The students have spoken, and they want more online class options. Recently, the Changing Landscape of Online Education (CHLOE) report for 2024 revealed that 75% of CLOs (chief learning officers) saw a surge in demand for online learning this year. In the digital world we live in, this trajectory is expected to continue, but are schools ready to take up the gauntlet? While most universities offer some online options, for-profit programs have built robust online learning curriculums that replicate the in-person model.

With so many students petitioning for more remote learning classes, for-profit educators continue leading the charge in this space. Whether students aren’t able to attend in-person at a traditional school, or simply want a specialized education, for-profit learning opens the door to degrees and careers for many.

The Impact of Online Learning Post-Pandemic

As most industries can attest, things definitely shifted after 2020, and the ripples are still being felt to this day. For higher ed, fully accessible online learning started out as an emergency response, but the demand has remained. Today, a majority of students (54%) are taking at least one online class, and online learning remains more common than before the pandemic in 2019.

As any online learning expert can attest, COVID really changed things in higher-ed. It made online options more desired, and put the pressure on the traditional model.

As online learning pioneers, for-profit colleges were more prepared for this huge shift in education and arguably had more resources to make their courses completely available online.

The Rise and Fall of OPMs

Another indicator of for-profit educators leading the online learning space is the rise and fall of Online Program Management providers (OPMs). During the height of the pandemic, to keep up with the demand for online education, major (non-profit) colleges and universities like the University of Southern California partnered with OPMs to outsource their virtual curricula. 

This model — which involves higher education sharing tuition earnings with OPMs — has not been profitable and is on a steep decline. In fact, OPM funding has decreased by 97% since 2021. 

On the other hand, many for-profit educational programs were already more familiar with the online enrollment space, and didn’t have to play catchup with OPMs. Both nonprofit and for-profit educators are seeing the value in building a strong online presence for students in-house as demand continues to grow. 

Building a Case for For-Profit Education

The majority of for-profit education companies provide exactly what students today are looking for, and uphold high standards of instruction. 

No institution of learning is created equal, but there are many successful for-profit companies in the US that offer a high-quality education through online classes. Whether a student simply prefers a self-paced course load or can’t physically attend college in person, for-profit educators provide an outlet most traditional universities can’t match: Fully online programs with monitored-outcomes from various accrediting bodies. 

Outcomes

Every year, for-profit educators provide degrees and certifications to thousands of online students throughout the country. Many of these graduates complete their education while working full-time, taking care of children, or providing for other family members. Anyone who has completed an online degree can attest that these programs require hours and hours of hard work.

As public opinion continues to change surrounding the value of a traditional 4-year education, online learning becomes more relevant than ever. Enrollment is rising in the for-profit education sector, up to nearly 10% for some organizations. Between 2010 and 2021, overall college enrollment fell 14.6%, while certificate earners rose to a decade high in 2024, up about 4%. 

Even ACT, the standardized acceptance test organization for college, is moving toward for-profit status, having been acquired by a private equity firm in March 2024. 

Affordability

For-profit colleges and programs can also be very affordable, depending on the degree and financial aid available. Most online degree programs offer scholarship options, and students can apply for grants and financial aid through FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), private lenders, and other resources. 

In the end, most students in higher education will end up investing a significant amount of money into their studies, whether they attend a for-profit college or nonprofit. The cost of a year of public, out-of-state tuition averaged around $24,000 in 2024, and many for-profit educators offer entire certification programs for less. 

For example, the Education Data Initiative found that the average cost of tuition and fees for a year at a for-profit institution in the US is around $16,000. 

Some qualifying for-profit education programs also allow veteran students to use their GI bill to fund their schooling.

For-Profit Educators Add Value

From a growth in demand, to online degree outcomes that speak for themselves, all signs point to the importance of an abundance of online learning resources. Many of these resources can be found within the for-profit education sector. 

As young professionals earn quality degrees online, leading to real jobs in the workplace, they deserve these highly accessible options. 

For-profit educators offer invaluable experience, expert knowledge, and, most importantly, the online options students crave today.