Founded in 1976 by Dr. John Sperling, University of Phoenix is the largest for-profit private university in the US. It addition to offering online degrees, it provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields (including business, health care, nursing and education) at more than 200 locations across North America. All programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Kaplan University, another for-profit university, is owned by the Washington Post. In addition to distance education programs, Kaplan offers on-campus studies in such states as Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Kaplan offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, criminal justice, legal studies, business education, nursing, health sciences and technology.
Capella University, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, offers distance education degrees in business management, health care, higher education, human capital management, information technology, K-12 education, mental health, public administration and public safety. Capella University offers doctoral, MBA, master's and bachelor's degrees as well as certificates.
The mission statement of DeVry University -- "Let nothing stand in your way" -- exemplifies the attitude of the university towards higher education. DeVry University offers numerous degrees, both online and on-campus. Distance learning programs offered are associate's degrees in accounting, bachelor's degrees in business administration, management, and technical management and master's degrees in accounting and financial management, business administration, human resource management, project management and public administration.