About college ownership types

Just trying to clarify something here - are most colleges non-profit? If not, what difference does it make for students?

Yes, most colleges in the United States, including public universities and many private institutions, are nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit colleges invest all revenue back into the school to improve facilities, hire additional staff, or create new programs to enhance the educational experience for its students.

Profit-making or 'for-profit' colleges, on the other hand, operate more like businesses. These institutions aim to generate profit which could be distributed to stakeholders or reinvested in ways to enhance the delivering of their services.

For students, attending a nonprofit college often translates into a lower tuition cost, a more extensive selection of degree programs, and often a more robust alumni network. Moreover, some nonprofit institutions receive significant endowments, which can be funneled into scholarships and grants for students.

In contrast, while some students may find a suitable program at a for-profit school, generally, these institutions have lower graduation rates and students may find fewer resources available to them. It's also important to verify their accreditation, as some employers and graduate programs may not recognize degrees from for-profit schools.

Of course, while ownership type is important, each student should look at an individual school's offerings, tuition costs, graduation rates, and alumni network to determine if it's the best fit for them. For example, regardless of a school's for-profit or non-profit status, you want to ensure that the school has the particular program or course of study you're interested in.