Strayer Education Inc., Scholastic Corp., Computer Learning Centers Inc. and DeVry Inc. have become sizzling stocks in a young, fast-growing industry. It makes up such a huge portion of the economy and where it is going, you just have to be in there. The business is huge. And Soffen sees for-profit schools gaining a larger share of the education pie. Demand for education and technical training is growing and the number of for-profit providers is limited.
Military cutbacks are also likely to increase the number of potential students.
Jobs are continuing to shift to information and technology from traditional manufacturing. You still have a large portion of high school students who graduate and work at McDonald's. Education can be exported. Computer Learning Centers recently acquired a university in Canada, and EduTrek International has opened campuses overseas. The sector should be able to withstand downturns in the economy.