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John Crossley, Ph.D., to Lead Canada's Newest University Fredericton, New Brunswick – May 29, 2008

Meritus University, a subsidiary of Apollo Group (Nasdaq: APOL) today announced the appointment of John Crossley, Ph.D., a distinguished 30-year veteran of Canadian higher education, as president and vice chancellor of Meritus University. A new Canadian institution specializing in online higher education for working professionals, Meritus University is based in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Crossley comes to Meritus University after having served as principal and vice-chancellor of Renison College, an Anglican college affiliated with the University of Waterloo, in Ontario. Crossley previously served as vice-president of academic support at the University of Prince Edward Island. While at the University of Prince Edward Island, Crossley sat as a member of the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC) and served a term as its chairman.

Crossley said, “I will confess that I was lured out of traditional higher education after seeing the Meritus model. The model focuses on quality curriculum and course development, as well as expert course delivery and faculty training. It ensures consistent, measurable learning outcomes from course-to-course. As a model, it is global in breadth and reach, local in relevance and very effective.”

“Meritus means ‘deserve’ in Latin -- and every Canadian deserves a chance to change their lives and impact their communities through education,” Crossley stated. “Today, building a knowledge base is the most important multiplier for economic growth. Imagine discussing the impact of oil futures with fellow students located across Canada -- and in Venezuela, Costa Rica and Hong Kong -- all online. This is the kind of educational exchange we need to keep Canada’s economy strong,” he added.

Among Crossley’s achievements is the opening of Waterloo’s Confucius Institute for the study and teaching of Chinese language and culture. Crossley oversaw management for Renison College and undertook the building of its new academic center. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in politics from Brock University in Ontario, and a Masters and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Toronto in Ontario.

Brian Mueller, director of Meritus University and president of Apollo Group, said, “Dr. Crossley’s tenure in Canadian higher education, entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm for developing innovative methods to engage students will place Meritus University at the forefront of learning in Canada.” Mueller continued, “Dr. Crossley’s international experience, cultural understanding and passion for life-long learning are invaluable to both Meritus University and the Apollo family of institutions.”

Meritus University is among a small number of fully online universities operating in Canada and was recently approved by the New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour to offer its degree programs in business administration and information technology management. Meritus University will begin accepting applications this summer for fall classes.

Forward-Looking Safe Harbor
Statements in this press release regarding Apollo Group’s business outlook, future financial and operating results, and overall future prospects, are forward-looking statements, and are subject to the Safe Harbor provisions created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current information and expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in such statements due to various factors. For a discussion of the various factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, please refer to the risk factors and other disclosures contained in Apollo Group’s previously filed Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Canadian Media Contacts:
Maggie Fairs ~ Dicomm Media ~ 800-613-5205 ~ mfairs@dicommintl.com

U.S. Media Contact: Marla Sheiner ~ 602-557-1711 ~ marla.sheiner@apollogrp.edu