ariel is home to the ariel university, founded in 1982 as the college of judea of samaria. it later became known as the ariel university center of samaria. current enrollment is 12,000, consisting of both jewish and arab students. on december 24, 2012, after many legal battles, the school became fully accredited and recognized as the 9th israeli university. university status is an issue of prestige, increased government funding, as well as the ability to open post-graduate studies (which are already offered at the college) and issue doctorate degrees. formerly called the 'academic college of judea and samaria', it changed its name in august 2007 in the interim period and anticipation of achieving the more prestigious 'university' status.