How do you know if a college is for-profit?

I'm looking into different types of colleges and want to avoid for-profit ones. What should I look for when trying to determine if a college is a for-profit institution or not?

A for-profit college is an institution that operates like a business, aiming to generate profit. On the other hand, non-profit and public institutions aim to serve the societal good through education and research.

To identify if a college is for-profit, you can:

1. Check Their Website: Most schools will mention whether they are for-profit or non-profit under the “About Us” section of their official website.

2. Research Accreditation: Look up the school on an accrediting body’s website. For-profit schools may be accredited, but often by nationally recognized agencies that have lower standards.

3. Financial Aid Availability: You can also check if the college accepts federal financial aid. Generally, many for-profit schools will participate in federal aid programs, but some don't. If a school doesn't accept federal aid, this could potentially be a red flag.

4. Look at Tax Status: Another method is investigating their tax status. Nonprofit colleges are exempt from most taxes and their tax exempt status will be a matter of public record.

5. Check with the U.S. Department of Education: The U.S Department of Education maintains a database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs that you can easily access online.

Remember that not all for-profit schools are inherently bad, but do be aware that they can sometimes prioritize profit over education. As always, it's important to thoroughly research any college before deciding to attend.