About Us

Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) is the national association representing private postsecondary trade schools and career colleges. CECU’s membership includes 900 campuses across the United States and shares member benefits through a partnership with Canada’s National Association of Career Colleges. Read more about CECU in our 2025 Annual Report.

As seen on All Access with Andy Garcia, this segment highlights how career colleges and trade schools are helping solve America’s growing workforce shortage. With skilled workers in high demand across essential fields, career education is playing a critical role in preparing students for meaningful careers in construction, healthcare, beauty and wellness, technology and more.

Career education institutions equip students across the country with career skills – from allied health and nursing to mechanics, welding and the trades, culinary, cosmetology, and truck driving, to name a few. Member institutions offer programs ranging from diploma and credential to associate, baccalaureate, and beyond. Over half the institutions in the sector are less than 2-year programs, and our membership reflects this same ratio.

Most CECU member institutions participate in Federal student financial assistance programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. To be a member, postsecondary institutions must be licensed, approved, or recognized by an appropriate governmental agency and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Many CECU member institutions also participate in other federal, state, and local education and workforce training programs.

 

 

Mission

Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) supports the work of our members in providing access, opportunity, and quality education to students seeking new or enhanced career skills. The association engages in advocacy, communications, professional development, and research that advances the work of the proprietary sector of higher education.