Share-Based Compensation

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2011

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

The table below details share-based compensation expense for the three months ended November 30, 2011 and 2010:

	Three Months Ended November 30,
($ in thousands)	2011		2010
Instructional and student advisory	$	7,422	$	5,481
Marketing	2,234		1,386
Admissions advisory	447		556
General and administrative	10,789		7,609
Share-based compensation expense included in operating expenses	$	20,892	$	15,032

In accordance with our Apollo Group, Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, we granted approximately 4,000 stock options during the three months ended November 30, 2011. The weighted average grant date fair value and weighted average exercise price of these options was $15.85 and $42.60, respectively. As of November 30, 2011, there was approximately $28.7 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation cost, net of forfeitures, related to unvested stock options and stock appreciation rights.

In accordance with our Apollo Group, Inc. Amended and Restated 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, we granted approximately 67,000 restricted stock units and performance share awards with a weighted average grant date fair value of $43.18 during the three months ended November 30, 2011. As of November 30, 2011, there was approximately $104.9 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures, related to unvested restricted stock units and performance share awards.