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Buy A University

We guide you through each step, from analyzing your niche market and shortlisting ideal institutions to completing the final due diligence steps before your purchase.
3 students walking into the university building
With a wealth of experience, expertise, and a proven track record in the higher education industry, we guarantee a strategic and streamlined approach to purchasing a university that meets your objectives.

After onboarding a client seeking to buy a university, here's a glimpse of the comprehensive process we follow:
Buying a University Diagram

Step 1: Locating The University For Sale

Conducting Market Analysis

Performing A Comprehensive Market Scan

We conduct an extensive scan of your niche market to identify trends, opportunities, and universities for sale.

Defining Criteria: 
Working alongside you, we establish a set of criteria for the potential university, considering factors like size, location, accreditation, academic reputation, and financial health.

Tapping Into Market Dynamics: 

We analyze your educational market by studying demand, pricing trends, and the regulatory environment. This provides a solid foundation for your potential purchase.

Discovering Your Ideal University

Leveraging Our Specialized Network: 

Using our broad connections, we discover opportunities not publicly listed, by reaching out to contacts in the education sector.

Exploring Unique Opportunities: 

We use various dedicated tools and platforms, attend industry conferences, and stay updated on industry news to identify universities that are the right fit for you on the market.

Shortlisting Universities: 

Based on established criteria and market analysis, we put together a list of potential universities for sale. We then continuously refine this list through ongoing consultations with you.

Conducting An Initial Evaluation

Performing A Financial Analysis: 

We perform a preliminary financial review of the shortlisted institutions to assess their fiscal health.

Ensuring Compatibility: 

We evaluate how well each potential university aligns with your strategic goals, vision and mission.

Assessing Risks: 

We identify potential risks associated with each shortlisted university, including accreditation issues and legal disputes.

Initial Reporting: 

We provide you with an initial assessment report for each shortlisted university, summarizing our findings and offering recommendations.

Step 2: Working With A Local Business Broker

Evaluating Brokers: 

We conduct a thorough search to find and assess experienced local business brokers in the education sector.

Managing Broker Communication: 

We take full ownership of all communication with the broker, negotiating terms and ensuring they understand your specific criteria, needs and goals.

Ensuring Due Diligence: 

We closely collaborate with the broker to obtain detailed financial records and essential documents, typically accessible only through local channels.

Leveraging Local Knowledge: 

We use the broker's expertise in the local market to get a better understanding of the shortlisted university's reputation and the regulatory environment in the region.

Negotiating Terms: 

Using the broker's expertise, we develop effective negotiation strategies to secure the best terms and price for the purchase.

Continuous Communication: 

We maintain regular contact with the local broker, to ensure your acquisition strategy and timeline are aligned and up-to-date.

Post-Purchase Services: 

After your successful purchase, we work together with the broker to ensure the smooth execution of post-sale agreements.

Step 3: Ensuring Due Diligence

Compliance with State Authorization

Review of State Authorization: 

We review the authorization status of the institution in each state of its operations.

Evaluation of Compliance with State Educational Standards: 

We conduct an extensive examination of the institution's compliance with educational standards and requirements.

Review of Penalties or Citations Issued by the State: 

We closely examine any penalties or sanctions imposed by state authorities.

Evaluation of Participation in Multi-State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA): 

We review the university’s participation in NC-SARA, and we assess compliance with its conditions.

Keeping Track of Updates: 

We stay updated on state authorization changes that may affect the institution.

Consultation on State Authorization Strategy: 

We provide you with ongoing recommendations to enhance and maintain the university’s state authorizations.

Academic Due Diligence

Review of the Accreditation Status and Academic Programs: 

We evaluate the institution's accreditation status and review its academic programs.

Review of Faculty Qualifications and Student Satisfaction: 

We evaluate faculty qualifications and carry out surveys to assess student satisfaction.

Evaluation of Partnerships: 

We evaluate current partnerships with other universities and explore possibilities for new collaborations.

Operational Due Diligence

Assessment of Operational Effectiveness: 

We review operations, technology, infrastructure, organizational structure, and staffing to identify areas for improvement.

Financial Due Diligence

Review of Financial Statements: 

We perform a thorough examination of the university’s financial well-being, including an analysis of its assets and liabilities.

Review of Financial Controls and Procedures: 

We evaluate the financial control environment of the university and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Legal Due Diligence

Review of Legal Disputes and Claims: 

We perform an extensive investigation of all legal matters involving the institution to assess potential risks and liabilities.

Compliance with Laws and Regulations: 

We confirm the university’s compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Contractual Obligations and Agreements: 

We review major contracts and agreements to understand the university’s obligations and liabilities.

SEVP I-17 Application Status and SEVIS Good Standing Review (if Applicable)

Review of SEVP I-17 Petition Status: 

We confirm the institution's SEVP I-17 petition status, ensuring it’s in good standing.

SEVIS Compliance Verification: 

We thoroughly review the institution’s compliance with SEVIS reporting requirements.

Accreditation Verification (if Applicable)

Verification of Accreditation Status: 

We review the institution's current accreditation standing with recognized accrediting bodies.

Review of Accreditation Standards Compliance: 

We evaluate the institution's long-term compliance with accrediting standards.

At EEC, we're here to guide you on an exciting journey to buy the university of your dreams. Our expert team ensures you're well-prepared and informed every step of the way. 

Ready to turn your vision into reality? Contact us today and begin your journey towards purchasing a university that perfectly aligns with your strategic goals, vision and values.

Talk to us today to discuss how we can help you achieve success.