The college education industry is growing and we've been covering the companies that are leading the way. Last May Career Education (NASDAQ: CECO) was probed by the Securities and Exchange Commission for possible securities laws violation but according to reports the Midwest regional branch of the SEC plans to recommend that the federal agency end its investigation of Career Education. Career Education operates over 80 campuses and an online education division.

The Carmel, Indiana based ITT Educational Services (NYSE: ESI) recently opened a second location in the Lexington Kentucky area and will have classes beginning in June 2006. The Lexington institute is licensed by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to offer associate and bachelor degree programs.

Apollo Group (NASDAQ: APOL) has been a provider of higher education programs to working adults for close to 30 years. Apollo Group Inc. operates through its subsidiaries: The University of Phoenix Inc., Institute for Professional Development, The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. and Western International University Inc. They were just ranked number 1,335 on Forbes magazine list of the world's 2000 largest companies.

College Partnership (OTC: CGPA) just added a key player to their executive team with the appointment of former 13 year Baltimore City Councilman Joseph J. DiBlasi as their new Director of Sports Marketing. He was also the president of Davalli, DiBlasi Associates, LLC., a sports marketing company, he has worked with such teams and franchises as the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Bucks, Florida Marlins, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Major League Baseball Alumni, and USA Baseball. The company looks to emerge as the leader in the college planning business.

DeVry University (NYSE: DV) has added new online health information management (HIM) technical specialty within its bachelor of science in technical management (BSTM) degree program beginning in May 2006. They will also offer onsite classes at their Arlington Virginia location beginning in July 2006.