Strategic Education (STRA) 10-Q 30 Oct 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 23, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	STRAYER EDUCATION INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,013,934
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,167,425

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 150,483	$ 129,245
Tuition receivable, net	20,626	20,532
Income taxes receivable	2,734
Other current assets	12,917	10,766
Total current assets	186,760	160,543
Property and equipment, net	74,335	73,124
Deferred income taxes	34,609	31,096
Goodwill	20,744	20,744
Other assets	12,127	13,189
Total assets	328,575	298,696
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	50,514	41,132
Income taxes payable		1,883
Deferred revenue	21,784	16,691
Other current liabilities		133
Total current liabilities	72,298	59,839
Other long-term liabilities	40,788	50,483
Total liabilities	113,086	110,322
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $0.01; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 11,093,489 and 11,167,425 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively	112	111
Additional paid-in capital	44,021	35,453
Retained earnings	171,356	152,810
Total stockholders' equity	215,489	188,374
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 328,575	$ 298,696

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	11,167,425	11,093,489
Common stock, shares outstanding	11,167,425	11,093,489

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statements of Income [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 108,512	$ 102,156	$ 336,144	$ 321,809
Costs and expenses:
Instruction and educational support	56,987	56,295	180,059	176,175
Marketing	26,790	25,388	64,734	61,434
Admissions advisory	5,318	4,691	14,813	13,171
General and administration	11,193	10,952	36,017	33,211
Total costs and expenses	100,288	97,326	295,623	283,991
Income from operations	8,224	4,830	40,521	37,818
Investment income	303	115	737	327
Interest expense	162	161	481	481
Income before income taxes	8,365	4,784	40,777	37,664
Provision for income taxes	2,138	1,906	13,670	14,580
Net income	$ 6,227	$ 2,878	$ 27,107	$ 23,084
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 0.58	$ 0.27	$ 2.54	$ 2.18
Diluted	$ 0.56	$ 0.27	$ 2.43	$ 2.14
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	10,701	10,616	10,671	10,608
Diluted	11,210	10,828	11,174	10,803

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Total
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 110	$ 24,738	$ 118,008	$ 142,856
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015	11,027,177
Tax shortfall associated with stock-based compensation arrangements		(51)		(51)
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures	$ 1	(1)
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures, shares	66,781
Stock-based compensation		7,330		7,330
Net income			23,084	23,084
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 111	32,016	141,092	173,219
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2016	11,093,958
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 111	35,453	152,810	188,374
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016	11,093,489
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures	$ 1	(1)
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures, shares	73,936
Stock-based compensation		8,569		8,569
Common stock dividends			(8,561)	(8,561)
Net income			27,107	27,107
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 112	$ 44,021	$ 171,356	$ 215,489
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2017	11,167,425

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 27,107	$ 23,084
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of gain on sale of assets	(133)	(211)
Amortization of deferred rent	(1,351)	(919)
Amortization of deferred financing costs	197	197
Depreciation and amortization	13,718	13,276
Deferred income taxes	(3,728)	(5,543)
Stock-based compensation	8,569	7,330
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Tuition receivable, net	(454)	425
Other current assets	(2,151)	(3,895)
Other assets	1,200	(2,264)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	9,711	2,825
Income taxes payable and income taxes receivable	(4,401)	(4,854)
Deferred revenue	5,386	5,940
Other long-term liabilities	(9,298)	(5,284)
Net cash provided by operating activities	44,372	30,107
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(14,573)	(7,501)
Cash used in acquisition, net of cash acquired		(7,635)
Net cash used in investing activities	(14,573)	(15,136)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of contingent consideration		(1,358)
Common dividends paid	(8,561)
Net cash used in financing activities	(8,561)	(1,358)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	21,238	13,613
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	129,245	106,889
Cash and cash equivalents - end of year	150,483	120,502
Noncash transactions:
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable	$ 749	$ 112

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	1. Nature of Operations Strayer Education, Inc. (the “Company”), a Maryland corporation, conducts its operations through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Strayer University (the “University”) and New York Code and Design Academy (“NYCDA”). The University is an accredited institution of higher education that provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields of study through physical campuses, predominantly located in the eastern United States, and online. NYCDA is a New York City-based provider of web and application software development courses. NYCDA courses are delivered primarily on-ground to students seeking to further their career in software application development. The Company has only one reportable segment

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	2. Significant Accounting Policies Financial Statement Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. On January 13, 2016, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of NYCDA, and the results of NYCDA are included with the Company from the acquisition date. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. All information as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 and 2017, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 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. Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. In addition, the Company had no items of other comprehensive income in the periods presented and accordingly comprehensive income is equal to net income. 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, 2016. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. Revenue Recognition The Company’s educational programs typically are offered on a quarterly basis and such periods coincide with the Company’s quarterly financial reporting periods. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, most of the Company’s revenue came from the University, which derived approximately 96% of its revenues from tuition revenue, which is recognized in the quarter of instruction. Tuition revenue is assessed for collectibility on a student-by-student basis throughout the quarter of instruction, and is shown net of any refunds, withdrawals, corporate discounts, scholarships, and employee tuition discounts. This collectibility assessment considers available sources of funds for the student including financial aid programs provided through Title IV of the Higher Education Act. The Company reassesses the collectibility of tuition revenue that it may earn based on new information and changes in the facts and circumstances relevant to a student’s ability to pay, including the timing of a student’s withdrawal from a program of study. At the start of each academic term or program, a liability (deferred revenue) 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 deferred revenue. 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 . Deferred revenue is 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. Revenues also include textbook-related income, certificate revenue, certain academic fees, licensing revenue, and other income, which are recognized when earned. The Company’s refund policy typically permits students who complete less than half of a course to receive a partial refund of tuition for that course. Refunds reduce the tuition revenue that would have otherwise been recognized for that student. Since the University’s academic terms coincide with the Company’s financial reporting periods, nearly all refunds are processed and recorded within the same quarter as the corresponding revenue. The amount of tuition revenue refundable to students may vary based on the student’s state of residence. Unused books and related academic materials may be returned for a full refund within 21 days of the start of class; however, purchases of electronic content are not refundable if downloaded. Revenues derived from fees are not eligible for a refund. Graduation Fund In the third quarter of 2013, the 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 the 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 the University in the future. Revenue from students participating in the Graduation Fund is recorded in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic, ASC 605-50. The Company defers the value of benefits 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 $19.3 million and is included in deferred revenue as a current liability in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The table below presents activity in the Graduation Fund for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands): September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 20,937 $ 29,499 Revenue deferred 14,753 17,494 Benefit redeemed (9,139) (12,551) Balance at end of period $ 26,551 $ 34,442 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 University during the academic term. The Company had approximately $13,000 and $8,000 as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively, of these unpaid obligations, 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 was required to maintain a “minimum protective endowment” of at least $0.5 million in an interest-bearing account. These funds are required 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 The Company records tuition receivable and deferred revenue for its students upon the start of the academic term or course of instruction. Therefore, at the end of the quarter (and academic term), tuition receivable generally represents amounts due from students for educational services already provided and deferred revenue generally represents advance payments from students for academic services to be provided in the future. Tuition receivables are not collateralized; however, credit risk is minimized as a result of the diverse nature of the University’s student base. 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, 2016 and September 30, 2017 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 September 30, 2017 Tuition receivable $ 30,733 $ 33,183 Allowance for doubtful accounts (10,201) (12,557) Tuition receivable, net $ 20,532 $ 20,626 Approximately $2.3 million and $2.6 million of tuition receivable is included in other assets as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively, 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, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands): For the three months ended For the nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of period $ 9,981 $ 11,760 $ 10,024 $ 10,201 Additions charged to expense 3,865 5,364 11,069 14,835 Write-offs, net of recoveries (4,052) (4,567) (11,299) (12,479) Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of period $ 9,794 $ 12,557 $ 9,794 $ 12,557 Fair Value The Fair Value Measurement Topic, ASC 820-10 (“ASC 820-10”), establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used to measure fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Under ASC 820-10, fair value of an investment is the price that would be received to sell an asset or to transfer a liability to an entity in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to assets and liabilities with readily available quoted prices in an active market and lowest priority to unobservable inputs which require a higher degree of judgment when measuring fair value, as follows: · Level 1 assets or liabilities use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date; · Level 2 assets or liabilities use observable inputs, other than quoted market prices, that are either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities; and · Level 3 assets or liabilities use unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity. The Company’s assets and liabilities that are subject to fair value measurement are categorized in one of the three levels above. Fair values are based on the inputs available at the measurement dates, and may rely on certain assumptions that may affect the valuation of fair value for certain assets or liabilities. Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived 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. 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 below its carrying amount. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company updated its revenue projections used to estimate the fair value of contingent consideration related to its acquisition of NYCDA (see Note 3). Accordingly, the Company reassessed the recoverability of goodwill assigned to NYCDA and performed Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test as well as a quantitative impairment test of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. Based on these tests, the Company determined the fair value of NYCDA exceeded its carrying value and there was no impairment of the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset assigned to NYCDA as of September 30, 2017. Authorized Stock The Company has authorized 20,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01, of which 11,093,489 and 11,167,425 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively. The Company also has authorized 8,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which has been issued or outstanding since 2004. 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 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular, quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock. The dividend was paid on September 18, 2017. Stock-Based Compensation As required by the Stock Compensation Topic, ASC 718, the Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and employee stock purchases related to the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, based on estimated fair values. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the unaudited consolidated statements of income for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and, therefore, has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Company estimates forfeitures at the time of grant and revises the estimate, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The forfeiture rate used is based on historical experience. The Company also assesses the likelihood that performance criteria associated with performance-based awards will be met. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that performance criteria will not be achieved, the Company revises its estimate of the number of shares it believes will ultimately vest. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 impacts several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including classification of certain items on the consolidated statement of cash flows and accounting for income taxes. Specifically, ASU 2016-09 requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in earnings, which may introduce significant volatility to the Company’s provision for income taxes. Also, all tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments will now be reported as operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The Company has elected to apply this cash flow guidance prospectively and there was no impact to the prior period presentation. In addition, pursuant to ASU 2016-09 the Company has elected to continue to estimate forfeitures ratably over the life of awards. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 has not materially impacted the Company’s financial statements. See note 6 for additional information. Net Income Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings 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 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 per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands): For the three months ended For the nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share 10,616 10,701 10,608 10,671 Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options — 38 — 38 Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units 212 471 195 465 Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share 10,828 11,210 10,803 11,174 Income Taxes The Company provides for deferred income taxes based on temporary differences between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Income Taxes Topic, ASC 740, requires the company to determine whether uncertain tax positions should be recognized within the Company’s financial statements. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Uncertain tax positions are recognized when a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is determined to be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Upon determination, uncertain tax positions are measured to determine the amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position is derecognized if it no longer meets the more likely than not threshold of being sustained. The tax years 2014-2016 remain open for Federal tax examination and the tax years 2013-2016 remain open to examination by state and local taxing jurisdictions in which the Company is subject. 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, fair value of future contractual operating lease obligations, 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, fair value of contingent consideration, and the provision for income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”) which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is for a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The effective date of ASU 2014-09 is for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. During 2016 and 2017, the FASB issued additional ASUs amending certain aspects of ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 allows either a full retrospective adoption to all periods presented or a modified retrospective adoption approach, with the cumulative effect of initial application of the revised guidance recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is finalizing its assessment of key revenue streams, including a comparison of current accounting policies and practices to the new standard, and is determining the appropriate changes to business processes and controls. Based on its evaluation to date, the Company believes that under the new standard the allocation of revenue to certain performance obligations may result in changes in the timing of revenue recognition between interim periods for one of its performance obligations. However, any changes associated with the adoption of ASU 2014-09 are not expected to have a significant impact on annual revenue recognized, and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective approach and accordingly will complete the analysis of the cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings and prepare enhanced disclosures pertaining to revenue recognition for the quarterly and annual filings beginning in the first quarter of 2018. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). The new guidance requires the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for most leases. Under current guidance, operating leases are off-balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 also requires more extensive quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 applies to fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018, using the modified retrospective method, with early adoption permitted. The Company anticipates that the impact of ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated balance sheet will be material as the Company will record significant asset and liability balances in connection with its leased properties. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses , which applies to ASC 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. 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. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash (Topic 230) (“ASU 2016-18”). Under ASU 2016-18, an entity should include in its cash and cash-equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows those amounts that are deemed to be restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and the Company does not expect adoption of ASU 2016-18 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The amendments in this update should be adopted on a prospective basis for the annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019, though early adoption is 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.

Acquisition of New York Code an

Acquisition of New York Code and Design Academy	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Acquisition of New York Code and Design Academy [Abstract]
Acquisition of New York Code and Design Academy	3. Acquisition of New York Code and Design Academy On January 13, 2016, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of New York Code and Design Academy, Inc. (“NYCDA”), a provider of web and application software development courses primarily based in the New York City area (the “Acquisition”). The Acquisition supports the Company’s strategy to complement its traditional degree offerings with a broader platform of educational services. The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $0.2 million, which were included in general and administrative costs in the unaudited consolidated statements of income in the period those costs were incurred. The Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination. The purchase price included $2.4 million paid up front in cash, plus contingent cash payments of (a) up to $12.5 million payable based on NYCDA’s results of operations over a five-year period (the “Earnout”), and (b) $5.5 million payable based on NYCDA’s receipt of state regulatory permits. Pursuant to the Acquisition, $1.0 million of the Earnout may be accelerated upon receipt of one of the state regulatory permits. The Company recorded total contingent consideration of $14.5 million at the time of acquisition. In April 2016 and August 2016, NYCDA received the state regulatory permits and the Company paid $6.0 and $0.5 million of contingent consideration to the sellers, respectively. In addition, the Company paid a total of $4.6 million to two of NYCDA’s founders who are required to remain employed for at least three years from the acquisition date. If either of them terminates employment voluntarily, or is terminated for cause (as defined), he is required to reimburse the Company his respective portion of the retention amount. This amount was classified as prepaid compensation and is amortized to compensation expense over three years. Total potential cash payments for the Acquisition, including the contingent cash payments and prepaid compensation, could total $25.0 million. The allocation of the purchase price was as follows (in thousands): Purchase Price Allocation Useful Life Cash $ Other assets Intangibles: Trade name Indefinite Goodwill Liabilities assumed Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net Less: contingent consideration Less: cash acquired Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired $ The fair value of the Earnout was originally measured by applying a probability discounted cash flow model based on significant inputs not observable in the market (Level 3 inputs). Key assumptions include a discount rate of 4.5% and expected future value of payments, at the time, of $12.5 million. Following its initial recognition, the Company assesses the carrying value of the Earnout to the fair value of the remaining payments. Fair value is then adjusted as necessary to reflect revisions to the business plan, expectations relative to achieving the performance targets over the earnout period, and the impact of the discount rate. No adjustment to the Earnout was recorded in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. During the three months ended June 30, 2017, the Company updated its near-term revenue projections for NYCDA and reduced the balance of the contingent consideration by $2.3 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, following delays in implementing its marketing strategy to enroll new students, the Company further updated its revenue projections during the Earnout measurement period resulting in a reduction in the contingent consideration balance by an additional $5.5 million. The fair value of the Earnout at September 30, 2017 is zero, and the maximum possible amount that could be paid is $11.5 million. The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed was determined based on assumptions that reasonable market participants would use while employing the concept of highest and best use of the respective items. The following assumptions were used, the majority of which include significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), and valuation methodologies to determine fair value: · Intangibles – Income approaches were used to value the substantial majority of the acquired intangibles. The trade name was valued using the relief-from-royalty method, which represents the benefit of owning these intangible assets rather than paying royalties for their use. · Other assets and liabilities – The carrying value of all other assets and liabilities approximated fair value at the time of acquisition.

Restructuring and Related Charg

Restructuring and Related Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring and Related Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Charges	4. 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. A liability for lease obligations, some of which continue through 2022, was recorded and is measured at fair value using a discounted cash flow approach encompassing significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The estimation of future cash flows includes 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. The Company’s estimates, which involve significant judgment, also consider the amount and timing of sublease rental income based on subleases that have been executed and subleases expected to be executed based on current commercial real estate market data and conditions, and other qualitative factors specific to the facilities. The estimates are subject to adjustment as market conditions change or as new information becomes available, including the execution of additional sublease agreements. The following details the changes in the Company’s restructuring liability for lease and related costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands): September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 Balance at beginning of period (1) $ 20,055 $ 11,985 Adjustments (2) (1,695) 375 Payments (4,434) (2,884) Balance at end of period (1) $ 13,926 $ 9,476 (1) The current portion of restructuring liabilities was $4.2 million and $3.2 million as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively, which are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. The long-term portion is included in other long-term liabilities. (2) Adjustments include accretion of interest on lease costs, partially offset by changes in the timing and expected income from sublease agreements .

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	5. Fair Value Measurement Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of September 30, 2017 (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Quoted Prices in Significant Active Markets Other Significant for Identical Observable Unobservable September 30, Assets/Liabilities Inputs Inputs 2017 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds $ 15,199 $ 15,199 $ — $ — Liabilities: Deferred payments $ 4,424 $ — $ — $ 4,424 Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Quoted Prices in Significant Active Markets Other Significant for Identical Observable Unobservable December 31, Assets/Liabilities Inputs Inputs 2016 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds $ 5,103 $ 5,103 $ — $ — Liabilities: Deferred payments $ 11,741 $ — $ — $ 11,741 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 and 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, 2016 and September 30, 2017 approximate fair value and are not disclosed in the above tables because of the short-term nature of the financial instruments. · 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 models that encompass significant unobservable inputs to estimate the operating results of the acquired assets. The assumptions used to prepare the discounted cash flows include estimates for interest rates, enrollment growth, retention rates, obtaining regulatory approvals for expansion into new markets, 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 $1.4 million as of September 30, 2017 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 no assets or liabilities were transferred between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 or 2017. Changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 deferred payment liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 are as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2016 September 30, 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 3,278 $ 11,741 Amounts paid (7,358) (1,133) Contingent consideration in connection with NYCDA acquisition 14,500 — Other adjustments to fair value 1,920 (6,184) Balance at end of period $ 12,340 $ 4,424

Stock Options, Restricted Stock

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units	6. Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units On May 5, 2015, the Company’s shareholders approved the Strayer Education, Inc. 2015 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2015 Plan”), which provides for the granting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options intended to qualify as incentive stock options, options that do not qualify as incentive stock options, and other forms of equity compensation and performance-based awards to employees, officers and directors of the Company, or to a consultant or advisor to the Company, at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Vesting provisions are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Options may be granted at option prices based at or above the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant. The maximum term of the awards granted under the 2015 Plan is ten years. The number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2015 Plan is 500,000 authorized but unissued shares, plus the number of shares available for grant under the Company’s previously existing equity compensation plans at the time of stockholder approval of the 2015 Plan, and plus the number of shares which may in the future become available under any previously existing equity compensation plan due to forfeitures of outstanding awards. In February 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved grants of 67,599 shares of restricted stock to certain employees. These shares, which vest over a four-year period, were granted pursuant to the 2015 Plan. The Company’s stock price closed at $81.66 on the date of these grants. In May 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved grants of 7,541 shares of restricted stock. These shares, which vest annually over a three-year period, were awarded to non-employee members of the Company’s Board of Directors, as part of the Company’s annual director compensation program and the 2015 Plan. The Company’s stock price closed at $86.83 on the date of these grants. Dividends paid on unvested restricted stock are reimbursed to the Company if the recipient forfeits his or her shares as a result of termination of employment prior to vesting in the award, unless waived by the Board of Directors. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units The table below sets forth the restricted stock and restricted stock units activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017: Number of shares or units Weighted- average Grant price Balance, December 31, 2016 727,100 $ 97.53 Grants 75,140 82.18 Vested shares (84,718) 66.60 Forfeitures (1,204) 62.28 Balance, September 30, 2017 716,318 $ 99.64 Stock Options The table below sets forth the stock option activity and other stock option information as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017: Weighted- average Weighted- remaining Aggregate Number of average contractual intrinsic value(1) shares exercise price life (years) (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2016 100,000 $ 51.95 4.1 $ 2,868 Grants — — Exercises — — Forfeitures/Expirations — — Balance, September 30, 2017 100,000 $ 51.95 3.3 $ 3,532 Exercisable, September 30, 2017 100,000 $ 51.95 3.3 $ 3,532 (1) The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the respective trading day and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holder had all options been exercised on the respective trading day. The amount of intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock. Valuation and Expense Information under Stock Compensation Topic ASC 718 At September 30, 2017, total stock-based compensation cost which has not yet been recognized was $17.8 million for unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock option awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over the next 24 months on a weighted-average basis. Awards of approximately 561,000 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units are subject to performance conditions. The accrual for stock-based compensation for performance awards is based on the Company’s estimates that such performance criteria are probable of being achieved over the respective vesting periods. Such a determination involves judgment surrounding the Company’s ability to maintain regulatory compliance. If the performance targets are not reached during the respective vesting period, or it is determined it is more likely than not that the performance criteria will not be achieved, related compensation expense is adjusted. 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, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands): For the three months ended For the nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Instruction and educational support $ 522 $ 548 $ 678 $ 1,363 Marketing — — — — Admissions advisory — — — — General and administration 1,882 2,366 6,652 7,206 Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense 2,404 2,914 7,330 8,569 Tax benefit 957 1,151 2,857 3,384 Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $ 1,447 $ 1,763 $ 4,473 $ 5,185 During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized a tax shortfall related to share-based payment arrangements of approximately $51,000, which was recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized a tax windfall related to share-based payment arrangements of approximately $0.6 million, which was recorded as an adjustment to the provision for income taxes following the adoption of ASU 2016-09. No stock options were exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 or 2017.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Other Long-Term Liabilities	7. Other Long-Term Liabilities Other long-term liabilities consist of the following (in thousands): December 31, 2016 September 30, 2017 Deferred revenue, net of current portion $ 17,981 $ 18,274 Deferred rent and other facility costs 8,251 7,406 Loss on facilities not in use 7,813 6,227 Deferred payments related to acquisitions 13,754 5,979 Lease incentives 2,684 2,902 Other long-term liabilities $ 50,483 $ 40,788 Deferred Revenue The Company provides for certain scholarship and awards programs, such as the Graduation Fund (see Note 2 for additional information), that can be redeemed in the future by students after meeting certain eligibility requirements. The Company also has licensed certain of its non-credit bearing course content to a third party. Long-term deferred revenue represents the amount of revenue under these arrangements that the Company expects will be realized after one year. Deferred Rent and Other Facility Costs and Loss on Facilities Not in Use The Company records a liability for lease costs of campuses and non-campus facilities that are not currently in use (see Note 4). For facilities still in use, the Company records 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 is recorded as a liability. Deferred Payments Related to Acquisitions In the first quarter of 2016, the Company acquired NYCDA and entered into deferred payment arrangements with the sellers in connection with this transaction. In April and August 2016, NYCDA received state regulatory permits and the Company subsequently paid $6.0 million and $0.5 million of deferred payments to the sellers, respectively. The fair value of the deferred payment arrangements at September 30, 2017 is zero, and the maximum possible amount that could be paid is $11.5 million. See Note 3 for further information on the NYCDA deferred payments. In 2011, the Company acquired certain assets and entered into deferred payment arrangements with the sellers. The deferred payment arrangements are valued at approximately $3.4 million and $3.2 million as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, 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 renovating existing ones, the Company, in some instances, was reimbursed by the lessors for improvements made to the leased properties. In accordance with ASC 840-20, the underlying assets were capitalized as leasehold improvements and a liability was established for the reimbursements. The leasehold improvements and the liability are amortized on a straight-line basis over the corresponding lease terms, which generally range from five to ten years.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	8 . Income Taxes The Company had $0.3 million of unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2017, resulting from tax positions taken during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. In addition, the Company recognized approximately $0.3 million of benefits in each of the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 related to tax positions taken during prior years. The Company did not incur expense for interest and penalties in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, and recorded approximately $0.1 million of expense for interest and penalties in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits will be realized. If amounts accrued are different than amounts ultimately assessed by taxing authorities, the Company would record an adjustment to income tax expense. The Company does not anticipate significant changes to other unrecognized tax benefits. The Company paid $25.0 million and $21.8 million in income taxes during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Litigation

Litigation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Litigation [Abstract]
Litigation	9. Litigation From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of its business. There are no pending material legal proceedings to which the Company is subject or to which the Company’s property is subject.

Regulation

Regulation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Regulation [Abstract]
Regulation	10. Regulation The Company, the University, and NYCDA are subject to significant state regulatory oversight, as well as federal regulatory oversight, in the case of the Company and the University. Gainful Employment Under the Higher Education Act, 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. On October 31, 2014, the Department of Education (the “Department”) published final regulations related to gainful employment. The regulations went into effect on July 1, 2015, with the exception of new disclosure requirements that were originally scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2017, but which have now been delayed, to some extent, until July 1, 2018. Additionally, the Department announced, on June 16, 2017, its intention to conduct negotiated rulemaking proceedings to revise the gainful employment regulations. Those proceedings are expected to begin in December 2017. The gainful employment regulations include two debt-to-earnings measures, consisting of an annual income rate and a discretionary income rate. The annual income rate measures student debt in relation to earnings, and the discretionary income rate measures student debt in relation to discretionary income. A program passes 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 does not pass either of the debt-to-earnings metrics, and that has an annual income rate between 8% and 12%, or a discretionary income rate between 20% and 30%, is considered to be in a warning zone. A program fails if the program’s graduates have an annual income rate of 12% or greater and a discretionary income rate of 30% or greater. A program would become Title IV-ineligible for three years if it fails both metrics for two out of three consecutive years, or fails to pass at least one metric for four consecutive award years. The regulations provide a means by which an institution may challenge the Department’s calculation of any of the debt metrics prior to loss of Title IV eligibility. On January 8, 2017, Strayer received its final 2015 debt-to-earnings measures. None of Strayer’s programs failed the debt-to-earnings metrics. Two active programs, the Associate in Arts in Accounting and Associate in Arts in Business Administration, are “in the zone,” which means each program remains fully eligible unless (1) either program has a combination of zone and failing designations for four consecutive years, in which case it would become Title IV-ineligible in the fifth year; or (2) either program fails the metrics for two out of three consecutive years, in which case the program could become ineligible for the following award year. If an institution is notified by the Secretary of Education that a program could become ineligible, based on its final rates, for the next award year: · The institution must provide a warning with respect to the program to students and prospective students indicating, among other things, that students may not be able to use Title IV funds to attend or continue in the program; and · The institution must not enroll, register or enter into a financial commitment with a prospective student until a specified time after providing the warning to the prospective student. The new regulations also require institutions annually to report student- and program-level data to the Department, and comply with additional disclosure requirements. Final regulations adopted by the Department, which generally became effective on July 1, 2011, require an institution to use a template designed by the Department to disclose to prospective students, with respect to each gainful employment program, occupations that the program prepares students to enter, total cost of the program, on-time graduation rate, job placement rate, if applicable, and the median loan debt of program completers for the most recently completed award year. The regulations that became effective July 1, 2015 expanded upon those existing disclosure requirements, and institutions were expected to update their disclosure templates to comply by January 1, 2017. However, the Department delayed the requirements until April 3, 2017 and then until July 1, 2017. On June 30, 2017, the Department further delayed, until July 1, 2018, the requirements that an institution include the disclosure template, or a link thereto, in its gainful employment program promotional materials and directly distribute the disclosure templates to prospective students. The Department did not change the July 1, 2017 effective date for the requirement to provide an updated disclosure template, or a link thereto, on gainful employment program web pages. The University is in compliance with that requirement. In addition, the gainful employment regulations require institutions to certify, among other things, that each eligible gainful employment program is programmatically accredited if required by a federal governmental entity or a state governmental entity of a state in which it is located or is otherwise required to obtain state approval. Institutions also must certify that each eligible program satisfies the applicable educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification requirements in each state in which it is located or is otherwise required to obtain state approval, so that a student who completes the program and seeks employment in that state qualifies to take any licensure or certification exam that is needed for the student to practice or find employment in an occupation that the program prepares students to enter. The University has timely made the required certification. Under the gainful employment regulations, an institution may establish a new program’s Title IV eligibility by updating the list of the institution’s programs maintained by the Department. However, an institution may not update its list of eligible programs to include a failing or zone program that the institution voluntarily discontinued or that became ineligible, or a gainful employment program that is substantially similar to such a program, until three years after the loss of eligibility or discontinuance. The requirements associated with the gainful employment regulations may substantially increase the Company’s administrative burdens and could affect the University’s program offerings, student enrollment, persistence, and retention. Further, although the regulations provide opportunities for an institution to correct any potential deficiencies in a program prior to the loss of Title IV eligibility, the continuing eligibility of the University’s academic programs will be affected by factors beyond management’s control such as changes in the University’s graduates’ income levels, changes in student borrowing levels, increases in interest rates, changes in the percentage of former students who are current in the repayment of their student loans, and various other factors. Even if the University were able to correct any deficiency in the gainful employment metrics in a timely manner, the disclosure requirements associated with a program’s failure to meet at least one metric may adversely affect student enrollments in that program and may adversely affect the reputation of the University. Borrower Defenses to Repayment Pursuant to the Higher Education Act and following negotiated rulemaking, on November 1, 2016, the Department published final regulations that, inter alia, would have specified the acts or omissions of an institution that a borrower may assert as a defense to repayment of a loan made under the Direct Loan Program. Although the regulations were scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2017, on June 16, 2017, the Department delayed indefinitely the effective date of selected provisions of the regulations and announced its intention to conduct negotiated rulemaking proceedings to revise the regulations. Those proceedings are expected to begin in November 2017. On October 24, 2017, the Department published an interim final rule to delay until July 1, 2018 the effective date of the selected provisions. On October 24, 2017, the Department also published a notice of proposed rulemaking to delay until July 1, 2019 the effective date of the selected provisions. The Clery Act The 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. On September 22, 2017, the Department withdrew the statements of policy and guidance reflected in two guidance documents issued under the Obama administration and issued interim guidance about campus sexual misconduct. In the interim guidance, the Department announced that it intends to conduct negotiated rulemaking proceedings to revise its regulations related to institutions’ Title IX responsibilities. Failure by the University to comply with the Clery Act or Title IX requirements or regulations thereunder could result in action by the Department fining the University or limiting or suspending its participation in Title IV programs, could lead to litigation, and could harm the University’s reputation. The Company believes that the University is in compliance with these requirements. Compliance Reviews The University is 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 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, the University received correspondence from the Department in 2015 closing the program reviews with no further action required by the University. For the other program review, in 2016, the 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. The University remitted payment, and received a letter from the Department indicating that no further action was required and that the matter was closed. 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 13, 2017, the Department informed the University that it was approved to participate in Title IV programs with full certification through June 30, 2021. NYCDA NYCDA currently provides on-ground courses in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, and the District of Columbia, and in the Netherlands, but is not accredited, does not participate in state or federal student financial aid programs, and is not subject to the regulatory requirements applicable to accredited schools and schools that participate in such financial aid programs such as those described above. Programs such as those offered by NYCDA are regulated by each individual state.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Subsequent Event [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	11. Subsequent Event On October 29, 2017, the Company, Sarg Sub Inc., a Minnesota corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), and Capella Education Company, a Minnesota corporation (“Capella”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions specified therein, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Capella (the “Merger”), with Capella surviving as a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. At the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), each share of common stock of Capella (“Capella Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than the shares that are owned by Capella, the Company, Merger Sub or any wholly owned subsidiary of Capella, the Company or Merger Sub) will be converted into the right to receive 0.875 of a newly issued share of common stock of the Company (the “Company Common Stock”) (“Merger Consideration”). No fractional shares of Company Common Stock will be issued in the Merger, and Capella shareholders will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares as part of the Merger Consideration, as specified in the Merger Agreement. The respective boards of directors of the Company and Capella have unanimously approved the Merger Agreement, and the board of directors of Capella has agreed to recommend that Capella’s shareholders adopt the Merger Agreement. In addition, the board of directors of the Company has agreed to recommend that the Company’s stockholders approve the issuance of shares of Company Common Stock in the Merger and the amendment to the Company certificate of incorporation to, among other things (i) change the Company’s name to “Strategic Education, Inc.” and (ii) increase the number of shares of Company Common Stock that the Company is authorized to issue to 32,000,000 shares to, among other things, allow for the payment of the Merger Consideration. The consummation of the Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including, but not limited to, (i) the approval of Company stockholders and Capella stockholders, (ii) the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, and (iii) the receipt of certain regulatory approvals from educational agencies (including the Department of Education and Capella University’s accreditor). The parties expect the Merger will be completed in the third quarter of 2018. The Merger Agreement provides for certain termination rights for both Capella and the Company. Upon termination of the Merger Agreement under certain specified circumstances (including to accept a superior proposal), the Company may be required to pay Capella a termination fee of $25,000,000, and upon termination of the Merger Agreement under certain specified circumstances (including to accept a superior proposal), Capella may be required to pay the Company a termination fee of $25,000,000. In addition, if the Merger Agreement is terminated by either party as a result of Capella’s failure to obtain stockholder approval, or is terminated by the Company due to Capella’s breach of its representations and covenants and such breach would result in the closing conditions not being satisfied, then Capella may be required to reimburse transaction expenses up to $8,000,000. The Company may be required to reimburse transaction expenses up to $8,000,000 in reciprocal circumstances.

Significant Accounting Polici18

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Financial Statement Presentation	Financial Statement Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. On January 13, 2016, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of NYCDA, and the results of NYCDA are included with the Company from the acquisition date. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. All information as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 and 2017, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 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. Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. In addition, the Company had no items of other comprehensive income in the periods presented and accordingly comprehensive income is equal to net income. 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, 2016. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company’s educational programs typically are offered on a quarterly basis and such periods coincide with the Company’s quarterly financial reporting periods. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, most of the Company’s revenue came from the University, which derived approximately 96% of its revenues from tuition revenue, which is recognized in the quarter of instruction. Tuition revenue is assessed for collectibility on a student-by-student basis throughout the quarter of instruction, and is shown net of any refunds, withdrawals, corporate discounts, scholarships, and employee tuition discounts. This collectibility assessment considers available sources of funds for the student including financial aid programs provided through Title IV of the Higher Education Act. The Company reassesses the collectibility of tuition revenue that it may earn based on new information and changes in the facts and circumstances relevant to a student’s ability to pay, including the timing of a student’s withdrawal from a program of study. At the start of each academic term or program, a liability (deferred revenue) 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 deferred revenue. 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 . Deferred revenue is 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. Revenues also include textbook-related income, certificate revenue, certain academic fees, licensing revenue, and other income, which are recognized when earned. The Company’s refund policy typically permits students who complete less than half of a course to receive a partial refund of tuition for that course. Refunds reduce the tuition revenue that would have otherwise been recognized for that student. Since the University’s academic terms coincide with the Company’s financial reporting periods, nearly all refunds are processed and recorded within the same quarter as the corresponding revenue. The amount of tuition revenue refundable to students may vary based on the student’s state of residence. Unused books and related academic materials may be returned for a full refund within 21 days of the start of class; however, purchases of electronic content are not refundable if downloaded. Revenues derived from fees are not eligible for a refund
Graduation Fund	Graduation Fund In the third quarter of 2013, the 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 the 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 the University in the future. Revenue from students participating in the Graduation Fund is recorded in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic, ASC 605-50. The Company defers the value of benefits 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 $19.3 million and is included in deferred revenue as a current liability in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The table below presents activity in the Graduation Fund for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands): September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 20,937 $ 29,499 Revenue deferred 14,753 17,494 Benefit redeemed (9,139) (12,551) Balance at end of period $ 26,551 $ 34,442
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 University during the academic term. The Company had approximately $13,000 and $8,000 as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively, of these unpaid obligations, 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 was required to maintain a “minimum protective endowment” of at least $0.5 million in an interest-bearing account. These funds are required 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 deferred revenue for its students upon the start of the academic term or course of instruction. Therefore, at the end of the quarter (and academic term), tuition receivable generally represents amounts due from students for educational services already provided and deferred revenue generally represents advance payments from students for academic services to be provided in the future. Tuition receivables are not collateralized; however, credit risk is minimized as a result of the diverse nature of the University’s student base. 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, 2016 and September 30, 2017 (in thousands): December 31, 2016 September 30, 2017 Tuition receivable $ 30,733 $ 33,183 Allowance for doubtful accounts (10,201) (12,557) Tuition receivable, net $ 20,532 $ 20,626 Approximately $2.3 million and $2.6 million of tuition receivable is included in other assets as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively, 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, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands): For the three months ended For the nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of period $ 9,981 $ 11,760 $ 10,024 $ 10,201 Additions charged to expense 3,865 5,364 11,069 14,835 Write-offs, net of recoveries (4,052) (4,567) (11,299) (12,479) Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of period $ 9,794 $ 12,557 $ 9,794 $ 12,557
Fair Value	Fair Value The Fair Value Measurement Topic, ASC 820-10 (“ASC 820-10”), establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used to measure fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Under ASC 820-10, fair value of an investment is the price that would be received to sell an asset or to transfer a liability to an entity in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to assets and liabilities with readily available quoted prices in an active market and lowest priority to unobservable inputs which require a higher degree of judgment when measuring fair value, as follows: · Level 1 assets or liabilities use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date; · Level 2 assets or liabilities use observable inputs, other than quoted market prices, that are either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities; and · Level 3 assets or liabilities use unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity. The Company’s assets and liabilities that are subject to fair value measurement are categorized in one of the three levels above. Fair values are based on the inputs available at the measurement dates, and may rely on certain assumptions that may affect the valuation of fair value for certain assets or liabilities.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived 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. 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 below its carrying amount. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company updated its revenue projections used to estimate the fair value of contingent consideration related to its acquisition of NYCDA (see Note 3). Accordingly, the Company reassessed the recoverability of goodwill assigned to NYCDA and performed Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test as well as a quantitative impairment test of the indefinite-lived intangible asset. Based on these tests, the Company determined the fair value of NYCDA exceeded its carrying value and there was no impairment of the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset assigned to NYCDA as of September 30, 2017.
Authorized Stock	Authorized Stock The Company has authorized 20,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01, of which 11,093,489 and 11,167,425 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively. The Company also has authorized 8,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which has been issued or outstanding since 2004. 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 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular, quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share of common stock. The dividend was paid on September 18, 2017.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation As required by the Stock Compensation Topic, ASC 718, the Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and employee stock purchases related to the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, based on estimated fair values. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the unaudited consolidated statements of income for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and, therefore, has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Company estimates forfeitures at the time of grant and revises the estimate, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The forfeiture rate used is based on historical experience. The Company also assesses the likelihood that performance criteria associated with performance-based awards will be met. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that performance criteria will not be achieved, the Company revises its estimate of the number of shares it believes will ultimately vest. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 impacts several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including classification of certain items on the consolidated statement of cash flows and accounting for income taxes. Specifically, ASU 2016-09 requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in earnings, which may introduce significant volatility to the Company’s provision for income taxes. Also, all tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments will now be reported as operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The Company has elected to apply this cash flow guidance prospectively and there was no impact to the prior period presentation. In addition, pursuant to ASU 2016-09 the Company has elected to continue to estimate forfeitures ratably over the life of awards. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 has not materially impacted the Company’s financial statements. See note 6 for additional information.
Net Income Per Share	Net Income Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings 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 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 per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands): For the three months ended For the nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share 10,616 10,701 10,608 10,671 Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options — 38 — 38 Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units 212 471 195 465 Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share 10,828 11,210 10,803 11,174
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company provides for deferred income taxes based on temporary differences between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Income Taxes Topic, ASC 740, requires the company to determine whether uncertain tax positions should be recognized within the Company’s financial statements. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Uncertain tax positions are recognized when a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is determined to be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Upon determination, uncertain tax positions are measured to determine the amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position is derecognized if it no longer meets the more likely than not threshold of being sustained. The tax years 2014-2016 remain open for Federal tax examination and the tax years 2013-2016 remain open to examination by state and local taxing jurisdictions in which the Company is subject.
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, fair value of future contractual operating lease obligations, 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, fair value of contingent consideration, and the provision for income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”) which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is for a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The effective date of ASU 2014-09 is for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. During 2016 and 2017, the FASB issued additional ASUs amending certain aspects of ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 allows either a full retrospective adoption to all periods presented or a modified retrospective adoption approach, with the cumulative effect of initial application of the revised guidance recognized at the date of initial application. The Company is finalizing its assessment of key revenue streams, including a comparison of current accounting policies and practices to the new standard, and is determining the appropriate changes to business processes and controls. Based on its evaluation to date, the Company believes that under the new standard the allocation of revenue to certain performance obligations may result in changes in the timing of revenue recognition between interim periods for one of its performance obligations. However, any changes associated with the adoption of ASU 2014-09 are not expected to have a significant impact on annual revenue recognized, and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective approach and accordingly will complete the analysis of the cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings and prepare enhanced disclosures pertaining to revenue recognition for the quarterly and annual filings beginning in the first quarter of 2018. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). The new guidance requires the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for most leases. Under current guidance, operating leases are off-balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 also requires more extensive quantitative and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 applies to fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018, using the modified retrospective method, with early adoption permitted. The Company anticipates that the impact of ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated balance sheet will be material as the Company will record significant asset and liability balances in connection with its leased properties. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses , which applies to ASC 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. 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. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash (Topic 230) (“ASU 2016-18”). Under ASU 2016-18, an entity should include in its cash and cash-equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows those amounts that are deemed to be restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. The standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and the Company does not expect adoption of ASU 2016-18 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The amendments in this update should be adopted on a prospective basis for the annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019, though early adoption is 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.

Significant Accounting Polici19

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of graduation fund liability	The table below presents activity in the Graduation Fund for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands): September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 20,937 $ 29,499 Revenue deferred 14,753 17,494 Benefit redeemed (9,139) (12,551) Balance at end of period $ 26,551 $ 34,442
Schedule of tuition receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts	December 31, 2016 September 30, 2017 Tuition receivable $ 30,733 $ 33,183 Allowance for doubtful accounts (10,201) (12,557) Tuition receivable, net $ 20,532 $ 20,626
Schedule of allowance for doubtful accounts	For the three months ended For the nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of period $ 9,981 $ 11,760 $ 10,024 $ 10,201 Additions charged to expense 3,865 5,364 11,069 14,835 Write-offs, net of recoveries (4,052) (4,567) (11,299) (12,479) Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of period $ 9,794 $ 12,557 $ 9,794 $ 12,557
Schedule of reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share	For the three months ended For the nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share 10,616 10,701 10,608 10,671 Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options — 38 — 38 Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units 212 471 195 465 Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share 10,828 11,210 10,803 11,174

Acquisition of New York Code 20

Acquisition of New York Code and Design Academy (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Acquisition of New York Code and Design Academy [Abstract]
Summary of purchase price allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value	Purchase Price Allocation Useful Life Cash $ Other assets Intangibles: Trade name Indefinite Goodwill Liabilities assumed Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net Less: contingent consideration Less: cash acquired Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired $

Restructuring and Related Cha21

Restructuring and Related Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring and Related Charges [Abstract]
Schedule of restructuring liability by type of cost	The following details the changes in the Company’s restructuring liability for lease and related costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands): September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 Balance at beginning of period (1) $ 20,055 $ 11,985 Adjustments (2) (1,695) 375 Payments (4,434) (2,884) Balance at end of period (1) $ 13,926 $ 9,476 (1) The current portion of restructuring liabilities was $4.2 million and $3.2 million as of December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively, which are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. The long-term portion is included in other long-term liabilities. (2) Adjustments include accretion of interest on lease costs, partially offset by changes in the timing and expected income from sublease agreements .

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of September 30, 2017 (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Quoted Prices in Significant Active Markets Other Significant for Identical Observable Unobservable September 30, Assets/Liabilities Inputs Inputs 2017 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds $ 15,199 $ 15,199 $ — $ — Liabilities: Deferred payments $ 4,424 $ — $ — $ 4,424 Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Quoted Prices in Significant Active Markets Other Significant for Identical Observable Unobservable December 31, Assets/Liabilities Inputs Inputs 2016 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Money market funds $ 5,103 $ 5,103 $ — $ — Liabilities: Deferred payments $ 11,741 $ — $ — $ 11,741
Schedule of changes in fair value of level 3 liability	September 30, 2016 September 30, 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 3,278 $ 11,741 Amounts paid (7,358) (1,133) Contingent consideration in connection with NYCDA acquisition 14,500 — Other adjustments to fair value 1,920 (6,184) Balance at end of period $ 12,340 $ 4,424

Stock Options, Restricted Sto23

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Abstract]
Schedule of restricted stock and restricted stock units activity	Number of shares or units Weighted- average Grant price Balance, December 31, 2016 727,100 $ 97.53 Grants 75,140 82.18 Vested shares (84,718) 66.60 Forfeitures (1,204) 62.28 Balance, September 30, 2017 716,318 $ 99.64
Schedule of stock option activity and other stock option information	Weighted- average Weighted- remaining Aggregate Number of average contractual intrinsic value(1) shares exercise price life (years) (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2016 100,000 $ 51.95 4.1 $ 2,868 Grants — — Exercises — — Forfeitures/Expirations — — Balance, September 30, 2017 100,000 $ 51.95 3.3 $ 3,532 Exercisable, September 30, 2017 100,000 $ 51.95 3.3 $ 3,532 (1) The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the respective trading day and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holder had all options been exercised on the respective trading day. The amount of intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock.
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	For the three months ended For the nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2017 2016 2017 Instruction and educational support $ 522 $ 548 $ 678 $ 1,363 Marketing — — — — Admissions advisory — — — — General and administration 1,882 2,366 6,652 7,206 Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense 2,404 2,914 7,330 8,569 Tax benefit 957 1,151 2,857 3,384 Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $ 1,447 $ 1,763 $ 4,473 $ 5,185

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Ta

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of other long-term liabilities	December 31, 2016 September 30, 2017 Deferred revenue, net of current portion $ 17,981 $ 18,274 Deferred rent and other facility costs 8,251 7,406 Loss on facilities not in use 7,813 6,227 Deferred payments related to acquisitions 13,754 5,979 Lease incentives 2,684 2,902 Other long-term liabilities $ 50,483 $ 40,788

Nature of Operations (Details)

Nature of Operations (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017segment
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments	1

Significant Accounting Polici26

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Items within other comprehensive income	$ 0
Percentage of tuition revenue in total revenue	96.00%
Unused books and academic material refundable period	21 days

Significant Accounting Polici27

Significant Accounting Policies - Graduation Fund (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)item	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Consecutive terms of non attendance in which Graduation Fund credits will be lost | item	1
Number of free courses | item	1
Number of successfully completed courses | item	3
Expected collection period of tuition receivable	12 months
Balance at beginning of year	$ 29,499,000	$ 20,937,000
Revenue deferred	17,494,000	14,753,000
Benefit redeemed	(12,551,000)	(9,139,000)
Balance at end of year	34,442,000	$ 26,551,000
Current Liability [Member]
Graduation fund estimated to be redeemed	19,300,000
Other Assets [Member]
Restricted cash
Minimum protective endowment	500,000
Other Current Assets [Member]
Restricted cash
Funds payable for students who withdraw from the University	$ 8,000		$ 13,000

Significant Accounting Polici28

Significant Accounting Policies - Tuition Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of tuition receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Tuition receivable	$ 33,183		$ 30,733
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(12,557)	$ (11,760)	(10,201)	$ (9,794)	$ (9,981)	$ (10,024)
Tuition receivable, net	20,626		20,532
Other Assets [Member]
Schedule of tuition receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
Tuition receivable included in other assets	$ 2,600		$ 2,300

Significant Accounting Polici29

Significant Accounting Policies - Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of allowance for doubtful accounts
Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 11,760	$ 9,981	$ 10,201	$ 10,024
Additions charged to expense	5,364	3,865	14,835	11,069
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(4,567)	(4,052)	(12,479)	(11,299)
Ending allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 12,557	$ 9,794	$ 12,557	$ 9,794

Significant Accounting Polici30

Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
New York Code And Design Academy, Inc.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets impairment	$ 0

Significant Accounting Polici31

Significant Accounting Policies - EPS (Details) - $ / shares	Sep. 18, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share
Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share		10,701,000	10,616,000	10,671,000	10,608,000
Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options		38,000		38,000
Unvested restricted stock		471,000	212,000	465,000	195,000
Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share		11,210,000	10,828,000	11,174,000	10,803,000
Common stock, shares authorized		20,000,000		20,000,000			20,000,000
Common stock, par value		$ 0.01		$ 0.01			$ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued		11,167,425		11,167,425			11,093,489
Common stock, shares outstanding		11,167,425		11,167,425			11,093,489
Preferred stock, shares authorized		8,000,000		8,000,000			8,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued		0		0			0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding		0		0			0
Dividends declared, per share						$ 0.25
Dividends paid, per share	$ 0.25

Acquisition of New York Code 32

Acquisition of New York Code and Design Academy (Details) - New York Code And Design Academy, Inc. $ in Millions	Jan. 13, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)individual
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid up front	$ 2.4
Total potential cash payments for acquisition				$ 25
Contingent consideration payment		$ 0.5	$ 6	$ 4.6
Number of founders | individual				2
Employment term				3 years
Less: contingent consideration	(14.5)
Contingent Consideration Results of Operations Over Five Year Period [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	$ 12.5
Term of additional contingent payments	5 years
Contingent Consideration Receipt Of State Regulatory Permit [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	$ 5.5
Contingent Consideration Accelerated Earnout Upon Receipt Of One State Regulatory Permit [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	1
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction Costs	$ 0.2

Acquisition of New York Code 33

Acquisition of New York Code and Design Academy - Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 13, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 20,744,000			$ 20,744,000		$ 20,744,000
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired						$ 7,635,000
Deferred payment arrangements value		3,200,000			$ 3,200,000		$ 3,400,000
New York Code And Design Academy, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash	$ 790,000
Other assets	1,265,000
Trade name	5,660,000
Goodwill	13,944,000
Liabilities assumed	(4,734,000)
Total assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net	16,925,000
Less: contingent consideration	(14,500,000)
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired	1,635,000
Discount rate					4.50%
Reduction in fair value of contingent consideration		5,500,000	$ 2,300,000	$ 0		$ 0
Deferred payment arrangements value		0			$ 0
New York Code And Design Academy, Inc. | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration		$ 11,500,000			$ 11,500,000
New York Code And Design Academy, Inc. | Contingent Consideration Results of Operations Over Five Year Period [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	12,500,000
New York Code And Design Academy, Inc. | Contingent Consideration Receipt Of State Regulatory Permit [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	5,500,000
New York Code And Design Academy, Inc. | Contingent Consideration Accelerated Earnout Upon Receipt Of One State Regulatory Permit [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	$ 1,000,000

Restructuring and Related Cha34

Restructuring and Related Charges (Details) - item	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring and Related Charges [Abstract]
Campus location closed	20
Lease marginal borrowing rate		4.50%

Restructuring and Related Cha35

Restructuring and Related Charges - Liability for lease and related costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of restructuring liability
Beginning balance	$ 11,985	$ 20,055
Adjustments	375	(1,695)
Payments	(2,884)	(4,434)
Ending balance	9,476	$ 13,926
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Schedule of restructuring liability
Restructuring liabilities	$ 3,200		$ 4,200

Fair Value Measurement (Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Money Market Funds [Member]
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$ 15,199	$ 5,103
Deferred payments [Member]
Liabilities:
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	4,424	11,741
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	15,199	5,103
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Deferred payments [Member]
Liabilities:
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	$ 4,424	$ 11,741

Fair Value Measurement - Level

Fair Value Measurement - Level 3 Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Short-term portion of deferred payments	$ 1,400
Deferred payments [Member]
Schedule of changes in fair value of level 3 liability
Balance at beginning of year	11,741	$ 3,278
Amounts paid	(1,133)	(7,358)
Contingent consideration in connection with NYCDA acquisition		14,500
Other adjustments to fair value	(6,184)	1,920
Balance at end of year	$ 4,424	$ 12,340

Stock Options, Restricted Sto38

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Additional shares authorized for grants			500,000
Maximum term of the awards granted under the Plan			10 years
Stock-based compensation cost which has not yet been recognized			$ 17.8
Stock-based compensation cost recognized period, in months			24 months
Restricted stock awarded subject to performance condition			561,000
Restricted stock and restricted stock units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grants, Number of shares or units	7,541	67,599	75,140
Vesting period	3 years	4 years
Share Price	$ 86.83	$ 81.66

Stock Options, Restricted Sto39

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units - RSU (Details) - Restricted stock and restricted stock units [Member] - $ / shares	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Schedule of restricted stock and restricted stock units activity
Beginning Balance, Number of shares or units			727,100
Grants, Number of shares or units	7,541	67,599	75,140
Vested shares, Number of shares or units			(84,718)
Forfeitures, Number of shares or units			(1,204)
Ending Balance, Number of shares or units			716,318
Beginning Balance, Weighted-average grant price			$ 97.53
Grants, Weighted-average grant price			82.18
Vested shares, Weighted-average grant price			66.60
Forfeitures, Weighted-average grant price			62.28
Ending Balance, Weighted-average grant price			$ 99.64

Stock Options, Restricted Sto40

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units - Options (Details) - Stock options [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of stock option activity and other stock option information
Beginning Balance, Number of shares	100,000
Grants, Number of shares
Exercises, Number of shares		0
Forfeitures/Expirations, Number of shares
Ending Balance, Number of shares	100,000		100,000
Exercisable, Number of shares	100,000
Beginning Balance, Weighted-average exercise price	$ 51.95
Grants, Weighted-average exercise price
Exercises, Weighted-average exercise price
Forfeitures/Expirations, Weighted-average exercise price
Ending Balance, Weighted-average exercise price	51.95		$ 51.95
Exercisable, Weighted-average exercise price	$ 51.95
Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	3 years 3 months 18 days		4 years 1 month 6 days
Exercisable, Weighted-average remaining contractual life (years)	3 years 3 months 18 days
Beginning Balance, Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 2,868
Ending Balance, Aggregate intrinsic value	3,532		$ 2,868
Exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 3,532

Stock Options, Restricted Sto41

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units - Stock-based compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	$ 2,914	$ 2,404	$ 8,569	$ 7,330
Tax benefit	1,151	957	3,384	2,857
Stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax	1,763	1,447	5,185	4,473
Instruction and educational support [Member]
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	548	522	1,363	678
General and administration [Member]
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense	$ 2,366	$ 1,882	$ 7,206	$ 6,652

Stock Options, Restricted Sto42

Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units - Tax shortfall (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Schedule of information regarding share-based payment arrangements
Tax shortfall from vesting of restricted shares				$ 51
Provision for income taxes	$ 2,138	$ 1,906	$ 13,670	$ 14,580
Scenario, Adjustment [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016 09
Schedule of information regarding share-based payment arrangements
Provision for income taxes			$ 600

Other Long-Term Liabilities (De

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred revenue, net of current portion	$ 18,274	$ 17,981
Deferred rent and other facility costs	7,406	8,251
Loss on facilities not in use	6,227	7,813
Deferred payments related to acquisitions	5,979	13,754
Lease incentives	2,902	2,684
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 40,788	$ 50,483

Other Long-Term Liabilities - D

Other Long-Term Liabilities - Deferred (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Funds received from investor			$ 2,800,000
Deferred payment arrangements value			$ 3,200,000	$ 3,400,000
Minimum [Member]
Leasehold improvements and long-term liability amortization period			5 years
Maximum
Leasehold improvements and long-term liability amortization period			10 years
New York Code And Design Academy, Inc.
Deferred payment arrangements value			$ 0
Total potential cash payments for acquisition			25,000,000
Contingent consideration payment	$ 500,000	$ 6,000,000	4,600,000
New York Code And Design Academy, Inc. | Maximum
Contingent consideration			$ 11,500,000

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 0.3
Recognition of tax benefits	0.3	$ 0.3
Amount of interest and penalties		0.1
Cash payments for income taxes	$ 21.8	$ 25

Regulation (Details)

Regulation (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2014stateitem
Minimum [Member]
Regulation [Line Items]
Average of median annual earning percentage	8.00%
Average of median discretionary percentage	20.00%
Maximum
Regulation [Line Items]
Average of median annual earning percentage	12.00%
Average of median discretionary percentage	30.00%
Strayer University
Regulation [Line Items]
Number of debt-to-earnings measures	2
Number of ineligible years	3 years
Number of current associate degree programs in the Zone	2
Number of consecutive years program has to fail both metrics to become ineligible	2 years
Number of consecutive years program has to fail one metric to become ineligible	4 years
Number of metric that can't failed for consecutive years	1
Number of guidance documents	2
Number of conducted compliance reviews		2
Number of reviews in which no further action was required		3
Number of on-site reviews conducted		4
Number of states in which compliance reviews were conducted | state		3
Strayer University | Maximum
Regulation [Line Items]
Amount due to department of education | $	$ 500

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details)	Oct. 29, 2017USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2017shares	Dec. 31, 2016shares
Subsequent Event
Common stock, shares authorized | shares		20,000,000	20,000,000
Subsequent Event | Merger Agreement
Subsequent Event
Conversion ratio	0.875
Number of fractional shares | shares	0
Common stock, shares authorized | shares	32,000,000
Termination fee	$ 25,000,000
Subsequent Event | Merger Agreement | Maximum
Subsequent Event
Reimbursement of termination fee	8,000,000
Capella | Subsequent Event | Merger Agreement
Subsequent Event
Termination fee	25,000,000
Capella | Subsequent Event | Merger Agreement | Maximum
Subsequent Event
Reimbursement of termination fee	$ 8,000,000