10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2014

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             

Commission File Number: 0-23245

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	36-3932190
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
231 N. Martingale Road Schaumburg, Illinois	60173
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (847) 781-3600

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	¨	Accelerated filer	x
Non-accelerated filer	¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Number of shares of registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01, outstanding as of April 30, 2014: 67,222,997

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION

FORM  10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets		1
	Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss		2
	Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		3
	Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements		4
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		25
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		36
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		37
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		39
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		39
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		39
Item 6.	Exhibits		39
SIGNATURES			40

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents, unrestricted	$	264,188		$	318,761
Restricted cash		12,948			12,564
Short-term investments		38,326			31,592
Total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments		315,462			362,917
Student receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $19,752 and $21,070 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively		31,582			34,498
Receivables, other, net		18,331			27,437
Prepaid expenses		20,328			20,218
Inventories		6,329			6,723
Deferred income tax assets, net		3,606			3,606
Other current assets		4,492			3,468
Assets of discontinued operations		523			1,150
Total current assets		400,653			460,017
NON-CURRENT ASSETS:
Property and equipment, net		170,573			182,000
Goodwill		87,356			87,356
Intangible assets, net		39,850			40,117
Student receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,011 and $6,883 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively		4,758			5,204
Deferred income tax assets, net		10,644			10,644
Other assets, net		26,258			17,853
Assets of discontinued operations		1,406			1,854
TOTAL ASSETS	$	741,498		$	805,045
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	$	29,640		$	24,615
Accrued expenses:
Payroll and related benefits		31,198			34,172
Advertising and production costs		22,297			17,599
Income taxes		603			14,994
Other		51,039			41,083
Deferred tuition revenue		55,251			60,914
Liabilities of discontinued operations		15,418			14,055
Total current liabilities		205,446			207,432
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Deferred rent obligations		78,104			80,496
Other liabilities		27,593			27,619
Liabilities of discontinued operations		32,225			34,114
Total non-current liabilities		137,922			142,229
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding		—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 82,001,778 and 81,889,907 shares issued, 67,196,127 and 67,170,522 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively		820			819
Additional paid-in capital		602,440			600,904
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(531	)		(503	)
Retained earnings		10,515			68,658
Cost of 14,805,651 and 14,719,385 shares in treasury as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively		(215,114	)		(214,494	)
Total stockholders’ equity		398,130			455,384
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	741,498		$	805,045

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
REVENUE:
Tuition and registration fees	$	240,071		$	279,910
Other		3,034			4,540
Total revenue		243,105			284,450
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Educational services and facilities		86,078			102,757
General and administrative		189,780			189,597
Depreciation and amortization		15,052			16,969
Asset impairment		67			157
Total operating expenses		290,977			309,480
Operating loss		(47,872	)		(25,030	)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income		106			245
Interest expense		(81	)		(706	)
Loss on sale of business		—			(6,712	)
Miscellaneous income		622			7
Total other income (expense)		647			(7,166	)
PRETAX LOSS		(47,225	)		(32,196	)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes		220			(12,402	)
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS		(47,445	)		(19,794	)
(LOSS) INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax		(10,698	)		4,591
NET LOSS		(58,143	)		(15,203	)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		—			(1,743	)
Unrealized (losses) gains on investments		(28	)		1
Total other comprehensive loss		(28	)		(1,742	)
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	$	(58,171	)	$	(16,945	)
NET LOSS PER SHARE—BASIC and DILUTED:
Loss from continuing operations	$	(0.71	)	$	(0.30	)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations		(0.16	)		0.07
Net loss per share	$	(0.87	)	$	(0.23	)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic and Diluted		66,994			66,428

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$	(58,143	)	$	(15,203	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Asset impairment		67			157
Depreciation and amortization expense		15,431			19,295
Bad debt expense		5,852			6,702
Compensation expense related to share-based awards		1,341			1,775
Loss on sale of business		—			6,712
Loss on disposition of property and equipment		26			94
Changes in operating assets and liabilities		6			(33,729	)
Net cash used in operating activities		(35,420	)		(14,197	)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of available-for-sale investments		(29,810	)		(13,540	)
Sales of available-for-sale investments		14,320			13,465
Purchases of property and equipment		(3,468	)		(4,077	)
Payments of cash upon sale of business		—			(1,947	)
Other		—			(1	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(18,958	)		(6,100	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of common stock		196			304
Payment on borrowings		—			(80,000	)
Change in restricted cash		(384	)		86,470
Payments of capital lease obligations		—			(74	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(188	)		6,700
EFFECT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:		10			(3,194	)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		(54,556	)		(16,791	)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS CASH ACTIVITY INCLUDED ABOVE:
Add: Cash balance of discontinued operations, beginning of the period		182			127,925
Less: Cash balance of discontinued operations, end of the period		199			114,428
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of the period		318,761			112,697
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of the period	$	264,188		$	109,403

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY

The colleges, institutions and universities that are part of the Career Education Corporation (“CEC”) family offer high-quality education to a diverse student population in a variety of career-oriented disciplines through online, on-ground and hybrid learning program offerings. In addition to its online offerings, Career Education serves students from campuses throughout the United States offering programs that lead to doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees, as well as to diplomas and certificates.

Our institutions include both universities that provide degree programs through the master or doctoral level and colleges that provide programs through the associate and bachelor level. The University group includes American InterContinental University (“AIU”) and Colorado Technical University (“CTU”)—predominantly serving students online with career-focused degree programs that meet the educational demands of today’s busy adults. The Career Schools group offers career-centered education primarily through ground-based campuses and includes Briarcliffe College, Brooks Institute, Harrington College of Design, Le Cordon Bleu North America (“LCB”), Missouri College and Sanford-Brown Institutes and Colleges (“SBI” and “SBC,” respectively). Through our colleges, institutions and universities, we are committed to providing high-quality education, enabling students to graduate and pursue rewarding career opportunities.

A detailed listing of individual campus locations and web links to Career Education’s colleges, institutions and universities can be found at www.careered.com.

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” and “CEC” refer to Career Education Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. The terms “college”, “institution” and “university” refer to an individual, branded, proprietary educational institution, owned by us and includes its campus locations. The term “campus” refers to an individual main or branch campus operated by one of our colleges, institutions or universities.

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements presented herein include the accounts of CEC and our wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively “CEC”). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Effective January 2014, we have changed our segment reporting to align with the manner in which we are now managing the business. Our reportable segments are: CTU, AIU (comprises University Schools); Career Colleges, Culinary Arts (comprises Career Schools); and Transitional Schools. Our Career Colleges reporting segment is a combination of our previously reported Health Education and Design & Technology segments. These were combined as a part of our overall brand consolidation strategy. Campuses included in our Transitional Schools segment are currently being taught out and no longer enroll new students. These campuses employ a gradual teach-out process, enabling them to continue to operate while current students complete their course of study. The results of operations for campuses within the Transitional Schools segment will be reported within continuing operations for all periods presented until they complete their teach-out. As campuses within Transitional Schools cease operations, the results of operation for all periods presented will be reflected within discontinued operations. During

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the first quarter of 2014, the Company completed the teach-out of the following Sanford-Brown campuses: Austin, Collinsville, Cranston, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Portland, Tinley Park and Trevose. As a result, all current and prior periods reflect these campuses as components of discontinued operations. All prior period results have been recast to reflect our reporting segments on a comparable basis.

In the fourth quarter of 2013, we completed the sale of our International Segment. Accordingly, the results of operations of the International Segment are reported within discontinued operations. Prior period financial statements and the related notes herein, including segment reporting, have been recast to include the results of operations and financial condition of the International Segment as a component of discontinued operations. See Note 4 “Discontinued Operations” of the notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This ASU limits discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. In addition, the amendments in this ASU require expanded disclosures for discontinued operations as well as for disposals that do not qualify as discontinued operations. For public entities, ASU 2014-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2014-08 will have on our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

We have evaluated and adopted the guidance of the following ASUs issued by the FASB in 2013; adopting these ASUs did not materially impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures:

• ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists issued in July 2013. ASU 2013-11 standardizes the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists; it does not require new recurring disclosures. ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward unless specific criteria exist, in which case the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets.

• ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity issued in March 2013. ASU 2013-05 provides guidance on releasing cumulative translation adjustments (“CTA”) when an entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity, and also provides guidance on releasing CTA in partial sales of equity method investments and in step acquisitions.

• ASU No. 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date issued in February 2013. The guidance in ASU 2013-04 requires entities to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements, for which the total obligation amount is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount it expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also specifies disclosure requirements.

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4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

As of March 31, 2014, the results of operations for campuses that have ceased operations or schools that were sold, and are considered distinct operations as defined under FASB ASC Topic 205—Presentation of Financial Statements, are presented within discontinued operations. During the first quarter of 2014, we completed the teach-out of nine campuses (see Note 2, “Basis of Presentation” of the notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements). All current and prior period financial statements include the results of operations and financial position for these campuses as components of discontinued operations.

Results of Discontinued Operations

The summary of unaudited results of operations for our discontinued operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Revenue	$	274		$	56,060
Pretax (loss) income	$	(10,698	)	$	5,340
Income tax provision (1)		—			749
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(10,698	)	$	4,591

(1) Due to the valuation allowance against our net deferred taxes, there is no income tax benefit reported for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations

Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include the following (dollars in thousands):

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	199	$	182
Receivables, net		237		368
Other current assets		87		600
Total current assets		523		1,150
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, net		12		396
Other assets, net		1,394		1,458
Total assets of discontinued operations	$	1,929	$	3,004
Liabilities:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	216	$	790
Deferred tuition revenue		—		217
Remaining lease obligations		15,202		13,048
Total current liabilities		15,418		14,055
Non-current liabilities:
Remaining lease obligations		32,225		30,852
Other		—		3,262
Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$	47,643	$	48,169

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Remaining Lease Obligations

A number of the campuses that ceased operations have remaining lease obligations that expire over time with the latest expiration in 2020. A liability is recorded representing the fair value of the remaining lease obligation at the time the space is no longer being utilized. Changes in our future remaining lease obligations, which are reflected within current and non-current liabilities of discontinued operations on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets, for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Balance, Beginning of Period		Charges Incurred (1)			Net Cash Payments			Other (2)			Balance, End of Period
For the quarter ended March 31, 2014	$	43,900	$	6,311		$	(5,817	)	$	3,033		$	47,427
For the quarter ended March 31, 2013	$	46,298	$	(227	)	$	(2,294	)	$	(38	)	$	43,739

(1) Includes charges for newly vacated spaces and subsequent adjustments for accretion, revised estimates and variances between estimated and actual charges, net of any reversals for terminated lease obligations.

(2) Includes existing prepaid rent and deferred rent liability balances for newly vacated spaces that are netted with the losses incurred in the period recorded.

5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Cash and cash equivalents from our continuing operations consist of the following as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Cash	$	175,739	$	155,756
Corporate bonds		1,006		—
Money market funds		87,443		163,005
Cash and cash equivalents, unrestricted		264,188		318,761
Restricted cash		12,948		12,564
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	277,136	$	331,325

Restricted cash balances provide securitization for our outstanding letters of credit.

Investments from our continuing operations consist of the following as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

	March 31, 2014
			Gross Unrealized
	Cost		Gain		(Loss)			Fair Value
Short-term investments (available for sale):
Commercial paper	$	15,641	$	—	$	(5	)	$	15,636
Corporate bonds		5,443		—		(7	)		5,436
U.S. Treasury bills		17,253		1		—			17,254
Total short-term investments		38,337		1		(12	)		38,326
Long-term investments (available for sale):
Corporate bonds		8,723		—		(17	)		8,706
Municipal bond		7,850		—		(476	)		7,374
Total long-term investments		16,573		—		(493	)		16,080
Total investments (available for sale)	$	54,910	$	1	$	(505	)	$	54,406

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	December 31, 2013
			Gross Unrealized
	Cost		Gain		(Loss)			Fair Value
Short-term investments (available for sale):
U.S. Treasury bills	$	31,591	$	1	$	—		$	31,592
Long-term investments (available for sale):
Municipal bond		7,850		—		(476	)		7,374
Total investments (available for sale)	$	39,441	$	1	$	(476	)	$	38,966

In the table above, unrealized holding gains/(losses) as of March 31, 2014 relate to short-term investments and our long term investment in corporate bonds that have been in a continuous unrealized gain/(loss) position for less than one year. The table also includes unrealized holding losses, greater than one year, that relate to our long-term investment in a municipal bond, which is an auction rate security (“ARS”). When evaluating our investments for possible impairment, we review factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than the cost basis, the financial condition of the investee, and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time that may be sufficient for anticipated recovery in fair value. The unrealized loss attributable to our municipal bond at March 31, 2014 is attributable to the continued lack of activity in the ARS market, exposing this investment to liquidity risk.

Our municipal bond is comprised of debt obligations issued by states, cities, counties and other governmental entities, which earn federally tax-exempt interest. Our investment in ARS has a stated term to maturity of greater than one year, and as such, we classify our investment in ARS as non-current on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets within other assets. Auctions can “fail” when the number of sellers of the security exceeds the buyers for that particular auction period. In the event that an auction fails, the interest rate resets at a rate based on a formula determined by the individual security. The ARS for which auctions have failed continues to accrue interest and is auctioned on a set interval until the auction succeeds, the issuer calls the security, or it matures. As of March 31, 2014, we have determined this investment is at risk for impairment due to the nature of the liquidity of the market over the past year. Cumulative unrealized losses as of March 31, 2014 amount to $0.5 million and are reflected within accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders’ equity. We believe this impairment is temporary, as we do not intend to sell the investment and it is unlikely we will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis.

Fair Value Measurements

FASB ASC Topic 820—Fair Value Measurements establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

As of March 31, 2014, we held investments that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These investments (available-for-sale) consist of commercial paper, corporate bonds and U.S. treasury bills that are publicly traded and for which market prices are readily available, and our investment in a municipal bond. Available for sale securities included in Level 2 are estimated based on observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. As of March 31, 2014, we reclassified our investments in U.S. Treasury bills from Level 1 classification to Level 2. The fair value for these investments was not based on identical assets as of March 31, 2014 which resulted in this reclassification. Our investment in a municipal bond is categorized as Level 3 and fair value is estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis as of March 31, 2014 which considers, among other items, the collateralization underlying the security investment, the credit worthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, and the expectation of the

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next time the security is expected to have a successful auction. The auction event for our municipal bond investment has failed for multiple years. This security was also compared, when possible, to other observable market data with similar characteristics.

Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820—Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

	As of March 31, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Commercial paper	$	—	$	15,636	$	—	$	15,636
Corporate bonds		—		14,142		—		14,142
U.S. Treasury bills		—		17,254		—		17,254
Municipal bond		—		—		7,374		7,374
Totals	$	—	$	47,032	$	7,374	$	54,406
	As of December 31, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
U.S. Treasury bills	$	31,592	$	—	$	—	$	31,592
Municipal bond		—		—		7,374		7,374
Totals	$	31,592	$	—	$	7,374	$	38,966

The following table presents a rollforward of our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in FASB ASC Topic 820 for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2013	$	7,374
Unrealized gain (loss)		—
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	7,374

Credit Agreement

During the fourth quarter of 2013, we entered into a $70.0 million Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with BMO Harris Bank N.A., in its capacities as the initial lender and letter of credit issuer thereunder and the administrative agent for the lenders which from time to time may be parties to the Credit Agreement. The revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement is scheduled to mature on June 30, 2016. As of March 31, 2014, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

6. STUDENT RECEIVABLES

Student receivables represent funds owed to us in exchange for the educational services provided to a student. Student receivables are reflected net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and net of deferred tuition revenue. Student receivables, net are reflected on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets as components of both current and non-current assets. We do not accrue interest on past due student receivables; interest is recorded only upon collection.

Generally, a student receivable balance is written off once it reaches greater than 90 days past due. Although we analyze past due receivables, it is not practical to provide an aging of our non-current student receivable balances as a result of the methodology utilized in determining our earned student receivable balances. Student receivables are recognized on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets as they are deemed earned over the course of a student’s program and/or term, and therefore cash collections are not applied against specifically dated transactions.

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Our standard student receivable allowance estimation methodology considers a number of factors that, based on our collection experience, we believe have an impact on our repayment risk and ability to collect student receivables. Changes in the trends in any of these factors may impact our estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts. These factors include, but are not limited to: internal repayment history, repayment practices of previous extended payment programs and information provided by a third-party institution who previously offered similar extended payment programs, changes in the current economic, legislative or regulatory environments and credit worthiness of our students. These factors are monitored and assessed on a regular basis. Overall, our allowance estimation process for student receivables is validated by trending analysis and comparing estimated and actual performance. The repayment risk associated with student receivables under extended payment plans is generally higher than those not related to extended payment plans; as such, the allowance for doubtful accounts for these student receivables as a percentage of outstanding student receivables is higher.

Student Receivables Under Extended Payment Plans and Recourse Loan Agreements

To assist students in completing their educational programs, we had previously provided extended payment plans to certain students and also had loan agreements with Sallie Mae and Stillwater National Bank and Trust Company (“Stillwater”) which required us to repurchase loans originated by them to our students after a certain period of time. We discontinued providing extended payment plans to students during the first quarter of 2011 and the recourse loan agreements with Sallie Mae and Stillwater ended in March 2008 and April 2007, respectively.

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the amount of non-current student receivables under these programs, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and net of deferred tuition revenue, was $4.8 million and $5.2 million, respectively.

Student Receivables Valuation Allowance

Changes in our current and non-current receivables allowance for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Balance, Beginning of Period		Charges to Expense (1)		Amounts Written-off			Balance, End of Period
For the quarter ended March 31, 2014	$	27,953	$	5,866	$	(8,056	)	$	25,763
For the quarter ended March 31, 2013	$	39,163	$	5,751	$	(11,179	)	$	33,735

(1) Charges to expense include an offset for recoveries of amounts previously written off of $2.3 million and $2.1 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

The carrying amount reported in our unaudited consolidated balance sheets for the current portion of student receivables approximates fair value because of the nature of these financial instruments as they generally have short maturity periods. It is not practicable to estimate the fair value of the non-current portion of student receivables, since observable market data is not readily available, and no reasonable estimation methodology exists.

7. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

Reductions in force have been carried out related to the reorganization of our corporate and campus functions to better align with current total enrollments and decisions made in previous years to teach out a number of campuses, meaning gradually close the campuses through an orderly process. We anticipate that a majority of the campus closures will be completed by the third quarter of 2014.

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The following table details the changes in our accrual for severance and related costs associated with these restructuring events for our continuing operations during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):

	Balance, Beginning of Period		Severance and related charges		Payments (1)			Non-cash adjustments (2)			Balance, End of Period
For the quarter ended March 31, 2014	$	4,913	$	—	$	(593	)	$	(278	)	$	4,042
For the quarter ended March 31, 2013	$	7,931	$	364	$	(4,060	)	$	(73	)	$	4,162

(1) Includes payments related to COBRA and outplacement services which are assumed to be completed by the third month following an employee’s departure.

(2) Includes cancellations due to employee departures prior to agreed upon end dates, employee transfers to open positions within the organization and subsequent adjustments to severance and related costs.

The current portion of the accrual for severance and related charges was $2.5 million and $2.3 million as of March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively, which is recorded within current accrued expenses—payroll and related benefits; the long-term portion of $1.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively, is recorded within other non-current liabilities. In addition, as of March 31, 2014, we have accrued approximately $1.4 million related to retention bonuses that have been offered to certain employees. These amounts will be recorded ratably over the period the employees are retained; $0.3 million was recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

During the first quarter of 2014, nine of our campuses completed their teach-out activities, seven of the nine campuses had remaining lease obligations related to their facilities. The charge recorded during the current quarter related to these discontinued operations was approximately $8.1 million, which represents the net present value of our remaining lease obligation less an estimated amount for sublease income and was recorded within loss from discontinued operations for the current quarter. A number of our teach-out campuses that have not yet closed will have remaining lease obligations following the eventual campus closure, with the longest lease term being through 2021. The total estimated charge related to the remaining lease obligation for these leases, once the campus completes the close process, and adjusted for possible lease buyouts and sublease assumptions is approximately $20.0 to $25.0 million. The amount related to each campus will be recorded at each campus closure date based on current estimates and assumptions related to the amount and timing of sublease income.

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

An accrual for estimated legal fees and settlements of $28.9 million and $20.3 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, is presented within other current liabilities on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets.

We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, at least quarterly, developments in our legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that was previously accrued, and make adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount. We may be unable to estimate a possible loss or range of possible loss due to various reasons, including, among others: (1) if the damages sought are indeterminate; (2) if the proceedings are in early stages; (3) if there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals, motions, or settlements; (4) if there are significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; and (5) if there are novel or unsettled legal theories presented. In such instances, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, if any.

Litigation

We are, or were, a party to the following legal proceedings that we consider to be outside the scope of ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, we cannot

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predict the ultimate outcome of these matters. An unfavorable outcome of any one or more of these matters could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

Securities Litigation

Ross, et al. v. Career Education Corporation, et al. On January 13, 2012, a class action complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, naming the Company and various individuals as defendants and claiming that the defendants violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) by making material misstatements in and omitting material information from the Company’s public disclosures concerning its campuses’ job placement rates and its compliance with accreditation standards. The complaint further claimed that the individual defendants violated Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act by virtue of their positions as control persons of the Company. Plaintiff asked for unspecified amounts in damages, interest, and costs, as well as ancillary relief. On March 23, 2012, the Court appointed KBC Asset Management NV, the Oklahoma Police Pension & Retirement Systems, and the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, as lead plaintiffs in the action. Lead plaintiffs subsequently filed an amended complaint, asserting the same claims alleged in the initial complaint and seeking damages on behalf of all persons who purchased the Company’s common stock between February 19, 2009 and November 21, 2011 (the “Class”).

On June 12, 2013, the parties agreed to settle the Ross litigation, subject to final Court approval and settlement of certain shareholder derivative actions and subsequent related claims (the “Derivative Settlements”). As previously disclosed, the Derivative Settlements received Court approval and were dismissed with prejudice in the first quarter of 2014. Under the Derivative Settlements, the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurers have paid $10.0 million towards the settlement of this litigation.

On November 6, 2013, the Court entered an order preliminarily approving the Ross settlement. On April 16, 2014, the Court finally approved the settlement and dismissed the action with prejudice. Pursuant to the terms of the Ross settlement agreement, the Class will receive a total of $27.5 million in consideration of the proposed settlement and the parties will release all claims. The Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurers paid $22.5 million of the settlement amount, $10.0 million of which was funded pursuant to the Derivative Settlements discussed above, and the Company paid the remaining $5.0 million. However, the Company is seeking recovery of that amount from one of its insurers, Axis Insurance Company (“Axis”), but has not recorded a receivable for this additional amount as it is not deemed probable as of March 31, 2014. As described below, Axis is seeking a declaration of no coverage. In connection with the Ross settlement, the Company entered into an additional settlement on April 15, 2014 with certain members of the Class pursuant to which the Company expects to pay approximately $3.8 million. The Company is seeking recovery of this amount from Axis.

Axis Insurance Company v. Career Education Company, et al. On December 11, 2013, Axis Insurance Company filed a declaratory judgment action in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Chancery Division, naming the Company and various individuals as defendants in connection with coverage for the recently settled securities class action and shareholder derivative actions. Axis seeks a declaration of no coverage. On March 11, 2014, the Company and the individual defendants responded to Axis’s complaint and asserted counterclaims pursuant to which the Company claims approximately $10.0 million in coverage. On April 22, 2014, Axis responded to the Company’s counterclaims.

Student Litigation

Abarca v. California Culinary Academy, Inc., et al. (filed June 3, 2011; 115 plaintiffs); Andrade, et al. v. California Culinary Academy, Inc., et al (filed June 15, 2011; 31 plaintiffs); Aprieto, et al. v. California Culinary Academy (filed August 12, 2011; five plaintiffs); Coleman, et al. v. California Culinary Academy (filed January 18, 2013; two plaintiffs). These four actions are pending in the San Francisco County Superior Court and generally allege: fraud, constructive fraud, violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, violation of the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, breach of contract and violation of the repealed California Education Code. Plaintiffs contend that California Culinary Academy (“CCA”) made a variety of misrepresentations to

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them, primarily oral, during the admissions process. The alleged misrepresentations relate generally to the school’s reputation, the value of the education, the competitiveness of the admissions process, and the students’ employment prospects upon graduation, including the accuracy of statistics published by CCA. The plaintiffs in these actions seek damages, including consequential damages, punitive damages and attorneys’ fees.

All of the plaintiffs in these four actions either opted out of or did not fit the class definition in a previously settled class action captioned Amador, et al. v. California Culinary Academy and Career Education Corporation; Adams, et al. v. California Culinary Academy and Career Education Corporation. None of these four actions are being prosecuted as a class action. All of these cases have been deemed related and have been transferred to the same judge who handled the Amador case.

Currently there are 79 remaining plaintiffs who have not settled or dismissed their claims. CCA has filed answers to the complaints filed by the remaining 79 individual plaintiffs. The parties participated in a mediation session on April 2, 2014 at which the Company agreed to settle with 77 of the remaining plaintiffs. The Company has agreed to pay approximately $2.2 million plus an as yet undetermined amount of attorneys’ fees. Accordingly, for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company has reserved $3.0 million which is the current estimate of the total amount of the settlement and based on its assessment that the settlement is probable.

The parties have agreed to arbitrate one of the remaining cases and the other case will be set for trial at a later date.

Because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise in the future with respect to the two remaining cases, the outcome in those cases is uncertain. Accordingly, we have not recognized any future liability associated with these actions.

Enea, et al. v. Career Education Corporation, California Culinary Academy, Inc., SLM Corporation, and Sallie Mae, Inc. Plaintiffs filed this putative class action in the Superior Court State of California, County of San Francisco, on or about June 27, 2013. Plaintiffs allege that CCA materially misrepresented the placement rates of its graduates, falsely stated that admission to the culinary school was competitive and that the school had an excellent reputation among restaurants and other food service providers, represented that the culinary schools were well-regarded institutions producing skilled graduates who employers eagerly hired, and lied by telling students that the school provided graduates with career placement services for life. The plaintiffs or putative class members here co-signed the loans for students to attend CCA, some of whom were Amador class members. Plaintiffs seek restitution, damages, civil penalties and attorneys’ fees.

Defendants filed a motion to dismiss and to strike class action allegations on October 31, 2013. A hearing on the motions was conducted on March 14, 2014. Thereafter, the Court issued two separate orders granting the motion to strike the class allegations and the motion to dismiss without leave to amend. Plaintiffs filed a motion seeking leave to file a third amended complaint and/or for reconsideration of the Court’s orders.

Because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise in the future, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for this action because, among other things, our potential liability depends on whether a class is certified and, if so, the composition and size of any such class, as well as on an assessment of the appropriate measure of damages if we were to be found liable. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with this action.

Surrett, et al. v. Western Culinary Institute, Ltd. and Career Education Corporation. On March 5, 2008, a complaint was filed in Portland, Oregon in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon in and for Multnomah County naming Western Culinary Institute, Ltd. and the Company as defendants. Plaintiffs filed the complaint individually and as a putative class action and alleged two claims for equitable relief: violation of Oregon’s Unlawful Trade Practices Act (“UTPA”) and unjust enrichment. Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on April 10, 2008, which added two claims for money damages: fraud and breach of contract. Plaintiffs allege that Western Culinary Institute, Ltd. (“WCI”) made a variety of misrepresentations to them, relating generally to

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WCI’s placement statistics, students’ employment prospects upon graduation from WCI, the value and quality of an education at WCI, and the amount of tuition students could expect to pay as compared to salaries they could expect to earn after graduation. WCI subsequently moved to dismiss certain of plaintiffs’ claims under Oregon’s UTPA; that motion was granted on September 12, 2008. On February 5, 2010, the Court entered a formal Order granting class certification on part of plaintiff’s UTPA and fraud claims purportedly based on omissions, denying certification of the rest of those claims and denying certification of the breach of contract and unjust enrichment claims. The class consists of students who enrolled at WCI between March 5, 2006 and March 1, 2010, excluding those who dropped out or were dismissed from the school for academic reasons.

Plaintiffs filed a Fifth Amended Complaint on December 7, 2010, which included individual and class allegations by Nathan Surrett. Class notice was sent on April 22, 2011, and the opt-out period expired on June 20, 2011. The class consisted of approximately 2,600 members. They are seeking tuition refunds, interest and certain fees paid in connection with their enrollment at WCI.

On May 23, 2012, WCI filed a motion to compel arbitration of claims by 1,062 individual class members who signed enrollment agreements containing express class action waivers. The Court issued an Order denying the motion on July 27, 2012. On August 6, 2012, WCI filed an appeal from the Court’s Order and on August 30, 2012, the Court of Appeals issued an Order granting WCI’s motion to compel the trial court to cease exercising jurisdiction in the case. The oral argument on the appeal is set for May 9, 2014. All proceedings with the trial court have been stayed pending the outcome of the appeal.

Because of the many questions of fact and law that have already arisen and that may arise in the future, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for this action because of the inherent difficulty in assessing the appropriate measure of damages and the number of class members who might be entitled to recover damages, if we were to be found liable. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with this action.

Vasquez, et al. v. California School of Culinary Arts, Inc. and Career Education Corporation. On June 23, 2008, a putative class action lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court entitled Daniel Vasquez and Cherish Herndon v. California School of Culinary Arts, Inc. and Career Education Corporation. The plaintiffs allege causes of action for fraud, constructive fraud, violation of the California Unfair Competition Law and violation of the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act. The plaintiffs allege improper conduct in connection with the admissions process during the alleged class period. The alleged class is defined as including “all persons who purchased educational services from California School of Culinary Arts, Inc. (“CSCA”), or graduated from CSCA, within the limitations periods applicable to the alleged causes of action (including, without limitation, the period following the filing of the action).” Defendants successfully demurred to the constructive fraud claim and the Court has dismissed it. Defendants also successfully demurred to plaintiffs’ claims based on alleged violations of California’s former Private Postsecondary and Vocational Educational Reform Act of 1989 (“the Reform Act”). Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification was denied by the Court on March 6, 2012.

Plaintiffs’ counsel have filed eight separate but related “multiple plaintiff actions” originally involving a total of approximately 1,000 former students entitled Banks, et al. v. California School of Culinary Arts; Abrica v. California School of Culinary Arts; Aguilar, et al. v. California School of Culinary Arts; Alday v. California School of Culinary Arts; Ackerman, et al. v. California School of Culinary Arts; Arechiga, et al. v. California School of Culinary Arts; Anderson, et al. v. California School of Culinary Arts; and Allen v. California School of Culinary Arts. All eight cases are pending in the Los Angeles County Superior Court and the allegations in these cases are essentially the same as those asserted in the Vasquez class action case. The individual plaintiffs in these cases seek compensatory and punitive damages, disgorgement and restitution of tuition monies received, attorneys’ fees, costs and injunctive relief. All of these cases have been deemed related to the Vasquez class action and therefore are pending before the same judge who is presiding over the Vasquez case.

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On June 15, 2012, pursuant to a stipulation by the parties, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint in the Vasquez action consolidating all eight of the separate actions referenced above. The complaint was thereafter amended to add additional plaintiffs. As a result of these amendments, there were at one time approximately 1,438 plaintiffs, the majority of whom enrolled between 2003 and 2008 (about 10 of the plaintiffs enrolled in 2009 and 2010).

On June 22, 2012, defendants filed motions to compel arbitration of plaintiffs’ claims. On August 10, 2012, the Court granted the motions with respect to approximately 54 plaintiffs. Nine arbitration demands were filed before the American Arbitration Association, one of which was tried to a final award and eight of which were settled. The remaining plaintiffs’ claims were settled prior to arbitration demands being filed. The total liability for all of these claims was an immaterial amount. Following the resolution of these claims, other settlements, and the voluntary dismissal of certain claims, there are approximately 1,047 remaining plaintiffs in the consolidated action.

The Company and plaintiffs’ counsel have executed an agreement regarding the framework for individual settlements with approximately 950 of the remaining individual plaintiffs. Pursuant to this settlement arrangement, defendants will pay a maximum of $17.5 million in the aggregate to fund the individual plaintiff settlements, attorneys’ fees and administrative costs of the settlement, subject to certain excluded costs which defendants will be separately responsible for. The settlement amounts for each individual plaintiff will be determined by a third party. If any plaintiff decides not to accept the settlement, then the amount allocated to that plaintiff will be returned to defendants. Defendants have the right not to proceed with the settlement if a specified number of plaintiffs do not accept the settlement. Defendants’ liability pursuant to the settlement is estimated to be $15.5 million to $17.5 million; however, defendants do not have a reasonable basis to estimate where in that range the liability is likely to be. Accordingly, for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company is maintaining a reserve of $15.5 million based on its assessment that the settlement is probable.

Approximately 97 of the remaining plaintiffs are not within the purview of the settlement arrangement described in the preceding paragraph. Any liability to these plaintiffs is expected to be an immaterial amount.

False Claims Act

United States of America, ex rel. Melissa Simms Powell, et al. v. American InterContinental University, Inc., a Georgia Corporation, Career Education Corp., a Delaware Corporation and John Doe Nos. 1-100. On July 28, 2009, we were served with a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division. The complaint was originally filed under seal on July 14, 2008 by four former employees of the Dunwoody campus of our American InterContinental University on behalf of themselves and the federal government. On July 27, 2009, the Court ordered the complaint unsealed and we were notified that the U.S. Department of Justice declined to intervene in the action. When the federal government declines to intervene in a False Claims Act action, as it has done in this case, the private plaintiffs (or “relators”) may elect to pursue the litigation on behalf of the federal government and, if they are successful, receive a portion of the federal government’s recovery. The action alleges violations of the False Claims Act and promissory fraud, including allegedly providing false certifications to the federal government regarding compliance with certain provisions of the Higher Education Act and accreditation standards. Relators claim that defendants’ conduct caused the government to pay federal funds to defendants and to make payments to third-party lenders, which the government would not have made if not for defendants’ alleged violation of the law. Relators seek treble damages plus civil penalties and attorneys’ fees. On July 12, 2012, the Court granted our motion to dismiss for a lack of jurisdiction, the claims related to incentive compensation and proof of graduation. Thus, the only claim that remains pending against defendants is based on relators’ contention that defendants misled the school’s accreditor, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, during the accreditation process. On December 16, 2013, we filed a motion for summary judgment on a variety of substantive grounds.

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Because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for this action because the complaint does not seek a specified amount of damages and it is unclear how damages would be calculated, if we were to be found liable. Moreover, the case presents novel legal issues. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with this action.

United States of America, ex rel. Brent M. Nelson v. Career Education Corporation, Sanford-Brown, Ltd., and Ultrasound Technical Services, Inc. On April 18, 2013, defendants were served with an amended complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The original complaint was filed under seal on July 30, 2012 by a former employee of Sanford-Brown College Milwaukee on behalf of himself and the federal government. On February 27, 2013, the Court ordered the complaint unsealed and we were notified that the U.S. Department of Justice declined to intervene in the action. After the federal government declined to intervene in this case, the relator elected to pursue the litigation on behalf of the federal government. If he is successful he will receive a portion of the federal government’s recovery. The amended complaint was filed by the relator on April 12, 2013 and alleges violations of the False Claims Act, including allegedly providing false certifications to the federal government regarding compliance with certain provisions of the Higher Education Act and accreditation standards. Relator claims that defendants’ conduct caused the government to pay federal funds to defendants, and to make payments to third-party lenders, which the government would not have made if not for defendants’ alleged violation of the law. Relator seeks treble damages plus civil penalties and attorneys’ fees. On June 11, 2013, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the case on a variety of grounds. The Court ruled on that motion, dismissing CEC from the case and dismissing several of the relator’s factual claims. On November 27, 2013, Sanford Brown, LTD., and Ultrasound Technical Services, Inc., the remaining Company defendants, filed a motion to dismiss the case for lack of subject matter jurisdiction due to prior public disclosures of the relator’s alleged claims. On March 17, 2014, the Court granted this motion in part, limiting the timeframe and geographical scope of the relator’s claims. The Court has yet to rule on the summary judgment motion filed on January 3, 2014 by the remaining Company defendants. On April 8, 2014, the Court postponed the April 14, 2014 trial date pending its ruling on the summary judgment motion.

Because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for this action because the complaint does not seek a specified amount of damages and it is unclear how damages would be calculated, if we were to be found liable. Moreover, the case presents novel legal issues. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with this action.

Employment Litigation

Wilson, et al. v. Career Education Corporation. On August 11, 2011, Riley Wilson, a former admissions representative based in Minnesota, filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The two-count complaint asserts claims of breach of contract and unjust enrichment arising from our decision to terminate our Admissions Representative Supplemental Compensation (“ARSC”) Plan. In addition to his individual claims, Wilson also seeks to represent a nationwide class of similarly situated admissions representatives who also were affected by termination of the plan. On October 6, 2011, we filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On April 13, 2012, the Court granted our motion to dismiss in its entirety and dismissed plaintiff’s complaint for failure to state a claim. The Court dismissed this action with prejudice on May 14, 2012. On June 11, 2012, plaintiff filed a Notice of Appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit appealing the final judgment of the trial court. Briefing was completed on October 30, 2012, and oral argument was held on December 3, 2012. On August 30, 2013, the Seventh Circuit affirmed the district court’s ruling on plaintiff’s unjust enrichment claim but reversed and remanded for further proceedings on plaintiff’s breach of contract claim. On September 13, 2013, we filed a petition for rehearing to seek review of the panel’s decision on the breach of contract claim and for certification of question to the Illinois Supreme Court, but the petition was denied.

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The case now is on remand to the district court for further proceedings on the sole question of whether CEC’s termination of the ARSC Plan violated the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. CEC has answered the complaint, and the parties have exchanged initial disclosures. On February 19, 2014, the Court ordered the parties to commence fact discovery as to the issue of liability.

Because the matter is in its early stages and because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for this action. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with this action.

Nimely, et al. v. Randstad General Partners, Randstad USA, Randstad Inhouse Services L.P., and Career Education Corporation. On December 30, 2012, April R. Nimely, a former hourly, non-exempt call center employee based in Illinois filed a putative class and collective action complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the Company and various entities of the staffing firm Randstad, which the Company used to supplement its own staff at some of its call centers. The complaint asserts claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, and the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act (“IWPCA”) arising from the alleged failure to pay wages for work performed before and after shifts and during breaks. The putative collective class was defined as “[a]ll persons who worked for [d]efendants as telephone dedicated employees, however titled, who were compensated, in part or in full, on an hourly basis throughout the United States at any time between December 30, 2009 and the present who did not receive the full amount of overtime wages earned and owed to them.”

On February 27, 2013, defendants filed their answers to the complaint and motion to dismiss the IWPCA count of the complaint. On June 14, 2013, plaintiff filed her motion for class certification. The parties subsequently reached an agreement to settle the matter for an immaterial amount. On November 29, 2013, the Court entered an order granting preliminary approval of the settlement. On March 25, 2014, the Court granted final approval of the settlement and dismissed the case.

Other Litigation

In addition to the legal proceedings and other matters described above, we are also subject to a variety of other claims, suits and investigations that arise from time to time out of the conduct of our business, including, but not limited to, claims involving students or graduates and routine employment matters. While we currently believe that such claims, individually or in aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations, these other matters are subject to inherent uncertainties, and management’s view of these matters may change in the future. Were an unfavorable final outcome to occur in any one or more of these matters, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business, reputation, financial position, cash flows, and the results of operations for the period in which the effect becomes probable and reasonably estimable.

State Investigations

The Attorney General of Connecticut is serving as the point of contact for inquiries received from the attorneys general of the following 14 states: Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington (January 24, 2014); Illinois (December 9, 2011); and Tennessee (February 7, 2014). In addition, the Company has received inquiries from the Attorneys General of Florida (November 5, 2010), Massachusetts (September 27, 2012) and Colorado (August 27, 2013). The inquiries are civil investigative demands or subpoenas which relate to the investigation by the attorneys general of whether the Company and its schools have complied with certain state consumer protection laws, and generally focus on the Company’s practices relating to the recruitment of students, graduate placement statistics, graduate certification and licensing results and student lending activities, among other matters. Depending on the state, the documents and information sought by the attorneys general in connection with their investigations cover time periods as early as 2006 to the present. The Company intends to cooperate with the states involved with a view towards resolving these inquiries as promptly as possible.

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We cannot predict the scope, duration or outcome of these attorney general investigations. At the conclusion of any of these matters, the Company or certain of its schools may be subject to claims of failure to comply with state laws or regulations and may be required to pay significant financial penalties and/or curtail or modify their operations. Other state attorneys general may also initiate inquiries into the Company or its schools. If any of the foregoing occurs, our business, reputation, financial position, cash flows and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential monetary or non-monetary impact these investigations might have on the Company because it is uncertain what remedies, if any, these regulators might ultimately seek in connection with these investigations.

SEC Inquiry and Other Information Requests

During the second quarter of 2012, the Company was advised by the Chicago Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that it is conducting an inquiry pertaining to our previously reported 2011 investigation and review of student placement rate determination practices and related matters. We are cooperating fully with the inquiry. We cannot determine the eventual duration, scope or outcome of this matter.

The Company and its institutions have responded to requests for information regarding its 2011 investigation and review of placement determination practices and related matters from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education Division of Higher and Career Education, the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the Florida Commission for Independent Education. Additionally, we have responded to follow-up requests from regulators for information regarding the terms of our August 2013 settlement with the New York Attorney General, including from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. We cannot predict the outcome of these information requests and any legal proceeding, claim or other matter that may arise relating thereto.

Regulatory Matters

ED Inquiry and HCM1 Status

In December 2011, ED advised the Company that it is conducting an inquiry concerning possible violations of ED misrepresentation regulations related to placement rates reported by certain of the Company’s institutions to accrediting bodies, students and potential students. This inquiry stems from the Company’s self-reporting to ED of its internal investigation into student placement determination practices at the Company’s Health Education campuses and review of placement determination practices at all of the Company’s other domestic campuses in 2011. The Company has been cooperating with ED in connection with this inquiry. If ED determines that the Company or any of its institutions violated ED misrepresentation regulations with regard to the publication of placement rates or other disclosures to students or prospective students, ED may revoke, limit, suspend or deny the institution’s Title IV eligibility, or impose fines. Any such action would first likely require reasonable prior notice and an opportunity for an administrative hearing (as recently confirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia), and would be subject to appeal.

In December 2011, ED also moved all of the Company’s institutions from the “advance” method of payment of Title IV Program funds to cash monitoring status (referred to as Heightened Cash Monitoring 1, or HCM1, status). Although the Company’s prior practices substantially conformed to the requirements of this more restrictive method of drawing down students’ Title IV Program funds, if ED finds violations of the HEA or related regulations, ED may impose monetary or program level sanctions, or transfer the Company’s schools to the “reimbursement” or Heightened Cash Monitoring 2 (“HCM2”) methods of payment of Title IV Program funds. While on HCM2 status, an institution must disburse its own funds to students, document the students’ eligibility for Title IV Program funds and comply with certain waiting period requirements before receiving such funds from ED, which results in a significant delay in receiving those funds. The process of re-establishing a regular schedule of cash receipts for the Title IV Program funds if ED places our schools on “reimbursement” or

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HCM2 payment status could take several months, and would require us to fund ongoing operations substantially out of existing cash balances. If our existing cash balances are insufficient to sustain us through this transition period, we would need to pursue other sources of liquidity, which may not be available or may be costly.

OIG Audit

Our schools and universities are also subject to periodic audits by various regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (“OIG”). The OIG audit services division commenced a compliance audit of CTU in June 2010, covering the period July 5, 2009 to May 16, 2010, to determine whether CTU had policies and procedures to ensure that CTU administered Title IV Program and other federal program funds in accordance with applicable federal law and regulation. On January 13, 2012, the OIG issued a draft report identifying three findings, including one regarding the documentation of attendance of students enrolled in online programs and one regarding the calculation of returns of Title IV Program funds arising from student withdrawals without official notice to the institution. CTU submitted a written response to the OIG, contesting these findings, on March 2, 2012. CTU disagreed with the OIG’s proposed determination of what constitutes appropriate documentation or verification of online academic activity during the time period covered by the audit. CTU’s response asserted that this finding was based on the retroactive application of standards adopted as part of the program integrity regulations that first went into effect on July 1, 2011. The OIG final report, along with CTU’s response to the draft report, was forwarded to ED’s Office of Federal Student Aid on September 21, 2012. On October 24, 2012, CTU provided a further response challenging the findings of the report directly to ED’s Office of Federal Student Aid. As a result of ED’s review of these materials, on January 31, 2013, CTU received a request from ED that it perform two file reviews to determine potential liability on two discrete issues associated with one of the above findings. The first file review relates to any potential aid awarded to students who engaged in virtual classroom attendance activities prior to the official start date of a course and for which no further attendance was registered during the official class term. The second file review relates to students that were awarded and paid Pell funds for enrollment in two concurrent courses, while only registering attendance in one of the two courses. The Company completed these file reviews and provided supporting documentation to ED on April 10, 2013. As of March 31, 2014, the Company has a $0.8 million reserve recorded related to this matter.

9. INCOME TAXES

The components of pretax loss from continuing operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
U.S.	$	(47,225	)	$	(27,638	)
Foreign		—			(4,558	)
Total	$	(47,225	)	$	(32,196	)

The determination of the annual effective tax is based upon a number of significant estimates and judgments, including the estimated annual pretax income in each tax jurisdiction in which we operate and the ongoing development of tax planning strategies during the year. In addition, our provision for income taxes can be impacted by changes in tax rates or laws, the finalization of tax audits and reviews, as well as other factors that cannot be predicted with certainty. As such, there can be significant volatility in interim tax provisions.

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The following is a summary of our provision for (benefit from) income taxes and effective tax rate from continuing operations:

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Pretax loss	$	(47,225	)	$	(32,196	)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	220		$	(12,402	)
Effective rate		0.5	%		-38.5	%

As of December 31, 2013, we reported a total deferred tax valuation allowance of $82.5 million within our consolidated balance sheet. After considering both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets, we have determined that it is necessary to continue to record this valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2014. As a result, the effective tax provision for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 approximates $0.2 million.

The cumulative effect of federal and state valuation losses reduced the effective tax rate benefit by 38.7%. The current quarter tax rate was also impacted by nominal uncertain tax position activity, the net effect of which resulted in a 0.5% effective tax rate.

We estimate that it is reasonably possible that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits for a variety of uncertain tax positions will decrease by up to $2.5 million in the next twelve months as a result of the completion of various tax audits currently in process and the expiration of the statute of limitations in several jurisdictions. The income tax rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 does not take into account the possible reduction of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits. The impact of a reduction to the liability will be treated as a discrete item in the period the reduction occurs. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. As of March 31, 2014, we had accrued $2.8 million as an estimate for reasonably possible interest and accrued penalties.

Our tax returns are routinely examined by federal, state, local and foreign tax authorities and these audits are at various stages of completion at any given time. The Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of our U.S. income tax returns through our tax year ended December 31, 2007.

10. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Overview of Share-Based Compensation Plans

The Career Education Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2008 Plan”) authorizes awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock, performance units, annual incentive awards, and substitute awards, which generally may be settled in cash or shares of our common stock. Any shares of our common stock that are subject to awards of stock options or stock appreciation rights payable in shares will be counted as 1.0 share for each share issued for purposes of the aggregate share limit and any shares of our common stock that are subject to any other form of award payable in shares will be counted as 1.67 shares for each share issued for purposes of the aggregate share limit. As of March 31, 2014, there were approximately 5.7 million shares of common stock available for future share-based awards under the 2008 Plan, which is net of 4.4 million shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options. This amount does not reflect 0.6 million shares underlying restricted stock units as of March 31, 2014, which upon vesting will be settled in shares of our common stock and thus reduce the common stock available for future share-based awards under the 2008 Plan by the amount vested, multiplied by the applicable factor under the plan.

As of March 31, 2014, we estimate that compensation expense of approximately $7.0 million will be recognized over the next four years for all unvested share-based awards that have been granted to participants, including stock options, shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock but excluding restricted stock units to be settled in cash.

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Stock Options. The exercise price of stock options granted under each of the plans is equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Employee stock options generally become exercisable 25% per year over a four-year service period beginning on the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. Non-employee directors’ stock options expire ten years from the date of grant and generally become exercisable as follows: one-fourth on the grant date and one-fourth for each of the first through third anniversaries of the grant date. Both employee stock options and non-employee director stock options are subject to possible earlier vesting and termination in certain circumstances. Generally, if a plan participant terminates his or her employment for any reason other than by death or disability during the vesting period, he or she forfeits the right to unvested stock option awards. Grants of stock options are generally only subject to the service conditions discussed previously.

Stock option activity during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 under all of our plans was as follows (options in thousands):

	Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		3,900		$	15.15
Granted		681			7.10
Exercised		—			—
Forfeited		(147	)		3.63
Cancelled		(46	)		34.25
Outstanding as of March 31, 2014		4,388		$	14.09
Exercisable as of March 31, 2014		2,543		$	20.43

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Stock. Restricted stock and restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock generally become fully vested either three years after the date of grant or 25% per year over a four-year service period beginning on the date of grant. Generally, if a plan participant terminates his or her employment for any reason other than by death or disability during the vesting period, he or she forfeits the right to the unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units. The vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units is subject to possible acceleration in certain circumstances. Certain awards to plan participants referred to as “performance-based” are subject to performance conditions that, even if the requisite service period is met, may reduce the number of shares or units of restricted stock that vest at the end of the requisite service period or result in all shares or units being forfeited.

The following table summarizes information with respect to all outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock under our plans during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (shares and units in thousands):

	Restricted Stock to be Settled in Shares of Stock
	Shares			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share		Units			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Unit		Total
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		221		$	22.19		539		$	8.30		760
Granted		—			—		249			7.10		249
Vested		(106	)		23.27		(134	)		8.63		(240	)
Forfeited		(24	)		20.16		(44	)		8.63		(68	)
Outstanding as of March 31, 2014		91		$	21.72		610		$	7.72		701

Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Cash. Restricted stock units to be settled in cash generally become fully vested 25% per year over a four-year service period beginning on the date of grant. Generally, if a plan participant terminates his or her employment for any reason other than by death or disability during the vesting period, he or she forfeits the right to the unvested restricted stock units. The vesting of restricted stock units is

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subject to possible acceleration in certain circumstances. Cash-settled restricted stock units are recorded as liabilities as the expense is recognized and the fair value for these awards is determined at each period end date with changes in fair value recorded in our statement of loss and comprehensive loss in the current period. Cash-settled restricted stock units are settled with a cash payment for each unit vested equal to the closing price on the vesting date. Cash-settled restricted stock units are not included in common shares reserved for issuance or available for issuance under the 2008 Plan.

The following table summarizes information with respect to all cash-settled restricted stock units during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (units in thousands):

	Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Cash
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		2,289
Granted		966
Vested		(655	)
Forfeited		(225	)
Outstanding as of March 31, 2014		2,375

Upon vesting, based on the conditions set forth in the award agreements, these units will be settled in cash. We valued these units in accordance with the guidance set forth by FASB ASC Topic 718—Compensation-Stock Compensation and recognized $2.3 million of expense for the first quarter of 2014 for all cash-settled restricted stock units.

Performance Unit Awards. Performance unit awards granted during 2013 and 2014 are long-term incentive, cash-based awards. Payment of these awards is based upon a calculation of Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) of CEC as compared to TSR across a specified peer group of our competitors over a three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. These awards are recorded as liabilities as the expense is recognized and fair value for these awards is revalued at each period end date with changes in fair value recorded in our statement of loss and comprehensive loss in the current period. A liability of $1.8 million was recorded as of March 31, 2014, which represents the fair value of the liability incurred through March 31, 2014 for these awards; $0.7 million of expense was recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

11. WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES

Basic net (loss) income per share is calculated by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of shares assuming dilution. Dilutive common shares outstanding is computed using the Treasury Stock Method and reflects the additional shares that would be outstanding if dilutive stock options were exercised and restricted stock and restricted stock units were settled for common shares during the period.

Due to the fact that we reported a loss from continuing operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, potential common stock equivalents are excluded from the diluted common shares outstanding calculation. Per FASB ASC Topic 260—Earnings Per Share, an entity that reports discontinued operations shall use income or loss from continuing operations as the benchmark for calculating diluted common shares outstanding, and as such, we have zero common stock equivalents since these shares would have an anti-dilutive effect on our net loss per share for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

12. SEGMENT REPORTING

Our segments are determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 280—Segment Reporting and are based upon how the Company analyzes performance and makes decisions. Effective January 2014, we have changed our segment reporting to align with the manner in which we are now managing the business. Each segment

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represents a group of postsecondary education providers that offer a variety of degree and non-degree academic programs. These segments are organized by key market segments to enhance brand focus and operational alignment within each segment to more effectively execute our strategic plan. Our reporting segments are described below.

University Schools:

Colorado Technical University (CTU) collectively offers academic programs in the career-oriented disciplines of business studies, information systems and technologies, criminal justice, computer science and engineering, and health sciences in an online, classroom or laboratory setting.

American InterContinental University (AIU) collectively offers academic programs in the career-oriented disciplines of business studies, information technologies, criminal justice and design technologies in an online, classroom or laboratory setting.

Career Schools:

Career Colleges includes Briarcliffe College, Brooks Institute, Harrington College of Design, Missouri College and our Sanford-Brown institutions. As of March 31, 2014, we announced the rebranding efforts related to our IADT and Brown College institutions; these institutions are now united under the Sanford-Brown name. The Career Colleges group collectively offer academic programs primarily in the career-oriented disciplines of health education that are complemented by certain programs in business studies and information technology, as well as visual communications, fashion design, photography, interior design, graphic design and video production, in a classroom, laboratory or online setting. In addition, continuing education and short-term vocational programs in the area of energy conservation are offered.

Culinary Arts includes our Le Cordon Bleu institutions in North America which collectively offer hands-on educational programs in the career-oriented disciplines of culinary arts and patisserie and baking in the commercial-grade kitchens of Le Cordon Bleu. Le Cordon Bleu also provides online programs in culinary arts and hotel and restaurant management.

Transitional Schools includes our campuses that are currently being taught out.

We evaluate segment performance based on operating results. Adjustments to reconcile segment results to consolidated results are included under the caption “Corporate and Other,” which primarily includes unallocated corporate activity and eliminations.

Summary financial information by reporting segment is as follows (dollars in thousands):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	Revenue				Operating (Loss) Income
	2014		2013		2014			2013
CTU	$	87,031	$	90,209	$	14,186		$	15,912
AIU		52,573		66,299		(3,583	)		3,146
Total University Schools		139,604		156,508		10,603			19,058
Career Colleges		53,040		59,786		(17,150	)		(15,003	)
Culinary Arts		42,246		45,938		(18,046	)		(12,137	)
Total Career Schools		95,286		105,724		(35,196	)		(27,140	)
Corporate and Other		100		—		(11,136	)		(6,368	)
Subtotal		234,990		262,232		(35,729	)		(14,450	)
Transitional Schools		8,115		22,218		(12,143	)		(10,580	)
Total	$	243,105	$	284,450	$	(47,872	)	$	(25,030	)

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	Total Assets as of (1)
	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
CTU	$	74,253	$	75,441
AIU		53,431		54,426
Total University Schools		127,684		129,867
Career Colleges		55,713		58,718
Culinary Arts		104,230		108,349
Total Career Schools		159,943		167,067
Corporate and Other		440,458		491,674
Subtotal		728,085		788,608
Transitional Schools		11,484		13,433
Discontinued Operations		1,929		3,004
Total	$	741,498	$	805,045

(1) Total assets do not include intercompany receivable or payable activity between schools and corporate and investments in subsidiaries.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The discussion below contains “forward-looking statements,” as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that reflect our current expectations regarding our future growth, results of operations, cash flows, performance and business prospects, and opportunities, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. We have tried to identify forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “on track to,” “will,” “continue to” and similar expressions, but these words are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements. These statements are based on information currently available to us and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, but not limited to, those matters discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 that could cause our actual growth, results of operations, cash flows, performance, business prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events, developments, or changed circumstances, or for any other reason.

Overview

The colleges, institutions and universities that are part of the Career Education Corporation (“CEC”) family offer high-quality education to a diverse student population in a variety of career-oriented disciplines through online, on-ground and hybrid learning program offerings. In addition to its online offerings, Career Education serves students from campuses throughout the United States offering programs that lead to doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees, as well as to diplomas and certificates.

Our institutions include both universities that provide degree programs through the master or doctoral level and colleges that provide programs through the associate and bachelor level. The University group includes American InterContinental University (“AIU”) and Colorado Technical University (“CTU”)—predominantly serving students online with career-focused degree programs that meet the educational demands of today’s busy adults. The Career Schools group offers career-centered education primarily through ground-based campuses and includes Briarcliffe College, Brooks Institute, Harrington College of Design, Le Cordon Bleu North America (“LCB”), Missouri College and Sanford-Brown Institutes and Colleges (“SBI” and “SBC,” respectively). Through our colleges, institutions and universities, we are committed to providing high-quality education, enabling students to graduate and pursue rewarding career opportunities.

During the first quarter of 2014, the Company completed the teach-out of the following Sanford-Brown campuses: Austin, Collinsville, Cranston, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Portland, Tinley Park and Trevose. As a result, all current and prior periods reflect these campuses as components of discontinued operations. In the fourth quarter of 2013, we completed the sale of our International Segment (see Note 2 “Basis of Presentation” of the notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements) and accordingly, the prior period results of operations of our International Segment are reported within discontinued operations.

All prior period results have been recast to reflect our reporting segments on a comparable basis.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The MD&A is intended to help investors understand the results of operations, financial condition and present business environment. The MD&A is organized as follows:

• 2014 First Quarter Overview

• Consolidated Results of Operations

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• Segment Results of Operations

• Summary of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

• Liquidity, Financial Position and Capital Resources

2014 FIRST QUARTER OVERVIEW

During the first quarter of 2014, we continued our focus on Enrolling, Educating and Placing our students into a better position to succeed professionally. Our goal is to make our organization a highly respected and financially sound educational institution and to accomplish this in a professional manner that always puts student interests at the forefront of every decision. Our ongoing efforts are aligned with student success.

Our first quarter results were in line with our expectations despite the continued economic and other challenges as well as severe weather impacts to some of our ground-based campuses during the current year quarter. The severe weather experienced across the nation resulted in ninety-six closures and delays for our campuses which created scheduling challenges for current students and impacted admissions advisor efforts with our prospective students. Despite the obstacles created by the extreme winter weather, we were able to generate another quarter of improvement in many of our key metrics, including increased student applications, positive trends in the rate at which we convert a prospective student inquiry to a student applicant as well as new and total student enrollments.

Excluding our campuses within the Transitional Schools segment, which no longer enroll new students, revenue declined approximately 10.4% as a result of the 8% decline in total student enrollment as compared to the prior year quarter. On a consolidated basis our revenue declined approximately 14.5% and total student enrollment declined 12% as compared to the prior year quarter. For the current year quarter, we reported an operating loss of $47.9 million as compared to an operating loss of $25.0 million in the prior year quarter primarily as a result of the decline in revenue. The current quarter results include $6.8 million for proposed legal settlements as we continue to resolve outstanding legal matters.

Beginning in January of 2014, we terminated our previous student readiness program and replaced it with a new student orientation process which we believe provides a better and more engaged experience for students. This enhanced process has already been implemented within our University segments and is being instituted on a modified basis at most of our ground-based campuses. This change impacts how we calculate a new student enrollment. Accordingly, we have recast prior period new student enrollments within our University Schools segments to reflect this change in methodology.

We have identified four main objectives for our turnaround strategy during 2014, including:

• generate modest University total student enrollment growth;

• stabilize our Career Schools enrollments;

• reduce our organizational cost structure; and

• successfully complete the teach-out of our Transitional Schools, significantly lowering the financial losses associated with these campuses.

Generate modest University total student enrollment growth

As of March 31, 2014, total student enrollments showed sequential improvement in the rate of decline for each of the past five quarters due to both increased student applications and improved retention of our students. These improvements are a result of the changes we have made to our student intake models and shifts in marketing strategies across our institutions.

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Our University Schools group reported operating income of $10.6 million for the current year quarter as compared to $19.1 million in the prior year quarter which was primarily due to the 8% decrease in total student enrollments as compared to the prior year quarter. This enrollment decrease has continued to lessen over the past five quarters. We anticipate that this sequential improvement in the rate of decline for total student enrollments coupled with other positive metric indicators we are tracking will yield positive total student enrollment growth as compared to prior periods in the second half of 2014 within our University segments.

Stabilize our Career Schools enrollments

During the first quarter of 2014, we united the educational mission of International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT), Brown College and Sanford-Brown to create comprehensive career schools under the Sanford-Brown name. Bringing these career-focused schools together expands the Sanford-Brown educational mission, allowing the schools to provide more comprehensive programs and resources to students at 18 campuses across the country. This group now makes up our Career Colleges reporting segment. As part of our strategy, we are also working to expand the mission and program offerings at the Sanford-Brown institutions to include courses in allied health, business, information technology and art and design, some of which offerings were not in their existing missions. Once approved by regulatory authorities, we anticipate that this program expansion will allow us to better serve students and communities by providing students with greater educational options. Also, campuses will have greater flexibility in their course offerings to better serve students and accommodate local workforce needs. Finally, we will benefit from efficiencies and a lower cost structure related to supporting one brand name. While we believe that we have adequately prepared students and faculty for this change, there may be temporary disruptions and volatility impacting our operating results for these institutions.

Another effort towards stabilizing our Career Schools enrollments includes changes and enhancements to our marketing strategies. We have shifted our strategy from a national approach to tailoring our marketing efforts to be more localized in each of our markets. We have engaged a marketing firm to assist us with this shift in strategy as well as to broaden the scope and appeal of the new Sanford- Brown brand. We expect these changes to benefit us in the long-term but may temporarily disrupt our lead flow volume as we make the changes. Within Culinary Arts, we have intensified our communication with local high schools and begun to change our creative and media strategies to better attract prospective students.

During the current year quarter, Career Schools’ new student enrollments decreased 12% as compared to the prior year quarter. This decrease was primarily driven by an 18% decrease in Culinary Arts new student enrollments for the current year quarter as compared to the prior year. The re-introduction of the Associate program has resulted in a change in the mix of students to be more heavily weighted in the Associate program which has a longer program length. Students enrolling in the Associate program tend to have a lower show rate (the rate at which an applicant is converted to a new student enrollment) than students entering the shorter duration Certificate programs. As a result, new student enrollments on a comparative basis will be negatively impacted for the short term. As we move through the remainder of 2014, we expect total enrollments to increase over the prior year as the Associate program students enter their second year of the program.

Reduce our organizational cost structure

Operating costs have decreased approximately $18.5 million in the current year quarter as compared to the prior year quarter. Approximately $12.5 million of the decrease was attributed to lower Transitional School expenses. The remaining $6.0 million is a function of actions taken by management to lower costs, including right sizing and reengineering the Company, real estate consolidation and generating other organizational efficiencies. In addition, we benefited from lower metrically-driven costs as a result of lower total student enrollments. We continue to anticipate realizing at least $75 million of lower operating expenses in fiscal year 2014 as compared to 2013.

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Successfully complete the teach out of our Transitional Schools, significantly lowering the financial losses associated with these campuses

During the first quarter of 2014, we completed the teach-out of nine campuses within our Transitional Schools segment. We remain on track to successfully complete the teach-out of 20 of our Transitional Schools in 2014, of which seven are expected to close during the second quarter of 2014. We estimate the 20 schools closing in 2014 will generate approximately $36.0 million of operating losses. As of December 31, 2014, we expect to have ten campuses remaining within our Transitional Schools segment.

Revenue for our Transitional Schools decreased approximately $14.1 million in the current year quarter as compared to the prior year quarter while our operating loss decreased approximately $1.6 million for the same period. We continue to focus on managing our expenses as the schools finish their commitment to students. For the nine schools completing their teach-out during the current year quarter, we recorded approximately $8.1 million for estimated remaining lease obligations related to their leased facilities. This charge was recorded within discontinued operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

2014 Outlook

As we look ahead to the remainder of 2014, we remain focused on the operational execution against our key goals we have set forth. We continue to evaluate our portfolio of assets to assess where best to deploy our capital and how to structure our organization to provide the greatest opportunity for long-term, sustainable shareholder growth, while upholding the interests of our students. There are a number of strategies that we can choose from to optimize our capital structure, including investing in new business technologies, long-term borrowing options, acquisitions or divestitures, modifying our equity structure or considering other organizational changes. Our strategy to return Career Education to profitability is through an understanding that our long-term success is rooted in the collective success of our students.

Regulatory updates

Gainful Employment. On March 25, 2014, the Secretary of Education published a proposed rule on gainful employment which aims to require all programs at proprietary institutions and non-degree programs at public and non-profit institutions to demonstrate that they adequately prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. According to the proposed rule, for a program to meet that requirement, it would need to pass one of two debt-to-earnings (D/E) ratio tests and also have an acceptable program-level cohort default rate (pCDR), with the former being calculated only for program completers and the latter being calculated for all students who enrolled in the program and were scheduled to go into loan repayment during the applicable period, whether these individuals completed the program or not.

Two formulas have been devised for calculating D/E ratios, and programs must pass at least one of these two tests in order to meet the gainful employment requirement. The first formula is based on debt-to-discretionary income, which has a threshold of 20%, and the second formula is based on debt-to-annual earnings, which has a threshold of 8%. Programs with a debt-to-discretionary income ratio of greater than 20% but less than or equal to 30% or with a debt-to-annual earnings ratio of greater than 8% but less than or equal to 12%, would be considered to be “in the zone.”

Programs that fail to meet either the discretionary or annual earnings ratio for two out of any three consecutive award years, or that either fail to meet the requirement or are “in the zone” for four consecutive award years would be ineligible to participate in Title IV programs. Only student debt related to tuition, fees, books and supplies would be included in the calculation. During the first four years following implementation of the rule, programs that fail to meet the earnings ratios based on student loan balances of the appropriate cohort may substitute the median loan balance of the most recent cohort of program graduates so that tuition adjustments made following the promulgation of the rule will be taken into account. If a final rule is enacted as

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proposed in March (and published on or before November 1, 2014), the first year of measurement will be debt from graduates in the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 academic years with income being captured from the 2014 calendar year. For programs failing, alternate debt would be substituted from graduates during the 2014/2015 academic year using the same program level income from the 2014 calendar year.

The pCDR rate would be calculated for all students who enrolled in the program and who received one or more Title IV Stafford loans and entered into repayment on one or more of those loans during the federal fiscal year that is three years prior to the year in which the rate is calculated. If fewer than 30 borrowers entered repayment in a fiscal year, the cohort of borrowers would include in addition to those borrowers entering repayment in the fiscal year, those who entered repayment in the two preceding fiscal years. If a final rule is enacted as proposed in March (and is published on or before November 1, 2014), the first year of measurement of the pCDR rate would be for the 2013 cohort, which includes students who entered repayment between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013 and measures defaults as of September 30, 2015.

An institution would be required to notify all current and potential students within 30 days of receiving notification from the Department of Education that a program could become ineligible for the next award year. A program voluntarily withdrawn or deemed ineligible could not participate in Title IV programs for three years. All so-called “gainful employment” programs would need to disclose additional data to the public, including the total cost of tuition and fees for the full gainful employment program and the amount included in the cost of attendance, or assessed directly by the institution, for books, supplies and equipment. Programs that fall “in the zone” would be subject to additional disclosure obligations, including notifying students of the potential loss of Title IV eligibility.

We are evaluating the potential impact of the proposed gainful employment rule. Any final rule may adversely affect the eligibility of the programs we offer, primarily our culinary arts and design programs, and therefore our business could be materially and adversely impacted.

Program Integrity. The Department of Education is currently engaged in negotiated rulemaking on a set of six “program integrity” issues, including: clock to credit hour conversions, state authorization of distance learning, state authorization of foreign locations, cash management, retaking coursework and definition of adverse credit. Although negotiations are ongoing and we cannot predict what will be included in any final rule, the Department’s proposed regulations regarding state authorization of distance learning could impose significant additional administrative burdens on state regulators as well as schools offering distance education. The newly proposed rules could require states that do not presently regulate delivery of online courses and programs to enact legislation or issue regulations that specifically address online educational programs, such as those offered by our schools, and/or alter regulations impacting the availability of exemptions from licensure, or otherwise affect our schools’ operations. Our schools offering distance learning had already begun completing additional state applications for licensures or confirming exemptions for their distance learning programs prior to the partial invalidation of the October 2010 state authorization regulations, and we continued to process the applications that were submitted. Nonetheless, any forthcoming state authorization regulations could impose significant additional administrative burdens and costs upon our operations.

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CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The summary of selected financial data table below should be referenced in connection with a review of the following discussion of our results of operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. Results for the prior year quarter have been recast to be comparable to the current quarter presentation (dollars in thousands):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,												% Change
	2014			% of Total Revenue			2013			% of Total Revenue			2014 vs. 2013
TOTAL REVENUE	$	243,105					$	284,450						-14.5	%
OPERATING EXPENSES
Educational services and facilities (1)		86,078			35.4	%		102,757			36.1	%		-16.2	%
General and administrative (2)
Advertising		70,748			29.1	%		71,252			25.0	%		-0.7	%
Admissions		32,944			13.6	%		36,496			12.8	%		-9.7	%
Administrative		80,222			33.0	%		76,098			26.8	%		5.4	%
Bad debt		5,866			2.4	%		5,751			2.0	%		2.0	%
Total general and administrative expense		189,780			78.1	%		189,597			66.7	%		0.1	%
Depreciation and amortization		15,052			6.2	%		16,969			6.0	%		-11.3	%
Asset impairment		67			0.0	%		157			0.1	%		-57.3	%
OPERATING LOSS		(47,872	)		-19.7	%		(25,030	)		-8.8	%		91.3	%
PRETAX LOSS		(47,225	)		-19.4	%		(32,196	)		-11.3	%		46.7	%
PROVISION FOR (BENEFIT FROM) INCOME TAXES		220			0.1	%		(12,402	)		-4.4	%		-101.8	%
Effective tax rate		0.5	%					-38.5	%
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS		(47,445	)		-19.5	%		(19,794	)		-7.0	%		139.7	%
(LOSS) INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax		(10,698	)		-4.4	%		4,591			1.6	%		NM
NET LOSS	$	(58,143	)		-23.9	%	$	(15,203	)		-5.3	%		NM

(1) Educational services and facilities expense includes costs directly attributable to the educational activities of our schools, including: salaries and benefits of faculty, academic administrators, and student support personnel, and costs of educational supplies and facilities, including rents on school leases, certain costs of establishing and maintaining computer laboratories, costs of student housing and owned and leased facility costs. Also included in educational services and facilities expense are costs of other goods and services provided by our schools, including costs of textbooks, laptop computers, restaurant services and contract training.

(2) General and administrative expense includes salaries and benefits of personnel in corporate and school administration, marketing, admissions, financial aid, accounting, human resources, legal and compliance. Other expenses within this expense category include costs of advertising and production of marketing materials, occupancy of the corporate offices and bad debt expense.

Revenue

The approximate 15% decline in revenue as compared to the prior year quarter was a result of lower revenue across all of our segments. Excluding our Transitional Schools which no longer enroll new students as they teach out the campus, revenue declined approximately 10%. This decline, excluding the Transitional Schools, was driven by approximately 8% fewer students enrolled within our institutions as of March 31, 2014 as compared to March 31, 2013. We continue to experience an increase in the number of applications to our institutions and have continued to address operational issues related to student intake and orientation processes that have positively impacted the rate at which students are converted from prospective applicants to new enrollments as compared to prior periods. We anticipate positive change going forward resulting from our efforts.

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Educational Services and Facilities Expense

The decrease in educational services and facilities expense as compared to the prior year quarter is primarily driven by lower academic costs, most notably faculty and bookstore costs. The decrease in faculty and bookstore costs is caused by a combination of factors, including lower total student enrollments across all of our institutions, our initiative to implement self-published textbooks and procurement renegotiations for books and supplies. We continue to closely monitor the variable costs while maintaining optimal student-teacher ratios.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expenses have remained relatively equal as compared to the prior year quarter. Admission costs have decreased primarily in salary and related expenses due to headcount reductions made in response to decreasing enrollments as well as Transitional Schools no longer enrolling new students. The lower advertising expense is substantially related to the Transitional Schools segment which was partially offset with increased advertising spending within the Culinary Arts segment in certain marketing channels to generate additional new student lead volume. Administrative expenses were negatively impacted by $8.3 million in proposed legal settlements which were partially offset by an anticipated $1.5 million insurance recovery for one of these legal matters. Bad debt expense increased slightly as a percentage of revenue due to an increased amount of in-school payment plans, resulting from an overall reduction in Pell grants available to students as a result of changes in eligibility requirements. The decrease in bad debt expense in our Culinary Arts segment is primarily due to a greater amount of institutional grants issued to students to assist with funding gaps.

Bad debt expense incurred by each of our segments during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (dollars in thousands):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			% of Segment Revenue			2013			% of Segment Revenue
Bad debt expense:
CTU	$	2,270			2.6	%	$	2,014			2.2	%
AIU		2,339			4.4	%		1,620			2.4	%
Total University Schools		4,609			3.3	%		3,634			2.3	%
Career Colleges		564			1.1	%		710			1.2	%
Culinary Arts		703			1.7	%		1,758			3.8	%
Total Career Schools		1,267			1.3	%		2,468			2.3	%
Corporate and Other		(181	)		NM			(717	)		NM
Subtotal		5,695			2.4	%		5,385			2.1	%
Transitional Schools		171			2.1	%		366			1.6	%
Total	$	5,866			2.4	%	$	5,751			2.0	%

Operating Loss

The operating loss reported for the current quarter resulted from the decline in revenues across all of our segments which was only partially offset with the decline in operating expenses. Initiatives to align expenses with the declining student enrollment, changes in marketing strategies and implementation of efficiencies in our support functions continue to partially offset the impact of declining revenues and deleveraging of the business.

Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes

As of December 31, 2013, we reported a total deferred tax valuation allowance of $82.5 million within our unaudited consolidated balance sheet. We have determined that it is necessary to continue to record this valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2014. As a result, the effective tax provision for the

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quarter ended March 31, 2014 approximated $0.2 million, resulting primarily from adjustments for uncertain tax positions. We will continue to evaluate our valuation allowance in future periods for any change in circumstances that may cause a change in judgment about the realizability of the deferred tax assets.

Loss from Discontinued Operations

The results of operations for campuses that have been taught out or sold, and are considered distinct operations as defined under FASB ASC Topic 205—Presentation of Financial Statements, are presented within discontinued operations. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company completed the teach-out of the following Sanford-Brown campuses: Austin, Collinsville, Cranston, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Portland, Tinley Park and Trevose. All current and prior period financial statements and the related notes herein, including segment reporting, include the results of operations and financial position of these campuses as components of discontinued operations. See Note 4 “Discontinued Operations” of the notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

SEGMENT RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following tables present unaudited segment results for the reported periods (dollars in thousands). Results for the prior year quarter have been recast to be comparable to the current year presentation.

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	REVENUE							OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME						OPERATING MARGIN (LOSS)
	2014		2013		% Change			2014			2013			2014			2013
CTU	$	87,031	$	90,209		-3.5	%	$	14,186		$	15,912			16.3	%		17.6	%
AIU		52,573		66,299		-20.7	%		(3,583	)		3,146			-6.8	%		4.7	%
Total University Schools		139,604		156,508		-10.8	%		10,603			19,058			7.6	%		12.2	%
Career Colleges		53,040		59,786		-11.3	%		(17,150	)		(15,003	)		-32.3	%		-25.1	%
Culinary Arts		42,246		45,938		-8.0	%		(18,046	)		(12,137	)		-42.7	%		-26.4	%
Total Career Schools		95,286		105,724		-9.9	%		(35,196	)		(27,140	)		-36.9	%		-25.7	%
Corporate and Other		100		—		NM			(11,136	)		(6,368	)		NM			NM
Subtotal		234,990		262,232		-10.4	%		(35,729	)		(14,450	)		-15.2	%		-5.5	%
Transitional Schools		8,115		22,218		-63.5	%		(12,143	)		(10,580	)		-149.6	%		-47.6	%
Total	$	243,105	$	284,450		-14.5	%	$	(47,872	)	$	(25,030	)		-19.7	%		-8.8	%

	NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENTS							TOTAL STUDENT ENROLLMENTS
	For the Quarter Ended March 31,							As of March 31,
	2014		2013		% Change			2014		2013		% Change
CTU (1)		4,820		4,900		-2	%		20,600		21,500		-4	%
AIU (1)		5,900		5,510		7	%		13,300		15,500		-14	%
Total University Schools		10,720		10,410		3	%		33,900		37,000		-8	%
Career Colleges		3,000		3,200		-6	%		11,800		12,900		-9	%
Culinary Arts		2,300		2,810		-18	%		8,400		8,600		-2	%
Total Career Schools		5,300		6,010		-12	%		20,200		21,500		-6	%
Subtotal		16,020		16,420		-2	%		54,100		58,500		-8	%
Transitional Schools (2)		10		590		NM			1,600		5,100		-69	%
Total		16,030		17,010		-6	%		55,700		63,600		-12	%

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(1) In the first quarter of 2014, we implemented a new student orientation process which replaced our previously provided student readiness programs. This change impacts how we calculate a new student enrollment. Accordingly, 2013 new student enrollments for CTU and AIU have been recast to reflect this change in methodology. The adjustments necessary to recast historical new student enrollment data require the exercise of management’s judgment.

(2) Campuses within the Transitional Schools segment no longer enroll new students; students who re-enter after 365 days are reported as new student enrollments.

University Schools. Current quarter revenue decreased approximately 10.8% as AIU and CTU experienced declines in both revenue and total student enrollments as compared to the prior year quarter. The 8% decrease in total student enrollments as of March 31, 2014 compared to March 31, 2013 is driven by the overall decline in new student enrollments during the past twelve months due to an increase in student applications being more than offset by a decline in the rate at which students are converted from prospective applicants to new student enrollments. We continue to make steady progress in increasing the number of applications for each of our institutions and address certain operational execution issues. New student enrollments increased approximately 3% in the current quarter for University Schools as compared to the prior year quarter.

Current quarter operating income for the University Schools decreased $8.5 million, or 44.4%, as compared to the prior year quarter driven by the declines in revenue, which were only partially offset by decreases in operating expenses. Most expense categories were lower when compared to the prior year quarter, with the exception of administrative expenses and bad debt expense. The increase in administrative expense is primarily due to increased legal costs in the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter primarily within AIU. Bad debt increases resulted from an increase in the amount of in-school payment plans, resulting from an overall reduction in Pell grants available to students as a result of changes in eligibility requirements.

In connection with our quarterly assessment of indicators of goodwill and asset impairment, we concluded that as of March 31, 2014, there were events or circumstances which occurred during the first quarter which indicated that the fair value of AIU’s goodwill could be below its respective carrying value. An interim impairment test was performed for this reporting unit which resulted in no impairment. We continue to monitor the operating results and cash flows of each of our reporting units on a quarterly basis for signs of possible declines in estimated fair value.

Career Schools. Current quarter revenue decreased $10.4 million, or approximately 10%, as Career Colleges and Culinary Arts each experienced declines in revenue as compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease in revenue is primarily due to lower total student enrollments at the beginning of the year as well as new student enrollments being approximately 12% lower as compared to the prior year quarter, of which Career Colleges was 6% lower and Culinary Arts was 18% lower than the prior year quarter. Several factors have impacted new student enrollments including weather-related closures at certain campuses in the current year quarter, a decrease in the rate at which we convert a prospective student to a new enrollment and within our Culinary Arts segment, a decrease in the number of prospective applicants and challenges related to our marketing strategies. Additionally, Culinary Arts reintroduced the Associate degree program beginning in late 2012 due to the demand from students and employers. This program has a greater lead time between a prospective applicant to a new student enrollment as compared to the Certificate program due to the longer length of the program impacting a student’s likelihood to start which has contributed to the decline in new student enrollments. Culinary Arts’ revenue was also impacted by a greater amount of institutional grants awarded to students.

The current quarter operating loss of $35.2 million for Career Schools is driven by the decline in revenue, which is partially offset by decreases in operating expenses. Most expenses, including academics expenses decreased as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to our restructuring and re-engineering initiatives

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carried out to better align with current total student enrollments. Administrative and advertising expenses increased in the current year within the Culinary Arts segment, primarily related to increased legal costs within administrative expense and increased advertising expenses as a result of a change in marketing strategy to assist in generating greater new student interest.

Transitional Schools. This segment includes our schools that are currently being taught out. Current quarter decline in revenue as compared to the prior year quarter is primarily a result of the decrease in total student enrollments at the beginning of the year and campuses no longer enrolling new students. We expect revenue to continue to decline as compared to prior periods as campuses continue to wind down their operations. We anticipate that the majority of these campus closures will be completed by the third quarter of 2014.

The operating loss within Transitional Schools increased by $1.6 million as compared to the prior year quarter as the decrease in revenue and fixed expenses more than offset the reductions in variable operating expenses.

Corporate and Other. This category includes unallocated costs that are incurred on behalf of the entire company. Corporate and Other costs increased $4.8 million as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to legal settlement expense in the current quarter and increased stock-based compensation expense as a result of the increase in stock price for cash-settled stock awards.

SUMMARY OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

A detailed discussion of the accounting policies and estimates that we believe are most critical to our financial condition and results of operations that require management’s most subjective and complex judgments in estimating the effect of inherent uncertainties is included under the caption “Summary of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 also includes a discussion of these and other significant accounting policies.

LIQUIDITY, FINANCIAL POSITION, AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of March 31, 2014, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $315.5 million. Our cash flows from operations have historically been adequate to fulfill our liquidity requirements. We historically have financed our operating activities, organic growth and acquisitions primarily through cash generated from operations, existing cash balances and credit facility borrowings. The recent declines in operating performance have resulted in an increase in net cash used in operating activities. As we execute on our strategic imperatives and pay approximately $25.0 million of accrued legal settlements in the second quarter of 2014, we expect continued pressure on our operating cash flows in the short term. We anticipate that we will be able to satisfy the cash requirements associated with, among other things, our working capital needs, capital expenditures and lease commitments through at least the next 12 months primarily with cash generated by operations and existing cash balances.

We continue to focus on identifying strategic alternatives which will position CEC for a return to sustainable growth and optimize our capital structure. Along those lines, there are a number of strategies that we can potentially employ, including investing in new business technologies, long-term borrowing options, acquisitions or divestitures, modifications to our equity structure and other organizational changes. The decisions we make will be reached by balancing our short-term needs against our long-term strategies to return to growth.

The discussion above reflects management’s expectations regarding liquidity; however, we are not able to assess the effect of loss contingencies on future cash requirements and liquidity. See Note 8 “Commitments and Contingencies” of the notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements. Further, as a result of the

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significance of the Title IV Program funds received by our students, we are highly dependent on these funds to operate our business. Any reduction in the level of Title IV funds that our students are eligible to receive or any impact on timing or our ability to receive Title IV Program funds would have a significant impact on our operations and our financial condition. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

In particular, to participate in Title IV Programs, our schools must either satisfy standards of financial responsibility prescribed by ED, or be subjected to additional oversight, required to post a letter of credit in favor of ED or placed on provisional certification. These regulations require each eligible higher education institution to, among other things, satisfy a quantitative standard of financial responsibility that is a weighted average composite score of three annual tests which assess the financial condition of the institution. If the institution achieves a composite score of at least 1.5, it is considered financially responsible without conditions or additional oversight. See Item 1, “Business—Student Financial Aid and Related Federal Regulation—Compliance with Federal Regulatory Standards and Effect of Federal Regulatory Violations—Financial Responsibility Standards,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for more information regarding ED’s standards of financial responsibility.

ED applies its quantitative financial responsibility tests annually based on an institution’s audited financial statements and may apply the tests to the parent company on a consolidated basis. Recent profitability declines and the write down of the carrying value of non-financial assets, such as deferred tax assets and goodwill, have negatively impacted our financial responsibility composite scores. Our composite score for the consolidated entity for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 1.6, and our preliminary calculation for the year ended December 31, 2013 is 1.5, which are considered financially responsible without conditions or additional oversight. The Company regularly monitors its composite score and expects downward pressure on the financial responsibility calculation for the year ending December 31, 2014, as a result of its expected operating losses and the impact of recording a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets. The amount of deferred tax asset considered realizable could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased, if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight may be given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth. In order to remain financially responsible for 2014, as defined by ED, the Company may need to take additional steps which may include further cost reductions, investing in new business technologies, long-term borrowing options, acquisitions or divestitures, modifying our equity structure or considering other organizational changes. Additionally, our investment decisions, such as the use of our cash, will be impacted by the course of action we choose.

ED has significant discretion in determining the monitoring and reporting procedures applicable to an institution with a composite score below 1.5, including the amount of any required letter of credit and the terms of any provisional certification. If in the future we are required to satisfy ED’s standards of financial responsibility on an alternative basis, including potentially by posting irrevocable letters of credit, we may not have the capacity to post these letters of credit.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Operating Cash Flows

During the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, net cash used in operating activities totaled $35.4 million and $14.2 million, respectively. The increase in our use of operating cash is driven primarily by the operating loss for the current year to date, net payments of income taxes and timing of other payments.

Our primary source of cash flows from operating activities is tuition collected from our students. Our students derive the ability to pay tuition costs through the use of a variety of funding sources, including, among others, federal loan and grant programs, state grant programs, private loans and grants, school payment plans, private and institutional scholarships and cash payments. For the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately 77% and 78%, respectively, of our schools’ cash receipts from tuition payments came from Title IV Program funding.

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For further discussion of Title IV Program funding and alternative private loan funding sources for our students, see “Student Financial Aid” in Item 1, “Business,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Our primary uses of cash to support our operating activities include, among other things, cash paid and benefits provided to our employees for services, to vendors for products and services, to lessors for rents and operating costs related to leased facilities, to suppliers for textbooks and other school supplies, and to federal, state and local governments for income and other taxes.

Investing Cash Flows

During the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, net cash used in investing activities totaled $19.0 million and $6.1 million, respectively.

Purchases and Sales of Available-for-Sale Investments. Purchases and sales of available-for-sale investments resulted in a $15.5 million net cash outflow and a $0.1 million net cash outflow during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Capital Expenditures. Capital expenditures decreased to $3.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 as compared to $4.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. Capital expenditures represented 1.4% and 1.2% of total revenue of continuing and discontinued operations during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Financing Cash Flows

During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, net cash used in financing activities totaled $0.2 million, versus net cash provided by financing activities of $6.7 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Credit Agreement. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we entered into a $70.0 million Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with BMO Harris Bank N.A., in its capacities as the initial lender and letter of credit issuer thereunder and the administrative agent for the lenders which from time to time may be parties to the Credit Agreement. The revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement is scheduled to mature on June 30, 2016. The Credit Agreement, which includes certain financial covenants, requires that interest and fees are payable quarterly in arrears and principal is payable at maturity. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

Restricted Cash. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had approximately $12.9 million and $12.6 million, respectively, of restricted cash to secure outstanding letters of credit.

Contractual Obligations

As of March 31, 2014 there were no significant changes to our contractual obligations from December 31, 2013. We are not a party to any off-balance sheet financing or contingent payment arrangements, nor do we have any unconsolidated subsidiaries.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We use various techniques to manage our market risk, including, from time to time, the use of derivative financial instruments. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

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Our municipal bond investment in auction rate securities (“ARS”) has a stated term to maturity of greater than one year, and as such, we classify our investment in ARS as non-current on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets within other assets. Auctions can “fail” when the number of sellers of the security exceeds the buyers for that particular auction period. In the event that an auction fails, the interest rate resets at a rate based on a formula determined by the individual security. The ARS for which auctions have failed continues to accrue interest and is auctioned on a set interval until the auction succeeds, the issuer calls the security, or it matures. As of March 31, 2014, we have determined this investment is at risk for impairment due to the nature of the liquidity of the market over the past year. Cumulative unrealized losses as of March 31, 2014 amount to $0.5 million and are reflected within accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders’ equity. We believe this impairment is temporary, as we do not intend to sell the investment and it is unlikely we will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis.

Interest Rate Exposure

Any outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility bear annual interest at fluctuating rates under either the Base Rate Loan or as determined by the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for the relevant currency, plus the applicable rate based on the type of loan. As of March 31, 2014, we had no outstanding borrowings under this facility.

Our financial instruments are recorded at their fair values as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. We believe that the exposure of our consolidated financial position and results of operations and cash flows to adverse changes in interest rates is not significant.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We completed an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Report”) under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2014 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that (i) the information required to be disclosed by us in this Report was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms provided by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2014, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Our management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls

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must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our Company have been detected.

These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Note 8 “Commitments and Contingencies” to our unaudited consolidated financial statements is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the reader should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2014.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table sets forth information regarding purchases made by us of shares of our common stock on a monthly basis during the quarter ended March 31, 2014:

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)		Maximum Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
December 31, 2013							$	183,296,772
January 1, 2014—January 31, 2014		—	$	—		—		183,296,772
February 1, 2014—February 28, 2014		—		—		—		183,296,772
March 1, 2014—March 31, 2014		86,266		7.19		—		183,296,772
Total		86,266				—

(1) Includes 86,266 shares delivered back to the Company for payment of withholding taxes from employees for vesting restricted shares pursuant to the terms of the Career Education Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan.

(2) As of March 31, 2014, approximately $183.3 million was available under our previously authorized repurchase program. Stock repurchases under this program may be made on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time, depending on various factors, including market conditions and corporate and regulatory requirements. The stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

Item 6. Exhibits

The exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the “Exhibit Index,” which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

39

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION
Date: May 8, 2014	By:	/S/    SCOTT W. STEFFEY
		Scott W. Steffey President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: May 8, 2014	By:	/S/    COLLEEN M. O’SULLIVAN
		Colleen M. O’Sullivan Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

40

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number	Exhibit
*10.1	Form of 2014 Performance Unit Agreement under the Career Education Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2008 Plan”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014)
*10.2	Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2008 Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014)
*10.3	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2008 Plan (Time-Based) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014)
*10.4	Form of Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2008 Plan (Time-Based) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014)
*10.5	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2008 Plan (Performance-Based) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 19, 2014)
+*10.6	Letter Agreement between Career Education Corporation and Jeffrey R. Cooper dated January 10, 2014
+31.1	Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
+31.2	Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
+32.1	Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
+32.2	Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
+101	The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on May 8, 2014, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (ii) the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, (iii) the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, and (iv) Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an Exhibit on this Form 10-Q.

+ Filed herewith.

41

EX-10.6

Exhibit 10.6

1/10/2014

Dear Jeffrey,

Welcome to Career Education Corporation. I am pleased to extend an offer to you for the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, with Career Education Corporation, reporting directly to me. Your start date will be February 24th, 2014 and your position will be based in Schaumburg, IL. This offer is contingent upon successful completion of reference and background checks as per our standard protocol for senior officers, final approval by our Compensation Committee and the execution of a non-compete. The terms of our offer are as follows:

1. The salary for the position will be $305,000.00 on an annualized basis.

2. You will earn vacation at a rate of 20 days (160 hours) per year.

3. You will be eligible to participate in the benefit programs available to our employees as soon as you meet the eligibility requirement of each plan. Eligibility begins on the first day of the month following thirty days of employment for most of our benefits plans. You will receive information about the process for enrolling in these benefits, which must be completed within the first 30 days of employment.

4. You will be eligible to participate in the Annual Incentive Award Program (AIP) with a target opportunity of 40% of your eligible earnings for the year. Please note, for 2014 the AIP is designed in such a way that the company must exceed established performance goals in order to receive a full target payout and the corporate target has been reduced by 50%. To be eligible for this bonus, you must be an employee through December 31st of each bonus year.

5. You will receive a cash sign-on bonus of $ 56,000.00. This payment will be made within 30 days of your start date and is contingent upon a hire date of February 24th, 2014. You must pay taxes on the entire bonus amount. If you decide to leave Career Education Corporation of your own free will within your first year of employment, you will be required to reimburse Career Education Corporation the entire amount of your signing bonus.

6. Beginning in 2014, you will be eligible to participate in the Long-Term Incentive Award Program (LTIP) with a target opportunity of 60% of your base salary. LTIP awards are made annually, typically during the first quarter. Participation in the LTIP and awards amounts granted thereunder are subject to approval annually by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

7. As a senior officer of the company, you will be subject to the Company’s Officer Stock Ownership Guidelines which require that you achieve and maintain a certain level of stock ownership (expressed as a multiple of your base salary). We believe the guidelines help align the interests of the senior officer team with those of the Company’s stockholders.

8. You are eligible for our Tier A relocation package. Please see the relocation policy documents for further details. All terms, agreements and restrictions apply to the Company Relocation Policy as administered under our vendor. If you decide to leave Career Education Corporation of your own free will or based upon termination due to misconduct before one year of employment from your start date, you will be required to reimburse Career Education Corporation the entire amount of your relocation cost.

9. This letter contains all agreements, and supersedes all other agreements, verbal and written, pertaining to your employment with Career Education Corporation. Employment at Career Education Corporation is at-will and may be terminated at the will of either you or Career Education Corporation.

Jeff, I am excited to have you join Career Education Corporation, and look forward to your contributions to our team and to our students.

Sincerely,

Scott W. Steffey

President & Chief Executive Officer

Career Education Corporation

Accepted and Agreed to:

/s/ Jeffrey R. Cooper	2/24/14
Jeffrey R. Cooper	Date

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Scott W. Steffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Career Education Corporation, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Career Education Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 8, 2014

/S/    SCOTT W. STEFFEY

Scott W. Steffey

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Colleen M. O’Sullivan, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Career Education Corporation, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Career Education Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors:

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 8, 2014

/S/    COLLEEN M. O’SULLIVAN

Colleen M. O’Sullivan

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Career Education Corporation (the “Company”) for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Scott W. Steffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(i) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/S/    SCOTT W. STEFFEY

Scott W. Steffey

President and Chief Executive Officer

May 8, 2014

This certification accompanies this Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Career Education Corporation (the “Company”) for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Colleen M. O’Sullivan, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(i) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/S/    COLLEEN M. O’SULLIVAN

Colleen M. O’Sullivan

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

May 8, 2014

This certification accompanies this Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

XML

Restructuring Charges - Accrual for Severance and Related Costs (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Beginning of Period	$ 4,913		$ 7,931
Severance and related charges			364
Payments	(593)	[1]	(4,060)	[1]
Non-cash adjustments	(278)	[2]	(73)	[2]
End of Period	$ 4,042		$ 4,162

[1] Includes payments related to COBRA and outplacement services which are assumed to be completed by the third month following an employee's departure.

[2] Includes cancellations due to employee departures prior to agreed upon end dates, employee transfers to open positions within the organization and subsequent adjustments to severance and related costs.

XML

Share-Based Compensation - Schedule of Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Cash (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Cash [Member]) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Cash [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance of Outstanding, Stock Units to be Settled in Cash	2,289
Stock Units to be Settled in Cash, Granted	966
Stock Units to be Settled in Cash, Vested	(655)
Stock Units to be Settled in Cash, Forfeited	(225)
Ending balance of Outstanding, Stock Units to be Settled in Cash	2,375

XML

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Beginning balance of Outstanding, Options	3,900
Granted, Options	681
Exercised, Options
Forfeited, Options	(147)
Cancelled, Options	(46)
Ending balance of Outstanding, Options	4,388
Exercisable, Options	2,543
Beginning balance of Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 15.15
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 7.10
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 3.63
Cancelled, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 34.25
Ending balance of Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 14.09
Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 20.43

XML

Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Period cash equivalents and short-term investments have been in continuous unrealized loss position, years, maximum	1 year
Period cash equivalents and long-term investments have been in continuous unrealized loss position, years, minimum	1 year
Cumulative unrealized income (loss) on municipal bonds	$ (28,000)	$ 1,000
Revolving credit facility			70,000,000
Revolving credit facility maturity date	Jun. 30, 2016
Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement	0
Municipal bond [Member]
Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Period debt obligations mature, years, maximum	1 year
Cumulative unrealized income (loss) on municipal bonds	$ 500,000

XML

SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Summary Financial Information by Reporting Segment

Summary financial information by reporting segment is as follows (dollars in thousands):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	Revenue				Operating (Loss) Income
	2014		2013		2014			2013
CTU	$	87,031	$	90,209	$	14,186		$	15,912
AIU		52,573		66,299		(3,583	)		3,146
Total University Schools		139,604		156,508		10,603			19,058
Career Colleges		53,040		59,786		(17,150	)		(15,003	)
Culinary Arts		42,246		45,938		(18,046	)		(12,137	)
Total Career Schools		95,286		105,724		(35,196	)		(27,140	)
Corporate and Other		100		—		(11,136	)		(6,368	)
Subtotal		234,990		262,232		(35,729	)		(14,450	)
Transitional Schools		8,115		22,218		(12,143	)		(10,580	)
Total	$	243,105	$	284,450	$	(47,872	)	$	(25,030	)

	Total Assets as of (1)
	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
CTU	$	74,253	$	75,441
AIU		53,431		54,426
Total University Schools		127,684		129,867
Career Colleges		55,713		58,718
Culinary Arts		104,230		108,349
Total Career Schools		159,943		167,067
Corporate and Other		440,458		491,674
Subtotal		728,085		788,608
Transitional Schools		11,484		13,433
Discontinued Operations		1,929		3,004
Total	$	741,498	$	805,045

(1) Total assets do not include intercompany receivable or payable activity between schools and corporate and investments in subsidiaries.

XML

Segment Reporting - Summary Financial Information by Reporting Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 243,105		$ 284,450
Operating (Loss) Income	(47,872)		(25,030)
Total Assets	741,498	[1]		805,045	[1]
CTU [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	87,031		90,209
Operating (Loss) Income	14,186		15,912
Total Assets	74,253	[1]		75,441	[1]
AIU [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	52,573		66,299
Operating (Loss) Income	(3,583)		3,146
Total Assets	53,431	[1]		54,426	[1]
University Schools [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	139,604		156,508
Operating (Loss) Income	10,603		19,058
Total Assets	127,684	[1]		129,867	[1]
Career Colleges [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	53,040		59,786
Operating (Loss) Income	(17,150)		(15,003)
Total Assets	55,713	[1]		58,718	[1]
Culinary Arts [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	42,246		45,938
Operating (Loss) Income	(18,046)		(12,137)
Total Assets	104,230	[1]		108,349	[1]
Career Schools [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	95,286		105,724
Operating (Loss) Income	(35,196)		(27,140)
Total Assets	159,943	[1]		167,067	[1]
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	100
Operating (Loss) Income	(11,136)		(6,368)
Total Assets	440,458	[1]		491,674	[1]
Subtotal [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	234,990		262,232
Operating (Loss) Income	(35,729)		(14,450)
Total Assets	728,085	[1]		788,608	[1]
Transitional Schools [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	8,115		22,218
Operating (Loss) Income	(12,143)		(10,580)
Total Assets	11,484	[1]		13,433	[1]
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Assets	$ 1,929	[1]		$ 3,004	[1]

[1] Total assets do not include intercompany receivable or payable activity between schools and corporate and investments in subsidiaries.

XML

Income Taxes - Components of Pretax Loss from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S.	$ (47,225)	$ (27,638)
Foreign		(4,558)
PRETAX LOSS	$ (47,225)	$ (32,196)

XML

Student Receivables - Changes in Current and Non-Current Receivables Allowance (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Balance, Beginning of Period	$ 27,953		$ 39,163
Charges to Expense	5,866	[1]	5,751	[1]
Amounts Written-off	(8,056)		(11,179)
Balance, End of Period	$ 25,763		$ 33,735

[1] Charges to expense include an offset for recoveries of amounts previously written off of $2.3 million and $2.1 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

XML

Share-Based Compensation - Schedule of Information with Respect to all Outstanding Restricted Stock (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance of Outstanding Shares	760
Granted, Shares	249
Vested, Shares	(240)
Forfeited, Shares	(68)
Ending balance of Outstanding Shares	701
Restricted Stock Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance of Outstanding Shares	221
Granted, Shares
Vested, Shares	(106)
Forfeited, Shares	(24)
Ending balance of Outstanding Shares	91
Beginning balance of Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 22.19
Granted, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share
Vested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 23.27
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 20.16
Ending balance of Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 21.72
Restricted Stock Units RSU [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning balance of Outstanding Shares	539
Granted, Shares	249
Vested, Shares	(134)
Forfeited, Shares	(44)
Ending balance of Outstanding Shares	610
Beginning balance of Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 8.30
Granted, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 7.10
Vested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 8.63
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 8.63
Ending balance of Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share	$ 7.72

XML

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

As of March 31, 2014, the results of operations for campuses that have ceased operations or schools that were sold, and are considered distinct operations as defined under FASB ASC Topic 205—Presentation of Financial Statements, are presented within discontinued operations. During the first quarter of 2014, we completed the teach-out of nine campuses (see Note 2, “Basis of Presentation” of the notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements). All current and prior period financial statements include the results of operations and financial position for these campuses as components of discontinued operations.

Results of Discontinued Operations

The summary of unaudited results of operations for our discontinued operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Revenue	$	274		$	56,060
Pretax (loss) income	$	(10,698	)	$	5,340
Income tax provision (1)		—			749
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(10,698	)	$	4,591

(1) Due to the valuation allowance against our net deferred taxes, there is no income tax benefit reported for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations

Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include the following (dollars in thousands):

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	199	$	182
Receivables, net		237		368
Other current assets		87		600
Total current assets		523		1,150
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, net		12		396
Other assets, net		1,394		1,458
Total assets of discontinued operations	$	1,929	$	3,004
Liabilities:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	216	$	790
Deferred tuition revenue		—		217
Remaining lease obligations		15,202		13,048
Total current liabilities		15,418		14,055
Non-current liabilities:
Remaining lease obligations		32,225		30,852
Other		—		3,262
Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$	47,643	$	48,169

Remaining Lease Obligations

A number of the campuses that ceased operations have remaining lease obligations that expire over time with the latest expiration in 2020. A liability is recorded representing the fair value of the remaining lease obligation at the time the space is no longer being utilized. Changes in our future remaining lease obligations, which are reflected within current and non-current liabilities of discontinued operations on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets, for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Balance, Beginning of Period		Charges Incurred (1)			Net Cash Payments			Other (2)			Balance, End of Period
For the quarter ended March 31, 2014	$	43,900	$	6,311		$	(5,817	)	$	3,033		$	47,427
For the quarter ended March 31, 2013	$	46,298	$	(227	)	$	(2,294	)	$	(38	)	$	43,739

(1) Includes charges for newly vacated spaces and subsequent adjustments for accretion, revised estimates and variances between estimated and actual charges, net of any reversals for terminated lease obligations.

(2) Includes existing prepaid rent and deferred rent liability balances for newly vacated spaces that are netted with the losses incurred in the period recorded.

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Income Taxes - Summary of Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes and Effective Tax Rate for Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Pretax loss	$ (47,225)	$ (32,196)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$ 220	$ (12,402)
Effective rate	0.50%	(38.50%)

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Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014 Campus
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Lease expiration year	2020
Number of campuses completed teach out activities	9

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Discontinued Operations - Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations on Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 199	$ 182	$ 114,428	$ 127,925
Receivables, net	237	368
Other current assets	87	600
Total current assets	523	1,150
Property and equipment, net	12	396
Other assets, net	1,394	1,458
Total assets of discontinued operations	1,929	3,004
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	216	790
Deferred tuition revenue		217
Remaining lease obligations	15,202	13,048
Total current liabilities	15,418	14,055
Remaining lease obligations	32,225	30,852
Other		3,262
Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$ 47,643	$ 48,169

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Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Total deferred tax valuation allowance			$ 82,500,000
Effective tax provision	220,000	(12,402,000)
Effective tax rate	0.50%	(38.50%)
Cumulative effect of federal and state valuation losses	38.70%
Decrease in unrecognized tax positions	2,500,000
Possible interest and accrued penalties	$ 2,800,000

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Discontinued Operations - Changes in Future Remaining Lease Obligations Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Balance, Beginning of Period	$ 43,900		$ 46,298
Charges Incurred	6,311	[1]	(227)	[1]
Net Cash Payments	(5,817)		(2,294)
Other	3,033	[2]	(38)	[2]
Balance, End of Period	$ 47,427		$ 43,739

[1] Includes charges for newly vacated spaces and subsequent adjustments for accretion, revised estimates and variances between estimated and actual charges, net of any reversals for terminated lease obligations.

[2] Includes existing prepaid rent and deferred rent liability balances for newly vacated spaces that are netted with the losses incurred in the period recorded.

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Financial Instruments - Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash	$ 175,739	$ 155,756
Corporate bonds	1,006
Money market funds	87,443	163,005
Cash and cash equivalents, unrestricted	264,188	318,761	109,403	112,697
Restricted cash	12,948	12,564
Total cash and cash equivalents	$ 277,136	$ 331,325

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RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. This ASU limits discontinued operations reporting to disposals of components of an entity that represent strategic shifts that have (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. In addition, the amendments in this ASU require expanded disclosures for discontinued operations as well as for disposals that do not qualify as discontinued operations. For public entities, ASU 2014-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2014-08 will have on our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

We have evaluated and adopted the guidance of the following ASUs issued by the FASB in 2013; adopting these ASUs did not materially impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures:

• ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists issued in July 2013. ASU 2013-11 standardizes the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists; it does not require new recurring disclosures. ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward unless specific criteria exist, in which case the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets.

• ASU No. 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity issued in March 2013. ASU 2013-05 provides guidance on releasing cumulative translation adjustments (“CTA”) when an entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity, and also provides guidance on releasing CTA in partial sales of equity method investments and in step acquisitions.

• ASU No. 2013-04, Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date issued in February 2013. The guidance in ASU 2013-04 requires entities to measure obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements, for which the total obligation amount is fixed at the reporting date, as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount it expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. ASU 2013-04 also specifies disclosure requirements.

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Financial Instruments - Investments from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Cost	$ 38,337
Long-term investments (available-for-sale), Cost	16,573
Total investments (available for sale), Cost	54,910	39,441
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Gross Unrealized, Gain	1
Long-term investments (available-for-sale), Gross Unrealized, Gain
Total investments (available for sale), Gross Unrealized, Gain	1	1
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Gross Unrealized (Loss)	(12)
Long-term investments (available-for-sale), Gross Unrealized (Loss)	(493)
Total investments (available for sale), Gross Unrealized (Loss)	(505)	(476)
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Fair value	54,406	38,966
Long-term investments (available-for-sale), Fair value	16,080
Commercial paper [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Cost	15,641
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Gross Unrealized (Loss)	(5)
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Fair value	15,636
Corporate bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Cost	5,443
Long-term investments (available-for-sale), Cost	8,723
Long-term investments (available-for-sale), Gross Unrealized, Gain
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Gross Unrealized (Loss)	(7)
Long-term investments (available-for-sale), Gross Unrealized (Loss)	(17)
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Fair value	5,436
Long-term investments (available-for-sale), Fair value	8,706
U.S. Treasury bills [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Cost	17,253	31,591
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Gross Unrealized, Gain	1	1
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Gross Unrealized (Loss)
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Fair value	17,254	31,592
Short-term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Fair value	38,326
Municipal bond [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Long-term investments (available-for-sale), Cost	7,850	7,850
Long-term investments (available-for-sale), Gross Unrealized, Gain
Long-term investments (available-for-sale), Gross Unrealized (Loss)	(476)	(476)
Short-term investments (available-for-sale), Fair value	7,374	7,374
Long-term investments (available-for-sale), Fair value	$ 7,374	$ 7,374

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Restructuring Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014 Campus	Mar. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accrual for severance and related charges	$ 2.5	$ 2.3
Long term amount	1.5	1.9
Accrued retention bonuses	1.4
Amount recorded ratably over the period retained	0.3
Number of campuses completed teach out activities	9
Number of campuses remaining lease obligation	7
Net present value of remaining lease obligation	8.1
Lease expiration teach out campuses	2021
Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Gross remaining lease obligations	20.0
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Gross remaining lease obligations	$ 25.0

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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents, unrestricted	$ 264,188		$ 318,761
Restricted cash	12,948		12,564
Short-term investments	38,326		31,592
Total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments	315,462		362,917
Student receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $19,752 and $21,070 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	31,582		34,498
Receivables, other, net	18,331		27,437
Prepaid expenses	20,328		20,218
Inventories	6,329		6,723
Deferred income tax assets, net	3,606		3,606
Other current assets	4,492		3,468
Assets of discontinued operations	523		1,150
Total current assets	400,653		460,017
NON-CURRENT ASSETS:
Property and equipment, net	170,573		182,000
Goodwill	87,356		87,356
Intangible assets, net	39,850		40,117
Student receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,011 and $6,883 as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	4,758		5,204
Deferred income tax assets, net	10,644		10,644
Other assets, net	26,258		17,853
Assets of discontinued operations	1,406		1,854
TOTAL ASSETS	741,498	[1]	805,045	[1]
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	29,640		24,615
Accrued expenses:
Payroll and related benefits	31,198		34,172
Advertising and production costs	22,297		17,599
Income taxes	603		14,994
Other	51,039		41,083
Deferred tuition revenue	55,251		60,914
Liabilities of discontinued operations	15,418		14,055
Total current liabilities	205,446		207,432
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Deferred rent obligations	78,104		80,496
Other liabilities	27,593		27,619
Liabilities of discontinued operations	32,225		34,114
Total non-current liabilities	137,922		142,229
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 82,001,778 and 81,889,907 shares issued, 67,196,127 and 67,170,522 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	820		819
Additional paid-in capital	602,440		600,904
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(531)		(503)
Retained earnings	10,515		68,658
Cost of 14,805,651 and 14,719,385 shares in treasury as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	(215,114)		(214,494)
Total stockholders' equity	398,130		455,384
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 741,498		$ 805,045

[1] Total assets do not include intercompany receivable or payable activity between schools and corporate and investments in subsidiaries.

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Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares to reduce shares available to grant by upon vesting of restricted stock units	600,000
Estimated pretax compensation expense	$ 7.0
Estimated pretax compensation expenses expiration, years	4 years
Service period in years	4 years
Restricted stock awards exercisable in percentage	25.00%
Long-term incentive, cash-based awards	3 years
Restricted stock awards exercisable in percentage	25.00%
Stock compensation and recognized liability	2.3
Fair value of the liability incurred through	1.8
Performance unit award expenses	$ 0.7
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period in years	10 years
Vesting period in years	4
2008 Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock subject to awards of stock options or stock appreciation rights payable in shares	1.0
Common stock subject to any other form of award	1.67
Common stock available for future share-based awards	5,700,000
Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options	4,400,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock options exercisable in percentage	25.00%
Service period in years	4 years
Expiration period in years	10 years
Restricted Stock Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Service period in years	4 years
Long-term incentive, cash-based awards	3 years

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DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY

The colleges, institutions and universities that are part of the Career Education Corporation (“CEC”) family offer high-quality education to a diverse student population in a variety of career-oriented disciplines through online, on-ground and hybrid learning program offerings. In addition to its online offerings, Career Education serves students from campuses throughout the United States offering programs that lead to doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees, as well as to diplomas and certificates.

Our institutions include both universities that provide degree programs through the master or doctoral level and colleges that provide programs through the associate and bachelor level. The University group includes American InterContinental University (“AIU”) and Colorado Technical University (“CTU”)—predominantly serving students online with career-focused degree programs that meet the educational demands of today’s busy adults. The Career Schools group offers career-centered education primarily through ground-based campuses and includes Briarcliffe College, Brooks Institute, Harrington College of Design, Le Cordon Bleu North America (“LCB”), Missouri College and Sanford-Brown Institutes and Colleges (“SBI” and “SBC,” respectively). Through our colleges, institutions and universities, we are committed to providing high-quality education, enabling students to graduate and pursue rewarding career opportunities.

A detailed listing of individual campus locations and web links to Career Education’s colleges, institutions and universities can be found at www.careered.com.

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” and “CEC” refer to Career Education Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. The terms “college”, “institution” and “university” refer to an individual, branded, proprietary educational institution, owned by us and includes its campus locations. The term “campus” refers to an individual main or branch campus operated by one of our colleges, institutions or universities.

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Financial Instruments - Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level3) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Balance	$ 7,374
Unrealized gain (loss)
Balance	$ 7,374

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RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]

Accrual for Severance and Related Costs

The following table details the changes in our accrual for severance and related costs associated with these restructuring events for our continuing operations during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):

	Balance, Beginning of Period		Severance and related charges		Payments (1)			Non-cash adjustments (2)			Balance, End of Period
For the quarter ended March 31, 2014	$	4,913	$	—	$	(593	)	$	(278	)	$	4,042
For the quarter ended March 31, 2013	$	7,931	$	364	$	(4,060	)	$	(73	)	$	4,162

(1) Includes payments related to COBRA and outplacement services which are assumed to be completed by the third month following an employee’s departure.

(2) Includes cancellations due to employee departures prior to agreed upon end dates, employee transfers to open positions within the organization and subsequent adjustments to severance and related costs.

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Student Receivables - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Student receivables write-off period, days past due	Greater than 90 days
Student receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and net of deferred tuition revenue	$ 4.8	$ 5.2

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SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Schedule of Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Cash

The following table summarizes information with respect to all cash-settled restricted stock units during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (units in thousands):

	Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Cash
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		2,289
Granted		966
Vested		(655	)
Forfeited		(225	)
Outstanding as of March 31, 2014		2,375

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Summary of Stock Option Activity

Stock option activity during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 under all of our plans was as follows (options in thousands):

	Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		3,900		$	15.15
Granted		681			7.10
Exercised		—			—
Forfeited		(147	)		3.63
Cancelled		(46	)		34.25
Outstanding as of March 31, 2014		4,388		$	14.09
Exercisable as of March 31, 2014		2,543		$	20.43

Restricted Stock Shares [Member]

Schedule of Information with Respect to all Outstanding Restricted Stock

The following table summarizes information with respect to all outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock under our plans during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (shares and units in thousands):

	Restricted Stock to be Settled in Shares of Stock
	Shares			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share		Units			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Unit		Total
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		221		$	22.19		539		$	8.30		760
Granted		—			—		249			7.10		249
Vested		(106	)		23.27		(134	)		8.63		(240	)
Forfeited		(24	)		20.16		(44	)		8.63		(68	)
Outstanding as of March 31, 2014		91		$	21.72		610		$	7.72		701

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements presented herein include the accounts of CEC and our wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively “CEC”). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Effective January 2014, we have changed our segment reporting to align with the manner in which we are now managing the business. Our reportable segments are: CTU, AIU (comprises University Schools); Career Colleges, Culinary Arts (comprises Career Schools); and Transitional Schools. Our Career Colleges reporting segment is a combination of our previously reported Health Education and Design & Technology segments. These were combined as a part of our overall brand consolidation strategy. Campuses included in our Transitional Schools segment are currently being taught out and no longer enroll new students. These campuses employ a gradual teach-out process, enabling them to continue to operate while current students complete their course of study. The results of operations for campuses within the Transitional Schools segment will be reported within continuing operations for all periods presented until they complete their teach-out. As campuses within Transitional Schools cease operations, the results of operation for all periods presented will be reflected within discontinued operations. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company completed the teach-out of the following Sanford-Brown campuses: Austin, Collinsville, Cranston, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Portland, Tinley Park and Trevose. As a result, all current and prior periods reflect these campuses as components of discontinued operations. All prior period results have been recast to reflect our reporting segments on a comparable basis.

In the fourth quarter of 2013, we completed the sale of our International Segment. Accordingly, the results of operations of the International Segment are reported within discontinued operations. Prior period financial statements and the related notes herein, including segment reporting, have been recast to include the results of operations and financial condition of the International Segment as a component of discontinued operations. See Note 4 “Discontinued Operations” of the notes to our unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Student receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts, current	$ 19,752	$ 21,070
Student receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts, non-current	$ 6,011	$ 6,883
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	82,001,778	81,889,907
Common stock, shares outstanding	67,196,127	67,170,522
Treasury, Shares in treasury	14,805,651	14,719,385

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SEGMENT REPORTING

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT REPORTING

12. SEGMENT REPORTING

Our segments are determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 280—Segment Reporting and are based upon how the Company analyzes performance and makes decisions. Effective January 2014, we have changed our segment reporting to align with the manner in which we are now managing the business. Each segment represents a group of postsecondary education providers that offer a variety of degree and non-degree academic programs. These segments are organized by key market segments to enhance brand focus and operational alignment within each segment to more effectively execute our strategic plan. Our reporting segments are described below.

University Schools:

Colorado Technical University (CTU) collectively offers academic programs in the career-oriented disciplines of business studies, information systems and technologies, criminal justice, computer science and engineering, and health sciences in an online, classroom or laboratory setting.

American InterContinental University (AIU) collectively offers academic programs in the career-oriented disciplines of business studies, information technologies, criminal justice and design technologies in an online, classroom or laboratory setting.

Career Schools:

Career Colleges includes Briarcliffe College, Brooks Institute, Harrington College of Design, Missouri College and our Sanford-Brown institutions. As of March 31, 2014, we announced the rebranding efforts related to our IADT and Brown College institutions; these institutions are now united under the Sanford-Brown name. The Career Colleges group collectively offer academic programs primarily in the career-oriented disciplines of health education that are complemented by certain programs in business studies and information technology, as well as visual communications, fashion design, photography, interior design, graphic design and video production, in a classroom, laboratory or online setting. In addition, continuing education and short-term vocational programs in the area of energy conservation are offered.

Culinary Arts includes our Le Cordon Bleu institutions in North America which collectively offer hands-on educational programs in the career-oriented disciplines of culinary arts and patisserie and baking in the commercial-grade kitchens of Le Cordon Bleu. Le Cordon Bleu also provides online programs in culinary arts and hotel and restaurant management.

Transitional Schools includes our campuses that are currently being taught out.

We evaluate segment performance based on operating results. Adjustments to reconcile segment results to consolidated results are included under the caption “Corporate and Other,” which primarily includes unallocated corporate activity and eliminations.

Summary financial information by reporting segment is as follows (dollars in thousands):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	Revenue				Operating (Loss) Income
	2014		2013		2014			2013
CTU	$	87,031	$	90,209	$	14,186		$	15,912
AIU		52,573		66,299		(3,583	)		3,146
Total University Schools		139,604		156,508		10,603			19,058
Career Colleges		53,040		59,786		(17,150	)		(15,003	)
Culinary Arts		42,246		45,938		(18,046	)		(12,137	)
Total Career Schools		95,286		105,724		(35,196	)		(27,140	)
Corporate and Other		100		—		(11,136	)		(6,368	)
Subtotal		234,990		262,232		(35,729	)		(14,450	)
Transitional Schools		8,115		22,218		(12,143	)		(10,580	)
Total	$	243,105	$	284,450	$	(47,872	)	$	(25,030	)

	Total Assets as of (1)
	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
CTU	$	74,253	$	75,441
AIU		53,431		54,426
Total University Schools		127,684		129,867
Career Colleges		55,713		58,718
Culinary Arts		104,230		108,349
Total Career Schools		159,943		167,067
Corporate and Other		440,458		491,674
Subtotal		728,085		788,608
Transitional Schools		11,484		13,433
Discontinued Operations		1,929		3,004
Total	$	741,498	$	805,045

(1) Total assets do not include intercompany receivable or payable activity between schools and corporate and investments in subsidiaries.

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Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	CECO
Entity Registrant Name	CAREER EDUCATION CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0001046568
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		67,222,997

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

FASB ASC Topic 820—Fair Value Measurements establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
REVENUE:
Tuition and registration fees	$ 240,071	$ 279,910
Other	3,034	4,540
Total revenue	243,105	284,450
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Educational services and facilities	86,078	102,757
General and administrative	189,780	189,597
Depreciation and amortization	15,052	16,969
Asset impairment	67	157
Total operating expenses	290,977	309,480
Operating loss	(47,872)	(25,030)
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income	106	245
Interest expense	(81)	(706)
Loss on sale of business		(6,712)
Miscellaneous income	622	7
Total other income (expense)	647	(7,166)
PRETAX LOSS	(47,225)	(32,196)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	220	(12,402)
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	(47,445)	(19,794)
(LOSS) INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax	(10,698)	4,591
NET LOSS	(58,143)	(15,203)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(1,743)
Unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(28)	1
Total other comprehensive loss	(28)	(1,742)
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	$ (58,171)	$ (16,945)
NET LOSS PER SHARE-BASIC and DILUTED:
Loss from continuing operations	$ (0.71)	$ (0.30)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations	$ (0.16)	$ 0.07
Net loss per share	$ (0.87)	$ (0.23)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic and Diluted	66,994	66,428

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RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

7. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

Reductions in force have been carried out related to the reorganization of our corporate and campus functions to better align with current total enrollments and decisions made in previous years to teach out a number of campuses, meaning gradually close the campuses through an orderly process. We anticipate that a majority of the campus closures will be completed by the third quarter of 2014.

The following table details the changes in our accrual for severance and related costs associated with these restructuring events for our continuing operations during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (dollars in thousands):

	Balance, Beginning of Period		Severance and related charges		Payments (1)			Non-cash adjustments (2)			Balance, End of Period
For the quarter ended March 31, 2014	$	4,913	$	—	$	(593	)	$	(278	)	$	4,042
For the quarter ended March 31, 2013	$	7,931	$	364	$	(4,060	)	$	(73	)	$	4,162

(1) Includes payments related to COBRA and outplacement services which are assumed to be completed by the third month following an employee’s departure.

(2) Includes cancellations due to employee departures prior to agreed upon end dates, employee transfers to open positions within the organization and subsequent adjustments to severance and related costs.

The current portion of the accrual for severance and related charges was $2.5 million and $2.3 million as of March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively, which is recorded within current accrued expenses—payroll and related benefits; the long-term portion of $1.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively, is recorded within other non-current liabilities. In addition, as of March 31, 2014, we have accrued approximately $1.4 million related to retention bonuses that have been offered to certain employees. These amounts will be recorded ratably over the period the employees are retained; $0.3 million was recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

During the first quarter of 2014, nine of our campuses completed their teach-out activities, seven of the nine campuses had remaining lease obligations related to their facilities. The charge recorded during the current quarter related to these discontinued operations was approximately $8.1 million, which represents the net present value of our remaining lease obligation less an estimated amount for sublease income and was recorded within loss from discontinued operations for the current quarter. A number of our teach-out campuses that have not yet closed will have remaining lease obligations following the eventual campus closure, with the longest lease term being through 2021. The total estimated charge related to the remaining lease obligation for these leases, once the campus completes the close process, and adjusted for possible lease buyouts and sublease assumptions is approximately $20.0 to $25.0 million. The amount related to each campus will be recorded at each campus closure date based on current estimates and assumptions related to the amount and timing of sublease income.

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STUDENT RECEIVABLES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Receivables [Abstract]

STUDENT RECEIVABLES

6. STUDENT RECEIVABLES

Student receivables represent funds owed to us in exchange for the educational services provided to a student. Student receivables are reflected net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and net of deferred tuition revenue. Student receivables, net are reflected on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets as components of both current and non-current assets. We do not accrue interest on past due student receivables; interest is recorded only upon collection.

Generally, a student receivable balance is written off once it reaches greater than 90 days past due. Although we analyze past due receivables, it is not practical to provide an aging of our non-current student receivable balances as a result of the methodology utilized in determining our earned student receivable balances. Student receivables are recognized on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets as they are deemed earned over the course of a student’s program and/or term, and therefore cash collections are not applied against specifically dated transactions.

Our standard student receivable allowance estimation methodology considers a number of factors that, based on our collection experience, we believe have an impact on our repayment risk and ability to collect student receivables. Changes in the trends in any of these factors may impact our estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts. These factors include, but are not limited to: internal repayment history, repayment practices of previous extended payment programs and information provided by a third-party institution who previously offered similar extended payment programs, changes in the current economic, legislative or regulatory environments and credit worthiness of our students. These factors are monitored and assessed on a regular basis. Overall, our allowance estimation process for student receivables is validated by trending analysis and comparing estimated and actual performance. The repayment risk associated with student receivables under extended payment plans is generally higher than those not related to extended payment plans; as such, the allowance for doubtful accounts for these student receivables as a percentage of outstanding student receivables is higher.

Student Receivables Under Extended Payment Plans and Recourse Loan Agreements

To assist students in completing their educational programs, we had previously provided extended payment plans to certain students and also had loan agreements with Sallie Mae and Stillwater National Bank and Trust Company (“Stillwater”) which required us to repurchase loans originated by them to our students after a certain period of time. We discontinued providing extended payment plans to students during the first quarter of 2011 and the recourse loan agreements with Sallie Mae and Stillwater ended in March 2008 and April 2007, respectively.

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the amount of non-current student receivables under these programs, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and net of deferred tuition revenue, was $4.8 million and $5.2 million, respectively.

Student Receivables Valuation Allowance

Changes in our current and non-current receivables allowance for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Balance, Beginning of Period		Charges to Expense (1)		Amounts Written-off			Balance, End of Period
For the quarter ended March 31, 2014	$	27,953	$	5,866	$	(8,056	)	$	25,763
For the quarter ended March 31, 2013	$	39,163	$	5,751	$	(11,179	)	$	33,735

(1) Charges to expense include an offset for recoveries of amounts previously written off of $2.3 million and $2.1 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

The carrying amount reported in our unaudited consolidated balance sheets for the current portion of student receivables approximates fair value because of the nature of these financial instruments as they generally have short maturity periods. It is not practicable to estimate the fair value of the non-current portion of student receivables, since observable market data is not readily available, and no reasonable estimation methodology exists.

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INCOME TAXES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Pretax Loss from Continuing Operations

The components of pretax loss from continuing operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
U.S.	$	(47,225	)	$	(27,638	)
Foreign		—			(4,558	)
Total	$	(47,225	)	$	(32,196	)

Summary of Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes and Effective Tax Rate for Continuing Operations

The following is a summary of our provision for (benefit from) income taxes and effective tax rate from continuing operations:

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Pretax loss	$	(47,225	)	$	(32,196	)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	220		$	(12,402	)
Effective rate		0.5	%		-38.5	%

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DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Summary Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations

The summary of unaudited results of operations for our discontinued operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Revenue	$	274		$	56,060
Pretax (loss) income	$	(10,698	)	$	5,340
Income tax provision (1)		—			749
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(10,698	)	$	4,591

(1) Due to the valuation allowance against our net deferred taxes, there is no income tax benefit reported for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations on Consolidated Balance Sheets

Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include the following (dollars in thousands):

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	199	$	182
Receivables, net		237		368
Other current assets		87		600
Total current assets		523		1,150
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, net		12		396
Other assets, net		1,394		1,458
Total assets of discontinued operations	$	1,929	$	3,004
Liabilities:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	216	$	790
Deferred tuition revenue		—		217
Remaining lease obligations		15,202		13,048
Total current liabilities		15,418		14,055
Non-current liabilities:
Remaining lease obligations		32,225		30,852
Other		—		3,262
Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$	47,643	$	48,169

Changes in Future Remaining Lease Obligations Discontinued Operations

Changes in our future remaining lease obligations, which are reflected within current and non-current liabilities of discontinued operations on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets, for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Balance, Beginning of Period		Charges Incurred (1)			Net Cash Payments			Other (2)			Balance, End of Period
For the quarter ended March 31, 2014	$	43,900	$	6,311		$	(5,817	)	$	3,033		$	47,427
For the quarter ended March 31, 2013	$	46,298	$	(227	)	$	(2,294	)	$	(38	)	$	43,739

(1) Includes charges for newly vacated spaces and subsequent adjustments for accretion, revised estimates and variances between estimated and actual charges, net of any reversals for terminated lease obligations.

(2) Includes existing prepaid rent and deferred rent liability balances for newly vacated spaces that are netted with the losses incurred in the period recorded.

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SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

10. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Overview of Share-Based Compensation Plans

The Career Education Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2008 Plan”) authorizes awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock, performance units, annual incentive awards, and substitute awards, which generally may be settled in cash or shares of our common stock. Any shares of our common stock that are subject to awards of stock options or stock appreciation rights payable in shares will be counted as 1.0 share for each share issued for purposes of the aggregate share limit and any shares of our common stock that are subject to any other form of award payable in shares will be counted as 1.67 shares for each share issued for purposes of the aggregate share limit. As of March 31, 2014, there were approximately 5.7 million shares of common stock available for future share-based awards under the 2008 Plan, which is net of 4.4 million shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options. This amount does not reflect 0.6 million shares underlying restricted stock units as of March 31, 2014, which upon vesting will be settled in shares of our common stock and thus reduce the common stock available for future share-based awards under the 2008 Plan by the amount vested, multiplied by the applicable factor under the plan.

As of March 31, 2014, we estimate that compensation expense of approximately $7.0 million will be recognized over the next four years for all unvested share-based awards that have been granted to participants, including stock options, shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock but excluding restricted stock units to be settled in cash.

Stock Options. The exercise price of stock options granted under each of the plans is equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Employee stock options generally become exercisable 25% per year over a four-year service period beginning on the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. Non-employee directors’ stock options expire ten years from the date of grant and generally become exercisable as follows: one-fourth on the grant date and one-fourth for each of the first through third anniversaries of the grant date. Both employee stock options and non-employee director stock options are subject to possible earlier vesting and termination in certain circumstances. Generally, if a plan participant terminates his or her employment for any reason other than by death or disability during the vesting period, he or she forfeits the right to unvested stock option awards. Grants of stock options are generally only subject to the service conditions discussed previously.

Stock option activity during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 under all of our plans was as follows (options in thousands):

	Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		3,900		$	15.15
Granted		681			7.10
Exercised		—			—
Forfeited		(147	)		3.63
Cancelled		(46	)		34.25
Outstanding as of March 31, 2014		4,388		$	14.09
Exercisable as of March 31, 2014		2,543		$	20.43

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Stock. Restricted stock and restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock generally become fully vested either three years after the date of grant or 25% per year over a four-year service period beginning on the date of grant. Generally, if a plan participant terminates his or her employment for any reason other than by death or disability during the vesting period, he or she forfeits the right to the unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units. The vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units is subject to possible acceleration in certain circumstances. Certain awards to plan participants referred to as “performance-based” are subject to performance conditions that, even if the requisite service period is met, may reduce the number of shares or units of restricted stock that vest at the end of the requisite service period or result in all shares or units being forfeited.

The following table summarizes information with respect to all outstanding restricted stock and restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock under our plans during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (shares and units in thousands):

	Restricted Stock to be Settled in Shares of Stock
	Shares			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share		Units			Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Unit		Total
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		221		$	22.19		539		$	8.30		760
Granted		—			—		249			7.10		249
Vested		(106	)		23.27		(134	)		8.63		(240	)
Forfeited		(24	)		20.16		(44	)		8.63		(68	)
Outstanding as of March 31, 2014		91		$	21.72		610		$	7.72		701

Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Cash. Restricted stock units to be settled in cash generally become fully vested 25% per year over a four-year service period beginning on the date of grant. Generally, if a plan participant terminates his or her employment for any reason other than by death or disability during the vesting period, he or she forfeits the right to the unvested restricted stock units. The vesting of restricted stock units is subject to possible acceleration in certain circumstances. Cash-settled restricted stock units are recorded as liabilities as the expense is recognized and the fair value for these awards is determined at each period end date with changes in fair value recorded in our statement of loss and comprehensive loss in the current period. Cash-settled restricted stock units are settled with a cash payment for each unit vested equal to the closing price on the vesting date. Cash-settled restricted stock units are not included in common shares reserved for issuance or available for issuance under the 2008 Plan.

The following table summarizes information with respect to all cash-settled restricted stock units during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (units in thousands):

	Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Cash
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		2,289
Granted		966
Vested		(655	)
Forfeited		(225	)
Outstanding as of March 31, 2014		2,375

Upon vesting, based on the conditions set forth in the award agreements, these units will be settled in cash. We valued these units in accordance with the guidance set forth by FASB ASC Topic 718—Compensation-Stock Compensation and recognized $2.3 million of expense for the first quarter of 2014 for all cash-settled restricted stock units.

Performance Unit Awards. Performance unit awards granted during 2013 and 2014 are long-term incentive, cash-based awards. Payment of these awards is based upon a calculation of Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) of CEC as compared to TSR across a specified peer group of our competitors over a three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2015 and 2016, respectively. These awards are recorded as liabilities as the expense is recognized and fair value for these awards is revalued at each period end date with changes in fair value recorded in our statement of loss and comprehensive loss in the current period. A liability of $1.8 million was recorded as of March 31, 2014, which represents the fair value of the liability incurred through March 31, 2014 for these awards; $0.7 million of expense was recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

An accrual for estimated legal fees and settlements of $28.9 million and $20.3 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, is presented within other current liabilities on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets.

We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, at least quarterly, developments in our legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that was previously accrued, and make adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount. We may be unable to estimate a possible loss or range of possible loss due to various reasons, including, among others: (1) if the damages sought are indeterminate; (2) if the proceedings are in early stages; (3) if there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals, motions, or settlements; (4) if there are significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; and (5) if there are novel or unsettled legal theories presented. In such instances, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, if any.

Litigation

We are, or were, a party to the following legal proceedings that we consider to be outside the scope of ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters. An unfavorable outcome of any one or more of these matters could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

Securities Litigation

Ross, et al. v. Career Education Corporation, et al. On January 13, 2012, a class action complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, naming the Company and various individuals as defendants and claiming that the defendants violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) by making material misstatements in and omitting material information from the Company’s public disclosures concerning its campuses’ job placement rates and its compliance with accreditation standards. The complaint further claimed that the individual defendants violated Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act by virtue of their positions as control persons of the Company. Plaintiff asked for unspecified amounts in damages, interest, and costs, as well as ancillary relief. On March 23, 2012, the Court appointed KBC Asset Management NV, the Oklahoma Police Pension & Retirement Systems, and the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, as lead plaintiffs in the action. Lead plaintiffs subsequently filed an amended complaint, asserting the same claims alleged in the initial complaint and seeking damages on behalf of all persons who purchased the Company’s common stock between February 19, 2009 and November 21, 2011 (the “Class”).

On June 12, 2013, the parties agreed to settle the Ross litigation, subject to final Court approval and settlement of certain shareholder derivative actions and subsequent related claims (the “Derivative Settlements”). As previously disclosed, the Derivative Settlements received Court approval and were dismissed with prejudice in the first quarter of 2014. Under the Derivative Settlements, the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurers have paid $10.0 million towards the settlement of this litigation.

On November 6, 2013, the Court entered an order preliminarily approving the Ross settlement. On April 16, 2014, the Court finally approved the settlement and dismissed the action with prejudice. Pursuant to the terms of the Ross settlement agreement, the Class will receive a total of $27.5 million in consideration of the proposed settlement and the parties will release all claims. The Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurers paid $22.5 million of the settlement amount, $10.0 million of which was funded pursuant to the Derivative Settlements discussed above, and the Company paid the remaining $5.0 million. However, the Company is seeking recovery of that amount from one of its insurers, Axis Insurance Company (“Axis”), but has not recorded a receivable for this additional amount as it is not deemed probable as of March 31, 2014. As described below, Axis is seeking a declaration of no coverage. In connection with the Ross settlement, the Company entered into an additional settlement on April 15, 2014 with certain members of the Class pursuant to which the Company expects to pay approximately $3.8 million. The Company is seeking recovery of this amount from Axis.

Axis Insurance Company v. Career Education Company, et al. On December 11, 2013, Axis Insurance Company filed a declaratory judgment action in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Chancery Division, naming the Company and various individuals as defendants in connection with coverage for the recently settled securities class action and shareholder derivative actions. Axis seeks a declaration of no coverage. On March 11, 2014, the Company and the individual defendants responded to Axis’s complaint and asserted counterclaims pursuant to which the Company claims approximately $10.0 million in coverage. On April 22, 2014, Axis responded to the Company’s counterclaims.

Student Litigation

Abarca v. California Culinary Academy, Inc., et al. (filed June 3, 2011; 115 plaintiffs); Andrade, et al. v. California Culinary Academy, Inc., et al (filed June 15, 2011; 31 plaintiffs); Aprieto, et al. v. California Culinary Academy (filed August 12, 2011; five plaintiffs); Coleman, et al. v. California Culinary Academy (filed January 18, 2013; two plaintiffs). These four actions are pending in the San Francisco County Superior Court and generally allege: fraud, constructive fraud, violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, violation of the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, breach of contract and violation of the repealed California Education Code. Plaintiffs contend that California Culinary Academy (“CCA”) made a variety of misrepresentations to them, primarily oral, during the admissions process. The alleged misrepresentations relate generally to the school’s reputation, the value of the education, the competitiveness of the admissions process, and the students’ employment prospects upon graduation, including the accuracy of statistics published by CCA. The plaintiffs in these actions seek damages, including consequential damages, punitive damages and attorneys’ fees.

All of the plaintiffs in these four actions either opted out of or did not fit the class definition in a previously settled class action captioned Amador, et al. v. California Culinary Academy and Career Education Corporation; Adams, et al. v. California Culinary Academy and Career Education Corporation. None of these four actions are being prosecuted as a class action. All of these cases have been deemed related and have been transferred to the same judge who handled the Amador case.

Currently there are 79 remaining plaintiffs who have not settled or dismissed their claims. CCA has filed answers to the complaints filed by the remaining 79 individual plaintiffs. The parties participated in a mediation session on April 2, 2014 at which the Company agreed to settle with 77 of the remaining plaintiffs. The Company has agreed to pay approximately $2.2 million plus an as yet undetermined amount of attorneys’ fees. Accordingly, for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company has reserved $3.0 million which is the current estimate of the total amount of the settlement and based on its assessment that the settlement is probable.

The parties have agreed to arbitrate one of the remaining cases and the other case will be set for trial at a later date.

Because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise in the future with respect to the two remaining cases, the outcome in those cases is uncertain. Accordingly, we have not recognized any future liability associated with these actions.

Enea, et al. v. Career Education Corporation, California Culinary Academy, Inc., SLM Corporation, and Sallie Mae, Inc. Plaintiffs filed this putative class action in the Superior Court State of California, County of San Francisco, on or about June 27, 2013. Plaintiffs allege that CCA materially misrepresented the placement rates of its graduates, falsely stated that admission to the culinary school was competitive and that the school had an excellent reputation among restaurants and other food service providers, represented that the culinary schools were well-regarded institutions producing skilled graduates who employers eagerly hired, and lied by telling students that the school provided graduates with career placement services for life. The plaintiffs or putative class members here co-signed the loans for students to attend CCA, some of whom were Amadorclass members. Plaintiffs seek restitution, damages, civil penalties and attorneys’ fees.

Defendants filed a motion to dismiss and to strike class action allegations on October 31, 2013. A hearing on the motions was conducted on March 14, 2014. Thereafter, the Court issued two separate orders granting the motion to strike the class allegations and the motion to dismiss without leave to amend. Plaintiffs filed a motion seeking leave to file a third amended complaint and/or for reconsideration of the Court’s orders.

Because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise in the future, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for this action because, among other things, our potential liability depends on whether a class is certified and, if so, the composition and size of any such class, as well as on an assessment of the appropriate measure of damages if we were to be found liable. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with this action.

Surrett, et al. v. Western Culinary Institute, Ltd. and Career Education Corporation. On March 5, 2008, a complaint was filed in Portland, Oregon in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon in and for Multnomah County naming Western Culinary Institute, Ltd. and the Company as defendants. Plaintiffs filed the complaint individually and as a putative class action and alleged two claims for equitable relief: violation of Oregon’s Unlawful Trade Practices Act (“UTPA”) and unjust enrichment. Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on April 10, 2008, which added two claims for money damages: fraud and breach of contract. Plaintiffs allege that Western Culinary Institute, Ltd. (“WCI”) made a variety of misrepresentations to them, relating generally to WCI’s placement statistics, students’ employment prospects upon graduation from WCI, the value and quality of an education at WCI, and the amount of tuition students could expect to pay as compared to salaries they could expect to earn after graduation. WCI subsequently moved to dismiss certain of plaintiffs’ claims under Oregon’s UTPA; that motion was granted on September 12, 2008. On February 5, 2010, the Court entered a formal Order granting class certification on part of plaintiff’s UTPA and fraud claims purportedly based on omissions, denying certification of the rest of those claims and denying certification of the breach of contract and unjust enrichment claims. The class consists of students who enrolled at WCI between March 5, 2006 and March 1, 2010, excluding those who dropped out or were dismissed from the school for academic reasons.

Plaintiffs filed a Fifth Amended Complaint on December 7, 2010, which included individual and class allegations by Nathan Surrett. Class notice was sent on April 22, 2011, and the opt-out period expired on June 20, 2011. The class consisted of approximately 2,600 members. They are seeking tuition refunds, interest and certain fees paid in connection with their enrollment at WCI.

On May 23, 2012, WCI filed a motion to compel arbitration of claims by 1,062 individual class members who signed enrollment agreements containing express class action waivers. The Court issued an Order denying the motion on July 27, 2012. On August 6, 2012, WCI filed an appeal from the Court’s Order and on August 30, 2012, the Court of Appeals issued an Order granting WCI’s motion to compel the trial court to cease exercising jurisdiction in the case. The oral argument on the appeal is set for May 9, 2014. All proceedings with the trial court have been stayed pending the outcome of the appeal.

Because of the many questions of fact and law that have already arisen and that may arise in the future, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for this action because of the inherent difficulty in assessing the appropriate measure of damages and the number of class members who might be entitled to recover damages, if we were to be found liable. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with this action.

Vasquez, et al. v. California School of Culinary Arts, Inc. and Career Education Corporation. On June 23, 2008, a putative class action lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court entitled Daniel Vasquez and Cherish Herndon v. California School of Culinary Arts, Inc. and Career Education Corporation. The plaintiffs allege causes of action for fraud, constructive fraud, violation of the California Unfair Competition Law and violation of the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act. The plaintiffs allege improper conduct in connection with the admissions process during the alleged class period. The alleged class is defined as including “all persons who purchased educational services from California School of Culinary Arts, Inc. (“CSCA”), or graduated from CSCA, within the limitations periods applicable to the alleged causes of action (including, without limitation, the period following the filing of the action).” Defendants successfully demurred to the constructive fraud claim and the Court has dismissed it. Defendants also successfully demurred to plaintiffs’ claims based on alleged violations of California’s former Private Postsecondary and Vocational Educational Reform Act of 1989 (“the Reform Act”). Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification was denied by the Court on March 6, 2012.

Plaintiffs’ counsel have filed eight separate but related “multiple plaintiff actions” originally involving a total of approximately 1,000 former students entitled Banks, et al. v. California School of Culinary Arts; Abrica v. California School of Culinary Arts; Aguilar, et al. v. California School of Culinary Arts; Alday v. California School of Culinary Arts; Ackerman, et al. v. California School of Culinary Arts; Arechiga, et al. v. California School of Culinary Arts; Anderson, et al. v. California School of Culinary Arts; and Allen v. California School of Culinary Arts. All eight cases are pending in the Los Angeles County Superior Court and the allegations in these cases are essentially the same as those asserted in the Vasquez class action case. The individual plaintiffs in these cases seek compensatory and punitive damages, disgorgement and restitution of tuition monies received, attorneys’ fees, costs and injunctive relief. All of these cases have been deemed related to the Vasquez class action and therefore are pending before the same judge who is presiding over the Vasquez case.

On June 15, 2012, pursuant to a stipulation by the parties, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint in the Vasquez action consolidating all eight of the separate actions referenced above. The complaint was thereafter amended to add additional plaintiffs. As a result of these amendments, there were at one time approximately 1,438 plaintiffs, the majority of whom enrolled between 2003 and 2008 (about 10 of the plaintiffs enrolled in 2009 and 2010).

On June 22, 2012, defendants filed motions to compel arbitration of plaintiffs’ claims. On August 10, 2012, the Court granted the motions with respect to approximately 54 plaintiffs. Nine arbitration demands were filed before the American Arbitration Association, one of which was tried to a final award and eight of which were settled. The remaining plaintiffs’ claims were settled prior to arbitration demands being filed. The total liability for all of these claims was an immaterial amount. Following the resolution of these claims, other settlements, and the voluntary dismissal of certain claims, there are approximately 1,047 remaining plaintiffs in the consolidated action.

The Company and plaintiffs’ counsel have executed an agreement regarding the framework for individual settlements with approximately 950 of the remaining individual plaintiffs. Pursuant to this settlement arrangement, defendants will pay a maximum of $17.5 million in the aggregate to fund the individual plaintiff settlements, attorneys’ fees and administrative costs of the settlement, subject to certain excluded costs which defendants will be separately responsible for. The settlement amounts for each individual plaintiff will be determined by a third party. If any plaintiff decides not to accept the settlement, then the amount allocated to that plaintiff will be returned to defendants. Defendants have the right not to proceed with the settlement if a specified number of plaintiffs do not accept the settlement. Defendants’ liability pursuant to the settlement is estimated to be $15.5 million to $17.5 million; however, defendants do not have a reasonable basis to estimate where in that range the liability is likely to be. Accordingly, for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company is maintaining a reserve of $15.5 million based on its assessment that the settlement is probable.

Approximately 97 of the remaining plaintiffs are not within the purview of the settlement arrangement described in the preceding paragraph. Any liability to these plaintiffs is expected to be an immaterial amount.

False Claims Act

United States of America, ex rel. Melissa Simms Powell, et al. v. American InterContinental University, Inc., a Georgia Corporation, Career Education Corp., a Delaware Corporation and John Doe Nos. 1-100. On July 28, 2009, we were served with a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division. The complaint was originally filed under seal on July 14, 2008 by four former employees of the Dunwoody campus of our American InterContinental University on behalf of themselves and the federal government. On July 27, 2009, the Court ordered the complaint unsealed and we were notified that the U.S. Department of Justice declined to intervene in the action. When the federal government declines to intervene in a False Claims Act action, as it has done in this case, the private plaintiffs (or “relators”) may elect to pursue the litigation on behalf of the federal government and, if they are successful, receive a portion of the federal government’s recovery. The action alleges violations of the False Claims Act and promissory fraud, including allegedly providing false certifications to the federal government regarding compliance with certain provisions of the Higher Education Act and accreditation standards. Relators claim that defendants’ conduct caused the government to pay federal funds to defendants and to make payments to third-party lenders, which the government would not have made if not for defendants’ alleged violation of the law. Relators seek treble damages plus civil penalties and attorneys’ fees. On July 12, 2012, the Court granted our motion to dismiss for a lack of jurisdiction, the claims related to incentive compensation and proof of graduation. Thus, the only claim that remains pending against defendants is based on relators’ contention that defendants misled the school’s accreditor, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, during the accreditation process. On December 16, 2013, we filed a motion for summary judgment on a variety of substantive grounds.

Because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for this action because the complaint does not seek a specified amount of damages and it is unclear how damages would be calculated, if we were to be found liable. Moreover, the case presents novel legal issues. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with this action.

United States of America, ex rel. Brent M. Nelson v. Career Education Corporation, Sanford-Brown, Ltd., and Ultrasound Technical Services, Inc. On April 18, 2013, defendants were served with an amended complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The original complaint was filed under seal on July 30, 2012 by a former employee of Sanford-Brown College Milwaukee on behalf of himself and the federal government. On February 27, 2013, the Court ordered the complaint unsealed and we were notified that the U.S. Department of Justice declined to intervene in the action. After the federal government declined to intervene in this case, the relator elected to pursue the litigation on behalf of the federal government. If he is successful he will receive a portion of the federal government’s recovery. The amended complaint was filed by the relator on April 12, 2013 and alleges violations of the False Claims Act, including allegedly providing false certifications to the federal government regarding compliance with certain provisions of the Higher Education Act and accreditation standards. Relator claims that defendants’ conduct caused the government to pay federal funds to defendants, and to make payments to third-party lenders, which the government would not have made if not for defendants’ alleged violation of the law. Relator seeks treble damages plus civil penalties and attorneys’ fees. On June 11, 2013, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the case on a variety of grounds. The Court ruled on that motion, dismissing CEC from the case and dismissing several of the relator’s factual claims. On November 27, 2013, Sanford Brown, LTD., and Ultrasound Technical Services, Inc., the remaining Company defendants, filed a motion to dismiss the case for lack of subject matter jurisdiction due to prior public disclosures of the relator’s alleged claims. On March 17, 2014, the Court granted this motion in part, limiting the timeframe and geographical scope of the relator’s claims. The Court has yet to rule on the summary judgment motion filed on January 3, 2014 by the remaining Company defendants. On April 8, 2014, the Court postponed the April 14, 2014 trial date pending its ruling on the summary judgment motion.

Because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for this action because the complaint does not seek a specified amount of damages and it is unclear how damages would be calculated, if we were to be found liable. Moreover, the case presents novel legal issues. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with this action.

Employment Litigation

Wilson, et al. v. Career Education Corporation. On August 11, 2011, Riley Wilson, a former admissions representative based in Minnesota, filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The two-count complaint asserts claims of breach of contract and unjust enrichment arising from our decision to terminate our Admissions Representative Supplemental Compensation (“ARSC”) Plan. In addition to his individual claims, Wilson also seeks to represent a nationwide class of similarly situated admissions representatives who also were affected by termination of the plan. On October 6, 2011, we filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. On April 13, 2012, the Court granted our motion to dismiss in its entirety and dismissed plaintiff’s complaint for failure to state a claim. The Court dismissed this action with prejudice on May 14, 2012. On June 11, 2012, plaintiff filed a Notice of Appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit appealing the final judgment of the trial court. Briefing was completed on October 30, 2012, and oral argument was held on December 3, 2012. On August 30, 2013, the Seventh Circuit affirmed the district court’s ruling on plaintiff’s unjust enrichment claim but reversed and remanded for further proceedings on plaintiff’s breach of contract claim. On September 13, 2013, we filed a petition for rehearing to seek review of the panel’s decision on the breach of contract claim and for certification of question to the Illinois Supreme Court, but the petition was denied.

The case now is on remand to the district court for further proceedings on the sole question of whether CEC’s termination of the ARSC Plan violated the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. CEC has answered the complaint, and the parties have exchanged initial disclosures. On February 19, 2014, the Court ordered the parties to commence fact discovery as to the issue of liability.

Because the matter is in its early stages and because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for this action. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with this action.

Nimely, et al. v. Randstad General Partners, Randstad USA, Randstad Inhouse Services L.P., and Career Education Corporation. On December 30, 2012, April R. Nimely, a former hourly, non-exempt call center employee based in Illinois filed a putative class and collective action complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the Company and various entities of the staffing firm Randstad, which the Company used to supplement its own staff at some of its call centers. The complaint asserts claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, and the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act (“IWPCA”) arising from the alleged failure to pay wages for work performed before and after shifts and during breaks. The putative collective class was defined as “[a]ll persons who worked for [d]efendants as telephone dedicated employees, however titled, who were compensated, in part or in full, on an hourly basis throughout the United States at any time between December 30, 2009 and the present who did not receive the full amount of overtime wages earned and owed to them.”

On February 27, 2013, defendants filed their answers to the complaint and motion to dismiss the IWPCA count of the complaint. On June 14, 2013, plaintiff filed her motion for class certification. The parties subsequently reached an agreement to settle the matter for an immaterial amount. On November 29, 2013, the Court entered an order granting preliminary approval of the settlement. On March 25, 2014, the Court granted final approval of the settlement and dismissed the case.

Other Litigation

In addition to the legal proceedings and other matters described above, we are also subject to a variety of other claims, suits and investigations that arise from time to time out of the conduct of our business, including, but not limited to, claims involving students or graduates and routine employment matters. While we currently believe that such claims, individually or in aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations, these other matters are subject to inherent uncertainties, and management’s view of these matters may change in the future. Were an unfavorable final outcome to occur in any one or more of these matters, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business, reputation, financial position, cash flows, and the results of operations for the period in which the effect becomes probable and reasonably estimable.

State Investigations

The Attorney General of Connecticut is serving as the point of contact for inquiries received from the attorneys general of the following 14 states: Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington (January 24, 2014); Illinois (December 9, 2011); and Tennessee (February 7, 2014). In addition, the Company has received inquiries from the Attorneys General of Florida (November 5, 2010), Massachusetts (September 27, 2012) and Colorado (August 27, 2013). The inquiries are civil investigative demands or subpoenas which relate to the investigation by the attorneys general of whether the Company and its schools have complied with certain state consumer protection laws, and generally focus on the Company’s practices relating to the recruitment of students, graduate placement statistics, graduate certification and licensing results and student lending activities, among other matters. Depending on the state, the documents and information sought by the attorneys general in connection with their investigations cover time periods as early as 2006 to the present. The Company intends to cooperate with the states involved with a view towards resolving these inquiries as promptly as possible.

We cannot predict the scope, duration or outcome of these attorney general investigations. At the conclusion of any of these matters, the Company or certain of its schools may be subject to claims of failure to comply with state laws or regulations and may be required to pay significant financial penalties and/or curtail or modify their operations. Other state attorneys general may also initiate inquiries into the Company or its schools. If any of the foregoing occurs, our business, reputation, financial position, cash flows and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential monetary or non-monetary impact these investigations might have on the Company because it is uncertain what remedies, if any, these regulators might ultimately seek in connection with these investigations.

SEC Inquiry and Other Information Requests

During the second quarter of 2012, the Company was advised by the Chicago Regional Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that it is conducting an inquiry pertaining to our previously reported 2011 investigation and review of student placement rate determination practices and related matters. We are cooperating fully with the inquiry. We cannot determine the eventual duration, scope or outcome of this matter.

The Company and its institutions have responded to requests for information regarding its 2011 investigation and review of placement determination practices and related matters from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education Division of Higher and Career Education, the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and the Florida Commission for Independent Education. Additionally, we have responded to follow-up requests from regulators for information regarding the terms of our August 2013 settlement with the New York Attorney General, including from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. We cannot predict the outcome of these information requests and any legal proceeding, claim or other matter that may arise relating thereto.

Regulatory Matters

ED Inquiry and HCM1 Status

In December 2011, ED advised the Company that it is conducting an inquiry concerning possible violations of ED misrepresentation regulations related to placement rates reported by certain of the Company’s institutions to accrediting bodies, students and potential students. This inquiry stems from the Company’s self-reporting to ED of its internal investigation into student placement determination practices at the Company’s Health Education campuses and review of placement determination practices at all of the Company’s other domestic campuses in 2011. The Company has been cooperating with ED in connection with this inquiry. If ED determines that the Company or any of its institutions violated ED misrepresentation regulations with regard to the publication of placement rates or other disclosures to students or prospective students, ED may revoke, limit, suspend or deny the institution’s Title IV eligibility, or impose fines. Any such action would first likely require reasonable prior notice and an opportunity for an administrative hearing (as recently confirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia), and would be subject to appeal.

In December 2011, ED also moved all of the Company’s institutions from the “advance” method of payment of Title IV Program funds to cash monitoring status (referred to as Heightened Cash Monitoring 1, or HCM1, status). Although the Company’s prior practices substantially conformed to the requirements of this more restrictive method of drawing down students’ Title IV Program funds, if ED finds violations of the HEA or related regulations, ED may impose monetary or program level sanctions, or transfer the Company’s schools to the “reimbursement” or Heightened Cash Monitoring 2 (“HCM2”) methods of payment of Title IV Program funds. While on HCM2 status, an institution must disburse its own funds to students, document the students’ eligibility for Title IV Program funds and comply with certain waiting period requirements before receiving such funds from ED, which results in a significant delay in receiving those funds. The process of re-establishing a regular schedule of cash receipts for the Title IV Program funds if ED places our schools on “reimbursement” or HCM2 payment status could take several months, and would require us to fund ongoing operations substantially out of existing cash balances. If our existing cash balances are insufficient to sustain us through this transition period, we would need to pursue other sources of liquidity, which may not be available or may be costly.

OIG Audit

Our schools and universities are also subject to periodic audits by various regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (“OIG”). The OIG audit services division commenced a compliance audit of CTU in June 2010, covering the period July 5, 2009 to May 16, 2010, to determine whether CTU had policies and procedures to ensure that CTU administered Title IV Program and other federal program funds in accordance with applicable federal law and regulation. On January 13, 2012, the OIG issued a draft report identifying three findings, including one regarding the documentation of attendance of students enrolled in online programs and one regarding the calculation of returns of Title IV Program funds arising from student withdrawals without official notice to the institution. CTU submitted a written response to the OIG, contesting these findings, on March 2, 2012. CTU disagreed with the OIG’s proposed determination of what constitutes appropriate documentation or verification of online academic activity during the time period covered by the audit. CTU’s response asserted that this finding was based on the retroactive application of standards adopted as part of the program integrity regulations that first went into effect on July 1, 2011. The OIG final report, along with CTU’s response to the draft report, was forwarded to ED’s Office of Federal Student Aid on September 21, 2012. On October 24, 2012, CTU provided a further response challenging the findings of the report directly to ED’s Office of Federal Student Aid. As a result of ED’s review of these materials, on January 31, 2013, CTU received a request from ED that it perform two file reviews to determine potential liability on two discrete issues associated with one of the above findings. The first file review relates to any potential aid awarded to students who engaged in virtual classroom attendance activities prior to the official start date of a course and for which no further attendance was registered during the official class term. The second file review relates to students that were awarded and paid Pell funds for enrollment in two concurrent courses, while only registering attendance in one of the two courses. The Company completed these file reviews and provided supporting documentation to ED on April 10, 2013. As of March 31, 2014, the Company has a $0.8 million reserve recorded related to this matter.

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INCOME TAXES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

9. INCOME TAXES

The components of pretax loss from continuing operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
U.S.	$	(47,225	)	$	(27,638	)
Foreign		—			(4,558	)
Total	$	(47,225	)	$	(32,196	)

The determination of the annual effective tax is based upon a number of significant estimates and judgments, including the estimated annual pretax income in each tax jurisdiction in which we operate and the ongoing development of tax planning strategies during the year. In addition, our provision for income taxes can be impacted by changes in tax rates or laws, the finalization of tax audits and reviews, as well as other factors that cannot be predicted with certainty. As such, there can be significant volatility in interim tax provisions.

The following is a summary of our provision for (benefit from) income taxes and effective tax rate from continuing operations:

	For the Quarter Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Pretax loss	$	(47,225	)	$	(32,196	)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$	220		$	(12,402	)
Effective rate		0.5	%		-38.5	%

As of December 31, 2013, we reported a total deferred tax valuation allowance of $82.5 million within our consolidated balance sheet. After considering both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets, we have determined that it is necessary to continue to record this valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2014. As a result, the effective tax provision for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 approximates $0.2 million.

The cumulative effect of federal and state valuation losses reduced the effective tax rate benefit by 38.7%. The current quarter tax rate was also impacted by nominal uncertain tax position activity, the net effect of which resulted in a 0.5% effective tax rate.

We estimate that it is reasonably possible that the liability for unrecognized tax benefits for a variety of uncertain tax positions will decrease by up to $2.5 million in the next twelve months as a result of the completion of various tax audits currently in process and the expiration of the statute of limitations in several jurisdictions. The income tax rate for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 does not take into account the possible reduction of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits. The impact of a reduction to the liability will be treated as a discrete item in the period the reduction occurs. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. As of March 31, 2014, we had accrued $2.8 million as an estimate for reasonably possible interest and accrued penalties.

Our tax returns are routinely examined by federal, state, local and foreign tax authorities and these audits are at various stages of completion at any given time. The Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of our U.S. income tax returns through our tax year ended December 31, 2007.

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WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES

11. WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES

Basic net (loss) income per share is calculated by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of shares assuming dilution. Dilutive common shares outstanding is computed using the Treasury Stock Method and reflects the additional shares that would be outstanding if dilutive stock options were exercised and restricted stock and restricted stock units were settled for common shares during the period.

Due to the fact that we reported a loss from continuing operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, potential common stock equivalents are excluded from the diluted common shares outstanding calculation. Per FASB ASC Topic 260—Earnings Per Share, an entity that reports discontinued operations shall use income or loss from continuing operations as the benchmark for calculating diluted common shares outstanding, and as such, we have zero common stock equivalents since these shares would have an anti-dilutive effect on our net loss per share for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

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Financial Instruments - Investments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value	$ 54,406	$ 38,966
Commercial paper [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value	15,636
Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value	5,436
U.S. Treasury bills [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value	17,254	31,592
Municipal bond [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value	7,374	7,374
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value		31,592
Level 1 [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value
Level 1 [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value
Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Treasury bills [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value		31,592
Level 1 [Member] | Municipal bond [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value	47,032
Level 2 [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value	15,636
Level 2 [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value	14,142
Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Treasury bills [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value	17,254
Level 2 [Member] | Municipal bond [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value	7,374	7,374
Level 3 [Member] | Commercial paper [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value
Level 3 [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value
Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Treasury bills [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value
Level 3 [Member] | Municipal bond [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Total investments at fair value	$ 7,374	$ 7,374

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STUDENT RECEIVABLES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Receivables [Abstract]

Changes in Current and Non-Current Receivables Allowance

Changes in our current and non-current receivables allowance for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

	Balance, Beginning of Period		Charges to Expense (1)		Amounts Written-off			Balance, End of Period
For the quarter ended March 31, 2014	$	27,953	$	5,866	$	(8,056	)	$	25,763
For the quarter ended March 31, 2013	$	39,163	$	5,751	$	(11,179	)	$	33,735

(1) Charges to expense include an offset for recoveries of amounts previously written off of $2.3 million and $2.1 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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Discontinued Operations - Summary Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 274	$ 56,060
Pretax (loss) income	(10,698)	5,340
Income tax provision	0	749	[1]
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (10,698)	$ 4,591

[1] Due to the valuation allowance against our net deferred taxes, there is no income tax benefit reported for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

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Weighted Average Common Shares - Additional Information (Detail) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive awards excluded from computations of diluted earnings per share	0	0

XML

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended				0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended					0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014 Inquiry Plaintiff	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 13, 2012 Findings	Mar. 31, 2014 Maximum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Minimum [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Derivatives [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Ross [Member]	Jun. 15, 2012 Vasquez [Member] Plaintiff Claim	Mar. 31, 2014 Vasquez [Member] Plaintiff	Aug. 10, 2012 Vasquez [Member] Person Arbitration	Mar. 31, 2014 California Code of Civil Procedure [Member] Plaintiff	Apr. 22, 2011 Surrett [Member] Student	Mar. 31, 2014 Surrett [Member]	May 23, 2012 Surrett [Member] Members	Apr. 10, 2008 Surrett [Member] Claim	Mar. 05, 2008 Surrett [Member] Claim	Jul. 14, 2008 False Claims Act Lawsuit [Member] Employees	Mar. 11, 2014 Insurance Claims [Member]	Mar. 31, 2014 Amador [Member] Lawsuits Plaintiff	Mar. 31, 2014 CCA Complaints [Member] Plaintiff	Mar. 31, 2014 OIG Audit [Member]	Jun. 03, 2011 Abarca [Member] Person	Jun. 15, 2011 Andrade [Member] Person	Aug. 12, 2011 Aprieto [Member] Person	Jan. 18, 2013 Coleman case [Member] Person	Mar. 31, 2014 Amador and California Education Code [Member] Complaints
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrual for legal fees and settlements	$ 28.9	$ 20.3
Coverage amount claimed by insurance company	3.0			17.5	15.5		10.0											10.0
Loss contingency range of possible loss maximum						27.5															0.8
Insurance recovery pending settlement of legal matters						22.5
Insurance recovery to be transferred						10.0
Insurance recovery to be allocated to other liabilities						5.0
Additional settlement amount to be paid						3.8
Additional settlement agreement date						April 15, 2014
Number of opt-out Individuals																						115	31	5	2
Number of suits prosecuted																			4
Number of complaints related and transferred to judge																										4
Number of plaintiffs who have not settled									97										79	77
Attorneys' fees and expenses	2.2
Number of alleged claims for equitable relief																2
Number of claims added for money damages															2
Number of students in class												2,600
Opt-out period expiration date													2011-06-20
Number of individuals WCI file motion to compel arbitration														1,062
Number of mass action filed								8	8
Number of student plaintiffs	1,000
Number of plaintiffs								1,438
Number of individuals that signed arbitration agreement										54
Number of individuals have filed arbitration demands										9
Number of arbitrations which have been tried to final award										1
Number of arbitrations which have settled										8
Number of active plaintiffs in consolidated action									1,047		950
Amount recorded as reserve for settlement	$ 15.5
Number of former employees who filed complaint																	4
Number of inquiries attorney general will act as point of contact	14
Number of OIG Findings			3
Number of documentation of attendance of students enrolled in CTU's			1
Number of calculation of returns of Title IV Program funds			1

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UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (58,143)	$ (15,203)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Asset impairment	67	157
Depreciation and amortization expense	15,431	19,295
Bad debt expense	5,852	6,702
Compensation expense related to share-based awards	1,341	1,775
Loss on sale of business		6,712
Loss on disposition of property and equipment	26	94
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	6	(33,729)
Net cash used in operating activities	(35,420)	(14,197)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of available-for-sale investments	(29,810)	(13,540)
Sales of available-for-sale investments	14,320	13,465
Purchases of property and equipment	(3,468)	(4,077)
Payments of cash upon sale of business		(1,947)
Other		(1)
Net cash used in investing activities	(18,958)	(6,100)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of common stock	196	304
Payment on borrowings		(80,000)
Change in restricted cash	(384)	86,470
Payments of capital lease obligations		(74)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(188)	6,700
EFFECT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	10	(3,194)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(54,556)	(16,791)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS CASH ACTIVITY INCLUDED ABOVE:
Add: Cash balance of discontinued operations, beginning of the period	182	127,925
Less: Cash balance of discontinued operations, end of the period	199	114,428
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of the period	318,761	112,697
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of the period	$ 264,188	$ 109,403

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments

Cash and cash equivalents from our continuing operations consist of the following as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Cash	$	175,739	$	155,756
Corporate bonds		1,006		—
Money market funds		87,443		163,005
Cash and cash equivalents, unrestricted		264,188		318,761
Restricted cash		12,948		12,564
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	277,136	$	331,325

Restricted cash balances provide securitization for our outstanding letters of credit.

Investments from our continuing operations consist of the following as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

	March 31, 2014
			Gross Unrealized
	Cost		Gain		(Loss)			Fair Value
Short-term investments (available for sale):
Commercial paper	$	15,641	$	—	$	(5	)	$	15,636
Corporate bonds		5,443		—		(7	)		5,436
U.S. Treasury bills		17,253		1		—			17,254
Total short-term investments		38,337		1		(12	)		38,326
Long-term investments (available for sale):
Corporate bonds		8,723		—		(17	)		8,706
Municipal bond		7,850		—		(476	)		7,374
Total long-term investments		16,573		—		(493	)		16,080
Total investments (available for sale)	$	54,910	$	1	$	(505	)	$	54,406

	December 31, 2013
			Gross Unrealized
	Cost		Gain		(Loss)			Fair Value
Short-term investments (available for sale):
U.S. Treasury bills	$	31,591	$	1	$	—		$	31,592
Long-term investments (available for sale):
Municipal bond		7,850		—		(476	)		7,374
Total investments (available for sale)	$	39,441	$	1	$	(476	)	$	38,966

In the table above, unrealized holding gains/(losses) as of March 31, 2014 relate to short-term investments and our long term investment in corporate bonds that have been in a continuous unrealized gain/(loss) position for less than one year. The table also includes unrealized holding losses, greater than one year, that relate to our long-term investment in a municipal bond, which is an auction rate security (“ARS”). When evaluating our investments for possible impairment, we review factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than the cost basis, the financial condition of the investee, and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time that may be sufficient for anticipated recovery in fair value. The unrealized loss attributable to our municipal bond at March 31, 2014 is attributable to the continued lack of activity in the ARS market, exposing this investment to liquidity risk.

Our municipal bond is comprised of debt obligations issued by states, cities, counties and other governmental entities, which earn federally tax-exempt interest. Our investment in ARS has a stated term to maturity of greater than one year, and as such, we classify our investment in ARS as non-current on our unaudited consolidated balance sheets within other assets. Auctions can “fail” when the number of sellers of the security exceeds the buyers for that particular auction period. In the event that an auction fails, the interest rate resets at a rate based on a formula determined by the individual security. The ARS for which auctions have failed continues to accrue interest and is auctioned on a set interval until the auction succeeds, the issuer calls the security, or it matures. As of March 31, 2014, we have determined this investment is at risk for impairment due to the nature of the liquidity of the market over the past year. Cumulative unrealized losses as of March 31, 2014 amount to $0.5 million and are reflected within accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders’ equity. We believe this impairment is temporary, as we do not intend to sell the investment and it is unlikely we will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis.

Fair Value Measurements

FASB ASC Topic 820—Fair Value Measurements establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

As of March 31, 2014, we held investments that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These investments (available-for-sale) consist of commercial paper, corporate bonds and U.S. treasury bills that are publicly traded and for which market prices are readily available, and our investment in a municipal bond. Available for sale securities included in Level 2 are estimated based on observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. As of March 31, 2014, we reclassified our investments in U.S. Treasury bills from Level 1 classification to Level 2. The fair value for these investments was not based on identical assets as of March 31, 2014 which resulted in this reclassification. Our investment in a municipal bond is categorized as Level 3 and fair value is estimated utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis as of March 31, 2014 which considers, among other items, the collateralization underlying the security investment, the credit worthiness of the counterparty, the timing of expected future cash flows, and the expectation of the next time the security is expected to have a successful auction. The auction event for our municipal bond investment has failed for multiple years. This security was also compared, when possible, to other observable market data with similar characteristics.

Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820—Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

	As of March 31, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Commercial paper	$	—	$	15,636	$	—	$	15,636
Corporate bonds		—		14,142		—		14,142
U.S. Treasury bills		—		17,254		—		17,254
Municipal bond		—		—		7,374		7,374
Totals	$	—	$	47,032	$	7,374	$	54,406
	As of December 31, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
U.S. Treasury bills	$	31,592	$	—	$	—	$	31,592
Municipal bond		—		—		7,374		7,374
Totals	$	31,592	$	—	$	7,374	$	38,966

The following table presents a rollforward of our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in FASB ASC Topic 820 for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2013	$	7,374
Unrealized gain (loss)		—
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	7,374

Credit Agreement

During the fourth quarter of 2013, we entered into a $70.0 million Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with BMO Harris Bank N.A., in its capacities as the initial lender and letter of credit issuer thereunder and the administrative agent for the lenders which from time to time may be parties to the Credit Agreement. The revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement is scheduled to mature on June 30, 2016. As of March 31, 2014, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

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Discontinued Operations - Summary Results of Operations for Discontinued Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Benefit from income taxes	$ 0	$ 749	[1]

[1] Due to the valuation allowance against our net deferred taxes, there is no income tax benefit reported for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

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Student Receivables - Changes in Current and Non-Current Receivables Allowance (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Recoveries of amounts previously written off	$ 2.3	$ 2.1

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments from Continuing Operations

Cash and cash equivalents from our continuing operations consist of the following as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

	March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
Cash	$	175,739	$	155,756
Corporate bonds		1,006		—
Money market funds		87,443		163,005
Cash and cash equivalents, unrestricted		264,188		318,761
Restricted cash		12,948		12,564
Total cash and cash equivalents	$	277,136	$	331,325

Investments from Continuing Operations

Investments from our continuing operations consist of the following as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

	March 31, 2014
			Gross Unrealized
	Cost		Gain		(Loss)			Fair Value
Short-term investments (available for sale):
Commercial paper	$	15,641	$	—	$	(5	)	$	15,636
Corporate bonds		5,443		—		(7	)		5,436
U.S. Treasury bills		17,253		1		—			17,254
Total short-term investments		38,337		1		(12	)		38,326
Long-term investments (available for sale):
Corporate bonds		8,723		—		(17	)		8,706
Municipal bond		7,850		—		(476	)		7,374
Total long-term investments		16,573		—		(493	)		16,080
Total investments (available for sale)	$	54,910	$	1	$	(505	)	$	54,406

	December 31, 2013
			Gross Unrealized
	Cost		Gain		(Loss)			Fair Value
Short-term investments (available for sale):
U.S. Treasury bills	$	31,591	$	1	$	—		$	31,592
Long-term investments (available for sale):
Municipal bond		7,850		—		(476	)		7,374
Total investments (available for sale)	$	39,441	$	1	$	(476	)	$	38,966

Investments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis

Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820—Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

	As of March 31, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Commercial paper	$	—	$	15,636	$	—	$	15,636
Corporate bonds		—		14,142		—		14,142
U.S. Treasury bills		—		17,254		—		17,254
Municipal bond		—		—		7,374		7,374
Totals	$	—	$	47,032	$	7,374	$	54,406
	As of December 31, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
U.S. Treasury bills	$	31,592	$	—	$	—	$	31,592
Municipal bond		—		—		7,374		7,374
Totals	$	31,592	$	—	$	7,374	$	38,966

Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

The following table presents a rollforward of our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as defined in FASB ASC Topic 820 for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2013	$	7,374
Unrealized gain (loss)		—
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	7,374