For-Profit Colleges and Universities

For-profit colleges and universities (FPCUs) are privately owned institutions that operate under profit-driven business objectives. Also referred to as proprietary institutions, FPCUs began as alternative pathways for learning vocational, trade, and practical skills for underserved student populations. FPCUs in the United States and in other countries are redefining the purposes and functions of postsecondary education. In addition to providing learning opportunities in traditional degree-granting programs such as education and business, FPCUs also offer degrees and certifications in programs that are less likely to be found in nonprofit higher education institutions such as music production and information technology services.