There are many differences between schools that operate without regard to profit as compared to those that operate for-profit.  One major difference is the student loan default rate.  According to figures from the Department of Education for the year 2009:  default rates at  for-profit schools were 15% compared to 4.6% at not-for-profit schools.  And nearly one half of the total defaults on student loans are from students that went to for-profit schools.  An article in the New York Times states   ”for-profit schools depend on federal student aid for more than 80 percent of their revenues”.

Students considering enrolling in  a for-profit school should carefully research the tuition cost, accreditation and the ability to transfer credit hours to other institutions.