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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the period ended March 31, 2008

Commission File No. 0-21039

Strayer Education, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in this charter)


Maryland 52-1975978 (State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1100 Wilson Blvd., Suite 2500   Arlington, VA 22209 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (703) 247-2500

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X]    No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of ‘‘accelerated filer’’, ‘‘large accelerated filer’’ and ‘‘smaller reporting company’’ in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one)


Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ]     Non-accelerated filer [ ]     Smaller reporting company [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ]    No [X]

As of April 28, 2008, there were outstanding 14,215,587 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Registrant.





STRAYER EDUCATION, INC.
INDEX
FORM 10-Q


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION   Item 1. Financial Statements     Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008 3   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 4   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 5   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 6   Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 7   Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 8 Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 14 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 16 Item 4. Controls and Procedures 16 PART II — OTHER INFORMATION   Item 1. Legal Proceedings 18     Item 1A. Risk Factors 18 Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 18 Item 6. Exhibits 18 SIGNATURES 20 CERTIFICATIONS  

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STRAYER EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)


  December 31,
2007
March 31,
2008
ASSETS     Current assets:     Cash and cash equivalents $ 95,036 $ 118,866 Marketable securities available for sale, at fair value 76,299 Tuition receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $3,206 and $3,668 at December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, respectively 100,651 103,466 Other current assets 4,097 5,360 Total current assets 276,083 227,692 Property and equipment, net 57,946 58,952 Deferred income taxes 8,830 9,951 Restricted cash 500 500 Other assets 419 494 Total assets $ 343,778 $ 297,589 LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     Current liabilities:     Accounts payable $ 15,682 $ 17,463 Accrued expenses 3,303 2,620 Income taxes payable 4,754 10,981 Dividends payable 28,853 Unearned tuition 91,476 94,144 Other current liabilities 281 281 Total current liabilities 144,349 125,489 Long-term liabilities 10,922 10,764 Total liabilities 155,271 136,253 Commitments and contingencies     Stockholders’ equity:     Common stock, par value $.01; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 14,426,634 and 14,216,087 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, respectively 144 142 Additional paid-in capital 87,080 41,909 Retained earnings 101,102 119,285 Accumulated other comprehensive income 181 Total stockholders’ equity 188,507 161,336 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 343,778 $ 297,589

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

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STRAYER EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)


  For the three months
ended March 31,
  2007 2008 Revenues $ 80,193 $ 97,074 Costs and expenses:     Instruction and educational support 26,223 31,642 Selling and promotion 12,875 15,095 General and administration 12,148 14,778 Total costs and expenses 51,246 61,515 Income from operations 28,947 35,559 Investment and other income 1,380 2,036 Income before income taxes 30,327 37,595 Provision for income taxes 11,521 14,073 Net income $ 18,806 $ 23,522 Net income per share:     Basic $ 1.33 $ 1.67 Diluted $ 1.30 $ 1.64 Weighted average shares outstanding:     Basic 14,180 14,104 Diluted 14,490 14,340

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

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STRAYER EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)


  For the three months
ended March 31,
  2007 2008 Net income $ 18,806 $ 23,522 Other comprehensive income:     Unrealized gain on investments, net of taxes 30 Comprehensive income $ 18,836 $ 23,522

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

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STRAYER EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except share data)


      
    
Common Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Total   Shares Amount Balance at December 31, 2006 14,293,584 $ 141 $ 87,487 $ 84,043 $ (144 )  $ 171,527 Exercise of stock options 284,300 3 10,920 10,923 Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 9,057 9,057 Repurchase of common stock (68,000 )  (1 )  (7,983 )  (7,984 )  Restricted stock grants 20,016 2 (2 )  Stock-based compensation 2,401 2,401 Common stock dividends (4,551 )  (4,551 )  Change in net unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of income tax 30 30 Net income 18,806 18,806 Balance at March 31, 2007 14,529,900 $ 145 $ 101,880 $ 98,298 $ (114 )  $ 200,209

      
    
Common Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Total   Shares Amount Balance at December 31, 2007 14,426,634 $ 144 $ 87,080 $ 101,102 $ 181 $ 188,507 Exercise of stock options 100,000 1 3,377 3,378 Tax benefit from exercise of stock options 5,033 5,033 Repurchase of common stock (353,083 )  (4 )  (56,263 )  (56,267 )  Restricted stock grants 42,536 Stock-based compensation 1 2,682 2,683 Common stock dividends (5,339 )  (5,339 )  Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of income tax (181 )  (181 )  Net income 23,522 23,522 Balance at March 31, 2008 14,216,087 $ 142 $ 41,909 $ 119,285 $ $ 161,336

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

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STRAYER EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)


  For the three months
ended March 31,
  2007 2008 Cash flows from operating activities:     Net income $ 18,806 $ 23,522 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:     Amortization of deferred rent (22 )  (87 )  Amortization of gain on sale of property & equipment (71 )  Gain on sale of marketable securities (785 )  Depreciation and amortization 2,018 2,420 Deferred income taxes (1,273 )  (1,318 )  Stock-based compensation 2,401 2,683 Changes in assets and liabilities:     Tuition receivable, net (5,918 )  (2,815 )  Other current assets (1,237 )  (943 )  Other assets (2 )  (78 )  Accounts payable 224 3,483 Accrued expenses (211 )  (683 )  Income taxes payable 7,970 11,259 Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements1 (9,057 )  (5,033 )  Unearned tuition 5,707 2,668 Net cash provided by operating activities 19,406 34,222 Cash flows from investing activities:     Purchases of property and equipment (3,885 )  (5,128 )  Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities 76,785 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (3,885 )  71,657 Cash flows from financing activities:     Regular common dividends paid (4,551 )  (5,339 )  Special common dividends paid (28,854 )  Proceeds from exercise of stock options 10,923 3,378 Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements1 9,057 5,033 Repurchase of common stock (7,984 )  (56,267 )  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 7,445 (82,049 )  Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 22,966 23,830 Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period 52,663 95,036 Cash and cash equivalents – end of period $ 75,629 $ 118,866 Non-cash transactions:     Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable $ 197 $ 792
1. This line item reclassifies those tax benefits associated with stock options exercised in the first quarter from net cash provided by operating activities to net cash provided by financing activities in accordance with FAS 123(R). This reclassification is required by GAAP to be made in the quarter during which the option exercise takes place. However, the favorable cash flow effect of this tax benefit is not realized until the next quarter. The effect of this reclassification is to reduce the Company’s net cash provided by operating activities as reported above by approximately $9.1 million and $5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively.

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

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STRAYER EDUCATION, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Information as of March 31, 2007 and 2008 is unaudited.

1.    Basis of Presentation

The financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis. The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of Strayer Education, Inc., Strayer University, Inc. (the ‘‘University’’) and Education Loan Processing, Inc. (‘‘ELP’’), collectively referred to herein as the ‘‘Company’’.

The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. All information as of March 31, 2007, December 31, 2007, and March 31, 2008 and for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contains all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. The year end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The Company’s educational programs are offered on a quarterly basis. Approximately 98% of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2008 consisted of tuition revenue. Tuition revenue is recognized in the quarter of instruction. Tuition revenue is shown net of any refunds, withdrawals, corporate discounts, scholarships and employee tuition discounts. At the time of registration, a liability (unearned tuition) is recorded for academic services to be provided and a tuition receivable is recorded for the portion of the tuition not paid upfront in cash. Revenues also include application fees, commencement fees, placement test fees, withdrawal fees, loan service and origination fees, textbook-related income and other income which are recognized when incurred.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

2.    Nature of Operations

Strayer Education, Inc., a Maryland corporation, conducts its operations through its subsidiaries. The University is an accredited institution of higher education that provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields of study through its 55 physical campuses in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. and worldwide via the Internet. ELP administers student loans for the University’s students.

3.    Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur assuming conversion or exercise of all dilutive unexercised stock options and restricted stock. The dilutive effect of stock options was determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service not yet recognized by the Company, and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the stock options become deductible for income tax purposes are all assumed to be used to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Stock options are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share when the stock option exercise price of an individual grant exceeds the average market price for the period. At March 31, 2008, all issued and outstanding stock options were included in the calculation.

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Set forth below is a reconciliation of shares used to compute net income per share:


  For the three months
ended March 31,
  (in thousands)   2007 2008 Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic net income per share 14,180 14,104 Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options 218 55 Unvested restricted stock 92 181 Shares used to compute diluted net income per share 14,490 14,340

4.    Credit Facilities

The Company maintains two credit facilities from two banks in the amount of $10.0 million each. Interest on any borrowings under the facilities will accrue at an annual rate of no more than 0.75% above the London Interbank Offered Rate. There was no outstanding balance and there were no fees payable on either facility as of March 31, 2008. An unsecured letter of credit in the amount of $1.2 million, which expires in June 2008, was provided by Strayer University in favor of regulators in connection with their periodic approval activities.

5.    Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

A total of 20,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01, have been authorized. As of December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, the Company had 14,426,634 and 14,216,087 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, respectively. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company increased the annual common stock cash dividend from $1.25 to $1.50 per share, or $0.375 per share quarterly.

Stock-based Compensation

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-based Payment, (‘‘SFAS 123(R)’’) which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options and employee stock purchases related to the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (‘‘employee stock purchases’’), based on estimated fair values. SFAS 123(R) supersedes the Company’s previous accounting under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (‘‘APB 25’’) for periods beginning January 1, 2006. In March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (‘‘SAB 107’’) relating to SFAS 123(R). The Company has applied the provisions of SAB 107 in its adoption of SFAS 123(R).

The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method provided under the rule, which requires the application of the accounting standard as of January 1, 2006. The Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 reflect the impact of SFAS 123(R). In accordance with the modified prospective transition method provided under the rule, the Company’s consolidated financial statements for periods prior to January 1, 2006 have not been restated to reflect, and do not include, the impact of SFAS 123(R).

SFAS 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The Company has elected to estimate fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing valuation model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in the Company’s

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Consolidated Statements of Income. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company accounted for stock-based awards to employees and directors using the intrinsic value method in accordance with APB 25 pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-based Compensation (‘‘SFAS 123’’). Under the intrinsic value method, no stock-based compensation expense was recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income because the exercise price of the Company’s stock options granted to employees and directors equaled the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of grant.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 included compensation expense for share-based payment awards granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 31, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the pro forma provisions of SFAS 123 and compensation expense for the share-based payment awards granted subsequent to December 31, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R). Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the first quarter of 2007 and 2008 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and, therefore, has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures. SFAS 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited, to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors.

Stock-based Compensation Plans

In July 1996, the Company’s stockholders approved 1,500,000 shares of common stock for grants under the Company’s 1996 Stock Option Plan. This plan was amended by the stockholders at the May 2001 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting and at the May 2005 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder by 1,000,000 and 500,000, respectively (as amended, the ‘‘Plan’’). A total of 3,000,000 shares have therefore been approved for grants under the Plan. The Plan was again amended at the May 2006 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting to authorize a one-time exchange of stock options for restricted stock by employees (excluding the five highest compensated executive officers) and to permit restricted stock and cash awards to qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan provides for the grant of options intended to qualify as incentive stock options, and also provides for the grant of non-qualifying options and restricted stock to employees, officers and directors of the Company. Options and restricted stock may be granted to eligible employees, officers or directors of the Company at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Vesting provisions are also at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Options may be granted at option prices based at or above the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant. The maximum term of the options granted under the Plan is ten years.

In May 1998, the Company adopted the Strayer Education, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (‘‘ESPP’’). Under the ESPP, eligible employees may purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to certain limitations, at 90% of its market value at the date of purchase. Purchases are limited to 10% of an employee’s eligible compensation. The aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be made available for purchase by participating employees under the ESPP is 2,500,000 shares.

In February 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors approved cash payments to the holders of vested stock options in an amount equivalent to the Company’s common stock dividends. These cash payments are remitted on the same dates as the Company’s dividends and amounted to approximately $108,000 and $545,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively.

In February 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors approved grants of 42,536 shares of restricted stock to certain employees. These shares vest over a 3–5 year period. The Company’s stock price closed at $162.10 on the date of the restricted stock grants.

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The table below sets forth the stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and other stock option information at March 31, 2008:


  Number of
shares
Weighted-
average
exercise
price
Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
life (# yrs.)
Aggregate
intrinsic value(1)
(in thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2007 390,084 $ 71.35 2.6 $ 38,710 Grants     Exercises (100,000 )  33.78     Forfeitures     Balance, March 31, 2008 290,084 $ 84.33 3.1 $ 19,775 Vested, March 31, 2008 129,667 $ 54.97 1.0 $ 12,646 Exercisable, March 31, 2008 129,667 $ 54.97 1.0 $ 12,646
(1) The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the respective quarter and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on the last trading day of the respective quarter. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of our stock.

The following table summarizes information regarding stock option exercises for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 (in thousands):


  For the three months ended
March 31,
  2007 2008 Proceeds from stock options exercised $ 10,923 $ 3,378 Tax benefits related to stock options exercised 9,057 5,033 Intrinsic value of stock options exercised(1) 23,851 12,272
(1) Intrinsic value of stock options exercised is estimated by taking the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the date of exercise and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options exercised for each option holder and then aggregated.

The following table summarizes information about the stock options to purchase the Company’s common stock at March 31, 2008:


  Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of
exercise prices
Number
outstanding
at 3/31/08
Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual life
(yrs.)
Weighted-
average
exercise price
Number
exercisable at
3/31/08
Weighted-
average
exercise price
$33.69   –   67.84 129,667 1.0 $ 54.97 129,667 $ 54.97 $107.28 – 107.28 150,417 4.9 $ 107.28 $119.72 – 119.72 10,000 4.1 $ 119.72 $33.69   – 119.72 290,084 3.1 $ 84.33 129,667 $ 54.97

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The table below sets forth the restricted stock activity for the three months ended March 31, 2008:


  Number of
shares
Weighted-
average
grant price
Balance, December 31, 2007 225,642 $ 103.97 Grants 42,536 162.10 Vested shares (5,368 )  73.33 Forfeitures Balance, March 31, 2008 262,810 $ 113.19

At March 31, 2008, total stock-based compensation cost which has not yet been recognized was $14.9 million, representing $13.6 million for unvested restricted stock and $1.3 million for unvested stock options. This cost is expected to be recognized over the next 52 months on a weighted-average basis.

Valuation and Expense Information Under SFAS 123(R)

The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation expense recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 by expense line item, in thousands:


  For the three months
ended March 31,
  2007 2008 Instruction and educational support $ 165 $ 140 Selling and promotion 146 245 General and administration 2,198 2,843 Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense 2,509 3,228 Tax benefit 953 1,227 Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $ 1,556 $ 2,001

Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2008 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and, therefore, has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures. SFAS 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience.

6.    Investments in Marketable Securities

At December 31, 2007, most of the Company’s excess cash was invested in tax-exempt money market funds and a diversified, short-term, investment grade, tax exempt bond fund to minimize the Company’s principal risk and to benefit from the tax efficiency of the fund’s underlying securities. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company sold its investment in the short-term, tax exempt bond fund and invested the proceeds in money market funds. This sale resulted in a gain before tax of $0.8 million. The investments are considered ‘‘available-for-sale’’ as they are not held for trading and will not be held to maturity, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. The Company records the net unrealized gains and losses for changes in fair value as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses from the sale of marketable securities are based on the specific identification method.

7.    Long-Term Liabilities

Lease Incentives

In conjunction with the opening of new campuses, the Company, in some instances, was reimbursed by the lessors for improvements made to the leased properties. In accordance with

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Financial Accounting Standards Board (‘‘FASB’’) Technical Bulletin No. 88-1, these improvements were capitalized as leasehold improvements and a long-term liability was established for the reimbursements. The leasehold improvements and the long-term liability will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the corresponding lease terms, which range from five to ten years. As of December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, the Company had deferred lease incentives of $3.9 million and $3.7 million, respectively.

Lease Obligations

In accordance with the FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-3, Accounting for Operating Leases with Schedule Rent Increases, the Company records rent expense on a straight-line basis over the initial term of a lease. The difference between the rent payment and the straight-line rent expense is recorded as a long-term liability. As of December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, the Company had deferred lease obligations of $4.6 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

Deferred Gain

In conjunction with the sale and lease back of its Loudoun, Virginia campus building in June 2007, the Company realized a gain of $2.8 million before tax, which is deferred and recognized over the 10-year lease term. The non-current portion of this gain, which was $2.4 million and $2.3 million at December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008, respectively, is recorded as a long-term liability.

8.    Income Taxes

The Company adopted the provisions of Financial Standards Accounting Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (‘‘FIN 48’’), an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (‘‘SFAS 109’’) on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, no material adjustment in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits was recognized. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits at the adoption date of January 1, 2007 and at March 31, 2008 are immaterial. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of March 31, 2008, the amount of accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions was immaterial. The tax years 2004-2007 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.

9.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (‘‘SFAS 157’’), Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but rather eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Earlier adoption is permitted, provided that the company has not yet issued financial statements, including for interim periods, for that fiscal year. The Company adopted this standard for financial assets and liabilities in the current year without any material impact to the financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, ‘‘The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities’’ (‘‘SFAS 159’’). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. This statement also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS 159 is effective for the first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company adopted this standard for financial assets and liabilities in the current year without any material impact to the financial statements.

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

Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Certain of the statements included in this ‘‘Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations’’ as well as elsewhere in this report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (‘‘Reform Act’’). These statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. In accordance with the Safe Harbor provisions of the Reform Act, the Company has identified important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. The assumptions, uncertainties and risks include the pace of growth of student enrollment, our continued compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act, and the regulations thereunder, as well as regional accreditation standards and state and regional regulatory requirements, competitive factors, risks associated with the opening of new campuses, risks associated with the offering of new educational programs and adapting to other changes, risks associated with the acquisition of existing educational institutions, risks relating to the timing of regulatory approvals, our ability to continue to implement our growth strategy, and general economic and market conditions. Further information about these and other relevant risks and uncertainties may be found in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward looking statements.

Additional Information

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

Results of Operations

In the first quarter of 2008, the Company generated $97 million in revenue, an increase of 21% compared to the same period in 2007, as a result of average enrollment growth of 16% and a 5% tuition increase at the beginning of 2008. Income from operations was $36 million for the first quarter of 2008, an increase of 23% compared to the same period in 2007. Net income was $24 million, an increase of 25% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Diluted earnings per share was $1.64 in the first quarter of 2008 compared to $1.30 in the same period in 2007, an increase of 26%.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

Enrollment.    Enrollment at Strayer University for the 2008 winter term, which began January 7, 2008 and ended March 24, 2008, increased 16% to 37,323 students compared to 32,150 for the same term in 2007. Across the Strayer University campus network, new student enrollments increased 17% and continuing student enrollments increased 16%. Global online enrollments increased 32%, while students taking 100% of their classes online (including campus based students) increased 18%. The total number of students taking any courses online (including students at brick and mortar campuses taking at least one online course) in the 2008 winter term increased 17% to 26,465.

Revenues.    Revenues increased 21% from $80.2 million in the first quarter of 2007 to $97.1 million in the first quarter of 2008 principally due to a 16% increase in enrollment and a 5% tuition increase in 2008.

Instruction and educational support expenses.    Instruction and educational support expenses increased $5.4 million, or 21%, from $26.2 million in the first quarter of 2007 to $31.6 million in the first quarter of 2008. This increase was principally due to direct costs necessary to support the increase

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in student enrollments, including faculty compensation, related academic staff salaries and campus facility costs, which increased $1.6 million, $1.6 million, and $0.9 million, respectively. Instruction and educational support expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased slightly to 32.6% in the first quarter of 2008 from 32.7% in the first quarter of 2007.

Selling and promotion expenses.    Selling and promotion expenses increased $2.2 million, or 17%, from $12.9 million in the first quarter of 2007 to $15.1 million in the first quarter of 2008. This increase was principally due to the direct costs required to build the Strayer University brand and attract prospective students, and the addition of admissions personnel, particularly at new campuses. Selling and promotion expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased from 16.1% in the first quarter of 2007 to 15.5% in the first quarter of 2008, which was largely attributable to both marketing costs and staffing costs growing slower than tuition revenue.

General and administration expenses.    General and administration expenses increased $2.7 million, or 22%, from $12.1 million in the first quarter of 2007 to $14.8 million in the first quarter of 2008. This increase was principally due to increased employee salaries, higher bad debt expense, and higher stock-based compensation expense, which increased $0.8 million, $0.3 million, and $0.5 million, respectively. General and administration expenses as a percentage of revenues increased slightly to 15.2% in the first quarter of 2008 from 15.1% in the first quarter of 2007 primarily due to the above factors.

Income from operations.    Income from operations increased $6.7 million, or 23%, from $28.9 million in the first quarter of 2007 to $35.6 million in the first quarter of 2008, due to the aforementioned factors.

Investment and other income.    Investment and other income increased $0.6 million, or 48%, from $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2007 to $2.0 million in the first quarter of 2008. The increase was mostly attributable to a gain on sale of marketable securities of $0.8 million partly offset by lower investment yields.

Provision for income taxes.    Income tax expense increased $2.6 million, or 22%, from $11.5 million in the first quarter of 2007 to $14.1 million in the first quarter of 2008, primarily due to the increase in income before taxes attributable to the factors discussed above. The Company’s effective tax rate was 37.4% for the first quarter of 2008 compared to 38.0% for the first quarter of 2007.

Net income.    Net income increased $4.7 million, or 25%, from $18.8 million in the first quarter of 2007 to $23.5 million in the first quarter of 2008, because of the factors discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At March 31, 2008, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $118.9 million compared to $171.3 million at December 31, 2007 and $151.4 million at March 31, 2007. At December 31, 2007, most of the Company’s excess cash was invested in tax-exempt money market funds and a diversified, short-term, investment grade, tax-exempt bond fund to minimize the Company’s principal risk and to benefit from the tax efficiency of the funds’ underlying securities. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company sold its investment in the short-term, tax exempt bond fund and invested the proceeds in money market funds. This sale resulted in a gain before tax of $0.8 million. The Company had no debt as of December 31, 2007 or March 31, 2008.

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company reported $34.2 million net cash from operating activities compared to $19.4 million for the same period in 2007. Net cash provided by operating activities on the March 31, 2007 and 2008 condensed consolidated statements of cash flows includes, in accordance with FAS 123(R), a reclassification of a tax benefit from stock options exercised during the quarter of $9.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively. However, the favorable cash flow effect of this tax benefit is not realized until the second quarter of each respective year, when the Company makes estimated tax payments for those years. Capital expenditures were $5.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 compared to $3.9 million for the same period in 2007. During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, the Company paid a regular, quarterly common stock dividend of

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$5.3 million ($0.375 per share) and a special common stock dividend of $28.9 million ($2.00 per share) to its common stockholders. The Company also received $3.4 million upon the exercise of 100,000 stock options. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company invested $56.3 million to repurchase 353,083 shares of common stock at an average price of $159.36 per share as part of a previously announced common stock repurchase authorization. The Company’s remaining authorization for common stock repurchases was approximately $26 million at March 31, 2008.

In the first quarter of 2008, bad debt expense as a percentage of revenues was 2.5% compared to 2.6% for the same period in 2007. Days sales outstanding, adjusted to exclude tuition receivable related to future quarters, was 12 days at the end of the first quarter of 2007 and 2008.

Currently, the Company invests its cash in bank overnight deposits and money market funds. In addition, the Company has available two $10.0 million credit facilities from two banks. There have been no borrowings by the Company under these credit facilities. The Company believes that existing cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operating activities, and if necessary, cash borrowed under the credit facilities, will be sufficient to meet the Company’s requirements for at least the next 12 months.

The table below sets forth our contractual commitments associated with operating leases as of March 31, 2008:


  Payments due by period (in thousands)   Total Within 1 Year 2-3 Years 4-5 Years After 5 Years Operating leases $ 119,622 $ 17,999 $ 36,496 $ 29,254 $ 35,873

New Campus Openings

Strayer University successfully opened two new campuses for the summer academic term. Both campuses are in new Florida markets – one in Jacksonville and the other in Palm Beach. With these two new campuses, the Company has opened six of the nine new campuses planned for 2008.

ITEM 3:  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is subject to the impact of interest rate changes and may be subject to changes in the market values of its future investments. The Company invests its excess cash in bank overnight deposits and money market funds. The Company has not used derivative financial instruments in its investment portfolio.

Earnings from investments in bank overnight deposits and money market mutual funds may be adversely affected in the future should interest rates change. The Company’s future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates or the Company may suffer losses in principal if forced to sell securities that have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. As of March 31, 2008, a 10% increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on the Company’s future earnings, fair values, or cash flows related to investments in cash equivalents or interest earning marketable securities.

ITEM 4:  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES (a)  Disclosure Controls and Procedures.    The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2008. Based upon such review, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company has in place, as of March 31, 2008, effective controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company (including consolidated subsidiaries) in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules thereunder, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure

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Table of Contents   that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. (b)   Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.    There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of its business. There are no pending material legal proceedings to which the Company is subject or to which the Company’s property is subject.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously described in Part I, Item 1A included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

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

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company used $56.3 million to repurchase shares of common stock under its repurchase program.(1) The Company’s remaining authorization for common stock repurchases was approximately $26 million at March 31, 2008 for use during the remainder of 2008. A summary of the Company’s share repurchases during the quarter is set forth below:


  Total number
of shares
purchased
Average
price paid
per share
Total number of
shares purchased
as part of publicly
announced plans
or programs
Approximate dollar
value of shares that
may yet be purchased
under the plans or
programs ($ mil)
Beginning Balance (at 12/31/07)       $ 81.9 January February 303,700 $ 160.95 303,700 (48.9 )  March 49,383 $ 149.60 49,383 (7.4 )  Total (at 3/31/08) 353,083 $ 159.36 353,083 $ 25.6
(1) The Company’s repurchase program was announced on November 3, 2003 for repurchases up to an aggregate amount of $15 million in value of common stock through December 31, 2004. The Board of Directors amended the program on various dates increasing the amount authorized and extending the expiration date.

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None

Item 4.    Submission of Matter to a Vote of Security Holders.

None

Item 5.    Other Information.

None

Item 6.    Exhibits.


31 .1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Act. 31 .2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Act. 32 .1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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32 .2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


  STRAYER EDUCATION, INC.   By: /s/ Mark C. Brown     Mark C. Brown     Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 1, 2008

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Exhibit Index


Exhibit Description 31 .1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Act. 31 .2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Act. 32 .1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32 .2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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