Rasmussen University Opens New Orlando Campus, Expanding Florida Footprint

Rhea-AI Summary

American Public Education (Nasdaq: APEI) opened a new Rasmussen University campus in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 12, 2026, expanding its Florida footprint to six campuses. The two-story facility at 8541 Southpark Circle adds labs, simulation suites and classroom space and launches an LPN program in Orlando.

Enrollment is open and classes begin in April, while BSN and ADN programs will also be offered to serve Orange, Osceola and nearby counties.

Positive

• Introduces LPN program to Orlando for the first time
• Sixth Florida campus expanding statewide footprint
• Two-story campus with simulation labs and hands-on training
• Enrollment open with classes beginning in April

Negative

• None.

Key Figures

Orlando campus address: 8541 Southpark Circle Florida campus count: Sixth campus Campus stories: Two-story campus +5 more

8 metrics

Orlando campus address 8541 Southpark Circle Location of new Rasmussen University Orlando campus

Florida campus count Sixth campus Rasmussen University campus count in Florida after Orlando opening

Campus stories Two-story campus Design of new Orlando campus supporting hands-on learning

Class start timing April First classes at the new Orlando campus begin in April

Current share price $43.23 Price before news; about 5.38% below 52-week high

52-week range $18.765–$45.69 Low–high range prior to Orlando campus announcement

Market cap $791,220,063 Equity valuation before the campus expansion news

20-day avg volume 213,207 shares Liquidity benchmark vs today’s 172,196 shares

Market Reality Check

Price: $44.59 Vol: Volume 172,196 vs 20-day ...

normal vol

$44.59 Last Close

Volume Volume 172,196 vs 20-day average 213,207 (relative volume 0.81) ahead of this campus news. normal

Technical Shares at $43.23, trading above the 200-day MA $33.52 and about 5.38% below the $45.69 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

APEI was down 1.19% while key education peers like UDMY (-5.76%), KLC (-3.38%), ...

APEI was down 1.19% while key education peers like UDMY (-5.76%), KLC (-3.38%), QSG (-3.06%), GOTU (-0.46%), and LINC (-0.22%) also traded lower, but no names appeared in the momentum scanner, suggesting stock-specific rather than broad sector-driven flow.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 22 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 22	Curriculum initiative	Positive	+2.6%	APUS embedded signature skills across programs to match workforce needs.
Jan 20	Conference participation	Positive	+0.8%	Management joined Oppenheimer Emerging Growth Conference and met investors.
Jan 05	Student engagement	Positive	+5.4%	Reported higher student organization participation and new student groups.
Jan 02	Academic honors	Positive	-4.4%	Announced President's List for Q4 2025 recognizing top scholars.
Dec 02	Community partnership	Positive	+0.2%	Expanded Wreaths Across America partnership and exceeded sponsorship goals.

Pattern Detected

Recent operational and brand-building news has generally seen modestly positive price reactions, with one notable divergence on an academic honors release.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, APEI has highlighted student engagement, academic recognition, employer-aligned curriculum changes, and participation in an investor conference. Most of these announcements, such as the APUS Signature Skills initiative on Jan 22, 2026 and student organization growth on Jan 5, 2026, coincided with positive price moves. Today’s Orlando campus opening fits this pattern of incremental growth and brand-building updates within its education network.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights APEI’s continued physical expansion through Rasmussen University, addin...

Analysis

This announcement highlights APEI’s continued physical expansion through Rasmussen University, adding a sixth Florida campus in Orlando and introducing an LPN program alongside BSN and ADN offerings. The move supports regional nursing workforce needs and complements prior student- and curriculum-focused initiatives. Investors may watch how enrollment for April classes develops, how the new campus integrates with existing Florida locations, and whether utilization supports APEI’s position near its 52-week high and above its 200-day MA.

Key Terms

practical nursing diploma, lpn, bachelor of science in nursing, bsn, +2 more

6 terms

practical nursing diploma medical

"introduces Rasmussen University's Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN) program to the Orlando market"

A practical nursing diploma is a short, vocational nursing credential that prepares graduates to work as licensed practical or vocational nurses with hands-on patient care skills, similar to a compact toolkit that gets someone job-ready more quickly than a multi-year degree. For investors, it matters because the diploma feeds the frontline healthcare workforce, affecting staffing levels, labor costs, service capacity and regulatory compliance at care providers—factors that influence operating performance and revenue risk.

lpn medical

"introduces Rasmussen University's Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN) program to the Orlando market"

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a regulated healthcare worker who provides routine bedside care—such as administering medications, checking vital signs, and assisting with daily needs—typically under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. For investors, LPN staffing levels and labor costs matter because they directly affect a healthcare provider’s ability to deliver quality care, meet regulatory requirements, control payroll expenses, and maintain patient throughput—similar to how skilled technicians keep a factory running smoothly.

bachelor of science in nursing medical

"alongside the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Professional Nursing Associate's degree"

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year undergraduate degree that combines classroom study and hands-on clinical training to prepare people to work as registered nurses. For investors, a workforce with BSN credentials is like a team with certified training: it signals higher baseline clinical knowledge, better patient-care skills, and often stronger compliance with regulations, which can reduce operational risk and improve the quality and reliability of healthcare services.

bsn medical

"alongside the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Professional Nursing Associate's degree"

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four‑year undergraduate degree that trains nurses in clinical care, leadership, and healthcare science. Investors monitor the proportion of BSN‑prepared nurses because higher levels of formal training often correlate with better patient outcomes, lower staff turnover and greater ability to handle complex care—factors that influence healthcare providers’ costs, reputation and regulatory risk.

associate's degree in nursing medical

"and Professional Nursing Associate's degree (ADN) programs"

An associate's degree in nursing is a two-year college program that trains students in clinical care and basic medical knowledge and prepares them to become a registered nurse by taking a licensing exam. For investors, it signals a key part of the healthcare workforce pipeline—affecting staffing levels, labor costs and patient capacity much like how a trade school supplies skilled technicians for an industry, influencing operational performance and margins.

simulation labs technical

"features well-equipped nursing skills and simulation labs, collaborative classrooms"

Simulation labs are controlled facilities that recreate real-world environments so people, devices or procedures can be tested and practiced without risk — think of a flight simulator for medical devices or surgical teams. For investors, they matter because successful testing in these labs can reduce development risk, speed regulatory approval, improve product reliability and signal that a technology is closer to market and commercial use.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

New Orlando campus to help meet region's growing healthcare workforce needs

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American Public Education Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI) is proud to announce the opening of a new Rasmussen University campus in Orlando, Florida further expanding its footprint throughout the state and reinforcing its long-standing commitment to educating the region's future nurses. Located at 8541 Southpark Circle, the new Orlando campus increases access to high-quality nursing education while helping address critical healthcare workforce shortages across the region.

Notably, the Orlando campus introduces Rasmussen University's Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN) program to the Orlando market for the first time, alongside the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Professional Nursing Associate's degree (ADN) programs. Enrollment is now underway, with classes beginning in April.

"As APEI's healthcare division, which includes Rasmussen University, begins its next chapter of growth, I am very pleased to introduce Rasmussen University's sixth campus to the Florida market, said Angela Selden, chief executive officer of American Public Education, Inc. "With the healthcare industry facing significant staffing challenges—particularly in nursing—expanding our presence in Orlando and the introduction of an LPN program allows us to create new entry points into the nursing profession and strengthen the local healthcare workforce."

Purpose-built to support hands-on learning, the two-story Orlando campus features well-equipped nursing skills and simulation labs, collaborative classrooms, and dedicated spaces for faculty and student engagement. These learning environments incorporate modern technology and realistic clinical tools to help prepare students for success in today's healthcare settings.

"Rasmussen has proudly served Central Florida since 2007. We are thrilled to officially open our Orlando campus and welcome students from across Orange, Osceola, and surrounding counties," said Mark Arnold, president of Rasmussen University. "Alongside our North Orlando and Ocala campuses, this new location strengthens our ability to serve Central Florida students and supports the region's growing demand for well-prepared nursing professionals."

About the Rasmussen University Nursing Programs

Rasmussen University is a national leader in prelicensure nursing education, offering multiple entry points and a full nursing education ladder for students at different career stages. Programs range from LPN to ADN and BSN degrees, as well as graduate-level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)programs. Students learn from experienced faculty, train in modern simulation centers, and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations with healthcare partners.

• Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN): Designed for students seeking entry into the nursing profession, this program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN® licensing exam and licensure as licensed practical nurses (LPNs), with opportunities to bridge into the ADN or BSN program for career advancement.
• ACEN-accredited¹ Professional Nursing Associate's Degree (ADN): Designed for students seeking to enter the nursing profession and become registered nurses.
• CCNE-accredited² Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): For students pursuing bachelor's-level preparation in nursing, with a strong focus on clinical excellence and career readiness.

To learn more about Rasmussen University's nursing programs, visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing.

To learn more about the new Rasmussen University Orlando campus, visit https://www.rasmussen.edu/locations/florida/orlando/.

¹The associate nursing program at Rasmussen University at the Ocala campus (with an off-campus instructional site in North Orlando and Orlando) located in Ocala, Florida, is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at
https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs.

²The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

ABOUT RASMUSSEN UNIVERSITY:
Rasmussen University, a university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission—an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (www.hlcommission.org)—is committed to enriching our communities by providing innovative, career-ready higher learning and outstanding healthcare education. The University offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and in person at 20 campuses across the country across eight areas of study. Since 1900, Rasmussen has been creating opportunities, transforming lives, and strengthening communities through person-centered career-focused education. In 2025, the University celebrated 125 years of empowering students to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact. Rasmussen University is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI). Learn more at www.rasmussen.edu.

ABOUT AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION, INC.:
American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI), through its institutions American Public University System (APUS), Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing provides education that transforms lives, advances careers, and improves communities.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:
Statements made in this press release regarding APEI or its subsidiaries that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about APEI and the industry. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "should," "will," "would," and similar words or their opposites. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's future path, expected growth, registration, enrollments, revenues, net income, Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA, capital expenditures, the growth and profitability of Rasmussen University, plans with respect to recent, current and future initiatives, and the impact of the government shutdown on prospective and current students, the Company, and APUS.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks related to: APEI's failure to comply with regulatory and accrediting agency requirements, including the "90/10 Rule", and to maintain institutional accreditation and the impacts of any actions APEI may take to prevent or correct such failure; changes in the post-secondary education regulatory environment as a result of U.S. federal elections, including any changes by or as a result of actions of the current administration to the operations of the Department of Education or changes to or the elimination or implementation of laws, regulations, standards, policies, and practices; potential or actual government shutdowns, including the U.S federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, uncertainties in the estimated impact of the shutdown on APEI and its prospective and current students, and APEI's inability to mitigate these impacts; government budget and federal workforce uncertainty; the impact, timing, and projected benefits of the planned combination of APUS, RU, and HCN into one consolidated institution; APEI's dependence on the effectiveness of its ability to attract students who persist in its institutions' programs; changing market demands; declines in enrollments at APEI's subsidiaries; APEI's inability to effectively market its institutions' programs; APEI's inability to maintain strong relationships with the military and maintain course registrations and enrollments from military students; the loss or disruption of APEI's ability to receive funds under Title IV or TA programs or the reduction, elimination, or suspension of federal funds; adverse effects of changes APEI makes to improve the student experience and enhance the ability to identify and enroll students who are likely to succeed; APEI's need to successfully adjust to future market demands by updating existing programs and developing new programs; APEI's loss of eligibility to participate in Title IV programs or ability to process Title IV financial aid; economic and market conditions and changes in interest rates; difficulties involving acquisitions; APEI's indebtedness and preferred stock, including the refinancing or redemption thereof; APEI's dependence on and the need to continue to invest in its technology infrastructure, including with respect to third-party vendors; the inability to recognize the intended benefits of APEI's cost savings and reduction and revenue generating efforts; APEI's ability to manage and limit its exposure to bad debt; and the various risks described in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in APEI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in other filings with the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. APEI undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, unless required by law, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future.

Contact: Molly Andersen
Mobile: 903.920.4366
Email: molly.andersen@rasmussen.edu

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rasmussen-university-opens-new-orlando-campus-expanding-florida-footprint-302686918.html

SOURCE American Public Education, Inc.

FAQ

When did American Public Education (APEI) open the new Rasmussen University Orlando campus?

The campus opened on Feb. 12, 2026, and enrollment is now open. According to the company, the facility at 8541 Southpark Circle adds hands-on labs and classrooms to support nursing education in Central Florida.

What nursing programs will Rasmussen University (APEI) offer at the new Orlando campus?

The Orlando campus will offer LPN, BSN, and ADN nursing programs. According to the company, the LPN diploma is now available in Orlando for the first time alongside existing BSN and ADN offerings.

When do classes begin at Rasmussen University Orlando and how can students enroll (APEI)?

Classes are set to begin in April, and enrollment is currently underway. According to the company, prospective students can enroll now to join practical and professional nursing programs starting that April term.

Where is the new Rasmussen University campus located in Orlando (APEI)?

The campus is located at 8541 Southpark Circle, Orlando, Fla.. According to the company, the two-story facility serves students from Orange, Osceola and surrounding counties with modern labs and simulation space.

How does the new Orlando campus affect Rasmussen University's presence in Florida (APEI)?

The new location makes Rasmussen University the sixth campus in Florida, strengthening regional access. According to the company, this expansion aims to address local nursing workforce shortages and broaden entry points into healthcare careers.

What facilities and training resources are available at the Rasmussen University Orlando campus (APEI)?

The two-story campus includes nursing skills and simulation labs, collaborative classrooms, and dedicated faculty spaces. According to the company, these purpose-built environments use clinical tools and technology to prepare students for modern healthcare settings.