stock-based compensation	—	—		11,035			—			—			11,035
Exercise of stock options, net	131,779	1		6,830			—			—			6,831
Issuance of restricted stock, net	144,620	1		(427		)	—			—			(426		)
Common stock dividends ($1.00 per share)	—	—		—			(16,802		)	—			(16,802		)
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of tax	—	—		—			—			(22		)	(22		)
Net loss	—	—		—			(38,126		)	—			(38,126		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	21,707,599	$	217	$	1,301,228		$	106,907		$	(22	)	$	1,408,330

	For the nine months ended September 30, 2019
	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total
	Shares	Par Value
Balance at December 31, 2018	21,743,498	$	217	$	1,306,653		$	118,322		$	32	$	1,425,224
Stock-based compensation	—	—		8,947			83			—		9,030
Exercise of stock options, net	103,364	2		(1,774		)	—			—		(1,772		)
Issuance of restricted stock, net	117,643	1		(7,473		)	—			—		(7,472		)
Common stock dividends ($1.50 per share)	—	—		—			(33,367		)	—		(33,367		)
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of tax	—	—		—			—			415		415
Net income	—	—		—			52,601			—		52,601
Balance at September 30, 2019	21,964,505	$	220	$	1,306,353		$	137,639		$	447	$	1,444,659

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

6

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018			2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(38,126	)	$	52,601
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Amortization of deferred financing costs	209			250
Amortization of investment discount/premium	132			286
Depreciation and amortization	29,107			78,862
Deferred income taxes	(4,443		)	971
Stock-based compensation	11,781			9,075
Impairment of intangible assets	19,304			—
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Tuition receivable, net	8,227			2,258
Other current assets	2,223			(921		)
Other assets	(581		)	(727		)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(8,949		)	(2,022		)
Income taxes payable and income taxes receivable	(7,868		)	(7,125		)
Contract liabilities	(21,946		)	10,311
Other long-term liabilities	(3,717		)	(2,412		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(14,647		)	141,407
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net cash acquired in acquisition	168,387			—
Purchases of property and equipment	(16,028		)	(27,769		)
Purchases of marketable securities	(11,346		)	(17,769		)
Maturities of marketable securities	5,842			32,860
Other investments	(167		)	(878		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	146,688			(13,556		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Common dividends paid	(16,802		)	(33,297		)
Net payments for stock awards	6,372			(9,195		)
Payment of deferred financing costs	(1,162		)	—
Net cash used in financing activities	(11,592		)	(42,492		)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	120,449			85,359
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash — beginning of period	156,448			312,237
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash — end of period	$	276,897		$	397,596
Noncash transactions:
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	$	2,975		$	1,821

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

7

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

1. Nature of Operations

Strategic Education, Inc. (“Strategic Education” or the “Company”), a Maryland corporation formerly known as Strayer Education, Inc., is a national leader in education innovation, dedicated to enabling economic mobility for working adults through education. As further discussed in Note 2 and Note 3, the Company completed its merger with Capella Education Company (“CEC”) on August 1, 2018. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes include the results of the Company’s three reportable segments: Strayer University, Capella University and Non-Degree Programs. The Company’s reportable segments are discussed further in Note 15.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Financial Statement Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

On August 1, 2018, the Company completed its merger with CEC, whereby the Company was deemed the acquirer in the business combination for accounting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Therefore, Strayer Education, Inc. is considered Strategic Education’s predecessor, and its historical financial statements prior to the merger date are reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as the historical financial statements of the Company. Accordingly, the financial results of the Company as of and for any periods ended prior to August 1, 2018 do not include the financial results of CEC and therefore are not directly comparable.

All information as of September 30, 2018 and 2019, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contains all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the Company. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation. Effective during the first quarter of 2019, the Company made changes in its presentation of operating expenses and reclassified prior periods to conform to the current presentation. The Company determined that these changes aligned with its organizational structure and will improve comparability with several of its peer companies. There were no changes to total operating expenses or operating income as a result of these reclassifications. Below is a description of the nature of the costs included in the Company’s operating expense categories.

Instructional and support costs ("I&SC") generally contain items of expense directly attributable to activities of Strayer University and Capella University (the "Universities") that support students and learners. This expense category includes salaries and benefits of faculty and academic administrators, as well as admissions and administrative personnel who support and serve student interests. Instructional and support costs also include course development costs and costs associated with delivering course content, including educational supplies, facilities, and all other physical plant and occupancy costs, with the exception of costs attributable to the corporate offices. Bad debt expense incurred on delinquent student account balances is also included in instructional and support costs.

General and administration ("G&A") expenses include salaries and benefits of management and employees engaged in finance, human resources, legal, regulatory compliance, marketing and other corporate functions. Also included are the costs of advertising and production of marketing materials. General and administration expense also includes the facilities occupancy and other related costs attributable to such functions.

8

The following table presents the Company's operating expenses as previously reported and as reclassified on its unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended (in thousands):

	New Classification
	March 31, 2018				June 30, 2018				September 30, 2018				December 31, 2018
Prior Classification	I&SC		G&A		I&SC		G&A		I&SC		G&A		I&SC		G&A
Instruction and educational support	$	63,776	$	—	$	64,690	$	—	$	93,290	$	—	$	118,320	$	—
Admissions advisory	4,676		—		4,609		—		9,789		—		12,392		—
Marketing	—		20,124		—		21,113		—		46,165		—		49,577
General and administration	—		11,218		—		11,063		—		15,811		—		18,964
Total reclassified costs and expenses(1)	$	68,452	$	31,342	$	69,299	$	32,176	$	103,079	$	61,976	$	130,712	$	68,541

_________________________________________

⁽¹⁾  This amount excludes the amortization of intangible assets, merger and integration costs, and impairment of intangible assets expense line items on the condensed consolidated statements of income as those expense line items were not impacted by the operating expense reclassification.

Restricted Cash

A significant portion of the Company’s revenues are funded by various federal and state government programs. The Company generally does not receive funds from these programs prior to the start of the corresponding academic term. The Company may be required to return certain funds for students who withdraw from the Universities during the academic term. The Company had approximately $5,000 and $2,000 of these unpaid obligations as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively, which are recorded as restricted cash and included in other current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

As part of commencing operations in Pennsylvania in 2003, the Company is required to maintain a “minimum protective endowment” of at least $0.5 million in an interest-bearing account as long as the Company operates its campuses in the state. The Company holds these funds in an interest-bearing account which is included in other assets.

The following table illustrates the reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as of September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	As of September 30,
	2018		2019
Cash and cash equivalents	$	276,382	$	397,094
Restricted cash included in other current assets	15		2
Restricted cash included in other assets	500		500
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$	276,897	$	397,596

Tuition Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company records tuition receivable and contract liabilities for its students upon the start of the academic term or program. Tuition receivables are not collateralized; however, credit risk is minimized as a result of the diverse nature of the Universities' student bases and through the participation of the majority of the students in federally funded financial aid programs. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established primarily based upon historical collection rates by age of receivable, net of estimated recoveries. These collection rates incorporate historical performance based on a student’s current enrollment status and likelihood of future enrollment. The Company periodically assesses its methodologies for estimating bad debts in consideration of actual experience.

The Company’s tuition receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2018			September 30, 2019
Tuition receivable	$	84,151		$	82,494
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(28,457		)	(31,530		)
Tuition receivable, net	$	55,694		$	50,964

9

Approximately $1.1 million of tuition receivable are included in other assets as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 because these amounts are expected to be collected after 12 months.

The following table illustrates changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,						For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018			2019			2018			2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of period	$	15,048		$	30,733		$	12,687		$	28,457
Additions charged to expense	9,864			12,111			22,851			35,893
Adjustment to value of acquired receivables	6,601			—			6,601			2,207
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(6,118		)	(11,314		)	(16,744		)	(35,027		)
Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of period	$	25,395		$	31,530		$	25,395		$	31,530

Leases

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 is intended to improve financial reporting of leasing transactions by requiring organizations that lease assets to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with a term longer than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. During 2018 and 2019, the FASB issued additional ASUs amending certain aspects of ASU 2016-02. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new accounting standard and all of the related amendments ("ASC 842") using the modified retrospective method. The Company applied ASU 2016-02 to all leases that had commenced as of January 1, 2019. In addition, as permitted by ASU 2016-02, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under ASU 2016-02, which allowed the Company to not reassess prior conclusions regarding lease identification, lease classification, and initial direct costs under the new standard. As a result of adopting the new standard, the Company recognized a lease liability of $123 million and a right-of-use ("ROU") lease asset of $107 million on January 1, 2019. The standard did not materially impact the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income and cash flows.

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases with an initial term longer than 12 months are included in right-of-use lease assets, lease liabilities, and lease liabilities, non-current on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company combines lease and non-lease components for all leases.

ROU lease assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU lease assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the implicit interest rate for most of the Company's leases cannot be readily determined, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term for operating leases.

Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. The Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company subleases certain building space to third parties and sublease income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. See Note 7 for additional information.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the amount assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which include trade names, are recorded at fair value on their acquisition date. An indefinite life was assigned to the trade names because they have the continued ability to generate cash flows indefinitely.

Goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed at least annually for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the respective reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset below its carrying amount.

10

Finite-lived intangible assets that are acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value on their acquisition dates and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of student relationships.

The Company reviews its finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are not recoverable, a potential impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Authorized Stock

The Company has authorized 32,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01, of which 21,743,498 and 21,964,505 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively. The Company also has authorized 8,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which is issued or outstanding. Before any preferred stock may be issued in the future, the Board of Directors would need to establish the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and the terms or conditions of the redemption of the preferred stock.

In July 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular, quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock. The dividend was paid on September 16, 2019.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur assuming conversion or exercise of all dilutive unexercised stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units. The dilutive effect of stock awards was determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, all of the following are assumed to be used to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock: (1) the proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, and (2) the amount of compensation cost associated with the stock awards for future service not yet recognized by the Company. Stock options are not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share when the stock option exercise price of an individual grant exceeds the average market price for the period.

Set forth below is a reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,		For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018	2019	2018	2019
Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings (loss) per share	17,799	21,806	13,141	21,694
Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options	—	44	—	65
Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units	—	279	—	337
Shares used to compute diluted earnings (loss) per share	17,799	22,129	13,141	22,096

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company had approximately 3,000 and 21,000 shares of restricted stock, respectively, excluded from the diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation because the effect would have been antidilutive. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company had 681,000 and 583,000 issued and outstanding awards that were excluded from the calculation.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and all changes in the Company’s equity during a period from non-owner sources, which for the Company consists of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities, net of tax. As of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income was $32,000, net of tax of $10,000 and $447,000, net of tax of $157,000, respectively. There were no reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

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Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the period reported. The most significant management estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts, useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets, fair value of future contractual operating lease obligations, incremental borrowing rates, potential sublease income and vacancy periods, accrued expenses, forfeiture rates and the likelihood of achieving performance criteria for stock-based awards, value of free courses earned by students that will be redeemed in the future, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, and the provision for income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”), which simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services. ASU 2018-07 aligns guidance on share-based payments to nonemployees with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees, including determination of the measurement date and accounting for performance conditions and for share-based payments after vesting. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2019 with no material impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The new guidance revises the accounting requirements related to the measurement of credit losses and will require organizations to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts about collectibility. Assets must be presented in the financial statements at the net amount expected to be collected. During 2019, the FASB issued additional ASUs amending certain aspects of ASU 2016-13. The guidance will be effective for the Company's annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact this standard will have on its financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.

Other ASUs issued by the FASB but not yet effective are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3. Merger with Capella Education Company

On August 1, 2018, the Company completed its merger with CEC and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, pursuant to a merger agreement dated October 29, 2017. The merger enabled the Company to become a national leader in education innovation that improves affordability and enhances career outcomes by offering complementary programs and sharing academic and technological best practices, through a best-in-class corporate platform supporting two independent universities.

Pursuant to the merger agreement, the Company issued 0.875 shares of the Company’s common stock for each issued and outstanding share of CEC common stock. Outstanding equity awards held by existing CEC employees and certain non-employee directors of CEC were assumed by the Company and converted into comparable Company awards at the exchange ratio. Outstanding equity awards held by CEC non-employee directors who did not serve as directors of the Company after completion of the merger were converted to Company awards and settled. Outstanding equity awards held by former CEC employees were settled upon completion of the merger in exchange for cash payments as specified in the merger agreement.

The following table summarizes the components of the aggregate consideration transferred for the acquisition of CEC (in thousands):

Fair value of Company common stock issued in exchange for CEC outstanding shares(1)	$	1,209,483
Fair value of Company equity-based awards issued in exchange for CEC equity-based awards	27,478
Total fair value of consideration transferred	$	1,236,961

_________________________________________

⁽¹⁾  The Company issued 10,263,775 common shares at a market price of $117.84 in exchange for each issued and outstanding share of CEC common stock.

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The Company applied the acquisition method of accounting to CEC’s business, whereby the excess of the acquisition date fair value of consideration transferred over the fair value of identifiable net assets was allocated to goodwill. Goodwill reflects workforce and synergies expected from cost savings, operations, and revenue enhancements of the combined company that are expected to result from the acquisition. The goodwill recorded as part of the merger was allocated to the Strayer University and Capella University reportable segments in the amount of $330.6 million and $394.7 million, respectively, and is not deductible for tax purposes.

The Company incurred $20.1 million of acquisition-related costs which are included in Merger and integration costs in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. Issuance costs of $0.1 million were recognized in additional paid-in capital in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

During the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company finalized the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Measurement period adjustments were reflected in the periods in which the adjustments occurred. During the three months ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded measurement period adjustments that reduced cash and cash equivalents, other assets, and deferred income taxes by $0.5 million, $1.4 million, and $0.1 million, respectively. These adjustments resulted in a $1.8 million increase to goodwill recognized in connection with the CEC merger during the three months ended December 31, 2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded measurement period adjustments that reduced deferred income taxes and current assets by $3.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively, and increased current liabilities and long-term liabilities by $1.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively. These adjustments resulted in a $0.5 million decrease to goodwill recognized in connection with the CEC merger during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. All measurement period adjustments are reflected in the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the table below.

The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as a reconciliation to consideration transferred, is presented in the table below (in thousands):

Cash and cash equivalents	$	167,859
Marketable securities	31,419
Tuition receivable	36,716
Income taxes receivable	163
Other current assets	9,041
Marketable securities, non-current	34,700
Property and equipment, net	53,182
Other assets	14,556
Intangible assets	349,800
Goodwill	725,275
Total assets acquired	1,422,711
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(48,103		)
Contract liabilities	(39,000		)
Deferred income taxes	(96,320		)
Other long-term liabilities	(2,327		)
Total liabilities assumed	(185,750		)
Total consideration	$	1,236,961

The table below presents a summary of intangible assets acquired (in thousands) and the weighted average useful lives of these assets:

	Fair Value		Weighted Average Useful Life in Years
Trade names	$	183,800	Indefinite
Student relationships	166,000		3
	$	349,800

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The Company determined the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on assumptions that reasonable market participants would use while employing the concept of highest and best use of the assets and liabilities. The Company utilized the following assumptions, some of which include significant unobservable inputs which would qualify the valuations as Level 3 measurements, and valuation methodologies to determine fair value:

• Intangible assets - To determine the fair value of the trade name, the Company used the relief from royalty approach. The excess earnings method was used to estimate the fair value of student relationships.

• Property and equipment - Included in property and equipment is course content of $14.0 million, valued using the relief from royalty approach, and internally developed software of $5.0 million, valued using the cost approach. Each will be amortized over three years. All other property and equipment was valued at estimated cost.

• Contract liabilities - The Company estimated the fair value of contract liabilities using the cost build-up method, which represents the cost to deliver the services plus a normal profit margin.

• Other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities - The carrying value of all other assets and liabilities approximated fair value at the time of acquisition.

The operations of CEC were included in the consolidated financial statements as of the acquisition date. The revenue and net loss for CEC reported within the consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $46.1 million and $43.1 million, respectively.

Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma information has been presented as if the CEC acquisition occurred on January 1, 2017. The information is based on the historical results of operations of the acquired business, adjusted for:

• The allocation of purchase price and related adjustments, including the adjustments to amortization expense related to the fair value of intangible assets acquired;

• The exclusion of acquisition-related costs incurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018;

• Associated tax-related impacts of adjustments; and

• Changes to align accounting policies.

The pro forma results do not necessarily represent what would have occurred if the acquisition had actually taken place on January 1, 2017, nor do they represent the results that may occur in the future. The pro forma adjustments are based on available information and upon assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable to reflect the impact of this acquisition on the Company’s historical financial information on a supplemental pro forma basis. The following table presents the Company's pro forma combined revenues and net income (in thousands). Pro forma results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are not presented below because the results of CEC are included in the Company's September 30, 2019 unaudited condensed consolidated statement of income.

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Revenue	$	224,641		$	679,309
Net income (loss)	(14,146		)	10,606

4. Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenues primarily consist of tuition revenue arising from educational services provided in the form of classroom instruction and online courses. Tuition revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the period of instruction, which varies depending on the course format and chosen program of study. Strayer University’s educational programs and Capella University’s GuidedPath classes typically are offered on a quarterly basis and such periods coincide with the Company’s quarterly financial reporting periods, while Capella University’s FlexPath courses are delivered over a twelve-week subscription period.

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The following table presents the Company’s revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by material revenue category for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2019		2018		2019
Strayer University Segment
Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships	$	107,773	$	123,259	$	328,476	$	371,176
Other(1)	6,698		4,578		15,168		13,630
Total Strayer University Segment	114,471		127,837		343,644		384,806
Capella University Segment
Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships	40,749		105,623		40,749		322,157
Other(1)	3,043		4,926		3,043		15,261
Total Capella University Segment	43,792		110,549		43,792		337,418
Non-Degree Programs Segment(2)	2,682		3,361		4,646		11,141
Consolidated revenue	$	160,945	$	241,747	$	392,082	$	733,365

_________________________________________

⁽¹⁾  Other revenue is primarily comprised of academic fees, sales of course materials, and other revenue streams.

⁽²⁾  Non-Degree Programs revenue is primarily comprised of tuition revenue and placement fee revenue.

Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods and services. The Company applies the five-step revenue model under ASC 606 to determine when revenue is earned and recognized.

Arrangements with students may have multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company allocates net tuition revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company generally determines standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers and observable market prices. The standalone selling price of material rights to receive free classes in the future is estimated based on class tuition prices and likelihood of redemption based on historical student attendance and completion behavior.

At the start of each academic term or program, a contract liability is recorded for academic services to be provided and a tuition receivable is recorded for the portion of the tuition not paid in advance. Any cash received prior to the start of an academic term or program is recorded as a contract liability. Some students may be eligible for scholarship awards, the estimated value of which will be realized in the future and is deducted from revenue when earned, based on historical student attendance and completion behavior. Contract liabilities are recorded as a current or long-term liability in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets based on when the benefit is expected to be realized.

Course materials available through Capella University enable students to access electronically all required materials for courses in which they enroll during the quarter. Revenue derived from course materials is recognized ratably over the duration of the course as the Company provides the student with continuous access to these materials during the term. For sales of certain other course materials, the Company is considered the agent in the transaction, and as such, the Company recognizes revenue net of amounts owed to the vendor at the time of sale. Revenues also include certain academic fees recognized within the quarter of instruction, and certificate revenue and licensing revenue, which are recognized as the services are provided.

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Contract Liabilities – Graduation Fund

In 2013, Strayer University introduced the Graduation Fund, which allows new undergraduate students to earn tuition credits that are redeemable in the final year of a student’s course of study if he or she successfully remains in the program. New students registering in credit-bearing courses in any undergraduate program receive one free course for every three courses that are successfully completed. Students must meet all of Strayer University’s admission requirements and must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program. The Company’s employees and their dependents are not eligible for the program. Students who have more than one consecutive term of non-attendance lose any Graduation Fund credits earned to date, but may earn and accumulate new credits if the student is reinstated or readmitted by Strayer University in the future.

Revenue from students participating in the Graduation Fund is recorded in accordance with ASC 606. The Company defers the value of the related performance obligation associated with the credits estimated to be redeemed in the future based on the underlying revenue transactions that result in progress by the student toward earning the benefit. The Company’s estimate of the benefits that will be redeemed in the future is based on its historical experience of student persistence toward completion of a course of study within this program and similar programs. Each quarter, the Company assesses its methodologies and assumptions underlying these estimates, and to date, any adjustments to the estimates have not been material. The amount estimated to be redeemed in the next 12 months is $20.5 million and is included as a current contract liability in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The remainder is expected to be redeemed within two to four years.

The table below presents activity in the contract liability related to the Graduation Fund (in thousands):

	For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018			2019
Balance at beginning of period	$	37,400		$	43,329
Revenue deferred	18,791			21,358
Benefit redeemed	(15,792		)	(17,947		)
Balance at end of period	$	40,399		$	46,740

Unbilled receivables – Student tuition

Academic materials may be shipped to certain students in advance of the term of enrollment. Under ASC 606, the materials represent a performance obligation to which the Company allocates revenue based on the fair value of the materials relative to the total fair value of all performance obligations in the arrangement with the student. When control of the materials passes to the student in advance of the term of enrollment, an unbilled receivable and related revenue is recorded. The balance of unbilled receivables related to such materials was $2.1 million as of September 30, 2019, and is included in tuition receivable.

5. Restructuring and Related Charges

In October 2013, the Company implemented a restructuring to better align the Company’s resources with student enrollments at the time. This restructuring included the closing of 20 physical locations and reductions in the number of campus-based and corporate employees. At the time of this restructuring, a liability for lease obligations, some of which continue through 2022, was recorded and measured at fair value using a discounted cash flow approach encompassing significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The estimation of future cash flows included non-cancelable contractual lease costs over the remaining terms of the leases discounted at the Company’s marginal borrowing rate of 4.5%, partially offset by estimated future sublease rental income discounted at credit-adjusted rates.

In addition, the Company has incurred personnel-related restructuring charges due to cost reduction efforts and management changes. These changes are primarily intended to integrate CEC successfully and establish an efficient ongoing cost structure for the Company.

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The following details the changes in the Company’s restructuring liability during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	Lease and Related Costs, Net			Severance and Other Employee  Separation Costs			Total
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	8,781		$	—		$	8,781
Restructuring and other charges(1)	—			13,088			13,088
Payments	(2,069		)	(439		)	(2,508		)
Adjustments(2)	107			—			107
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	6,819		$	12,649		$	19,468
Balance at December 31, 2018(3)	$	6,540		$	14,347		$	20,887
Restructuring and other charges(1)	—			2,334			2,334
Payments	—			(7,841		)	(7,841		)
Adjustments(2)	(6,540		)	—			(6,540		)
Balance at September 30, 2019(3)	$	—		$	8,840		$	8,840

_____________________________________

⁽¹⁾  Restructuring and other charges were $0.2 million and $2.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $13.1 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. Restructuring and other charges are included in Merger and integration costs on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

⁽²⁾  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, adjustments include accretion of interest on lease costs, partially offset by changes in the timing and expected income from subleases. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, adjustments represent the impact of adopting ASC 842 on January 1, 2019. In accordance with ASC 842, the lease related restructuring liability balance as of December 31, 2018 was netted against the initial ROU lease asset recognized upon adoption. Asset retirement obligations related to these restructured properties are also included in the adjustments amount.

⁽³⁾  The current portion of restructuring liabilities was $9.8 million and $6.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively, which are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. The long-term portion is included in other long-term liabilities.

6. Marketable Securities

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities	$	40,148	$	207	$	(6	)	$	40,349
Tax-exempt municipal securities	13,936		131		(29		)	14,038
Variable rate demand notes	5,600		—		—			5,600
Total	$	59,684	$	338	$	(35	)	$	59,987

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities	$	48,202	$	12	$	(284	)	$	47,930
Tax-exempt municipal securities	22,858		45		(34		)	22,869
Variable rate demand notes	4,000		—		—			4,000
Total	$	75,060	$	57	$	(318	)	$	74,799

The unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s investments in municipal and corporate debt securities as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 were caused by changes in market values primarily due to interest rate changes. As of September 30, 2019, the fair value of the Company’s securities which were in an unrealized loss position for a period longer than twelve months was $6.3 million. The Company does not intend to sell these securities, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to the recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. No other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019.

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The following table summarizes the maturities of the Company’s marketable securities as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2018		September 30, 2019
Due within one year	$	37,121	$	33,455
Due after one year through five years	37,678		26,532
Total	$	74,799	$	59,987

Amounts due within one year in the table above included $5.6 million of variable rate demand notes, which have contractual maturities ranging from 18 years to 26 years as of September 30, 2019. The variable rate demand notes are floating rate municipal bonds with embedded put options that allow the Company to sell the security at par plus accrued interest on a settlement basis ranging from one day to seven days. The Company has classified these securities based on their effective maturity dates, which ranges from one day to seven days from the balance sheet date.

The following table summarizes the proceeds from the maturities of available-for-sale securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2019		2018		2019
Maturities of marketable securities	$	5,842	$	10,300	$	5,842	$	32,860
Total	$	5,842	$	10,300	$	5,842	$	32,860

The Company did not record any gross realized gains or gross realized losses in net income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019. Additionally, there were no proceeds from sales of marketable securities prior to maturity during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019.

7. Leases

The Company has long-term, non-cancelable operating leases for campuses and other administrative facilities. These leases generally range from one to 10 years and may include renewal options to extend the lease term. In addition, the leases commonly include lease incentives in the form of rent abatements and tenant improvement allowances ("TIAs"). The Company subleases certain portions of unused building space to third parties. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recognized $6.6 million and $21.1 million of lease costs, respectively.

The components of lease costs were as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,			For the nine months ended September 30,
	2019			2019
Lease cost:
Operating lease cost	$	7,022		$	22,520
Short-term lease cost	234			674
Sublease income	(681		)	(2,128		)
Total lease costs	$	6,575		$	21,066

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	As of September 30, 2019
Lease term and discount rate:
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)	5.7
Weighted-average discount rate	4.20	%

	For the nine months ended September 30,
	2019
Other information (in thousands):
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$	24,982
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities	$	4,082
Leasehold improvements obtained in exchange for TIAs paid directly to third parties	$	2,156

Maturities of lease liabilities (in thousands):

Year Ending September 30,
2020	$	30,365
2021	25,692
2022	17,443
2023	12,121
2024	10,442
Thereafter	27,470
Total lease payments(1)	$	123,533
Less: interest	(14,299		)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	109,234

__________________________________________________________

⁽¹⁾  Operating lease payments exclude $6.0 million of legally binding minimum payments for leases signed but not yet commenced.

The minimum rental commitments for the Company as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

	Minimum Rental Commitments(1)
2019	$	33,600
2020	28,399
2021	23,485
2022	13,770
2023	10,316
Thereafter	32,745
Total	$	142,315

__________________________________________________________

⁽¹⁾  Amounts are based on the accounting guidance in ASC 840, Leases, that was superseded upon the Company's adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019.

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8. Fair Value Measurement

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	September 30, 2019		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Money market funds	$	41,818	$	41,818	$	—	$	—
Marketable securities:
Corporate debt securities	40,349		—		40,349		—
Tax-exempt municipal securities	14,038		—		14,038		—
Variable rate demand notes	5,600		—		5,600		—
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	101,805	$	41,818	$	59,987	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred payments	$	3,558	$	—	$	—	$	3,558

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	December 31, 2018		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Money market funds	$	1,791	$	1,791	$	—	$	—
Marketable securities:
Corporate debt securities	48,430		—		48,430		—
Tax-exempt municipal securities	22,869		—		22,869		—
Variable rate demand notes	4,000		—		4,000		—
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	77,090	$	1,791	$	75,299	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred payments	$	4,120	$	—	$	—	$	4,120

The Company measures the above items on a recurring basis at fair value as follows:

• Money market funds – Classified in Level 1 is excess cash the Company holds in both taxable and tax-exempt money market funds, which are included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company records any net unrealized gains and losses for changes in fair value as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity. The Company's cash and cash equivalents held at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 approximate fair value and are not disclosed in the above tables because of the short-term nature of the financial instruments.    

• Marketable securities – Classified in Level 2 and valued using readily available pricing sources for comparable instruments utilizing observable inputs from active markets. The Company does not hold securities in inactive markets.

• Deferred payments – The Company acquired certain assets and entered into deferred payment arrangements with the sellers in transactions that occurred in 2011 and 2016. The deferred payments are classified within Level 3 as there is no liquid market for similarly priced instruments and are valued using discounted cash flow models that encompass significant unobservable inputs. The assumptions used to prepare the discounted cash flows include estimates for interest rates, enrollment growth, retention rates, and pricing strategies. These assumptions are subject to change as the underlying data sources evolve and the programs mature. The short-term portion of deferred payments was $1.2 million as of September 30, 2019 and is included in accounts payable and accrued expense.

20

The Company did not change its valuation techniques associated with recurring fair value measurements from prior periods and did not transfer assets or liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 or 2019.

Changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 are as follows (in thousands):

	As of September 30,
	2018			2019
Balance as of the beginning of period	$	4,514		$	4,120
Amounts paid	(1,412		)	(1,579		)
Other adjustments to fair value	1,264			1,017
Balance at end of period	$	4,366		$	3,558

9. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	Strayer University		Capella University			Non-Degree Programs		Total
Balance as of December 31, 2018	$	337,381	$	395,159		$	—	$	732,540
Additions	—		—			—		—
Impairments	—		—			—		—
Adjustments	—		(465		)	—		(465		)
Balance as of September 30, 2019	$	337,381	$	394,694		$	—	$	732,075

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded $0.5 million net measurement period adjustments, as discussed in Note 3.

The Company assesses goodwill at least annually for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the respective reporting unit below its carrying amount. No events or circumstances occurred in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 to indicate an impairment to goodwill. Accordingly, there were no impairment charges related to goodwill recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $11.1 million and $13.9 million, respectively, related to its New York Code and Design Academy ("NYCDA") reporting unit (which, following the merger, is included in the Non-Degree Programs segment) based on a quantitative impairment analysis performed. The goodwill impairment charge represented the excess of the carrying value of the net assets of the NYCDA reporting unit over its estimated fair value and is reflected within the Impairment of intangible assets line in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

Intangible Assets

The following table represents the balance of the Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2018							September 30, 2019
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Subject to amortization
Student relationships	$	166,000	$	(23,056	)	$	142,944	$	166,000	$	(64,556	)	$	101,444
Not subject to amortization
Trade names	185,400		—			185,400		185,400		—			185,400
Total	$	351,400	$	(23,056	)	$	328,344	$	351,400	$	(64,556	)	$	286,844

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The Company’s finite-lived intangible assets are comprised of student relationships, which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a three-year useful life. Straight-line amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets reflects the pattern in which the assets' economic benefits are consumed over their estimated useful lives. Amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets was $13.8 million and $41.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of trade names. The Company assigned an indefinite useful life to its trade name intangible assets, as it is believed these assets have the ability to generate cash flows indefinitely. In addition, there are no legal, regulatory, contractual, economic or other factors to limit the useful life of the trade name intangibles.

The Company assesses indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the respective asset below its carrying amount. No events or circumstances occurred in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 to indicate an impairment to indefinite-lived intangible assets. Accordingly, there were no impairment charges related to indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded impairment charges of $2.0 million and $5.4 million, respectively, related to the NYCDA trade name based on a quantitative impairment analysis performed. The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charge represented the excess of the carrying value of the NYCDA trade name over its estimated fair value and is reflected within the Impairment of intangible assets line in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

10. Long-Term Debt

On August 1, 2018, the Company entered into an amended credit facility (the “Amended Credit Facility”), which provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) in an aggregate principal amount of up to $250 million. The Amended Credit Facility provides the Company with an option, under certain conditions, to increase the commitments under the Revolver or establish one or more incremental term loans (each, an “Incremental Facility”) in an amount up to the sum of (x) $150 million and (y) if such Incremental Facility is incurred in connection with a permitted acquisition, any amount so long as the Company’s leverage ratio (calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis) on a pro forma basis will be no greater than 1.75:1.00. The maturity date of the Amended Credit Facility is August 1, 2023. The Company paid approximately $1.2 million in debt financing costs associated with the Amended Credit Facility, and these costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the five-year term of the Amended Credit Facility.

Borrowings under the Revolver will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to, at the Company’s election, LIBOR or a base rate, plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.00% depending on the Company’s leverage ratio. The Company also is subject to a quarterly unused commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.30% per annum depending on the Company’s leverage ratio, times the daily unused amount under the Revolver.

The Amended Credit Facility is guaranteed by all domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, and secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors. The Amended Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, representations, warranties, events of default, and remedies upon default, including acceleration and rights to foreclose on the collateral securing the Amended Credit Facility. In addition, the Amended Credit Facility requires that the Company satisfy certain financial maintenance covenants, including:

• A leverage ratio of not greater than 2 to 1. Leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt to trailing four-quarter EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and noncash charges, such as stock-based compensation).

• A coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1. Coverage ratio is defined as the ratio of trailing four-quarter EBITDA and rent expense to trailing four-quarter interest and rent expense.

• A U.S. Department of Education (“Department” or "Department of Education") Financial Responsibility Composite Score of not less than 1.5.

The Company was in compliance with all the terms of the Amended Credit Facility and had no borrowings outstanding under the Revolver as of September 30, 2019.

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11. Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2018		September 30, 2019
Contract liabilities, net of current portion	$	23,880	$	27,233
Deferred payments related to acquisitions	5,904		4,837
Employee separation costs	6,800		2,681
Deferred rent and other facility costs	6,837		1,880
Loss on facilities not in use	4,332		—
Lease incentives	2,300		—
Other	1,263		1,993
Other long-term liabilities	$	51,316	$	38,624

Contract Liabilities

As discussed in Note 4, in connection with its student tuition contracts, the Company has an obligation to provide free classes in the future should certain eligibility conditions be maintained (the Graduation Fund). Long-term contract liabilities represent the amount of revenue under these arrangements that the Company expects will be realized after one year.

Employee Separation Costs

Severance and other employee separation costs to be paid after one year.

Deferred Rent and Other Facility Costs and Loss on Facilities Not in Use

Prior to the adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, the Company recorded a liability for lease costs of campus and non-campus facilities that are not currently in use (see Note 5). For facilities still in use, the Company recorded rent expense on a straight-line basis over the initial term of a lease. The difference between the rent payment and the straight-line rent expense was recorded as a liability. Upon adoption of ASC 842, these liability balances were netted against the ROU asset recognized on January 1, 2019. As such, there are no long-term liability balances for deferred rent and loss on facilities not in use as of September 30, 2019. At December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, the Company had $1.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively, included in the deferred rent and other facility costs balances, which relate to asset retirement obligations for lease agreements requiring the leased premises to be returned in a predetermined condition.

Deferred Payments Related to Acquisitions

In connection with previous acquisitions, the Company acquired certain assets and entered into deferred payment arrangements with the sellers. The deferred payment arrangements are valued at approximately $3.1 million and $2.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively. In addition, one of the sellers contributed $2.8 million to the Company representing the seller’s continuing interest in the assets acquired.

Lease Incentives

In conjunction with the opening of new campuses or renovation of existing campuses, the Company, in some instances, was reimbursed by the lessors for improvements made to the leased properties. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, the underlying assets were capitalized as leasehold improvements and a liability was established for the reimbursements in accordance with ASC 840-20. The leasehold improvements and the liability are amortized on a straight-line basis over the corresponding lease terms, which generally range from five to 10 years. Upon adoption of ASC 842, the liability balance associated with the reimbursement was netted against the ROU asset recognized on January 1, 2019. As such, there is no lease incentive long-term liability balance as of September 30, 2019.

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12. Equity Awards

The following table sets forth the amount of stock-based compensation expense recorded in each of the expense line items for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,					For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2019			2018		2019
Instructional and support costs	$	703	$	945		$	1,821	$	2,820
General and administration	2,869		2,077			7,688		5,888
Merger and integration costs	2,272		(523		)	2,272		367
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	5,844		2,499			11,781		9,075
Tax benefit	1,607		651			3,253		2,333
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	4,237	$	1,848		$	8,528	$	6,742

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019, the Company recognized a tax windfall related to share-based payment arrangements of approximately $3.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively, which was recorded as an adjustment to the provision for income taxes.

13. Income Taxes

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019, the Company recorded a benefit for income taxes of $1.6 million and income tax expense of $31.4 million, reflecting an effective tax rate of 4.1% and 37.4%, respectively.

In February 2019, to align compensation and benefit plans after completion of the merger with CEC, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors took action to terminate all deferred compensation arrangements, including for employees already participating in such arrangements. These changes affect the tax deductibility of certain arrangements, which resulted in a discrete item recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2019, reducing the Company’s deferred tax assets by $11.5 million, and increasing the Company’s 2019 effective tax rate and future cash tax payments.

The Company had $0.7 million and $1.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Interest and penalties, including those related to uncertain tax positions, are included in the provision for income taxes in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. The Company incurred no expense related to interest and penalties during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $0.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

The Company paid $10.9 million and $36.6 million in income taxes during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019, respectively.

The tax years since 2015 remain open for Federal tax examination and the tax years since 2014 remain open to examination by state and local taxing jurisdictions in which the Company is subject.

14. Other Investments

At September 30, 2019, the Company held $15.6 million in investments in certain limited partnerships that invest in various innovative companies in the health care and education-related technology fields. The Company has commitments to invest up to an additional $1.9 million across these partnerships through 2027. The Company's investments range from 3%-5% of any partnership’s interest and are accounted for under the equity method. At December 31, 2018, the Company's investment in limited partnerships was $13.4 million.

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The following table illustrates changes in the Company’s limited partnership investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2019		2018		2019
Limited partnership investments, beginning of period	$	—	$	14,490	$	—	$	13,449
Additions from merger	14,153		—		14,153		—
Capital contributions	166		366		166		878
Equity in net income of limited partnerships	—		706		—		2,260
Distributions	—		—		—		(1,025		)
Limited partnership investments, end of period	$	14,319	$	15,562	$	14,319	$	15,562

15. Segment Reporting

Strategic Education is an educational services company that provides access to high-quality education through campus-based and online post-secondary education offerings, as well as through programs to develop job-ready skills for high-demand markets. Strategic Education’s portfolio of companies is dedicated to closing the skills gap by placing adults on the most direct path between learning and employment.

Two of the Company’s operating segments that meet the quantitative thresholds to qualify as reportable segments are the Strayer University and Capella University segments. The Strayer University segment is comprised of Strayer University, including its programs offered through the Jack Welch Management Institute; the Capella University segment consists of Capella University. None of the Company’s other operating segments individually meet the quantitative thresholds to qualify as reportable segments; therefore, these other operating segments are combined and presented below as Non-Degree Programs. The Non-Degree Programs reportable segment is comprised of the DevMountain, Hackbright Academy, NYCDA, and Sophia Learning operations.

Revenue and operating expenses are generally directly attributable to the segments. Inter-segment revenues are not presented separately, as these amounts are immaterial. The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker does not evaluate operating segments using asset information.

A summary of financial information by reportable segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 is presented in the following table (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,						For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018			2019			2018			2019
Revenues
Strayer University	$	114,471		$	127,837		$	343,644		$	384,806
Capella University	43,792			110,549			43,792			337,418
Non-Degree Programs	2,682			3,361			4,646			11,141
Consolidated revenues	$	160,945		$	241,747		$	392,082		$	733,365
Income (loss) from operations
Strayer University	$	11,904		$	18,689		$	44,215		$	68,268
Capella University	(14,326		)	18,643			(14,326		)	63,918
Non-Degree Programs	(1,688		)	(415		)	(4,131		)	(918		)
Amortization of intangible assets	(10,278		)	(15,417		)	(10,278		)	(46,251		)
Merger and integration costs	(29,620		)	(1,500		)	(37,791		)	(11,698		)
Impairment of intangible assets	(13,119		)	—			(19,304		)	—
Consolidated income (loss) from operations	$	(57,127	)	$	20,000		$	(41,615	)	$	73,319

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16. Litigation

The Company is involved in litigation and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of its business. From time to time, certain matters may arise that are other than ordinary and routine. The outcome of such matters is uncertain and the Company may incur costs in the future to defend, settle, or otherwise resolve them. The Company currently believes that the ultimate outcome of such matters will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, depending on the amount and timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect future results of operations in a particular period.

17. Regulation

The Company, the Universities, Hackbright, and NYCDA are subject to significant state regulatory oversight, as well as accreditor and federal regulatory oversight, in the case of the Company and the Universities. While the Department of Education has recently issued revisions to its regulations, Congress is also considering reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (“HEA”). If Congress enacts amendments to the HEA, they may supersede the Department’s regulations in various respects and require further changes to those regulations.

Gainful Employment

Under the HEA, a proprietary institution offering programs of study other than a baccalaureate degree in liberal arts (for which there is a limited statutory exception) must prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. The Department of Education published final regulations related to gainful employment that went into effect on July 1, 2015 (the "2015 Regulations"), with the exception of new disclosure requirements, which generally went into effect January 1, 2017, but which were delayed, to some extent, until July 1, 2019.

The 2015 Regulations included two debt-to-earnings measures, consisting of an annual income rate and a discretionary income rate. The annual income rate measured student debt in relation to earnings, and the discretionary income rate measured student debt in relation to discretionary income. A program passed if the program’s graduates:

• have an annual income rate that does not exceed 8%; or

• have a discretionary income rate that does not exceed 20%.

In addition, a program that did not pass either of the debt-to-earnings metrics and had an annual income rate between 8% and 12%, or a discretionary income rate between 20% and 30%, was considered to be in a warning zone. A program failed if the program’s graduates had an annual income rate of 12% or greater and a discretionary income rate of 30% or greater. A program became Title IV-ineligible for three years if it failed both metrics for two out of three consecutive years, or failed to pass at least one metric for four consecutive award years. On January 8, 2017, Strayer University and Capella University received final 2015 debt-to-earnings measures. None of Strayer University or Capella University programs failed the debt-to-earnings metrics. Two active Strayer University programs, the Associate in Arts in Accounting and Associate in Arts in Business Administration, and one active Capella University program, the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy, were “in the zone,” which means each of those three programs remained fully eligible. The Department has announced that because it no longer has a data-sharing agreement with the U.S. Social Security Administration to receive earnings data, it is unable to calculate any subsequent debt-to-earnings measures under the gainful employment regulations in 2019.

On July 1, 2019, the Department of Education released final gainful employment regulations, which contain a full repeal of the 2015 Regulations, including all debt measures, reporting, disclosure, and certification requirements. Per the Department of Education's Master Calendar, these rules go into effect July 1, 2020. However, the Secretary used her authority under the HEA to allow institutions to implement the new rules early as of July 1, 2019. Those institutions that implement early are not required to report gainful employment data for the 2018-2019 award year, are not required to comply with gainful employment disclosure and template publication requirements, and are not required to comply with the regulation’s certification requirements with respect to programmatic accreditation and program satisfaction of prerequisites for professional licensure/state certification. Both Capella University and Strayer University have elected to implement the July 2019 regulations early and have documented their decision to do so as required by the Department of Education.

Borrower Defenses to Repayment

Pursuant to the HEA and following negotiated rulemaking, on November 1, 2016, the Department published final regulations that, among other things, specify the acts or omissions of an institution that a borrower may assert as a defense to repayment of a loan made under the Federal Direct Loan Program (the “2016 BDTR Rule”) and the consequences of such borrower defenses for borrowers, institutions, and the Department. Under the 2016 BDTR Rule, for Direct Loans disbursed after July 1, 2017, a student borrower may

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assert a defense to repayment if: (1) the student borrower obtained a state or federal court judgment against the institution; (2) the institution failed to perform on a contract with the student; and/or (3) the institution committed a “substantial misrepresentation” on which the borrower reasonably relied to his or her detriment. Borrowers assert these defenses through claims submitted to the Department, and the Department has the authority to issue a final decision. In addition, the regulation permits the Department to grant relief to an individual or group of individuals, including individuals who have not applied to the Department seeking relief. If a defense is successfully raised, the Department has discretion to initiate action to collect from an institution the amount of losses incurred based on the borrower defense. The 2016 BDTR Rule also amends the rules concerning discharge of federal student loans when a school or campus closes and prohibits pre-dispute arbitration agreements and class action waivers for borrower defense-type claims. On January 19, 2017, the Department issued a final rule updating the hearing procedures for actions to establish liability against an institution of higher education and establishing procedures for recovery proceedings under the 2016 BDTR Rule.

Although the 2016 BDTR Rule was scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2017, on June 16, 2017, the Department delayed indefinitely the effective date of selected provisions of the 2016 BDTR Rule and announced its intention to conduct negotiated rulemaking proceedings to revise the regulations. On October 24, 2017, the Department published an interim final rule to delay the effective date of the selected provisions until July 1, 2018. On February 14, 2018, the Department published a final rule to delay the effective date of the selected provisions until July 1, 2019.

On September 12, 2018, a federal judge ruled that the Department’s various delays of the 2016 BDTR Rule were contrary to law. On October 16, 2018, in a related case, the judge denied a request to delay implementation of portions of the 2016 BDTR Rule. As a result, the 2016 BDTR Rule came into effect. In March 2019, the Department issued guidance, clarifying that institutions should handle reporting for events, actions, or conditions that occurred after July 1, 2017 by making required reports to the Department no later than May 14, 2019. The Department also indicated that institutions must implement the prohibitions related to dispute resolution, including by making any required modifications to enrollment agreements or by beginning to implement required notification procedures by May 14, 2019. The Company believes that the Universities are in compliance with these requirements.

On September 23, 2019, the Department published final Borrower Defense to Repayment regulations (the “2019 BDTR Rule”), which will govern borrower defense to repayment claims in connection with loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2020. The 2016 BDTR Rule continues to apply in the interim.

Under the 2019 BDTR Rule, an individual borrower can assert a defense to repayment and be eligible for relief if she or he establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that (1) the institution at which the borrower enrolled made a misrepresentation of material fact upon which the borrower reasonably relied in deciding to obtain a Direct Loan, or a loan repaid by a Direct Consolidation Loan; (2) the misrepresentation directly and clearly related to the borrower’s enrollment or continuing enrollment at the institution or the institution’s provision of education services for which the loan was made; and (3) the borrower was financially harmed by the misrepresentation. The Department will grant forbearance on all loans related to a claim at the time the claim is made.

The 2019 BDTR Rule defines a “misrepresentation” as: a statement, act, or omission by an eligible school to a borrower that (a) is false, misleading, or deceptive, (b) was made with knowledge of its false, misleading, or deceptive nature or with a reckless disregard for the truth, and (c) directly and clearly relates to either (1) enrollment or continuing enrollment at the institution; or (2) the provision of educational services for which the loan was made. “Financial harm” is defined as the amount of monetary loss that a borrower incurs as a consequence of a misrepresentation. The Department will determine financial harm based upon individual earnings and circumstances, which must include consideration of the individual borrower’s career experience subsequent to enrollment and may include, among other factors, evidence of program-level median or mean earnings. “Financial harm” does not include damages for nonmonetary loss, and the act of taking out a Direct Loan, alone, does not constitute evidence of financial harm. Financial harm also cannot be predominantly due to intervening local, regional, national economic or labor market conditions, nor can it arise from the borrower’s voluntary change in occupation or decision to pursue less than full-time work or not to work. The 2019 BDTR Rule contains certain limitations and procedural protections. Among the most prominent of these restrictions, the regulation contains a three-year limitation period of claims, measured from the student’s separation from the institution, does not permit claims to be filed on behalf of groups, and requires that institutions receive access to any evidence in the Department's possession to inform the institution's response.

The 2019 BDTR Rule permits the use of pre-dispute arbitration agreements as a condition of enrollment, so long as the institution provides plain-language disclosures to students and places the disclosure on the institution’s website. The regulations also allow for a borrower to choose whether to apply for a closed school loan discharge or accept a teach-out opportunity, and they provide that once a borrower has accepted a teach-out plan the student would not be eligible for a closed school loan discharge unless the institution fails to adhere to the terms of the teach-out plan. In addition, the closed school discharge window is expanded from 120 days to 180 days prior to the school’s closure, though unlike the 2016 BDTR Rule, the 2019 BDTR Rule does not include an automatic closed school loan discharge if the student does not enroll in another institution within three years of the date after the school closes.

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The 2019 BDTR Rule also makes changes to the Department’s financial responsibility requirements, including establishing a more limited set, as compared to the 2016 BDTR Rule, of mandatory and discretionary triggering events that have, or could have, a materially adverse impact on the institution’s financial condition and therefore warrant financial protection. An institution determined not to be financially responsible because of one or more triggering events may be required to issue an irrevocable letter of credit for not less than 10% of the Federal Student Aid program funds received by the school for the most recently completed fiscal year and/or will be issued a provisional Program Participation Agreement. The 2019 BDTR Rule further updates the definitions of terms used to calculate an institution’s composite score and otherwise amends the composite score methodology to reflect changes in FASB accounting standards pertaining to new leases.

Institutions are required to accept responsibility for the repayment of amounts discharged by the Secretary pursuant to the borrower defense to repayment, closed school discharge, false certification discharge, and unpaid refund discharge regulations. The 2019 BDTR Rule may require the repayment of funds and the purchase of loans by the school if the Secretary determines that the school is liable as a result of a successful claim for which the Secretary discharged a loan, in whole or in part. The provisions of the regulation are effective July 1, 2020.

Current Negotiated Rulemaking

On July 31, 2018, the Department announced its intention to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to prepare proposed regulations for the Federal Student Aid programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA. As described in the July 31 announcement and further detailed in a subsequent announcement on October 15, the Department indicated the proposed topics for negotiation include:

• Requirements for accrediting agencies in their oversight of member institutions and programs.

• Criteria used by the Secretary to recognize accrediting agencies, emphasizing criteria that focus on educational quality and deemphasizing those that are anti-competitive.

• Simplification of the Department’s recognition and review of accrediting agencies.

• Clarification of the core oversight responsibilities of each entity in the regulatory triad, including accrediting agencies, States, and the Department, to hold institutions accountable.

• Clarification of the permissible arrangements between an institution of higher education and another organization to provide a portion of an education program (34 CFR 668.5).

• The roles and responsibilities of institutions and accrediting agencies in the teach-out process (34 CFR 600.32(d) and 602.24).

• Elimination of regulations related to programs that have not been funded in many years.

• Needed technical changes and corrections to program regulations that have been identified by the Department.

• Regulatory changes required to ensure equitable treatment of brick-and-mortar and distance education programs; enable expansion of direct assessment programs, distance education, and competency-based education; and clarify disclosure and other requirements of state authorization.

• Protections to ensure that accreditors recognize and respect institutional mission, and evaluate an institution’s policies and educational programs based on that mission; and remove barriers to the eligibility of faith-based entities to participate in the Title IV, HEA programs.

• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (“TEACH”) Grant requirements and ways to reduce and correct the inadvertent conversion of grants to loans. 

The Department also announced its intent to convene three subcommittees: one addressing proposed regulations related to distance learning and educational innovation, one addressing TEACH Grant conversions, and one to make recommendations to the committee regarding revisions to the regulations regarding the eligibility of faith-based entities to participate in the Title IV programs. The Department convened the distance learning and educational innovation subcommittee to address, among other topics, simplification of state authorization requirements, the definition of “regular and substantive interaction”, the definition of the term “credit hour”, direct assessment programs and competency-based education, and barriers to innovation in post-secondary education.

In connection with this negotiated rulemaking process, the Department convened three public hearings and accepted written comments through September 14, 2018. Strayer University and Capella University submitted written comments on September 14, and negotiations concluded in April 2019. On April 3, 2019, the Accreditation and Innovation negotiated rulemaking committee reached consensus on all topics being negotiated. This outcome means the Department, except in extraordinary circumstances, is bound to publish the consensus language as the notice of proposed rulemaking and accept public comment on that proposal.

On June 12, 2019, the Department published a notice of proposed rulemaking proposing to amend the regulations governing the recognition of accrediting agencies, certain student assistance provisions including state authorization rules, and institutional

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eligibility, as well as make various technical corrections. Public comments were accepted through July 12, 2019, and the Department published final rules on those topics on November 1, 2019. The final regulations concerning accreditation and state authorization generally will be effective on July 1, 2020, except the Department announced that institutions may in their discretion implement early those regulations relating to state authorization and institutional information disclosures. The final regulations concerning state authorization for distance education are described more below. The final regulations also require an institution to make certain disclosures about educational programs leading to professional licensure, regardless of program modality. In addition, the final regulations revise in some respects the Department’s process for recognition and review of accrediting agencies, the criteria used by the Department to recognize accrediting agencies, and Department’s requirements for accrediting agencies in terms of their oversight of accredited institutions and programs.

In the Spring 2019 update to its Unified Agenda, the Department of Education indicated that it plans to release notices of proposed rulemaking with draft rules regarding distance education and innovation issues, eligibility of faith-based entities and activities and TEACH grant conversions in December 2019. Under the HEA, if the Department publishes final rules on these topics by November 1, 2020, they would become effective July 1, 2021.

State Education Licensure – Licensure of Online Programs

The increasing popularity and use of the internet and other technology for the delivery of education has led, and may continue to lead, to the adoption of new laws and regulatory practices in the United States or foreign countries or to the interpretation of existing laws and regulations to apply to such services. These new laws and interpretations may relate to issues such as the requirement that online education institutions be licensed as a school in one or more jurisdictions even where they have no physical location. New laws, regulations, or interpretations related to doing business over the internet could increase the Company’s cost of doing business, affect its ability to increase enrollments and revenues, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business.

In April 2013, the Department announced that it would address state authorization of distance education through negotiated rulemaking. While four negotiated rulemaking sessions were conducted from February through May 2014, no consensus was reached.

In June 2016, despite the lack of consensus at the negotiated rulemaking sessions, but as permitted by federal law, the Department issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for public comment on the issue of state authorization for online programs. On December 19, 2016, the Department issued final regulations, which are described below and were scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2018. On May 25, 2018, the Department issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to delay until July 1, 2020 the effective date of the state authorization of distance education provisions of those final regulations based on concerns that were raised by regulated parties and to provide adequate time to conduct negotiated rulemaking to reconsider those provisions and, as necessary, develop revised regulations. On July 3, 2018, the Department published a final rule, which was made effective retroactively to June 29, 2018, to delay until July 1, 2020 the effective date of the state authorization of distance education provisions. Certain other portions of the 2016 final regulations, which relate to authorization of foreign locations, went into effect on July 1, 2018. On April 26, 2019, in litigation brought to challenge the Department’s delayed implementation of the 2016 final regulations, a judge found that the delay was improper and ordered that the rules regarding state authorization of programs offered through distance education take effect on May 26, 2019. The 2016 final regulations remain in effect until the new final rules, described below, take effect.

As now in effect, the 2016 final regulations, among other things, require an institution offering Title IV-eligible distance education or correspondence courses to be authorized by each state in which the institution enrolls students, if such authorization is required by the state. Institutions can obtain such authorization directly from the state or through a state authorization reciprocity agreement. A state authorization reciprocity agreement is defined as an agreement between two or more states that authorizes an institution located and legally authorized in a state covered by the agreement to provide post-secondary education through distance education or correspondence courses to students in other states covered by the agreement and does not prohibit a participating state from enforcing its own laws with respect to higher education. On March 6, 2015, Capella University was approved as an institution participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (“SARA”). On December 2, 2016, Strayer University became a participant in SARA. As participants in SARA, Strayer University and Capella University may offer online courses and other forms of distance education to students in any participating SARA state in which they do not have a physical location or a physical presence, as defined by the state, without having to seek any new state institutional approval beyond the Universities’ home states (Washington, D.C. and Minnesota, respectively). There are currently 49 SARA member states - all but California. The 2016 final regulations also require institutions to document the state process for resolving complaints from students enrolled in programs offered through distance education or correspondence courses for each state in which such students reside.

In addition, the 2016 final regulations require an institution to provide public and individualized disclosures to enrolled and prospective students regarding its programs offered solely through distance education or correspondence courses. The public disclosures include state authorization for the program or course, the process for submitting complaints to relevant states, any adverse actions by a state or accrediting agency related to the distance education program or correspondence course within the past five years, refund policies

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specific to the state, and applicable licensure or certification requirements for a career that the program prepares a student to enter. An institution is required to disclose directly to all prospective students if a distance education or correspondence course does not meet the licensure or certification requirements for a state. An institution is required to disclose to each current and prospective student an adverse action taken against a distance education or correspondence program and any determination that a program ceases to meet licensure or certification requirements.

Under the 2016 final regulations, if an institution does not obtain or maintain state authorization for distance education or correspondence courses in any particular state that has authorization requirements, the institution may lose its ability to award Title IV funds for students in those programs who are residing in that state.

On October 15, 2018, the Department announced its intention to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to prepare proposed regulations on a variety of topics, including state authorization of distance education programs. The Department included state authorization of distance education programs in the Accreditation and Innovation negotiated rulemaking that took place in early 2019. The committee agreed to language that would retain the requirement that institutions are authorized - including the option to be authorized via a reciprocity agreement - to operate in any state in which a student is located for the purposes of Title IV eligibility. However, the consensus language removed many of the public and individualized disclosures to enrolled and prospective students regarding programs offered solely through distance education or correspondence courses. On June 12, 2019, the Department released a notice of proposed rulemaking reflecting the consensus language on this topic, with public comments accepted through July 12, 2019. On November 1, 2019, the Department published new final rules concerning, among other topics, state authorization of distance education programs, which are generally effective July 1, 2020. The Department announced that institutions may in their discretion implement early those portions of the regulations relating to state authorization and institutional information disclosures. The regulations revise the definition of “state authorization reciprocity agreement” such that it does not prohibit any member state from enforcing its own general-purpose state laws and regulations, but member states cannot impose additional requirements related to state authorization of distance education directed at all or a subgroup of educational institutions. The regulations also clarify that state authorization requirements related to distance education courses are based on the state where a student is “located,” as determined by the institution, and not the state of the student’s “residence.” The final rules maintain the consensus language developed during negotiated rulemaking, which remove certain disclosure requirements related to programs offered solely through distance education, and they replace those requirements with certain disclosure requirements applicable to all programs that lead to professional licensure or certification, regardless of the delivery modality of those programs.

The Clery Act

Strayer University and Capella University must comply with the campus safety and security reporting requirements as well as other requirements in the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the “Clery Act”), including changes made to the Clery Act by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. On October 20, 2014, the Department promulgated regulations, effective July 1, 2015, implementing amendments to the Clery Act. In addition, the Department has interpreted Title IX to categorize sexual violence as a form of prohibited sex discrimination and to require institutions to follow certain disciplinary procedures with respect to such offenses. Failure by Strayer University or Capella University to comply with the Clery Act or Title IX requirements or regulations thereunder could result in action by the Department fining Strayer University or Capella University, or limiting or suspending participation in Title IV programs, could lead to litigation, and could harm Strayer University or Capella University’s reputation. The Company believes that Strayer University and Capella University are in compliance with these requirements.

Compliance Reviews

The Universities are subject to announced and unannounced compliance reviews and audits by various external agencies, including the Department, its Office of Inspector General, state licensing agencies, guaranty agencies, and accrediting agencies. In 2014, the Department conducted four campus-based program reviews of Strayer University locations in three states and the District of Columbia. The reviews covered federal financial aid years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, and two of the reviews also covered compliance with the Clery Act, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, and regulations related thereto. For three of the program reviews, Strayer University received correspondence from the Department in 2015 closing the program reviews with no further action required by Strayer University. For the other program review, in 2016, Strayer University received a Final Program Review Determination Letter identifying a payment of less than $500 due to the Department based on an underpayment on a return to Title IV calculation, and otherwise closing the review. Strayer University remitted payment, and received a letter from the Department indicating that no further action was required and that the matter was closed.

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In June 2019, the Department conducted an announced, on-site program review at Capella University, focused on Capella University’s FlexPath program. The review covered the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 federal financial aid years. The program review has not concluded. In general, after the Department conducts its site visit and reviews data supplied by the institution, it sends the institution a program review report. The institution has the opportunity to respond to any findings in the report. The Department then issues a Final Program Review Determination, which identifies any liabilities. The institution may appeal any monetary liabilities specified in the Final Program Review Determination.

Program Participation Agreement

Each institution participating in Title IV programs must enter into a Program Participation Agreement with the Department. Under the agreement, the institution agrees to follow the Department’s rules and regulations governing Title IV programs. On October 11, 2017, the Department and Strayer University executed a new Program Participation Agreement, approving Strayer University’s continued participation in Title IV programs with full certification through June 30, 2021.

As a result of the August 1, 2018 merger, Capella University experienced a change of ownership, with the Company as its new owner. On January 18, 2019, consistent with standard procedure upon a Title IV institution’s change of ownership, the Department and Capella University executed a new Provisional Program Participation Agreement, approving Capella’s continued participation in Title IV programs with provisional certification through December 31, 2022. As is typical, the Provisional Program Participation Agreement subjects Capella University to certain requirements during the period of provisional certification, including that Capella must apply for and receive approval from the Department in connection with new locations or addition of new Title IV-eligible educational programs.

NYCDA, Hackbright Academy and DevMountain

NYCDA currently provides instruction through B2B relationships in various locations. Hackbright Academy currently provides on-ground courses in the San Francisco Bay Area. DevMountain currently provides on-ground courses in Lehi, Utah; Dallas, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona, and in 2017, introduced its first online program in Web Development. NYCDA, Hackbright Academy and DevMountain are not accredited, do not participate in state or federal student financial aid programs, and are not subject to the regulatory requirements applicable to accredited schools and schools that participate in financial aid programs such as those described above. Programs such as those offered by NYCDA, Hackbright Academy, and DevMountain are regulated by each individual state.

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ITEM 2:   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements included in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” as well as elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“Reform Act”). Such statements may be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “assume,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “will,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” or similar words, and include, without limitation, statements relating to future enrollment, revenues, revenues per student, earnings growth, operating expenses and capital expenditures. These statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. In accordance with the Safe Harbor provisions of the Reform Act, the Company has identified important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. The assumptions, risks and uncertainties include our continued compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act, and the regulations thereunder, as well as regional accreditation standards and state regulatory requirements, rulemaking by the Department and increased focus by the U.S. Congress on for-profit education institutions, the pace of growth of student enrollment, competitive factors, risks associated with the opening of new campuses, risks associated with the offering of new educational programs and adapting to other changes, risks associated with the acquisition of existing educational institutions, risks relating to the timing of regulatory approvals, our ability to implement our growth strategy, the risk that the benefits of the merger with Capella Education Company, including expected synergies, may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected, the risk that the combined company may experience difficulty integrating employees or operations, risks associated with the ability of our students to finance their education in a timely manner, and general economic and market conditions. Further information about these and other relevant risks and uncertainties may be found in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Additional Information

We maintain a website at http://www.strategiceducation.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and our web address is included as an inactive textual reference only. We make available, free of charge through our website, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Background and Overview

Strategic Education, Inc. (“SEI,” “we”, “us” or “our”) is an education services company that seeks to provide the most direct path between learning and employment through campus-based and online post-secondary education offerings and through programs to develop job-ready skills for high-demand markets. We operate primarily through our wholly-owned subsidiaries Strayer University and Capella University, both accredited post-secondary institutions of higher education. Our operations also include certain non-degree programs, mainly focused on software and application development.

Acquisition of Capella Education Company

On August 1, 2018, we completed our merger with Capella Education Company (“CEC”) pursuant to a merger agreement dated October 29, 2017. The merger solidifies our position as a national leader in education innovation, and provides scale that will enable greater investment in improving student academic and career outcomes while maintaining our focus on affordability. The merger is also expected to create significant cost synergies for us.

Pursuant to the merger, we issued 0.875 shares of our common stock for each issued and outstanding share of CEC common stock. Outstanding equity awards held by CEC employees and certain nonemployee directors of CEC were assumed by us and converted into comparable SEI awards at the exchange ratio. Outstanding equity awards held by CEC nonemployee directors who did not serve as directors of SEI after completion of the merger, and awards held by former employees of CEC who left before completion of the merger were settled upon completion of the merger as specified in the merger agreement.

Our financial results for any periods ended prior to August 1, 2018 do not include the financial results of CEC, and are therefore not directly comparable.

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During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we incurred $1.5 million and $11.7 million, respectively, in expenses related to the merger, primarily attributable to personnel and other integration costs.

As of September 30, 2019, SEI had the following reportable segments:

Strayer University Segment

• Strayer University is an institution of higher learning that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business administration, accounting, information technology, education, health services administration, public administration, and criminal justice at 76 physical campuses, predominantly located in the eastern United States, and online. Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (“Middle States” or “Middle States Commission”), one of the seven regional collegiate accrediting agencies recognized by the Department. By offering its programs both online and in physical classrooms, Strayer University provides its working adult students flexibility and convenience.

• The Jack Welch Management Institute (“JWMI”) offers an executive MBA online and is a Top 25 Princeton Review ranked online MBA program.

• In the third quarter, Strayer University’s enrollment increased 11.3% to 50,582 compared to 45,431 for the same period in 2018. New student enrollment for the period increased 4.1% and continuing student enrollment for the period increased 13.3%.

Capella University Segment

• Capella University is an online post-secondary education company that offers a variety of doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degree programs, primarily for working adults, in the following primary disciplines: public service leadership, nursing and health sciences, social and behavioral sciences, business and technology, education, and undergraduate studies. Capella University focuses on master's and doctoral degrees, with approximately 70% of its learners enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program. Capella University's academic offerings are built with competency-based curricula and are delivered in an online format that is convenient and flexible. Capella University designs its offerings to help working adult learners develop specific competencies they can apply in their workplace. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ("HLC"), one of the seven regional collegiate accrediting agencies recognized by the Department.

• On April 19, 2019, the HLC issued formal notification that its Institutional Action Council affirmed the appropriateness of the Change of Control arising out of the merger and further affirmed Capella University’s continued adherence to HLC’s Eligibility Requirements and Criteria for Accreditation. In addition, HLC specifically confirmed Capella University’s shared service relationship with the Company satisfies HLC’s Core Components related to HLC’s Guidelines for Shared Services Arrangements.

• In the third quarter, Capella University’s enrollment increased 1.7% to 38,451 compared to 37,822 for the same period in 2018. New student enrollment for the period increased 6.9% and continuing student enrollment for the period increased 0.4%.

Non-Degree Programs Segment

• DevMountain is a software development program offering affordable, high-quality, leading-edge software coding education at multiple campus locations and online.

• Hackbright Academy is a software engineering school for women. Its primary offering is an intensive 12-week accelerated software development program, together with placement services and coaching.

• The New York Code and Design Academy is a New York City-based provider of web and application software development courses.

• Sophia Learning is an innovative learning company which leverages technology to support self-paced learning, including courses eligible for transfer into credit at over 2,000 colleges and universities.

We believe we have the right operating strategies in place to provide the most direct path between learning and employment for our students. We focus on innovation continually to differentiate ourselves in our markets and drive growth by supporting student success, producing affordable degrees, optimizing our comprehensive marketing strategy, serving a broader set of our students’ professional needs, and establishing new growth platforms. Technology and the talent of our faculty and employees enable these strategies. We believe these strategies and enablers will allow us to continue to deliver high quality, affordable education, resulting in continued growth over the long-term. We will continue to invest in these enablers to strengthen the foundation and future of our business. We also believe our enhanced scale and capabilities allow us to continue to focus on innovative cost and revenue synergies, while improving the value provided to our students.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments related to its allowance for doubtful accounts; income tax provisions; the useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets; redemption rates for scholarship programs and valuation of contract liabilities; fair value of future contractual operating lease obligations for facilities that have been closed; incremental borrowing rates; valuation of deferred tax assets, goodwill, and intangible assets; forfeiture rates and achievability of performance targets for stock-based compensation plans; and accrued expenses. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments regarding the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Management regularly reviews its estimates and judgments for reasonableness and may modify them in the future. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Management believes that the following critical accounting policies are its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

Revenue recognition — Like many traditional institutions, Strayer University and Capella University offer educational programs primarily on a quarter system having four academic terms, which generally coincide with our quarterly financial reporting periods. Approximately 96% of our revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 consisted of tuition revenue. Capella University offers monthly start options for new students, who then transition to a quarterly schedule. Capella University also offers its FlexPath program, which allows students to determine their 12-week billing session schedule after they complete their first course. Tuition revenue for all students is recognized ratably over the course of instruction as the Universities and the schools offering non-degree programs provide academic services, whether delivered in person at a physical campus or online. Tuition revenue is shown net of any refunds, withdrawals, corporate discounts, scholarships, and employee tuition discounts. The Universities also derive revenue from other sources such as textbook-related income, certificate revenue, certain academic fees, licensing revenue, and other income, which are all recognized when earned. In accordance with ASC 606, materials provided to students in connection with their enrollment in a course are recognized as revenue when control of those materials transfers to the student. At the start of each academic term or program, a contract liability is recorded for academic services to be provided, and a tuition receivable is recorded for the portion of the tuition not paid in advance. Any cash received prior to the start of an academic term or program is recorded as a contract liability.

Students of the Universities finance their education in a variety of ways, and historically about three quarters of our students have participated in one or more financial aid programs provided through Title IV of the Higher Education Act. In addition, many of our working adult students finance their own education or receive full or partial tuition reimbursement from their employers. Those students who are veterans or active duty military personnel have access to various additional government-funded educational benefit programs.

A typical class is offered in weekly increments over a six- to twelve-week period, depending on the University and course type, and is followed by an exam. Students who withdraw from a course may be eligible for a refund of tuition charges based on the timing of the withdrawal. We use the student’s last date of attendance for this purpose. Student attendance is based on physical presence in class for on-ground classes. For online classes, attendance consists of logging into one’s course shell and performing an academically-related activity (e.g., engaging in a discussion post or taking a quiz).

If a student withdraws from a course prior to completion, a portion of the tuition may be refundable depending on when the withdrawal occurs. Our specific refund policies vary across Universities and non-degree programs. For students attending Strayer University, our refund policy typically permits students who complete less than half of a course to receive a partial refund of tuition for that course. For learners attending Capella University, our refund policy varies based on course format. GuidedPath learners are allowed a 100% refund through the first five days of the course, a 75% refund from six to twelve days, and 0% refund for the remainder of the period. FlexPath learners receive a 100% refund through the 12th calendar day of the course for their first billing session only and a 0% refund after that date and for all subsequent billing sessions. Refunds reduce the tuition revenue that otherwise would have been recognized for that student. Since the Universities’ academic terms coincide with our financial reporting periods for most programs, nearly all refunds are processed and recorded in the same quarter as the corresponding revenue. For certain programs where courses may overlap a quarter-end date, the Company estimates a refund rate and does not recognize the related revenue until the uncertainty related to the refund is resolved. The portion of tuition revenue refundable to students may vary based on the student’s state of residence.

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For students who withdraw from all their courses during the quarter of instruction, we reassess collectibility of tuition and fees for revenue recognition purposes. In addition, we cease revenue recognition when a student fully withdraws from all of his or her courses in the academic term. Tuition charges billed in accordance with our billing schedule may be greater than the pro rata revenue amount, but the additional amounts are not recognized as revenue unless they are collected in cash and the term is complete.

For students who receive funding under Title IV and withdraw, funds are subject to return provisions as defined by the Department of Education. The University is responsible for returning Title IV funds to the Department and then may seek payment from the withdrawn student of prorated tuition or other amounts charged to him or her. Loss of financial aid eligibility during an academic term is rare and would normally coincide with the student’s withdrawal from the institution. As discussed above, we cease revenue recognition upon a student’s withdrawal from all of his or her classes in an academic term until cash is received and the term is complete.

New students at Strayer University registering in credit-bearing courses in any undergraduate program for the summer 2013 term (fiscal third quarter) and subsequent terms qualify for the Graduation Fund, whereby qualifying students earn tuition credits that are redeemable in the final year of a student’s course of study if he or she successfully remains in the program. Students must meet all of the University’s admission requirements and not be eligible for any previously offered scholarship program. Our employees and their dependents are not eligible for the program. To maintain eligibility, students must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program. Students who have more than one consecutive term of non-attendance lose any Graduation Fund credits earned to date, but may earn and accumulate new credits if the student is reinstated or readmitted by the University in the future. In their final academic year, qualifying students will receive one free course for every three courses that were successfully completed in prior years. The performance obligation associated with free courses that may be redeemed in the future is valued based on a systematic and rational allocation of the cost of honoring the benefit earned to each of the underlying revenue transactions that result in progress by the student toward earning the benefit. The estimated value of awards under the Graduation Fund that will be recognized in the future is based on historical experience of students’ persistence in completing their course of study and earning a degree and the tuition rate in effect at the time it was associated with the transaction. Estimated redemption rates of eligible students vary based on their term of enrollment. As of September 30, 2019, we had deferred $46.7 million for estimated redemptions earned under the Graduation Fund, as compared to $43.3 million at December 31, 2018. Each quarter, we assess our methodologies and assumptions underlying our estimates for persistence and estimated redemptions based on actual experience. To date, any adjustments to our estimates have not been material. However, if actual persistence or redemption rates change, adjustments to the reserve may be necessary and could be material.

Tuition receivable — We record estimates for our allowance for doubtful accounts for tuition receivable from students primarily based on our historical collection rates by age of receivable, net of recoveries, and consideration of other relevant factors. Our experience is that payment of outstanding balances is influenced by whether the student returns to the institution, as we require students to make payment arrangements for their outstanding balances prior to enrollment. Therefore, we monitor outstanding tuition receivable balances through subsequent terms, increasing the reserve on such balances over time as the likelihood of returning to the institution diminishes and our historical experience indicates collection is less likely. We periodically assess our methodologies for estimating bad debts in consideration of actual experience. If the financial condition of our students were to deteriorate, resulting in evidence of impairment of their ability to make required payments for tuition payable to us, additional allowances or write-offs may be required. For the third quarter of 2019, our bad debt expense was 5.0% of revenue, compared to 6.1% for the same period in 2018. A change in our allowance for doubtful accounts of 1% of gross tuition receivable as of September 30, 2019 would have changed our income from operations by approximately $0.8 million.

Goodwill and intangible assets — Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the amount assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which include trade names, are recorded at fair market value on their acquisition date. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed at least annually for impairment. Through our acquisition of CEC in the third quarter of 2018, we had significant additions to goodwill and tradename intangible assets. The acquired goodwill was allocated to the Strayer University and Capella University reporting units. No events or circumstances occurred in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 to indicate an impairment to goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets. Accordingly, no impairment charges related to goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets were recorded during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019.

Finite-lived intangible assets that are acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value on their acquisition dates and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of student relationships. We review our finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are not recoverable, a potential impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. No impairment charges related to finite-lived intangible assets were recorded during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2019.

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Other estimates — We record estimates for certain of our accrued expenses, and income tax liabilities. We estimate the useful lives of our property and equipment and intangible assets and periodically review our assumed forfeiture rates and ability to achieve performance targets for stock-based awards and adjust them as necessary. Should actual results differ from our estimates, revisions to our accrued expenses, carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense, and income tax liabilities may be required.

Results of Operations

As discussed above, we completed our merger with CEC on August 1, 2018. Our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 include the results of CEC, but the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 do not include the financial results of CEC prior to August 1, 2018. Accordingly, the financial results of each period presented are not directly comparable. This discussion will highlight changes largely in the Strayer University segment, as those results are included in full in each period.

In the third quarter of 2019, we generated $241.7 million in revenue compared to $160.9 million in 2018. Our income from operations was $20.0 million for the third quarter of 2019 compared to a loss from operations of $57.1 million in 2018 due primarily to the inclusion of a full quarter of CEC's results in our consolidated results of operations as well as higher revenues due to enrollment growth and lower merger related costs and impairment charges. Net income in the third quarter of 2019 was $16.7 million compared to net loss of $52.8 million for the same period in 2018. Diluted earnings per share was $0.75 compared to diluted loss per share of $2.97 for the same period in 2018. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we generated $733.4 million in revenue, compared to $392.1 million for the same period in 2018. Our income from operations was $73.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to a loss from operations of $41.6 million for the same period in 2018. Net income was $52.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to net loss of $38.1 million for the same period in 2018, and diluted earnings per share was $2.38 in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to diluted loss per share of $2.90 for the same period in 2018.

In the accompanying analysis of financial information for 2019 and 2018, we use certain financial measures including Adjusted Income from Operations, Adjusted Net Income, and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share that are not required by or prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). These measures, which are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under SEC rules, are defined by us to exclude the following:

• a purchase accounting adjustment to record Capella University contract liabilities at fair value as a result of the Company's merger with Capella Education Company,

• amortization and depreciation expense related to intangible assets and software assets acquired through the Company’s merger with Capella Education Company,

• transaction and integration costs associated with the Company’s merger with Capella Education Company,

• impairment charges for intangible assets related to the Company's acquisition of the New York Code and Design Academy,

• income from partnership and other investments that are not part of our core operations, and

• discrete tax adjustments related to stock-based compensation and other adjustments.

When considered together with GAAP financial results, we believe these measures provide management and investors with an additional understanding of our business and operating results, including underlying trends associated with the Company’s ongoing operations.

Non-GAAP financial measures are not defined in the same manner by all companies and may not be comparable with other similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures may be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for or superior to, GAAP results. A reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is provided below.

Adjusted income from operations was $36.9 million in the third quarter of 2019 compared to $22.1 million in 2018. Adjusted net income was $28.4 million in the third quarter of 2019 compared to $16.9 million in 2018, and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $1.28 in the third quarter of 2019 compared to $0.92 in 2018. Adjusted income from operations was $131.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $52.0 million for the same period in 2018. Adjusted net income was $100.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $40.7 million for the same period in 2018, and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $4.54 in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $2.97 for the same period in 2018.

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The tables below reconcile our reported results of operations to adjusted results (amounts in thousands, except per share data):

Reconciliation of Reported to Adjusted Results of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2019

			Non-GAAP Adjustments
	As Reported (GAAP)		Contract liability adjustment(1)		Amortization of intangible assets(2)		Merger and integration costs(3)		Impairment of intangible assets(4)		Income from other investments(5)			Tax adjustments(6)			As Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
Income (loss) from operations	$	20,000	$	—	$	15,417	$	1,500	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	36,917
Other income, net	3,243		—		—		—		—		(706		)	—			2,537
Income (loss) before income taxes	23,243		—		15,417		1,500		—		(706		)	—			39,454
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	6,551		—		—		—		—		—			4,496			11,047
Net income (loss)	$	16,692	$	—	$	15,417	$	1,500	$	—	$	(706	)	$	(4,496	)	$	28,407
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.77															$	1.30
Diluted	$	0.75															$	1.28
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	21,806																21,806
Diluted	22,129																22,129

Reconciliation of Reported to Adjusted Results of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2018

				Non-GAAP Adjustments
	As Reported (GAAP)			Contract liability adjustment(1)		Amortization of intangible assets(2)		Merger and integration costs(3)		Impairment of intangible assets(4)		Income from other investments(5)		Tax adjustments(6)			As Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(57,127	)	$	26,214	$	10,278	$	29,620	$	13,119	$	—	$	—		$	22,104
Other income, net	1,110			—		—		—		—		—		—			1,110
Income (loss) before income taxes	(56,017		)	26,214		10,278		29,620		13,119		—		—			23,214
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(3,236		)	—		—		—		—		—		9,527			6,291
Net income (loss)	$	(52,781	)	$	26,214	$	10,278	$	29,620	$	13,119	$	—	$	(9,527	)	$	16,923
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	(2.97	)														$	0.95
Diluted	$	(2.97	)														$	0.92
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	17,799																17,799
Diluted	17,799																18,480

37

Reconciliation of Reported to Adjusted Results of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2019

			Non-GAAP Adjustments
	As Reported (GAAP)		Contract liability adjustment(1)		Amortization of intangible assets(2)		Merger and integration costs(3)		Impairment of intangible assets(4)		Income from other investments(5)			Tax adjustments(6)			As Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
Income (loss) from operations	$	73,319	$	—	$	46,251	$	11,698	$	—	$	—		$	—		$	131,268
Other income, net	10,695		—		—		—		—		(3,334		)	—			7,361
Income (loss) before income taxes	84,014		—		46,251		11,698		—		(3,334		)	—			138,629
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	31,413		—		—		—		—		—			6,907			38,320
Net income (loss)	$	52,601	$	—	$	46,251	$	11,698	$	—	$	(3,334	)	$	(6,907	)	$	100,309
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	2.42															$	4.62
Diluted	$	2.38															$	4.54
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	21,694																21,694
Diluted	22,096																22,096

Reconciliation of Reported to Adjusted Results of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018

				Non-GAAP Adjustments
	As Reported (GAAP)			Contract liability adjustment(1)		Amortization of intangible assets(2)		Merger and integration costs(3)		Impairment of intangible assets(4)		Income from other investments(5)		Tax adjustments(6)			As Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
Income (loss) from operations	$	(41,615	)	$	26,214	$	10,278	$	37,791	$	19,304	$	—	$	—		$	51,972
Other income, net	1,846			—		—		—		—		—		—			1,846
Income (loss) before income taxes	(39,769		)	26,214		10,278		37,791		19,304		—		—			53,818
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,643		)	—		—		—		—		—		14,749			13,106
Net income (loss)	$	(38,126	)	$	26,214	$	10,278	$	37,791	$	19,304	$	—	$	(14,749	)	$	40,712
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	(2.90	)														$	3.10
Diluted	$	(2.90	)														$	2.97
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	13,141																13,141
Diluted	13,141																13,724

__________________________________________________________________________________________

(1) Reflects a purchase accounting adjustment to record Capella University contract liabilities at fair value as a result of the Company's merger with CEC.

(2) Reflects amortization and depreciation expense of intangible assets and software assets acquired through the Company’s merger with CEC.

(3) Reflects transaction and integration charges associated with the Company's merger with CEC.

(4) Reflects impairment of goodwill and intangible assets related to the Company's acquisition of the New York Code and Design Academy.

(5) Reflects income recognized from the Company's investments in partnership interests and other investments.

(6) Reflects tax impacts of the adjustments described above and discrete tax adjustments related to stock-based compensation and other adjustments, utilizing an adjusted effective tax rate of 28.0% and 27.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and an adjusted effective tax rate of 27.1% and 24.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.

38

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

Revenues. The increase in consolidated revenues compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily related to the inclusion of CEC revenue for the full three month period. In the Strayer University segment for the three months ended September 30, 2019, enrollment grew 11.3% to 50,582 from 45,431 in the prior year. Revenue grew 11.7% to $127.8 million compared to $114.5 million in 2018 as a result of the increase in enrollment. Future enrollment and revenue growth may be impacted negatively by a recent change in the tuition benefits policy of one of Strayer University’s largest corporate partners. Capella University segment revenue was $110.5 million compared to $43.8 million in the prior year, which reflects activity after the completion of the CEC merger on August 1, 2018, and includes a $26.2 million purchase accounting reduction related to contract liabilities acquired in the merger. Non-Degree Programs segment revenues were $3.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $2.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018. The increase in Non-Degree Programs revenues for the three month period was primarily attributable to incremental revenues generated from the operations of Hackbright, DevMountain, and Sophia Learning, which were acquired in the CEC merger.

Instructional and support costs. Consolidated instructional and support costs increased to $132.5 million, compared to $103.1 million in the same period in the prior year, principally due to the inclusion of instructional and support costs of CEC. Consolidated instructional and support costs as a percentage of revenues decreased to 54.8% in the third quarter of 2019 from 64.0% in the third quarter of 2018.

General and administration expenses. Consolidated general and administration expenses increased to $72.3 million in the third quarter of 2019 compared to $62.0 million in the prior year, principally due to the inclusion of general and administration expenses of CEC, as well as increased investments in branding initiatives and partnerships with brand ambassadors. Consolidated general and administration expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 29.9% in the third quarter of 2019 from 38.5% in the third quarter of 2018.

Amortization of intangible assets. Amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired in the merger with CEC was $15.4 million in the third quarter of 2019 compared to $10.3 million in 2018.

Merger and integration costs. Merger and integration costs were $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2019 compared to $29.6 million in 2018, and reflect expenses for legal, accounting, integration support services and severance costs incurred in connection with the merger with CEC.

Impairment of intangible assets. In the three months ended September 30, 2018, we recorded a goodwill impairment loss of $11.1 million and an intangible asset impairment loss of $2.0 million based on an impairment analysis performed during the period related to the Company's acquisition of the New York Code and Design Academy.

Income (loss) from operations. Income from operations was $20.0 million in the third quarter of 2019 compared to a loss from operations of $57.1 million in the third quarter of 2018, principally due to the inclusion of a full quarter of CEC's results in our consolidated results of operations as well as higher revenues due to enrollment growth and lower merger related costs and impairment charges.

Other income. Other income increased to $3.2 million in the third quarter of 2019 compared to $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2018, as a result of the inclusion of $0.7 million of investment income from partnership interests acquired in the CEC merger and other investments, higher yields on money markets and marketable securities, and an increase in our cash balances. We had $250.0 million available under our amended revolving credit facility and no borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2019.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes. Income tax expense was $6.6 million in the third quarter of 2019, compared to a benefit for income taxes of $3.2 million in the third quarter of 2018. Our effective tax rate for the quarter was 28.2%, compared to 5.8% for the same period in 2018. The tax rate in 2018 included certain nondeductible charges associated with the merger and for the impairment of NYCDA goodwill. The tax rate for both periods reflects favorable discrete adjustments, primarily related to tax windfalls recognized through share-based payment arrangements.

Net income (loss). Net income was $16.7 million in the third quarter of 2019 compared to net loss of $52.8 million in the third quarter of 2018 due to the factors discussed above.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

Revenues. The increase in consolidated revenues compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily related to the inclusion of CEC revenue. In the Strayer University segment, revenues grew 12.0% to $384.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from $343.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to enrollment growth. Future enrollment and revenue growth may be impacted negatively by a recent change in the tuition benefits policy of one of Strayer University’s

39

largest corporate partners. Capella University segment revenue was $337.4 million compared to $43.8 million in the prior year, which reflects activity after the completion of the CEC merger on August 1, 2018, and includes a $26.2 million purchase accounting reduction related to contract liabilities acquired in the merger. Non-Degree Programs segment revenues were $11.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $4.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The increase in revenues for the nine month period was primarily attributable to incremental revenues generated from the operations of Hackbright, DevMountain, and Sophia Learning, which were acquired in the CEC merger.

Instructional and support costs. Consolidated instructional and support costs increased to $397.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from $240.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, principally due to the inclusion of instructional and support costs of CEC. Consolidated instructional and support costs as a percentage of revenues decreased to 54.2% in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from 61.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

General and administration expenses. Consolidated general and administration expenses increased to $204.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from $125.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, principally due to the inclusion of general and administration expenses of CEC, as well as increased investments in branding initiatives and partnerships with brand ambassadors. Consolidated general and administration expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 27.9% in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from 32.0% in the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Amortization of intangible assets. Amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired in the merger with CEC was $46.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $10.3 million for the same period in 2018.

Merger and integration costs. Merger and integration costs were $11.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $37.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and reflect expenses for legal, accounting, integration support services and severance costs incurred in connection with the merger with CEC.

Impairment of intangible assets. In the nine months ended September 30, 2018 we recorded a goodwill impairment loss of $13.9 million and an intangible asset impairment loss of $5.4 million based on an impairment analysis performed during the period related to the Company's acquisition of the New York Code and Design Academy.

Income (loss) from operations. Income from operations was $73.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to loss from operations of $41.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, principally due to the inclusion of CEC in our consolidated results of operations.

Other income. Other income increased to $10.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $1.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as a result of the inclusion of $3.3 million of investment income from partnership interests acquired in the CEC merger and other investments, higher yields on money markets and marketable securities, and an increase in our cash balances. We had $250.0 million available under our amended revolving credit facility and no borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2019.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes. Income tax expense was $31.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to a benefit of $1.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was 37.4%, compared to 4.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The tax rate was unfavorably impacted by changes in previously deferred compensation arrangements, resulting in a discrete charge of $11.5 million during the first quarter of 2019 to reduce the Company's deferred tax asset related to these arrangements. This charge is offset by favorable adjustments related to tax windfalls recognized through share-based payment arrangements.

Net income (loss). Net income increased to $52.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from net loss of $38.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 due to the factors discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At September 30, 2019, we had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $457.1 million compared to $386.5 million at December 31, 2018 and $347.8 million at September 30, 2018. At September 30, 2019, most of our cash was held in demand deposit accounts at high credit quality financial institutions.

On August 1, 2018, the Company entered into an amended credit facility (the “Amended Credit Facility”), which provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) in an aggregate principal amount of up to $250 million. The Amended Credit Facility provides the Company with an option, under certain conditions, to increase the commitments under the Revolver or establish one or more incremental term loans (each, an “Incremental Facility”) in an amount up to the sum of (x) $150 million and (y) if such Incremental Facility is incurred in connection with a permitted acquisition, any amount so long as the Company’s leverage ratio (calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis) on a pro forma basis will be no greater than 1.75:1.00. Borrowings under

40

the Amended Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR or a base rate, plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.00%, depending on our leverage ratio. An unused commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.30%, depending on our leverage ratio, accrues on unused amounts. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we paid unused commitment fees of $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively. We were in compliance with all applicable covenants related to the Amended Credit Facility as of September 30, 2019. We had no borrowings outstanding during each of the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018.

Our net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $141.4 million, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $14.6 million for the same period in 2018. The increase in net cash from operating activities was largely due to the increase in income from operations following the merger with CEC, together with adjustments for non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization expense.

Capital expenditures were $27.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, compared to $16.0 million for the same period in 2018.

The Board of Directors declared a regular, quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock for each of the first three quarters of 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we paid a total of $33.3 million in cash dividends on our common stock. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we did not repurchase any shares of common stock and, at September 30, 2019, had $70.0 million in repurchase authorization to use through December 31, 2019.

For the third quarter of 2019, bad debt expense as a percentage of revenue was 5.0% compared to 6.1% for the third quarter of 2018.

We believe that existing cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operating activities, and if necessary, cash borrowed under our revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to meet our requirements for at least the next 12 months. Currently, we maintain our cash primarily in demand deposit bank accounts and money market funds, which are included in cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2019 and 2018. We also hold marketable securities, which primarily include tax-exempt municipal securities and corporate debt securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we earned interest income of $8.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively.

ITEM 3:   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are subject to the impact of interest rate changes and may be subject to changes in the market values of our future investments. We invest our excess cash in bank overnight deposits, money market funds and marketable securities. We have not used derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio. Earnings from investments in bank overnight deposits, money market mutual funds, and marketable securities may be adversely affected in the future should interest rates decline, although such a decline may reduce the interest rate payable on any borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates or we may suffer losses in principal if forced to sell securities that have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. As of September 30, 2019, a 1% increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on our future earnings, fair values, or cash flows related to investments in cash equivalents or interest earning marketable securities.

On August 1, 2018, the Company amended its prior credit facility to extend the maturity date of the revolving credit facility from July 2, 2020 to August 1, 2023, and to increase available borrowings from $150 million to $250 million, with an option, subject to obtaining additional loan commitments and satisfaction of certain conditions, to increase the commitments under the revolving facility or establish one or more incremental term loans (each, an “Incremental Facility”) in an aggregate amount of up to the sum of (x) $150 million and (y) if such Incremental Facility is incurred in connection with a permitted acquisition, any amount so long as the Company’s leverage ratio (calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis) on a pro forma basis will be no greater than 1.75:1.00. We had no borrowings outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility as of September 30, 2019. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR or a base rate, plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.00%, depending on our leverage ratio. An unused commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.30%, depending on our leverage ratio, accrues on unused amounts under the Amended Credit Facility. An increase in LIBOR would affect interest expense on any outstanding balance of the revolving credit facility. For every 100 basis points increase in LIBOR, we would incur an incremental $2.5 million in interest expense per year assuming the entire $250 million revolving credit facility was utilized.

ITEM 4:   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2019. Based upon such review, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded

41

that the Company had in place, as of September 30, 2019, effective disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company (including consolidated subsidiaries) in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules thereunder, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

b) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. On August 1, 2018, the Company completed its acquisition of Capella Education Company. As noted under Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, management’s assessment of, and conclusion on, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Capella Education Company. See Note 3, Merger with Capella Education Company in the condensed consolidated financial statements appearing in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a discussion of the acquisition and related financial data. Under guidelines established by the SEC, companies are permitted to exclude acquisitions from their assessment of internal control over financial reporting for a period of up to one year following an acquisition while integrating the acquired company. The Company is in the process of integrating Capella Education Company’s and the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. As a result of these integration activities, certain controls will be evaluated and may be changed. Except as noted above, there have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

42

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

We are involved in litigation and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of our business. From time to time, certain matters may arise that are other than ordinary and routine. The outcome of such matters is uncertain and we may incur costs in the future to defend, settle, or otherwise resolve them. We currently believe that the ultimate outcome of such matters will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, depending on the amount and timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect future results of operations in a particular period.

Item 1A.   Risk Factors 

You should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which could materially affect our business, adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could cause you to suffer a partial or complete loss of your investment. There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also could materially adversely affect our business. See “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

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

During the three months ended September 30, 2019, we did not repurchase any shares of common stock under our repurchase program. The remaining authorization for our common stock repurchases was $70.0 million as of September 30, 2019, and is available for use through December 31, 2019.

Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

Item 5.   Other Information

None

Item 6.   Exhibits

3.1	Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 1, 2018).
3.2	Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 1, 2018).
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.	INS XBRL Instance Document
101.	SCH XBRL Schema Document
101.	CAL XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.	DEF XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.	LAB XBRL Label Linkbase Document
101.	PRE XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
104.	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

43

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.

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.
By:	/s/ Daniel W. Jackson
Daniel W. Jackson
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date: November 7, 2019

44

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Karl McDonnell, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Strategic Education, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 7, 2019

/s/ Karl McDonnell

Karl McDonnell

Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Daniel W. Jackson, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Strategic Education, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions)

(a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 7, 2019

/s/ Daniel W. Jackson

Daniel W. Jackson

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a – 14(b) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

ACT AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE

SARBANES – OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Strategic Education, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Karl McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Karl McDonnell

Karl McDonnell

Chief Executive Officer

November 7, 2019

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a – 14(b) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE

ACT AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE

SARBANES – OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Strategic Education, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Daniel W. Jackson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Daniel W. Jackson

Daniel W. Jackson

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

November 7, 2019

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Litigation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Litigation

Litigation

The Company is involved in litigation and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of its business. From time to time, certain matters may arise that are other than ordinary and routine. The outcome of such matters is uncertain and the Company may incur costs in the future to defend, settle, or otherwise resolve them. The Company currently believes that the ultimate outcome of such matters will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, depending on the amount and timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect future results of operations in a particular period.

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Equity Awards

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Equity Awards

Equity Awards

The following table sets forth the amount of stock-based compensation expense recorded in each of the expense line items for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,					For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2019			2018		2019
Instructional and support costs	$	703	$	945		$	1,821	$	2,820
General and administration	2,869		2,077			7,688		5,888
Merger and integration costs	2,272		(523		)	2,272		367
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	5,844		2,499			11,781		9,075
Tax benefit	1,607		651			3,253		2,333
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	4,237	$	1,848		$	8,528	$	6,742

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019, the Company recognized a tax windfall related to share-based payment arrangements of approximately $3.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively, which was recorded as an adjustment to the provision for income taxes.

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Merger with Capella Education Company (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business acquisition, pro forma Information

Pro forma results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are not presented below because the results of CEC are included in the Company's September 30, 2019 unaudited condensed consolidated statement of income.

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Revenue	$	224,641		$	679,309
Net income (loss)	(14,146		)	10,606

Schedule of components of aggregate consideration transferred for acquisition

The following table summarizes the components of the aggregate consideration transferred for the acquisition of CEC (in thousands):

Fair value of Company common stock issued in exchange for CEC outstanding shares(1)	$	1,209,483
Fair value of Company equity-based awards issued in exchange for CEC equity-based awards	27,478
Total fair value of consideration transferred	$	1,236,961

_________________________________________

⁽¹⁾ 

The Company issued 10,263,775 common shares at a market price of $117.84 in exchange for each issued and outstanding share of CEC common stock.

Schedule of preliminary fair value of assets and liabilities assumed

The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as a reconciliation to consideration transferred, is presented in the table below (in thousands):

Cash and cash equivalents	$	167,859
Marketable securities	31,419
Tuition receivable	36,716
Income taxes receivable	163
Other current assets	9,041
Marketable securities, non-current	34,700
Property and equipment, net	53,182
Other assets	14,556
Intangible assets	349,800
Goodwill	725,275
Total assets acquired	1,422,711
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(48,103		)
Contract liabilities	(39,000		)
Deferred income taxes	(96,320		)
Other long-term liabilities	(2,327		)
Total liabilities assumed	(185,750		)
Total consideration	$	1,236,961

Schedule of intangible assets acquired and weighted average useful lives

The table below presents a summary of intangible assets acquired (in thousands) and the weighted average useful lives of these assets:

	Fair Value		Weighted Average Useful Life in Years
Trade names	$	183,800	Indefinite
Student relationships	166,000		3
	$	349,800

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 209,197	$ 112	$ 47,079	$ 162,006	$ 0
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017		11,167,425
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of stock in connection with the acquisition of Capella Education Company (in shares)		10,263,775
Issuance of stock in connection with the acquisition of Capella Education Company	1,236,961	$ 103	1,236,858
Filing fee related to new stock issuance			(147)
Stock-based compensation	11,035		11,035
Exercise of stock options, net (in shares)		131,779
Exercise of stock options, net	6,831	$ 1	6,830
Issuance of restricted stock, net (in shares)		144,620
Issuance of restricted stock, net	(426)	$ 1	(427)
Common stock dividends	(16,802)			(16,802)
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of tax	(22)				(22)
Net income (loss)	(38,126)			(38,126)
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2018		21,707,599
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	1,408,330	$ 217	1,301,228	106,907	(22)
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2018	223,840	$ 113	53,015	170,712	0
Beginning balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2018		11,306,527
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of stock in connection with the acquisition of Capella Education Company (in shares)		10,263,775
Issuance of stock in connection with the acquisition of Capella Education Company	1,236,961	$ 103	1,236,858
Filing fee related to new stock issuance			(147)
Stock-based compensation	5,098		5,098
Exercise of stock options, net (in shares)		131,779
Exercise of stock options, net	6,831	$ 1	6,830
Issuance of restricted stock, net (in shares)		5,518
Issuance of restricted stock, net	(426)		(426)
Common stock dividends	(11,024)			(11,024)
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of tax	(22)				(22)
Net income (loss)	(52,781)			(52,781)
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2018		21,707,599
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	1,408,330	$ 217	1,301,228	106,907	(22)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018	1,425,224	$ 217	1,306,653	118,322	32
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2018		21,743,498
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	9,030		8,947	83
Exercise of stock options, net (in shares)		103,364
Exercise of stock options, net	(1,772)	$ 2	(1,774)
Issuance of restricted stock, net (in shares)		117,643
Issuance of restricted stock, net	(7,472)	$ 1	(7,473)
Common stock dividends	(33,367)			(33,367)
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of tax	415				415
Net income (loss)	52,601			52,601
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2019		21,964,505
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	1,444,659	$ 220	1,306,353	137,639	447
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2019	1,437,876	$ 219	1,305,148	132,060	449
Beginning balance, shares at Jun. 30, 2019		21,948,563
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation	3,021		3,021
Exercise of stock options, net (in shares)		12,795
Exercise of stock options, net	(1,564)	$ 1	(1,565)
Issuance of restricted stock, net (in shares)		3,147
Issuance of restricted stock, net	(251)		(251)
Common stock dividends	(11,113)			(11,113)
Unrealized losses on marketable securities, net of tax	(2)				(2)
Net income (loss)	16,692			16,692
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2019		21,964,505
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 1,444,659	$ 220	$ 1,306,353	$ 137,639	$ 447

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 397,094	$ 311,732
Marketable securities	33,455	37,121
Tuition receivable, net	50,964	55,694
Income taxes receivable	6,970	0
Other current assets	17,130	15,814
Total current assets	505,613	420,361
Property and equipment, net	116,489	122,677
Right-of-use lease assets	93,208
Marketable securities, non-current	26,532	37,678
Intangible assets, net	286,844	328,344
Goodwill	732,075	732,540
Other assets	20,435	19,429
Total assets	1,781,196	1,661,029
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	86,092	85,979
Income taxes payable	0	419
Contract liabilities	45,571	38,733
Lease liabilities	26,167
Total current liabilities	157,830	125,131
Deferred income tax liabilities	57,016	59,358
Lease liabilities, non-current	83,067
Other long-term liabilities	38,624	51,316
Total liabilities	336,537	235,805
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01; 32,000,000 shares authorized; 21,743,498 and 21,964,505 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively	220	217
Additional paid-in capital	1,306,353	1,306,653
Accumulated other comprehensive income	447	32
Retained earnings	137,639	118,322
Total stockholders’ equity	1,444,659	1,425,224
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 1,781,196	$ 1,661,029

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Merger with Capella Education Company - Additional Information (Details)		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		11 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2018 USD ($) University	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue				$ 224,641,000		$ 679,309,000
Revenue						46.1
Net income (loss)						43.1
Number of independent universities | University	2
Goodwill		$ 732,075,000	$ 732,540,000		$ 732,075,000
Merger costs		1,500,000		29,620,000	11,698,000	37,791,000
Goodwill measurement period adjustment					(465,000)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)				(14,146,000)		10,606,000
Capella Merger
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Revenue				$ 46,100,000
Net income (loss)						$ 43,100,000
Share conversion ratio of common stock issued	0.875
Goodwill	$ 725,275,000
Merger costs							$ 20,100,000
Issuance costs	100,000
Reduction in cash and cash equivalent			500,000
Reduction in other assets			1,400,000
Reduction in deferred tax liabilities			100,000		3,800,000
Reduction in current assets					1,900,000
Increase in current liabilities					1,300,000
Increase in noncurrent liabilities					100,000
Goodwill measurement period adjustment			1,800,000		(500,000)
Course content and internally developed software including in Property and Equipment	$ 53,182,000
Amortization period (in years)	3 years
Strayer University
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 330,600,000	337,381,000	337,381,000		337,381,000
Goodwill measurement period adjustment					0
Capella University
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Goodwill	394,700,000	$ 394,694,000	$ 395,159,000		394,694,000
Goodwill measurement period adjustment					$ (465,000)
Relief From Royalty Approach Valuation Technique | Capella Merger
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Course content and internally developed software including in Property and Equipment	14,000,000.0
Valuation, Cost Approach | Capella Merger
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Course content and internally developed software including in Property and Equipment	$ 5,000,000.0

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Significant Accounting Policies - Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restricted cash
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 397,094	$ 311,732	$ 276,382
Restricted cash included in other current assets	2	5	15
Restricted cash included in other assets	500		500
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$ 397,596	$ 312,237	$ 276,897	$ 156,448

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Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 16, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Unpaid obligations record as restricted assets		$ 2,000	$ 15,000	$ 2,000	$ 15,000	$ 5,000
Minimum protective endowment held in an interest-bearing account		$ 500,000	$ 500,000	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Authorized shares of common stock		32,000,000		32,000,000		32,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01		$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Issued shares of common stock		21,964,505		21,964,505		21,743,498
Outstanding shares of common stock		21,964,505		21,964,505		21,743,498
Authorized shares of preferred stock		8,000,000		8,000,000		8,000,000
Issued shares of preferred stock		0		0		0
Outstanding shares of preferred stock		0		0		0
Common stock dividends (in dollar per share)	$ 0.50
Amount of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)		3,000	681,000	21,000	583,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income net of tax		$ 447,000		$ 447,000		$ 32,000
Tax from unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities				157,000		10,000
Reclassifications from AOCI		0		0
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Lease liability		109,234,000		109,234,000
Right-of-use asset		93,208,000		93,208,000
Other Assets
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Tuition receivable, noncurrent		$ 1,100,000		$ 1,100,000		$ 1,100,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Lease liability							$ 123,000,000
Right-of-use asset							$ 107,000,000

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangibles Excluding Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Subject to amortization
Accumulated Amortization	$ (64,556)	$ (23,056)
Total
Gross Carrying Amount	351,400	351,400
Net	286,844	328,344
Trade names
Not subject to amortization
Net	185,400	185,400
Student relationships
Subject to amortization
Gross Carrying Amount	166,000	166,000
Accumulated Amortization	(64,556)	(23,056)
Net	$ 101,444	$ 142,944

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Fair Value Measurement - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Assets:
Money market funds	$ 397,094	$ 311,732	$ 276,382
Marketable securities:	59,987	74,799
Recurring
Assets:
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	101,805	77,090
Money market funds | Recurring
Assets:
Money market funds	41,818	1,791
Corporate debt securities
Assets:
Marketable securities:	40,349	47,930
Corporate debt securities | Recurring
Assets:
Marketable securities:	40,349	48,430
Tax-exempt municipal securities
Assets:
Marketable securities:	14,038	22,869
Tax-exempt municipal securities | Recurring
Assets:
Marketable securities:	14,038	22,869
Variable rate demand notes
Assets:
Marketable securities:	5,600	4,000
Variable rate demand notes | Recurring
Assets:
Marketable securities:	5,600	4,000
Deferred payments | Recurring
Liabilities:
Deferred payments	3,558	4,120
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) | Recurring
Assets:
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	41,818	1,791
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) | Money market funds | Recurring
Assets:
Money market funds	41,818	1,791
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) | Corporate debt securities | Recurring
Assets:
Marketable securities:	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) | Tax-exempt municipal securities | Recurring
Assets:
Marketable securities:	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) | Variable rate demand notes | Recurring
Assets:
Marketable securities:	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) | Deferred payments | Recurring
Liabilities:
Deferred payments	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Recurring
Assets:
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	59,987	75,299
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Money market funds | Recurring
Assets:
Money market funds	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate debt securities | Recurring
Assets:
Marketable securities:	40,349	48,430
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Tax-exempt municipal securities | Recurring
Assets:
Marketable securities:	14,038	22,869
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Variable rate demand notes | Recurring
Assets:
Marketable securities:	5,600	4,000
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Deferred payments | Recurring
Liabilities:
Deferred payments	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Recurring
Assets:
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Money market funds | Recurring
Assets:
Money market funds	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporate debt securities | Recurring
Assets:
Marketable securities:	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Tax-exempt municipal securities | Recurring
Assets:
Marketable securities:	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Variable rate demand notes | Recurring
Assets:
Marketable securities:	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Deferred payments | Recurring
Liabilities:
Deferred payments	$ 3,558	$ 4,120

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Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (171,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (171,000)

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Restructuring and Related Charges - Restructuring liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of restructuring liability
Beginning balance			$ 20,887	$ 8,781
Restructuring and other charges	$ 200	$ 13,100	2,334	13,088
Payments			(7,841)	(2,508)
Adjustments			(6,540)	107
Ending balance	8,840	19,468	8,840	19,468
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Schedule of restructuring liability
Restructuring liabilities	6,200		6,200		$ 9,800
Lease and Related Costs, Net
Schedule of restructuring liability
Beginning balance			6,540	8,781
Restructuring and other charges			0	0
Payments			0	(2,069)
Adjustments			(6,540)	107
Ending balance	0	6,819	0	6,819
Severance and Other Employee Separation Costs
Schedule of restructuring liability
Beginning balance			14,347	0
Restructuring and other charges			2,334	13,088
Payments			(7,841)	(439)
Adjustments			0	0
Ending balance	$ 8,840	$ 12,649	$ 8,840	$ 12,649

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Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 241,747	$ 160,945	$ 733,365	$ 392,082
Strayer University Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	127,837	114,471	384,806	343,644
Strayer University Segment | Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	123,259	107,773	371,176	328,476
Strayer University Segment | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	4,578	6,698	13,630	15,168
Capella University Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	110,549	43,792	337,418	43,792
Capella University Segment | Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	105,623	40,749	322,157	40,749
Capella University Segment | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	4,926	3,043	15,261	3,043
Non-Degree Programs Segment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 3,361	$ 2,682	$ 11,141	$ 4,646

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Marketable Securities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Unrealized loss position for a period longer than twelve months	$ 6,300,000		$ 6,300,000
Other-than-temporary impairment charges	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Marketable securities, due within one year	33,455,000		33,455,000		$ 37,121,000
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Variable rate demand notes
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Marketable securities, due within one year	$ 5,600,000		$ 5,600,000
Variable rate demand notes | Minimum
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Contractual maturities (in years)			18 years
Settlement basis period (in days)			1 day
Effective maturity period (in days)			1 day
Variable rate demand notes | Maximum
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Contractual maturities (in years)			26 years
Settlement basis period (in days)			7 days
Effective maturity period (in days)			7 days

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Equity Awards - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Tax windfall related to share-based payment arrangements	$ 4.0	$ 3.5

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Segment Reporting - Financial Information by Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenues
Revenues	$ 241,747	$ 160,945	$ 733,365	$ 392,082
Income (loss) from operations
Income (loss) from operations	20,000	(57,127)	73,319	(41,615)
Amortization of intangible assets	(15,417)	(10,278)	(46,251)	(10,278)
Merger and integration costs	(1,500)	(29,620)	(11,698)	(37,791)
Impairment of intangible assets	0	(13,119)	0	(19,304)
Strayer University
Revenues
Revenues	127,837	114,471	384,806	343,644
Income (loss) from operations
Income (loss) from operations	18,689	11,904	68,268	44,215
Capella University
Revenues
Revenues	110,549	43,792	337,418	43,792
Income (loss) from operations
Income (loss) from operations	18,643	(14,326)	63,918	(14,326)
Non-Degree Programs
Revenues
Revenues	3,361	2,682	11,141	4,646
Income (loss) from operations
Income (loss) from operations	$ (415)	$ (1,688)	$ (918)	$ (4,131)

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Fair Value Measurement

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	September 30, 2019		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Money market funds	$	41,818	$	41,818	$	—	$	—
Marketable securities:
Corporate debt securities	40,349		—		40,349		—
Tax-exempt municipal securities	14,038		—		14,038		—
Variable rate demand notes	5,600		—		5,600		—
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	101,805	$	41,818	$	59,987	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred payments	$	3,558	$	—	$	—	$	3,558

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	December 31, 2018		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Money market funds	$	1,791	$	1,791	$	—	$	—
Marketable securities:
Corporate debt securities	48,430		—		48,430		—
Tax-exempt municipal securities	22,869		—		22,869		—
Variable rate demand notes	4,000		—		4,000		—
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	77,090	$	1,791	$	75,299	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred payments	$	4,120	$	—	$	—	$	4,120

The Company measures the above items on a recurring basis at fair value as follows:

• Money market funds – Classified in Level 1 is excess cash the Company holds in both taxable and tax-exempt money market funds, which are included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company records any net unrealized gains and losses for changes in fair value as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity. The Company's cash and cash equivalents held at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 approximate fair value and are not disclosed in the above tables because of the short-term nature of the financial instruments.    

• Marketable securities – Classified in Level 2 and valued using readily available pricing sources for comparable instruments utilizing observable inputs from active markets. The Company does not hold securities in inactive markets.

• Deferred payments – The Company acquired certain assets and entered into deferred payment arrangements with the sellers in transactions that occurred in 2011 and 2016. The deferred payments are classified within Level 3 as there is no liquid market for similarly priced instruments and are valued using discounted cash flow models that encompass significant unobservable inputs. The assumptions used to prepare the discounted cash flows include estimates for interest rates, enrollment growth, retention rates, and pricing strategies. These assumptions are subject to change as the underlying data sources evolve and the programs mature. The short-term portion of deferred payments was $1.2 million as of September 30, 2019 and is included in accounts payable and accrued expense.

The Company did not change its valuation techniques associated with recurring fair value measurements from prior periods and did not transfer assets or liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 or 2019.

Changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 are as follows (in thousands):

	As of September 30,
	2018			2019
Balance as of the beginning of period	$	4,514		$	4,120
Amounts paid	(1,412		)	(1,579		)
Other adjustments to fair value	1,264			1,017
Balance at end of period	$	4,366		$	3,558

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Revenue Recognition

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenues primarily consist of tuition revenue arising from educational services provided in the form of classroom instruction and online courses. Tuition revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the period of instruction, which varies depending on the course format and chosen program of study. Strayer University’s educational programs and Capella University’s GuidedPath classes typically are offered on a quarterly basis and such periods coincide with the Company’s quarterly financial reporting periods, while Capella University’s FlexPath courses are delivered over a twelve-week subscription period.

The following table presents the Company’s revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by material revenue category for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2019		2018		2019
Strayer University Segment
Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships	$	107,773	$	123,259	$	328,476	$	371,176
Other(1)	6,698		4,578		15,168		13,630
Total Strayer University Segment	114,471		127,837		343,644		384,806
Capella University Segment
Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships	40,749		105,623		40,749		322,157
Other(1)	3,043		4,926		3,043		15,261
Total Capella University Segment	43,792		110,549		43,792		337,418
Non-Degree Programs Segment(2)	2,682		3,361		4,646		11,141
Consolidated revenue	$	160,945	$	241,747	$	392,082	$	733,365

_________________________________________

⁽¹⁾  Other revenue is primarily comprised of academic fees, sales of course materials, and other revenue streams.

⁽²⁾  Non-Degree Programs revenue is primarily comprised of tuition revenue and placement fee revenue.

Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods and services. The Company applies the five-step revenue model under ASC 606 to determine when revenue is earned and recognized.

Arrangements with students may have multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company allocates net tuition revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company generally determines standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers and observable market prices. The standalone selling price of material rights to receive free classes in the future is estimated based on class tuition prices and likelihood of redemption based on historical student attendance and completion behavior.

At the start of each academic term or program, a contract liability is recorded for academic services to be provided and a tuition receivable is recorded for the portion of the tuition not paid in advance. Any cash received prior to the start of an academic term or program is recorded as a contract liability. Some students may be eligible for scholarship awards, the estimated value of which will be realized in the future and is deducted from revenue when earned, based on historical student attendance and completion behavior. Contract liabilities are recorded as a current or long-term liability in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets based on when the benefit is expected to be realized.

Course materials available through Capella University enable students to access electronically all required materials for courses in which they enroll during the quarter. Revenue derived from course materials is recognized ratably over the duration of the course as the Company provides the student with continuous access to these materials during the term. For sales of certain other course materials, the Company is considered the agent in the transaction, and as such, the Company recognizes revenue net of amounts owed to the vendor at the time of sale. Revenues also include certain academic fees recognized within the quarter of instruction, and certificate revenue and licensing revenue, which are recognized as the services are provided.

Contract Liabilities – Graduation Fund

In 2013, Strayer University introduced the Graduation Fund, which allows new undergraduate students to earn tuition credits that are redeemable in the final year of a student’s course of study if he or she successfully remains in the program. New students registering in credit-bearing courses in any undergraduate program receive one free course for every three courses that are successfully completed. Students must meet all of Strayer University’s admission requirements and must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program. The Company’s employees and their dependents are not eligible for the program. Students who have more than one consecutive term of non-attendance lose any Graduation Fund credits earned to date, but may earn and accumulate new credits if the student is reinstated or readmitted by Strayer University in the future.

Revenue from students participating in the Graduation Fund is recorded in accordance with ASC 606. The Company defers the value of the related performance obligation associated with the credits estimated to be redeemed in the future based on the underlying revenue transactions that result in progress by the student toward earning the benefit. The Company’s estimate of the benefits that will be redeemed in the future is based on its historical experience of student persistence toward completion of a course of study within this program and similar programs. Each quarter, the Company assesses its methodologies and assumptions underlying these estimates, and to date, any adjustments to the estimates have not been material. The amount estimated to be redeemed in the next 12 months is $20.5 million and is included as a current contract liability in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The remainder is expected to be redeemed within two to four years.

The table below presents activity in the contract liability related to the Graduation Fund (in thousands):

	For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018			2019
Balance at beginning of period	$	37,400		$	43,329
Revenue deferred	18,791			21,358
Benefit redeemed	(15,792		)	(17,947		)
Balance at end of period	$	40,399		$	46,740

Unbilled receivables – Student tuition

Academic materials may be shipped to certain students in advance of the term of enrollment. Under ASC 606, the materials represent a performance obligation to which the Company allocates revenue based on the fair value of the materials relative to the total fair value of all performance obligations in the arrangement with the student. When control of the materials passes to the student in advance of the term of enrollment, an unbilled receivable and related revenue is recorded. The balance of unbilled receivables related to such materials was $2.1 million as of September 30, 2019, and is included in tuition receivable.

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Nature of Operations - Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments	3

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Marketable Securities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Marketable securities

The following table summarizes the proceeds from the maturities of available-for-sale securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2019		2018		2019
Maturities of marketable securities	$	5,842	$	10,300	$	5,842	$	32,860
Total	$	5,842	$	10,300	$	5,842	$	32,860

Schedule for Available-for-Sale Securities

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities	$	40,148	$	207	$	(6	)	$	40,349
Tax-exempt municipal securities	13,936		131		(29		)	14,038
Variable rate demand notes	5,600		—		—			5,600
Total	$	59,684	$	338	$	(35	)	$	59,987

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities	$	48,202	$	12	$	(284	)	$	47,930
Tax-exempt municipal securities	22,858		45		(34		)	22,869
Variable rate demand notes	4,000		—		—			4,000
Total	$	75,060	$	57	$	(318	)	$	74,799

Schedule of Maturities of Marketable Securities

The following table summarizes the maturities of the Company’s marketable securities as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2018		September 30, 2019
Due within one year	$	37,121	$	33,455
Due after one year through five years	37,678		26,532
Total	$	74,799	$	59,987

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Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2018		September 30, 2019
Contract liabilities, net of current portion	$	23,880	$	27,233
Deferred payments related to acquisitions	5,904		4,837
Employee separation costs	6,800		2,681
Deferred rent and other facility costs	6,837		1,880
Loss on facilities not in use	4,332		—
Lease incentives	2,300		—
Other	1,263		1,993
Other long-term liabilities	$	51,316	$	38,624

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Leases - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease cost recognized	$ 6,575	$ 21,066
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term	1 year	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term	10 years	10 years

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Marketable Securities - Available-For-Sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Available-For-Sale Securities
Amortized Cost	$ 59,684	$ 75,060
Gross Unrealized Gain	338	57
Gross Unrealized (Losses)	(35)	(318)
Estimated Fair Value	59,987	74,799
Corporate debt securities
Available-For-Sale Securities
Amortized Cost	40,148	48,202
Gross Unrealized Gain	207	12
Gross Unrealized (Losses)	(6)	(284)
Estimated Fair Value	40,349	47,930
Tax-exempt municipal securities
Available-For-Sale Securities
Amortized Cost	13,936	22,858
Gross Unrealized Gain	131	45
Gross Unrealized (Losses)	(29)	(34)
Estimated Fair Value	14,038	22,869
Variable rate demand notes
Available-For-Sale Securities
Amortized Cost	5,600	4,000
Gross Unrealized Gain	0	0
Gross Unrealized (Losses)	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	$ 5,600	$ 4,000

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Revenue Recognition - Graduation Fund (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Contract liability [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 43,329	$ 37,400
Revenue deferred	21,358	18,791
Benefit redeemed	(17,947)	(15,792)
Balance at end of period	$ 46,740	$ 40,399

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Equity Awards - Stock-based compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	$ 2,499	$ 5,844	$ 9,075	$ 11,781
Tax benefit	651	1,607	2,333	3,253
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	1,848	4,237	6,742	8,528
Instructional and support costs
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	945	703	2,820	1,821
General and administration
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	2,077	2,869	5,888	7,688
Merger and integration costs
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	$ (523)	$ 2,272	$ 367	$ 2,272

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Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments that meet threshold to qualify as reportable segments	2

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	Strayer University		Capella University			Non-Degree Programs		Total
Balance as of December 31, 2018	$	337,381	$	395,159		$	—	$	732,540
Additions	—		—			—		—
Impairments	—		—			—		—
Adjustments	—		(465		)	—		(465		)
Balance as of September 30, 2019	$	337,381	$	394,694		$	—	$	732,075

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded $0.5 million net measurement period adjustments, as discussed in Note 3.

The Company assesses goodwill at least annually for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the respective reporting unit below its carrying amount. No events or circumstances occurred in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 to indicate an impairment to goodwill. Accordingly, there were no impairment charges related to goodwill recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $11.1 million and $13.9 million, respectively, related to its New York Code and Design Academy ("NYCDA") reporting unit (which, following the merger, is included in the Non-Degree Programs segment) based on a quantitative impairment analysis performed. The goodwill impairment charge represented the excess of the carrying value of the net assets of the NYCDA reporting unit over its estimated fair value and is reflected within the Impairment of intangible assets line in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

Intangible Assets

The following table represents the balance of the Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2018							September 30, 2019
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Subject to amortization
Student relationships	$	166,000	$	(23,056	)	$	142,944	$	166,000	$	(64,556	)	$	101,444
Not subject to amortization
Trade names	185,400		—			185,400		185,400		—			185,400
Total	$	351,400	$	(23,056	)	$	328,344	$	351,400	$	(64,556	)	$	286,844

The Company’s finite-lived intangible assets are comprised of student relationships, which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a three-year useful life. Straight-line amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets reflects the pattern in which the assets' economic benefits are consumed over their estimated useful lives. Amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets was $13.8 million and $41.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of trade names. The Company assigned an indefinite useful life to its trade name intangible assets, as it is believed these assets have the ability to generate cash flows indefinitely. In addition, there are no legal, regulatory, contractual, economic or other factors to limit the useful life of the trade name intangibles.

The Company assesses indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the respective asset below its carrying amount. No events or circumstances occurred in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 to indicate an impairment to indefinite-lived intangible assets. Accordingly, there were no impairment charges related to indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded impairment charges of $2.0 million and $5.4 million, respectively, related to the NYCDA trade name based on a quantitative impairment analysis performed. The indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charge represented the excess of the carrying value of the NYCDA trade name over its estimated fair value and is reflected within the Impairment of intangible assets line in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

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Restructuring and Related Charges

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring and Related Charges

Restructuring and Related Charges

In October 2013, the Company implemented a restructuring to better align the Company’s resources with student enrollments at the time. This restructuring included the closing of 20 physical locations and reductions in the number of campus-based and corporate employees. At the time of this restructuring, a liability for lease obligations, some of which continue through 2022, was recorded and measured at fair value using a discounted cash flow approach encompassing significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The estimation of future cash flows included non-cancelable contractual lease costs over the remaining terms of the leases discounted at the Company’s marginal borrowing rate of 4.5%, partially offset by estimated future sublease rental income discounted at credit-adjusted rates.

In addition, the Company has incurred personnel-related restructuring charges due to cost reduction efforts and management changes. These changes are primarily intended to integrate CEC successfully and establish an efficient ongoing cost structure for the Company.

The following details the changes in the Company’s restructuring liability during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	Lease and Related Costs, Net			Severance and Other Employee  Separation Costs			Total
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	8,781		$	—		$	8,781
Restructuring and other charges(1)	—			13,088			13,088
Payments	(2,069		)	(439		)	(2,508		)
Adjustments(2)	107			—			107
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	6,819		$	12,649		$	19,468
Balance at December 31, 2018(3)	$	6,540		$	14,347		$	20,887
Restructuring and other charges(1)	—			2,334			2,334
Payments	—			(7,841		)	(7,841		)
Adjustments(2)	(6,540		)	—			(6,540		)
Balance at September 30, 2019(3)	$	—		$	8,840		$	8,840

_____________________________________

⁽¹⁾  Restructuring and other charges were $0.2 million and $2.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $13.1 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. Restructuring and other charges are included in Merger and integration costs on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

⁽²⁾  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, adjustments include accretion of interest on lease costs, partially offset by changes in the timing and expected income from subleases. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, adjustments represent the impact of adopting ASC 842 on January 1, 2019. In accordance with ASC 842, the lease related restructuring liability balance as of December 31, 2018 was netted against the initial ROU lease asset recognized upon adoption. Asset retirement obligations related to these restructured properties are also included in the adjustments amount.

⁽³⁾ 

The current portion of restructuring liabilities was $9.8 million and $6.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively, which are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. The long-term portion is included in other long-term liabilities.

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Restructuring and Related Charges (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Schedule of restructuring liability by type of cost

The following details the changes in the Company’s restructuring liability during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	Lease and Related Costs, Net			Severance and Other Employee  Separation Costs			Total
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	8,781		$	—		$	8,781
Restructuring and other charges(1)	—			13,088			13,088
Payments	(2,069		)	(439		)	(2,508		)
Adjustments(2)	107			—			107
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	6,819		$	12,649		$	19,468
Balance at December 31, 2018(3)	$	6,540		$	14,347		$	20,887
Restructuring and other charges(1)	—			2,334			2,334
Payments	—			(7,841		)	(7,841		)
Adjustments(2)	(6,540		)	—			(6,540		)
Balance at September 30, 2019(3)	$	—		$	8,840		$	8,840

_____________________________________

⁽¹⁾  Restructuring and other charges were $0.2 million and $2.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, and $13.1 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. Restructuring and other charges are included in Merger and integration costs on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.

⁽²⁾  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, adjustments include accretion of interest on lease costs, partially offset by changes in the timing and expected income from subleases. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, adjustments represent the impact of adopting ASC 842 on January 1, 2019. In accordance with ASC 842, the lease related restructuring liability balance as of December 31, 2018 was netted against the initial ROU lease asset recognized upon adoption. Asset retirement obligations related to these restructured properties are also included in the adjustments amount.

⁽³⁾ 

The current portion of restructuring liabilities was $9.8 million and $6.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively, which are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. The long-term portion is included in other long-term liabilities.

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Changes in Goodwill

The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	Strayer University		Capella University			Non-Degree Programs		Total
Balance as of December 31, 2018	$	337,381	$	395,159		$	—	$	732,540
Additions	—		—			—		—
Impairments	—		—			—		—
Adjustments	—		(465		)	—		(465		)
Balance as of September 30, 2019	$	337,381	$	394,694		$	—	$	732,075

Schedule of Intangible Assets

The following table represents the balance of the Company’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2018							September 30, 2019
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Subject to amortization
Student relationships	$	166,000	$	(23,056	)	$	142,944	$	166,000	$	(64,556	)	$	101,444
Not subject to amortization
Trade names	185,400		—			185,400		185,400		—			185,400
Total	$	351,400	$	(23,056	)	$	328,344	$	351,400	$	(64,556	)	$	286,844

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Segment Reporting (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Summary of Financial Information By Reportable Segment

A summary of financial information by reportable segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 is presented in the following table (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,						For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018			2019			2018			2019
Revenues
Strayer University	$	114,471		$	127,837		$	343,644		$	384,806
Capella University	43,792			110,549			43,792			337,418
Non-Degree Programs	2,682			3,361			4,646			11,141
Consolidated revenues	$	160,945		$	241,747		$	392,082		$	733,365
Income (loss) from operations
Strayer University	$	11,904		$	18,689		$	44,215		$	68,268
Capella University	(14,326		)	18,643			(14,326		)	63,918
Non-Degree Programs	(1,688		)	(415		)	(4,131		)	(918		)
Amortization of intangible assets	(10,278		)	(15,417		)	(10,278		)	(46,251		)
Merger and integration costs	(29,620		)	(1,500		)	(37,791		)	(11,698		)
Impairment of intangible assets	(13,119		)	—			(19,304		)	—
Consolidated income (loss) from operations	$	(57,127	)	$	20,000		$	(41,615	)	$	73,319

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Revenue Recognition (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Summary of disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers

The following table presents the Company’s revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by material revenue category for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2019		2018		2019
Strayer University Segment
Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships	$	107,773	$	123,259	$	328,476	$	371,176
Other(1)	6,698		4,578		15,168		13,630
Total Strayer University Segment	114,471		127,837		343,644		384,806
Capella University Segment
Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships	40,749		105,623		40,749		322,157
Other(1)	3,043		4,926		3,043		15,261
Total Capella University Segment	43,792		110,549		43,792		337,418
Non-Degree Programs Segment(2)	2,682		3,361		4,646		11,141
Consolidated revenue	$	160,945	$	241,747	$	392,082	$	733,365

_________________________________________

⁽¹⁾  Other revenue is primarily comprised of academic fees, sales of course materials, and other revenue streams.

⁽²⁾ 

Non-Degree Programs revenue is primarily comprised of tuition revenue and placement fee revenue.

Schedule of Graduation Fund liability

The table below presents activity in the contract liability related to the Graduation Fund (in thousands):

	For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018			2019
Balance at beginning of period	$	37,400		$	43,329
Revenue deferred	18,791			21,358
Benefit redeemed	(15,792		)	(17,947		)
Balance at end of period	$	40,399		$	46,740

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Regulation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Regulation [Abstract]

Regulation

Regulation

The Company, the Universities, Hackbright, and NYCDA are subject to significant state regulatory oversight, as well as accreditor and federal regulatory oversight, in the case of the Company and the Universities. While the Department of Education has recently issued revisions to its regulations, Congress is also considering reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (“HEA”). If Congress enacts amendments to the HEA, they may supersede the Department’s regulations in various respects and require further changes to those regulations.

Gainful Employment

Under the HEA, a proprietary institution offering programs of study other than a baccalaureate degree in liberal arts (for which there is a limited statutory exception) must prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. The Department of Education published final regulations related to gainful employment that went into effect on July 1, 2015 (the "2015 Regulations"), with the exception of new disclosure requirements, which generally went into effect January 1, 2017, but which were delayed, to some extent, until July 1, 2019.

The 2015 Regulations included two debt-to-earnings measures, consisting of an annual income rate and a discretionary income rate. The annual income rate measured student debt in relation to earnings, and the discretionary income rate measured student debt in relation to discretionary income. A program passed if the program’s graduates:

• have an annual income rate that does not exceed 8%; or

• have a discretionary income rate that does not exceed 20%.

In addition, a program that did not pass either of the debt-to-earnings metrics and had an annual income rate between 8% and 12%, or a discretionary income rate between 20% and 30%, was considered to be in a warning zone. A program failed if the program’s graduates had an annual income rate of 12% or greater and a discretionary income rate of 30% or greater. A program became Title IV-ineligible for three years if it failed both metrics for two out of three consecutive years, or failed to pass at least one metric for four consecutive award years. On January 8, 2017, Strayer University and Capella University received final 2015 debt-to-earnings measures. None of Strayer University or Capella University programs failed the debt-to-earnings metrics. Two active Strayer University programs, the Associate in Arts in Accounting and Associate in Arts in Business Administration, and one active Capella University program, the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy, were “in the zone,” which means each of those three programs remained fully eligible. The Department has announced that because it no longer has a data-sharing agreement with the U.S. Social Security Administration to receive earnings data, it is unable to calculate any subsequent debt-to-earnings measures under the gainful employment regulations in 2019.

On July 1, 2019, the Department of Education released final gainful employment regulations, which contain a full repeal of the 2015 Regulations, including all debt measures, reporting, disclosure, and certification requirements. Per the Department of Education's Master Calendar, these rules go into effect July 1, 2020. However, the Secretary used her authority under the HEA to allow institutions to implement the new rules early as of July 1, 2019. Those institutions that implement early are not required to report gainful employment data for the 2018-2019 award year, are not required to comply with gainful employment disclosure and template publication requirements, and are not required to comply with the regulation’s certification requirements with respect to programmatic accreditation and program satisfaction of prerequisites for professional licensure/state certification. Both Capella University and Strayer University have elected to implement the July 2019 regulations early and have documented their decision to do so as required by the Department of Education.

Borrower Defenses to Repayment

Pursuant to the HEA and following negotiated rulemaking, on November 1, 2016, the Department published final regulations that, among other things, specify the acts or omissions of an institution that a borrower may assert as a defense to repayment of a loan made under the Federal Direct Loan Program (the “2016 BDTR Rule”) and the consequences of such borrower defenses for borrowers, institutions, and the Department. Under the 2016 BDTR Rule, for Direct Loans disbursed after July 1, 2017, a student borrower may

assert a defense to repayment if: (1) the student borrower obtained a state or federal court judgment against the institution; (2) the institution failed to perform on a contract with the student; and/or (3) the institution committed a “substantial misrepresentation” on which the borrower reasonably relied to his or her detriment. Borrowers assert these defenses through claims submitted to the Department, and the Department has the authority to issue a final decision. In addition, the regulation permits the Department to grant relief to an individual or group of individuals, including individuals who have not applied to the Department seeking relief. If a defense is successfully raised, the Department has discretion to initiate action to collect from an institution the amount of losses incurred based on the borrower defense. The 2016 BDTR Rule also amends the rules concerning discharge of federal student loans when a school or campus closes and prohibits pre-dispute arbitration agreements and class action waivers for borrower defense-type claims. On January 19, 2017, the Department issued a final rule updating the hearing procedures for actions to establish liability against an institution of higher education and establishing procedures for recovery proceedings under the 2016 BDTR Rule.

Although the 2016 BDTR Rule was scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2017, on June 16, 2017, the Department delayed indefinitely the effective date of selected provisions of the 2016 BDTR Rule and announced its intention to conduct negotiated rulemaking proceedings to revise the regulations. On October 24, 2017, the Department published an interim final rule to delay the effective date of the selected provisions until July 1, 2018. On February 14, 2018, the Department published a final rule to delay the effective date of the selected provisions until July 1, 2019.

On September 12, 2018, a federal judge ruled that the Department’s various delays of the 2016 BDTR Rule were contrary to law. On October 16, 2018, in a related case, the judge denied a request to delay implementation of portions of the 2016 BDTR Rule. As a result, the 2016 BDTR Rule came into effect. In March 2019, the Department issued guidance, clarifying that institutions should handle reporting for events, actions, or conditions that occurred after July 1, 2017 by making required reports to the Department no later than May 14, 2019. The Department also indicated that institutions must implement the prohibitions related to dispute resolution, including by making any required modifications to enrollment agreements or by beginning to implement required notification procedures by May 14, 2019. The Company believes that the Universities are in compliance with these requirements.

On September 23, 2019, the Department published final Borrower Defense to Repayment regulations (the “2019 BDTR Rule”), which will govern borrower defense to repayment claims in connection with loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2020. The 2016 BDTR Rule continues to apply in the interim.

Under the 2019 BDTR Rule, an individual borrower can assert a defense to repayment and be eligible for relief if she or he establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence, that (1) the institution at which the borrower enrolled made a misrepresentation of material fact upon which the borrower reasonably relied in deciding to obtain a Direct Loan, or a loan repaid by a Direct Consolidation Loan; (2) the misrepresentation directly and clearly related to the borrower’s enrollment or continuing enrollment at the institution or the institution’s provision of education services for which the loan was made; and (3) the borrower was financially harmed by the misrepresentation. The Department will grant forbearance on all loans related to a claim at the time the claim is made.

The 2019 BDTR Rule defines a “misrepresentation” as: a statement, act, or omission by an eligible school to a borrower that (a) is false, misleading, or deceptive, (b) was made with knowledge of its false, misleading, or deceptive nature or with a reckless disregard for the truth, and (c) directly and clearly relates to either (1) enrollment or continuing enrollment at the institution; or (2) the provision of educational services for which the loan was made. “Financial harm” is defined as the amount of monetary loss that a borrower incurs as a consequence of a misrepresentation. The Department will determine financial harm based upon individual earnings and circumstances, which must include consideration of the individual borrower’s career experience subsequent to enrollment and may include, among other factors, evidence of program-level median or mean earnings. “Financial harm” does not include damages for nonmonetary loss, and the act of taking out a Direct Loan, alone, does not constitute evidence of financial harm. Financial harm also cannot be predominantly due to intervening local, regional, national economic or labor market conditions, nor can it arise from the borrower’s voluntary change in occupation or decision to pursue less than full-time work or not to work. The 2019 BDTR Rule contains certain limitations and procedural protections. Among the most prominent of these restrictions, the regulation contains a three-year limitation period of claims, measured from the student’s separation from the institution, does not permit claims to be filed on behalf of groups, and requires that institutions receive access to any evidence in the Department's possession to inform the institution's response.

The 2019 BDTR Rule permits the use of pre-dispute arbitration agreements as a condition of enrollment, so long as the institution provides plain-language disclosures to students and places the disclosure on the institution’s website. The regulations also allow for a borrower to choose whether to apply for a closed school loan discharge or accept a teach-out opportunity, and they provide that once a borrower has accepted a teach-out plan the student would not be eligible for a closed school loan discharge unless the institution fails to adhere to the terms of the teach-out plan. In addition, the closed school discharge window is expanded from 120 days to 180 days prior to the school’s closure, though unlike the 2016 BDTR Rule, the 2019 BDTR Rule does not include an automatic closed school loan discharge if the student does not enroll in another institution within three years of the date after the school closes.

The 2019 BDTR Rule also makes changes to the Department’s financial responsibility requirements, including establishing a more limited set, as compared to the 2016 BDTR Rule, of mandatory and discretionary triggering events that have, or could have, a materially adverse impact on the institution’s financial condition and therefore warrant financial protection. An institution determined not to be financially responsible because of one or more triggering events may be required to issue an irrevocable letter of credit for not less than 10% of the Federal Student Aid program funds received by the school for the most recently completed fiscal year and/or will be issued a provisional Program Participation Agreement. The 2019 BDTR Rule further updates the definitions of terms used to calculate an institution’s composite score and otherwise amends the composite score methodology to reflect changes in FASB accounting standards pertaining to new leases.

Institutions are required to accept responsibility for the repayment of amounts discharged by the Secretary pursuant to the borrower defense to repayment, closed school discharge, false certification discharge, and unpaid refund discharge regulations. The 2019 BDTR Rule may require the repayment of funds and the purchase of loans by the school if the Secretary determines that the school is liable as a result of a successful claim for which the Secretary discharged a loan, in whole or in part. The provisions of the regulation are effective July 1, 2020.

Current Negotiated Rulemaking

On July 31, 2018, the Department announced its intention to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to prepare proposed regulations for the Federal Student Aid programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA. As described in the July 31 announcement and further detailed in a subsequent announcement on October 15, the Department indicated the proposed topics for negotiation include:

• Requirements for accrediting agencies in their oversight of member institutions and programs.

• Criteria used by the Secretary to recognize accrediting agencies, emphasizing criteria that focus on educational quality and deemphasizing those that are anti-competitive.

• Simplification of the Department’s recognition and review of accrediting agencies.

• Clarification of the core oversight responsibilities of each entity in the regulatory triad, including accrediting agencies, States, and the Department, to hold institutions accountable.

• Clarification of the permissible arrangements between an institution of higher education and another organization to provide a portion of an education program (34 CFR 668.5).

• The roles and responsibilities of institutions and accrediting agencies in the teach-out process (34 CFR 600.32(d) and 602.24).

• Elimination of regulations related to programs that have not been funded in many years.

• Needed technical changes and corrections to program regulations that have been identified by the Department.

• Regulatory changes required to ensure equitable treatment of brick-and-mortar and distance education programs; enable expansion of direct assessment programs, distance education, and competency-based education; and clarify disclosure and other requirements of state authorization.

• Protections to ensure that accreditors recognize and respect institutional mission, and evaluate an institution’s policies and educational programs based on that mission; and remove barriers to the eligibility of faith-based entities to participate in the Title IV, HEA programs.

• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (“TEACH”) Grant requirements and ways to reduce and correct the inadvertent conversion of grants to loans. 

The Department also announced its intent to convene three subcommittees: one addressing proposed regulations related to distance learning and educational innovation, one addressing TEACH Grant conversions, and one to make recommendations to the committee regarding revisions to the regulations regarding the eligibility of faith-based entities to participate in the Title IV programs. The Department convened the distance learning and educational innovation subcommittee to address, among other topics, simplification of state authorization requirements, the definition of “regular and substantive interaction”, the definition of the term “credit hour”, direct assessment programs and competency-based education, and barriers to innovation in post-secondary education.

In connection with this negotiated rulemaking process, the Department convened three public hearings and accepted written comments through September 14, 2018. Strayer University and Capella University submitted written comments on September 14, and negotiations concluded in April 2019. On April 3, 2019, the Accreditation and Innovation negotiated rulemaking committee reached consensus on all topics being negotiated. This outcome means the Department, except in extraordinary circumstances, is bound to publish the consensus language as the notice of proposed rulemaking and accept public comment on that proposal.

On June 12, 2019, the Department published a notice of proposed rulemaking proposing to amend the regulations governing the recognition of accrediting agencies, certain student assistance provisions including state authorization rules, and institutional

eligibility, as well as make various technical corrections. Public comments were accepted through July 12, 2019, and the Department published final rules on those topics on November 1, 2019. The final regulations concerning accreditation and state authorization generally will be effective on July 1, 2020, except the Department announced that institutions may in their discretion implement early those regulations relating to state authorization and institutional information disclosures. The final regulations concerning state authorization for distance education are described more below. The final regulations also require an institution to make certain disclosures about educational programs leading to professional licensure, regardless of program modality. In addition, the final regulations revise in some respects the Department’s process for recognition and review of accrediting agencies, the criteria used by the Department to recognize accrediting agencies, and Department’s requirements for accrediting agencies in terms of their oversight of accredited institutions and programs.

In the Spring 2019 update to its Unified Agenda, the Department of Education indicated that it plans to release notices of proposed rulemaking with draft rules regarding distance education and innovation issues, eligibility of faith-based entities and activities and TEACH grant conversions in December 2019. Under the HEA, if the Department publishes final rules on these topics by November 1, 2020, they would become effective July 1, 2021.

State Education Licensure – Licensure of Online Programs

The increasing popularity and use of the internet and other technology for the delivery of education has led, and may continue to lead, to the adoption of new laws and regulatory practices in the United States or foreign countries or to the interpretation of existing laws and regulations to apply to such services. These new laws and interpretations may relate to issues such as the requirement that online education institutions be licensed as a school in one or more jurisdictions even where they have no physical location. New laws, regulations, or interpretations related to doing business over the internet could increase the Company’s cost of doing business, affect its ability to increase enrollments and revenues, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business.

In April 2013, the Department announced that it would address state authorization of distance education through negotiated rulemaking. While four negotiated rulemaking sessions were conducted from February through May 2014, no consensus was reached.

In June 2016, despite the lack of consensus at the negotiated rulemaking sessions, but as permitted by federal law, the Department issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for public comment on the issue of state authorization for online programs. On December 19, 2016, the Department issued final regulations, which are described below and were scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2018. On May 25, 2018, the Department issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to delay until July 1, 2020 the effective date of the state authorization of distance education provisions of those final regulations based on concerns that were raised by regulated parties and to provide adequate time to conduct negotiated rulemaking to reconsider those provisions and, as necessary, develop revised regulations. On July 3, 2018, the Department published a final rule, which was made effective retroactively to June 29, 2018, to delay until July 1, 2020 the effective date of the state authorization of distance education provisions. Certain other portions of the 2016 final regulations, which relate to authorization of foreign locations, went into effect on July 1, 2018. On April 26, 2019, in litigation brought to challenge the Department’s delayed implementation of the 2016 final regulations, a judge found that the delay was improper and ordered that the rules regarding state authorization of programs offered through distance education take effect on May 26, 2019. The 2016 final regulations remain in effect until the new final rules, described below, take effect.

As now in effect, the 2016 final regulations, among other things, require an institution offering Title IV-eligible distance education or correspondence courses to be authorized by each state in which the institution enrolls students, if such authorization is required by the state. Institutions can obtain such authorization directly from the state or through a state authorization reciprocity agreement. A state authorization reciprocity agreement is defined as an agreement between two or more states that authorizes an institution located and legally authorized in a state covered by the agreement to provide post-secondary education through distance education or correspondence courses to students in other states covered by the agreement and does not prohibit a participating state from enforcing its own laws with respect to higher education. On March 6, 2015, Capella University was approved as an institution participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (“SARA”). On December 2, 2016, Strayer University became a participant in SARA. As participants in SARA, Strayer University and Capella University may offer online courses and other forms of distance education to students in any participating SARA state in which they do not have a physical location or a physical presence, as defined by the state, without having to seek any new state institutional approval beyond the Universities’ home states (Washington, D.C. and Minnesota, respectively). There are currently 49 SARA member states - all but California. The 2016 final regulations also require institutions to document the state process for resolving complaints from students enrolled in programs offered through distance education or correspondence courses for each state in which such students reside.

In addition, the 2016 final regulations require an institution to provide public and individualized disclosures to enrolled and prospective students regarding its programs offered solely through distance education or correspondence courses. The public disclosures include state authorization for the program or course, the process for submitting complaints to relevant states, any adverse actions by a state or accrediting agency related to the distance education program or correspondence course within the past five years, refund policies

specific to the state, and applicable licensure or certification requirements for a career that the program prepares a student to enter. An institution is required to disclose directly to all prospective students if a distance education or correspondence course does not meet the licensure or certification requirements for a state. An institution is required to disclose to each current and prospective student an adverse action taken against a distance education or correspondence program and any determination that a program ceases to meet licensure or certification requirements.

Under the 2016 final regulations, if an institution does not obtain or maintain state authorization for distance education or correspondence courses in any particular state that has authorization requirements, the institution may lose its ability to award Title IV funds for students in those programs who are residing in that state.

On October 15, 2018, the Department announced its intention to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to prepare proposed regulations on a variety of topics, including state authorization of distance education programs. The Department included state authorization of distance education programs in the Accreditation and Innovation negotiated rulemaking that took place in early 2019. The committee agreed to language that would retain the requirement that institutions are authorized - including the option to be authorized via a reciprocity agreement - to operate in any state in which a student is located for the purposes of Title IV eligibility. However, the consensus language removed many of the public and individualized disclosures to enrolled and prospective students regarding programs offered solely through distance education or correspondence courses. On June 12, 2019, the Department released a notice of proposed rulemaking reflecting the consensus language on this topic, with public comments accepted through July 12, 2019. On November 1, 2019, the Department published new final rules concerning, among other topics, state authorization of distance education programs, which are generally effective July 1, 2020. The Department announced that institutions may in their discretion implement early those portions of the regulations relating to state authorization and institutional information disclosures. The regulations revise the definition of “state authorization reciprocity agreement” such that it does not prohibit any member state from enforcing its own general-purpose state laws and regulations, but member states cannot impose additional requirements related to state authorization of distance education directed at all or a subgroup of educational institutions. The regulations also clarify that state authorization requirements related to distance education courses are based on the state where a student is “located,” as determined by the institution, and not the state of the student’s “residence.” The final rules maintain the consensus language developed during negotiated rulemaking, which remove certain disclosure requirements related to programs offered solely through distance education, and they replace those requirements with certain disclosure requirements applicable to all programs that lead to professional licensure or certification, regardless of the delivery modality of those programs.

The Clery Act

Strayer University and Capella University must comply with the campus safety and security reporting requirements as well as other requirements in the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the “Clery Act”), including changes made to the Clery Act by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. On October 20, 2014, the Department promulgated regulations, effective July 1, 2015, implementing amendments to the Clery Act. In addition, the Department has interpreted Title IX to categorize sexual violence as a form of prohibited sex discrimination and to require institutions to follow certain disciplinary procedures with respect to such offenses. Failure by Strayer University or Capella University to comply with the Clery Act or Title IX requirements or regulations thereunder could result in action by the Department fining Strayer University or Capella University, or limiting or suspending participation in Title IV programs, could lead to litigation, and could harm Strayer University or Capella University’s reputation. The Company believes that Strayer University and Capella University are in compliance with these requirements.

Compliance Reviews

The Universities are subject to announced and unannounced compliance reviews and audits by various external agencies, including the Department, its Office of Inspector General, state licensing agencies, guaranty agencies, and accrediting agencies. In 2014, the Department conducted four campus-based program reviews of Strayer University locations in three states and the District of Columbia. The reviews covered federal financial aid years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, and two of the reviews also covered compliance with the Clery Act, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, and regulations related thereto. For three of the program reviews, Strayer University received correspondence from the Department in 2015 closing the program reviews with no further action required by Strayer University. For the other program review, in 2016, Strayer University received a Final Program Review Determination Letter identifying a payment of less than $500 due to the Department based on an underpayment on a return to Title IV calculation, and otherwise closing the review. Strayer University remitted payment, and received a letter from the Department indicating that no further action was required and that the matter was closed.

In June 2019, the Department conducted an announced, on-site program review at Capella University, focused on Capella University’s FlexPath program. The review covered the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 federal financial aid years. The program review has not concluded. In general, after the Department conducts its site visit and reviews data supplied by the institution, it sends the institution a program review report. The institution has the opportunity to respond to any findings in the report. The Department then issues a Final Program Review Determination, which identifies any liabilities. The institution may appeal any monetary liabilities specified in the Final Program Review Determination.

Program Participation Agreement

Each institution participating in Title IV programs must enter into a Program Participation Agreement with the Department. Under the agreement, the institution agrees to follow the Department’s rules and regulations governing Title IV programs. On October 11, 2017, the Department and Strayer University executed a new Program Participation Agreement, approving Strayer University’s continued participation in Title IV programs with full certification through June 30, 2021.

As a result of the August 1, 2018 merger, Capella University experienced a change of ownership, with the Company as its new owner. On January 18, 2019, consistent with standard procedure upon a Title IV institution’s change of ownership, the Department and Capella University executed a new Provisional Program Participation Agreement, approving Capella’s continued participation in Title IV programs with provisional certification through December 31, 2022. As is typical, the Provisional Program Participation Agreement subjects Capella University to certain requirements during the period of provisional certification, including that Capella must apply for and receive approval from the Department in connection with new locations or addition of new Title IV-eligible educational programs.

NYCDA, Hackbright Academy and DevMountain

NYCDA currently provides instruction through B2B relationships in various locations. Hackbright Academy currently provides on-ground courses in the San Francisco Bay Area. DevMountain currently provides on-ground courses in Lehi, Utah; Dallas, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona, and in 2017, introduced its first online program in Web Development. NYCDA, Hackbright Academy and DevMountain are not accredited, do not participate in state or federal student financial aid programs, and are not subject to the regulatory requirements applicable to accredited schools and schools that participate in financial aid programs such as those described above. Programs such as those offered by NYCDA, Hackbright Academy, and DevMountain are regulated by each individual state.

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Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019, the Company recorded a benefit for income taxes of $1.6 million and income tax expense of $31.4 million, reflecting an effective tax rate of 4.1% and 37.4%, respectively.

In February 2019, to align compensation and benefit plans after completion of the merger with CEC, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors took action to terminate all deferred compensation arrangements, including for employees already participating in such arrangements. These changes affect the tax deductibility of certain arrangements, which resulted in a discrete item recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2019, reducing the Company’s deferred tax assets by $11.5 million, and increasing the Company’s 2019 effective tax rate and future cash tax payments.

The Company had $0.7 million and $1.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Interest and penalties, including those related to uncertain tax positions, are included in the provision for income taxes in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. The Company incurred no expense related to interest and penalties during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $0.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

The Company paid $10.9 million and $36.6 million in income taxes during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019, respectively.

The tax years since 2015 remain open for Federal tax examination and the tax years since 2014 remain open to examination by state and local taxing jurisdictions in which the Company is subject.

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Significant Accounting Policies - Reclassification of Operation Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
I&SC	$ 132,527	$ 130,712	$ 103,079	$ 69,299	$ 68,452	$ 397,281	$ 240,830
G&A	$ 72,303	68,541	61,976	32,176	31,342	$ 204,816	$ 125,494
Instruction and educational support | Previously Reported
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
I&SC		118,320	93,290	64,690	63,776
G&A		0	0	0	0
Admissions advisory | Previously Reported
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
I&SC		12,392	9,789	4,609	4,676
G&A		0	0	0	0
Marketing | Previously Reported
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
I&SC		0	0	0	0
G&A		49,577	46,165	21,113	20,124
General and administration | Previously Reported
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
I&SC		0	0	0	0
G&A		$ 18,964	$ 15,811	$ 11,063	$ 11,218

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Significant Accounting Policies - Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Schedule of reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3	681	21	583
Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings (loss) per share	21,806	17,799	21,694	13,141
Shares used to compute diluted earnings (loss) per share	22,129	17,799	22,096	13,141
Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options	44	0	65	0
Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units	279	0	337	0

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Retained Earnings
Common stock dividends (in dollar per share)	$ 0.50	$ 0.50	$ 1.50	$ 1.00

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	32,000,000	32,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,964,505	21,743,498
Common stock, shares outstanding	21,964,505	21,743,498

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Merger with Capella Education Company - Intangible Assets Acquired (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019
Student relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted Average Useful Life in Years		3 years
Capella Merger
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total intangible assets	$ 349,800
Capella Merger | Student relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, fair value	$ 166,000
Weighted Average Useful Life in Years	3 years
Capella Merger | Trade names
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Indefinite lived intangible assets, fair value	$ 183,800

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Adjustments			$ 465,000
Impairment loss on goodwill	$ 0	$ 11,100,000	$ 0	$ 13,900,000

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Fair Value Measurement - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Short-term portion of deferred payments	$ 1.2

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Regulation (Details)	4 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014 Rulemaking_Session	Sep. 30, 2019 hearing Subcommittee measure Program Jurisdiction Metric	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) State	Dec. 31, 2014 Review State
Regulation [Line Items]
Number of debt-to-earnings measures | measure		2
Number of ineligible years		3 years
Number of metrics that can't be failed for consecutive years | Metric		1
Number of consecutive years program has to fail both metrics to become ineligible		2 years
Number of consecutive years		3 years
Number of consecutive years program has to fail one metric to become ineligible		4 years
Number of current associate degree programs in the Zone | Program		3
Number of years needed with combination of zone and failing designations		4 years
Number of subcommittees | Subcommittee		3
Number of department public hearings convened | hearing		3
Number of sessions | Rulemaking_Session	4
Minimum
Regulation [Line Items]
Licensed jurisdictions | Jurisdiction		1
Number of states needed for state authorization reciprocity agreement | State			2
Strayer University
Regulation [Line Items]
Number of years an adverse action must be disclosed		5 years
Number of states in which compliance reviews were conducted | State				3
Number of conducted compliance reviews | Review				2
Number of reviews in which no further action was required | Review				3
Strayer University | Maximum
Regulation [Line Items]
Amount due to department of education | $			$ 500
Capella University | Strayer University
Regulation [Line Items]
Number of current associate degree programs in the Zone | Program		1
Strayer University
Regulation [Line Items]
Number of current associate degree programs in the Zone | Program		2
Number of on-site reviews conducted | Review				4
Passes
Regulation [Line Items]
Average of median discretionary percentage		20.00%
Passes | Maximum
Regulation [Line Items]
Average of median annual earning percentage		8.00%
Warning | Minimum
Regulation [Line Items]
Average of median annual earning percentage		8.00%
Average of median discretionary percentage		20.00%
Warning | Maximum
Regulation [Line Items]
Average of median annual earning percentage		12.00%
Average of median discretionary percentage		30.00%
Fails | Minimum
Regulation [Line Items]
Average of median annual earning percentage		12.00%
Average of median discretionary percentage		30.00%

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Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Contract liabilities, net of current portion	$ 27,233,000	$ 23,880,000
Deferred payments related to acquisitions	4,837,000	5,904,000
Employee separation costs	2,681,000	6,800,000
Deferred rent and other facility costs	1,880,000	6,837,000
Loss on facilities not in use	0	4,332,000
Lease incentives	0	2,300,000
Other	1,993,000	1,263,000
Other long-term liabilities	$ 38,624,000	$ 51,316,000

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Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 6,551,000	$ (3,236,000)	$ 31,413,000	$ (1,643,000)
Effective income tax rate			37.40%	4.10%
Deferred tax asset			$ 11,500,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 1,400,000	$ 700,000	1,400,000	$ 700,000
Amount of interest and penalties			200,000	0
Cash payments for income taxes			$ 36,600,000	$ 10,900,000

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Marketable Securities - Proceeds from the Maturities of Available-For-Sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities	$ 10,300	$ 5,842	$ 32,860	$ 5,842

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Restructuring and Related Charges - Additional Information (Details)	1 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013 Location
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Campus locations closed	20
Marginal borrowing rate used to discount leases	4.50%

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Leases (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Components of Lease Cost

The components of lease costs were as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,			For the nine months ended September 30,
	2019			2019
Lease cost:
Operating lease cost	$	7,022		$	22,520
Short-term lease cost	234			674
Sublease income	(681		)	(2,128		)
Total lease costs	$	6,575		$	21,066

	As of September 30, 2019
Lease term and discount rate:
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)	5.7
Weighted-average discount rate	4.20	%

	For the nine months ended September 30,
	2019
Other information (in thousands):
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$	24,982
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities	$	4,082
Leasehold improvements obtained in exchange for TIAs paid directly to third parties	$	2,156

Maturities of Lease Liabilities

Maturities of lease liabilities (in thousands):

Year Ending September 30,
2020	$	30,365
2021	25,692
2022	17,443
2023	12,121
2024	10,442
Thereafter	27,470
Total lease payments(1)	$	123,533
Less: interest	(14,299		)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	109,234

__________________________________________________________

⁽¹⁾ 

Operating lease payments exclude $6.0 million of legally binding minimum payments for leases signed but not yet commenced.

Minimum Rental Commitments

The minimum rental commitments for the Company as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

	Minimum Rental Commitments(1)
2019	$	33,600
2020	28,399
2021	23,485
2022	13,770
2023	10,316
Thereafter	32,745
Total	$	142,315

__________________________________________________________

⁽¹⁾ 

Amounts are based on the accounting guidance in ASC 840, Leases, that was superseded upon the Company's adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019.

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Equity Awards (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of stock-based compensation expense

The following table sets forth the amount of stock-based compensation expense recorded in each of the expense line items for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,					For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2019			2018		2019
Instructional and support costs	$	703	$	945		$	1,821	$	2,820
General and administration	2,869		2,077			7,688		5,888
Merger and integration costs	2,272		(523		)	2,272		367
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	5,844		2,499			11,781		9,075
Tax benefit	1,607		651			3,253		2,333
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	4,237	$	1,848		$	8,528	$	6,742

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Leases

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

Leases

The Company has long-term, non-cancelable operating leases for campuses and other administrative facilities. These leases generally range from one to 10 years and may include renewal options to extend the lease term. In addition, the leases commonly include lease incentives in the form of rent abatements and tenant improvement allowances ("TIAs"). The Company subleases certain portions of unused building space to third parties. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recognized $6.6 million and $21.1 million of lease costs, respectively.

The components of lease costs were as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,			For the nine months ended September 30,
	2019			2019
Lease cost:
Operating lease cost	$	7,022		$	22,520
Short-term lease cost	234			674
Sublease income	(681		)	(2,128		)
Total lease costs	$	6,575		$	21,066

	As of September 30, 2019
Lease term and discount rate:
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)	5.7
Weighted-average discount rate	4.20	%

	For the nine months ended September 30,
	2019
Other information (in thousands):
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities	$	24,982
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities	$	4,082
Leasehold improvements obtained in exchange for TIAs paid directly to third parties	$	2,156

Maturities of lease liabilities (in thousands):

Year Ending September 30,
2020	$	30,365
2021	25,692
2022	17,443
2023	12,121
2024	10,442
Thereafter	27,470
Total lease payments(1)	$	123,533
Less: interest	(14,299		)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	109,234

__________________________________________________________

⁽¹⁾  Operating lease payments exclude $6.0 million of legally binding minimum payments for leases signed but not yet commenced.

The minimum rental commitments for the Company as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

	Minimum Rental Commitments(1)
2019	$	33,600
2020	28,399
2021	23,485
2022	13,770
2023	10,316
Thereafter	32,745
Total	$	142,315

__________________________________________________________

⁽¹⁾ 

Amounts are based on the accounting guidance in ASC 840, Leases, that was superseded upon the Company's adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019.

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Merger with Capella Education Company

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Merger with Capella Education Company

Merger with Capella Education Company

On August 1, 2018, the Company completed its merger with CEC and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, pursuant to a merger agreement dated October 29, 2017. The merger enabled the Company to become a national leader in education innovation that improves affordability and enhances career outcomes by offering complementary programs and sharing academic and technological best practices, through a best-in-class corporate platform supporting two independent universities.

Pursuant to the merger agreement, the Company issued 0.875 shares of the Company’s common stock for each issued and outstanding share of CEC common stock. Outstanding equity awards held by existing CEC employees and certain non-employee directors of CEC were assumed by the Company and converted into comparable Company awards at the exchange ratio. Outstanding equity awards held by CEC non-employee directors who did not serve as directors of the Company after completion of the merger were converted to Company awards and settled. Outstanding equity awards held by former CEC employees were settled upon completion of the merger in exchange for cash payments as specified in the merger agreement.

The following table summarizes the components of the aggregate consideration transferred for the acquisition of CEC (in thousands):

Fair value of Company common stock issued in exchange for CEC outstanding shares(1)	$	1,209,483
Fair value of Company equity-based awards issued in exchange for CEC equity-based awards	27,478
Total fair value of consideration transferred	$	1,236,961

_________________________________________

⁽¹⁾  The Company issued 10,263,775 common shares at a market price of $117.84 in exchange for each issued and outstanding share of CEC common stock.

The Company applied the acquisition method of accounting to CEC’s business, whereby the excess of the acquisition date fair value of consideration transferred over the fair value of identifiable net assets was allocated to goodwill. Goodwill reflects workforce and synergies expected from cost savings, operations, and revenue enhancements of the combined company that are expected to result from the acquisition. The goodwill recorded as part of the merger was allocated to the Strayer University and Capella University reportable segments in the amount of $330.6 million and $394.7 million, respectively, and is not deductible for tax purposes.

The Company incurred $20.1 million of acquisition-related costs which are included in Merger and integration costs in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. Issuance costs of $0.1 million were recognized in additional paid-in capital in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

During the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company finalized the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Measurement period adjustments were reflected in the periods in which the adjustments occurred. During the three months ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded measurement period adjustments that reduced cash and cash equivalents, other assets, and deferred income taxes by $0.5 million, $1.4 million, and $0.1 million, respectively. These adjustments resulted in a $1.8 million increase to goodwill recognized in connection with the CEC merger during the three months ended December 31, 2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded measurement period adjustments that reduced deferred income taxes and current assets by $3.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively, and increased current liabilities and long-term liabilities by $1.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively. These adjustments resulted in a $0.5 million decrease to goodwill recognized in connection with the CEC merger during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. All measurement period adjustments are reflected in the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the table below.

The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as a reconciliation to consideration transferred, is presented in the table below (in thousands):

Cash and cash equivalents	$	167,859
Marketable securities	31,419
Tuition receivable	36,716
Income taxes receivable	163
Other current assets	9,041
Marketable securities, non-current	34,700
Property and equipment, net	53,182
Other assets	14,556
Intangible assets	349,800
Goodwill	725,275
Total assets acquired	1,422,711
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(48,103		)
Contract liabilities	(39,000		)
Deferred income taxes	(96,320		)
Other long-term liabilities	(2,327		)
Total liabilities assumed	(185,750		)
Total consideration	$	1,236,961

The table below presents a summary of intangible assets acquired (in thousands) and the weighted average useful lives of these assets:

	Fair Value		Weighted Average Useful Life in Years
Trade names	$	183,800	Indefinite
Student relationships	166,000		3
	$	349,800

The Company determined the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on assumptions that reasonable market participants would use while employing the concept of highest and best use of the assets and liabilities. The Company utilized the following assumptions, some of which include significant unobservable inputs which would qualify the valuations as Level 3 measurements, and valuation methodologies to determine fair value:

• Intangible assets - To determine the fair value of the trade name, the Company used the relief from royalty approach. The excess earnings method was used to estimate the fair value of student relationships.

• Property and equipment - Included in property and equipment is course content of $14.0 million, valued using the relief from royalty approach, and internally developed software of $5.0 million, valued using the cost approach. Each will be amortized over three years. All other property and equipment was valued at estimated cost.

• Contract liabilities - The Company estimated the fair value of contract liabilities using the cost build-up method, which represents the cost to deliver the services plus a normal profit margin.

• Other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities - The carrying value of all other assets and liabilities approximated fair value at the time of acquisition.

The operations of CEC were included in the consolidated financial statements as of the acquisition date. The revenue and net loss for CEC reported within the consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $46.1 million and $43.1 million, respectively.

Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma information has been presented as if the CEC acquisition occurred on January 1, 2017. The information is based on the historical results of operations of the acquired business, adjusted for:

• The allocation of purchase price and related adjustments, including the adjustments to amortization expense related to the fair value of intangible assets acquired;

• The exclusion of acquisition-related costs incurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018;

• Associated tax-related impacts of adjustments; and

• Changes to align accounting policies.

The pro forma results do not necessarily represent what would have occurred if the acquisition had actually taken place on January 1, 2017, nor do they represent the results that may occur in the future. The pro forma adjustments are based on available information and upon assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable to reflect the impact of this acquisition on the Company’s historical financial information on a supplemental pro forma basis. The following table presents the Company's pro forma combined revenues and net income (in thousands). Pro forma results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are not presented below because the results of CEC are included in the Company's September 30, 2019 unaudited condensed consolidated statement of income.

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Revenue	$	224,641		$	679,309
Net income (loss)	(14,146		)	10,606

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Other Long-Term Liabilities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2018		September 30, 2019
Contract liabilities, net of current portion	$	23,880	$	27,233
Deferred payments related to acquisitions	5,904		4,837
Employee separation costs	6,800		2,681
Deferred rent and other facility costs	6,837		1,880
Loss on facilities not in use	4,332		—
Lease incentives	2,300		—
Other	1,263		1,993
Other long-term liabilities	$	51,316	$	38,624

Contract Liabilities

As discussed in Note 4, in connection with its student tuition contracts, the Company has an obligation to provide free classes in the future should certain eligibility conditions be maintained (the Graduation Fund). Long-term contract liabilities represent the amount of revenue under these arrangements that the Company expects will be realized after one year.

Employee Separation Costs

Severance and other employee separation costs to be paid after one year.

Deferred Rent and Other Facility Costs and Loss on Facilities Not in Use

Prior to the adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, the Company recorded a liability for lease costs of campus and non-campus facilities that are not currently in use (see Note 5). For facilities still in use, the Company recorded rent expense on a straight-line basis over the initial term of a lease. The difference between the rent payment and the straight-line rent expense was recorded as a liability. Upon adoption of ASC 842, these liability balances were netted against the ROU asset recognized on January 1, 2019. As such, there are no long-term liability balances for deferred rent and loss on facilities not in use as of September 30, 2019. At December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, the Company had $1.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively, included in the deferred rent and other facility costs balances, which relate to asset retirement obligations for lease agreements requiring the leased premises to be returned in a predetermined condition.

Deferred Payments Related to Acquisitions

In connection with previous acquisitions, the Company acquired certain assets and entered into deferred payment arrangements with the sellers. The deferred payment arrangements are valued at approximately $3.1 million and $2.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively. In addition, one of the sellers contributed $2.8 million to the Company representing the seller’s continuing interest in the assets acquired.

Lease Incentives

In conjunction with the opening of new campuses or renovation of existing campuses, the Company, in some instances, was reimbursed by the lessors for improvements made to the leased properties. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, the underlying assets were capitalized as leasehold improvements and a liability was established for the reimbursements in accordance with ASC 840-20. The leasehold improvements and the liability are amortized on a straight-line basis over the corresponding lease terms, which generally range from five to 10 years. Upon adoption of ASC 842, the liability balance associated with the reimbursement was netted against the ROU asset recognized on January 1, 2019. As such, there is no lease incentive long-term liability balance as of September 30, 2019.

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Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Operating expenses as previously reported and as reclassified

The following table presents the Company's operating expenses as previously reported and as reclassified on its unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended (in thousands):

	New Classification
	March 31, 2018				June 30, 2018				September 30, 2018				December 31, 2018
Prior Classification	I&SC		G&A		I&SC		G&A		I&SC		G&A		I&SC		G&A
Instruction and educational support	$	63,776	$	—	$	64,690	$	—	$	93,290	$	—	$	118,320	$	—
Admissions advisory	4,676		—		4,609		—		9,789		—		12,392		—
Marketing	—		20,124		—		21,113		—		46,165		—		49,577
General and administration	—		11,218		—		11,063		—		15,811		—		18,964
Total reclassified costs and expenses(1)	$	68,452	$	31,342	$	69,299	$	32,176	$	103,079	$	61,976	$	130,712	$	68,541

_________________________________________

⁽¹⁾ 

This amount excludes the amortization of intangible assets, merger and integration costs, and impairment of intangible assets expense line items on the condensed consolidated statements of income as those expense line items were not impacted by the operating expense reclassification.

Schedule of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

The following table illustrates the reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as of September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	As of September 30,
	2018		2019
Cash and cash equivalents	$	276,382	$	397,094
Restricted cash included in other current assets	15		2
Restricted cash included in other assets	500		500
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$	276,897	$	397,596

Schedule of tuition receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts

The Company’s tuition receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2018			September 30, 2019
Tuition receivable	$	84,151		$	82,494
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(28,457		)	(31,530		)
Tuition receivable, net	$	55,694		$	50,964

Schedule of allowance for doubtful accounts

The following table illustrates changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,						For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018			2019			2018			2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of period	$	15,048		$	30,733		$	12,687		$	28,457
Additions charged to expense	9,864			12,111			22,851			35,893
Adjustment to value of acquired receivables	6,601			—			6,601			2,207
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(6,118		)	(11,314		)	(16,744		)	(35,027		)
Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of period	$	25,395		$	31,530		$	25,395		$	31,530

Schedule of reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share

Set forth below is a reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,		For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018	2019	2018	2019
Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings (loss) per share	17,799	21,806	13,141	21,694
Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options	—	44	—	65
Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units	—	279	—	337
Shares used to compute diluted earnings (loss) per share	17,799	22,129	13,141	22,096

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Segment Reporting

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting

Strategic Education is an educational services company that provides access to high-quality education through campus-based and online post-secondary education offerings, as well as through programs to develop job-ready skills for high-demand markets. Strategic Education’s portfolio of companies is dedicated to closing the skills gap by placing adults on the most direct path between learning and employment.

Two of the Company’s operating segments that meet the quantitative thresholds to qualify as reportable segments are the Strayer University and Capella University segments. The Strayer University segment is comprised of Strayer University, including its programs offered through the Jack Welch Management Institute; the Capella University segment consists of Capella University. None of the Company’s other operating segments individually meet the quantitative thresholds to qualify as reportable segments; therefore, these other operating segments are combined and presented below as Non-Degree Programs. The Non-Degree Programs reportable segment is comprised of the DevMountain, Hackbright Academy, NYCDA, and Sophia Learning operations.

Revenue and operating expenses are generally directly attributable to the segments. Inter-segment revenues are not presented separately, as these amounts are immaterial. The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker does not evaluate operating segments using asset information.

A summary of financial information by reportable segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 is presented in the following table (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,						For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018			2019			2018			2019
Revenues
Strayer University	$	114,471		$	127,837		$	343,644		$	384,806
Capella University	43,792			110,549			43,792			337,418
Non-Degree Programs	2,682			3,361			4,646			11,141
Consolidated revenues	$	160,945		$	241,747		$	392,082		$	733,365
Income (loss) from operations
Strayer University	$	11,904		$	18,689		$	44,215		$	68,268
Capella University	(14,326		)	18,643			(14,326		)	63,918
Non-Degree Programs	(1,688		)	(415		)	(4,131		)	(918		)
Amortization of intangible assets	(10,278		)	(15,417		)	(10,278		)	(46,251		)
Merger and integration costs	(29,620		)	(1,500		)	(37,791		)	(11,698		)
Impairment of intangible assets	(13,119		)	—			(19,304		)	—
Consolidated income (loss) from operations	$	(57,127	)	$	20,000		$	(41,615	)	$	73,319

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Goodwill Roll Forward (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			$ 732,540,000
Additions			0
Impairments	$ 0	$ (11,100,000)	0	$ (13,900,000)
Adjustments			(465,000)
Balance, end of period	732,075,000		732,075,000
Strayer University
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			337,381,000
Additions			0
Impairments			0
Adjustments			0
Balance, end of period	337,381,000		337,381,000
Capella University
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			395,159,000
Additions			0
Impairments			0
Adjustments			(465,000)
Balance, end of period	394,694,000		394,694,000
Non-Degree Programs
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			0
Additions			0
Impairments			0
Adjustments			0
Balance, end of period	$ 0		$ 0

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Leases - Maturities of Lease Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Lease Liabilities Maturity - After Adoption of 842
2020	$ 30,365
2021	25,692
2022	17,443
2023	12,121
2024	10,442
Thereafter	27,470
Total lease payments	123,533
Less: interest	(14,299)
Present value of lease liabilities	109,234
Payments for lease agreements not yet commenced	$ 6,000
Operating Lease Maturity - Before Adoption of 842
2019		$ 33,600
2020		28,399
2021		23,485
2022		13,770
2023		10,316
Thereafter		32,745
Total		$ 142,315

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Long-Term Debt (Details) - Revolving Credit Facility		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum leverage ratio allowed in order to increase obligation	1.75
Maximum total leverage ratio		2
Minimum coverage ratio		1.75
Minimum department of education financial composite score		1.5
Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin rate		1.50%
Unused commitment fee		0.20%
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin rate		2.00%
Unused commitment fee		0.30%
Amended Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, value	$ 250,000,000
Debt financing costs capitalized	$ 1,200,000
Amortization period (in years)	5 years
Revolving credit facility, outstanding		$ 0
Prior Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, value	$ 150,000,000

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Nature of Operations

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations

Strategic Education, Inc. (“Strategic Education” or the “Company”), a Maryland corporation formerly known as Strayer Education, Inc., is a national leader in education innovation, dedicated to enabling economic mobility for working adults through education. As further discussed in Note 2 and Note 3, the Company completed its merger with Capella Education Company (“CEC”) on August 1, 2018. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes include the results of the Company’s three reportable segments: Strayer University, Capella University and Non-Degree Programs. The Company’s reportable segments are discussed further in Note 15.

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Significant Accounting Policies - Tuition Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Tuition receivable	$ 82,494	$ 84,151
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(31,530)	(28,457)
Tuition receivable, net	$ 50,964	$ 55,694

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Merger with Capella Education Company - Fair Value of Consideration Transferred (Details) - Capella Merger $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Aug. 01, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Total fair value of consideration transferred	$ 1,236,961
Common Stock
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 1,209,483
Number of common shares issued | shares	10,263,775
Market price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 117.84
Equity-based awards
Business Acquisition, Equity Interests Issued or Issuable [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 27,478

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 16,692	$ (52,781)	$ 52,601	$ (38,126)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax	(2)	(22)	415	(22)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 16,690	$ (52,803)	$ 53,016	$ (38,148)

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Cover Page - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Oct. 18, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-21039
Entity Registrant Name	Strategic Education, Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	MD
Entity Tax Identification Number	52-1975978
Entity Address, Address Line One	2303 Dulles Station Boulevard
Entity Address, City or Town	Herndon,
Entity Address, State or Province	VA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	20171
City Area Code	703
Local Phone Number	561-1600
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	STRA
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,964,505
Entity Central Index Key	0001013934
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019

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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Financial Statement Presentation

Financial Statement Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

On August 1, 2018, the Company completed its merger with CEC, whereby the Company was deemed the acquirer in the business combination for accounting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Therefore, Strayer Education, Inc. is considered Strategic Education’s predecessor, and its historical financial statements prior to the merger date are reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as the historical financial statements of the Company. Accordingly, the financial results of the Company as of and for any periods ended prior to August 1, 2018 do not include the financial results of CEC and therefore are not directly comparable.

All information as of September 30, 2018 and 2019, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contains all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the Company. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation. Effective during the first quarter of 2019, the Company made changes in its presentation of operating expenses and reclassified prior periods to conform to the current presentation. The Company determined that these changes aligned with its organizational structure and will improve comparability with several of its peer companies. There were no changes to total operating expenses or operating income as a result of these reclassifications. Below is a description of the nature of the costs included in the Company’s operating expense categories.

Instructional and support costs ("I&SC") generally contain items of expense directly attributable to activities of Strayer University and Capella University (the "Universities") that support students and learners. This expense category includes salaries and benefits of faculty and academic administrators, as well as admissions and administrative personnel who support and serve student interests. Instructional and support costs also include course development costs and costs associated with delivering course content, including educational supplies, facilities, and all other physical plant and occupancy costs, with the exception of costs attributable to the corporate offices. Bad debt expense incurred on delinquent student account balances is also included in instructional and support costs.

General and administration ("G&A") expenses include salaries and benefits of management and employees engaged in finance, human resources, legal, regulatory compliance, marketing and other corporate functions. Also included are the costs of advertising and production of marketing materials. General and administration expense also includes the facilities occupancy and other related costs attributable to such functions.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash

A significant portion of the Company’s revenues are funded by various federal and state government programs. The Company generally does not receive funds from these programs prior to the start of the corresponding academic term. The Company may be required to return certain funds for students who withdraw from the Universities during the academic term. The Company had approximately $5,000 and $2,000 of these unpaid obligations as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively, which are recorded as restricted cash and included in other current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

As part of commencing operations in Pennsylvania in 2003, the Company is required to maintain a “minimum protective endowment” of at least $0.5 million in an interest-bearing account as long as the Company operates its campuses in the state. The Company holds these funds in an interest-bearing account which is included in other assets.

Tuition Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Tuition Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company records tuition receivable and contract liabilities for its students upon the start of the academic term or program. Tuition receivables are not collateralized; however, credit risk is minimized as a result of the diverse nature of the Universities' student bases and through the participation of the majority of the students in federally funded financial aid programs. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established primarily based upon historical collection rates by age of receivable, net of estimated recoveries. These collection rates incorporate historical performance based on a student’s current enrollment status and likelihood of future enrollment. The Company periodically assesses its methodologies for estimating bad debts in consideration of actual experience.

Leases

Leases

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 is intended to improve financial reporting of leasing transactions by requiring organizations that lease assets to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with a term longer than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. During 2018 and 2019, the FASB issued additional ASUs amending certain aspects of ASU 2016-02. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new accounting standard and all of the related amendments ("ASC 842") using the modified retrospective method. The Company applied ASU 2016-02 to all leases that had commenced as of January 1, 2019. In addition, as permitted by ASU 2016-02, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under ASU 2016-02, which allowed the Company to not reassess prior conclusions regarding lease identification, lease classification, and initial direct costs under the new standard. As a result of adopting the new standard, the Company recognized a lease liability of $123 million and a right-of-use ("ROU") lease asset of $107 million on January 1, 2019. The standard did not materially impact the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income and cash flows.

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases with an initial term longer than 12 months are included in right-of-use lease assets, lease liabilities, and lease liabilities, non-current on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company combines lease and non-lease components for all leases.

ROU lease assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU lease assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the implicit interest rate for most of the Company's leases cannot be readily determined, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term for operating leases.

Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. The Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company subleases certain building space to third parties and sublease income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. See Note 7 for additional information.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the amount assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which include trade names, are recorded at fair value on their acquisition date. An indefinite life was assigned to the trade names because they have the continued ability to generate cash flows indefinitely.

Goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed at least annually for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the respective reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset below its carrying amount.

Finite-lived intangible assets that are acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value on their acquisition dates and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of student relationships.

The Company reviews its finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are not recoverable, a potential impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Authorized Stock

Authorized Stock

The Company has authorized 32,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01, of which 21,743,498 and 21,964,505 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively. The Company also has authorized 8,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which is issued or outstanding. Before any preferred stock may be issued in the future, the Board of Directors would need to establish the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and the terms or conditions of the redemption of the preferred stock.

In July 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular, quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock. The dividend was paid on September 16, 2019.

Net Income Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur assuming conversion or exercise of all dilutive unexercised stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units. The dilutive effect of stock awards was determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, all of the following are assumed to be used to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock: (1) the proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, and (2) the amount of compensation cost associated with the stock awards for future service not yet recognized by the Company. Stock options are not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share when the stock option exercise price of an individual grant exceeds the average market price for the period.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and all changes in the Company’s equity during a period from non-owner sources, which for the Company consists of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities, net of tax.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the period reported. The most significant management estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts, useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets, fair value of future contractual operating lease obligations, incremental borrowing rates, potential sublease income and vacancy periods, accrued expenses, forfeiture rates and the likelihood of achieving performance criteria for stock-based awards, value of free courses earned by students that will be redeemed in the future, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, and the provision for income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards And Not Yet Adopted

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”), which simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services. ASU 2018-07 aligns guidance on share-based payments to nonemployees with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees, including determination of the measurement date and accounting for performance conditions and for share-based payments after vesting. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2019 with no material impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The new guidance revises the accounting requirements related to the measurement of credit losses and will require organizations to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts about collectibility. Assets must be presented in the financial statements at the net amount expected to be collected. During 2019, the FASB issued additional ASUs amending certain aspects of ASU 2016-13. The guidance will be effective for the Company's annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact this standard will have on its financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.

Other ASUs issued by the FASB but not yet effective are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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Other Investments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Other Investments [Abstract]

Other Investments

Other Investments

At September 30, 2019, the Company held $15.6 million in investments in certain limited partnerships that invest in various innovative companies in the health care and education-related technology fields. The Company has commitments to invest up to an additional $1.9 million across these partnerships through 2027. The Company's investments range from 3%-5% of any partnership’s interest and are accounted for under the equity method. At December 31, 2018, the Company's investment in limited partnerships was $13.4 million.

The following table illustrates changes in the Company’s limited partnership investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2019		2018		2019
Limited partnership investments, beginning of period	$	—	$	14,490	$	—	$	13,449
Additions from merger	14,153		—		14,153		—
Capital contributions	166		366		166		878
Equity in net income of limited partnerships	—		706		—		2,260
Distributions	—		—		—		(1,025		)
Limited partnership investments, end of period	$	14,319	$	15,562	$	14,319	$	15,562

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Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangibles Excluding Goodwill Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Amortization expenses	$ 15,417,000	$ 10,278,000	$ 46,251,000	$ 10,278,000
Trade names
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets	0	$ 2,000,000.0	$ 0	$ 5,400,000
Student relationships
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)			3 years
Amortization expenses	$ 13,800,000		$ 41,500,000

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Fair Value Measurement - Change in Fair Value of Level 3 Liability (Details) - Deferred payments - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Balance as of the beginning of period	$ 4,120	$ 4,514
Amounts paid	(1,579)	(1,412)
Other adjustments to fair value	1,017	1,264
Balance at end of period	$ 3,558	$ 4,366

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Leases - Components of Lease Cost (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 7,022	$ 22,520
Short-term lease cost	234	674
Sublease income	(681)	(2,128)
Total lease costs	$ 6,575	$ 21,066
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted-average discount rate	4.20%	4.20%
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities		$ 24,982
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities		4,082
Leasehold Improvements Reimbursed By Lessors As Lease Incentives		$ 2,156

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 241,747	$ 160,945	$ 733,365	$ 392,082
Costs and expenses:
Instructional and support costs	132,527	103,079	397,281	240,830
General and administration	72,303	61,976	204,816	125,494
Amortization of intangible assets	15,417	10,278	46,251	10,278
Merger and integration costs	1,500	29,620	11,698	37,791
Impairment of intangible assets	0	13,119	0	19,304
Total costs and expenses	221,747	218,072	660,046	433,697
Income (loss) from operations	20,000	(57,127)	73,319	(41,615)
Other income	3,243	1,110	10,695	1,846
Income (loss) before income taxes	23,243	(56,017)	84,014	(39,769)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	6,551	(3,236)	31,413	(1,643)
Net income (loss)	$ 16,692	$ (52,781)	$ 52,601	$ (38,126)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$ 0.77	$ (2.97)	$ 2.42	$ (2.90)
Diluted	$ 0.75	$ (2.97)	$ 2.38	$ (2.90)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	21,806	17,799	21,694	13,141
Diluted	22,129	17,799	22,096	13,141

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Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 52,601	$ (38,126)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Amortization of deferred financing costs	250	209
Amortization of investment discount/premium	286	132
Depreciation and amortization	78,862	29,107
Deferred income taxes	971	(4,443)
Stock-based compensation	9,075	11,781
Impairment of intangible assets	0	19,304
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Tuition receivable, net	2,258	8,227
Other current assets	(921)	2,223
Other assets	(727)	(581)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(2,022)	(8,949)
Income taxes payable and income taxes receivable	(7,125)	(7,868)
Contract liabilities	10,311	(21,946)
Other long-term liabilities	(2,412)	(3,717)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	141,407	(14,647)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net cash acquired in acquisition	0	168,387
Purchases of property and equipment	(27,769)	(16,028)
Purchases of marketable securities	(17,769)	(11,346)
Maturities of marketable securities	32,860	5,842
Other investments	(878)	(167)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(13,556)	146,688
Cash flows from financing activities:
Common dividends paid	(33,297)	(16,802)
Net payments for stock awards	(9,195)	6,372
Payment of deferred financing costs	0	(1,162)
Net cash used in financing activities	(42,492)	(11,592)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	85,359	120,449
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash — beginning of period	312,237	156,448
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash — end of period	397,596	276,897
Noncash transactions:
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	$ 1,821	$ 2,975

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Significant Accounting Policies - Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of period	$ 30,733	$ 15,048	$ 28,457	$ 12,687
Additions charged to expense	12,111	9,864	35,893	22,851
Adjustment to value of acquired receivables	0	6,601	2,207	6,601
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(11,314)	(6,118)	(35,027)	(16,744)
Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of period	$ 31,530	$ 25,395	$ 31,530	$ 25,395

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Merger with Capella Education Company - Preliminary Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Aug. 01, 2018
Preliminary fair value of assets and liabilities
Goodwill	$ 732,075	$ 732,540
Capella Merger
Preliminary fair value of assets and liabilities
Cash and cash equivalents			$ 167,859
Marketable securities			31,419
Tuition receivable			36,716
Income taxes receivable			163
Other current assets			9,041
Marketable securities, non-current			34,700
Property and equipment, net			53,182
Other assets			14,556
Intangible assets			349,800
Goodwill			725,275
Total assets acquired			1,422,711
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			(48,103)
Contract liabilities			(39,000)
Deferred income taxes			(96,320)
Other long-term liabilities			(2,327)
Total liabilities assumed			(185,750)
Total consideration			$ 1,236,961

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Other Long-Term Liabilities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Line Items]
Deferred rent and other facility costs	$ 1,880,000	$ 6,837,000
Deferred payment arrangements value	2,000,000.0	3,100,000
Funds received from investor	2,800,000
Long-term lease incentive liability	$ 0	2,300,000
Minimum
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Line Items]
Leasehold improvements and long-term liability amortization period (in years)	5 years
Maximum
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Line Items]
Leasehold improvements and long-term liability amortization period (in years)	10 years
Asset Retirement Obligation
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Line Items]
Deferred rent and other facility costs	$ 2,000,000.0	$ 1,900,000

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Other Investments - Equity Method Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2027	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investment in certain limited partnerships		$ 14,490	$ 0	$ 13,449	$ 0	$ 15,562
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Assets [Roll Forward]
Investment in certain limited partnerships, beginning of period		14,490	0	13,449	0
Additions from Merger		0	14,153	0	14,153
Capital Contributions		366	166	878	166
Equity in net income of limited partnerships		706	0	2,260	0
Distribution received related to partnerships		0	0	(1,025)	0
Investment in certain limited partnerships, end of period		$ 15,562	$ 14,319	$ 15,562	$ 14,319
Scenario, Forecast
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Assets [Roll Forward]
Capital Contributions	$ 1,900
Minimum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage						3.00%
Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage						5.00%

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Marketable Securities - Maturities of Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Summary of maturities of marketable securities
Due within one year	$ 33,455	$ 37,121
Due after one year through five years	26,532	37,678
Total	$ 59,987	$ 74,799

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Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) term Course
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Number of free courses | Course	1
Number of successfully completed courses | Course	3
Consecutive terms of non attendance in which Graduation Fund credits will be lost | term	1
Expected collection period of current tuition receivable (in months)	12 months
Graduation fund estimated to be redeemed | $	$ 20.5
Unbilled receivables | $	$ 2.1
Minimum
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Expected collection period of noncurrent tuition receivable (in years)	2 years
Maximum
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Expected collection period of noncurrent tuition receivable (in years)	4 years

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Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	September 30, 2019		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Money market funds	$	41,818	$	41,818	$	—	$	—
Marketable securities:
Corporate debt securities	40,349		—		40,349		—
Tax-exempt municipal securities	14,038		—		14,038		—
Variable rate demand notes	5,600		—		5,600		—
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	101,805	$	41,818	$	59,987	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred payments	$	3,558	$	—	$	—	$	3,558

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	December 31, 2018		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Money market funds	$	1,791	$	1,791	$	—	$	—
Marketable securities:
Corporate debt securities	48,430		—		48,430		—
Tax-exempt municipal securities	22,869		—		22,869		—
Variable rate demand notes	4,000		—		4,000		—
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	77,090	$	1,791	$	75,299	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred payments	$	4,120	$	—	$	—	$	4,120

Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Liability

Changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 are as follows (in thousands):

	As of September 30,
	2018			2019
Balance as of the beginning of period	$	4,514		$	4,120
Amounts paid	(1,412		)	(1,579		)
Other adjustments to fair value	1,264			1,017
Balance at end of period	$	4,366		$	3,558

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Other Investments Other Investments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Other Investments [Abstract]

Changes in company's limited partnership investments

The following table illustrates changes in the Company’s limited partnership investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2019		2018		2019
Limited partnership investments, beginning of period	$	—	$	14,490	$	—	$	13,449
Additions from merger	14,153		—		14,153		—
Capital contributions	166		366		166		878
Equity in net income of limited partnerships	—		706		—		2,260
Distributions	—		—		—		(1,025		)
Limited partnership investments, end of period	$	14,319	$	15,562	$	14,319	$	15,562

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Long-Term Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt

On August 1, 2018, the Company entered into an amended credit facility (the “Amended Credit Facility”), which provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) in an aggregate principal amount of up to $250 million. The Amended Credit Facility provides the Company with an option, under certain conditions, to increase the commitments under the Revolver or establish one or more incremental term loans (each, an “Incremental Facility”) in an amount up to the sum of (x) $150 million and (y) if such Incremental Facility is incurred in connection with a permitted acquisition, any amount so long as the Company’s leverage ratio (calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis) on a pro forma basis will be no greater than 1.75:1.00. The maturity date of the Amended Credit Facility is August 1, 2023. The Company paid approximately $1.2 million in debt financing costs associated with the Amended Credit Facility, and these costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the five-year term of the Amended Credit Facility.

Borrowings under the Revolver will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to, at the Company’s election, LIBOR or a base rate, plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.00% depending on the Company’s leverage ratio. The Company also is subject to a quarterly unused commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.30% per annum depending on the Company’s leverage ratio, times the daily unused amount under the Revolver.

The Amended Credit Facility is guaranteed by all domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, and secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors. The Amended Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, representations, warranties, events of default, and remedies upon default, including acceleration and rights to foreclose on the collateral securing the Amended Credit Facility. In addition, the Amended Credit Facility requires that the Company satisfy certain financial maintenance covenants, including:

• A leverage ratio of not greater than 2 to 1. Leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt to trailing four-quarter EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and noncash charges, such as stock-based compensation).

• A coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1. Coverage ratio is defined as the ratio of trailing four-quarter EBITDA and rent expense to trailing four-quarter interest and rent expense.

• A U.S. Department of Education (“Department” or "Department of Education") Financial Responsibility Composite Score of not less than 1.5.

The Company was in compliance with all the terms of the Amended Credit Facility and had no borrowings outstanding under the Revolver as of September 30, 2019.

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Marketable Securities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities	$	40,148	$	207	$	(6	)	$	40,349
Tax-exempt municipal securities	13,936		131		(29		)	14,038
Variable rate demand notes	5,600		—		—			5,600
Total	$	59,684	$	338	$	(35	)	$	59,987

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized (Losses)			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities	$	48,202	$	12	$	(284	)	$	47,930
Tax-exempt municipal securities	22,858		45		(34		)	22,869
Variable rate demand notes	4,000		—		—			4,000
Total	$	75,060	$	57	$	(318	)	$	74,799

The unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s investments in municipal and corporate debt securities as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 were caused by changes in market values primarily due to interest rate changes. As of September 30, 2019, the fair value of the Company’s securities which were in an unrealized loss position for a period longer than twelve months was $6.3 million. The Company does not intend to sell these securities, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to the recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. No other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019.

The following table summarizes the maturities of the Company’s marketable securities as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2018		September 30, 2019
Due within one year	$	37,121	$	33,455
Due after one year through five years	37,678		26,532
Total	$	74,799	$	59,987

Amounts due within one year in the table above included $5.6 million of variable rate demand notes, which have contractual maturities ranging from 18 years to 26 years as of September 30, 2019. The variable rate demand notes are floating rate municipal bonds with embedded put options that allow the Company to sell the security at par plus accrued interest on a settlement basis ranging from one day to seven days. The Company has classified these securities based on their effective maturity dates, which ranges from one day to seven days from the balance sheet date.

The following table summarizes the proceeds from the maturities of available-for-sale securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,				For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018		2019		2018		2019
Maturities of marketable securities	$	5,842	$	10,300	$	5,842	$	32,860
Total	$	5,842	$	10,300	$	5,842	$	32,860

The Company did not record any gross realized gains or gross realized losses in net income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019. Additionally, there were no proceeds from sales of marketable securities prior to maturity during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019.

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Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies

Financial Statement Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

On August 1, 2018, the Company completed its merger with CEC, whereby the Company was deemed the acquirer in the business combination for accounting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Therefore, Strayer Education, Inc. is considered Strategic Education’s predecessor, and its historical financial statements prior to the merger date are reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as the historical financial statements of the Company. Accordingly, the financial results of the Company as of and for any periods ended prior to August 1, 2018 do not include the financial results of CEC and therefore are not directly comparable.

All information as of September 30, 2018 and 2019, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contains all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the Company. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation. Effective during the first quarter of 2019, the Company made changes in its presentation of operating expenses and reclassified prior periods to conform to the current presentation. The Company determined that these changes aligned with its organizational structure and will improve comparability with several of its peer companies. There were no changes to total operating expenses or operating income as a result of these reclassifications. Below is a description of the nature of the costs included in the Company’s operating expense categories.

Instructional and support costs ("I&SC") generally contain items of expense directly attributable to activities of Strayer University and Capella University (the "Universities") that support students and learners. This expense category includes salaries and benefits of faculty and academic administrators, as well as admissions and administrative personnel who support and serve student interests. Instructional and support costs also include course development costs and costs associated with delivering course content, including educational supplies, facilities, and all other physical plant and occupancy costs, with the exception of costs attributable to the corporate offices. Bad debt expense incurred on delinquent student account balances is also included in instructional and support costs.

General and administration ("G&A") expenses include salaries and benefits of management and employees engaged in finance, human resources, legal, regulatory compliance, marketing and other corporate functions. Also included are the costs of advertising and production of marketing materials. General and administration expense also includes the facilities occupancy and other related costs attributable to such functions.

The following table presents the Company's operating expenses as previously reported and as reclassified on its unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended (in thousands):

	New Classification
	March 31, 2018				June 30, 2018				September 30, 2018				December 31, 2018
Prior Classification	I&SC		G&A		I&SC		G&A		I&SC		G&A		I&SC		G&A
Instruction and educational support	$	63,776	$	—	$	64,690	$	—	$	93,290	$	—	$	118,320	$	—
Admissions advisory	4,676		—		4,609		—		9,789		—		12,392		—
Marketing	—		20,124		—		21,113		—		46,165		—		49,577
General and administration	—		11,218		—		11,063		—		15,811		—		18,964
Total reclassified costs and expenses(1)	$	68,452	$	31,342	$	69,299	$	32,176	$	103,079	$	61,976	$	130,712	$	68,541

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⁽¹⁾  This amount excludes the amortization of intangible assets, merger and integration costs, and impairment of intangible assets expense line items on the condensed consolidated statements of income as those expense line items were not impacted by the operating expense reclassification.

Restricted Cash

A significant portion of the Company’s revenues are funded by various federal and state government programs. The Company generally does not receive funds from these programs prior to the start of the corresponding academic term. The Company may be required to return certain funds for students who withdraw from the Universities during the academic term. The Company had approximately $5,000 and $2,000 of these unpaid obligations as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively, which are recorded as restricted cash and included in other current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

As part of commencing operations in Pennsylvania in 2003, the Company is required to maintain a “minimum protective endowment” of at least $0.5 million in an interest-bearing account as long as the Company operates its campuses in the state. The Company holds these funds in an interest-bearing account which is included in other assets.

The following table illustrates the reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as of September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	As of September 30,
	2018		2019
Cash and cash equivalents	$	276,382	$	397,094
Restricted cash included in other current assets	15		2
Restricted cash included in other assets	500		500
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$	276,897	$	397,596

Tuition Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company records tuition receivable and contract liabilities for its students upon the start of the academic term or program. Tuition receivables are not collateralized; however, credit risk is minimized as a result of the diverse nature of the Universities' student bases and through the participation of the majority of the students in federally funded financial aid programs. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established primarily based upon historical collection rates by age of receivable, net of estimated recoveries. These collection rates incorporate historical performance based on a student’s current enrollment status and likelihood of future enrollment. The Company periodically assesses its methodologies for estimating bad debts in consideration of actual experience.

The Company’s tuition receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

	December 31, 2018			September 30, 2019
Tuition receivable	$	84,151		$	82,494
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(28,457		)	(31,530		)
Tuition receivable, net	$	55,694		$	50,964

Approximately $1.1 million of tuition receivable are included in other assets as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019 because these amounts are expected to be collected after 12 months.

The following table illustrates changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,						For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018			2019			2018			2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of period	$	15,048		$	30,733		$	12,687		$	28,457
Additions charged to expense	9,864			12,111			22,851			35,893
Adjustment to value of acquired receivables	6,601			—			6,601			2,207
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(6,118		)	(11,314		)	(16,744		)	(35,027		)
Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of period	$	25,395		$	31,530		$	25,395		$	31,530

Leases

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 is intended to improve financial reporting of leasing transactions by requiring organizations that lease assets to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with a term longer than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. During 2018 and 2019, the FASB issued additional ASUs amending certain aspects of ASU 2016-02. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new accounting standard and all of the related amendments ("ASC 842") using the modified retrospective method. The Company applied ASU 2016-02 to all leases that had commenced as of January 1, 2019. In addition, as permitted by ASU 2016-02, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under ASU 2016-02, which allowed the Company to not reassess prior conclusions regarding lease identification, lease classification, and initial direct costs under the new standard. As a result of adopting the new standard, the Company recognized a lease liability of $123 million and a right-of-use ("ROU") lease asset of $107 million on January 1, 2019. The standard did not materially impact the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income and cash flows.

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases with an initial term longer than 12 months are included in right-of-use lease assets, lease liabilities, and lease liabilities, non-current on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company combines lease and non-lease components for all leases.

ROU lease assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU lease assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As the implicit interest rate for most of the Company's leases cannot be readily determined, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term for operating leases.

Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. The Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company subleases certain building space to third parties and sublease income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. See Note 7 for additional information.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the amount assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which include trade names, are recorded at fair value on their acquisition date. An indefinite life was assigned to the trade names because they have the continued ability to generate cash flows indefinitely.

Goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed at least annually for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the respective reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset below its carrying amount.

Finite-lived intangible assets that are acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value on their acquisition dates and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of student relationships.

The Company reviews its finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are not recoverable, a potential impairment loss is recognized to the extent the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Authorized Stock

The Company has authorized 32,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01, of which 21,743,498 and 21,964,505 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, respectively. The Company also has authorized 8,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which is issued or outstanding. Before any preferred stock may be issued in the future, the Board of Directors would need to establish the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and the terms or conditions of the redemption of the preferred stock.

In July 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular, quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock. The dividend was paid on September 16, 2019.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur assuming conversion or exercise of all dilutive unexercised stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units. The dilutive effect of stock awards was determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, all of the following are assumed to be used to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock: (1) the proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, and (2) the amount of compensation cost associated with the stock awards for future service not yet recognized by the Company. Stock options are not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share when the stock option exercise price of an individual grant exceeds the average market price for the period.

Set forth below is a reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):

	For the three months ended September 30,		For the nine months ended September 30,
	2018	2019	2018	2019
Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings (loss) per share	17,799	21,806	13,141	21,694
Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options	—	44	—	65
Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units	—	279	—	337
Shares used to compute diluted earnings (loss) per share	17,799	22,129	13,141	22,096

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company had approximately 3,000 and 21,000 shares of restricted stock, respectively, excluded from the diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation because the effect would have been antidilutive. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company had 681,000 and 583,000 issued and outstanding awards that were excluded from the calculation.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and all changes in the Company’s equity during a period from non-owner sources, which for the Company consists of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities, net of tax. As of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2019, the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income was $32,000, net of tax of $10,000 and $447,000, net of tax of $157,000, respectively. There were no reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the period reported. The most significant management estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts, useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets, fair value of future contractual operating lease obligations, incremental borrowing rates, potential sublease income and vacancy periods, accrued expenses, forfeiture rates and the likelihood of achieving performance criteria for stock-based awards, value of free courses earned by students that will be redeemed in the future, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, and the provision for income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”), which simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services. ASU 2018-07 aligns guidance on share-based payments to nonemployees with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees, including determination of the measurement date and accounting for performance conditions and for share-based payments after vesting. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2019 with no material impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The new guidance revises the accounting requirements related to the measurement of credit losses and will require organizations to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts about collectibility. Assets must be presented in the financial statements at the net amount expected to be collected. During 2019, the FASB issued additional ASUs amending certain aspects of ASU 2016-13. The guidance will be effective for the Company's annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact this standard will have on its financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.

Other ASUs issued by the FASB but not yet effective are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.