<PAGE>   1
 
                                     PART I
 
ITEM 1--BUSINESS
 
     This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements that may be
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "estimates," "anticipates,"
"continues," "contemplates," "expects," "may," "will," "could," "should" or
"would" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable
terminology. Those statements are based on the intent, belief or expectation of
Education Management Corporation ("EDMC" or the "Company") as of the date of
this Annual Report. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of
future performance and may involve risks and uncertainties that are outside the
control of the Company. Actual results may vary materially from the
forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of changes in United
States or international economic conditions, governmental regulations and other
factors, including those factors described at the end of the responses to this
Item 1. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or understanding to
release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement
contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard
thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such
statement is based. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with
the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto filed in response to
Item 8 of this Annual Report.
 
GENERAL
 
     EDMC is among the largest providers of proprietary postsecondary education
in the United States, based on student enrollments and revenues. Through its
operating units, the Art Institutes ("The Art Institutes"), The New York
Restaurant School ("NYRS"), NCPT, and The National Center for Professional
Development ("NCPD"), the Company offers associate's and bachelor's degree
programs and non-degree programs in the areas of design, media arts and
technology, culinary arts, fashion and professional development. The Company has
provided career-oriented education programs since 1962, and its schools have
graduated over 100,000 students. In the fall quarter of fiscal 1998, beginning
October 1997, EDMC's schools had approximately 18,800 students enrolled,
representing all 50 states and over 85 countries.
 
     The Company's main operating unit, The Art Institutes, consists of 15
schools in 14 cities throughout the United States and accounted for
approximately 93% of the Company's net revenues in fiscal 1998. Art Institute
programs are designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for
entry-level employment in various fields, including graphic design, multimedia,
computer animation, video production, culinary arts, interior design, industrial
design, photography, fashion marketing and fashion design. Those programs
typically are completed in 18 to 27 months and culminate in an associate's
degree. Eight Art Institutes currently offer bachelor's degree programs, and
EDMC expects to continue to introduce bachelor's degree programs at schools in
states that permit proprietary postsecondary institutions to offer such
programs.
 
     In fiscal 1998, the Company opened The Art Institute of Los Angeles, which
began offering classes in October 1997. In December 1997, the Company acquired
the assets of the Louise Salinger School in San Francisco, California and
renamed the school The Art Institutes International at San Francisco. In
February 1998, the Company acquired the assets of Bassist College in Portland,
Oregon and renamed the school The Art Institutes International at Portland.
 
     The Company offers a culinary arts curriculum at nine Art Institutes,
including The Art Institute of Los Angeles, which began culinary arts classes in
June 1998, and The Art Institutes International Minnesota, which will begin
culinary arts classes in October 1998. In addition, in August 1996, the Company
acquired NYRS, a well-known culinary arts and restaurant management school
located in New York City. NYRS offers an associate's degree program and
certificate programs. NYRS accounted for approximately 5% of the Company's net
revenues in fiscal 1998.
 
     The Company offers paralegal training at NCPT, a leading source of
paralegals in the southeastern United States. NCPT, located in Atlanta, offers
certificate programs that generally are completed in four to nine months. NCPD
maintains consulting relationships with six colleges and universities to assist
in the development,
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marketing and delivery of paralegal, legal nurse consultant and financial
planning certificate programs for college graduates and working adults. In
fiscal 1998, the Company derived less than 2% of its net revenues from NCPT and
NCPD combined.
 
     EDMC's primary objective is to provide career-focused education that
maximizes employment opportunities for its students after graduation. EDMC's
graduates are employed by a broad range of employers nationwide. Approximately
87.3% of the calendar year 1997 graduates of all programs at EDMC's schools who
were available for employment obtained positions in fields related to their
programs of study within six months of graduation.
 
     The Company believes that demand for postsecondary education will generally
increase due to (i) an increase of approximately 26% in the number of new high
school graduates per year from approximately 2.5 million in 1996 to
approximately 3.2 million in 2008 (as projected by the Western Interstate
Commission for Higher Education), (ii) the growing interest of working adults in
enhancing their marketable skills, (iii) the income premium attributable to
higher education degrees, and (iv) employers' continuing demand for entry-level
workers with appropriate technical skills.
 
     The Company believes the experience of its management team and the
substantial equity ownership of its employees are significant factors
contributing to its success. EDMC's senior management has an average of nine
years with EDMC and 19 years of experience in the education industry.
Approximately two-thirds of the employees of EDMC, including a substantial
majority of the management team, has an ownership interest in the Company
through direct holdings, participation in the Company's Employee Stock Ownership
Plan and Trust (the "ESOP") or both.
 
COMPANY HISTORY
 
     The Company was organized as a Pennsylvania corporation in 1962. In 1971,
Robert B. Knutson (currently its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) became
President of the Company. At that time, EDMC consisted primarily of The Art
Institute of Pittsburgh, which was acquired in 1970. Between 1971 and the
present, the Company opened three schools and acquired 13 others. The Company's
net revenues have increased from approximately $1.9 million in 1971 to
approximately $221.7 million in fiscal 1998.
 
     In November 1996, the Company and certain shareholders sold shares of the
Company's common stock, $.01 par value (the "Common Stock"), to the public in an
initial public offering (the "IPO"). In November 1997, those shareholders and
other shareholders sold additional shares of Common Stock in a secondary public
offering.
 
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
     According to The National Center for Education Statistics, education is the
second largest sector of the U.S. economy, accounting for approximately 7.4% of
gross domestic product in the 1996/1997 school year, or over $560 billion, of
which amount approximately $225 billion was spent for postsecondary education.
EDMC's schools are part of the postsecondary education market. Of the
approximately 6,600 postsecondary schools that are eligible to participate in
federal financial aid programs ("Title IV Programs") under Title IV of the
Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the "HEA"), approximately 600 are
proprietary degree-granting institutions such as EDMC's schools. The United
States Department of Education (the "U.S. Department of Education") estimates
that by the year 2001 the number of students enrolled in higher education
institutions will increase by more than 1.5 million to over 16 million students.
 
     The Company believes that a significant portion of the growth in the
postsecondary education market will result from an increase in the number of new
high school graduates. According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher
Education, the number of new high school graduates per year is expected to
increase by approximately 26%, from approximately 2.5 million graduates in 1996
to approximately 3.2 million graduates in 2008. Significant growth is also
expected to result from increased enrollment by working adults. The U.S.
Department of Education estimates that, over the next several years, initial
enrollments in postsecondary
 
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education institutions by working adults will increase more rapidly than initial
enrollments by recent high school graduates.
 
     The postsecondary education industry is also expected to benefit from the
public's increased recognition of the value of a postsecondary education.
According to The National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of
recent high school graduates who continued their education after graduation
increased from approximately 54% in 1986 to approximately 65% in 1996. The
Company believes that the income premium associated with a postsecondary
education has been a significant factor contributing to this trend. The Bureau
of the Census of the United States Department of Commerce has reported that, in
1995, a full-time male worker aged 25 years or older with an associate's degree
earned an average of 42% more per year than a comparable worker with only a high
school diploma, and a full-time male worker with a bachelor's degree earned an
average of approximately 83% more per year than a comparable worker with only a
high school diploma. In addition, employment in technical occupations is
expected to increase over the next several years as the demand for technically
skilled labor increases.
 
     The Company believes that private degree-granting institutions, such as The
Art Institutes and NYRS, will have an advantage over their principal
competitors, the public two-year and four-year institutions, in capitalizing on
the trends in the postsecondary education market. Well-capitalized companies,
such as EDMC, should benefit from their ability to absorb the increasing costs
of regulatory compliance and capital expenditure requirements through their
economies of scale and national marketing presence.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     EDMC intends to capitalize on the trends in the postsecondary education
market, creating an opportunity for increased revenues and profitability, by (i)
enhancing growth at its current schools, (ii) opening or acquiring schools in
attractive markets, (iii) expanding program offerings, and (iv) improving
student outcomes.
 
     ENHANCING GROWTH AT THE COMPANY'S SCHOOLS
 
     EDMC believes that it will continue to benefit from trends relating to the
growing number of potential students, particularly new high school graduates and
working adults. EDMC augmented its efforts to recruit high school students by
enlarging its high school admissions staff by approximately 33% from fiscal 1995
to fiscal 1998 and by increasing the number of high schools visited to
approximately 9,350 in fiscal 1998 (an increase of approximately 34% over fiscal
1995) and the number of high schools at which presentations were made to
approximately 8,100 in fiscal 1998 (an increase of approximately 35% over fiscal
1995). The Company believes that, due in part to these efforts, applications
from high school seniors in fiscal 1998 (for education programs starting in
fiscal 1998 or fiscal 1999) were approximately 11% greater than in fiscal 1997.
The Company also believes it can penetrate the growing working adult market by
introducing and augmenting evening programs. The first introduction of such
programs was at The Art Institute of Dallas in fiscal 1993. Currently, twelve of
The Art Institutes offer evening programs. The total number of students
participating in such programs at The Art Institutes increased 23% to
approximately 2,600 students in the spring quarter of fiscal 1998 from
approximately 2,100 in the spring quarter of fiscal 1997.
 
     In addition, the Company actively seeks international students for The Art
Institutes. The Company both employs admissions personnel with international
experience and contracts with independent recruiters abroad. To accommodate the
special needs of international students, staff members are assigned to act as
international student advisors. Average international student enrollments in
fiscal 1998 were approximately 29% greater than in fiscal 1997, and
international students currently constitute approximately 6% of the total
enrollments at The Art Institutes.
 
     TARGETING EXPANSION OPPORTUNITIES IN A FRAGMENTED MARKET
 
     To further its national presence and to take advantage of the highly
fragmented postsecondary education industry, EDMC plans to open new schools and
to acquire existing schools in favorable locations. The Company regularly
analyzes potential new markets for enrollment potential, positive long-term
demographic trends, the
 
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concentration of likely employers, the level of competition, facility costs, the
availability of faculty and management talent, and the regulatory approval
process.
 
     Establishing New Schools.  In the near term, new schools will be
established primarily as Art Institutes, such as The Art Institute of Phoenix
(which opened in fiscal 1996) and The Art Institute of Los Angeles (which opened
in fiscal 1998), allowing the Company to use its accumulated knowledge and
experience in Art Institute operations. In recent years, the Company has
developed a financial and operational model to analyze prospective start-up
investments, which takes into account, among other things, enrollment
projections, pre-opening expenditures, and the marketing expenses necessary to
build interest in a school.
 
     Acquiring Existing Schools.  The Company also believes that significant
opportunities exist for growth through acquisitions. In particular, many smaller
institutions have limited resources to manage the increasingly complex
regulatory environment or to fund the high costs of developing the new programs
required to meet the changing demands of the employment market. The Company's
acquisition focus will be on schools that (i) can be integrated efficiently into
its existing operations, (ii) will benefit from EDMC's expertise and scale in
marketing and administration, and (iii) possess a strong, established
reputation. In August 1996, the Company acquired the assets of NYRS, a culinary
arts and restaurant management school located in New York City. In January 1997,
the Company acquired the assets of Lowthian College in Minneapolis, Minnesota
(renamed The Art Institutes International Minnesota). In December 1997, the
Company acquired the assets of the Louise Salinger School in San Francisco,
California (renamed The Art Institutes International at San Francisco). In
February 1998, the Company acquired the assets of Bassist College in Portland,
Oregon (renamed The Art Institutes International at Portland).
 
     EXPANDING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
 
     EDMC currently offers education programs in a variety of fields and
continually seeks to optimize its portfolio of programs to meet the needs of
both its students and the employment market. The Company believes that
developing programs that balance the opportunities in the job market and the
interests of students will increase enrollment and expand the Company's revenue
base. In addition to the acquisition of NYRS, the Company has introduced its
culinary arts program at nine Art Institutes, including The Art Institute of Los
Angeles, which began culinary arts classes in June 1998, and The Art Institutes
International Minnesota, which will begin culinary arts classes in October 1998.
 
     The Company also offers bachelor's degree programs in several fields of
study which are designed to reflect the needs of the employment market and to
appeal to students seeking enhanced career preparation and credentials.
Bachelor's degree programs benefit the Company by providing a longer revenue
stream than two-year associate's degree programs. The Company will seek to
introduce additional bachelor's degree programs at schools in states that permit
proprietary postsecondary institutions, such as The Art Institutes, to offer
such programs. In fiscal 1997, the Company introduced or enhanced its bachelor's
degree programs in the areas of computer animation, graphic design, interior
design and industrial design. In fiscal 1998, the Company introduced a
bachelor's degree program in interactive multimedia programming. The average
number of students enrolled in bachelor's degree programs at The Art Institutes
in fiscal 1998 increased approximately 109% from fiscal 1997 to approximately
1,200. See "The Business of Education--Programs of Study."
 
     IMPROVING STUDENT OUTCOMES
 
     EDMC intends to continue to improve student persistence and graduate
starting salaries in order to enhance the reputation of its schools and their
education programs and increase student enrollments. Measures implemented by the
Company include higher admissions standards, academic placement testing,
remediation courses, improved faculty training, and increased administrative
resources dedicated to placement assistance. The Art Institutes' average net
quarterly persistence rate, which measures the number of students that are
enrolled during an academic quarter and advance to the next academic quarter,
increased from 89.6% in fiscal 1996 to 89.7% in fiscal 1997 to 90.1% for the
first three quarters of fiscal 1998. The Art Institutes' annual persistence
rate, which measures the number of students who are enrolled during a fiscal
year and either graduate or advance to the next fiscal year, was 67.5% in fiscal
1997 and 66.4% in fiscal 1998. The Company's schools are adopting
 
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an annual persistence rate measurement to replace the net quarterly persistence
rate measure because the Company believes that the annual measure is closer to
the methodology used by accrediting agencies and remains an effective tool to
manage the delivery of educational services. From calendar year 1993 to calendar
year 1997, The Art Institutes' placement rate for all graduates available for
employment, who completed any program, improved from 83.1% to 89.0% and average
starting salaries rose 40.5% from approximately $15,600 to approximately
$21,900.
 
THE BUSINESS OF EDUCATION
 
     EDMC's primary mission is to maximize student success by providing students
with the education necessary to meet employers' current and anticipated needs.
To achieve this objective, the Company focuses on (i) marketing to a broad
universe of potential students, (ii) admitting students who possess the relevant
interests and capabilities, (iii) providing students with programs of study
taught by industry professionals, and (iv) assisting students with job placement
prior to graduation.
 
     STUDENT RECRUITMENT AND MARKETING
 
     EDMC seeks to attract students with both the motivation and ability to
complete the programs offered by its schools. To generate interest, the Company
engages in a broad range of activities to inform potential students and their
parents about its schools and programs of study.
 
     The general reputation of The Art Institutes and referrals from current
students, alumni and employers are the largest sources of new students. The
Company also employs marketing tools such as television and print media
advertising, the World Wide Web, high school visits and recruitment events, and
utilizes its internal advertising agency to create publications, television and
radio commercials, videos and other promotional materials for the Company's
schools. The Company estimates that in fiscal 1998 referrals accounted for 39%
of new student enrollments at The Art Institutes, high school recruitment
programs accounted for 21%, broadcast advertising accounted for 20%, print media
accounted for 10%, the Company's web site accounted for 4%, international
marketing accounted for 3%, and the remaining 3% was classified as
miscellaneous. The goal of the Company's recruitment efforts is to increase
awareness of the Company's schools among potential applicants in a
cost-effective manner.
 
     The Company carefully monitors the effectiveness of its marketing efforts.
In fiscal 1998, The Art Institutes' marketing efforts generated inquiries from
approximately 198,000 qualified prospective students. The Art Institutes'
inquiry-to-application conversion ratio increased from 6.5% in fiscal 1992 to
10.2% in fiscal 1998, and the applicant-to-new student ratio increased from
55.8% in fiscal 1992 to 66.0% in fiscal 1998.
 
     To capitalize on the growing number of new high school graduates, the
Company employs approximately 65 high school representatives and utilizes a
variety of strategies. These high school representatives make presentations at
high schools, during which student artwork, videos and a multimedia
demonstration are shown to students and educators to promote The Art Institutes.
Each Art Institute also conducts college preview seminars at which prospective
students can meet with a representative, view artwork and videos, and receive
enrollment information. Summer teenager and teacher workshops are held to inform
students and educators of the education programs offered by The Art Institutes.
The Company's marketing efforts to reach young adults and working adults who may
be attracted to evening programs are conducted through local newspaper
advertising, direct mail campaigns and broadcast advertising.
 
     NYRS relies on local television and referrals as its primary marketing
tools and also uses high school representatives and presentations at high
schools in the New York metropolitan area. NCPT uses direct mail, print media
and advertisements in related national trade periodicals to generate interest.
Referrals, especially from employers, are an important source of new students
for NCPT. In addition, NCPT conducts recruitment programs at colleges, featuring
college visits, participation in college career fairs, posters and advertising
in college newspapers.
 
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<PAGE>   6
 
     STUDENT ADMISSION AND RETENTION
 
     Each applicant for admission to an Art Institute is required to have a high
school diploma or a recognized equivalent and submit a written essay.
Prospective students are interviewed to assess their qualifications, their
interest in the programs offered by the applicable Art Institute and their
commitment to their education. In addition, the curricula, student services,
education cost, available financial resources and student housing are reviewed
during interviews, and tours of the facilities are conducted for prospective
students.
 
     At each Art Institute, student admissions is overseen by a committee,
comprised principally of members of the faculty, that reviews each application
and makes admissions decisions. Art Institute students are of varying ages and
backgrounds. For fiscal 1998, approximately 32% of the entering students
matriculated directly from high school, approximately 28% were between the ages
of 19 and 21, approximately 29% were 22 to 29 years of age and approximately 11%
were 30 years old or older.
 
     The Company recognizes that the ability to retain students until graduation
is an important indicator of the success of its schools and that early academic
intervention is crucial to improve student persistence and completion rates. As
with other postsecondary institutions, students at the Company's schools may
fail to finish their programs for a variety of personal, financial or academic
reasons. To reduce the risk of student withdrawals, each Art Institute devotes
staff resources to advise students regarding academic and financial matters,
part-time employment and housing. Remedial courses are mandated for students
with low academic skill levels and tutoring is encouraged for students
experiencing academic difficulties. The average student-to-faculty ratio at the
Company's schools was approximately 18.3:1 during fiscal 1998.
 
     At The Art Institutes, the average net quarterly persistence rate, which
measures the number of students that are enrolled during an academic quarter and
advance to the next academic quarter, improved from 88.4% in fiscal 1994 to
90.1% for the first three quarters of fiscal 1998. The Company believes that it
has been able to improve its average net quarterly persistence rate, in part,
due to its investment in academic programs, student academic testing and
placement, remediation programs and faculty training initiatives, the increased
availability of supplemental student financing and orientation and socialization
programs designed to provide transition assistance to incoming students.
 
     The Company's schools bill students for their tuition and other
institutional charges by the term of instruction, typically an academic quarter.
Each school's refund policies must meet the requirements of the U.S. Department
of Education and the requirements of such school's state and accrediting
agencies (which are not uniform). Generally, if a student ceases attendance
during the first 60% of his or her first term, the applicable school will refund
institutional charges based on the number of weeks remaining in that term. After
a student has attended 60% of that term, the school will retain 100% of the
institutional charges. After a student's first term, the school refunds
institutional charges based on the number of weeks attended in the quarter in
which the student withdraws. Generally, after six weeks of a term, the school
will retain 100% of the institutional charges for that academic quarter.
 
     PROGRAMS OF STUDY
 
     EDMC's programs are designed to provide career-oriented education to
students. The Company believes that the educational needs of students are served
through curricula and a teaching/learning model that support the development of
problem-solving, interpersonal and team skills, as well as technical and
professional skills. The Art Institutes attempt to serve students through
education provided by industry-experienced faculty, a low student-to-faculty
ratio and an interactive learning methodology. Classes at The Art Institutes and
NCPT are scheduled throughout the year with quarterly start dates for the
convenience of students. Classes at NYRS begin eight times throughout the year.
 
     The development of new education programs at any postsecondary institution
demands a substantial commitment of human resources and capital. Most new
programs at The Art Institutes are currently approved on a system-wide basis and
are made available to each of The Art Institutes for implementation as
determined by that school's administration and its Board of Trustees, where
applicable. Faculty, employment assistance specialists, curricula advisory
boards, industry experts, industry literature and employers are the most common
 
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sources for new program offerings. Approximately 560 employers and industry
experts are represented on local curricula advisory boards for the Company's
schools. Generally, proposed education programs are referred to a series of
system-wide administrative bodies that decide whether to proceed with
development of those programs. As part of such process, an independent
contractor, or internal analyst where appropriate, may be retained to develop
and compile data for the purpose of identifying both potential student interest
in a program and the skills required of a graduate upon program completion. Such
research is then used to produce a curriculum model for final review. The goals
of the curriculum development process are to provide new program opportunities
and to revise existing curricula to be consistent with changing industry needs.
 
     The Art Institutes offer the following degree programs, among others. Not
all programs are offered at each Art Institute. (For internal purposes, the
Company classifies its degree programs according to four "schools" or areas of
study.)
 
THE SCHOOL OF DESIGN
 
Associate's Degree Programs
 
  Computer Animation
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Industrial Design Technology
  Computer-Aided Drafting &
    Design
 
Bachelor's Degree Programs
 
  Computer Animation
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Industrial Design
 
THE SCHOOL OF CULINARY ARTS
 
Associate's Degree Programs
 
  Culinary Arts
  Travel and Tourism
  Restaurant and Catering
    Management
 
Bachelor's Degree Programs
 
  Culinary Management
THE SCHOOL OF MEDIA ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY
 
Associate's Degree Programs
 
  Multimedia
  Photography
  Video Production
  Web Site Administration
  Audio Production
  Broadcasting
  Music Business
 
Bachelor's Degree Programs
 
  Interactive Multimedia Programming
  Multimedia Communications
 
THE SCHOOL OF FASHION
 
Associate's Degree Programs
 
  Fashion Design
  Fashion Marketing
  Visual Merchandising
 
Bachelor's Degree Programs
 
  Fashion Design
  Fashion Marketing and Management
 
     NYRS offers associate's degree programs in culinary arts and restaurant
management and certificate programs in culinary arts, pastry arts, and culinary
skills.
 
     Approximately 9% of the average quarterly student enrollments at the
Company's schools in fiscal 1998 were in specialized diploma programs. Academic
credits from all of the specialized diploma programs at the Art Institutes and
NYRS are fully transferable into associate's and bachelor's degree programs at
those schools. Diploma programs are designed for working adults who seek to
supplement their education or are interested in enhancing their marketable
skills.
 
     The Company expects to continue to add additional bachelor's degree
programs at schools in states that permit proprietary postsecondary institutions
to offer such programs. Certain Art Institutes that are undergoing review to
obtain regional accreditation have determined not to offer such programs at this
time. See "Accreditation."
 
     GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT
 
     The Company believes that employment of its graduates in occupations
related to their fields of study is critical to the ability of its schools to
continue to recruit students successfully. Based on information received
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from graduating students and employers, the Company believes that students
graduating from The Art Institutes during the five calendar years ended December
31, 1997 obtained employment in fields related to their programs of study as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       PERCENT OF AVAILABLE
                                                                      GRADUATES WHO OBTAINED
                                                     NUMBER OF          EMPLOYMENT RELATED
GRADUATING CLASSES                                   AVAILABLE            TO PROGRAM OF
(CALENDAR YEAR)                                   GRADUATES(1)(2)          STUDY(2)(3)
------------------                                ----------------    ----------------------
<S>                                               <C>                 <C>
     1997.......................................       3,811                   89.0%
     1996.......................................       3,676                   86.8
     1995.......................................       3,734                   87.4
     1994.......................................       3,495                   86.4
     1993.......................................       3,580                   83.1
</TABLE>
 
---------
(1) The term "Available Graduates" refers to all graduates except those pursuing
    further education, who are deceased, who are in active military service, who
    have medical conditions that prevent such graduates from working or who are
    international students no longer residing in the United States.
 
(2) If the graduates of NCPT and NYRS (since its acquisition in August 1996)
    were included in this table, then the numbers and percentages for 1996 and
    1997 would have been 4,167 and 4,749 and 86.4% and 87.3%, respectively.
 
(3) For calendar years 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994, the information presented
    reflects employment in fields related to graduates' programs of study within
    six months after graduation. Prior to calendar year 1994, the Company
    tracked graduate employment data based on employment rates within nine
    months after graduation.
 
     For calendar year 1997, the approximate average starting salaries of
graduates of degree and diploma programs at The Art Institutes were as follows:
The School of Culinary Arts--$21,200; The School of Design--$23,200; The School
of Fashion--$20,400; and The School of Media Arts and Technology--$20,300.
 
     Each Art Institute offers career-planning services to all graduating
students through its employment assistance department. Specific career advice is
provided during the last two quarters of a student's education. Interviewing
techniques and resume-writing skills are developed, and students receive
portfolio counseling where appropriate. The Art Institutes maintain contact with
approximately 40,000 employers nationwide. Employment assistance advisors
educate employers about the programs at The Art Institutes and the caliber of
their graduates. Employment assistance advisors participate in professional
organizations, trade shows and community events to keep apprised of industry
trends and maintain relationships with key employers. The Company believes that
the ability of employment assistance advisors to generate job leads and match
employers' needs with graduates' skills and the active role of graduates in
their own job searches are major reasons for the percentage of Art Institute
graduates employed in their fields throughout the country.
 
     Employers of Art Institute graduates include numerous small and
medium-sized companies (such as radio and television stations), as well as
better-known larger companies. The following companies are representative of the
larger companies that employ Art Institute graduates: Bell Atlantic Corporation,
The Boeing Company, Eddie Bauer, Inc., Ethan Allen Interiors Inc., Flight Safety
International, The Home Depot, Inc., Humongous Entertainment, Inc., J. C. Penney
Company, Inc., Kinko's Corporation, Marriott International, Inc., The May
Department Stores Company, Microsoft Corporation, The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.,
Nintendo of America, Nordstrom, Inc., The Ritz-Carlton, Sears Roebuck and Co.,
Sierra On-Line, Inc., Take2 Interactive Software, Inc., Tele-Communications,
Inc., Time Warner Inc., Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., and The Walt Disney
Company.
 
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SCHOOLS
 
     The following table shows the location of each of EDMC's schools, the name
under which it operates, the date of its establishment, the date EDMC opened or
acquired it, and the number of students enrolled as of the beginning of the
second quarter of fiscal 1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        CALENDAR       FISCAL YEAR
                                                          YEAR            EDMC
             SCHOOL                    LOCATION        ESTABLISHED   ACQUIRED/OPENED   ENROLLMENT(1)
             ------                    --------        -----------   ---------------   -------------
<S>                               <C>                  <C>           <C>               <C>
The Art Institute of Atlanta....  Atlanta, GA             1949            1971             1,544
The Art Institute of Dallas.....  Dallas, TX              1964            1985             1,193
The Art Institute of Fort
  Lauderdale....................  Fort Lauderdale, FL     1968            1974             2,307
The Art Institute of Houston....  Houston, TX             1974            1979             1,425
The Art Institute of Los
  Angeles.......................  Los Angeles, CA         1997            1998               100
The Art Institute of
  Philadelphia..................  Philadelphia, PA        1971            1980             2,145
The Art Institute of Phoenix....  Phoenix, AZ             1995            1996               593
The Art Institute of
  Pittsburgh....................  Pittsburgh, PA          1921            1970             2,581
The Art Institute of Seattle....  Seattle, WA             1946            1982             2,655
The Art Institutes International
  at Portland...................  Portland, OR            1963            1998               N/A
The Art Institutes International
  at San Francisco..............  San Francisco, CA       1939            1998               N/A
The Art Institutes International
  Minnesota.....................  Minneapolis, MN         1964            1997               214
The Colorado Institute of Art...  Denver, CO              1952            1976             1,696
The Illinois Institute of Art at
  Chicago.......................  Chicago, IL             1916            1996               608
The Illinois Institute of Art at
  Schaumburg....................  Schaumburg, IL          1983            1996               364
NCPT............................  Atlanta, GA             1973            1973               361
New York Restaurant School......  New York, NY            1980            1997               977
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(1) Enrollments are as of October 1997 (i.e., the start of the fall quarter at
    The Art Institutes), prior to the acquisition of The Art Institutes
    International at Portland and The Art Institutes International at San
    Francisco.
 
GOVERNANCE OF THE ART INSTITUTES
 
     EDMC believes that the three-tier governance structure for The Art
Institutes differs from governance structures at other proprietary school
systems and possesses several advantages. One of these advantages is that the
structure permits each of EDMC's schools to be recognized by regulatory
authorities and accrediting agencies on an individual basis, thereby enabling
the school to be accredited in its geographic region.
 
     The Art Institutes International, Inc. ("AII") is the parent corporation
for all of The Art Institutes other than The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, which
is a division of AII. The Board of Directors of AII approves the annual and
long-range operating plans of The Art Institutes, including their annual
budgets. The AII Board of Directors also appoints the members of the AII System
Coordinating Board, the primary focus of which is AII system-wide education
policy and quality. The AII System Coordinating Board coordinates education
research, academic programming, development and planning. It also communicates
with external governmental and corporate entities on behalf of AII, approves new
education programs, reviews existing programs and assists The Art Institutes in
developing policies and procedures.
 
     At most of The Art Institutes, Boards of Trustees are vested with the
authority to manage the schools' business and affairs. Thus, each such Art
Institute puts its own imprint on the academic programs it offers, consistent
with applicable state laws, regulations and licensure requirements and
accreditation standards, while
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   10
 
maintaining compatibility among The Art Institutes. Each Board of Trustees is
empowered to select the president and adopt institutional policies and
procedures to achieve the mission of its Art Institute.
 
     In addition, in calendar year 1994, AII organized an International Advisory
Board (the "IAB"). The IAB is comprised of renowned artists, designers, chefs
and entertainment professionals who provide advice and support to AII. Members
of the IAB also review curricula as requested and provide other services as
agreed upon by the IAB members.
 
TECHNOLOGY
 
     EDMC is committed to providing its students access to the technology
necessary for developing the skills required by their education programs. To
help fulfill this commitment, as of June 30, 1998, The Art Institutes had
approximately 2,280 desktop and workstation computers with applicable software
in classroom laboratories, largely operating on a seven-day per week basis. Each
Art Institute monitors the utilization of these classroom laboratories to ensure
that students have sufficient and appropriate equipment and software. Animation
students use powerful desktop and workstation computer technologies to create,
animate, color and render two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects.
Multimedia students integrate digital audio, screen-layout and motion content
into their productions. Design students make significant use of technologies for
computer-aided design and layout, photo composition and digital prepress
applications. Video production students use computer technologies for digital
non-linear editing and special effects. Photography students utilize computers
to translate traditional silver-based images into digital forms, where
composition, perspective, sharpness and color can be manipulated. Interior and
industrial design students learn to use computer-aided drafting and
visualization technology and equipment.
 
     The Art Institutes have implemented a process to systematize the
specification and acquisition of equipment, computer hardware and software based
upon present and proposed curricula. Through its director of technology and a
technology committee comprised of key faculty and technology staff, each Art
Institute researches and monitors changing market and technological
requirements. These efforts, conducted in each school's market area and
coordinated on a national basis, are used to develop a system-wide, unified
strategy for the purchase and implementation of classroom technology.
 
MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
 
     EDMC is led by a senior management team possessing an average of more than
19 years of experience in the education industry and nine years with the
Company. A substantial majority of the management team has an ownership interest
in the Company through direct holdings, participation in the ESOP or both. As of
June 30, 1998, EDMC had 1,804 full-time and 608 part-time staff and faculty. The
staff and faculty are experienced in assessing the needs of the employment
markets and designing and updating education programs to prepare students for
employment opportunities. Many faculty members are or have been successful
professionals in their respective fields.
 
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SYSTEMS
 
     During the last five years, EDMC has centralized many of its administrative
functions to permit the staff at its schools to devote more of their efforts to
attracting new students and promoting student success. Centralized
administrative functions include aspects of: accounting, marketing, finance,
real estate, student financial aid, curricula research and development,
purchasing, human resource management, legal, regulatory and legislative
affairs, information systems and technology support services. The Company
believes that this centralization has contributed to operating efficiencies and
has positioned the Company to control general and administrative costs more
effectively during its planned expansion.
 
     The Company has invested substantial resources in its integrated,
customized information network designed to assist Company personnel in
maximizing internal efficiency. The Company believes that this system has
improved its ability to recruit new students, administer student financial aid,
prepare and track student academic schedules, monitor part-time and full-time
employment opportunities for its students and graduates, perform general and
student accounting and manage human resources. The Company believes that its
investment in
                                       11
<PAGE>   11
 
technology also facilitates the integration of newly acquired and newly
established schools into the Company's operations.
 
NCPT
 
     NCPT is one of the leading sources of paralegals in the southeastern United
States. NCPT offers certificate programs to recent college graduates,
employer-sponsored students and adults interested in changing careers. Programs
offered by NCPT include paralegal studies, legal nurse consultant and legal
administrative assistant. NCPT paralegal and legal administrative assistant
graduates are employed in law firms and corporations. Legal nurse consultants
typically are employed on a project basis and are trained to be independent
contractors.
 
NATIONAL CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
 
     NCPD maintains consulting relationships with six colleges and universities.
NCPD offers a wide range of services to its college and university clients,
including assistance with curricula development, the formulation and execution
of marketing strategies for the program offerings, training for admissions
staff, program directors and faculty, preparation of annual program budgets,
establishment of instructor evaluation guidelines and development of strategies
for employment assistance and consultation on other academic issues as requested
by a client institution. Certificate programs, developed by NCPD and offered by
its client institutions, are paralegal studies, legal nurse consultant and
financial planning. In the fall of fiscal 1998, NCPD client institutions had
approximately 1,000 students enrolled in these programs.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The postsecondary education market is highly competitive. The Art
Institutes compete with traditional public and private two-year and four-year
colleges and universities and other proprietary schools. Certain public and
private colleges and universities may offer programs similar to those of The Art
Institutes. Public institutions are often able to charge lower tuition than The
Art Institutes due in part to government subsidies, government and foundation
grants, tax-deductible contributions and other financial sources not available
to proprietary schools. However, tuition at private non-profit institutions is,
on average, higher than The Art Institutes' tuition.
 
     EDMC believes its students are well served by its student-centered
education environment, career-oriented curricula developed with employer input,
the effectiveness of its employment assistance activities and its national
reputation and market presence. The Company believes that its students also
should benefit from its investments in technology, including modern facilities
with well-equipped classrooms, programs that permit attendance year-round
thereby facilitating early graduation, and the Company's commitment to selecting
faculty with appropriate academic credentials and relevant employment
experience. Another competitive strength of EDMC's schools is the ability to
address evolving regulatory and accreditation requirements.
 
SEASONALITY IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     EDMC has experienced seasonality in its results of operations primarily due
to the pattern of student enrollments. Historically, EDMC's lowest quarterly
revenues and income have been in the first quarter (July to September) of its
fiscal year due to fewer students being enrolled during the summer months and
the expenses incurred in preparation for the peak in enrollment in the fall
quarter (October to December). EDMC expects that this seasonal trend will
continue.
 
ACCREDITATION
 
     Accreditation is a process through which an institution submits itself to
qualitative review by an organization of peer institutions. Accrediting agencies
primarily examine the academic quality of the instructional programs of an
institution, and a grant of accreditation is generally viewed as certification
that an institution's programs meet generally accepted academic standards.
Accrediting agencies also review the administrative and financial operations of
the institutions they accredit to ensure that each institution has the resources
to perform its educational mission.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   12
 
     Pursuant to provisions of the HEA, the U. S. Department of Education relies
on accrediting agencies to determine whether institutions' educational programs
qualify them to participate in Title IV Programs. The HEA specifies certain
standards that all recognized accrediting agencies must adopt in connection with
their review of postsecondary institutions. Accrediting agencies that meet U.S.
Department of Education standards are recognized as reliable evaluators of
educational quality. All of EDMC's schools are accredited by one or more
accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Five of the
Company's schools are either accredited, or are candidates for accreditation, by
one of the six regional accrediting agencies that accredit virtually all of the
public and private non-profit colleges and universities in the United States.
 
     The accrediting agencies for each of the Company's schools are set forth in
the following table (for schools accredited by more than one recognized
accrediting agency, the primary accrediting agency is listed first):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCHOOL                                                       ACCREDITING AGENCY
------                                                       ------------------
<S>                                             <C>
The Art Institute of Atlanta................    Commission on Colleges of the Southern
                                                Association of Colleges and Schools ("SACS")
The Art Institute of Dallas.................    Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and
                                                Colleges of Technology ("ACCSCT")
                                                SACS
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale........    ACCSCT
The Art Institute of Houston................    ACCSCT
                                                SACS (Candidate)
The Art Institute of Los Angeles............    ACCSCT, as an additional location of The Art
                                                Institute of Pittsburgh
The Art Institute of Philadelphia...........    ACCSCT
The Art Institute of Phoenix................    ACCSCT, as an additional location of The
                                                Colorado Institute of Art
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.............    ACCSCT
The Art Institute of Seattle................    ACCSCT
                                                Commission on Colleges of the Northwest
                                                Association of Schools and Colleges
                                                ("NWASC") (Candidate)
The Art Institutes International at             NWASC
  Portland..................................
The Art Institutes International at San         ACCSCT
  Francisco.................................
The Art Institutes International                Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges
  Minnesota.................................    and Schools ("ACICS")
The Colorado Institute of Art...............    ACCSCT
The Illinois Institute of Art at Chicago....    ACCSCT
The Illinois Institute of Art at                ACCSCT, as an additional location of The
  Schaumburg................................    Illinois Institute of Art at Chicago
NCPT........................................    ACICS
New York Restaurant School..................    ACCSCT
                                                New York State Board of Regents
</TABLE>
 
     The HEA requires each recognized accrediting agency to submit to a periodic
review of its procedures and practices by the U.S. Department of Education as a
condition of its continued recognition. Each of the accrediting agencies listed
above has been reviewed within the past three years and has had its recognition
extended.
 
     Accrediting agencies monitor each institution's performance in specific
areas. In the event that the information provided by a school to an accrediting
agency indicates that such school's performance in one or more areas falls below
certain parameters, the accrediting agency may require that school to supply it
with supplemental reports on the accrediting agency's specific areas of concern
until that school meets the accrediting agency's performance guideline or
standard. A school that is subject to this heightened monitoring must seek the
prior approval of its accrediting agency in order to open or commence teaching
at new locations. The accrediting agencies do not consider requesting that a
school provide supplemental reports to be a negative action.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   13
 
     As of September 1998, ACCSCT had notified eight of the Company's schools
that, due to concerns regarding student completion rates for certain programs at
each of those schools, such schools were required to provide certain
supplemental reports to ACCSCT. ACCSCT's standards define a program's completion
rate as the percentage of the students who started that program during a
twelve-month period and who have either graduated from that program within a
period of time equal to 150% of that program's length or withdrawn from that
program during the same period in order to accept full-time employment in the
occupation or job category for which the program was offered. Because that
calculation can only be performed after a student's scheduled completion date,
it does not provide a timely basis for a school to take action to affect student
outcomes. For that reason, for internal purposes, the Company uses the net
annual persistence rate as a method to track the retention rate of students.
 
     At the time that the Company purchased the assets of Bassist College in
Portland, Oregon, the school was on probation status with NWASC due to concerns
that NWASC had with the financial stability of the school's previous owner.
NWASC approved the change of ownership of that school to the Company while
continuing its probation status. NWASC has stated that it will monitor the
transition to the Company's new ownership and the expected growth of the school
(now named The Art Institutes International at Portland), and will review the
school's status at its spring 1999 meeting.
 
STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
 
     As is the case at most postsecondary institutions, many students enrolled
at one of EDMC's schools must rely, at least in part, on financial assistance to
pay the cost of their education. The largest source of such support is the
federal programs of student financial assistance under Title IV of the HEA.
Additional sources of funds include other federal grant programs, state grant
and loan programs, private loan programs and institutional grants and
scholarships.
 
     To provide students access to financial assistance resources available
through Title IV Programs, a school must be (i) authorized to offer its programs
of instruction by the relevant agency of the state in which it is located, (ii)
accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of
Education, and (iii) certified as an eligible institution by the U.S. Department
of Education. In addition, that school must ensure that Title IV Program funds
are properly accounted for and disbursed in the correct amounts to eligible
students.
 
     Under the HEA and its implementing regulations, each of the Company's
schools that participates in Title IV Programs must comply with certain
standards on an institutional basis. For purposes of these standards, the
regulations define an institution as a main campus and its additional locations
(formerly called branch campuses), if any. Under this definition, each of the
Company's schools is a separate institution, except for The Art Institute of
Phoenix, which is an additional location of The Colorado Institute of Art, The
Illinois Institute of Art at Schaumburg, which is an additional location of The
Illinois Institute of Art at Chicago, and The Art Institute of Los Angeles,
which is an additional location of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
 
     All Art Institutes and NYRS participate in Title IV Programs. NCPT has not
applied to participate in Title IV Programs.
 
     NATURE OF FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION
 
     While the states support public colleges and universities primarily through
direct state subsidies, the federal government provides a substantial part of
its support for postsecondary education in the form of grants and loans to
students who can use this support at any institution that has been certified as
eligible by the U.S. Department of Education. Title IV Programs have provided
aid to students for more than 30 years and, since the mid-1960s, the scope and
size of such programs have steadily increased. Since 1972, Congress has expanded
the scope of the HEA to provide for the needs of the changing national student
population by, among other things, providing that students at proprietary
schools are eligible for assistance under Title IV Programs, establishing a
program for loans to parents of eligible students, opening Title IV Programs to
part-time students, increasing maximum loan limits and eliminating the
requirement that students demonstrate financial need to obtain federally
guaranteed student loans. Most recently, the Federal Direct Student Loan
("FDSL") program was enacted, enabling students to obtain loans from the federal
government rather than from commercial lenders. The total grants and loans
                                       14
<PAGE>   14
 
available to students under Title IV Programs increased from approximately $43
billion for the federal fiscal year ended September 30, 1997 to an estimated $48
billion for the federal fiscal year ending September 30, 1998. The volume of
federally guaranteed student loans (and, more recently, loans issued under the
FDSL program) has increased from $17.9 billion in the federal fiscal year ended
September 30, 1993 to $32.4 billion in the federal fiscal year ended September
30, 1997.
 
     Students at EDMC's schools receive grants, loans and work-study funding to
fund their education under several Title IV Programs, of which the two largest
are the Federal Pell Grant ("Pell") program and the Federal Family Education
Loan ("FFEL") program. The Company's schools also participate in the Federal
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant ("FSEOG") program, the Federal
Perkins Loan ("Perkins") program, and the Federal Work-Study ("FWS") program.
All of the Company's schools which participate in Title IV Programs are approved
to participate in the FDSL program.
 
     Pell. Pell grants are the primary component of the Title IV Programs under
which the U.S. Department of Education makes grants to students who demonstrate
financial need. Every eligible student is entitled to receive a Pell grant;
there is no institutional allocation or limit. During fiscal 1998, Pell grants
ranged from $400 to $2,700 per year; beginning on July 1, 1998, the limit was
increased to $3,000 per year. Amounts received by students enrolled in the
Company's schools in fiscal 1998 under the Pell program equaled approximately 6%
of the Company's net revenues.
 
     FSEOG. FSEOG awards are designed to supplement Pell grants for the neediest
students. FSEOG grants generally range in amount from $100 to $4,000 per year;
however, the availability of FSEOG awards is limited by the amount of those
funds allocated to an institution under a formula that takes into account the
size of the institution, its costs and the income levels of its students. At
most of the Company's schools, FSEOG awards generally do not exceed $1,200 per
eligible student per year. The Company is required to make a 25% matching
contribution for all FSEOG program funds disbursed. Resources for this
institutional contribution may include institutional grants and scholarships
and, in certain states, portions of state grants and scholarships. In fiscal
1998, the Company's required 25% institutional match was approximately $750,000.
Amounts received by students in the Company's schools under the FSEOG program in
fiscal 1998 equaled approximately 1% of the Company's net revenues.
 
     FFEL. The FFEL program consists of two types of loans, Stafford loans,
which are made available to students regardless of financial need, and PLUS
loans, which are made available to parents of students classified as dependents.
Under the Stafford loan program, a student may borrow up to $2,625 for the first
academic year, $3,500 for the second academic year and, in some educational
programs, $5,500 for each of the third and fourth academic years. Students with
significant financial need qualify for interest subsidies while in school and
during grace periods. Students who are classified as independent can increase
their borrowing limits and receive additional unsubsidized Stafford loans. Such
students can obtain an additional $4,000 for each of the first and second
academic years and, depending upon the educational program, an additional $5,000
for each of the third and fourth academic years. The obligation to begin
repaying Stafford loans does not commence until six months after a student
ceases enrollment as at least a half-time student. Amounts received by students
in the Company's schools under the Stafford loan program in fiscal 1998 equaled
approximately 38% of the Company's net revenues. PLUS loans may be obtained by
the parents of a dependent student in an amount not to exceed the difference
between the total cost of that student's education (including allowable
expenses) and other aid to which that student is entitled. Amounts received by
parents of students in the Company's schools under the PLUS loan program in
fiscal 1998 equaled approximately 15% of the Company's net revenues.
 
     Perkins. Eligible undergraduate students may borrow up to $3,000 under the
Perkins program during each academic year, with an aggregate maximum of $15,000,
at a 5% interest rate and with repayment delayed until nine months after a
student ceases enrollment as at least a half-time student. Perkins loans are
made available to those students who demonstrate the greatest financial need.
Perkins loans are made from a revolving account, with 75% of new funding
contributed by the U.S. Department of Education, and the remainder by the
applicable school. Subsequent federal capital contributions, which must be
matched by school funds, may be received if an institution meets certain
requirements. Each school collects payments on Perkins loans from its former
students and reloans those funds to currently enrolled students. Collection and
disbursement of Perkins loans is the
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   15
 
responsibility of each participating institution. During fiscal 1998, the
Company collected approximately $1.9 million from its former students. In fiscal
1998, the Company's required matching contribution was approximately $200,000.
The Perkins loans disbursed to students in the Company's schools in fiscal 1998
were less than 2% of the Company's net revenues.
 
     Federal Work-Study. Under the FWS program, federal funds are made available
to pay up to 75% of the cost of part-time employment of eligible students, based
on their financial need, to perform work for the institution or for off-campus
public or non-profit organizations. At least 5% of an institution's FWS
allocation must be used to fund student employment in community service
positions. In fiscal 1998, FWS funds accounted for less than 0.5% of the
Company's net revenues.
 
     FDSL. Under the FDSL program, students may obtain loans directly from the
U.S. Department of Education rather than commercial lenders. The conditions on
FDSL loans are generally the same as on loans made under the FFEL program. All
of the Company's schools currently eligible to participate in Title IV Programs
are also approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the FDSL
program, but all have deferred participation since their respective students'
loan needs continue to be satisfied under the FFEL program.
 
     OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SOURCES
 
     Students at several of the Company's schools participate in state grant
programs. In fiscal 1998, approximately 2% of the Company's net revenues was
derived from state grant programs. In addition, certain students at some of the
Company's schools receive financial aid provided by the United States Department
of Veterans Affairs, the United States Department of the Interior (Bureau of
Indian Affairs) and the Rehabilitative Services Administration of the U.S.
Department of Education (vocational rehabilitation funding). In fiscal 1998,
financial assistance from such federal and state programs equaled less than 3%
of the Company's net revenues. The Art Institutes also provide institutional
scholarships to qualified students. In fiscal 1998, institutional scholarships
had a value equal to approximately 3% of the Company's net revenues. In
September 1995, the Company negotiated access to a supplemental loan program
with a commercial bank that allows students to repay loans over ten years after
graduation and allows students with lower than average credit ratings to obtain
loans. The primary objective of such loan program is to lower the monthly
payments required of students. Such loans are without recourse to the Company or
its schools.
 
     AVAILABILITY OF LENDERS
 
     During fiscal 1998, six lending institutions provided over 81% of all
federally guaranteed loans to students attending the Company's schools. While
the Company believes that other lenders would be willing to make federally
guaranteed student loans to its students if loans were no longer available from
its current lenders, there can be no assurances in this regard. In addition, the
HEA requires the establishment of lenders of last resort in every state to make
certain loans to students at any school that cannot otherwise identify lenders
willing to make federally guaranteed loans to its students.
 
     One student loan guaranty agency (USA Group Guarantee Services, formerly
United Student Aid Funds) currently guarantees approximately 85% of all
federally guaranteed student loans made to students enrolled at the Company's
schools. The Company believes that other guaranty agencies would be willing to
guarantee loans to the Company's students if that agency ceased guaranteeing
those loans or reduced the volume of those loans it guaranteed.
 
     FEDERAL OVERSIGHT OF TITLE IV PROGRAMS
 
     The substantial amount of federal funds disbursed through Title IV
Programs, coupled with the large numbers of students and institutions
participating in them, have led to instances of fraud, waste and abuse. As a
result, the United States Congress (the "U.S. Congress") has required the U.S.
Department of Education to increase its level of regulatory oversight of schools
to ensure that public funds are properly used. Each institution must annually
submit to the U.S. Department of Education an audit by an independent accounting
firm of that school's compliance with Title IV Program requirements, as well as
audited financial statements. The U.S. Department of Education also conducts
compliance reviews, which include on-site evaluations, of several
                                       16
<PAGE>   16
 
hundred institutions each year, and directs student loan guaranty agencies to
conduct additional reviews relating to student loan programs. In addition, the
Office of the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education conducts
audits and investigations in certain circumstances. Under the HEA, accrediting
agencies and state licensing agencies also have responsibilities for overseeing
institutions' compliance with certain Title IV Program requirements. As a
result, each participating institution is subject to frequent and detailed
oversight and must comply with a complex framework of laws and regulations or
risk being required to repay funds or becoming ineligible to participate in
Title IV Programs.
 
     Largely as a result of this increased oversight, more than 900 institutions
have either ceased to be eligible for, or have voluntarily relinquished their,
participation in some or all Title IV Programs since October 1, 1992. This has
reduced competition among institutions with respect to certain markets and
education programs. Due to the specialized nature of their education programs,
the reduction in the number of participating institutions has had no substantial
effect on The Art Institutes.
 
     Cohort Default Rates. A significant component of the Congressional
initiative aimed at reducing fraud, waste and abuse was the imposition of
limitations on participation in Title IV Programs by institutions whose former
students defaulted at an "excessive" rate on the repayment of federally
guaranteed student loans and, more recently, of FDSL loans. Since the U.S.
Department of Education began to impose sanctions on institutions with cohort
default rates above certain levels, more than 700 institutions have lost their
eligibility to participate in some or all Title IV Programs for this reason.
However, many institutions that participate in Title IV Programs, including The
Art Institutes, have responded by implementing aggressive student loan default
management programs aimed at reducing the likelihood of students failing to
repay their loans in a timely manner.
 
     A school's cohort default rate under the FFEL program is calculated on an
annual basis as the rate at which student borrowers scheduled to begin repayment
on their loans in one federal fiscal year default on those loans by the end of
the next federal fiscal year. Any institution whose FFEL cohort default rate
equals or exceeds 25% for three consecutive years will no longer be eligible to
participate in that program or the FDSL program for the remainder of the federal
fiscal year in which the U.S. Department of Education determines that such
institution has lost its eligibility and for the two subsequent federal fiscal
years. In addition, an institution whose FFEL cohort default rate for any
federal fiscal year exceeds 40% may have its eligibility to participate in all
Title IV Programs limited, suspended or terminated. Since the calculation of
FFEL cohort default rates involves the collection of data from many
non-governmental agencies (i.e., lenders and non-federal guarantors), as well as
the U.S. Department of Education, the HEA provides a formal process for the
review and appeal of the accuracy of FFEL cohort default rates before the U.S.
Department of Education takes any action against an institution based on its
FFEL cohort default rates. As part of that process, the U.S. Department of
Education provides each institution with its FFEL cohort default rate on a
preliminary basis for review. Preliminary cohort default rates are subject to
revision by the U.S. Department of Education based on information that schools
and guaranty agencies identify and submit to the U.S. Department of Education
for review in order to correct any errors in the data previously provided to the
U.S. Department of Education.
 
     None of the Company's schools has had an FFEL cohort default rate of 25% or
greater for the last three consecutive federal fiscal years. For federal fiscal
year 1995, the most recent year for which such rates have been published, the
average FFEL cohort default rate for borrowers at all proprietary institutions
was 19.9%. For that year, the combined preliminary FFEL cohort default rate for
all borrowers at the Company's schools was 17.7%. When the FFEL cohort default
rates were originally published in November 1997, the combined FFEL cohort
default rate for all borrowers at the Company's schools was 17.5%. EDMC filed
appeals concerning the published rates at some of its schools with the U.S.
Department of Education, resulting in a final combined FFEL cohort default rate
of 16.9% for all borrowers at the Company's schools and a range of rates for the
individual schools of 7.4% to 21.0% for federal fiscal year 1995. For federal
fiscal year 1996, the combined preliminary FFEL cohort default rate for all
borrowers at the Company's schools was 17.5% and its individual schools'
preliminary rates ranged from 7.2% to 21.5%, although only two such schools had
preliminary rates that exceeded 20%. EDMC has submitted information to the U.S.
Department of Education with respect to the preliminary FFEL cohort default
rates for federal fiscal year 1996 for most of its schools and believes that the
published FFEL cohort default rates for such year for one or more of its schools
will be less than such schools' preliminary rates. Any
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   17
 
such adjustment would be made by the U.S. Department of Education at the time
that official rates for federal fiscal year 1996 are published, which is
expected to occur in 1998.
 
     If an institution's FFEL cohort default rate equals or exceeds 25% in any
of the three most recent federal fiscal years, or if its cohort default rate for
loans under the Perkins program exceeds 15% for the most recent federal award
year (i.e., July 1 through June 30), that institution may be placed on
provisional certification status for up to four years. Provisional certification
does not limit an institution's access to Title IV Program funds, but does
subject that institution to closer review by the U.S. Department of Education
and possible summary adverse action if that institution commits a material
violation of Title IV Program requirements. To EDMC's knowledge, the U.S.
Department of Education reviews an institution's compliance with the cohort
default rate thresholds described in this paragraph only when that school is
otherwise subject to a U.S. Department of Education certification review. As a
result of such a certification review in 1997, The Art Institute of Houston was
placed on provisional certification status because of its FFEL cohort default
rates for federal fiscal years 1993 and 1994. Five of the Company's schools had
Perkins cohort default rates in excess of 15% for students who were to begin
repayment during the federal award year ending June 30, 1997, the most recent
year for which such rates have been calculated. For each of those school, funds
from the Perkins program equaled less than 2% of the school's net revenues in
fiscal 1998. To date, none of those schools has been placed on provisional
certification status for this reason. If an institution is placed on such status
for this reason and that institution reduced its Perkins cohort default rate
below 15% in a subsequent year, that institution could ask the U.S. Department
of Education to remove the provisional status.
 
     Each of the Company's schools has adopted a student loan default management
plan. Those plans provide for extensive loan counseling, methods to increase
student persistence and completion rates and graduate employment rates,
strategies to increase graduate salaries and, for most schools, the use of
external agencies to assist the school with loan counseling and loan servicing
if a student ceases attending that school. Those activities are in addition to
the loan servicing and collection activities of FFEL lenders and guaranty
agencies.
 
     Increased Regulatory Scrutiny. The 1992 reauthorization of the HEA expanded
the role of accrediting agencies in the oversight of institutions participating
in Title IV Programs. As a result, the accrediting agencies of which the
Company's schools are members have increased the depth and intensity of reviews
and have expanded examinations in such areas as financial responsibility and
timeliness of student refunds. The HEA also requires each accrediting agency
recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to undergo comprehensive periodic
review by the U.S. Department of Education to ascertain whether such accrediting
agency is adhering to required standards. Each accrediting agency that accredits
any of the Company's schools has been reviewed by the U.S. Department of
Education within the past three years and reapproved for continued recognition
by the U.S. Department of Education.
 
     The 1992 reauthorization of the HEA also tightened the standards to be
applied by the U.S. Department of Education in evaluating the financial
responsibility and administrative capability of institutions participating in
Title IV Programs, and mandated that the U.S. Department of Education
periodically review the eligibility and certification to participate in Title IV
Programs of every such eligible institution. By law, all institutions were
required to undergo such a recertification review by the U.S. Department of
Education by 1997 and are required to undergo such review every four years
thereafter. Under these standards, each of the Company's schools that
participates in Title IV Programs would be evaluated by the U.S. Department of
Education more frequently than in the past. All of the Company's schools that
participate in Title IV Programs have been reviewed and recertified due to their
acquisition by EDMC or recertified by the U.S. Department of Education during
1996, 1997 or 1998. A denial of recertification would preclude a school from
continuing to participate in Title IV Programs.
 
     As is true for any institution that is recertified following a change of
ownership, The Illinois Institute of Art at Chicago and its additional location,
The Illinois Institute of Art at Schaumburg, were provisionally certified to
participate in Title IV Programs following their acquisition by EDMC in November
1995. The period of their provisional certification is scheduled to expire on
December 31, 1998 and, in accordance with the requirements of the U.S.
Department of Education, they filed an application in September 1998 for
recertification by the U.S. Department of Education. Similarly, NYRS and The Art
Institutes International Minnesota are scheduled to
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   18
 
file applications by June 30, 1999 to be recertified by the U.S. Department of
Education. None of the Company's other schools are scheduled to apply for
recertification during fiscal 1999.
 
     Financial Responsibility Standards. All institutions participating in Title
IV Programs must satisfy a series of specific standards of financial
responsibility. Institutions are evaluated for compliance with those
requirements as part of the U.S. Department of Education's quadrennial
recertification process and also annually as each institution submits its
audited financial statements to the U.S. Department of Education. Under
regulations that took effect on July 1, 1998, the U.S. Department of Education
has adopted new standards (replacing the former "acid test" ratio test, tangible
net worth test and two-year operating loss test) to determine an institution's
financial responsibility so that it will be permitted to participate in Title IV
Programs without additional constraints or costs. The regulations establish
three new tests: (i) the equity ratio, measuring an institution's capital
resources, ability to borrow and financial viability; (ii) the primary reserve
ratio, measuring an institution's ability to support current operations from
expendable resources; and (iii) the net income ratio, measuring an institution's
profitability. Each ratio is to be calculated separately, based on an
institution's most recent annual audited financial statements, and then weighted
and combined to arrive at a single composite score.
 
     Under those standards, such composite score must be at least 1.5 for an
institution to be deemed financially responsible without any conditions or the
imposition of additional oversight. If an institution's composite score is below
1.5, the institution may nonetheless continue to participate in Title IV
Programs by agreeing to one or a combination of several alternatives that
include: (i) receiving Title IV Program funding under the cash monitoring or
reimbursement system of payment, which would entail additional oversight and
potential delay in receipt of such funds; (ii) filing additional reports with
and submitting to additional monitoring by the U.S. Department of Education; and
(iii) accepting provisional certification and posting a letter of credit in an
amount equal to at least 10% of the Title IV Program funding it received in its
most recent fiscal year. Regardless of its composite score, an institution may
establish its financial responsibility and continue to participate in Title IV
Programs without additional constraints if it posts a letter of credit in an
amount equal to at least 50% of the Title IV Program funding it received in its
most recent fiscal year. For the first year that those new financial
responsibility regulations are in effect, which is fiscal 1998 for the Company's
schools, an institution that has a composite score of less than 1.5 may elect to
have its financial responsibility measured under the U.S. Department of
Education's former standards.
 
     Historically, the U.S. Department of Education has evaluated the financial
condition of the Company's schools on an institution-by-institution basis,
although recently the U.S. Department of Education has requested, and the
Company has provided, financial information concerning The Art Institutes on a
consolidated basis at the level of their parent company, AII, as well as EDMC.
When they were acquired, The Illinois Institute of Art at Chicago (combined with
its additional location, The Illinois Institute of Art at Schaumburg), NYRS, The
Art Institutes International Minnesota, The Art Institutes International at
Portland and The Art Institutes International at San Francisco satisfied the
financial responsibility standards by filing and relying on the consolidated
financial statements of AII. For the year ended June 30, 1998, the Company
believes that, on an individual institution basis, each of its schools then
participating in Title IV Programs satisfied the former financial responsibility
standards and had a composite score of at least 1.5 under the new financial
responsibility standards (pursuant to regulation, The Illinois Institute of Art
at Schaumburg, The Art Institute of Phoenix and The Art Institute of Los Angeles
would be combined with their main campuses, The Illinois Institute of Art at
Chicago, The Colorado Institute of Art, and The Art Institute of Pittsburgh,
respectively, for that purpose).
 
     Restrictions on Operating Additional Schools. The HEA generally requires
that certain institutions, including proprietary schools, be in full operation
for two years before applying to participate in Title IV Programs. However,
under the HEA and applicable regulations, an institution that is certified to
participate in Title IV Programs may establish an additional location and apply
to participate in Title IV Programs at that location without reference to the
two-year requirement, if such additional location satisfies all other applicable
requirements. In addition, a school which undergoes a change of ownership
resulting in a change in control (as defined under the HEA) must be reviewed and
recertified for participation in Title IV Programs under its new ownership.
Pending recertification, the U.S. Department of Education suspends Title IV
Program funding to that school's students. If that school is recertified, it
will be on a provisional basis. During the time a school is provisionally
certified, it may be subject to summary adverse action for a material violation
of Title IV Program
                                       19
<PAGE>   19
 
requirements, but provisional certification does not otherwise limit an
institution's access to Title IV Program funds. The Company's expansion plans
are based, in part, on its ability to add additional locations and acquire
schools that can be recertified.
 
     The Illinois Institute of Art at Chicago, The Illinois Institute of Art at
Schaumburg, NYRS, The Art Institutes International Minnesota, The Art Institutes
International at San Francisco and The Art Institutes International at Portland
are provisionally certified by the U.S. Department of Education due to their
recent acquisition by the Company. None of the Company's other schools that are
participating in Title IV Programs are on provisional certification status,
except The Art Institute of Houston which in the course of the normal
recertification process was provisionally recertified in 1997 because of its
FFEL cohort default rates.
 
     Certain of the state authorizing agencies and accrediting agencies with
jurisdiction over the Company's schools also have requirements that may, in
certain instances, limit the ability of the Company to open a new school,
acquire an existing school or establish an additional location of an existing
school. The Company does not believe that those standards will have a material
adverse effect on the Company or its expansion plans.
 
     The "85/15 Rule." Under a provision of the HEA commonly referred to as the
"85/15 Rule," a proprietary institution, such as each of EDMC's schools, would
cease being eligible to participate in Title IV Programs if, on a cash
accounting basis, more than 85% of its revenues for the prior fiscal year was
derived from Title IV Programs. Any school that violates the 85/15 Rule
immediately becomes ineligible to participate in Title IV Programs and is unable
to apply to regain its eligibility until the following fiscal year. For fiscal
1998, the range for the Company's schools was from approximately 30% to
approximately 70%. The Company regularly monitors compliance with this
requirement in order to minimize the risk that any of its schools would derive
more than 85% of its revenues from Title IV Programs in any fiscal year. If a
school appears likely to approach the 85% threshold, the Company would evaluate
the appropriateness of making changes in student funding and financing to ensure
compliance.
 
     Restrictions on Payment of Bonuses, Commissions or Other Incentives. The
HEA prohibits an institution from providing any commission, bonus or other
incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing
enrollments or financial aid to any person or entity engaged in any student
recruitment, admission or financial aid awarding activity. EDMC believes that
its current compensation plans are in compliance with HEA standards, although
the regulations of the U.S. Department of Education do not establish clear
criteria for compliance.
 
     Legislative Action. The HEA was most recently reauthorized by the U.S.
Congress in 1992, at which time funding for Title IV Programs was authorized
through September 30, 1997, with an automatic one-year extension if the HEA was
not reauthorized by that date. The U.S. Congress has commenced the
reauthorization process, which is expected to be completed during 1998. If the
U.S. Congress has not completed the reauthorization process by September 30,
1998, it is likely that the U.S. Congress, following normal practices, would
extend the HEA for some period of time. At this time it is not possible to
predict whether current funding levels will be maintained for any or all Title
IV Programs or how current requirements for institutional participation and
student eligibility may be changed.
 
     In addition, in August 1997, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 became law.
The law contains a number of provisions relating to students attending
postsecondary education institutions, including various tax credits, tax
deductions and provisions liberalizing the use of individual retirement accounts
to meet educational expenses. The provisions of this new law have been phased in
beginning in calendar 1998 and are intended by the U.S. Congress to assist
students and their families in paying for their postsecondary education
programs.
 
STATE AUTHORIZATION
 
     Each of EDMC's schools is authorized to offer education programs and grant
degrees or diplomas by the state in which such school is located. The level of
regulatory oversight varies substantially from state to state. In some states,
the schools are subject to licensure by the state education agency and also by a
separate higher education agency. State laws establish standards for
instruction, qualifications of faculty, location and nature of facilities,
financial policies and responsibility and other operational matters. State laws
and regulations may limit
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   20
 
the ability of the Company to obtain authorization to operate in certain states
or to award degrees or diplomas or offer new degree programs. Certain states
prescribe standards of financial responsibility that are different from those
prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education. The Company believes that each
of the Company's schools is in substantial compliance with state authorizing and
licensure laws.
 
RISK FACTORS
 
     The Company wishes to caution readers that, in addition to the important
factors described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following
factors, among others, could affect the Company's business, results of
operations, financial condition and prospects in fiscal 1999 and later years:
(i) the perceptions of the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Department of Education and
the public concerning proprietary postsecondary education institutions to the
extent those perceptions could result in changes in the HEA in connection with
its reauthorization; (ii) EDMC's ability to comply with federal and state
regulations and accreditation standards, including any changes therein or
changes in the interpretation thereof; (iii) the Company's capability to foresee
changes in the skills required of its graduates and to design new courses and
programs to develop those skills; (iv) the ability of the Company to gauge
successfully the markets which are underserved in the skills that the Company's
schools teach; (v) the Company's ability to gauge appropriate acquisition and
start-up opportunities and to manage and integrate them successfully; and (vi)
competitive pressures from other educational institutions.
 
ITEM 2--PROPERTIES
 
     EDMC's schools are located in major metropolitan areas in twelve states.
Typically, the schools occupy an entire building or several floors or portions
of floors in a building. The Company and its subsidiaries currently lease almost
all of their facilities. Such leases have remaining terms ranging from less than
one year to 16 years and typically include options for renewal. Most school
leases are guaranteed by EDMC. In fiscal 1998, the Company and its subsidiaries
paid approximately $14.9 million in rent for educational and administrative
facilities. In Denver, one building with 44,495 square feet is owned by the
Company. In addition, the Company has entered into contracts to purchase two
properties and expects to close both transactions in late September or early
October 1998. One property is The Art Institute of Seattle's main facility,
which has 71,627 square feet and has been leased by the school since 1990. The
other property is a 99,400 square foot building in Denver that will enable The
Colorado Institute of Art to consolidate operations that now occupy three
facilities (two leased, one owned) into one building.
 
     New leases entered into for schools typically are for ten years to 15
years, with two to four five-year renewal options. Currently, the Company
expects to spend $40 to $50 per square foot, in addition to any allowance
provided by the landlord, to make improvements necessary for the facility to
meet the Company's operating standards. For new or rapidly growing schools, a
lease typically provides for expansion rights within a building in order to
accommodate increases in student enrollment.
 
     The majority of schools lease facilities for student parking and housing.
These arrangements generally are intended to assist only a limited number of a
school's students, are designed to be flexible, are for terms of one to five
years and usually do not involve an EDMC guarantee. Annual rent for
school-sponsored housing arrangements ranges from approximately $41,000 to $2.1
million per school, depending on the number of housing units and local market
conditions. EDMC has executed a contract to purchase a dormitory facility in
Fort Lauderdale and believes that it will consummate the transaction in late
September or early October 1998. The facility has been leased by The Art
Institute of Ft. Lauderdale for the past six years and contains 144 two-student
units.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   21
 
     The following table sets forth certain information as of June 30, 1998 with
respect to the principal properties leased by the Company and its subsidiaries:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    LOCATION (CITY/STATE)      SQUARE FEET
    ---------------------      -----------
<S>                            <C>
Phoenix, AZ..................     55,500
Los Angeles, CA..............     37,899
San Francisco, CA............     37,102
Denver, CO...................     59,755
Ft. Lauderdale, FL(1)........    118,500
Atlanta, GA..................     88,929
Atlanta, GA(2)...............     13,796
Chicago, IL..................     51,528
Chicago, IL..................      3,025
Schaumburg, IL...............     26,722
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    LOCATION (CITY/STATE)      SQUARE FEET
    ---------------------      -----------
<S>                            <C>
Minneapolis, MN..............     40,835
New York, NY.................     30,500
Portland, OR.................     27,000
Philadelphia, PA(3)..........    113,900
Pittsburgh, PA...............     26,115
Pittsburgh, PA(2)............    126,500
Dallas, TX...................     75,250
Houston, TX..................     79,345
Seattle, WA..................    114,750
</TABLE>
 
---------
 
(1) One of the properties occupied by The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is
    owned by a limited partnership that includes among its limited partners one
    current member of EDMC's management who is also a director.
 
(2) These leases expire in the year 2000 with no renewal options.
 
(3) One of the properties occupied by The Art Institute of Philadelphia is owned
    indirectly by a limited partnership that includes among its limited partners
    one current member of EDMC's management who is also a director and another
    current director of EDMC.
 
ITEM 3--LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     EDMC is subject to litigation in the ordinary course of its business. While
there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of any litigation involving
the Company, the Company does not believe that any pending legal proceeding is
likely to result in a judgment or settlement that would have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
 
ITEM 4--SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
     Not applicable.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   22
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5-- MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER
        MATTERS
 
     The Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market System under the
symbol "EDMC." As of September 18, 1998, there were 14,592,530 shares of Common
Stock outstanding held by approximately 532 holders of record. The prices set
forth below reflect the high and low sales prices for the Common Stock for the
periods indicated, as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system
of the Nasdaq National Market System.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1997                1998
                                  ----------------    ----------------
       THREE MONTHS ENDED          HIGH      LOW       HIGH      LOW
       ------------------          ----      ---       ----      ---
<S>                               <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
September 30....................     N/A       N/A    $29.00    $24.25
December 31.....................  $21.00    $15.50     32.00     24.50
March 31........................   23.25     18.00     35.25     27.25
June 30.........................   26.75     21.50     38.13     31.66
</TABLE>
 
     EDMC has not declared or paid any cash dividends on its capital stock
during the last ten years other than on the shares of its Series A 10.19%
Convertible Preferred Stock, $.0001 par value (the "Series A Preferred Stock"),
none of which is currently outstanding. EDMC currently intends to retain future
earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of its business and does
not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment
of dividends by EDMC was subject to certain restrictions under the terms of the
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated March 16, 1995, as previously
amended (the "Revolving Credit Agreement"). This agreement was further amended,
effective June 30, 1998, eliminating the restriction relating to payment of
dividends.
 
     During fiscal 1997, the Company sold 1,500 shares of Common Stock to N.G.
Temnick on August 9, 1996 for $3.50 per share ($5,250 in the aggregate) pursuant
to the exercise of stock options in a transaction which was intended to be
exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, by virtue of Section 4(2) thereof.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   23
 
ITEM 6--SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following summary consolidated financial and other data should be read
in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes
thereto filed in response to Item 8 and the information included in response to
Item 7 below. Certain of the summary consolidated financial data presented below
are derived from the Company's consolidated financial statements audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, whose report covering the
financial statements as of June 30, 1997 and 1998 and for each of the three
years in the period ended June 30, 1998 also is filed in response to Item 8
below. The summary consolidated income statement data for the years ended June
30, 1994 and 1995 and the summary consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30,
1994, 1995 and 1996 are derived from audited financial statements not included
herein.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                            ------------------------------------------------------
                                            1994(7)    1995(8)(9)   1996(9)    1997(9)      1998
                                            -------    ----------   -------    -------      ----
                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                         <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Net revenues..............................  $122,549    $131,227    $147,863   $182,849   $221,732
Amortization of intangibles(1)............     6,599       1,937       1,060      2,076      1,611
ESOP expense(2)...........................     4,759       7,086       1,366         --         --
Income (loss) before extraordinary
  item(3).................................    (1,702)      1,513       6,846      9,985     14,322
Net income (loss).........................    (1,702)      1,513       5,920      9,985     14,322
Dividends on Series A Preferred
  Stock(4)................................     2,249       2,249       2,249         83         --
Other Series A Preferred Stock
  transactions(4).........................        --          --          --        403         --
PER SHARE DATA:
Basic:
Income (loss) before extraordinary item...      (.57)       (.11)        .66        .80        .99
Net income (loss).........................      (.57)       (.11)        .53        .80        .99
Weighted average number of shares
  outstanding, in thousands(5)............     6,926       6,890       6,913     11,939     14,454
Diluted:
Income (loss) before extraordinary item...      (.57)       (.11)        .39        .72        .96
Net income (loss).........................      (.57)       (.11)        .31        .72        .96
Weighted average number of shares
  outstanding, in thousands(5)............     6,926       6,890      11,874     13,671     14,926
OTHER DATA:
Capital expenditures......................     6,289      11,640      14,981     18,487     17,951
Enrollments at beginning of fall quarter
  during period(6)........................    12,592      12,749      13,407     15,838     18,763
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                AS OF JUNE 30,
                                            ------------------------------------------------------
                                              1994        1995        1996       1997       1998
                                              ----        ----        ----       ----       ----
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                         <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total cash and cash equivalents...........  $ 20,487    $ 39,623    $ 27,399   $ 33,227   $ 47,310
Current assets............................    30,705      49,662      39,858     48,886     65,623
Total assets..............................    78,527     102,303     101,412    126,292    148,783
Current liabilities.......................    30,129      34,718      27,264     36,178     38,097
Long-term debt (including current
  portion)................................    63,112      69,810      65,919     34,031     38,382
Shareholders' investment (deficit)........    (7,724)      1,855       9,656     57,756     73,325
</TABLE>
 
---------
 
(1) Includes the amortization of goodwill and intangibles resulting from the
    application of purchase accounting to the establishment and financing of the
    ESOP and the related leveraged transaction in 1989. See Note 2 of Notes to
    Consolidated Financial Statements. The majority of the intangible assets
    related to student enrollments and applications, accreditation and contracts
    with colleges and universities and were written off
                                       24
<PAGE>   24
 
    over two to five year periods. The excess of the investment in EDMC and
    other acquisitions over the fair market value of the net assets acquired has
    been assigned to goodwill and is being amortized over 40 years.
 
(2) ESOP expense equals the sum of the payments on the senior term loan obtained
    for the ESOP's acquisition of securities from EDMC (the "ESOP Term Loan"),
    plus repurchases of shares from participants in the ESOP, less the dividends
    paid on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock previously held by the ESOP.
    In fiscal 1995, the Company made a voluntary prepayment of $2.1 million on
    the ESOP Term Loan. In fiscal 1996, the ESOP Term Loan was repaid in full.
    Therefore, there will be no future ESOP expense resulting from the repayment
    of such loan or, so long as the Common Stock is publicly traded, from
    repurchases of shares.
 
(3) In fiscal 1996, the $25.0 million aggregate principal amount of the
    Company's 13.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due 1999 (the "Subordinated
    Notes") was prepaid in full. The resulting $1.5 million prepayment penalty
    is classified as an extraordinary item, net of the related income tax
    benefit.
 
(4) Dividends on the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, dividends
    accrued but not paid on outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and a
    redemption premium paid upon redemption of 75,000 shares of Series A
    Preferred Stock have been deducted from net income (loss) in calculating net
    income (loss) per share of Common Stock.
 
(5) The weighted average shares outstanding used to calculate basic income
    (loss) per share does not include potentially dilutive securities (such as
    stock options, warrants and convertible preferred stock). Diluted income
    (loss) per share includes, where dilutive, the equivalent shares of Common
    Stock calculated under the treasury stock method for the assumed exercise of
    options and warrants and conversion of shares of Series A Preferred Stock.
 
(6) Excludes students enrolled in programs at colleges and universities having
    consulting agreements with NCPD.
 
(7) A special charge of $3.0 million was recorded in fiscal 1994 for unusual
    items, including the early write-off of equipment, program termination
    expenses, severance compensation, expenses related to the settlement of a
    lease and various legal expenses. Such special charge was included in
    educational services and general and administrative expenses.
 
(8) Results for fiscal 1995 include a $1.1 million nonrecurring credit for the
    refund of state and local business and occupation taxes.
 
(9) Charges of $1.1 million, $0.5 million and $0.4 million are reflected in
    1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively, to account for non-cash compensation
    expense related to the performance-based vesting of nonstatutory stock
    options.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   25
 
ITEM 7-- MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
        OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following discussion of the Company's results of operations and
financial condition should be read in conjunction with the information filed in
response to Item 6 and Item 8. Unless otherwise specified, any reference to a
"year" is to a fiscal year ended June 30.
 
BACKGROUND
 
     EDMC is among the largest providers of proprietary postsecondary education
in the United States, based on student enrollments and revenues. Through its
operating units, The Art Institutes, NYRS, NCPT and NCPD, the Company offers
associate's and bachelor's degree programs and non-degree programs in the areas
of design, media arts and technology, culinary arts, fashion and professional
development. The Company has provided career-oriented education programs since
1962, and its schools have graduated over 100,000 students. The Company's main
operating unit, The Art Institutes, consists of 15 schools in 14 major
metropolitan areas throughout the United States and accounted for approximately
93% of the Company's net revenues in 1998.
 
     Net revenues, income before interest and taxes and net income increased in
each of the last two years. Net revenues are presented after deducting refunds,
scholarships and other adjustments. Net revenues increased 50.0% to $221.7
million in 1998 from $147.9 million in 1996. Income before interest and taxes
increased 73.2% to $24.7 million in 1998 from $14.3 million in 1996. Net income
increased by 141.9% to $14.3 million in 1998 from $5.9 million in 1996. Average
quarterly student enrollments at the Company's schools were 17,002 in 1998
compared to 12,079 in 1996. The increase in average enrollments relates to,
among other factors, new education programs and additional school locations,
along with expanded bachelor's degree and evening degree program offerings.
 
     The Company's revenues consist of tuition and fees, student housing fees
and student supply store and restaurant sales. In 1998, the Company derived
87.7% of its net revenues from net tuition and fees paid by, or on behalf of,
its students. Tuition revenue generally varies based on the average tuition
charge per credit hour and the average student population. Student supply store
and housing revenue is largely a function of the average student population. The
average student population is influenced by the number of continuing students
attending school at the beginning of a fiscal period and by the number of new
students entering school during such period. New students enter The Art
Institutes and NCPT at the beginning of each academic quarter, which typically
commence in January, April, July and October. Programs at NYRS start eight times
throughout the year. The Company believes that the size of its student
population is influenced by the number of graduating high school students, the
attractiveness of its program offerings, the effectiveness of its marketing
efforts, the strength of employment markets, the persistence of its students,
the length of its education programs and general economic conditions. The
introduction of additional program offerings at existing schools and the
establishment of new schools (through acquisition or start-up) are important
factors influencing the Company's average student population.
 
     Tuition increases have been implemented in varying amounts in each of the
past several years. Historically, the Company has been able to pass along cost
increases through increases in tuition. The Company believes that it can
continue to increase tuition as educational costs at other postsecondary
institutions, both public and private, continue to rise. The Company's schools
implemented tuition rate increases averaging approximately 5% for the fall
quarter of 1998. Tuition rates have generally been consistent across the
Company's schools and programs. However, as the Company enters more markets in
different geographic regions, tuition rates across Company schools might not
remain consistent.
 
     The majority of students at The Art Institutes and NYRS rely on funds
received under various government sponsored student financial aid programs,
especially Title IV Programs, to pay a substantial portion of their tuition and
other education-related expenses. For the year ended June 30, 1998,
approximately 62% of the Company's net revenues was indirectly derived from
Title IV Programs.
 
     Educational services expense consists primarily of costs related to the
development, delivery and administration of the Company's education programs.
Major cost components are faculty compensation, administrative salaries, costs
of educational materials, facility leases and school occupancy costs,
information systems costs, bad
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   26
 
debt expense and depreciation and amortization of property and equipment. During
1998, The Art Institutes' faculty comprised approximately 45% full-time and
approximately 55% part-time employees. In 1997, these same percentages were 44%
and 56%, respectively.
 
     General and administrative expense consists of marketing and student
admissions expenses and certain central staff departmental costs such as
executive management, finance and accounting, legal and corporate development
and other departments that do not provide direct services to the Company's
students. The Company has centralized many of these services to gain consistency
in management reporting, efficiency in administrative effort and control of
costs. All marketing and student admissions costs are expensed in the fiscal
year incurred.
 
     Amortization of intangibles relates to the values assigned to student
enrollment agreements and applications, accreditation, contracts with colleges
and universities and goodwill. These intangible assets arose principally from
the application of purchase accounting to the establishment and financing of the
ESOP and the related leveraged transaction in October 1989 and the acquisitions
of the schools discussed below. See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.
 
     ESOP expense equals the sum of the payments on the ESOP Term Loan, plus
repurchases of shares from participants in the ESOP, less the dividends paid on
the Series A Preferred Stock that was held by the ESOP. As of June 30, 1996, the
entire ESOP Term Loan was repaid and, in November 1996, the IPO was consummated.
As a result, there was no ESOP expense in 1997 or 1998. Coincident with the IPO,
the ESOP converted its shares of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of Common
Stock and, therefore, dividends are no longer payable on the Series A Preferred
Stock.
 
     In November 1995, the Company purchased the assets of the two schools of
Ray College of Design for $1.1 million in cash and the assumption of specified
liabilities. The Company acquired accounts receivable, property and equipment
and certain other assets. The schools, which regained eligibility as of March
1996 to participate in Title IV Programs, were renamed The Illinois Institute of
Art at Chicago and The Illinois Institute of Art at Schaumburg.
 
     In 1996, the Company established The Art Institute of Phoenix, at which
classes commenced in January 1996. The school became eligible to participate in
Title IV Programs in August 1996. During 1996, the Company deferred
approximately $0.4 million of certain pre-opening non-marketing and admissions
costs associated with The Art Institute of Phoenix start-up. All of the costs
deferred in 1996 were expensed in 1997.
 
     In August 1996, the Company purchased certain assets of NYRS for
approximately $9.5 million. The Company acquired current assets net of specified
current liabilities, property and equipment, student enrollment agreements,
curriculum, trade names and certain other assets. The school regained its
eligibility as of November 1996 to participate in Title IV Programs.
 
     In January 1997, the Company acquired the assets of Lowthian College in
Minneapolis, Minnesota for $0.4 million, which included the assumption of
certain liabilities. The school, which regained eligibility as of April 1997 to
participate in Title IV Programs, has been renamed The Art Institutes
International Minnesota.
 
     In March 1997, the Company established The Art Institute of Los Angeles, at
which classes began in October 1997. The school became eligible to participate
in Title IV Programs in February 1998. In connection with this start-up,
marketing and student recruiting activities commenced in April 1997. The $0.4
million of pre-opening costs were expensed as incurred in 1997.
 
     In December 1997, the Company purchased certain assets of the Louise
Salinger School in San Francisco, California for $0.6 million in cash. The
Company also entered into a consulting agreement with its former president in
exchange for an option to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock. The school was
renamed The Art Institutes International at San Francisco and regained its
eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs in April 1998.
 
     In February 1998, the Company acquired certain assets of Bassist College in
Portland, Oregon, from Bassist Corporation, for approximately $0.9 million in
cash. The purchase agreement provides for additional consideration based upon a
specified percentage of gross revenues over the next five years. The school
regained its
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   27
 
eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs in April 1998 and was renamed
The Art Institutes International at Portland.
 
     Start-up schools and smaller acquisitions are expected to incur operating
losses during the first two to three years following their opening or purchase.
The combined operating losses of the Company's newer schools in California,
Minnesota and Oregon were approximately $4.1 million in 1998.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the percentage
relationships of certain income statement items to net revenues.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                  ---------------------------
                                                  1996       1997       1998
                                                  ----       ----       ----
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>
Net revenues....................................  100.0%     100.0%     100.0%
Costs and expenses:
  Educational services..........................   66.8       66.1       66.4
  General and administrative....................   21.9       22.4       21.7
  Amortization of intangibles...................    0.7        1.1        0.7
  ESOP expense..................................    0.9         --         --
                                                  -----      -----      -----
                                                   90.4       89.7       88.9
                                                  -----      -----      -----
Income before interest and taxes................    9.6       10.3       11.1
Interest expense, net...........................    2.3        0.9         --
                                                  -----      -----      -----
Income before income taxes......................    7.4        9.4       11.1
Provision for income taxes......................    2.7        4.0        4.7
                                                  -----      -----      -----
Income before extraordinary item................    4.6        5.5        6.5
Extraordinary item..............................    0.6         --         --
                                                  -----      -----      -----
Net income......................................    4.0%       5.5%       6.5%
                                                  =====      =====      =====
</TABLE>
 
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
 
     NET REVENUES
 
     Net revenues increased by 21.3% to $221.7 million in 1998 from $182.8
million in 1997. The revenue increase was primarily due to an increase in
average quarterly student enrollments ($25.5 million) and an approximate 5%
tuition price increase ($7.4 million) at schools owned by EDMC prior to 1998,
and the addition of three schools ($2.0 million). The average academic year
(three academic quarters) tuition rate for a student attending classes at an Art
Institute on a recommended full schedule increased to $10,350 in 1998 from
$9,860 in 1997. The Art Institute of Los Angeles was established in March 1997
and commenced classes in October 1997. The Company acquired the Louise Salinger
School in December 1997 (renamed The Art Institutes International at San
Francisco) and Bassist College in February 1998 (renamed The Art Institutes
International at Portland).
 
     Net housing revenues increased by 24.3% to $12.9 million in 1998 from $10.4
million in 1997 and revenues from the sale of educational materials in 1998
increased by 20.3% to $10.4 million. Both increased primarily as a result of
higher average student enrollments.
 
     Refunds for 1998 increased from $6.0 million in 1997 to $7.1 million in
1998. As a percentage of gross revenue, refunds decreased slightly from 1997.
 
     EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
 
     Educational services expense increased by $26.4 million, or 21.8%, to
$147.3 million in 1998 from $120.9 million in 1997. The increase was primarily
due to additional costs required to service higher student enrollments,
accompanied by normal cost increases for wages and other services at the schools
owned by EDMC prior to 1997
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   28
 
($16.8 million) and schools added in 1997 and 1998 ($7.6 million). Higher costs
associated with establishing and supporting new schools and developing new
education programs contributed to the increase.
 
     GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
 
     General and administrative expense increased by 17.2% to $48.1 million in
1998 from $41.0 million in 1997 due to the incremental marketing and student
admissions expenses incurred to generate higher student enrollments at the
schools owned by EDMC prior to 1997 ($4.5 million), and additional marketing and
student admissions expenses at the schools added in 1997 and 1998 ($3.0
million). General and administrative expense decreased slightly as a percentage
of net revenues in 1998 compared to 1997 as a result of a reduction of expenses
incurred by the Company's central staff organization.
 
     AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLES
 
     Amortization of intangibles decreased by $0.5 million, or 22.4%, to $1.6
million in 1998 from $2.1 million in 1997, as a result of certain intangible
assets becoming fully amortized.
 
     INTEREST EXPENSE (INCOME), NET
 
     The Company had net interest income of $3,000 in 1998 as compared to
interest expense of $1.6 million in 1997. The lower interest expense was
primarily attributable to a decrease in the average outstanding debt balance
from $22.4 million in 1997 to $5.6 million in 1998.
 
     PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
     The Company's effective tax rate was 42.0% in 1998, the same as in 1997,
and differed from the combined federal and state statutory rates due to expenses
that are nondeductible for tax purposes.
 
     NET INCOME
 
     Net income increased by $4.3 million or 43.4% to $14.3 million in 1998 from
$10.0 million in 1997. The increase resulted from improved operations at the
Company's schools owned prior to 1997 and reduced net interest expense,
partially offset by a higher provision for income taxes.
 
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 COMPARED WITH YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
 
     NET REVENUES
 
     Net revenues increased by 23.7% to $182.8 million in 1997 from $147.9
million in 1996. The revenue increase was primarily due to an increase in
average quarterly student enrollments ($15.4 million) and an average 5.5%
tuition price increase ($5.8 million) at schools owned by EDMC prior to 1997,
and the addition of two schools ($10.2 million). The average academic year
(three academic quarters) tuition rate for a student attending classes at an Art
Institute on a recommended full schedule increased to $9,860 in 1997 from $9,345
in 1996. In August 1996, the Company acquired NYRS and in January 1997, the
Company acquired Lowthian College in Minneapolis, Minnesota and renamed it The
Art Institutes International Minnesota.
 
     Net housing revenues increased by 12.5% to $10.4 million in 1997 from $9.2
million in 1996 and revenues from the sale of educational materials in 1997
increased by 33.4% to $8.7 million. Both are primarily the result of increased
student enrollments.
 
     Refunds for 1997 increased $1.3 million from $4.7 million in 1996 to $6.0
million in 1997. As a percentage of gross revenue, refunds remained consistent
between years.
 
     EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
 
     Educational services expense increased by $22.1 million, or 22.3%, to
$120.9 million in 1997 from $98.8 million in 1996. The increase was primarily
due to incremental education expenses needed to service higher student
enrollments, accompanied by normal cost increases for wages and other services
at the schools
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   29
 
owned by EDMC prior to 1996 ($8.8 million) and schools added in 1996 and 1997
($10.1 million). Other factors that have contributed to the increase are
expanded capital spending for culinary arts programs and classroom technology,
and initiatives to improve student persistence rates and graduate starting
salaries.
 
     On an overall basis, as a percentage of net revenues, educational services
expense in 1997 decreased by 0.7 percentage point from 1996. The reduction is
primarily the result of improved efficiencies at the Company's more established
schools due to economies of scale.
 
     GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
 
     General and administrative expense increased by $8.7 million, or 26.9%, to
$41.0 million in 1997 from $32.3 million in 1996 due in large measure to the
incremental increase in marketing and student admissions expenses that resulted
in higher student enrollments at the schools owned by EDMC prior to 1996 ($2.2
million), and additional marketing and student admissions expenses at the
schools added since 1996 ($3.4 million). During 1997, additional expenses were
incurred by the Company's central staff organization that supports school
operations because of the increased number of Company-owned schools and the
growth in student enrollments. General and administrative expense increased as a
percentage of net revenues in 1997 compared to 1996 as a result of the factors
described above.
 
     AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLES
 
     Amortization of intangibles increased by $1.0 million, or 95.8%, to $2.1
million in 1997 from $1.1 million in 1996. The higher expense in 1997 was
primarily the result of the amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets
associated with the acquisition of NYRS.
 
     ESOP EXPENSE
 
     ESOP expense was zero in 1997, down from $1.4 million in 1996, due to the
repayment in 1996 of the final $3.6 million of the ESOP Term Loan and the
consummation of the IPO. As a result, the Company incurred no ESOP expense in
1997 related to the repayment of the ESOP Term Loan or the repurchase of shares.
 
     INTEREST EXPENSE
 
     Net interest expense decreased by $1.8 million, or 52.4%, to $1.6 million
in 1997 from $3.4 million in 1996. The factors that contributed to lower
interest expense are: (i) a decrease in the average debt balance outstanding
from $38.0 million in 1996 to $22.4 million in 1997, and (ii) lower average
interest rates on debt instruments. The lower average debt balance is the result
of the Company repaying outstanding indebtedness ($38.5 million) under the
Revolving Credit Agreement with proceeds from the IPO; the ESOP Term Loan being
repaid as of June 30, 1996, and scheduled payments on capitalized leases.
 
     In October 1995, the Company retired the entire $25 million issue of its
13.25% Senior Subordinated Notes ("Subordinated Notes") with borrowings under
the Revolving Credit Agreement which were at a lower rate of interest.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement were at a weighted average
interest rate of 7.3% and 7.2% during 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
     PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
 
     The Company's effective tax rate increased from 37.1% in 1996 to 42.0% in
1997. The effective rate in fiscal 1996 was lower than the combined federal and
state statutory rate due to the tax deductible dividends on the Series A
Preferred Stock paid to the ESOP and used for ESOP Term Loan repayment. In 1996,
tax deductible dividends of $1.6 million offset approximately 14.7% of the
Company's income before taxes, substantially reducing the Company's effective
tax rate.
 
     INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM
 
     Income before extraordinary item increased by 45.9% to $10.0 million in
1997 from $6.8 million in 1996. The higher income resulted from improved
operations at the Company's schools owned prior to 1996, the
                                       30
<PAGE>   30
 
addition of NYRS, lower ESOP expense and reduced net interest expense charges,
partially offset by increased expense associated with the amortization of
intangible assets and a higher provision for income taxes.
 
     EXTRAORDINARY ITEM
 
     In 1996, the Company prepaid the entire $25 million issue of the
Subordinated Notes, resulting in a $0.9 million (net of tax) prepayment penalty.
 
SEASONALITY AND OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING QUARTERLY RESULTS
 
     The Company's quarterly revenues and income fluctuate primarily as a result
of the pattern of student enrollments. The Company experiences a seasonal
increase in new enrollments in the fall (fiscal year second quarter), which is
traditionally when the largest number of new high school graduates begin
postsecondary education. Some students choose not to attend classes during
summer months, although the Company's schools encourage year-round attendance.
As a result, total student enrollments at the Company's schools are highest in
the fall quarter and lowest in the summer months (fiscal year first quarter).
The Company's costs and expenses, however, do not fluctuate as significantly as
revenues on a quarterly basis. Historically, EDMC had experienced net losses in
its fiscal first quarter ending September 30 due to lower revenues combined with
expenses incurred in preparation for the peak enrollments in the fall quarter,
although the Company had net income in the first quarter of fiscal 1998. The
Company anticipates that the seasonal pattern in revenues and earnings will
continue in the future.
 
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
 
     The following table sets forth the Company's quarterly results for 1997 and
1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1997
                                                   -----------------------------------------------
                                                   SEPT. 30     DEC. 31      MAR. 31      JUNE 30
                                                   (SUMMER)      (FALL)     (WINTER)     (SPRING)
                                                   --------      ------     --------     --------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Net revenues.....................................   $33,410     $52,015      $50,696      $46,728
Income (loss) before interest and taxes..........   $  (143)    $10,447      $ 6,401      $ 2,114
Income (loss) before income taxes................   $(1,095)    $ 9,848      $ 6,305      $ 2,158
Net income (loss)................................   $  (635)    $ 5,709      $ 3,655      $ 1,256
Net income (loss) per share
  --Basic........................................   $  (.15)    $   .47      $   .25      $   .09
  --Diluted......................................   $  (.15)    $   .42      $   .25      $   .08
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1998
                                                   -----------------------------------------------
                                                   SEPT. 30     DEC. 31      MAR. 31      JUNE 30
                                                   (SUMMER)      (FALL)     (WINTER)     (SPRING)
                                                   --------      ------     --------     --------
                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Net revenues.....................................   $43,176     $63,068      $59,807      $55,681
Income before interest and taxes.................   $   228     $13,174      $ 8,004      $ 3,285
Income before income taxes.......................   $   181     $13,120      $ 8,019      $ 3,374
Net income.......................................   $   105     $ 7,610      $ 4,651      $ 1,956
Net income per share
  --Basic........................................   $   .01     $   .53      $   .32      $   .13
  --Diluted......................................   $   .01     $   .51      $   .31      $   .13
</TABLE>
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     LIQUIDITY
 
     The Company has generated positive cash flow from operations over the last
three years. Cash flow from operations was $15.5 million, $28.9 million and
$28.1 million for the years 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   31
 
The Company had working capital of $27.5 million as of June 30, 1998, as
compared to $12.7 million as of June 30, 1997.
 
     As of June 30, 1998, gross trade accounts receivable decreased by $0.1
million, or 0.6%, to $16.0 million from $16.1 million as of June 30, 1997. The
allowance for doubtful accounts increased by $0.9 million, or 12.5%, to $8.3
million in 1998 from $7.4 million in 1997. The increase in the allowance as a
percentage of gross accounts receivable relates to greater flexibility in
payment plans offered to students at the Company's schools.
 
     The allowance for doubtful accounts as of June 30, 1997 increased by $4.5
million, or 151.6%, to $7.4 million from $2.9 million as of June 30, 1996. To a
large degree, this was attributable to the completion of the Company's
integrated, customized information network in 1996, whereby the Company tracks
accounts receivable for longer periods prior to write-off.
 
     DEBT SERVICE
 
     The Revolving Credit Agreement, as amended, currently allows for maximum
borrowings of $65 million, reduced annually by $5 million, through its
expiration on October 13, 2000. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement
bear interest at one of three rates set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement
at the election of the Company. The facility is reduced by certain outstanding
letters of credit. As of June 30, 1998, the Company had $29.0 million of
additional borrowing capacity available under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
 
     The Revolving Credit Agreement contains customary covenants that, among
other matters, require the Company to maintain specified levels of consolidated
net worth and meet specified interest and leverage ratio requirements, and
restrict capital expenditures, declaration and payment of dividends on or
repurchases of Common Stock and the incurrence of certain additional
indebtedness. As of June 30, 1998, the Company was in compliance with all
covenants under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
 
     The Fourth Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated June 30,
1998, revises certain provisions described above. Effective June 30, 1998, the
interest rates and certain fees incurred in connection with borrowings and
available borrowings were reduced. Additionally, the calculations of certain
financial ratios were revised and restrictions on capital expenditures,
dividends and operating leases were removed.
 
     Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement are used by the Company
primarily to fund its working capital needs, due to the seasonal pattern of cash
receipts throughout the year. The level of accounts receivable reaches a peak
immediately after the billing of tuition and fees at the beginning of each
academic quarter. Collection of these receivables is heaviest at the start of
each academic quarter.
 
     Following the completion of the IPO in November 1996, $38.5 million of the
net proceeds received by the Company was used to repay indebtedness under the
Revolving Credit Agreement.
 
     FUTURE FINANCING AND CASH FLOWS
 
     The Company believes that cash flow from operations, supplemented from time
to time by borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement, will provide
adequate funds for ongoing operations, planned expansion to new locations,
planned capital expenditures and debt service during the term of the Revolving
Credit Agreement.
 
     CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
 
     Capital expenditures made during the three years ended June 30, 1998 have,
in substantial part, resulted from the implementation of the Company's
initiatives emphasizing the addition of new schools and programs (particularly
culinary arts programs) and investment in classroom technology. The Company's
capital expenditures were $15.0 million, $18.5 million and $18.0 million for
1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. The Company anticipates increased capital
spending for 1999, principally related to the introduction and expansion of
culinary arts programs, further investment in schools acquired or started during
the previous three years, additional or replacement school and housing
facilities and classroom technology. As a percentage of net revenues, capital
expenditures are expected to increase in 1999 compared to 1998.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   32
 
     The Company leases substantially all of its facilities. Future commitments
on existing leases will be paid from cash provided by operating activities.
 
REGULATION
 
     The Company indirectly derived approximately 62% of its net revenues from
Title IV Programs in 1998. U.S. Department of Education regulations prescribe
the timing of disbursements of funds under Title IV Programs. Students must
apply for a new loan for each academic year. Loan funds are generally provided
by lenders in multiple disbursements each academic year. For first-time students
in their first academic quarter, the initial loan disbursement is generally
received at least 30 days after the commencement of that academic quarter.
Otherwise, the first loan disbursement is received, at the earliest, 10 days
before the commencement of the student's academic quarter.
 
     U.S. Department of Education regulations require Title IV Program funds
received by the Company's schools in excess of the tuition and fees owed by the
relevant students at that time to be, with these students' permission,
maintained and classified as restricted until they are billed for the portion of
their education program related to those funds. Funds transferred through
electronic funds transfer programs are held in a separate cash account and
released when certain conditions are satisfied. These restrictions have not
significantly affected the Company's ability to fund daily operations.
 
     Effective July 1997, postsecondary education institutions became subject to
changes in the delivery of FFEL program proceeds. Prior to July 1997, certain
Company-owned schools delivered FFEL proceeds for an academic year (typically
three quarters) to students in two equal disbursements. The change resulted in
FFEL proceeds being delivered equally in each of the academic quarters. Some of
the Company's schools began to deliver loan proceeds in this manner prior to the
change in regulation becoming effective.
 
     Education institutions participating in Title IV Programs must satisfy a
series of specific standards of financial responsibility. Under new regulations
that took effect July 1, 1998, the U.S. Department of Education adopted new
standards (replacing the former "acid test" ratio test, tangible net worth test
and two-year operating loss test) to determine an institution's financial
responsibility to participate in Title IV Programs. The regulations establish
three new ratios: (i) the equity ratio, measuring an institution's capital
resources, ability to borrow and financial viability; (ii) the primary reserve
ratio, measuring an institution's ability to support current operations from
expendable resources; and (iii) the net income ratio, measuring an institution's
profitability. Each ratio is calculated separately, based on the figures in the
institution's most recent annual audited financial statements, and then weighted
and combined to arrive at a single composite score.
 
     That composite score must be at least 1.5 for the institution to be deemed
financially responsible without conditions or additional oversight. For the
first year that the new financial responsibility regulations are in effect,
which is 1998 for purposes of the Company's schools, an institution that has a
composite score of less than 1.5 may elect to have its financial responsibility
measured under the U.S. Department of Education's former regulations.
 
     Regulations promulgated under the HEA also require all proprietary
education institutions to comply with the "85/15 Rule," which prohibits
participating schools from deriving 85% or more of their total revenues from
Title IV Programs in any year.
 
     If an institution fails to meet any of these requirements, it may be deemed
to be not financially responsible by the U.S. Department of Education or
otherwise ineligible to participate in Title IV Programs. The Company believes
that all of its participating schools met these requirements as of June 30,
1998.
 
EFFECT OF INFLATION
 
     The Company does not believe its operations have been materially affected
by inflation.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   33
 
IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
     In June 1997, the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," and SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," were issued by the Financial
Accounting Standards Board requiring implementation for years beginning after
December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and display
of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general-purpose
financial statements. SFAS No. 131 introduces a new model for segment reporting
called the "management approach." The management approach is based on the way
the chief operating decision-maker organizes segments within a company for
making operating decisions and assessing performance.
 
     In February 1998, SFAS No. 132, "Employers Disclosures about Pensions and
Other Postretirement Benefits," was issued. The implementation of SFAS No. 132
will revise certain footnote disclosure requirements related to pension and
other retiree benefits. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 130, SFAS No. 131 and
SFAS No. 132 in fiscal 1999 and does not anticipate that these statements will
have a significant impact on its disclosures.
 
     In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities," was issued. The statement establishes accounting and
reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including
certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the
balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value.
Additionally, SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in a derivative's fair value be
recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are
met. SFAS No. 133 is effective for years beginning after June 15, 1999.
 
YEAR 2000 ISSUES
 
     THE PROBLEM
 
     The Year 2000 problem arises from the fact that many existing information
technology ("IT") hardware and software systems and non-information technology
("non-IT") products containing embedded microchip processors were originally
programmed to represent any date with six digits (e.g., 12/31/99), as opposed to
eight digits (e.g., 12/31/1999). Accordingly, problems may arise for many such
products and systems when attempting to process information containing dates
that fall after December 31, 1999. As a result, many such products and systems
could experience miscalculations, malfunctions or disruptions. Additionally,
such products and systems may experience miscalculations, malfunctions or
disruptions caused by other dates, such as September 9, 1999 (9/9/99), which was
a date traditionally used as a default date by computer programmers. This
problem is commonly referred to as the "Year 2000" problem, and the acronym
"Y2K" is commonly substituted for the phrase "Year 2000."
 
     Although the Company is unable at this time to assess the possible impact
on its results of operations, liquidity or financial condition of any
Y2K-related disruptions to its business caused by the malfunctioning of any IT
or non-IT system and products that it uses or that third parties with which it
has material relationships use, management does not believe at the current time
that the cost of remediating the Company's internal Y2K problems will have a
material adverse impact upon its business, results of operations, liquidity or
financial condition.
 
     THE COMPANY'S STATE OF READINESS FOR ITS YEAR 2000 ISSUES
 
     As a result of the Company's software upgrades and computer system
purchases over the past few years, a substantial number of EDMC's computer
systems should not have a Y2K problem (i.e., are "Y2K-compliant") or have been
warranted to be Y2K-compliant by third-party vendors. The Company has created a
task force (the "Y2K Task Force"), which has members from the Company's
significant operating areas. To date, the Y2K Task Force has implemented a
program, the goal of which is to assess the potential exposure of each such area
to the Y2K problem, which is the first phase of EDMC's overall Y2K program, and,
as the second phase thereof, has designed a coordinated plan to determine
whether any such potential exposure would result in a problem that would require
some remediation. As each such area's Y2K problems are identified, the third
phase will be to
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   34
 
formulate proposals to determine the best course of action to address each such
problem and to address each such problem, and contingency plans will be
developed, to the extent possible and necessary. The final phase of the overall
Y2K program will be both independent and coordinated testing to ensure Y2K
compliance in each operating area. The Company believes that the Y2K Task Force
has identified all material IT and non-IT systems owned or operated by EDMC that
require a Y2K compliance review.
 
     To keep track of these and other developments, the Y2K Task Force has
prepared a status report (the "Y2K Status Report"), which will be updated on a
periodic basis. The Y2K Status Report tracks the identification of potential Y2K
exposure for each significant operating area of EDMC; the progress under the
plan for each such area to determine and quantify the cost of fixing each actual
Y2K problem, the status of the proposals to address each such problem and the
development of compliance and contingency plans for each such area. The Y2K
Status Report is designed to function as both a framework for resolving EDMC's
Y2K issues and as a reporting mechanism for the Company's Board of Directors.
 
     The Y2K Task Force has the responsibility for addressing any Y2K problems
in either IT or non-IT systems. The Company's IT systems, including its
accounting, human resources, admissions, education, student financial services
and student services systems, are in the assessment/inventory phase. This phase
is expected to be completed by January 30, 1999. Testing for Y2K compliance has
been planned for each such system, and the Y2K Task Force projects that testing
of EDMC's most critical IT systems will be substantially completed by mid-
calendar year 1999. The Y2K Task Force has substantially finished its
identification of non-IT systems that may have Y2K problems and has sent
inquiries to the entities that own or control any of those non-IT systems,
including elevators, electricity, telephones, security systems and HVAC systems,
that could have a material impact on the Company's operations, such as the
owners of the buildings and other facilities that house or service the Company's
schools and administrative offices. The Y2K Task Force has also identified those
third parties, such as governmental and other regulatory agencies, guaranty
agencies, software and hardware suppliers, telephone companies, significant
vendors and external file exchange system providers, whose Y2K compliance or
lack thereof may pose problems for the Company. Pursuant to the Y2K Task Force's
plan, inquiries have been sent to those third parties. The Y2K Task Force
estimates that it will receive initial responses to its inquiries from all such
third parties by November 15, 1998. Based on those responses and the responses
to any follow-up inquiries, the Y2K Task Force will refine the Company's
contingency plans that are currently in the formative stages.
 
     THE COSTS TO ADDRESS THE COMPANY'S YEAR 2000 ISSUES
 
     Without including any allocation from the salaries of the relevant EDMC
personnel, the Company has expensed approximately $12,000 to date in direct
costs stemming from its efforts to address its Y2K issues. This figure does not
reflect the amounts spent in purchasing various new hardware and software
products and systems in the past few years which are, or have been warranted to
be, Y2K-compliant. Based upon its current understanding of the Company's Y2K
issues, the Y2K Task Force's estimate for the direct costs of implementing its
investigation and remediation plans is between $250,000 and $750,000, although
additional information must be obtained to determine, for example, whether to
recommend the replacement of older hardware and software systems or to expend
the resources to bring those systems into Y2K compliance. To the extent systems
are to be replaced, Y2K-related expenditures could significantly exceed the
currently estimated range. Approximately 50% of the currently estimated maximum
amount represents funds that probably would have been used for system
improvements over the next several years, even in the absence of Y2K issues. Of
the estimated amount, approximately $150,000 will be used, if necessary, to
replace computer hardware and software at Company schools; $300,000 is the
amount estimated, if necessary, as the cost of installing new point-of-purchase
terminals in the Company's school supply stores and acquiring related hardware
and software; $25,000 will be used for a "disaster drill" on the Company's
primary internal software system; $100,000 is budgeted for remediation of
existing systems and training, and $175,000 is budgeted for contingency plan
implementation, if necessary. The Company plans to charge its direct Y2K
expenses to its information systems budget. The cost of purchases, such as the
$300,000 for new point-of-purchase terminals and the $150,000 allocated for
hardware and software, are expected to be capitalized consistent with the
Company's accounting policies; all other expenditures will be expensed as
incurred. Because a substantial portion of the Y2K Task Force's assessment work,
relating primarily
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   35
 
to the non-IT systems of certain third parties and the systems of other third
parties with which the Company has critical relationships, is in its preliminary
phase, the estimate for direct costs may be materially increased.
 
     RISKS RELATED TO THE COMPANY'S YEAR 2000 ISSUES
 
     The Company has begun to outline several possible worst-case scenarios that
could arise because of Y2K issues; however, at this time, the Company does not
have sufficient information to make an assessment of the likelihood of any of
these worst-case scenarios. On the other hand, it should be noted that the
Company's schools will not be in session on December 31, 1999 or January 1,
2000, with classes resuming in mid-January 2000.
 
     The Company does expect to shift its focus and resources to the resolution
of Y2K issues. This will result in the deferral of some existing or contemplated
projects, particularly computer-system oriented projects. Although the Company
is unable at this time to quantify its internal, indirect costs resulting from
such change in focus, with its resultant deferral of projects, management does
not believe that the cost of remediating the Company's internal Y2K problems
will have a material adverse impact upon its business, results of operations,
liquidity or financial condition.
 
     Because the Company is in a regulated industry and relies, indirectly, on
only a few sources for a substantial portion of its revenues, EDMC's business is
very dependent upon those entities' efforts to address their own Y2K issues. The
Y2K Task Force has identified those third parties whose failure to resolve their
own Y2K issues could have a material impact upon the Company's operations and is
taking steps it currently believes appropriate to analyze both such parties' Y2K
status and the Company's options in the event that any such party is not Y2K-
compliant in sufficient time prior to December 31, 1999. Should any such third
parties experience Y2K-related disruptions, it could have a material adverse
impact on the Company's business, results of operations, liquidity or financial
condition.
 
     For example, as with all postsecondary education-oriented businesses whose
students receive governmental financial aid, the Company's operations and
liquidity depend upon the student funding provided by Title IV Programs for its
students. Processing of applications for this funding is handled by the U.S.
Department of Education's computer systems. The U.S. Department of Education has
stated that its systems will be Y2K-compliant in early calendar year 1999 and
that various schools will be able to run tests of the remediated systems during
the first half of calendar year 1999; however, the Company is unable to
independently assess the U.S. Department of Education's progress to date and no
test dates have been announced yet. Any problems with the U.S. Department of
Education's systems could result in an interruption in the funding for students
nationwide, including the Company's students. Any prolonged interruption would
have a material adverse impact upon the education industry and, accordingly,
upon the Company's business, results of operations, liquidity and financial
condition.
 
     Similarly, the Company's schools are licensed by one or more agencies in
the states in which they are based and accredited by one or more accrediting
bodies that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Company has
begun to assess the Y2K-readiness of these agencies and bodies, but such
assessment is in its initial investigatory phase. In the event that any of these
entities are unable, due to Y2K problems, to renew a school's license or
accreditation, an interruption in such school's operations could occur.
Depending upon the school involved, a prolonged interruption could have a
material adverse impact upon the Company's business, results of operations,
liquidity and financial condition.
 
     Five guaranty agencies provide the vast majority of the guarantees for the
loans issued to the Company's students under Title IV Programs. The agency which
accounts for the largest portion of those guarantees, approximately 85%, has
stated that it will be Y2K-compliant by the second half of calendar year 1998,
and has said it will allow the Company to run tests related thereto in October
1998. The Company is investigating all these agencies to determine whether they
will be Y2K-compliant or whether contingency plans need to be made with respect
thereto. As with the U.S. Department of Education, the Company is unable to
independently assess the readiness of any of these agencies at the present time.
The majority of the Title IV Program loans to the Company's students are funded
through six banks, five of which work with the Company's primary guaranty
agency. The five lenders who work with that agency use an affiliate of that
agency to disburse and service their loans, and thus during the guarantee
agency's October 1998 testing program the Company will indirectly test the
                                       36
<PAGE>   36
 
Y2K compliance of that affiliate of the agency. The Company is exploring the
availability of other lenders that have stated that they expect to be
Y2K-compliant as a contingency plan.
 
     The Company is also reviewing the Y2K compliance efforts of its transfer
agent and the NASDAQ National Market System. ChaseMellon Shareholder Services,
the Company's registrar and transfer agent, has told the Company that the goal
of its Y2K project is to be compliant by December 31, 1998, that it has already
completed a comprehensive inventory of its mainframe systems, and that it is
currently assessing, remediating and testing its software for Y2K compliance.
The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), the parent
company for the NASDAQ National Market System, is coordinating all Y2K
activities for NASD-related entities. The NASD has publicly disclosed that it
has analyzed all of its products and systems and launched its systems-testing
process in July 1998. The NASD also participated in industry-wide beta testing
conducted by the Securities Industry Association, which was completed on July
16, 1998. Industry-wide testing will resume in March and April 1999.
 
     The Y2K Task Force plans to make inquiries of the major financial
institutions and utilities that provide services to the Company and is taking
measures to assess the potential effects of those entities' failures to become
Y2K-compliant within the time remaining. If, notwithstanding any such entity's
representations that it will be Y2K-compliant in time, it is not compliant, the
Company's business and operations could be adversely affected.
 
     CONTINGENCY PLANS
 
     The Y2K Task Force's responsibilities include developing contingency plans
for each of EDMC's significant operating areas. These contingency plans would be
utilized in the event that, despite the Company's best efforts, or due to the
Company's lack of control over certain third parties, a system is not
Y2K-compliant and EDMC's business is adversely affected. These contingency plans
are being developed by each operating area and are expected to include:
estimating the cost of back-up generators for power failures, isolating a
noncompliant system so that it does not affect other operating systems and
"turning back the clock" on non-date sensitive systems. Each operating area is
preparing a contingency plan to operate for up to three consecutive days without
standard computer support. In addition, the Company maintains a "hot site"
contract with Hewlett-Packard that allows it to run its day-to-day central
computer operations from a remote location in Washington State. The "hot site"
is a contingency against a regional Y2K failure that would cause business
interruptions at the Company's corporate offices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
These contingency plans are in a very preliminary phase, and the Y2K Task Force
expects to update them over the next six months as it continues to evaluate
which systems can be remediated and which systems will remain at risk. The Y2K
Task Force expects to have contingency plans in place by December 1, 1999.
 
ITEM 7A--QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS
 
     Not applicable.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   37
 
ITEM 8--FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
TO EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES:
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Education
Management Corporation (a Pennsylvania corporation) and Subsidiaries as of June
30, 1997 and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of income,
shareholders' investment and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended June 30, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Education Management
Corporation and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1997 and 1998, and the results of
operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June
30, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                                             Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
August 4, 1998
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   38
 
               EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 AS OF JUNE 30,
                                                              --------------------
                                                                1997        1998
                                                                ----        ----
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................  $ 32,646    $ 46,533
  Restricted cash...........................................       581         777
                                                              --------    --------
       Total cash and cash equivalents......................    33,227      47,310
  Receivables:
    Trade, net of allowances of $7,393 and $8,318...........     8,706       7,689
    Notes, advances and other...............................     1,841       3,989
  Inventories...............................................     1,356       1,933
  Deferred income taxes.....................................     1,509       2,361
  Other current assets......................................     2,247       2,341
                                                              --------    --------
       Total current assets.................................    48,886      65,623
                                                              --------    --------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET.................................    52,571      57,420
OTHER ASSETS................................................     6,381       6,287
GOODWILL, NET OF AMORTIZATION OF $3,236 AND $3,873 .........    18,454      19,453
                                                              --------    --------
       TOTAL ASSETS.........................................  $126,292    $148,783
                                                              ========    ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Current portion of long-term debt.........................  $  3,637    $  2,615
  Accounts payable..........................................     6,931       6,982
  Accrued liabilities.......................................     9,778      10,162
  Advance payments..........................................    15,832      18,338
                                                              --------    --------
       Total current liabilities............................    36,178      38,097
                                                              --------    --------
LONG-TERM DEBT, LESS CURRENT PORTION........................    30,394      35,767
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES.......     1,964       1,594
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT:
  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 60,000,000 shares
    authorized; 14,417,874 and 14,499,446 shares issued.....       144         145
  Additional paid-in capital................................    87,893      89,025
  Treasury stock, 39,401 shares at cost.....................      (354)       (354)
  Stock subscriptions receivable............................      (122)         (8)
  Accumulated deficit.......................................   (29,805)    (15,483)
                                                              --------    --------
       TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT.......................    57,756      73,325
                                                              --------    --------
       TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT.......  $126,292    $148,783
                                                              ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
                              of these statements.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   39
 
               EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                              --------------------------------
                                                                1996        1997        1998
                                                                ----        ----        ----
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
NET REVENUES................................................  $147,863    $182,849    $221,732
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
  Educational services......................................    98,841     120,918     147,336
  General and administrative................................    32,344      41,036      48,094
  Amortization of intangibles...............................     1,060       2,076       1,611
  ESOP expense..............................................     1,366          --          --
                                                              --------    --------    --------
                                                               133,611     164,030     197,041
                                                              --------    --------    --------
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST AND TAXES............................    14,252      18,819      24,691
  Interest expense (income), net............................     3,371       1,603          (3)
                                                              --------    --------    --------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES..................................    10,881      17,216      24,694
  Provision for income taxes................................     4,035       7,231      10,372
                                                              --------    --------    --------
INCOME BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM............................     6,846       9,985      14,322
  Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt........       926          --          --
                                                              --------    --------    --------
NET INCOME..................................................  $  5,920    $  9,985    $ 14,322
                                                              ========    ========    ========
INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
  Dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock................  $ (2,249)   $    (83)   $     --
  Redemption premium paid on Series A Preferred Stock.......        --        (107)         --
  Dividends accrued on Series A Preferred Stock, but not
    payable.................................................        --        (296)         --
                                                              --------    --------    --------
  Income before extraordinary item available to common
    shareholders............................................  $  4,597    $  9,499    $ 14,322
  Net income available to common shareholders -- basic......  $  3,671    $  9,499    $ 14,322
  Net income available to common shareholders -- diluted....  $  3,671    $  9,878    $ 14,322
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE:
  BASIC:
    Income before extraordinary item........................  $    .66    $    .80    $    .99
    Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt......      (.13)         --          --
                                                              --------    --------    --------
       Net income...........................................  $    .53    $    .80    $    .99
                                                              ========    ========    ========
  DILUTED:
    Income before extraordinary item........................  $    .39    $    .72    $    .96
    Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt......      (.08)         --          --
                                                              --------    --------    --------
       Net income...........................................  $    .31    $    .72    $    .96
                                                              ========    ========    ========
  WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING (IN 000'S):
    Basic...................................................     6,913      11,939      14,454
    Diluted.................................................    11,874      13,671      14,926
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
                              of these statements.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   40
 
               EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                              --------------------------------
                                                                1996        1997        1998
                                                                ----        ----        ----
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income................................................  $  5,920    $  9,985    $ 14,322
  ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOWS FROM
     OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
       Depreciation and amortization........................     8,530      12,343      14,316
       ESOP expense.........................................     1,366          --          --
       Vesting of compensatory stock options................       464         375          --
       Deferred provision (credit) for income taxes.........       137      (1,613)     (1,184)
       Changes in current assets and liabilities:
          Restricted cash...................................     6,266         656        (196)
          Receivables.......................................      (758)       (158)     (1,084)
          Inventories.......................................      (279)        (73)       (577)
          Other current assets..............................    (1,183)        443         (87)
          Accounts payable..................................    (1,981)      1,993           1
          Accrued liabilities...............................    (1,015)      2,269         182
          Advance payments..................................    (1,921)      2,715       2,413
                                                              --------    --------    --------
            Total adjustments...............................     9,626      18,950      13,784
                                                              --------    --------    --------
            Net cash flows from operating activities........    15,546      28,935      28,106
                                                              --------    --------    --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired.........      (400)     (9,753)     (1,488)
  Expenditures for property and equipment...................   (14,981)    (18,487)    (17,951)
  Other items, net..........................................    (2,282)        119        (233)
                                                              --------    --------    --------
            Net cash flows from investing activities........   (17,663)    (28,121)    (19,672)
                                                              --------    --------    --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  New borrowings............................................    28,634          --       8,000
  Principal payments on debt................................   (32,525)    (31,988)     (3,689)
  Net proceeds from issuance of Common Stock................        --      45,143       1,028
  Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock....................        --      (7,607)         --
  Dividends paid to ESOP....................................    (2,249)        (83)         --
  Payments received from ESOP, net..........................     2,220          --          --
  Other capital stock transactions, net.....................        79         205         114
                                                              --------    --------    --------
            Net cash flows from financing activities........    (3,841)      5,670       5,453
                                                              --------    --------    --------
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.....................    (5,958)      6,484      13,887
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR................    32,120      26,162      32,646
                                                              --------    --------    --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR......................  $ 26,162    $ 32,646    $ 46,533
                                                              ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
                              of these statements.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   41
 
               EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             SERIES A    CLASS A   CLASS B                 DEFERRED
                             PREFERRED   COMMON    COMMON                  COMPEN-    COMMON                              STOCK
                             STOCK AT     STOCK     STOCK                   SATION     STOCK    ADDITIONAL                 SUB-
                              PAID-IN    AT PAR    AT PAR     WARRANTS     RELATED    AT PAR     PAID-IN     TREASURY   SCRIPTIONS
                               VALUE      VALUE     VALUE    OUTSTANDING   TO ESOP     VALUE     CAPITAL      STOCK     RECEIVABLE
                               -----      -----     -----    -----------   -------     -----     -------      -----     ----------
<S>                          <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>
Balance, June 30, 1995.....  $ 22,075     $ --      $  1       $7,683      $(3,587)   $   --     $19,118      $(248)      $(212)
  Net income...............        --       --        --           --           --        --          --         --          --
  Dividends on Series A
    Preferred Stock........        --       --        --           --           --        --          --         --          --
  Sale of Class B Common
    Stock..................        --       --        --           --           --        --         160        149        (239)
  Payments on stock
    subscriptions
    receivable for purchase
    of stock...............        --       --        --           --           --        --          --         --           9
  Payments received on
    ESOP's debt to the
    Company................        --       --        --           --        3,587        --          --         --          --
  Vesting of compensatory
    stock options..........        --       --        --           --           --        --         464         --          --
                             --------     ----      ----       ------      -------    -------    -------      -----       -----
Balance, June 30, 1996.....    22,075       --         1        7,683           --        --      19,742        (99)       (442)
  Net income...............        --       --        --           --           --        --          --         --          --
  Dividends on Series A
    Preferred Stock........        --       --        --           --           --        --          --         --          --
  Dividends accrued on
    Series A Preferred
    Stock, but not
    payable................        --       --        --           --           --        --         296         --          --
  Series A Preferred Stock
    redemption.............    (7,606)      --        --           --           --        --          --         --          --
  Series A Preferred Stock
    redemption premium.....       107       --        --           --           --        --          --         --          --
  Conversion of Series A
  Preferred Stock..........   (14,576)      --        --           --           --        --      14,576         --          --
  Purchase of Class B
  Common Stock.............        --       --        --           --           --        --          (2)      (255)         --
  Payments on stock
    subscriptions
    receivable for purchase
    of stock...............        --       --        --           --           --        --          --         --         320
  Exercise of warrants.....        --       --        --       (7,683)          --        --       7,683         --          --
  Exercise of stock
    options................        --       --        --           --           --        --         419         --          --
  Issuance of Common Stock
    in connection with IPO
    and employee stock
    purchase plan..........        --       --        (1)          --           --       144      44,804         --          --
  Vesting of compensatory
    stock options..........        --       --        --           --           --        --         375         --          --
                             --------     ----      ----       ------      -------    -------    -------      -----       -----
Balance, June 30, 1997.....        --       --        --           --           --       144      87,893       (354)       (122)
  Net income...............        --       --        --           --           --        --          --         --          --
  Payments on stock
    subscriptions
    receivable for purchase
    of stock...............        --       --        --           --           --        --          --         --         114
  Exercise of stock
    options................        --       --        --           --           --         1         611         --          --
  Stock options issued in
    connection with
    acquisition of
    subsidiary.............        --       --        --           --           --        --          77         --          --
  Issuance of Common Stock
    in connection with
    employee stock purchase
    plan...................        --       --        --           --           --        --         444         --          --
                             --------     ----      ----       ------      -------    -------    -------      -----       -----
Balance, June 30, 1998.....  $     --     $ --      $ --       $   --      $    --    $  145     $89,025      $(354)      $  (8)
                             ========     ====      ====       ======      =======    =======    =======      =====       =====
 
<CAPTION>
 
                             ACCUMU-        TOTAL
                              LATED     SHAREHOLDERS'
                             DEFICIT     INVESTMENT
                             -------     ----------
<S>                          <C>        <C>
Balance, June 30, 1995.....  $(42,975)     $ 1,855
  Net income...............     5,920        5,920
  Dividends on Series A
    Preferred Stock........    (2,249)      (2,249)
  Sale of Class B Common
    Stock..................        --           70
  Payments on stock
    subscriptions
    receivable for purchase
    of stock...............        --            9
  Payments received on
    ESOP's debt to the
    Company................        --        3,587
  Vesting of compensatory
    stock options..........        --          464
                             --------      -------
Balance, June 30, 1996.....  (39,304)        9,656
  Net income...............     9,985        9,985
  Dividends on Series A
    Preferred Stock........       (83)         (83)
  Dividends accrued on
    Series A Preferred
    Stock, but not
    payable................      (296)          --
  Series A Preferred Stock
    redemption.............        --       (7,606)
  Series A Preferred Stock
    redemption premium.....      (107)          --
  Conversion of Series A
  Preferred Stock..........        --           --
  Purchase of Class B
  Common Stock.............        --         (257)
  Payments on stock
    subscriptions
    receivable for purchase
    of stock...............        --          320
  Exercise of warrants.....        --           --
  Exercise of stock
    options................        --          419
  Issuance of Common Stock
    in connection with IPO
    and employee stock
    purchase plan..........        --       44,947
  Vesting of compensatory
    stock options..........        --          375
                             --------      -------
Balance, June 30, 1997.....   (29,805)      57,756
  Net income...............    14,322       14,322
  Payments on stock
    subscriptions
    receivable for purchase
    of stock...............        --          114
  Exercise of stock
    options................        --          612
  Stock options issued in
    connection with
    acquisition of
    subsidiary.............        --           77
  Issuance of Common Stock
    in connection with
    employee stock purchase
    plan...................        --          444
                             --------      -------
Balance, June 30, 1998.....  $(15,483)     $73,325
                             ========      =======
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
                              of these statements.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   42
 
               EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. OWNERSHIP AND OPERATIONS:
 
     Education Management Corporation ("EDMC" or the "Company") is among the
largest providers of proprietary postsecondary education in the United States,
based on student enrollments and revenues. Through its operating units, the Art
Institutes ("The Art Institutes"), The New York Restaurant School ("NYRS"),
NCPT, and The National Center for Professional Development ("NCPD"), the Company
offers associate's and bachelor's degree programs and non-degree programs in the
areas of design, media arts and technology, culinary arts, fashion and
professional development. The Company has provided career oriented education
programs since 1962.
 
     The Company's main operating unit, The Art Institutes, consists of 15
schools in 14 major metropolitan areas throughout the United States. Art
Institute programs are designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary
for entry-level employment in various fields, including graphic design,
multimedia, computer animation, video production, culinary arts, interior
design, industrial design, photography, fashion marketing and fashion design.
Those programs typically are completed in 18 to 27 months and culminate in an
associate's degree. In addition, as of June 30, 1998, eight Art Institutes
offered bachelor's degree programs.
 
     As of June 30, 1998, the Company offered a culinary arts curriculum at
seven Art Institutes and NYRS, a culinary arts and restaurant management school
located in New York City. NYRS offers an associate's degree program and
certificate programs. Subsequent to year-end, one additional Art Institute began
culinary arts classes and another began enrolling students for a culinary arts
program expected to begin in October 1998.
 
     The Company offers paralegal, legal nurse consulting and information
technology training at NCPT in Atlanta. NCPT's certificate programs generally
are completed in four to nine months. NCPD maintains consulting relationships
with colleges and universities to assist in the development, marketing and
delivery of paralegal, legal nurse consultant and financial planning certificate
programs for college graduates and working adults.
 
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION AND PRESENTATION
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Education
Management Corporation and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
 
     The Art Institutes and NYRS ("the participating schools") participate in
various federal student financial assistance programs ("Title IV Programs")
under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the "HEA").
Approximately 62% of the Company's net revenues in 1998 was indirectly derived
from funds distributed under these programs to students at the participating
schools.
 
     The participating schools are required to comply with certain federal
regulations established by the U.S. Department of Education. Among other things,
they are required to classify as restricted certain Title IV Program funds in
excess of charges currently applicable to students' accounts. Such funds are
reported as restricted cash in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   43
 
     The participating schools are required to administer Title IV Program funds
in accordance with the HEA and U.S. Department of Education regulations and must
use due diligence in approving and disbursing funds and servicing loans. In the
event a participating school does not comply with federal requirements or if
student loan default rates are at a level considered excessive by the federal
government, that school could lose its eligibility to participate in Title IV
Programs or could be required to repay funds determined to have been improperly
disbursed. Management believes that the participating schools are in substantial
compliance with the federal requirements and that student loan default rates are
not at a level considered to be excessive.
 
     EDMC makes contributions to Federal Perkins Loan Programs (the "Funds") at
certain Art Institutes. Current contributions to the Funds are made 75% by the
federal government and 25% by EDMC. The Company carries its investments in the
Funds at cost, net of an allowance for estimated future loan losses.
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
     Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These investments are
stated at cost which, based upon the scheduled maturities, approximates market
value.
 
     U.S. Department of Education regulations require Title IV Program funds
received by the Company's schools in excess of the tuition and fees owed by the
relevant students at that time to be, with these students' permission,
maintained and classified as restricted until the students are billed for the
portion of their education program related to those funds. Funds transferred
through electronic funds transfer programs are held in a separate cash account
and released when certain conditions are satisfied. These restrictions have not
significantly affected the Company's ability to fund daily operations.
 
ACQUISITIONS
 
     In November 1995, the Company purchased the assets of the two schools of
Ray College of Design for $1.1 million in cash and the assumption of specified
liabilities. The Company acquired accounts receivable, property and equipment
and certain other assets. The schools were renamed The Illinois Institute of Art
at Chicago and The Illinois Institute of Art at Schaumburg.
 
     Effective August 1, 1996, the Company purchased certain assets of NYRS for
$9.5 million in cash. The assets acquired consisted principally of current
assets net of specified current liabilities, property and equipment, student
enrollment agreements, curriculum and trade names.
 
     On January 30, 1997, the Company acquired the assets of Lowthian College,
located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for $200,000 in cash and approximately
$200,000 of assumed liabilities. The Company acquired principally accounts
receivable, equipment, and student enrollment agreements. The school was renamed
The Art Institutes International Minnesota.
 
     On December 19, 1997, the Company purchased certain assets for $600,000 in
cash, of the Louise Salinger School in San Francisco, California. The Company
also entered into a consulting agreement with the former president in exchange
for an option to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an
exercise price of $25.93 (the closing price as of the acquisition date). The
assets acquired were principally accounts receivable and equipment. The School
was renamed The Art Institutes International at San Francisco and regained
eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs in April 1998.
 
     On February 7, 1998, the Company acquired certain assets related to the
operations of Bassist College in Portland, Oregon for approximately $900,000 in
cash. The purchase agreement provides for certain adjustments, based upon the
resolution of certain liabilities and additional consideration based upon a
specified percentage of gross revenues over the next five years. The assets
acquired were principally accounts receivable and equipment. The school regained
eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs in April 1998 and was renamed
The Art Institutes International at Portland.
 
     These acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting, with the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the
assets acquired being assigned to identifiable intangible assets and
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   44
 
goodwill. The results of the acquired entities have been included in the
Company's results from the respective dates of acquisition. The pro forma
effects, individually and collectively, of the acquisitions in the Company's
consolidated financial statements would not materially impact the reported
results.
 
LEASE ARRANGEMENTS
 
     The Company conducts a major part of its operations from leased facilities.
In addition, the Company leases a portion of its furniture and equipment. In
those cases in which the lease term approximates the useful life of the leased
asset or the lease meets certain other prerequisites, the leasing arrangement is
classified as a capitalized lease. The remaining lease arrangements are treated
as operating leases.
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation.
Expenditures for additions and major improvements are capitalized, while those
for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred. The
Company uses the straight-line method of depreciation for financial reporting,
while using different methods for tax purposes. Depreciation is based upon
estimated useful lives, ranging from five to ten years. Leasehold improvements
are amortized over the term of the leases, or over their estimated useful lives,
whichever is shorter.
 
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     The fair values and carrying amounts of the Company's financial
instruments, primarily accounts receivable and debt, are approximately
equivalent. The debt instruments bear interest at floating rates which are based
upon market rates or fixed rates which approximate market rates. All other
financial instruments are classified as current and will be utilized within the
next operating cycle.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION AND RECEIVABLES
 
     The Company's net revenues consist of tuition and fees, student housing
charges and supply store and restaurant sales. In fiscal 1998, the Company
derived 87.7% of its net revenues from tuition and fees paid by, or on behalf
of, its students. Net revenues, as presented, are reduced for student refunds
and scholarships.
 
     The Company recognizes tuition and housing revenues on a monthly pro rata
basis over the term of instruction, typically an academic quarter. Fees are
generally recognized as revenue at the start of the academic period to which
they apply. Student supply store and restaurant sales are recognized as they
occur. Refunds are calculated in accordance with federal, state and accrediting
agency standards. Advance payments represent that portion of payments received
but not earned and are reflected as a current liability in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets.
 
     The trade receivable balances are comprised of individually insignificant
amounts due primarily from students throughout the United States.
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES
 
     Educational services expense consists primarily of costs related to the
development, delivery and administration of the Company's education programs.
Major cost components are faculty compensation, administrative salaries, costs
of educational materials, facility leases and school occupancy costs,
information systems costs and bad debt expense along with depreciation and
amortization of property and equipment.
 
     General and administrative expense consists of marketing and student
admissions expenses and certain central staff departmental costs such as
executive management, finance and accounting, legal, corporate development and
other departments that do not provide direct services to the Company's students.
All marketing and student admissions costs are expensed in the fiscal year
incurred.
 
     Amortization of intangibles relates principally to the values assigned to
student enrollment agreements and applications, accreditation, contracts with
colleges and universities and goodwill, which arose principally from
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   45
 
the application of purchase accounting to the establishment and financing of the
Education Management Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Trust (the
"ESOP") and the related leveraged transaction in October 1989. This transaction
was accounted for in accordance with FASB Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No.
88-16. In addition, it includes the amortization of values assigned to student
enrollment agreements, curriculum and goodwill that resulted from the
acquisitions discussed above. These intangible assets are amortized over periods
ranging from 2 to 40 years (goodwill).
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                  ---------------------------
                                                   1996      1997      1998
                                                  ------    ------    -------
                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                               <C>       <C>       <C>
Cash paid during the period for:
  Interest......................................  $3,558    $2,264    $   771
  Income taxes..................................   2,854     8,279     13,373
</TABLE>
 
RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
     Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the
current year presentation.
 
3. SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT:
 
     In November 1996, the Company completed the initial public offering ("IPO")
of 5,073,600 shares of its Common Stock, $.01 par value (the "Common Stock"),
including 1,701,391 shares sold by certain shareholders, at a price to the
public of $15 per share. Since that date, the authorized capital stock of the
Company has consisted of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock, $.01 par value
(the "Preferred Stock").
 
     From 1989 until immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO, the
Company's outstanding capital stock consisted of Class A Common Stock, $.0001
par value ("Class A Stock"), Class B Common Stock, $.0001 par value ("Class B
Stock"), and Series A 10.19% Convertible Preferred Stock, $.0001 par value (the
"Series A Preferred Stock"). All the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred
Stock were owned by the ESOP. In addition, warrants to purchase shares of Class
B Stock were outstanding.
 
     Immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO, the following occurred:
(i) the warrants to purchase 5,956,079 shares of Class B Stock were exercised
($.0001 exercise price per share), (ii) the ESOP converted all the outstanding
shares of Series A Preferred Stock into 2,249,954 shares of Class A Stock, (iii)
the Company's Articles of Incorporation were amended and restated to authorize
the Common Stock and Preferred Stock and (iv) all outstanding shares of Class A
Stock and Class B Stock (including the shares resulting from the exercise of the
warrants and the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock) were reclassified
into shares of Common Stock on a one-for-two basis (also referred to as a
one-for-two reverse stock split).
 
     For the purpose of presenting comparable financial information in this
report for 1996 and 1997, the per share amounts, the number of shares of Class A
Stock and Class B Stock, the conversion ratio for the Series A Preferred Stock
and the exercise price for the warrants have been restated to reflect the
one-for-two reverse stock split, except in this Note 3.
 
     Prior to the closing of the IPO, holders of the Company's equity securities
had the right, under certain circumstances, to require the Company to repurchase
such securities. In addition, the Company had the right to redeem shares of
Series A Preferred Stock and Class B Stock under certain circumstances.
Coincident with the IPO, these rights expired.
 
     In the IPO, the Company received total net proceeds, after deduction of
expenses and underwriting discounts payable by the Company, of approximately $45
million. On the date the IPO closed, $38.5 million of those proceeds were used
to repay the outstanding indebtedness under the Company's amended and restated
credit facility dated March 16, 1995 (the "Revolving Credit Agreement"). The
remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   46
 
     Pursuant to a Preferred Share Purchase Rights Plan (the "Rights Plan")
approved by the Company's Board of Directors, which became effective upon the
consummation of the IPO, one Preferred Share Purchase Right (a "Right") is
associated with each outstanding share of Common Stock. Each Right entitles its
holder to buy one one-hundredth of a share of Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, at an exercise price of $50, subject to
adjustment (the "Purchase Price"). The Rights Plan is not subject to shareholder
approval.
 
     The Rights will become exercisable under certain circumstances following a
public announcement by a person or group of persons (an "Acquiring Person") that
they acquired or commenced a tender offer for 17.5% or more of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock. If an Acquiring Person acquires 17.5% or more of the
Common Stock, each Right will entitle its holder, except the Acquiring Person,
to acquire upon exercise a number of shares of Common Stock having a market
value of two times the Purchase Price. In the event that the Company is acquired
in a merger or other business combination transaction or 50% or more of its
consolidated assets or earning power are sold after a person or group of persons
becomes an Acquiring Person, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase, at
the Purchase Price, that number of shares of the acquiring company having a
market value of two times the Purchase Price. The Rights will expire on the
tenth anniversary of the closing of the IPO and are subject to redemption by the
Company at $.01 per Right, subject to adjustment.
 
     On November 10, 1997, certain principal shareholders of the Company sold
3,070,992 shares of Common Stock in a public offering. The Company did not
receive any proceeds from this offering and was reimbursed by the selling
shareholders for all out-of-pocket expenses related to this offering.
 
     The unaudited pro forma income statement data in the following table gives
effect to the IPO as if it had occurred on July 1, 1996. Proceeds from the IPO
were utilized pro forma to retire outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving
Credit Agreement and for general corporate purposes. The adjustment to interest
expense represents the effect of the reduction of debt as if it had occurred on
July 1, 1996. Pro forma taxes are applied at an effective tax rate of 42% of
taxable income.
 
     This unaudited pro forma income statement data is not necessarily
indicative of what the Company's results of operations actually would have been
had the above transactions in fact occurred on July 1, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
                                             -----------------------------------------
                                              ACTUAL       ADJUSTMENTS      PRO FORMA
                                             ---------    -------------    -----------
                                             (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                          <C>          <C>              <C>
Income before interest and taxes...........   $18,819         $  --          $18,819
Interest expense, net......................     1,603          (931)             672
                                              -------         -----          -------
Income before income taxes.................    17,216           931           18,147
Income taxes...............................     7,231           391            7,622
                                              -------         -----          -------
Net income.................................   $ 9,985         $ 540          $10,525
                                              =======         =====          =======
Net income available to common
  shareholders.............................   $ 9,499         $ 540          $10,039
Earnings per share
  -- Basic.................................   $   .80         $(.10)         $   .70
  -- Diluted...............................   $   .72         $(.02)         $   .70
Weighted average number of shares
  outstanding
  -- Basic.................................    11,939         2,452           14,391
  -- Diluted...............................    13,671         1,073           14,744
</TABLE>
 
4. EARNINGS PER SHARE:
 
     During 1998, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share," which changes the methodology
for calculating earnings per share ("EPS") and replaces primary and fully
diluted EPS with basic and diluted EPS, respectively. These changes include
eliminating common stock equivalents (such as stock options, warrants and
convertible preferred stock) from basic EPS and modifying the methodology for
reflecting the dilutive effect of options, warrants and convertible securities
when computing diluted EPS.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   47
 
     Basic EPS is computed using the weighted average number of shares actually
outstanding during the period, while diluted EPS is calculated to reflect the
potential dilution related to stock options, warrants and the assumed conversion
of Series A Preferred Stock.
 
RECONCILIATION OF DILUTED SHARES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                   --------------------------
                                                    1996      1997      1998
                                                   ------    ------    ------
                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                <C>       <C>       <C>
Basic shares.....................................   6,913    11,939    14,454
Dilution for stock options.......................     176       324       472
Dilution for warrants and Series A Preferred
  Stock..........................................   4,785     1,408        --
                                                   ------    ------    ------
Diluted shares...................................  11,874    13,671    14,926
                                                   ======    ======    ======
</TABLE>
 
     The net income available to common shareholders in 1996 and 1997 has been
reduced by the dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock in the computation of
both basic and diluted EPS. In the event that the Series A Preferred Stock was
converted into Class A Stock, the Company would no longer have paid dividends;
however, ESOP expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income
would have increased proportionately. The premium paid upon the redemption of
75,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock has been deducted from net income in
calculating basic EPS for 1997.
 
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
 
     Property and equipment consist of the following as of June 30:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1997        1998
                                                           ----        ----
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
Assets (asset lives in years)
  Land..................................................  $   300    $    300
  Buildings and improvements (20).......................    1,841       1,841
  Equipment and furniture (5 to 10).....................   61,204      73,469
  Leasehold interests and improvements (4 to 20)........   36,475      42,201
                                                          -------    --------
     Total..............................................   99,820     117,811
  Less accumulated depreciation.........................   47,249      60,391
                                                          -------    --------
                                                          $52,571    $ 57,420
                                                          =======    ========
</TABLE>
 
6. LONG-TERM DEBT:
 
     The Company and its subsidiaries were indebted under the following
obligations as of June 30:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1997        1998
                                                           ----        ----
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>
Revolving Credit Agreement, secured by the stock of the
  Company's subsidiaries and all of the Company's assets
  (see below)...........................................  $27,000     $35,000
Capitalized lease and equipment installment note
  obligations (see below)...............................    7,031       3,382
                                                          -------     -------
                                                           34,031      38,382
Less current portion....................................    3,637       2,615
                                                          -------     -------
                                                          $30,394     $35,767
                                                          =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
     The Revolving Credit Agreement, as amended, currently allows for maximum
borrowings of $65 million, reduced annually by $5 million through its expiration
on October 13, 2000. The Revolving Credit Agreement
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   48
 
requires, among other matters, that the Company maintain a specified level of
consolidated net worth and meet interest and leverage ratio requirements, and
restricts capital expenditures, declaration or payment of dividends on or
repurchases of Common Stock and the incurrence of additional indebtedness, as
defined. As of June 30, 1998, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.
Interest on borrowings is variable; either at prime, Eurodollar or cost of funds
(as defined) rates, at the option of the Company. As of June 30, 1998, the
average interest rate under the Revolving Credit Agreement was 8.5%.
 
     Prior to 1998, the Company had used non-leveraged interest rate swaps to
manage interest rate risk. Such swaps represented the only derivative financial
instruments used by the Company and have been terminated.
 
     The Fourth Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement dated June 30, 1998
revises certain provisions described above. Effective June 30, 1998, the
interest rates and certain fees incurred in connection with borrowings and
available borrowings were reduced. Additionally, the calculations of certain
financial ratios were revised and restrictions on capital expenditures,
dividends and operating leases were removed.
 
     Relevant information regarding borrowings under the Revolving Credit
Agreement is reflected below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                      -------------------------------
                                                       1996        1997        1998
                                                       ----        ----        ----
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>         <C>
Outstanding borrowings, end of period...............  $55,000     $27,000     $35,000
Approximate average outstanding balance throughout
  the period........................................   16,847      13,602         530
Approximate maximum outstanding balance during the
  period............................................   55,000      55,000      35,000
Weighted average interest rate for the period.......     7.33%       7.20%       8.50%
</TABLE>
 
     Capitalized leases and installment notes for equipment and furniture expire
at various dates through June 2000. The following is a schedule of approximate
future minimum payments under capitalized leases, together with the present
value of the net minimum payments as of June 30, 1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEARS                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
------------                                             --------------
<S>                                                      <C>
1999...................................................      $2,820
2000...................................................         772
                                                             ------
Total minimum payments.................................       3,592
Less amount representing interest......................         210
                                                             ------
Present value of net minimum payments..................      $3,382
                                                             ======
</TABLE>
 
     Depreciation expense on assets financed through capitalized leases and
installment notes was approximately $3,182,000, $3,705,000 and $3,441,000 for
the years ended June 30, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
 
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
 
     The Company and its subsidiaries lease certain classroom, dormitory and
office space under operating leases, which expire on various dates through June
2014. Rent expense under these leases was approximately $17,689,000, $20,226,000
and $24,904,000, respectively for 1996, 1997 and 1998. The approximate minimum
future commitments under non-cancelable, long-term operating leases as of June
30, 1998 are reflected below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEARS                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
------------                                             --------------
<S>                                                      <C>
1999...................................................     $ 19,164
2000...................................................       16,352
2001...................................................       12,744
2002...................................................       10,052
2003...................................................       10,125
Thereafter.............................................       72,116
                                                            --------
                                                            $140,553
                                                            ========
</TABLE>
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   49
 
     The Company has a management incentive compensation plan which provides for
the awarding of cash bonuses to school management personnel using formalized
guidelines based upon the operating results of each subsidiary and the Company.
 
     The Company is a defendant in certain legal proceedings arising out of the
conduct of its businesses. In the opinion of management, based upon its
investigation of these claims and discussion with legal counsel, the ultimate
outcome of such legal proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, will not
have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results
of operations or liquidity of the Company.
 
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
 
     The Art Institute of Philadelphia, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The
Art Institutes International, Inc. ("AII"), which is a wholly owned subsidiary
of EDMC, leases one of the buildings it occupies from a partnership in which the
subsidiary serves as a 1% general partner and an executive officer/director and
a director of EDMC are minority limited partners. The Art Institute of Fort
Lauderdale, Inc., another wholly owned subsidiary of AII, leases part of its
facility from a partnership in which an executive officer/director of EDMC is a
minority limited partner. Total rental payments under these arrangements were
$1,894,000 for each of the three years ended June 30, 1998.
 
9. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS:
 
     The Company has a defined contribution retirement plan, which covers
substantially all employees. Contributions to the plan are at the discretion of
the Board of Directors. There are no unfunded past service costs related to the
plan. During 1998, the Company amended the 401(k) retirement plan, whereby the
Company will match 100% of employee contributions up to 3% of compensation and
50% of contributions between 3% and 6% of compensation. The expense relating to
these plans was approximately $515,000, $526,000 and $1,198,000 for the years
ended June 30, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
 
     The Company has established an ESOP, which enables eligible employees to
acquire stock ownership in the Company. Prior to the Offering, the Company made
annual contributions, in addition to dividends paid on the Series A Preferred
Stock held by the ESOP, sufficient to service the interest and principal
obligations on the ESOP's debt to the Company. Since the Company functioned as
the lender to the ESOP, the contribution for the interest component of debt
service was immediately returned to the Company. Such interest income and
expense was netted in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. During
the year ended June 30, 1996, the Senior term loan obtained for the ESOP's
acquisition of securities from EDMC was entirely repaid, as was the loan between
the ESOP and the Company.
 
     Shares and cash forfeiture allocations are made to the accounts of eligible
participating employees based upon each participant's compensation level
relative to the total compensation of all eligible employees. Eligible employees
vest their ESOP accounts based on a seven-year schedule, which includes credit
for past service. Distribution of shares from the ESOP are made following the
retirement, disability or death of an employee. For employees who terminate for
any other reason, their vested balance will be offered for distribution in
accordance with the terms of the ESOP.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   50
 
10. OTHER ASSETS:
 
     Other assets consist of the following as of June 30:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1997      1998
                                                             ----      ----
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>
Investment in Federal Perkins Loan Program, net of
  allowance for estimated future loan losses of $602 and
  $1,032..................................................  $2,398    $2,408
Cash value of life insurance, net of loans of $781 each
  year; face value of $6,611..............................   1,785     2,045
Other, net of amortization of $991 and $1,601.............   2,198     1,834
                                                            ------    ------
                                                            $6,381    $6,287
                                                            ======    ======
</TABLE>
 
11. ACCRUED LIABILITIES:
 
     Accrued liabilities consist of the following as of June 30:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1997      1998
                                                            ----      ----
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                        <C>       <C>
Payroll taxes and payroll related........................  $4,599    $ 6,297
Income and other taxes...................................   1,003        431
Other....................................................   4,176      3,434
                                                           ------    -------
                                                           $9,778    $10,162
                                                           ======    =======
</TABLE>
 
12. INCOME TAXES:
 
     The provision for income taxes includes current and deferred taxes as
reflected below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                          ---------------------------
                                                           1996      1997      1998
                                                           ----      ----      ----
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                       <C>       <C>       <C>
Current taxes:
  Federal...............................................  $3,215    $7,594    $ 9,780
  State.................................................     683     1,250      1,776
                                                          ------    ------    -------
     Total current taxes................................   3,898     8,844     11,556
                                                          ------    ------    -------
Deferred taxes..........................................     137    (1,613)    (1,184)
                                                          ------    ------    -------
     Total provision....................................  $4,035    $7,231    $10,372
                                                          ======    ======    =======
</TABLE>
 
     The provision for income taxes reflected in the accompanying consolidated
statements of income vary from the amounts that would have been provided by
applying the federal statutory income tax rate to earnings before income taxes
as shown below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                             ------------------------
                                                             1996      1997      1998
                                                             ----      ----      ----
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>       <C>
Federal statutory income tax rate..........................  34.0%     35.0%     35.0%
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax
  benefit..................................................   6.0       5.1       4.7
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles.............   1.5        .9        .6
Deductible portion of dividends on Series A Preferred
  Stock....................................................  (6.0)       --        --
Non-deductible expenses....................................   1.1        .8       1.0
Other, net.................................................    .5        .2        .7
                                                             ----      ----      ----
     Effective income tax rate.............................  37.1%     42.0%     42.0%
                                                             ====      ====      ====
</TABLE>
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   51
 
     Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following as of
June 30:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1996       1997       1998
                                                          ----       ----       ----
                                                                (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
Deferred income tax--current...........................  $   381    $ 1,509    $ 2,361
Deferred income tax--long-term.........................   (2,146)    (1,661)    (1,329)
                                                         -------    -------    -------
  Net deferred income tax asset (liability)............  $(1,765)   $  (152)   $ 1,032
                                                         =======    =======    =======
Consisting of:
  Financial reserves and other.........................  $   921    $  (408)   $   773
  Allowance for doubtful accounts......................    1,175      2,959      3,493
  Assigned asset values in excess of tax basis.........   (2,126)    (2,006)    (1,581)
  Depreciation.........................................   (1,735)      (697)    (1,653)
                                                         -------    -------    -------
Net deferred income tax asset (liability)..............  $(1,765)   $  (152)   $ 1,032
                                                         =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
13. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION:
 
     In October 1996, the Company adopted the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan (the
"1996 Plan") for directors, executive management and key personnel. The 1996
Plan provides for the issuance of stock-based incentive awards with respect to a
maximum of 1,250,000 shares of Common Stock. During 1997 and 1998, options
covering a total of 609,500 and 20,000 shares, respectively, were granted under
the 1996 Plan. Options issued under this plan provide for time-based vesting
over four years.
 
     The Company has two non-qualified management stock option plans under which
options to purchase a maximum of 359,642 and 200,000 shares of Common Stock have
been granted to management employees. In August 1996, all outstanding options
under these non-qualified plans were vested. An option covering 21,500 shares
granted during 1997 under one of these plans provides for time-based vesting
over four years. Under the terms of these plans, the Board of Directors granted
options to purchase shares at prices varying from $2.54 to $26.75 per share,
representing the fair market value at the time of the grant. Compensation
expense related to vesting of certain options of $464,000 and $375,000 was
recognized for the years ended June 30, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
 
     In addition to the above stock option plans, an agreement was entered into
with an executive during 1996 granting options for the purchase of 75,000 shares
of Class B Stock at $11.00 per share. The agreement provided for time-based
vesting over four years. This executive discontinued employment during 1997 and
forfeited options which had been granted with respect to 42,187 shares.
 
     In 1997, the Company adopted an employee stock purchase plan. The plan
allows eligible employees of the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of
750,000 shares of Common Stock at quarterly intervals through periodic payroll
deduction. The number of shares of Common Stock issued under this plan were
7,836 in 1997 and 18,254 in 1998.
 
     The Company accounts for these plans under Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." Had compensation
expense for the stock option and stock purchase plans been determined consistent
with SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation" the Company's net
income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the following pro forma
amounts:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1996      1997      1998
                                                            ----      ----      ----
<S>                                         <C>            <C>       <C>       <C>
Net income (in 000's):....................  As reported    $5,920    $9,985    $14,322
                                            Pro forma      $5,721    $9,553    $13,591
Basic EPS:................................  As reported    $  .53    $  .80    $   .99
                                            Pro forma      $  .50    $  .76    $   .94
Diluted EPS:..............................  As reported    $  .31    $  .72    $   .96
                                            Pro forma      $  .29    $  .69    $   .91
</TABLE>
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   52
 
     SUMMARY OF STOCK OPTIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          1996                    1997                    1998
                                  --------------------    --------------------    --------------------
                                              WEIGHTED                WEIGHTED                WEIGHTED
                                              AVERAGE                 AVERAGE                 AVERAGE
                                   NUMBER     EXERCISE     NUMBER     EXERCISE     NUMBER     EXERCISE
                                  OF SHARES    PRICE      OF SHARES    PRICE      OF SHARES    PRICE
                                  ---------    -----      ---------    -----      ---------    -----
<S>                               <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Outstanding at beginning of
  year..........................   538,145     $ 4.15       613,145    $ 4.98     1,096,358    $10.00
Granted.........................    75,000      11.00       631,000     15.07        30,000     26.27
Exercised.......................        --                   52,600      6.66        57,738     10.19
Forfeited.......................        --                   95,187     13.23        13,500     15.00
                                   -------     ------     ---------    ------     ---------    ------
Outstanding, end of year........   613,145     $ 4.98     1,096,358    $10.00     1,055,120    $10.42
                                   =======     ======     =========    ======     =========    ======
Exercisable, end of year........   473,593                  521,358                 633,582
                                   =======                =========               =========
Weighted average fair value of
  options granted (000's)*......   $   342                $   3,852               $     240
                                   =======                =========               =========
</TABLE>
 
---------
* The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using
  the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted averages
  assumptions for grants:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996     1997     1998
                                              -----    -----    -----
<S>                                           <C>      <C>      <C>
Risk free interest rate.....................   6.20%    6.14%       6.12%
Expected dividend yield.....................   0        0           0
Expected life of options (years)............   6        6           6
Expected volatility rate....................  33.7 %   34.3 %      33.7%
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 9-- CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
     Not applicable.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   53
 
                                    PART III
 
ITEM 10--DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
 
     The information required by this Item will be contained in the Company's
definitive Proxy Statement for its 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the
captions "Nominees as Directors for Terms Expiring at the 2001 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders," "Directors Continuing in Office," "Executive Officers of the
Company," and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance," and is
incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 11--EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The information required by this Item will be contained in the Company's
definitive Proxy Statement for its 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the
captions "Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors," "Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participants," "Employment Agreement,"
"Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation," and "Performance
Graph," and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 12--SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
     The information required by this Item will be contained in the Company's
definitive Proxy Statement for its 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the
caption "Security Ownership," and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 13--CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
     The information required by this Item will be contained in the Company's
definitive Proxy Statement for its 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders under the
caption "Certain Transactions," and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14--EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
     No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the three months ended June 30,
1998.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   54
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
 
                                          EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
 
                                          By:      /s/ ROBERT B. KNUTSON
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                     Robert B. Knutson
                                            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
Date: September 28, 1998
 
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                                       TITLE                        DATE
                  ---------                                       -----                        ----
<S>                                                   <C>                               <C>
 
            /s/ ROBERT B. KNUTSON                     Chairman and                      September 28, 1998
---------------------------------------------         Chief Executive Officer
              Robert B. Knutson                       and Director
 
            /s/ MIRYAM L. DRUCKER                     Vice Chairman and Director        September 28, 1998
---------------------------------------------
              Miryam L. Drucker
 
           /s/ ROBERT T. MCDOWELL                     Senior Vice President and         September 28, 1998
---------------------------------------------         Chief Financial Officer
             Robert T. McDowell
 
           /s/ JAMES J. BURKE, JR.                    Director                          September 28, 1998
---------------------------------------------
             James J. Burke, Jr.
 
            /s/ ALBERT GREENSTONE                     Director                          September 28, 1998
---------------------------------------------
              Albert Greenstone
 
            /s/ ROBERT H. ATWELL                      Director                          September 19, 1998
---------------------------------------------
              Robert H. Atwell
 
        /s/ WILLIAM M. CAMPBELL, III                  Director                          September 20, 1998
---------------------------------------------
          William M. Campbell, III
 
          /s/ JAMES S. PASMAN, JR.                    Director                          September 28, 1998
---------------------------------------------
            James S. Pasman, Jr.
</TABLE>
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   55
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                EXHIBIT                                   SEQUENTIAL PAGE NUMBER
-------                               -------                                   ----------------------
<S>      <C>                                                                  <C>
3.01     Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation                       Incorporated herein by
                                                                              reference to Exhibit 3.01
                                                                              to the Annual Report on
                                                                              Form 10-K for the year
                                                                              ended June 30, 1997 (the
                                                                              "1997 Form 10-K")

3.02     Articles of Amendment filed on February 4, 1997                      Incorporated herein by
                                                                              reference to Exhibit 3.02
                                                                              to the 1997 Form 10-K

3.03     Restated By-laws                                                     Incorporated herein by
                                                                              reference to Exhibit 3.03
                                                                              to the 1997 Form 10-K

4.01     Specimen Common Stock Certificate                                    Incorporated herein by
                                                                              reference to Exhibit 4.01
                                                                              to Amendment No. 3 filed
                                                                              on October 28, 1996 to the
                                                                              Registration Statement on
                                                                              Form S-1 (File No. 333-
                                                                              10385) filed on August 19,
                                                                              1996 (the "Form S-1")

4.02     Rights Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1996, between Education     Incorporated herein by
         Management Corporation and Mellon Bank, N.A.                         reference to Exhibit 4.02
                                                                              to the 1997 Form 10-K

10.01    Education Management Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan       Incorporated herein by
                                                                              reference to Exhibit 10.01
                                                                              to the Form S-1

10.02    First Amendment to Education Management Corporation Employee         Incorporated herein by
         Stock Ownership Plan                                                 reference to Exhibit 10.02
                                                                              to Amendment No. 1 filed
                                                                              on October 1, 1996
                                                                              ("Amendment No. 1") to the
                                                                              Form S-1

10.03    Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Education Management        Incorporated herein by
         Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan                            reference to Exhibit 10.03
                                                                              to the Form S-1

10.04    Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Education Management         Incorporated herein by
         Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan                            reference to Exhibit 10.04
                                                                              to Amendment No. 1

10.05    Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Education Management        Filed herewith
         Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan

10.06    Education Management Corporation Management Incentive Stock          Incorporated herein by
         Option Plan, effective November 11, 1993                             reference to Exhibit 10.05
                                                                              to the Form S-1

10.07    EMC Holdings, Inc. Management Incentive Stock Option Plan,           Incorporated herein by
         effective July 1, 1990                                               reference to Exhibit 10.06
                                                                              to Amendment No. 1
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   56
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                EXHIBIT                                   SEQUENTIAL PAGE NUMBER
-------                               -------                                   ----------------------
<S>      <C>                                                                  <C>
10.08    Form of Management Incentive Stock Option Agreement, dated           Incorporated herein by
         various dates, between EMC Holdings, Inc. and various management     reference to Exhibit 10.07
         employees                                                            to Amendment No. 1

10.09    Form of Amendment to Management Incentive Stock Option Agreement,    Incorporated herein by
         dated January 19, 1995, among Education Management Corporation       reference to Exhibit 10.08
         and various management employees                                     to Amendment No. 1

10.10    Education Management Corporation Retirement Plan                     Incorporated herein by
                                                                              reference to Exhibit 10.09
                                                                              to Amendment No. 1

10.11    First Amendment to Education Management Corporation Retirement       Filed herewith
         Plan

10.12    Education Management Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan          Incorporated herein by
                                                                              reference to Exhibit 10.11
                                                                              to the Form S-1

10.13    1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan                                    Incorporated herein by
                                                                              reference to Exhibit 10.12
                                                                              to Amendment No. 1

10.14    Education Management Corporation 1996 Stock Incentive Plan           Incorporated herein by
                                                                              reference to Exhibit 10.13
                                                                              to Amendment No. 1

10.15    Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated August       Incorporated herein by
         15, 1996, between Robert B. Knutson and Education Management         reference to Exhibit 10.15
         Corporation                                                          to the Form S-1

10.16    Form of EMC-Art Institutes International, Inc. Director's and/or     Incorporated herein by
         Officer's Indemnification Agreement                                  reference to Exhibit 10.17
                                                                              to the Form S-1

10.17    Agreement and Lease, dated September 1, 1978, between Stabile &      Incorporated herein by
         Associates and Education Management Corporation                      reference to Exhibit 10.18
                                                                              to Amendment No. 1

10.18    Amendment to Agreement and Lease, dated March 1, 1980, between       Incorporated herein by
         Stabile & Associates and Education Management Corporation            reference to Exhibit 10.19
                                                                              to Amendment No. 1

10.19    Renewal Option Letter Agreement dated November 21, 1984 between      Incorporated herein by
         Stabile & Associates and Education Management Corporation            reference to Exhibit 10.20
                                                                              to Amendment No. 1

10.20    Common Stock Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August       Incorporated herein by
         15, 1996, among Education Management Corporation and Marine          reference to Exhibit 10.19
         Midland Bank, Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company,            to the 1997 Form 10-K
         National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA, Merrill
         Lynch Employees LBO Partnership No. I, L.P., Merrill Lynch IBK
         Positions, Inc., Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P., 1986, Merrill Lynch
         Offshore LBO Partnership No. IV, Merrill Lynch Capital
         Corporation, Merrill Lynch Capital Appreciation Partnership IV,
         L.P., Robert B. Knutson and certain other individuals
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   57
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                EXHIBIT                                   SEQUENTIAL PAGE NUMBER
-------                               -------                                   ----------------------
<S>      <C>                                                                  <C>
10.21    Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated March 16, 1995,         Incorporated herein by
         among Education Management Corporation, certain banks and PNC        reference to Exhibit 4.16
         Bank, National Association                                           to Amendment No. 1

10.22    First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated      Incorporated herein by
         October 13, 1995, among Education Management Corporation, certain    reference to Exhibit 4.17
         banks and PNC Bank, National Association                             to the Form S-1

10.23    Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated     Incorporated herein by
         July 31, 1996, among Education Management Corporation, certain       reference to Exhibit 4.18
         banks and PNC Bank, National Association                             to Amendment No. 1

10.24    Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated      Incorporated herein by
         March 14, 1997, among Education Management Corporation, certain      reference to Exhibit 10.23
         banks and PNC Bank, National Association                             to the 1997 Form 10-K

10.25    Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated     Filed herewith
         June 30, 1998, among Education Management Corporation, certain
         banks and PNC Bank, National Association

10.26    Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, dated May 2, 1996, between      Incorporated herein by
         Education Management Corporation and William M. Webster, IV          reference to Exhibit 4.22
                                                                              to the form S-1

10.27    Letter Agreement, dated August 9, 1996, between Education            Incorporated herein by
         Management Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Trust and            reference to Exhibit 4.23
         Education Management Corporation                                     to Amendment No. 1

10.28    Form of Common Stock Subscription and Repurchase Agreement, dated    Incorporated herein by
         various dates, between Education Management Corporation and          reference to Exhibit 4.11
         various stock purchasers                                             to Amendment No. 1

10.29    Form of Amendment No. 1 to Common Stock Subscription and             Incorporated herein by
         Repurchase Agreement, dated January 1, 1996, between Education       reference to Exhibit 4.12
         Management Corporation and certain management stockholders           to Amendment No. 1

10.30    Form of Common Stock Subscription and Repurchase Agreement, dated    Incorporated herein by
         various dates, between Education Management Corporation and          reference to Exhibit 4.13
         certain management stockholders                                      to Amendment No. 1

10.31    Amendment No. 1 to Common Stock Subscription and Repurchase          Incorporated herein by
         Agreement, dated January 19, 1995, between Education Management      reference to Exhibit 4.14
         Corporation and certain management stockholders                      to Amendment No. 1

10.32    Amendment No. 2 to Common Stock Subscription and Repurchase          Incorporated herein by
         Agreement, dated January 1, 1996, between Education Management       reference to Exhibit 4.15
         Corporation and certain management stockholders                      to Amendment No. 1

21.01    List of subsidiaries of Education Management Corporation

23.01    Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

27.01    Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   58
 
                                                        SCHEDULE
 
               EDUCATION MANAGEMENT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                BALANCE AT   ADDITIONS                            BALANCE AT
                                                BEGINNING    CHARGED TO                             END OF
                                                OF PERIOD     EXPENSES    DEDUCTIONS   OTHER(A)     PERIOD
                                                ----------   ----------   ----------   --------   ----------
<S>                                             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
ALLOWANCE ACCOUNTS FOR:
Year ended June 30, 1996
  Uncollectible accounts receivable...........    $1,529       $2,995       $1,586       $ --       $2,938
  Estimated future loan losses................       559           16           --         --          575
Year ended June 30, 1997
  Uncollectible accounts receivable...........     2,938        3,911           --        544        7,393
  Estimated future loan losses................       575           27           --         --          602
Year ended June 30, 1998
  Uncollectible accounts receivable...........     7,393        5,443        4,518         --        8,318
  Estimated future loan losses................       602          430           --         --        1,032
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(a) Uncollectible accounts receivable acquired in connection with acquisitions
    of subsidiaries.