What is APC

APC represents New York’s degree-granting proprietary colleges and is one of New York’s four sectors of higher education. Others include SUNY, CUNY and the independent colleges.

APC works to improve access to education for those who strive for a college degree, including adults returning to college, as well as low-income and minority students of all ages. Additionally, APC Colleges offer students the opportunity to gain specialized skills through a variety of specializeds programs, such as art and animation, and fashion merchandising, or enhance their current skills through advanced continuing education.

APC engages state and federal decision-makers to ensure access and affordability for existing and potential students. APC also promotes educational best practices, the importance of higher education and advocates for a regulatory environment that helps its member colleges achieve their overarching goals. APC membership is open to colleges that grant degrees; it does not serve institutions known as “proprietary schools,” which do not offer degrees.

APC has 27 member colleges on 41 campuses throughout the state. Our colleges serve approximately 50,000 students pursuing associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. From business administration to computer programming, health care to visual arts, APC students have more than 60 degree programs in numerous traditional and emerging fields. Access to modern curriculum provides APC students with the advantage they need to succeed in today’s competitive workplace.

APC Colleges are tax-paying organizations that have created an educational niche in New York State. Member colleges have developed a model that allows them to quickly respond to many of the dynamic factors that influence their educational environments, including economic fluctuations, general business trends and the demands of students and employers.

The Hallmarks of
APC Colleges

  • Small class sizes, flexible programs and career-focused instruction, which connect students to meaningful jobs.
  • Close relationships with New York’s employers because we provide highly employable graduates. Businesses embrace the APC Colleges model.
  • Some of the best job placement rates among all New York colleges.
  • A major contributor to New York’s economy because we are degree-granting and tax-paying. We receive no direct public funding.
  • On-campus housing.
  • Students from across the world.
  • Specialized programs for students K-12.

Read APC’s 2009 white paper for more information.