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2024 Best For-Profit Colleges and Universities

For-profit colleges and universities have unique attributes that require us to treat them separately. Many of the students attending for-profit universities are further along in their careers and have already gotten their first degree. This can skew the earnings data.

For-profit universities also do provide opportunities to students who may be unable to attend state or private schools. Most accept 100% of their applicants. This can lead to relatively poor graduation rates.

For-profits have been innovative in how they provide education to students, leading the way in online degree courses, for instance.

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#1 in For Profit Schools
Economic score 1.33

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $26,609

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $97,827

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 65%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

Nestled in the “Silicon Slopes” of Utah, Neumont is a small for-profit college specializing in computer science bachelor’s degrees. Specific program offerings include computer science, software & game development, computer information systems & cybersecurity, and web design & development. Undergraduate students attend on-campus lectures and must study full time, graduating with a portfolio of real-world experience through project-based learning. A whopping 94% of Neumont students receive some form of scholarship, and 77% live on campus.

Neumont College of Computer Science is accredited by the Northwest Commission on College and Universities (NWCCU).

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#2 in For Profit Schools

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, Alabama

Economic score 1.92

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $12,366

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $63,534

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 50%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a private, fully online university based in Orange Beach, Alabama. For over 25 years, the school has been setting the standard in affordable, flexible education for adult learners. The school offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as certificate programs across a range of disciplines like business administration, criminal justice, psychology, education, and more. 

Columbia Southern is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is an institutional member of the American Council on Education (ACE). 

CSU has forged a strategic partnership with the Center for International Training Cooperation in Vietnam, underscoring its commitment to global educational initiatives.

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#3 in For Profit Schools
Economic score 1.95

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $26,362

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $92,405

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 86%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

Chamberlain University has been providing nursing education for over 130 years. The school has a College of Nursing and a College of Health Professions, multiple campuses across the country, and online offerings.

Chamberlain emphasizes a culture of care – the idea of caring for students so they, in turn, can render exceptional care to patients. This philosophy is embodied in their educational approach, support services, and curriculum. New students are guided by a coaching team, and customized support plans, workshops, and NCLEX test prep are available to all.

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#4 in For Profit Schools

Pacific College

Costa Mesa, California

Economic score 2.63

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $26,981

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $70,064

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 61%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

Pacific College is a for-profit degree-granting institution specializing in nursing founded in 1993. Besides nursing degrees, it also offers degrees in healthcare administration.

Students can choose between various bridge programs, including MSN-FNP, RN-BSN, RN (ADN), BS-HCA, BS-BA, and the VN.

It is accredited by the WSCUC, BPPE, CCNE, and BRN.

While its main campus is in Orange Country, California, it also has branches in Ontario, CA and Los Angeles. Students can combine online and classroom learning.

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#5 in For Profit Schools

West Coast University, Los Angeles

North Hollywood, California

Economic score 3.00

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $45,923

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $102,672

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 81%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

West Coast University, Los Angeles is part of a network of 6 WCU campuses across California and Texas. WCU is a private for-profit college specialized in healthcare education. The Los Angeles campus, located in West Hollywood, focuses on nursing programs, offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an LVN-to-BSN bridge program.

The campus has state-of-the-art labs and simulation centers, designed to give students hands-on experience and help them practice clinical skills in a controlled environment.

The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

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#6 in For Profit Schools
Economic score 3.95

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $40,392

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $79,878

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 57%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

Founded in 1988, DigiPen Institute of Technology was the first-ever college to offer a bachelor’s degree in video game technology and development. DigiPen’s main campus is in Redmond, Washington, home of Nintendo and Microsoft. It also has international campuses in Spain and Singapore.

DigiPen offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees across 5 disciplines: computer science, animation, computer engineering, game design, and digital audio and sound design. The school boasts an impressive 1:10 student-to-faculty ratio and accepts 73% of all applicants.

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#7 in For Profit Schools
Economic score 5.29

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $19,784

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $50,719

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 43%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

The University of Advancing Technology is a private college located in Tempe, Arizona. UAT offers degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Best known for its game studies major, other programs offered include digital arts, creation & simulation, software engineering, cyber security, and business & innovation. UAT prides itself on giving students a “technophile college experience” and has an impressive 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Students often engage in real-world projects, which helps them build a portfolio by the time they graduate. Due to its specialized focus, UAT has developed relationships with tech companies, which can be beneficial for students seeking internships or job placements after graduation.

UAT is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

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#8 in For Profit Schools

Platt College, Greenwood Village

Greenwood Village, Colorado

Economic score 5.41

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $40,684

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $77,602

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 80%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

#9 in For Profit Schools

Waldorf University

Forest City, Iowa

Economic score 5.99

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $18,493

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $51,165

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 62%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

Founded in 1903, Waldorf University is a private, for-profit university located in Forest City, Iowa. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, making Waldorf a Christian college. It focuses on the liberal arts, and it offers both online and on-campus programs.

The school offers programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level.

Students can choose from a wide array of majors, including biology, English, history, leadership, and PR.

The 4 pillars of the Waldorf University experience are Tradition, Passion, Community, and Success.

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#10 in For Profit Schools

American Public University System

Charles Town, West Virginia

Economic score 6.17

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $10,168

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $44,409

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 53%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

American Public University began in 1991 as the American Military University. Founded by retired Marine Corps officer James P. Etter, the school broke new ground by offering career-relevant, distance education for military learners. Today it has broadened its focus, offering over 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates to students from all walks of life.

APU is a fully online for-profit college, providing no-cost e-books for all undergraduate, doctoral, and Preferred Military Rate-eligible master’s-level students. With no set login times and new intakes every month, students are able to plan their studies around work and family responsibilities. This is reflected in the college’s student body – 30% of students are returning for a second degree. APU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

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#11 in For Profit Schools

LIM College

New York, New York

Economic score 6.93

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $38,035

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $58,956

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 57%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

LIM College was originally founded as the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in 1939 to teach women about the fashion business. Today, it is open to both male and female students, although only 11% of its student body are men.

LIM offers many degree programs in fashion-related fields, including fashion media, fashion merchandising, business of fashion, and much more. There is even a Bachelor of Business Administration in “Business of Cannabis”.

Graduates of LIM are well positioned for employment with top players in the fashion industry, with graduates going on to find work at Macy’s, Gucci, J Crew, Converse, and many more.

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#12 in For Profit Schools

Eastwick College, Ramsey

Ramsey, New Jersey

Economic score 7.63

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $28,557

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $51,725

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 67%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

Eastwick College, Ramsey is a small, private for-profit college in a suburban location in New Jersey, not far from New York City. Its focus is on hands-on training and preparing students for in-demand careers in the NYC area. Charity work is also a big part of the college’s philosophy.

Degrees, which are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and certificate levels, span business, allied health, HVACR, welding, and much more. Enrolled students can even major in funeral service!

Its HoHoKus School of Technical Sciences is a well-respected trade school in the New York area.

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#13 in For Profit Schools

Central Penn College

Summerdale, Pennsylvania

Economic score 8.31

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $12,481

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $45,370

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 56%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

#14 in For Profit Schools

Monroe College

Bronx, New York

Economic score 9.27

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $9,404

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $41,236

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 69%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

Monroe is a diverse, private, for-profit university in New York. Besides its campuses in the Bronx and New Rochelle, it also has a campus in St. Lucia – a Carribean island nation. The college was founded in 1933; today, it prides itself on its career-oriented approach to learning.

Monroe offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in a diverse range of fields, including allied health, business, IT, nursing, education, culinary, and much more.

Programs are offered online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format.

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#15 in For Profit Schools
Economic score 10.21

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $50,126

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $68,891

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 57%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

#16 in For Profit Schools

The College of Westchester

White Plains, New York

Economic score 10.46

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $11,564

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $42,215

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 53%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

#17 in For Profit Schools
Economic score 10.71

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $30,704

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $49,841

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 70%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

Joyce University in Draper, Utah, is a private for-profit nursing and healthcare school founded in 1979. Joyce offers pre- and post-licensure paths for nurses (ADN, BSN, RN-BSN, and MSN) as well as an online Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate of Science. It is one of Utah’s largest nursing schools. New students can enroll at Joyce University 3 times per year.

The college houses the Joyce Johnson Centre of Simulation, a state-of-the-art experiential learning facility with high-fidelity robotic patient mannequins, synthetic cadavers, and simulated clinical environments.

Joyce is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

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#18 in For Profit Schools
Economic score 11.85

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $27,671

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $53,598

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 77%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

#19 in For Profit Schools

University of Silicon Valley

San Jose, California

Economic score 12.13

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $29,887

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $51,017

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 51%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

The University of Silicon Valley is a for-profit college that focuses on creative technology. Think game design, game art, software development, digital animation, and digital audio technology. It is based in San Jose, California.

Students can choose between online and classroom-based courses, although not all programs are offered online.

University of Silicon Valley students are given the opportunity to gain experience working with major industry players before they graduate, boosting their employability. Collaboration with people in other majors on projects is also encouraged.

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#20 in For Profit Schools
Economic score 12.16

Our economic score ranks programs based on a combination of payback and EarningsPlus. Lower scores are better. Check our methodology page for details and data sources.

Cost $29,090

The median net cost of students who receive federal financial aid. This is lower than the price advertised by the school.

Earnings $49,944

Median earnings of all students 10 years after enrollment. Includes students that did not graduate.

Graduation rate 58%

Graduation rates below the school’s state average are shown in red. Schools with graduation rates in the bottom 25% nationally (49%) are not  displayed.

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