• About Career Education

    About CECU

    Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) is the national association representing private postsecondary trade schools and career colleges. CECU counts 900 campuses across the United States among its membership.

    Learn More

  • CECU Annual Report Building America's Workforce

    2025 Annual Report

    This year’s report celebrates a period of extraordinary growth, leadership, and impact for both the association and the career education sector we represent.

    Read the Report

  • CECU Daily News

    Subscribe to the Daily News Email

    Each morning, the Daily News email contains a comprehensive summary of information and media mentions related to higher education, with a particular focus on issues of interest to proprietary schools.

    Subscribe today!

  • Student Stories

    Every year, hundreds of thousands of graduates from private postsecondary trade schools and career colleges fulfill their dreams of entering into careers that contribute to the growth of America. We are thrilled to showcase a selection of these inspiring success stories.

    Read their stories here!

  • CECU in the News

    CECU in the News

    As the national association representing private postsecondary trade schools and career colleges, CECU is the "go-to" source for media looking for comment on stories important to our sector, resulting in significant coverage in every major newspaper in the country and hundreds of local outlets.

    View recent coverage

  • Employer Engagement Network

    Employer Engagement Network

    A network of employers and career schools working together to share information that will ensure that workers are prepared for the job and have the skills necessary to succeed.

    Learn more

  • Alliance for Career Education in the States (ACES)

    ACES, a subsidiary of CECU, is a network of state associations whose members work together to advance private career education at the state level.

    Join today!

Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) is the national organization representing private postsecondary trade schools and career colleges, staff, and most importantly, our students. We are a voluntary membership organization that serves as the national voice for the career education sector. Today, CECU’s membership includes 900 campuses across the United States.

Learn more about becoming a member

Subscribe to the CECU Daily News

The Daily News email contains a comprehensive summary of information and media mentions related to higher education, with a particular focus on issues of interest to proprietary schools.

Subscribe here!
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CECU Communities

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Recent Highlights

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Federal Alerts
08/11/2026
The U.S. Department of Education has issued new guidance regarding FVT/GE reporting, early implementation of the Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS), and the future publication of reported data.
8/11/2026 5:58:26 PM
Blog
08/06/2026
As Congress and the Trump administration continue to consider significant legislative and regulatory changes affecting higher education, August recess provides an ideal opportunity to strengthen relationships with your federal lawmakers.
8/6/2026 4:28:13 PM
News
08/06/2026
The House Education and Workforce Committee advanced its legislative text for the Budget Reconciliation bill by a party-line vote. Read CECU’s detailed summary and analysis of the proposal, including responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs).
8/6/2026 12:20:46 PM
Podcast
08/05/2026
Workforce development expert Nick Beadle discusses gaps in workforce funding, the stigma surrounding skilled trades, misconceptions about apprenticeships, and how career education providers can prepare for future funding opportunities.
8/5/2026 12:00:00 AM
GR Update
07/29/2026
Department officials outlined the operational steps institutions should take during the 2026–2027 award year to prepare for the first earnings accountability determinations, expected in July 2027.
7/29/2026 12:00:00 AM
Deep Dive
07/22/2026
NACIQI recommended denying NACCAS's renewal of recognition in a 9 to 3 vote, going beyond the Department staff recommendation.
7/22/2026 12:00:00 AM
Podcast
07/22/2026
Person explains how human-in-the-loop tutoring tools are reshaping teaching, why he's skeptical of "AI can do everything" claims, and what schools should look for when vetting A.I. vendors.
7/22/2026 12:00:00 AM
Podcast
07/08/2026
Tess Michaels, the founder and CEO of Clasp, discusses how her organization is working to address those shortages through scholarships and employer partnerships.
7/8/2026 12:00:00 AM
Blog
07/02/2026
The Department of Education finalized its earnings accountability rule and issued new guidance on professional degree programs, outlining key regulatory changes and implementation requirements for institutions.
7/2/2026 11:59:20 AM
Podcast
06/17/2026
Brian Huff, Founder and CEO of Midwest Technical Institute, discusses how career schools are training the skilled workforce needed to build America's future and why the trades deserve greater recognition.
6/17/2026 4:26:00 PM
Podcast
06/11/2026
AI is changing career education. Lauri Kien Kotcher shares how colleges can use it to improve student outcomes and campus operations.
6/11/2026 4:11:00 PM
Blog
06/05/2026
On May 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education issued the final rule implementing the Workforce Pell Grant program. There are three changes from the proposed rule that warrant particular attention for career education institutions.
6/5/2026 2:51:53 PM
Blog
05/22/2026
The second session of the AIM negotiated rulemaking focused heavily on revised draft regulatory language related to accreditation, institutional flexibility, governance, and transfer of credit policies.
5/22/2026 10:09:12 AM
Podcast
05/20/2026
Peyton Holland knows what the right mentor at the right moment can do to help a student and he's dedicated his career to replicating it.
5/20/2026 3:59:00 PM
Podcast
05/06/2026
New findings from the National Bureau of Economic Research find strong relationships between America's community colleges and local labor markets, but what does that mean for higher education?
5/6/2026 12:00:00 AM
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  • 8/17/2026 2:00 EST

    WEBINAR

    We all aim to build a team that consistently meets enrollment goals, but simply assembling productive admissions professionals isn't enough to reach that dream team status. Success takes more than individual contributions; it requires collaboration and teamwork to genuinely thrive. In this coaching session, we look at how to cultivate that perfect team environment! This engaging coaching session utilizes individual assessments to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses, identifies communication styles, includes team-building exercises, and examines how emotional intelligence can boost team effectiveness. Come along and embark on the journey to reach your enrollment goals together!
    Hosted in partnership with the Association for the Advancement of the College Admissions Profession (AACAP).
    		•
  • 8/19/2026 2:00 EST

    WEBINAR

    Career school prospects differ from traditional college students—they’re often working adults, career changers, or first-generation students making fast, high-stakes decisions. This webinar explores how to rethink the enrollment journey through their perspective, focusing on how marketing and admissions can better align with their motivations, timelines, and concerns. The approach emphasizes a people-first strategy, prioritizing human needs and decision-making over technology.
    Presenters:
    • Dallin Palmer, Co-Founder, Halda
    		•
  • At Your Desk
    9/15/2026 2:00 EST

    WEBINAR

    Join the CECU Government Relations team as they review the latest policy developments and CECU advocacy efforts in Congress, the Administration, and the courts. We will discuss the impact of these policies on institutions, explain CECU's efforts to advance the sector's priorities, and answer your questions.

    Presenters:
    • Jason Altmire, President and CEO, CECU
    • Jed Brinton, SVP and General Counsel, CECU
    • Jordan Wicker, SVP Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, CECU
    • Eric Gutshall, Vice President of Government Affairs, CECU
    • William Connor, Director of Government Affairs, CECU
  • 9/24/2026 2:00 EST

    WEBINAR

    This session is designed for leaders and teams navigating change within their organization. Participants will learn the fundamentals of change management, why people respond to change the way they do, and how emotions influence adoption and performance. The session provides practical guidance on leading teams through change with clarity, empathy, and structure to ensure smoother transitions and stronger outcomes.
    Hosted in partnership with the Association for the Advancement of the College Admissions Profession (AACAP).
    		•
  • 10/15/2026 2:00 EST

    WEBINAR

    This two-part webinar series is designed for admissions staff and leaders who want to better connect with today’s prospective students. Participants will learn how to identify five common student types, understand what motivates their decisions, and adjust communication approaches to build trust and engagement. The series provides practical techniques that admissions teams can immediately apply to improve conversations, strengthen relationships, and support students through the enrollment journey.
    Hosted in partnership with the Association for the Advancement of the College Admissions Profession (AACAP).
    		•
  • 10/22/2026 2:00 EST

    WEBINAR

    This two-part webinar series is designed for admissions staff and leaders who want to better connect with today’s prospective students. Participants will learn how to identify five common student types, understand what motivates their decisions, and adjust communication approaches to build trust and engagement. The series provides practical techniques that admissions teams can immediately apply to improve conversations, strengthen relationships, and support students through the enrollment journey.
    Hosted in partnership with the Association for the Advancement of the College Admissions Profession (AACAP).
    		•
  • In Person
    11/04/2026 9:00 EST

    IN-PERSON EVENT

    The Executive Summit is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for leaders in the postsecondary career education sector to connect with each other and share ideas. The summit allows for a forum for executives to share ideas, learn from each other, and strengthen relationships. It is an opportunity for attendees to consider new approaches to challenges facing their organizations and the sector and make connections with colleagues who are facing similar issues.

    		•
  • 11/09/2026 2:00 EST

    WEBINAR

    While a sense of urgency is vital in meeting enrollment goals, there are times when factors prevent a prospective student from immediate enrollment. Building a strong pipeline for future enrollments is essential in these cases. By cultivating relationships with these individuals, institutions can shift from a reactive to a proactive strategy. Having a strong pipeline will put an end to the "living start to start" to having a proverbial "savings account of future enrollments." Proper pipeline management is the key to not only achieving enrollment goals but also positioning an admissions team to exceed those targets. Join us as we walk through the keys to building your pipeline, managing the pipeline with effective nurturing, and utilizing purposeful communication that results in future enrollments!
    Hosted in partnership with the Association for the Advancement of the College Admissions Profession (AACAP).
    		•
  • 12/07/2026 2:00 EST

    WEBINAR

    This session is designed for admissions staff and leaders who want to strengthen the human connection at the heart of the enrollment process. Participants will explore how to shift from institutional messaging to relationship-driven conversations that make students feel seen, heard, and supported. The session provides practical approaches to help admissions professionals build authentic connections that foster trust, engagement, and confident enrollment decisions.
    Hosted in partnership with the Association for the Advancement of the College Admissions Profession (AACAP).
    		•
  • 3/15/2027 9:00 EST

    IN-PERSON EVENT

    The Washington Briefing and Advocacy Day is an opportunity for institutions of higher education to get more involved in our political outreach program. The agenda is designed to provide attendees with a peek into the future of the sector as well as the most recent and comprehensive update on the latest federal events and sector research.

    		•
  • 6/21/2027 9:00 EST

    IN-PERSON EVENT

    The Career Education Convention is the largest gathering of private career education professionals in North America. This event features well-known keynote speakers, experts leading concurrent sessions, and an environment to connect and network with others in the sector. Year after year, the Convention attracts a diverse audience of sector leaders from across the country. Join us in person for the 2027 Career Education Convention, we look forward to seeing you in Denver!

    		•
  • In Person
    11/03/2027 9:00 EST

    IN-PERSON EVENT

    The Executive Summit is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for leaders in the postsecondary career education sector to connect with each other and share ideas. The summit allows for a forum for executives to share ideas, learn from each other, and strengthen relationships. It is an opportunity for attendees to consider new approaches to challenges facing their organizations and the sector and make connections with colleagues who are facing similar issues.

    		•
  • 3/06/2028 9:00 EST

    IN-PERSON EVENT

    The Washington Briefing and Advocacy Day is an opportunity for institutions of higher education to get more involved in our political outreach program. The agenda is designed to provide attendees with a peek into the future of the sector as well as the most recent and comprehensive update on the latest federal events and sector research.

    		•
  • 6/13/2028 12:00 EST

    IN-PERSON EVENT

    The North American Career Education Convention is the largest gathering of private career education professionals in North America. This event features well-known keynote speakers, experts leading concurrent sessions, and an environment to connect and network with others in the sector. Year after year, the Convention attracts a diverse audience of sector leaders from across the country. Join us in person for the 2028 Convention, we look forward to seeing you in Calgary!

    		•
  • 6/25/2029 9:00 EST

    IN-PERSON EVENT

    The Career Education Convention is the largest gathering of private career education professionals in North America. This event features well-known keynote speakers, experts leading concurrent sessions, and an environment to connect and network with others in the sector. Year after year, the Convention attracts a diverse audience of sector leaders from across the country. Join us in person for the 2029 Career Education Convention, we look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!

    		•

    Upcoming Events

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    What Members are Saying About CECU

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    Bridget Granados
    Bridget Granados
    Dir. Business Development
    MyDegree.com
    As a partner in higher education, our team was instantly drawn to CECU’s mission and actions. MyDegree.com values the effort and dedication CECU puts into every student experience while promoting the growth of career education. The team at MyDegree is thrilled to be a new Allied member of CECU.
    Jordan Utley
    Jordan Utley, PhD, ATC, FNAP
    Corporate Education Director
    Pima Medical Institute
    While not new to higher education, this is my first position with a career college and my first time at this event. On the first day, I felt immersed in the content, which was augmented by being surrounded by my peers who shared the same goal - student success. I found the conference program to be highly relevant and contemporary in nature, hitting all of the big-ticket items facing career colleges and higher education today. Of special note, the programming on AI in Education was eye-opening and sparked multiple conversations with my PMI peers and those at subsequent events and sessions. Overall, a great sense of community was developed quickly, which enabled networking and powerful conversations during the planned social hours. This event was top-notch!
    David Neal
    David Neal
    President/Owner
    Collegiate Housing Services
    Collegiate Housing Services (CHS) has been an allied member of CECU since 2004. As a company that primarily services the career education sector, we value CECU’s advocacy for policies that benefit the sector’s institutions and students. During our time as members, we have routinely participated in the annual conventions as exhibitors and active attendees. It is always a great opportunity to rekindle our sector relationships and meet new prospective partners. The CECU staff have always been eager to assist in this regard. We value our membership in CECU and its impact on our company’s growth and success.
    Mikhail Shneyder
    Mikhail Shneyder
    Chief Executive Officer
    Nightingale Education Group
    The Career Education Convention is always one of the professional highlights of my year. Annually, I look forward to reconnecting with friends in the sector, discovering emerging trends and innovations, sharing ideas, and expanding my professional network. I am consistently inspired by thoughtful keynote presentations like the one recently delivered by Robert Herjavec of the Shark Tank fame. This year, I was also thrilled to meet our Canadian colleagues and learn more about career education north of the border. Year after year, I find the Convention worth the time and investment and always encourage my Nightingale collaborators to join me in attending.
    Nicole Ilisie
    Nicole Ilisie
    Assistant Program Coordinator
    Tidewater Tech
    The knowledge and wisdom I have gained from this experience is invaluable. I cannot wait to implement some of what I learned here to better serve our students and staff alike. Thank you for this fantastic opportunity. The connections and relationships made here are irreplaceable and I look forward to working with them in the future.
    Tara Dailey
    Tara Dailey
    Regional Director of Operations
    Pima Medical Institute
    Attending the CECU conference is something I look forward to each year. Not just for the educational sessions, but more so to network and connect with colleagues. It is a great chance to collaborate with both schools and vendors, and I always walk away with wonderful tools to help strengthen our schools.
    Serjik Kesachekian
    Serjik Kesachekian
    Chief Compliance Officer
    Success Education Colleges
    CECU provides professional and organizational support. As a long-standing member of CECU, I appreciate the value I continue to receive from the organization. I have found that CECU provides both resources and relevant information that supports me professionally and my organization. I appreciate how CECU advocates for policies that support both our students and institutions.
    Angela Heinz
    Angela Heinz
    VP of Growth & Development
    San Joaquin Valley College, Inc / Ember Education
    The CECU Leadership Institute is a great week of learning for those who are new to their leadership role or looking to learn more about our sector and how we serve students in our communities. It's an excellent opportunity to share ideas and best practices with others who share a common goal: change lives!
    Scott Hager
    VP of Operations
    San Joaquin Valley College
    CECU's Leadership Institute was a wonderful event full of relevant content related to our sector. I appreciated the networking opportunities and highly recommend the institute for CECU members.
    Alexander Arthur
    Alexander Arthur
    Chief Operations Officer
    Orbund
    At Orbund we always look forward to the CECU conferences because they are part of the premier conferences in the higher education sector. As premier events, we get the opportunity to meet and interact with our fellow competitors, customers and prospects. They tend to be the sector's go-to events to learn new market trends and solutions; hence, it is worth participating and getting involved.
    Craig Tucker
    Craig Tucker
    President
    Keyin College
    I had the most incredible time as a sponsor and speaker at the recent conference in Kansas City! The event showcased the powerful bond between Canadian and American educators, fostering an enriching exchange of ideas and collaboration. It was truly a testament to the strength of the CECU and NACC partnership, and I'm grateful to have been a part of such a remarkable experience.
    Kimberly Peacher
    Kimberly Peacher
    Dental Hygiene Program Director
    Pima Medical Institutes
    I truly learned so much from this experience. The topics were on-point with the audience and the speakers were energetic and kept my interest. I am so glad I was fortunate to attend and I am certain that I will be able to utilize what I have learned in my current and future leadership endeavors!
    D. Scott Casanover
    D. Scott Casanover
    General Counsel/Sr. Vice President of Government Affairs
    American Career College/West Coast University
    Given all that is happening in the higher education landscape, I can’t imagine a better investment of time than the few days spent at the annual CECU Convention. The breakout sessions offer timely regulatory and compliance tips that have meaningful suggestions for school operators. The keynotes are always entertaining and inspiring and the comradery with peer school leaders is rewarding. Kansas City captured many of our hearts in 2023, and I am looking forward to seeing what Indianapolis has to offer in 2024!
    Robert Walker
    Director of Admissions
    University of Advancing Technology Leadership Institute 2023
    CECU Leadership Institute was a great opportunity for me to not only learn about many different colleges and schools in the sector, but also partake in very poignant sessions that aligned greatly with my trajectory as a leader.
    Ben Zimmer
    Ben Zimmer
    JobWise
    JobWise is very grateful to be part of CECU as an Allied Member. CECU's dedication to advancing career education is unmatched, and we highly recommend CECU to any organization looking to make a significant impact in career education.
    Noah Brandon
    Noah Brandon, MBA
    Chief Executive Officer
    Unitech Training Academy
    Every detail of the CECU conference was intentional this year. The tour of Arrowhead stadium, the after-hours networking events, and getting to know the members of NACC were all complimentary to forming a great experience. Further, the sessions reaffirmed the sector's unity through information sharing on new regulations, governmental updates, and best practices.
    Jennifer Pesci-Kelly
    Jennifer Pesci-Kelly
    Senior Director of Marketing, Institutional
    Cengage
    The 2023 CECU Conference was a great way for us to connect with leaders around a topic they are passionate about – the student experience. We were thrilled to have the keynote speaker come to connect with people in our booth while continuing this conversation. CECU created a dynamic environment to network and share, and we look forward to future years of collaboration.
    Chris Albecker
    Chris Albecker
    Senior Manager
    McClintock & Associates
    The CECU Leadership Institute exceeded all of my expectations in every way possible. The presenters were fantastic. It was evident that only the best of the best were invited to share their knowledge and expertise. The attendees themselves were a vibrant and engaging group. It was a privilege to connect with like-minded professionals. The CECU staff meticulously arranged the event, and it was evident that no detail was overlooked. Beyond the scheduled sessions, the conference also provided ample opportunities for informal networking. I left the week energized and excited to implement new ideas and a growth mindset.
    Elizabeth Keifer Herron
    Elizabeth Keifer Herron
    Vice President of Solutions and Sales
    Collegiate Admission and Retention Solutions
    Collegiate Admission and Retention Solutions (CARS) has been an active allied member for more than twenty years, relying upon CECU for timely information and advocacy on legislative and regulatory issues affecting higher education. The recent addition of the podcast - Career Education Report has helped to bring vital issues to a wider audience than before. The current CECU team partners extremely well with other state, regional and national organizations to improve access to excellent conferences and webinars, which bring institutions and service providers like CARS together. Perhaps one of the greatest recent accomplishments is the admittance to the ACE secretariat, demonstrating that CECU is a recognized voice for students, workforce issues and the institutions we serve.
    Matt Calhoun
    Matt Calhoun
    SVP of Regulatory Affairs
    Arizona College
    My journey with CECU began back in 2003 when I participated in the Leadership Institute. From that pivotal moment and throughout the subsequent annual conferences, my association with CECU has proven indispensable in fostering a robust professional network within our sector. The organization's commitment to equipping its members with the latest insights into regulatory and government affairs has been invaluable in sustaining my expertise. CECU is an exceptional organization, and I genuinely appreciate the invaluable services they consistently provide to our schools.

    CECU Allied Membership

    CECU's Allied membership is designed for organizations that provide programs, products, and services to the postsecondary career sector of higher education.

    The benefits add up. As an Allied Member, you get invaluable access to updated information affecting the sector as well as networking opportunities to the decision makers at these institutions. Get—and stay—on their radar with and Allied Membership.

    Benefits of CECU's Allied membership

    Thank You to CECU's Top Allied Supporters