R. Alex Reed and Dr. Harvey Silverstein join Canada's Newest Online University

Fredericton, New Brunswick – October 30, 2008 – Meritus University, a subsidiary of Apollo Group (Nasdaq: APOL) today announced two new appointments. R. Alex Reed joins as the Vice President Operations/University Registrar and Dr. Harvey Silverstein takes on the role of Dean of Business and Information Technology. Meritus University is a new Canadian institution specializing in online higher education for working professionals. It is based in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

With over 20 years of experience in higher education registrar services, Mr. Reed has proven himself to be capable of successfully dealing with heavy recruitment influx and student service integration. He moves new ideas forward with a fervent energy and a passion for service and excellence. His experience includes key roles with Canadian universities and institutions including Registrar at Athabasca University, Registrar at the University of Northern British Columbia, and Registrar and Director of Customer Services at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. He has served on a number or regional and national committees and acted as a consultant in the area of enrolment management. As a testament to his level of commitment, Mr. Reed received the Community Award from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Student Association and the Athabasca University Student Association Award of Service.

Dr. Harvey Silverstein brings a unique combination of business and academic expertise to his new role at Meritus. With over 25 years of experience in both worlds, most recently as Director of Executive Education and the EMBA Program at Sobey School of Business, St. Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Dr. Silverstein has a special interest and expertise in helping organizations plan, change and cope with the impacts of new technologies.

Dr. Silverstein, who began his career in academia, was Professor of Science, Technology, and International Affairs at Dalhousie University and the University of South Carolina. His academic career was followed with a successful career in business where he was a partner with KPMG and Ernst & Young and a founding partner of two high-tech companies. Dr. Silverstein was also instrumental in the creation of the Telecommunications Research Applications Alliance (TARA), which is devoted to the development of telecom/computer enterprises.

“Both Alex and Harvey bring with them extensive expertise and high levels of commitment, which will be invaluable to Meritus University,” says Dr. John Crossley, president of Meritus University. “We are truly honoured to have both men as part of our growing team.”

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

About Meritus University, Inc.
Meritus University, Inc., is a New Brunswick, Canada, corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Apollo NB Holding Company, which in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Apollo Group, Inc. Meritus University’s mission is to foster relevant and innovative learning that meets the needs of diverse student populations, their employers and communities. Adapting programs to an ever-changing world, Meritus’ educational philosophy facilitates critical thinking, collaboration and leadership by integrating academic theory with best-practice applications. The University is inclusive and provides access to students beyond traditional classroom walls, while being respectful of and responsive to diverse learning styles and cultures.

About Apollo Group, Inc.
Apollo Group, Inc. has been an education provider for more than 30 years, providing academic access and opportunity to students through its subsidiaries, University of Phoenix, Institute for Professional Development, College for Financial Planning, Western International University, Meritus University, Insight Schools and Apollo Global. It also owns Aptimus, a provider of innovative digital media solutions. The Company's distinctive educational programs and services are provided at the high school, college and graduate levels in 40 states (as of May 31, 2008) and the District of Columbia; Puerto Rico; Alberta and British Columbia, Canada; Mexico; Chile; and the Netherlands, as well as online, throughout the world.

For more information about Apollo Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, call (800) 990-APOL or visit the Company's website at www.apollogrp.edu.
Apollo Group, Inc.

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

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