CAPELLA EDUCATION CO, 10-Q filed on 5/2/2018
Quarterly Report
v3.8.0.1
Document And Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Apr. 26, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2018  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Trading Symbol cpla  
Entity Registrant Name CAPELLA EDUCATION CO  
Entity Central Index Key 0001104349  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   11,665,628
v3.8.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 118,077 $ 106,566
Marketable securities, current 43,167 45,226
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $8,187 at March 31, 2018 and $7,979 at December 31, 2017 23,798 22,733
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,491 9,523
Total current assets 194,533 184,048
Marketable securities, non-current 31,457 29,570
Property and equipment, net 35,915 35,961
Goodwill 13,477 13,477
Intangibles, net 3,240 3,402
Deferred income tax assets 1,932 2,839
Other assets 10,234 9,724
Total assets 290,788 279,021
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 1,607 2,281
Accrued liabilities 28,365 26,619
Dividends payable 5,302 5,228
Deferred revenue 15,789 13,849
Total current liabilities 51,063 47,977
Deferred rent 12,127 12,365
Other liabilities 2,612 3,288
Total liabilities 65,802 63,630
Shareholders' equity:    
Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares - 100,000, issued and outstanding shares - 11,659 at March 31, 2018 and 11,635 at December 31, 2017 117 116
Additional paid-in capital 128,655 127,804
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [1] (210) (110)
Retained earnings 96,424 87,581
Total shareholders' equity 224,986 215,391
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 290,788 $ 279,021
[1] Accumulated other comprehensive loss is presented net of tax of $96 thousand and $64 thousand as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
v3.8.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets:    
Accounts receivable, allowance $ 8,187 $ 7,979
Shareholders' Equity:    
Common stock, par value $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, authorized shares 100,000,000 100,000,000
Common stock, issued shares 11,659,000 11,635,000
Common stock, outstanding shares 11,659,000 11,635,000
v3.8.0.1
Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]    
Revenues $ 111,967 $ 111,788
Costs and expenses:    
Instructional costs and services 48,432 48,412
Marketing and promotional 28,016 27,525
Admissions advisory 7,192 7,663
General and administrative 9,879 10,587
Merger-related costs 522 0
Total costs and expenses 94,041 94,187
Operating income (loss) 17,926 17,601
Other income (expense), net 496 107
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 18,422 17,708
Income tax expense 4,575 6,537
Income from continuing operations 13,847 11,171
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 0 95
Net Income $ 13,847 $ 11,266
Net income per common share:    
Basic net income per share - continuing operations $ 1.19 $ 0.97
Basic net income (loss) per share - discontinued operations 0.00 0.00
Basic net income per common share 1.19 0.97
Diluted net income per share - continuing operations 1.16 0.94
Diluted net income (loss) per share - discontinued operations 0.00 0.00
Diluted net income per common share $ 1.16 $ 0.94
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:    
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic 11,645 11,559
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted 11,950 11,936
Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.43 $ 0.41
v3.8.0.1
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Net Income $ 13,847 $ 11,266
Other comprehensive income (loss):    
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) (1) 2
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities, net of tax (99) 82
Comprehensive income $ 13,747 $ 11,350
v3.8.0.1
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Operating activities    
Net Income $ 13,847 $ 11,266
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 0 95
Income from continuing operations 13,847 11,171
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Provision for bad debts 2,604 2,416
Depreciation and amortization 4,845 5,126
Amortization of investment discount/premium, net 292 471
Impairment of property and equipment 0 367
Loss on disposal of property and equipment 1 3
Share-based compensation 1,751 1,274
Deferred income taxes 938 894
Changes in operating assets and liabilities    
Accounts receivable (3,669) (2,244)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 375 (2,366)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (1,062) (6,168)
Income taxes payable (414) 3,901
Deferred rent (238) (367)
Deferred revenue 2,020 2,569
Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations 21,290 17,047
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations 0 95
Net cash provided by operating activities 21,290 17,142
Investing activities    
Capital expenditures (3,706) (5,782)
Investment in partnership interests (426) (292)
Purchases of marketable securities (12,051) (14,809)
Maturities of marketable securities 11,800 10,540
Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations (4,383) (10,343)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - discontinued operations 0 3,243
Net cash used in investing activities (4,383) (7,100)
Financing activities    
Net proceeds for exercise of stock options 220 1,081
Taxes paid for restricted stock units (618) (828)
Payment of dividends (4,997) (4,733)
Net cash used in financing activities (5,395) (4,480)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash (1) 2
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 11,511 5,564
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 106,566 93,570
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 118,077 99,134
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information    
Income taxes paid 4,127 1,714
Non-cash investing and financing activities:    
Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,311 1,102
Dividends declared but not paid during period $ 5,090 $ 4,813
v3.8.0.1
Nature Of Business
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Nature of Business
Nature of Business

Capella Education Company (the Company) was incorporated on December 27, 1991, and is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Capella University, Inc. (the University); Sophia Learning, LLC (Sophia); Capella Learning Solutions, LLC (CLS); Hackbright Academy, Inc. (Hackbright); and DevMountain, LLC (DevMountain). The University, founded in 1993, is an online postsecondary education services company offering a variety of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs primarily delivered to working adults. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Sophia is an innovative learning company which leverages technology to support self-paced learning, including courses eligible for transfer into credit at over 2,000 colleges and universities. CLS provides online non-degree, high-demand, job-ready skills training solutions and services to individuals and corporate partners through Capella University's learning platform. Hackbright is a leading software engineering school for women with a mission to close the gender gap in the high-demand software engineering space. DevMountain is a leading software development school with a mission to be the most impactful coding school in the country by offering affordable, high-quality, leading-edge software coding education.

On February 8, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to divest its wholly owned subsidiary, Arden University Limited (Arden University). On August 18, 2016, the Company completed the sale of 100% of the share capital of Arden University. Beginning in the first quarter of 2016 and through the date of sale of the business, the assets and liabilities of Arden University were considered to be held for sale, and the Company presented Arden University as discontinued operations within the financial statements and footnotes. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recorded a gain of $0.1 million related to the divestiture of Arden University.
v3.8.0.1
Strayer Merger
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Strayer Merger
Strayer Merger

On October 29, 2017, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Strayer Education, Inc. (“Strayer”) and Sarg Sub Inc. (“Merger Sub”). Strayer is the holding company of Strayer University, which is an institute of higher learning which offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business administration, accounting, information technology, education and public administration.

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company with the Company surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Strayer (the “Merger”). Following the completion of the Merger, Strategic Education, Inc. will be the corporate entity under which both Capella University and Strayer University will continue to operate as independent and separately accredited institutions. At the effective time of the Merger, each share of the Company’s stock will be exchanged for 0.875 shares of Strayer common stock. The Company continues to expect that the merger will close in the third quarter of 2018.

On November 22, 2017, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. In addition, on January 19, 2018, the Merger agreement was approved by the stockholders of the Company and Strayer. The proposed merger remains subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including approvals by State regulators and relevant accreditation bodies. By letter dated February 26, 2018, the Department of Education issued the results of its preacquisition review of the proposed change in ownership of the Company. That letter confirms that, subject to submission of additional documents following the closing, Capella University will have uninterrupted participation in the Title IV Programs while the Department of Education completes its review of the relevant documentation.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company incurred $0.5 million in expenses primarily related to consulting, legal fees, and integration costs in connection with the proposed Merger Agreement. These costs are included in Merger-related costs within the Consolidated Statement of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

The Merger Agreement provides for certain termination rights for both the Company and Strayer. In the event that the Company terminates the Merger Agreement under certain specified circumstances, the Company would be required to pay Strayer a termination fee in the amount of $25.0 million, and in the event that Strayer terminates the Merger Agreement under certain specified circumstances, Strayer would be required to pay the Company a termination fee in the amount of $25.0 million.
v3.8.0.1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the University, Sophia, CLS, Hackbright, DevMountain, and Arden University after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. Arden University was divested during the third quarter of 2016, and prior to the date of sale was presented as discontinued operations within the financial statements and corresponding footnotes.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present a fair statement of the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Operating results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Reclassifications
During the year-ended December 31, 2017 the Company began presenting the cash outflows associated with taxes paid to taxing authorities on an employee's behalf for restricted stock unit award releases within financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows rather than within operating activities based on the guidance set forth within Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09. The Company has applied this provision of the new standard retrospectively, and as such has restated net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used in financing activities for the impact of taxes paid to taxing authorities on an employee's behalf for restricted stock unit award releases within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the prior periods presented.

Share-Based Compensation
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company granted restricted stock unit awards to a limited number of employees which are required to be settled in cash upon vesting. The restricted stock unit awards to be settled in cash are classified as Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2018. The value of these awards is marked to market each period based on the fair value of the Company's common stock at the end of the reporting period, and changes in fair value are recorded in earnings. Share-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statement of Income for restricted stock unit awards to be settled in cash was $0.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. There were no cash payments for restricted stock awards to be settled in cash during the three months ended March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, there was $2.6 million of total unrecognized pre-tax compensation cost related to restricted stock awards to be settled in cash that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.7 years.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Refer to the Company’s “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” footnote included within the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a complete summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies.
v3.8.0.1
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]  
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which is included in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows. The new guidance clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows, including contingent consideration payments made after a business acquisition. Specifically, cash payments to settle a contingent consideration liability which are not made soon after the acquisition date should be classified as cash used in financing activities up to the initial amount of contingent consideration recognized with the remaining amount classified as cash flows from operating activities. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018, and it did not have a material impact on its business practices, financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, which is included in 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 collectability. 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 does not expect
adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its business practices, financial condition, results of operations, or
disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, to require organizations that lease assets to recognize right-to-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases with terms longer than 12 months on the balance sheet in addition to disclosing certain key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard requires a modified retrospective transition approach, meaning the guidance would be applied at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented within the financial statements in the year of adoption. The guidance will be effective for the Company's annual reporting period beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects to adopt this standard at the beginning of fiscal year 2019, and all leases with terms longer than 12 months will be recorded as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on our balance sheet upon adoption. The Company does not expect adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its business practices, financial condition, results of operations, disclosures, liquidity, or debt-covenant compliance.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The new guidance revises the accounting requirements related to the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The update also changes certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. These changes will require an entity to measure, at fair value, investments in equity securities and other ownership interests in an entity - including investments in partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures and limited liability companies that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method - and recognize the changes in fair value within net income. Entities that hold equity investments without readily determinable fair values will be able to elect to record those investments at cost less impairment with subsequent adjustments for any observable price changes recognized in earnings. The Company has provided the required disclosures related to investments in partnerships within Footnote 14, Other Investments. As these investments are not traded and the partnerships do not publish a fair value per share, the investments are deemed to be without readily determinable fair values, and the Company has elected the option to record the investments at cost less impairment and recognize subsequent adjustments for any observable price changes within earnings. The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018, and it did not have a material impact on its business practices, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, or debt-covenant compliance.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that creates a single source of revenue guidance for all companies in all industries. The model is more principles-based than historical guidance, and is primarily based on recognizing revenue at an amount that reflects consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. The standard allows the Company to transition to the new model using either a full or modified retrospective approach. Under the original ASU, the guidance was effective for the Company's interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2017, and early adoption was not permitted. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Deferral of the Effective Date, which formally defers the effective date of the new revenue standard for public entities by one year. As a result, the updated revenue guidance is effective for the Company's interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018, and early adoption is permitted as of the original effective date contained within ASU 2014-09. The Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2018 utilizing the modified retrospective method of adoption, and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's business practices, financial condition, or results of operations during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The primary impact of adopting the new standard has been modifications to the timing of revenue recognition for certain revenue streams, and we recorded a net cumulative increase to retained earnings and a corresponding decrease to deferred revenue in the amount of $0.1 million as of January 1, 2018 as a result of the adoption of this guidance. The Company has provided expanded disclosures pertaining to revenue recognition within Footnote 5 - Revenues.

The Company has reviewed and considered all other recent accounting pronouncements and believes there are none that could potentially have a material impact on its business practices, financial condition, results of operations, or disclosures.
v3.8.0.1
Revenues
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Revenues [Abstract]  
Revenues
Revenues

Impact of Adoption of ASC 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers
On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, following the modified retrospective adoption method. The new guidance was applied to all contracts that were not completed as of the adoption date. Revenues and operating results for the reporting period beginning January 1, 2018 have been presented under the accounting guidance included within ASC Topic 606, while prior period amounts have not been restated to conform to the new guidance as permitted by the modified retrospective method of adoption.

As a result of the adoption of ASC Topic 606, the Company recorded a net cumulative increase to retained earnings of $0.1 million and a corresponding decrease to deferred revenue within the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2018. The impact of adoption was related to tuition revenues across both the Post-Secondary and Job-Ready Skills segments. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the impact to revenues as a result of the adoption of ASC 606 was a reduction of revenues of $0.1 million with a corresponding increase to deferred revenue. The reduction to revenues as a result of adoption for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is related to tuition revenues across both the Post-Secondary and Job-Ready Skills segments.

The Company has elected, as practical expedients, to not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with customers that have an expected duration of one year or less and also will not adjust the transaction price for the impact of a significant financing component for contracts where the period of time between when the Company provides educational services and when the learner is expected to pay for those service is less than one year, as permitted by ASC Topic 606.

Revenue Recognition
The following table presents the Company's revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by material revenue category, in thousands:

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Post-Secondary revenue
 
 
 
     Tuition, net of discounts, grants, and scholarships
$
104,517

 
$
105,542

     Other 1
4,668

 
3,939

Total Post-Secondary revenue
109,185

 
109,481

Job-Ready Skills revenue 2
2,782

 
2,307

Consolidated revenue
$
111,967

 
$
111,788


(1) Post-Secondary other revenue is primarily comprised of course materials and bookstore sales.

(2) Job-Ready Skills revenue is primarily comprised of tuition revenue and placement fee revenue.

The Company’s revenues primarily consist of tuition revenue arising from educational services provided in the form of online courses offered to Capella University FlexPath and GuidedPath learners as well as in-person residency events for certain doctoral learners enrolled in specific programs. Tuition revenue is deferred and recognized as revenue ratably over the period of instruction, which varies depending on the course format and chosen program of study. Tuition revenue is recognized over time as learners obtain control of the educational services provided by the Company subsequent to enrollment and on a ratable basis over the term of the course beginning on the course start date through the last day of classes or the end of the twelve week FlexPath subscription period. For GuidedPath (traditional credit-hour) learners who withdraw or drop a course, the Company follows the University refund policy, which generally is: 100% refund through five days, 75% refund from six to twelve days, and zero percent refund for the remainder of the period. The Company does not recognize revenue for GuidedPath learners who enroll but never engage in the courseroom. FlexPath learners receive a 100% refund through calendar day twelve of the subscription period for their first billing session only and a zero percent refund after that date and for all subsequent billing sessions. Refunds are recorded as a reduction of revenue in the period that the learner withdraws from a course. A small number of FlexPath learners who participate in certain employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement programs with Capella University are eligible for a full refund of tuition if they do not successfully complete at least one FlexPath course they are enrolled in during a given subscription period. For these particular learners, revenue recognition is constrained to the extent that the Company expects to provide a full refund to eligible learners based on historical refund experience. Residency program revenue is recognized over the length of the residency, which generally ranges from three to 42 days. When the University is required to return funds distributed under Title IV Programs of the Higher Education Act (Title IV or Title IV Programs) to the Department of Education, the learner is not released from his or her payment obligation.

GuidedPath learners are eligible to receive Capella University-awarded grants and scholarships depending on their program eligibility and academic standing. These grants and scholarships vary in amount depending upon the program of study and are generally available to new GuidedPath learners who have successfully completed their first Capella course or a series of Capella courses over a specified period of time. Additionally, FlexPath learners who are employed by, or members of, Capella University's partner organizations may be eligible to receive Capella University-awarded grants or scholarships. The existence of grants and scholarships gives rise to variable consideration, and the recognition of revenue arising from eligible learners is constrained to the extent that management estimates such learners will be eligible to receive the benefits associated with a grant or scholarship.

For learners who drop all courses or withdraw from Capella University with an unpaid tuition balance, the Company records revenue at the time of cash collection, unless the learner re-enrolls in a course during the same time period in which the course was started. Based on the Company’s historical experience, it is not probable that the Company will collect substantially all of the consideration related to such unpaid tuition balances. Accordingly, during the period in which a learner drops all courses or withdraws from Capella University prior to finalizing coursework, no additional revenue is recognized until payment is received from the learner.

Course materials enable learners to electronically access all required materials for courses they are enrolled in during the quarter, including access to e-books, articles, course packs, software, test kits, labs, and any other materials that would be required to successfully complete the course. Revenue derived from course materials is recognized in a manner consistent with tuition revenue as the Company provides the learner with continuous and uninterrupted access to these materials over the period of instruction beginning on the course start date and through the last day of the course.

For bookstore sales, the Company is considered to be the agent in the transaction because it does not control distribution to learners or bear the risk of loss of inventory in transit; as such, the Company only recognizes the mark-up on cost portion of the bookstore sale as revenue. Net bookstore revenue is recognized at the time of delivery of the textbook to the learner.

Deferred revenue in any period represents the excess of tuition and fees received as compared to tuition and fees recognized as revenue in the consolidated statements of income and is reflected as a current liability or within Other liabilities, as appropriate, within the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The increase in deferred revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the December 31, 2017 is primary related to increased new enrollment growth in the current period and the timing of course start dates within the academic calendar. Additionally, $11.8 million of revenue that was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2018 had been included in the deferred revenue balance within the Consolidated Balance Sheet at the beginning of the period.

The Company's general payment terms require that learners remit payment for tuition and other related charges prior to the beginning of the course start date in order to be eligible to participate in the course, with limited exceptions. Learners are permitted to carry only a small outstanding unpaid tuition balance that, if exceeded, would prevent the learner from enrolling in future courses. For Capella University learners who are eligible to receive Federal Title IV loans to cover the cost of tuition, Title IV funds are remitted by the federal government to Capella University and are subsequently applied to a learner's account. Amounts received are included within the deferred revenue balance until the associated revenue is recognized in accordance with the Company's revenue recognition policy.
v3.8.0.1
Net Income Per Common Share
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Net Income Per Common Share
Net Income per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive shares are computed using the Treasury Stock method and include the incremental effect of shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock options, settlement of restricted stock, and satisfaction of service conditions for market stock units.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator in the basic and diluted net income per common share calculation, in thousands, except per share data: 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Numerator:
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
13,847

 
$
11,171

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
95

Net income
$
13,847

 
$
11,266

Denominator:
 
 
 
Denominator for basic net income per common share— weighted average shares outstanding
11,645

 
11,559

Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock, and market stock units
305

 
377

Denominator for diluted net income per common share— weighted average shares outstanding
11,950

 
11,936

Basic net income per common share:
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.19

 
$
0.97

Discontinued operations

 

Basic net income per common share
$
1.19

 
$
0.97

Diluted net income per common share:
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.16

 
$
0.94

Discontinued operations

 

Diluted net income per common share
$
1.16

 
$
0.94



Options to purchase common shares were outstanding, but not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share on both a continuing and discontinued basis, because their effect would be anti-dilutive. The following table summarizes these securities, in thousands:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation, for both continuing and discontinued operations
32

 
91

v3.8.0.1
Marketable Securities
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Marketable Securities [Abstract]  
Marketable Securities
Marketable Securities

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities, in thousands: 
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized (Losses)
 
Estimated Fair Value
Tax-exempt municipal securities
$
27,592

 
$

 
$
(79
)
 
$
27,513

Corporate debt securities
27,444

 
8

 
(231
)
 
27,221

Variable rate demand notes
19,890

 

 

 
19,890

Total
$
74,926

 
$
8

 
$
(310
)
 
$
74,624

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized (Losses)
 
Estimated Fair Value
Tax-exempt municipal securities
$
35,070

 
$

 
$
(87
)
 
$
34,983

Corporate debt securities
16,102

 
8

 
(92
)
 
16,018

Variable rate demand notes
23,795

 

 

 
23,795

Total
$
74,967

 
$
8

 
$
(179
)
 
$
74,796



The unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s investments in municipal and corporate debt securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were caused by changes in market values primarily due to interest rate changes. Substantially all of the Company's securities which were in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2018 had been in an unrealized loss position for less than twelve months. The Company does not intend to sell these securities, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to the recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. No other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
The following table summarizes the maturities of the Company’s marketable securities, in thousands: 
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
As of December 31, 2017
Due within one year
$
43,167

 
$
45,226

Due after one year through five years
31,457

 
29,570

Total
$
74,624

 
$
74,796



Amounts due within one year in the table above included $19.9 million of variable rate demand notes, with contractual maturities ranging from 9 years to 31 years as of March 31, 2018. The variable rate demand notes are floating rate municipal bonds with embedded put options that allow the Company to sell the security at par plus accrued interest on a settlement basis ranging from one day to seven days. We have classified these securities based on their effective maturity date, which ranges from one day to seven days from the balance sheet date.

The following table summarizes the proceeds from the maturities of available-for-sale securities, in thousands: 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Maturities of marketable securities
$
11,800

 
$
10,540

Total
$
11,800

 
$
10,540



The Company did not record any gross realized gains or gross realized losses in net income during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. Additionally, there were no proceeds from sales of marketable securities prior to maturity during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
v3.8.0.1
Fair Value Measurements
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Disclosures
Fair Value Measurements

The following tables summarize certain information for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, in thousands: 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2018 Using
Description
 
Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
 
$
12,715

 
$
12,715

 
$

 
$

Money market
 
105,362

 
105,362

 

 

Marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt municipal securities
 
27,513

 

 
27,513

 

Corporate debt securities
 
27,221

 

 
27,221

 

Variable rate demand notes
 
19,890

 

 
19,890

 

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis
 
$
192,701

 
$
118,077

 
$
74,624

 
$


 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017 Using
Description
 
Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
 
$
17,951

 
$
17,951

 
$

 
$

Money market
 
88,615

 
88,615

 

 

Marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt municipal securities
 
34,983

 

 
34,983

 

Corporate debt securities
 
16,018

 

 
16,018

 

Variable rate demand notes
 
23,795

 

 
23,795

 

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis
 
$
181,362

 
$
106,566

 
$
74,796

 
$



The Company measures cash and money markets at fair value primarily using real-time quotes for transactions in active exchange markets involving identical assets. The Company’s marketable securities are classified within Level 2 and are valued using readily available pricing sources for comparable instruments utilizing observable inputs from active markets. The Company does not hold securities in inactive markets. The Company did not have any transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

Level 3 Measurements

DevMountain Contingent Consideration

In connection with the acquisition of DevMountain, the Company agreed to pay the former owners of DevMountain up to an additional $5.0 million in contingent consideration pending the achievement of certain revenue and operating performance metrics. The fair value of the contingent consideration is determined using a discounted cash flow model encompassing significant unobservable inputs. The key assumptions and terms underlying the valuation included probability-weighted cash flows for the applicable performance periods, the discount rate, and a three-year measurement period, with potential cash payments taking place at the end of each annual period through 2018 based upon the achievement of established performance targets. No payments were made related to the 2016 or 2017 performance periods, and no amounts are accrued related to the 2018 performance period. Reasonable changes in the unobservable inputs do not result in a material change in the fair value.

The fair value of the contingent consideration was zero as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
v3.8.0.1
Accrued Liabilities
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]  
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following, in thousands: 
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
As of December 31, 2017
Accrued compensation and benefits
$
10,389

 
$
9,151

Accrued instructional
4,441

 
3,662

Accrued vacation
1,558

 
1,122

Accrued invoices
9,961

 
10,683

Other(1)
2,016

 
2,001

Total
$
28,365

 
$
26,619


(1) "Other" consists primarily of the current portion of deferred rent, customer deposits, and other miscellaneous accruals.
v3.8.0.1
Commitments And Contingencies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure
Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases
The Company leases its office facilities, data centers, and certain office equipment under various noncancelable operating leases. On August 5, 2016, the Company entered into an amendment of its lease with Minneapolis 225 Holdings, LLC pursuant to which the Company renewed and extended its existing lease for premises at 225 South Sixth Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota through October 31, 2028. Renewal terms under the amended lease agreement included a reduction in the area of leased space occupied by the Company of approximately 64,000 square feet and provided for lease incentives of approximately $13.6 million. The lease incentives, which were paid in cash to the Company by the lessor upon closing, are included within deferred rent and accrued liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheet and will be recognized ratably as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease. The agreement allows the Company to extend the lease for up to two additional five-year terms.

The following presents the Company's future minimum lease commitments as of March 31, 2018, in thousands:
 
2018
$
5,290

2019
5,782

2020
5,355

2021
4,742

2022
4,550

2023 and thereafter
28,305

Total
$
54,024



The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, although the lease may include escalation clauses providing for lower payments at the beginning of the lease term and higher payments at the end of the lease term. Cash or lease incentives received from lessors are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent expense from the date the Company takes possession of the property through the end of the lease term. The Company includes the short-term and long-term components of the unamortized portion of the lease incentives within accrued liabilities and deferred rent, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Revolving Credit Facility
On December 18, 2015, the Company entered into a secured revolving credit facility (the Facility) with Bank of America, N.A., and certain other lenders. The Facility provides the Company with a committed $100.0 million of borrowing capacity with an increase option of an additional $50.0 million. The Company's obligations under the Facility are guaranteed by all existing material domestic subsidiaries and secured by substantially all assets of the Company and such subsidiaries. The Facility expires on December 18, 2020.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus an applicable rate of 1.75% to 2.25% based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio or, at the Company’s option, an alternative base rate (defined as the higher of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%; (b) Bank of America’s prime rate; or (c) the one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%) plus an applicable rate of 0.75% to 1.25% based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The Credit Agreement requires payment of a commitment fee, based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, charged on the unused credit facility. The Company recorded commitment fee expenses of $0.1 million in other income, net, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. Outstanding letters of credit are also charged a fee, based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The Company capitalized approximately $0.8 million of debt issuance costs related to the December 18, 2015 credit facility, and these costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of five years. Charges related to the Facility are included in other income, net.

The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants that, among other things, require maintenance of certain financial ratios, as defined in the agreement. Failure to comply with the covenants contained in the Credit Agreement will constitute an event of default and could result in termination of the agreement and require payment of all outstanding borrowings. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no borrowings under the Facility, and the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.

Litigation
In the ordinary conduct of business, the Company is subject to various lawsuits and claims covering a wide range of matters including, but not limited to, claims involving learners or graduates and routine employment matters. In addition, the proposed merger with Strayer Education, Inc. also may subject the Company to shareholder or other related litigation. While the outcome of these matters is uncertain, the Company does not believe there are any significant matters as of March 31, 2018 that are probable and estimable, for which the outcome could have a material adverse impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.
v3.8.0.1
Share Repurchase Program and Dividends
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]  
Share Repurchase Program and Dividends
Share Repurchase Program and Dividends

Share Repurchase Program
The Company announced its current share repurchase program in July 2008. The Board of Directors authorizes repurchases of outstanding shares of common stock from time to time depending on market conditions and other considerations. A summary of the Company’s comprehensive share repurchase activity from the program's commencement through March 31, 2018, all of which was part of its publicly announced program, is presented below, in thousands: 
Board authorizations:
 
July 2008
$
60,000

August 2010
60,662

February 2011
65,000

December 2011
50,000

August 2013
50,000

December 2015
50,000

Total amount authorized
335,662

Total value of shares repurchased
308,702

Residual authorization
$
26,960



During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, there were no share repurchases.
 
 

As of March 31, 2018, the Company had purchased an aggregate of 6.7 million shares under the program’s outstanding authorizations at an average price per share of $46.28 totaling $308.7 million, excluding commissions.

Dividends
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company declared the following cash dividends, in thousands except per share amounts:
Declaration Date
 
Record Date
 
Payment Date
 
Dividend per Share
 
Total Dividend Amount
February 21, 2018
 
March 8, 2018
 
April 13, 2018
 
$
0.43

 
$
5,090



Of the total dividend amount declared in the current quarter, $5.1 million is attributable to shares of common stock outstanding as of the record date and restricted stock units (RSUs) expected to vest in the next twelve months. This amount, along with the portion of dividends declared in prior quarters related to unvested RSUs, is included within dividends payable in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2018. The remaining balance is attributable to dividends declared on restricted stock units expected to vest subsequent to the next twelve months and is classified as other liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2018. Dividends declared on RSUs are forfeitable prior to vesting. All future dividends are subject to declaration by the Company's Board of Directors and may be adjusted due to future business needs or other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.
v3.8.0.1
Share-Based Compensation
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]  
Share-based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation

The table below reflects the Company’s share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of income, in thousands:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Instructional costs and services
$
185

 
$
188

Marketing and promotional
236

 
211

Admissions advisory
7

 
13

General and administrative
1,323

 
862

Share-based compensation expense included in operating income
1,751

 
1,274

Tax benefit from share-based compensation expense
420

 
486

Share-based compensation expense, net of tax
$
1,331

 
$
788

v3.8.0.1
Income Taxes
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Reform") was signed into law making significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes included, but are not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% and modification of the employee compensation limit effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The Company has calculated its best estimate of the impact of the Act in its income tax provision in accordance with its understanding of Tax Reform and guidance available as of the date of this filing.

The Company recorded income tax expense of $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, reflecting an effective tax rate of 24.8%, compared to $6.5 million, an effective tax rate of 36.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The decrease in income tax expense is primarily attributable to the reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate under Tax Reform. The difference between the effective tax rate and the statutory tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 primarily consists of state income taxes, employee compensation in excess of deductible limitations, nondeductible merger-related costs, and share-based compensation tax deductions. The difference between the effective tax rate and the statutory tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 primarily consists of state income taxes, employee compensation in excess of deductible limitations, and share-based compensation tax deductions.
On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") was issued to address the application of US GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of Tax Reform. As of March 31, 2018, no significant measurement period adjustments have been made. Given the significant complexity of Tax Reform, additional work is necessary to perform a more detailed analysis of these items, and any subsequent adjustment to these amounts will be recorded in the period that the analysis is complete.
v3.8.0.1
Other Investments
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]  
Other Investments
Other Investments

At March 31, 2018, the Company held a $4.0 million investment in a limited partnership that invests in innovative companies in the health care field, with a commitment to invest up to an additional $0.4 million through December 2022. At December 31, 2017, the Company's investment in the limited partnership was $3.9 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company made investments totaling $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, in the partnership. The Company's investment comprises less than 3% of the total partnership interest.

At March 31, 2018, the Company held a $3.6 million investment in a limited partnership that invests in education and education-related technology companies, with a commitment to invest up to an additional $1.1 million through December 2025. At December 31, 2017, the Company's investment in the limited partnership was $3.5 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company made investments totaling $0.1 million in the partnership, and during the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company made no investments in the partnership. The Company's investment comprises less than 5% of the total partnership interest.

At March 31, 2018, the Company held a $0.6 million investment in a limited partnership that invests in education and education-related technology companies, with a commitment to invest up to an additional $2.1 million through September 2027. At December 31, 2017, the Company's investment in the limited partnership was $0.4 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company made investments totaling $0.2 million in the partnership, and during the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company made no investments in the partnership. The Company's investment comprises less than 5% of the total partnership interest.

The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, as of January 1, 2018. According to the guidance, entities that hold equity investments without readily determinable fair values will be able to elect to record those investments at cost less impairment with subsequent adjustments for any observable price changes recognized in earnings. As the other investments are not traded and the partnerships do not publish a fair value per share, these investments are deemed to be without readily determinable fair values, and the Company has elected the option to record other investments at cost less impairment and recognize subsequent adjustments for any observable price changes within earnings.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, no events or changes in circumstances which could have a significant adverse impact on the fair value of the partnership investments were identified, and there were no observable price changes recognized in earnings with respect to these investments. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, no impairment charges were recorded related to the partnership investments. As no impairment charges were recorded and because no observable price changes occurred during the period, the Company's other investments are reflected at cost within the other assets balance in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. When measured on a nonrecurring basis, if changes in circumstances are identified, the Company’s partnership investments are considered to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy due to the use of unobservable inputs to measure fair value.
v3.8.0.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, in thousands:
 
Foreign Currency Translation Loss
 
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(1)
Beginning balance, December 31, 2017
$
(3
)
 
$
(107
)
 
$
(110
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(1
)
 
(99
)
 
(100
)
Ending balance, March 31, 2018
$
(4
)
 
$
(206
)
 
$
(210
)

(1)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss is presented net of tax of $96 thousand and $64 thousand as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

There were no reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
v3.8.0.1
Segment Reporting
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting

Capella Education Company is an educational services company that provides access to high-quality education through online postsecondary degree programs and job-ready skills offerings in high-demand markets. Capella’s portfolio of companies is dedicated to closing the skills gap by placing adults on the most direct path between learning and employment.

Our only operating segment that meets the quantitative thresholds to qualify as a reportable segment is the Post-Secondary segment, which consists of the Capella University and Sophia businesses. None of our other operating segments meet the quantitative thresholds to qualify as reportable segments; therefore, these other operating segments are combined and presented below as Job-Ready Skills. The Job-Ready Skills reportable segment is comprised of the CLS, Hackbright, and DevMountain businesses.

Revenue and operating expenses are generally directly attributed to our segments. Inter-segment revenues are not presented separately, as these amounts are immaterial. Our Chief Operating Decision Maker does not evaluate operating segments using asset information.

A summary of financial information by reportable segment (in thousands) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is presented in the following table. Beginning in the first quarter of 2016 through the date of the sale of the business, Arden University was considered to be held for sale, and because Arden's results of operations are presented as discontinued operations within our Consolidated Statements of Income, the summary of financial information by reportable segment below excludes the results of operations of Arden University for all periods presented.

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
 
 
     Post-Secondary
$
109,185

 
$
109,481

     Job-Ready Skills
2,782

 
2,307

Consolidated Revenues
$
111,967

 
$
111,788

Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
     Post-Secondary
$
19,444

 
$
20,251

     Job-Ready Skills
(996
)
 
(2,650
)
     Merger-related costs
(522
)
 

Consolidated operating income
17,926

 
17,601

Other income, net
496

 
107

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
$
18,422

 
$
17,708

v3.8.0.1
Regulatory Supervision And Oversight
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Regulatory Supervision And Oversight [Abstract]  
Regulatory Supervision And Oversight
Regulatory Supervision and Oversight

Political and budgetary concerns can significantly affect the Title IV Programs. Congress reauthorizes the Higher Education Act (HEA) and other laws governing Title IV Programs approximately every five to eight years. The last reauthorization of the HEA was completed in August 2008. Additionally, Congress reviews and determines appropriations for Title IV programs on an annual basis through the budget and appropriations processes. As of March 31, 2018, Title IV programs in which the University's learners participate are operative and sufficiently funded.
v3.8.0.1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Consolidation
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the University, Sophia, CLS, Hackbright, DevMountain, and Arden University after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions. Arden University was divested during the third quarter of 2016, and prior to the date of sale was presented as discontinued operations within the financial statements and corresponding footnotes.
Unaudited Interim Financial Information
Unaudited Interim Financial Information
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present a fair statement of the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Operating results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Reclassifications
Reclassifications
During the year-ended December 31, 2017 the Company began presenting the cash outflows associated with taxes paid to taxing authorities on an employee's behalf for restricted stock unit award releases within financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows rather than within operating activities based on the guidance set forth within Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09. The Company has applied this provision of the new standard retrospectively, and as such has restated net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used in financing activities for the impact of taxes paid to taxing authorities on an employee's behalf for restricted stock unit award releases within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the prior periods presented.
Share-based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company granted restricted stock unit awards to a limited number of employees which are required to be settled in cash upon vesting. The restricted stock unit awards to be settled in cash are classified as Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2018. The value of these awards is marked to market each period based on the fair value of the Company's common stock at the end of the reporting period, and changes in fair value are recorded in earnings. Share-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statement of Income for restricted stock unit awards to be settled in cash was $0.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. There were no cash payments for restricted stock awards to be settled in cash during the three months ended March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, there was $2.6 million of total unrecognized pre-tax compensation cost related to restricted stock awards to be settled in cash that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.7 years.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
v3.8.0.1
Revenues (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table presents the Company's revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by material revenue category, in thousands:

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Post-Secondary revenue
 
 
 
     Tuition, net of discounts, grants, and scholarships
$
104,517

 
$
105,542

     Other 1
4,668

 
3,939

Total Post-Secondary revenue
109,185

 
109,481

Job-Ready Skills revenue 2
2,782

 
2,307

Consolidated revenue
$
111,967

 
$
111,788


(1) Post-Secondary other revenue is primarily comprised of course materials and bookstore sales.

(2) Job-Ready Skills revenue is primarily comprised of tuition revenue and placement fee revenue.
v3.8.0.1
Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share
The following table presents a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator in the basic and diluted net income per common share calculation, in thousands, except per share data: 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Numerator:
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
13,847

 
$
11,171

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
95

Net income
$
13,847

 
$
11,266

Denominator:
 
 
 
Denominator for basic net income per common share— weighted average shares outstanding
11,645

 
11,559

Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock, and market stock units
305

 
377

Denominator for diluted net income per common share— weighted average shares outstanding
11,950

 
11,936

Basic net income per common share:
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.19

 
$
0.97

Discontinued operations

 

Basic net income per common share
$
1.19

 
$
0.97

Diluted net income per common share:
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
1.16

 
$
0.94

Discontinued operations

 

Diluted net income per common share
$
1.16

 
$
0.94

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Options to purchase common shares were outstanding, but not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share on both a continuing and discontinued basis, because their effect would be anti-dilutive. The following table summarizes these securities, in thousands:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation, for both continuing and discontinued operations
32

 
91

v3.8.0.1
Marketable Securities (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Marketable Securities [Abstract]  
Summary Of Available-For-Sale Securities
The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities, in thousands: 
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized (Losses)
 
Estimated Fair Value
Tax-exempt municipal securities
$
27,592

 
$

 
$
(79
)
 
$
27,513

Corporate debt securities
27,444

 
8

 
(231
)
 
27,221

Variable rate demand notes
19,890

 

 

 
19,890

Total
$
74,926

 
$
8

 
$
(310
)
 
$
74,624

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross Unrealized (Losses)
 
Estimated Fair Value
Tax-exempt municipal securities
$
35,070

 
$

 
$
(87
)
 
$
34,983

Corporate debt securities
16,102

 
8

 
(92
)
 
16,018

Variable rate demand notes
23,795

 

 

 
23,795

Total
$
74,967

 
$
8

 
$
(179
)
 
$
74,796

Summary Of Remaining Contractual Maturities Of Marketable Securities
The following table summarizes the maturities of the Company’s marketable securities, in thousands: 
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
As of December 31, 2017
Due within one year
$
43,167

 
$
45,226

Due after one year through five years
31,457

 
29,570

Total
$
74,624

 
$
74,796

Proceeds From Maturities Of Available-For-Sale Securities
The following table summarizes the proceeds from the maturities of available-for-sale securities, in thousands: 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Maturities of marketable securities
$
11,800

 
$
10,540

Total
$
11,800

 
$
10,540

v3.8.0.1
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis
The following tables summarize certain information for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, in thousands: 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2018 Using
Description
 
Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
 
$
12,715

 
$
12,715

 
$

 
$

Money market
 
105,362

 
105,362

 

 

Marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt municipal securities
 
27,513

 

 
27,513

 

Corporate debt securities
 
27,221

 

 
27,221

 

Variable rate demand notes
 
19,890

 

 
19,890

 

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis
 
$
192,701

 
$
118,077

 
$
74,624

 
$


 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2017 Using
Description
 
Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
 
$
17,951

 
$
17,951

 
$

 
$

Money market
 
88,615

 
88,615

 

 

Marketable securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt municipal securities
 
34,983

 

 
34,983

 

Corporate debt securities
 
16,018

 

 
16,018

 

Variable rate demand notes
 
23,795

 

 
23,795

 

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis
 
$
181,362

 
$
106,566

 
$
74,796

 
$

Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
The fair value of the contingent consideration was zero as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
v3.8.0.1
Accrued Liabilities (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]  
Schedule Of Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of the following, in thousands: 
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
As of December 31, 2017
Accrued compensation and benefits
$
10,389

 
$
9,151

Accrued instructional
4,441

 
3,662

Accrued vacation
1,558

 
1,122

Accrued invoices
9,961

 
10,683

Other(1)
2,016

 
2,001

Total
$
28,365

 
$
26,619


(1) "Other" consists primarily of the current portion of deferred rent, customer deposits, and other miscellaneous accruals.
v3.8.0.1
Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases
The following presents the Company's future minimum lease commitments as of March 31, 2018, in thousands:
 
2018
$
5,290

2019
5,782

2020
5,355

2021
4,742

2022
4,550

2023 and thereafter
28,305

Total
$
54,024



v3.8.0.1
Share Repurchase Program and Dividends (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]  
Schedule Of Comprehensive Stock Repurchase Activity
A summary of the Company’s comprehensive share repurchase activity from the program's commencement through March 31, 2018, all of which was part of its publicly announced program, is presented below, in thousands: 
Board authorizations:
 
July 2008
$
60,000

August 2010
60,662

February 2011
65,000

December 2011
50,000

August 2013
50,000

December 2015
50,000

Total amount authorized
335,662

Total value of shares repurchased
308,702

Residual authorization
$
26,960

Schedule of Shares Repurchased
 
 
Cash Dividends Declared
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company declared the following cash dividends, in thousands except per share amounts:
Declaration Date
 
Record Date
 
Payment Date
 
Dividend per Share
 
Total Dividend Amount
February 21, 2018
 
March 8, 2018
 
April 13, 2018
 
$
0.43

 
$
5,090

v3.8.0.1
Share-Based Compensation (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]  
Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense
The table below reflects the Company’s share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of income, in thousands:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Instructional costs and services
$
185

 
$
188

Marketing and promotional
236

 
211

Admissions advisory
7

 
13

General and administrative
1,323

 
862

Share-based compensation expense included in operating income
1,751

 
1,274

Tax benefit from share-based compensation expense
420

 
486

Share-based compensation expense, net of tax
$
1,331

 
$
788

v3.8.0.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, in thousands:
 
Foreign Currency Translation Loss
 
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss(1)
Beginning balance, December 31, 2017
$
(3
)
 
$
(107
)
 
$
(110
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(1
)
 
(99
)
 
(100
)
Ending balance, March 31, 2018
$
(4
)
 
$
(206
)
 
$
(210
)

(1)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss is presented net of tax of $96 thousand and $64 thousand as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
v3.8.0.1
Segment Reporting (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment
A summary of financial information by reportable segment (in thousands) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is presented in the following table. Beginning in the first quarter of 2016 through the date of the sale of the business, Arden University was considered to be held for sale, and because Arden's results of operations are presented as discontinued operations within our Consolidated Statements of Income, the summary of financial information by reportable segment below excludes the results of operations of Arden University for all periods presented.

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
 
 
     Post-Secondary
$
109,185

 
$
109,481

     Job-Ready Skills
2,782

 
2,307

Consolidated Revenues
$
111,967

 
$
111,788

Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
     Post-Secondary
$
19,444

 
$
20,251

     Job-Ready Skills
(996
)
 
(2,650
)
     Merger-related costs
(522
)
 

Consolidated operating income
17,926

 
17,601

Other income, net
496

 
107

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
$
18,422

 
$
17,708

v3.8.0.1
Nature Of Business Nature of Business (Details)
Aug. 18, 2016
Sale of Arden [Abstract]  
Disposal Date Aug. 18, 2016
Percentage of shares sold 100.00%
v3.8.0.1
Strayer Merger (Details)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Oct. 29, 2017
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Business Combinations [Abstract]      
Date of Merger Transaction Agreement   Oct. 29, 2017  
MergerShareRatio 0.875    
Merger-related costs   $ 522 $ 0
MergerAgreementTerminationFees $ 25,000    
v3.8.0.1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Share Based Compensation (Details) - Restricted Stock Awards to be Settled in Cash [Member]
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Share-based compensation expense - RSUs to be settled in cash $ 0.7
Share-based Liabilities Paid 0.0
Unrecognized compensation cost on RSUs to be settled in cash $ 2.6
Weighted average remaining period of expense recognition - RSUs to be settled in cash 8 months 16 days
v3.8.0.1
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
Jan. 01, 2018
USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]  
Beginning increase (decrease) to retained earnings from adoption of ASC 606 $ 0.1
v3.8.0.1
Revenues (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Jan. 01, 2018
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]      
Beginning increase (decrease) to retained earnings from adoption of ASC 606     $ 100
Revenues $ 111,967 $ 111,788  
Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized 11,800    
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]      
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]      
Revenues $ (142)    
v3.8.0.1
Revenues (Disaggregated Revenue) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues $ 111,967 $ 111,788
Post-Secondary [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 109,185 109,481
Post-Secondary [Member] | Tuition [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 104,517 105,542
Post-Secondary [Member] | Other revenues [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues 4,668 3,939
Job-Ready Skills [Member]    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Revenues $ 2,782 $ 2,307
v3.8.0.1
Revenue Accounting Policy (Details)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
FlexPath subscription period in weeks 12
Percentage Of Fees Refunded For Withdrawal Or Dropping Of A Course Within Five Days 100.00%
Number Of Days To Recieve One Hundred Percent Refund 5
Percentage Of Fees Refunded For Withdrawal Or Dropping Of A Course From Six To Twelve Days 75.00%
Percentage Of Fees Refunded For Withdrawal Or Dropping Of A Course After Twelve Days 0.00%
FlexPath full refund period (in days) 12
Minimum [Member]  
Number Of Days To Receive Seventy Five Percent Refund 6
Colloquia tuition revenue recognized over length of colloquia 3
Maximum [Member]  
Number Of Days To Receive Seventy Five Percent Refund 12
Colloquia tuition revenue recognized over length of colloquia 42
v3.8.0.1
Net Income Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]    
Income from continuing operations $ 13,847 $ 11,171
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 0 95
Net Income $ 13,847 $ 11,266
Weighted average shares outstanding - Basic 11,645 11,559
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock, and market stock units 305 377
Weighted average shares outstanding - Diluted 11,950 11,936
Basic net income per share - continuing operations $ 1.19 $ 0.97
Basic net income (loss) per share - discontinued operations 0.00 0.00
Basic net income per common share 1.19 0.97
Diluted net income per share - continuing operations 1.16 0.94
Diluted net income (loss) per share - discontinued operations 0.00 0.00
Diluted net income per common share $ 1.16 $ 0.94
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation 32 91
v3.8.0.1
Marketable Securities (Summary Of Available-For-Sale Securities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized cost $ 74,926 $ 74,967
Gross unrealized gains 8 8
Gross unrealized (losses) (310) (179)
Marketable Securities 74,624 74,796
Tax-Exempt Municipal Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized cost 27,592 35,070
Gross unrealized gains 0 0
Gross unrealized (losses) (79) (87)
Marketable Securities 27,513 34,983
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized cost 27,444 16,102
Gross unrealized gains 8 8
Gross unrealized (losses) (231) (92)
Marketable Securities 27,221 16,018
Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member]    
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]    
Amortized cost 19,890 23,795
Gross unrealized gains 0 0
Gross unrealized (losses) 0 0
Marketable Securities $ 19,890 $ 23,795
v3.8.0.1
Marketable Securities (Summary Of Remaining Contractual Maturities Of Marketable Securities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Marketable Securities [Abstract]    
Due within one year $ 43,167 $ 45,226
Due after one year through five years 31,457 29,570
Marketable Securities $ 74,624 $ 74,796
v3.8.0.1
Marketable Securities (Proceeds From The Sale And Maturities Of Available-For-Sale Securities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Marketable Securities [Abstract]    
Maturities of marketable securities $ 11,800 $ 10,540
Total $ 11,800 $ 10,540
v3.8.0.1
Marketable Securities (Narrative) (Details)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]      
Amortized cost $ 74,926   $ 74,967
Other-than-temporary impairment charges 0 $ 0  
Gross realized gains 0 0  
Gross realized losses $ 0 0  
Available-for-sale, Securities in Unrealized Loss Positions, Qualitative Disclosure, Number of Positions 0    
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities $ 0 $ 0  
Minimum [Member]      
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]      
Contractual Maturity Period of VRDNs 9 years    
Effective Maturity Period of VRDNs 1 day    
Maximum [Member]      
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]      
Contractual Maturity Period of VRDNs 31 years    
Effective Maturity Period of VRDNs 7 days    
Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member]      
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]      
Amortized cost $ 19,890   $ 23,795
v3.8.0.1
Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount $ 0   $ 0
Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount 0   $ 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 192,701 $ 181,362  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Cash [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure 12,715 17,951  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure 105,362 88,615  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Tax-Exempt Municipal Securities [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure 27,513 34,983  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure 27,221 16,018  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure 19,890 23,795  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 118,077 106,566  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Cash [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure 12,715 17,951  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure 105,362 88,615  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Tax-Exempt Municipal Securities [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 74,624 74,796  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Cash [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Tax-Exempt Municipal Securities [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure 27,513 34,983  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure 27,221 16,018  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure 19,890 23,795  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Cash [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Tax-Exempt Municipal Securities [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Variable Rate Demand Obligation [Member]      
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]      
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure $ 0 $ 0  
v3.8.0.1
Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
May 04, 2016
Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]    
Payment of contingent consideration   $ 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | DevMountain Contingent Consideration [Member]    
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]    
Maximum potential cash payment for contingent consideration $ 5,000  
Contingent consideration measurement period 3 years  
v3.8.0.1
Accrued Liabilities (Schedule of Accrued Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]    
Accrued compensation and benefits $ 10,389 $ 9,151
Accrued instructional 4,441 3,662
Accrued vacation 1,558 1,122
Accrued invoices 9,961 10,683
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current [1] 2,016 2,001
Accrued Liabilities $ 28,365 $ 26,619
[1] "Other" consists primarily of the current portion of deferred rent, customer deposits, and other miscellaneous accruals.
v3.8.0.1
Commitments And Contingencies (Tables) (Details)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
2018 $ 5,290
2019 5,782
2020 5,355
2021 4,742
2022 4,550
2023 and thereafter 28,305
Total $ 54,024
v3.8.0.1
Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Aug. 05, 2016
USD ($)
ft²
Dec. 18, 2015
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]          
Lease Expiration Date     Oct. 31, 2028    
ReductioninSquareFootageofLeasedProperty | ft² 64,000        
Lease Incentive $ 13,600,000        
Number Of Lease Extension Terms     2    
Lease Extension Term     5 years    
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]          
Lease Inception Date Aug. 05, 2016        
Line of Credit Facility, Initiation Date   Dec. 18, 2015      
Line of credit     $ 100,000,000    
Option for additional borrowing     $ 50,000,000    
Line of credit facility, expiration date     Dec. 18, 2020    
Line of credit facility, commitment fee expense     $ 100,000 $ 100,000  
Capitalized transaction costs related to credit facility         $ 800,000
Amortization period of transaction costs, years     5    
Borrowings under the line of credit     $ 0    
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]          
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]          
Line of credit facility, interest rate     1.75%    
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member]          
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]          
Line of credit facility, interest rate     2.25%    
Base Rate [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]          
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]          
Line of credit facility, interest rate     1.00%    
Base Rate [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]          
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]          
Line of credit facility, interest rate     0.75%    
Base Rate [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member]          
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]          
Line of credit facility, interest rate     1.25%    
Base Rate [Member] | Federal Funds Rate [Member]          
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]          
Line of credit facility, interest rate     0.50%    
v3.8.0.1
Share Repurchase Program and Dividends (Tables) (Details)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Share Repurchase Program Authorizations [Line Items]  
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount $ 335,662
Total value of shares repurchased 308,702
Residual authorization 26,960
July 2008 [Member]  
Share Repurchase Program Authorizations [Line Items]  
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount 60,000
August 2010 [Member]  
Share Repurchase Program Authorizations [Line Items]  
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount 60,662
February 2011 [Member]  
Share Repurchase Program Authorizations [Line Items]  
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount 65,000
December 2011 [Member]  
Share Repurchase Program Authorizations [Line Items]  
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount 50,000
August 2013 [Member]  
Share Repurchase Program Authorizations [Line Items]  
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount 50,000
December 2015 [Member]  
Share Repurchase Program Authorizations [Line Items]  
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount $ 50,000
v3.8.0.1
Share Repurchase Program and Dividends (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]    
Number of aggregate shares repurchased under programs 6.7  
Shares repurchased, average price per share $ 46.28  
Aggregate consideration for shares repurchased $ 308.7  
Declaration date Feb. 21, 2018  
Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.43 $ 0.41
Dividend declaration, current payable $ 5.1  
v3.8.0.1
Share Repurchase Program and Dividends Schedule of Cash Dividends Declared (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]    
Declaration date Feb. 21, 2018  
Record date Mar. 08, 2018  
Payment date Apr. 13, 2018  
Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.43 $ 0.41
Total dividend declaration amount $ 5,090  
v3.8.0.1
Share-Based Compensation (Tables) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]    
Share-based compensation expense included in operating income $ 1,751 $ 1,274
Tax benefit from share-based compensation expense 420 486
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax 1,331 788
Instructional costs and services [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]    
Share-based compensation expense included in operating income 185 188
Marketing and promotional [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]    
Share-based compensation expense included in operating income 236 211
Admissions advisory [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]    
Share-based compensation expense included in operating income 7 13
General and administrative [Member]    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]    
Share-based compensation expense included in operating income $ 1,323 $ 862
v3.8.0.1
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Statutory Rate 21.00% 35.00%
Income tax expense $ 4,575 $ 6,537
Effective income tax rate 24.80% 36.90%
Measurement period adjustments, income taxes $ 0  
v3.8.0.1
Other Investments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Other Commitments [Line Items]      
Other investments observable price change $ 0.0    
Impairment of other investments 0.0 $ 0.0  
Health Care Commitment [Member]      
Other Commitments [Line Items]      
Cost Method Investments 4.0   $ 3.9
Limited partnership remaining commitment amount 0.4    
Payments to acquire other investments $ 0.1 0.3  
Limited Partner Ownership Interest 3.00%    
Education Commitment [Member]      
Other Commitments [Line Items]      
Cost Method Investments $ 3.6   3.5
Limited partnership remaining commitment amount 1.1    
Payments to acquire other investments $ 0.1 0.0  
Limited Partner Ownership Interest 5.00%    
New Markets [Member]      
Other Commitments [Line Items]      
Cost Method Investments $ 0.6   $ 0.4
Limited partnership remaining commitment amount 2.1    
Payments to acquire other investments $ 0.2 $ 0.0  
Limited Partner Ownership Interest 5.00%    
v3.8.0.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance, net of tax [1] $ (110)    
Other comprehensive income (loss) (100)    
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance, net of tax [1] (210)   $ (110)
Tax expense (benefit) included in AOCI 96   100
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to net income 0 $ 0  
Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) [Member]      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance, net of tax (3)    
Other comprehensive income (loss) (1)    
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance, net of tax (4)   (3)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities [Member]      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance, net of tax (107)    
Other comprehensive income (loss) (99)    
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance, net of tax $ (206)   $ (107)
[1] Accumulated other comprehensive loss is presented net of tax of $96 thousand and $64 thousand as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
v3.8.0.1
Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Line Items]    
Revenues $ 111,967 $ 111,788
Operating income (loss) 17,926 17,601
Merger-related costs (522) 0
Other income (expense), net 496 107
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 18,422 17,708
Post-Secondary [Member]    
Segment Reporting [Line Items]    
Revenues 109,185 109,481
Operating income (loss) 19,444 20,251
Job-Ready Skills [Member]    
Segment Reporting [Line Items]    
Revenues 2,782 2,307
Operating income (loss) $ (996) $ (2,650)
v3.8.0.1
Regulatory Supervision And Oversight (Details)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Maximum [Member]  
Schedule Of Regulatory Supervision And Oversight [Line Items]  
Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act And Other Laws Governing Title IV Programs Approximate Period 8
Minimum [Member]  
Schedule Of Regulatory Supervision And Oversight [Line Items]  
Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act And Other Laws Governing Title IV Programs Approximate Period 5