Graduate Enrollment in For-Profit Colleges Grows

WASHINGTON — Nearly a half-million people are borrowing $5 billion a year to pursue advanced degrees from for-profit colleges and universities, even as the industry is reeling from investigations, lawsuits, and the collapse of prominent players, according to a study that the Center for American Progress released Thursday.

The findings are striking for an industry that has watched enrollment in its certificate, associates, and bachelor’s programs slide as the economy recovered and government scrutiny intensified.

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