My Experience at a For-Profit University

I have two degrees from For-Profit institutions. It is hard to say if the degrees were worth it. I do have the ability to compare a For-Profit university with a state run university as I transferred schools.

Costs

The tuition at the For-profit University was more expensive than the state school. However, I was paying out of state tuition at the state school and I no longer had to pay room and board. I was able to work full time when I went to the For-profit school and I was also able to get some tuition reimbursement. I went to Strayer University and currently tuition would range between $1590 per course if going full time. The out of state tuition is $1380 per course at the state university. Of course at the state university I was paying for room and board so the costs would be a wash.

Academics

The academics were roughly the same. I had to take a few different courses when I transferred but the majority of my credits transferred. The biggest difference I noticed when I transferred was the professor's attitude. The professor was excited and happy to be teaching. I did not get that at the state school. The emphasis appeared to be more on the student than state standards as well. State schools had their standards and for- profit school had top notch professors. I was a business student and I was taught by teachers who had taught at Stanford in some cases.

Drawback

The social aspect was stronger for me at the state university. Living on campus one was able to develop life long friends. Going to a for-profit school this aspect was lost even though there were some group projects. The social aspect was missing. However, at the state school I was not able to gain work experience as I went to school. There was also much more diversity at the for-profit university which is an advantage.

Conclusion:

A quality education can be had at both a state school and for-profit university. Yes tuition appears to be more at the for-profit institution however it depends if one is paying more fees and out-of state tuition. Sometimes the difference is not that much. The for-profit experience is probably better suited for a non-traditional student. It is important that the school is accredited and recognized. It is also important to analyze the needs of a student before making a decision.

More from Associated Content:

When Does a For-Profit Degree Make Sense?

Retirement Plans for Kids

Four Financial Tips for Young Adults

Sources:

Strayer University homepage

Concord University homepage

Personal experience