For-profit Education - Classification of For-profit Institutions

Classification of For-profit Institutions

Kevin Kinser, assistant professor of educational administration and policy at the University at Albany, has proposed a "Multidimensional classification" scheme of for-profit higher education. Kinser's classes of proprietary colleges are organized by these criteria:

1. Geographic scope:

• "Neighborhood" – close geographic proximity, in a single state
• "Regional" – two or more campuses in neighboring states
• "National" – including in states across the United States and virtual colleges

2. Ownership dimension:

• "Publicly traded" corporations
• Family-owned "enterprise institution(s)"
• "Venture institutions" held by private investors

3. Highest degree granted:

• Schools that give non-degree certificates
• Institutes that grant associate's degree – such as L.P.N., A.O.S., or A.A.S.
• Colleges that grant a bachelor's degree – usually a B.S. or B.B.A.
• Universities that grant graduate degrees – a master's or doctorate.