Why do people go to for-profit schools?

[Merlin]

People I've talked to about college seem to universally dismiss the value of degrees from for-profit schools. I imagine this carries over in to the workplace. I have heard Full Sail University is respected by people in the Entertainment industry, because some of their students have done well in that field. Other than FSU, I don't think I've ever heard one be praised. Are people going to them just to check the degree box so they can get government jobs, or are there some that have good reputations?

Sorry if this is a dumb question, I was trying to clarify in my mind if I should consider going to one. It would be hard to stay motivated if you thought people were going to dismiss your degree.

This is a common bias that originates from schools like the University of Phoenix which made a bad name for itself due to its predatory practices a couple of decades ago and that for-profit bias has extended to for-profit schools universally. I believe this bias may also be influenced by the break between regional and nationally accredited colleges. Many (though certainly not all) for-profit schools are also nationally accredited since they focus more on trades or teaching professional skills rather than purely academic degrees. So the RA schools will look down on them for that, and this may influence the perspective of their students as well. Lastly, I think many people hear "for-profit" and think that they are just in it for the money and don't care about the students or providing a good education. This may be true with some schools but isn't universally so.

FSU is a perfect example of a good for-profit school that fits into a specific niche providing professional skills. They turn out students that are well prepared for working in their field. I know several people who have taught or lectured at FSU and I have hired some of their students.

Ultimately, if the school you're looking at provides a better value or offers skills you want that are hard to find elsewhere, then it may be worthwhile for you to consider enrolling there. Obviously, there is a lot more that goes into it, particularly cost since many for-profit schools are on the pricey side, but the ROI may be good for you. Then again, just because a school is for-profit they are not all super expensive. A few are actually quite affordable.