How does Minerva Schools differ from other for-profit universities in the US?

Minerva Schools, part of the Minerva Project, differs from other for-profit universities in the U.S. in several key ways:

Unique Features of Minerva Schools

1. Global Immersive Experience: Minerva offers a unique global residency program where students live and study in different cities around the world each semester. This immersive approach integrates cultural and social experiences into the educational framework, setting it apart from traditional campus-based universities135.

2. Digital Learning Platform: Minerva uses a proprietary digital platform called the Active Learning Forum for all classes, which are conducted online with small, interactive seminars. This approach emphasizes active learning over passive lectures34.

3. No Traditional Campus Infrastructure: Unlike many for-profit universities, Minerva does not invest in extensive physical infrastructure. Instead, it leases residential spaces in various cities, significantly reducing operational costs35.

4. High Selectivity and Diversity: Minerva is highly selective, with an acceptance rate often lower than that of Ivy League schools. Despite its selectivity, it maintains a diverse student body from over 70 countries, focusing on merit rather than wealth45.

5. For-Profit Model with a Focus on Student Outcomes: While many for-profit universities face criticism for prioritizing profits over student outcomes, Minerva emphasizes its focus on student success and outcomes. It argues that its for-profit structure allows it to be more student-centric than traditional nonprofit models4.

6. Lower Costs: Minerva's model allows it to offer a high-quality liberal arts education at a cost significantly lower than many elite private universities, making it more accessible to a broader range of students35.

Comparison to Other For-Profit Universities

• Innovative Curriculum: Unlike many for-profit universities that may focus on vocational training or online degree completion programs, Minerva offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with a global perspective13.
• No Traditional Tenure System: Professors at Minerva work on flexible, short-term contracts, which is different from the traditional tenure system found in many universities2.
• Global Citizenship Focus: Minerva's emphasis on creating global citizens through its immersive program distinguishes it from for-profit universities that may not have such a strong international focus5.