About Us

Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) is the national organization serving postsecondary career education schools, staff – and most important, our students! 

We are a voluntary membership organization that serves as the national voice for the sector. Today, more than 600 campuses across the nation are represented through their school’s membership.

We are the schools who equip students with career skills – from allied health and nursing to mechanics, welding and the trades, culinary, cosmetology, truck driving and beyond!
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Our schools offer programs ranging from diploma and credential through Associate, Baccalaureate, and beyond.  Over half the schools in the sector are less than 2-year programs and our membership reflect this same ratio. 

Most CECU member institutions participate in federal student financial assistance programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. In order to participate, they must be licensed by the state in which they are located, accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body, and approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Many CECU member schools and colleges also participate in other federal, state and local education and workforce training programs.

Mission

Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) support the work of our members in providing access, opportunity and quality education to students seeking new or enhanced career skills. The association shall engage in advocacy, communications, professional development and research that advance the work of this sector.

Who We Are
  • Career education colleges and universities provide skills-based education opportunities to nontraditional students, particularly veterans, working mothers, and parents, to help them open doors and secure employment in today's workforce. 
  • Our sector’s graduates of 2-year Programs:
    • 67% women
    • 24% African-American/Black
    • 26% Hispanic
    • 53% of full-time students 25 or older
    • 67% of part-time students 25 or older
  • Our sector’s graduates of 4-year Programs:
    • 67% women
    • 22% African-American/Black
    • 12% Hispanic
    • 69% of full-time students 25 or older
    • 80% of part-time students 25 or older
  • Career education colleges and universities equip millions of students from diverse social and economic backgrounds with access to career-focused learning and the job skills they need for a successful future. CECU members provide students who take different paths to higher education with opportunities unavailable to them at traditional colleges.

By The Numbers
  • Our Member schools have a 59.4% graduation rate! Academic excellence and real outcomes define our work. 
  • According to a Gallup Research Survey (2019), our alumni have increased their income an average of 62% by enrolling and completing their programs.
  • We are meeting the nation’s demand for skilled workers. BLS data projected job openings in this decade:
    • 779,107 Medical Assistants
    • 768,048 Cosmetologists
    • 663,759 Business Administrators
    • 437,963 Registered Nurses
    • 202,828 Massage Therapists
    • 183,800 Dental Assistants
    • 144,654 LPN’s
    • 137,654 Automotive Technicians
    • 119,086 Culinary Professionals
    • 111,700 Commercial Truck Drivers
    • 95,930 Pharmacy Technicians
    • 87,561 Medical Office Assistants
    • 73,292 HVAC Technicians
    • 70,336 Welders
Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU), formerly the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU), relaunched our brand in 2016 to better capture the mission and focus of the association.