Dive Brief:
- While the for-profit college market has attracted scrutiny and criticism from lawmakers and regulators, one politician certainly seems to be on their side: Bill Clinton serves as honorary chancellor and makes appearances on behalf of Laureate Education Inc.
- The firm owns schools in 30 countries, has 800,000 students — up 229% from seven years ago — and is the country's biggest for-profit college company by enrollment.
- Clinton had no comment on his role in the company; Laureate would not say how much he is paid.
Dive Insight:
Clinton is a for-profit education company's dream: a likeable elder statesman to pitch its schools, particularly outside of the United States. Abroad is where a lot of the growth potential for Laureate lies, with fewer regulatory concerns and growing demand for higher education.