Who Profits? Students' Experiences at For-Profit Colleges
Survey
Jan. 2023
Sample Size:
1,001
Demographics:
undergraduate students
alumni
Topics:
Admissions And Enrollment
Value
Affordability
Educational Pathways
Top Findings:
- Just one-third of for-profit college attendees prioritized affordability when choosing a college, yet few of them believe that cost is an indicator of quality in higher education. Only 23 percent of for-profit college attendees believe that more expensive colleges provide a better education.
- Most for-profit attendees (83 percent) are generally satisfied with their college. But when asked about specifics—such as academics, work experience, and student services—about 40 percent or more for-profit alumni and non-completers say their school fell short on making tutors available, providing internships and work experience, career services or job placement, and health services.
- Sixty percent of for-profit attendees report relying on student loans to pay for college, compared to only 28 percent of community college students. Fewer for-profit attendees (26 percent) than community college students (48 percent) rely on savings or earnings.
- Prior to enrolling in their college, 66 percent of for-profit alumni were confident that it would greatly improve their job prospects. But only 38 percent of for-profit alumni say their degree was worth the cost, while 37 percent say it was not and the rest say it remains to be seen.