CAREER EDUCATION CORP, S-1/A, 1997-10-31

CAREER EDUCATION CORP
S-1/A, 1997-10-31
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

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<PAGE>

AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 31, 1997

REGISTRATION NO. 333-37601

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

----------------

AMENDMENT NO. 1

TO
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

----------------

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

DELAWARE 610000 39-3932190
(STATE OR OTHER (PRIMARY STANDARD (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
JURISDICTION OF INDUSTRIAL IDENTIFICATION NO.)
INCORPORATION OR CLASSIFICATION CODE NO.)
ORGANIZATION)

2800 WEST HIGGINS ROAD, SUITE 790, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60195, (847) 781-
3600
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

----------------

JOHN M. LARSON
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION
2800 WEST HIGGINS ROAD, SUITE 790, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60195, (847) 781-
3600
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

COPIES TO:
LAWRENCE D. LEVIN, ESQ DENNIS V. OSIMITZ, ESQ.
MARK D. WOOD, ESQ. SIDLEY & AUSTIN
KATTEN MUCHIN & ZAVIS ONE FIRST NATIONAL PLAZA
525 WEST MONROE STREET, SUITE 1600 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60661 (312) 853-7000
(312) 902-5200

----------------

APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box: [_]

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering: [_]

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering: [_]

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box: [_]

----------------

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF +
+ANY SUCH STATE. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997

LOGO

Common Stock

-----------

The shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value (the "Common Stock"), of
Career Education Corporation ("CEC" or the "Company") offered hereby (the
"Offering") are being offered by the Company. Prior to the Offering,
there has been no public market for the Common Stock. It is anticipated
that the initial public offering price will be between $ and
$ per share. For information relating to the factors
considered in determining the initial offering price to the
public, see "Underwriting."

Application will be made to list the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "CECO."

FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION
WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK, SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 8 HEREIN.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERWRITING
PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC COMMISSIONS COMPANY(1)
---------- ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share.................................. $ $ $
Total (2).................................. $ $ $
</TABLE>
- --------------
(1) Before deduction of expenses payable by the Company estimated at
$ .
(2) The Company and certain stockholders of the Company have granted the
Underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this
Prospectus, to purchase a maximum of additional shares from the
Company and a maximum of additional shares from such
stockholders to cover over-allotments of shares. If the option is exercised
in full, the total Price to Public will be $ , Underwriting Discounts and
Commissions will be $ , Proceeds to Company will be $ , and proceeds to
such stockholders will be $ .

The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters when, as
and if delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters and subject to their right
to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that the shares of Common
Stock will be ready for delivery on or about , 1997, against payment in
immediately available funds.

CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON

SMITH BARNEY INC.

ABN AMRO CHICAGO CORPORATION

Prospectus dated , 1997
<PAGE>

[PHOTOGRAPHS AND CAPTIONS TO BE INSERTED HERE]

CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE SECURITIES
OFFERED HEREBY, INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING TRANSACTIONS, SYNDICATE
SHORT COVERING TRANSACTIONS AND PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE
ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."

2
<PAGE>

[FRONT COVER GATEFOLD]
PROGRAMS

[PICTURE]

The fields of Visual Communication and Design Technologies, i.e.,
CADD, Fashion Design and
Merchandising, Interactive/Digital Media, Interior Design,
Internet, Package Design,
Print Media and Broadcasting, are pervasive in our society. With
a focus on providing thorough
knowledge of the techniques used to create and produce all forms
of Visual
Communication, our schools prepare today's graduates to succeed
in these creative fields.What keeps our students at the leading
edge of these technologies is their own creativityand
imagination, coupled with the solid training offered by our
schools.

[PICTURE]

The philosophy of our Business Studies program is to provide
quality education that is
relevant to the job market, implemented by an experienced and
dedicated staff, and
geared to those seeking a solid foundation in knowledge and
skills. Our schools are
driven to developing people for career positions using hands-on
teaching techniques,
externship positions and the latest technologies in a variety of
fields, including the
following: Accounting, Business Administration, Hotel and
Restaurant Management,
Marketing, Office Management, Secretarial, Travel, and Legal
Executive Assistant.
<PAGE>

[FRONT COVER GATEFOLD]
OF STUDY

Our Computer Technologies programs emphasize
the technical training, development, and
preparation necessary for our graduates to
succeed in the various computer technology
fields. Whether it is Computer Programming,
Computer Technical Support, Computer
Information Management, Electronics, Network
Management, PC/LAN or PC/Net, active learning
and real-time training are a primary emphasis
in our facilities.

[PICTURE]

The core of our Culinary
Arts
program is the hands-on
teaching of cooking and
baking skills as well as
the
theoretical knowledge
that
must underlie competency
in
[PICTURE] both fields. It
endeavors to
present students the
different
styles and experiences
of the
school's chefs and
instructors, and to
introduce
students to a wide
variety of
equipment, all of which
will
prepare them for the
area of
the food service or
hospitality industry
they
choose to enter.
<PAGE>

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information and the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes
thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus. Prospective investors should
consider carefully, among other things, the information set forth under "Risk
Factors" in this Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, all information in
this Prospectus (i) reflects the consummation of the Transactions (as defined
under "The Transactions") and (ii) assumes no exercise of the Underwriters'
over-allotment option. See "The Transactions" and "Description of Capital
Stock." As used in this Prospectus, unless the context indicates otherwise, the
terms "Company" and "CEC" refer to Career Education Corporation and its
subsidiaries, including all of their schools and campuses; the term "school"
means a campus or group of campuses known by a single brand name (such as The
Katharine Gibbs Schools or Al Collins Graphic Design School); the term "campus"
means a single location of any school (such as the New York campus of The
Katharine Gibbs Schools or the Al Collins Graphic Design School in Tempe,
Arizona); and the term "institution" means a main campus and its additional
locations, as such are defined under regulations of the United States
Department of Education.

THE COMPANY

Career Education Corporation (the "Company" or "CEC") is one of the largest
providers of private, for-profit postsecondary education in North America, with
more than students enrolled as of October 31, 1997. CEC operates
nine schools, with 18 campuses located in 13 states and two Canadian provinces.
These schools enjoy long operating histories and offer a variety of bachelor's
degree, associate degree and non-degree programs in career-oriented disciplines
within the Company's core curricula of (i) computer technologies, (ii) visual
communication and design technologies, (iii) business studies and (iv) culinary
arts.

CEC was founded in January 1994 by John M. Larson, the Company's President
and Chief Executive Officer, who has over 23 years of experience in the career-
oriented education industry. The Company was formed to capitalize on
opportunities in the large and highly fragmented postsecondary school industry.
Since its inception, CEC has completed nine acquisitions. The Company has
acquired schools that it believes possess strong curricula, leading reputations
and broad marketability but have been undermanaged from a marketing and
financial standpoint. The Company seeks to apply its expertise in operations,
marketing and curricula development, as well as its financial strength, to
improve the performance of these schools. The schools acquired by the Company
and their improved populations are summarized in the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STUDENT POPULATION
AT OCTOBER 31,
YEAR DATE ------------------
SCHOOL FOUNDED ACQUIRED 1996 1997 % INCREASE
------ ------- -------- --------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AL COLLINS GRAPHIC DESIGN SCHOOL
("Collins") 1978 1/94 936 %
BROOKS COLLEGE ("Brooks") 1970 6/94 960
ALLENTOWN BUSINESS SCHOOL
("Allentown") 1869 7/95 781
BROWN INSTITUTE ("Brown") 1946 7/95 1,391
WESTERN CULINARY INSTITUTE
("Western Culinary") 1983 10/96 453
SCHOOL OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
("SCT") (2 campuses) 1967 2/97 902
THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS
("Gibbs") (7 campuses) 1911 5/97 2,920
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MER-
CHANDISING & DESIGN (U.S.)
("IAMD-U.S.") (2 campuses) 1977 6/97 1,207
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MER-
CHANDISING & DESIGN (CANADA)
("IAMD-Canada") (2 campuses) 1983 6/97 1,230
</TABLE>

3
<PAGE>

The Company's success in completing acquisitions and improving the financial
performance of acquired schools has enabled it to achieve rapid growth. Net
revenue has increased from $7.5 million in 1994 to $33.6 million in 1996. For
the first six months of 1997, net revenue was $25.7 million. 1996 pro forma net
revenue, reflecting the results of operations of schools the Company acquired
in 1997, would have been $87.5 million.

BUSINESS AND OPERATING STRATEGY

The Company was founded based upon a business and operating strategy which it
believes has enabled it to achieve significant improvements in the performance
of its acquired schools. The Company believes this strategy will enable it to
continue to capitalize on favorable economic, demographic and social trends
which are driving demand for career-oriented education. These trends include
increasing technological requirements for entry level jobs, growing numbers of
high school students and greater recognition of the value of higher education.
The key elements of this strategy are as follows:

. Focusing on Core Curricula. The Company's schools offer educational
programs principally in four career-related fields of study identified by
the Company as areas with highly interested and motivated students,
strong entry-level employment opportunities and ongoing career and salary
advancement potential.

. Adapting and Expanding Educational Programs. Each of the Company's
schools strives to meet the changing needs of its students and the
employment markets by regularly refining and adapting its existing
educational programs, selectively duplicating successful programs from
other CEC schools and introducing entirely new programs of study.

. Direct Response Marketing. The Company seeks to increase school
enrollment and profitability through intensive local, regional and
national direct response marketing programs specifically crafted for each
school to maximize that school's market penetration.

. Improving Student Retention. The Company focuses substantial attention on
student retention, as modest improvements in student retention rates can
result in meaningful increases in school revenue and profitability. The
Company strives to improve retention by treating students as valued
customers.

. Emphasizing Employment of Graduates. The Company devotes significant
resources to graduate placement efforts because it believes that
maintaining high employment rates for graduates of its schools enhances
the overall reputation of the schools and their ability to attract new
students.

. Making Capital Investments. The Company makes substantial investments in
its facilities and equipment to attract, retain and prepare students for
the increasing technical demands of the workplace.

. Emphasizing School Management Autonomy and Accountability. The Company
provides significant operational autonomy and appropriate performance-
based incentives to its campus-level managers. The Company believes these
policies foster among these managers an important sense of personal
responsibility for achieving campus performance objectives and provide
the Company with a significant advantage in recruiting and retaining
highly-motivated, entrepreneurial individuals.

The Company believes that its application of this strategy has been a major
factor in improving operations at the four schools owned by the Company as of
July 1995: Allentown, Brooks, Brown and Collins. At these schools, the
aggregate student population has increased % over the past two years, from
3,361 at October 31, 1995 to at October 31, 1997. In addition,
approximately 88% of the available 1996 graduates of these schools obtained
employment related to their program of study within six months of graduation.

4
<PAGE>

GROWTH STRATEGY

The Company believes it can achieve superior long-term growth in revenue and
profitability through:

. Expanding Existing Operations. Through the execution of its business and
operating strategy, the Company intends to achieve growth at its existing
campuses.

. Acquiring Additional North American Schools. The Company intends to
continue to acquire schools in the U.S. and Canada that have, among other
things, leading reputations, broad marketability and demonstrated
compliance with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards. The
Company plans to acquire schools which it believes have been undermanaged
and will benefit from the implementation of the Company's business and
operating strategy.

. Establishing New Campuses. The Company expects to open new campuses, most
likely as additional locations of existing institutions, to capitalize on
new markets or geographic regions that exhibit strong enrollment
potential and/or the opportunity to establish a successful school
operation in one of the Company's core curricula areas.

. Entering New Service Areas. The Company plans to develop new services,
such as distance learning (offering educational products and services for
working adults through video, Internet and other distribution channels)
and educational publishing (producing and marketing educational
publications), which the Company believes offer strong long-term growth
potential. Additionally, the Company plans to expand its contract
training operations (providing customized training on a contract basis
for business and government organizations).

. Expanding Internationally. The Company may also acquire or establish
operations outside North America where the Company believes significant
opportunities exist.

CEC was incorporated in Delaware on January 5, 1994. CEC's principal
executive offices are located at 2800 West Higgins Road, Suite 790, Hoffman
Estates, Illinois 60195 and its telephone number is (847) 781-3600. The address
of the Company's web site is http://www.careered.com. Web sites for most of the
Company's schools can be accessed through hyperlinks at the Company's web site.

THE OFFERING

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Common Stock offered............... shares
Common Stock to be outstanding
after the Offering................ shares (1)
Use of proceeds.................... Repayment of certain indebtedness, payment
of dividends on Preferred Stock and general
corporate purposes, including capital
expenditures, possible future acquisitions
of schools and working capital. See "Use of
Proceeds."
Proposed Nasdaq National Market
symbol............................ CECO
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Excludes (i) shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise
of outstanding options and (ii) an aggregate of shares of Common
Stock reserved for issuance under the Career Education Corporation 1995
Stock Option Plan, the Career Education Corporation 1997 Employee Incentive
Compensation Plan, the Career Education Corporation 1997 Non-Employee
Directors' Stock Option Plan and the Career Education Corporation 1998
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (collectively, the "Stock Plans"). See
"Management--Stock Plans" and "Description of Capital Stock."

5
<PAGE>

SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

The following table sets forth certain consolidated financial and other
operating data for the Company. This information should be read in conjunction
with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing
elsewhere in this Prospectus. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated
Financial Data" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, 1996 JUNE 30, JUNE 30, 1997
----------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ------------------
PRO PRO
FORMA AS FORMA AS
PRO ADJUSTED PRO ADJUSTED
1994(1) 1995 1996 FORMA(2) (2)(3) 1996 1997 FORMA(2) (2)(3)
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------- --------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Revenue:
Tuition and
registration fees,
net................... $ 5,794 $ 16,330 $ 29,269 $79,640 $ $12,716 $ 23,073 $47,794 $
Other, net............. 1,692 3,066 4,311 7,836 2,074 2,579 3,901
------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------
Total net revenue.... 7,486 19,396 33,580 87,476 14,790 25,652 51,695
Depreciation and
amortization (4)....... 980 1,344 2,179 10,602 973 2,109 5,482
Income (loss) from
operations............. (1,455) 390 2,375 (523) 91 1,511 989
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item..... (1,589) 69 1,495 (5,487) (134) 316 (1,612)
Extraordinary loss (5).. -- -- -- -- -- 418 --
------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)....... (1,589) 69 1,495 (5,487) (134) (102) (1,612)
======= ======== ======== ======= ======= ======= ======== ======= =======
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item
attributable to common
stockholders (6)....... (1,982) (804) 137 (5,487) (806) (693) (1,612)
======= ======== ======== ======= ------- ======= ======== ======= -------
Net income (loss)
attributable to common
stockholders (5)(6).... (1,982) (804) 137 (806) (1,111)
======= ======== ======== ======= ======= ======== =======
Pro forma income (loss)
before extraordinary
item(7)................ $ 1,495 $(5,487) $ $ 316 $(1,612) $
======== ======= ======= ======== ======= =======
Pro forma income (loss)
before extraordinary
item per share
attributable to common
stockholders (7)(8).... $ $ $ $ $ $
======== ======= ======= ======== ======= =======
OTHER DATA:
EBITDA (9).............. $ (475) $ 1,741 $ 4,563 $10,087 $ $ 1,072 $ 3,627 $ 6,478 $
EBITDA margin (9)....... (6.3)% 9.0% 13.6% 11.5% % 7.2% 14.1% 12.5% %
Cash flow provided by
(used in):
Operating activities... (1,000) 235 5,275 570 (2,797) (4,170)
Investing activities... (2,372) (3,478) (9,518) (365) (38,192) (2,321)
Financing activities... 6,014 4,566 8,076 (1,703) 42,936 126
Capital expenditures,
net.................... 153 897 1,231 365 482 (2,321)
Student population (10). 1,131 3,361 4,537 10,780 2,273 7,697 7,697
Number of campuses (11). 2 4 5 18 4 18 18
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, 1997
----------------------------
PRO
FORMA AS
PRO ADJUSTED
ACTUAL FORMA(12) (12)(13)
-------- --------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents.................................................... $ 9,745 $ 9,745 $
Working capital.............................................................. 3,750 3,750
Total assets................................................................. 100,767 100,767
Long-term debt, net of current maturities.................................... 47,651 47,651
Redeemable preferred stock and warrants...................................... 32,989 --
Total stockholders' investment............................................... 1,088 34,077
</TABLE>

6
<PAGE>

- --------
(1) Commencing January 5, 1994, the date of the Company's incorporation.
(2) Gives effect to the Company's acquisitions of Western Culinary, SCT, Gibbs,
IAMD-U.S. and IAMD-Canada and the Transactions (as defined under "The
Transactions"), as if they had occurred at the beginning of each period
presented. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Data."
(3) Gives effect to the sale of shares of Common Stock offered
hereby, at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share,
and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom as described in
"Use of Proceeds," as if they had occurred as of the beginning of each
period presented. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial
Data."
(4) Amount includes depreciation of property and equipment, amortization of
goodwill, student contracts and covenants not to compete and excludes the
amortization of debt discount.
(5) Represents the extraordinary loss of $418, net of a $233 tax benefit,
resulting from the early extinguishment of debt during the six months ended
June 30, 1997. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements.
(6) Includes reductions to income (loss) before extraordinary item for
dividends paid or added to the redemption value of preferred stock, and the
accretion to redemption value of preferred stock and warrants. See Note 2
of the Notes to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
(7) For the year ended December 31, 1996 and the six months ended June 30,
1997, pro forma income (loss) before extraordinary item is derived by
eliminating the effect of dividends paid or accrued on preferred stock and
the accretion to redemption value of preferred stock and warrants from
historical income (loss) before extraordinary item attributable to common
stockholders.
(8) Pro forma weighted average number of common and common stock equivalent
shares outstanding totaling and at December 31, 1996 and June
30, 1997, respectively, include the dilutive effect of (i) actual Common
Stock outstanding, (ii) options and warrants issued during the last 12
months, (iii) common stock equivalents and (iv) shares of Common
Stock to be issued upon the Transactions and assumes that
shares (representing the approximate number of shares which are being sold
by the Company at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per
share to fund the estimated Dividend Payment (as defined under "Use of
Proceeds") of $2,100) of the Common Stock being offered by the Company
hereby were outstanding during the periods indicated. Pro forma as adjusted
weighted average number of common and common stock equivalent shares
outstanding totaling and at December 31, 1996 and June 30, 1997,
respectively, also include shares of Common Stock issued in the
Offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $ in order to
repay indebtedness as described in "Use of Proceeds," as if the Offering
had occurred as of January 1, 1996. See "The Transactions" and "Use of
Proceeds."
(9) For any period, EBITDA equals earnings before interest expense, taxes,
depreciation and amortization (including amortization of debt discount),
and EBITDA margin equals EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue. EBITDA and
EBITDA margin are presented because the Company believes they allow for a
more complete analysis of the Company's results of operations. EBITDA and
EBITDA margin should not be considered as alternatives to, nor is there any
implication that they are more meaningful than, any measure of performance
or liquidity as promulgated under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
("GAAP").
(10) Represents the total number of students attending the Company's schools
(a) in the case of each full year, as of October 31, or (b) for the six
months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997, as of June 30.
(11) Represents the total number of campuses operated by the Company as of the
end of the period.
(12) Gives effect to the Transactions.
(13) As adjusted to give effect to the sale of shares of Common
Stock offered hereby at an assumed initial public offering price of $
per share, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and
commissions and offering expenses, and the application of the net proceeds
therefrom as described in "Use of Proceeds."

7
<PAGE>

RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus, the
following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating the
Company and its business before purchasing any shares of Common Stock offered
hereby. This Prospectus contains certain forward-looking statements that are
based on the beliefs of, as well as assumptions made by and information
currently available to, the Company's management. The words "believe,"
"anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect" and similar expressions are
intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but are not the
exclusive means of identifying such statements. Such statements reflect the
current views of the Company or its management and are subject to certain
risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to, those set
forth in the following Risk Factors. Should one or more of these risks or
uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect,
the Company's actual results, performance or achievements in 1997 and beyond
could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-
looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly
any revisions to any such forward-looking statements that may reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this Prospectus.

DEPENDENCE ON FINANCIAL AID; POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS OF REGULATION

Students attending the Company's schools finance their education through a
combination of family contributions, individual resources (including earnings
from full or part-time employment) and government-sponsored financial aid. The
Company estimates that over 71% of the students at its U.S. schools receive
some government-sponsored (federal or state) financial aid. For the 1996-97
award year (July 1, 1996 to June 30, 1997), approximately 81% of the Company's
U.S. tuition and fee revenue was derived from some form of such financial aid
received by the students of its schools. In addition, students attending IAMD-
Canada receive government-sponsored financial aid. A reduction in U.S. or
Canadian government funding levels could lead to lower enrollments at the
Company's schools and require the Company to seek alternative sources of
financial aid for students enrolled at its schools. If student enrollments are
lowered or such alternative sources can not be arranged, the Company's
business, results of operations and financial condition would be adversely
affected.

U.S. Financial Aid and Regulation

The Company and its U.S. schools are subject to extensive regulation by
federal and state governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular,
the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the "HEA"), and the regulations
promulgated thereunder by the United States Department of Education (the
"DOE") subject the Company's U.S. schools to significant regulatory scrutiny
on the basis of numerous standards that schools must satisfy in order to
participate in the various federal student financial assistance programs under
Title IV of the HEA (the "Title IV Programs"). Under the HEA and its
implementing regulations, certain of these standards must be complied with on
an institutional basis. For purposes of these standards, the regulations
define an institution as a main campus and its additional locations (formerly
referred to as branch campuses), if any. Under this definition, each of the
Company's U.S. campuses is a separate institution, except for The Katharine
Gibbs School in Piscataway, New Jersey, which is an additional location of The
Katharine Gibbs School in Montclair, New Jersey, and the School of Computer
Technology in Fairmont, West Virginia, which is an additional location of the
School of Computer Technology in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Among other things,
the standards under the HEA and its implementing regulations with which the
Company's U.S. institutions must comply: (i) require each institution to
maintain a rate of default by its students on federally guaranteed or funded
student loans that is below a specified rate, (ii) limit the proportion of an
institution's revenue that may be derived from the Title IV Programs, (iii)
establish certain financial responsibility and administrative capability
standards, (iv) restrict the ability of an institution or its parent
corporation to engage in certain types of transactions that would result in a
change in ownership and control of that institution or corporation, (v)
prohibit the payment of certain incentives to personnel engaged in student
recruiting and admissions activities related to educational programs eligible
for Title IV Program funds and (vi) require certain short-term educational
programs to achieve stringent completion and placement outcomes in order to be
eligible for Title IV Program funds. Under the rule concerning the

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limitation on the amount of revenue that may be derived from the Title IV
Programs, commonly referred to as the "85/15 Rule," an institution would be
disqualified from participation in those programs if more than 85% of its
revenue in any fiscal year was derived from the Title IV Programs. The Company
has calculated that, since this requirement took effect in 1995, none of the
Company's U.S. institutions has derived more than 82% of its revenue from the
Title IV Programs for any fiscal year, and that for 1996 the range for the
Company's U.S. institutions was from approximately 52% to approximately 82%.
The Company is required to engage an independent auditor to conduct a
compliance review of each U.S. institution's Title IV Program operations and
to submit the results of such audits to the DOE on an annual basis. The
Company has complied with its obligations in this regard on a timely basis.
Based upon the most recent annual compliance audits of the Company's U.S.
institutions and upon other reviews and audits by independent and governmental
entities relating to compliance with the requirements established by the HEA
and the regulations thereunder, the Company's institutions have been found to
be in substantial compliance with the requirements for participating in the
Title IV Programs, and the Company believes that its institutions continue to
be in substantial compliance with those requirements. However, the DOE has
asserted that the Company and certain of its institutions are not in
compliance with certain financial responsibility requirements, as further
discussed in "Company Compliance with Financial Responsibility Standards"
below. Further, the DOE has raised a question regarding the method used to
determine Federal Family Education Loan ("FFEL") eligibility for students
enrolled in the Evening Legal Executive Assistant Program at The Katharine
Gibbs School, Boston, Massachusetts ("Gibbs-Boston"). While communication with
the DOE indicates that the DOE now agrees with the method used by the Company,
a final determination has not yet been made. If the DOE does not agree with
the Company's interpretation of the relevant regulation, it could impose
liability or take other administrative action against Gibbs-Boston, which
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of
operations and financial condition. See "Financial Aid and Regulation."

In addition, because the DOE periodically revises its regulations (e.g., the
DOE is expected in the near future to propose new regulations with respect to
financial responsibility standards) and changes its interpretation of existing
laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that the DOE will agree with
the Company's understanding of each Title IV Program requirement.

The HEA mandates specific regulatory responsibilities for each of the
following components of the higher education regulatory triad: (i) the federal
government through the DOE; (ii) the non-governmental accrediting agencies
recognized by the DOE (see "--Accreditation"); and (iii) state postsecondary
education regulatory bodies (see "--State Authorization"). As in the case of
the HEA and its implementing regulations, the regulations, standards and
policies of the accrediting and state education regulatory bodies frequently
change, and changes in, or new interpretations of, applicable laws,
regulations or standards could have a material adverse effect on the schools'
accreditation, authorization to operate in various states, permissible
activities, receipt of funds under the Title IV Programs or costs of doing
business. The Company's failure to maintain or renew any required regulatory
approvals, accreditations or authorizations could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial
condition. See "Financial Aid and Regulation--Federal Oversight of the Title
IV Programs--Increased Regulatory Scrutiny."

In the event of a determination by the DOE that one of the Company's
institutions had improperly disbursed Title IV Program funds, the affected
institution could be required to repay those funds and could be assessed an
administrative fine of up to $25,000 per violation of the Title IV Program
requirements. In addition, the DOE could transfer that institution from the
"advance" system of payment of Title IV Program funds, under which an
institution requests and receives funding from the DOE in advance based on
anticipated needs, to the "reimbursement" system of payment, under which an
institution must disburse funds to students and document their eligibility for
Title IV Program funds before receiving funds from the DOE or from FFEL
lenders. Violations of the Title IV Program requirements could also subject an
institution or the Company to sanctions under the False Claims Act as well as
other civil and criminal penalties. The failure by any of the Company's
institutions to comply with applicable federal, state or accrediting agency
requirements could result in the limitation, suspension or termination of that
institution's ability to participate in the Title IV Programs or the

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<PAGE>

loss of state licensure or accreditation. Any such event could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial
condition. There are no proceedings for any such purposes pending against any
of the Company's institutions, and the Company has no reason to believe that
any such proceeding is contemplated. See "Financial Aid and Regulation--
Federal Oversight of the Title IV Programs."

Risk of Legislative Action

The Title IV Programs are subject to significant political and budgetary
pressures. The process of reauthorizing the HEA by the U.S. Congress, which
takes place every five years, has begun and is expected to be completed in
1998. It is not possible to predict the outcome of the reauthorization
process. Although there is no present indication that the Congress will
decline to reauthorize the Title IV Programs, there can be no assurance that
government funding for the Title IV Programs will continue to be available or
maintained at current levels. A reduction in government funding levels could
lead to lower enrollments at the Company's schools and require the Company to
seek alternative sources of financial aid for students enrolled in its
schools. Given the significant percentage of the Company's revenue that is
indirectly derived from the Title IV Programs, the loss of or a significant
reduction in Title IV Program funds available to students at the Company's
schools could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, there can be no assurance that current requirements for student
and institutional participation in the Title IV Programs will be unchanged or
that one or more of the present Title IV Programs will not be replaced by
other programs with materially different student or institutional eligibility
requirements. Numerous changes to the HEA have been proposed by the DOE and
other parties. Thus, the reauthorization process could result in revisions to
the HEA that increase the compliance burden on the Company's institutions. For
example, the DOE has circulated proposals to amend the HEA as follows: (i) to
require all vocational programs of up to one year in length to establish a 70%
completion and placement rate; (ii) to modify cohort default rate threshold
provisions so that they apply with respect to the Federal Perkins Loan
("Perkins") program; and (iii) to require each institution that appeals high
cohort default rates to post surety and be liable for loans and related costs
if the institution's appeal is not successful. If the Company cannot comply
with the provisions of the HEA, as revised during the reauthorization process,
or if the cost of such compliance is excessive, the Company's business,
results of operations and financial condition would be materially adversely
affected. The DOE has also circulated proposals that would impact guaranty
agencies and lenders which could impact the access of the Company's
institutions and their students to FFEL program loans. Such proposals include,
among other things, (i) requiring FFEL lenders to offer extended and graduated
payment plans for borrowers and (ii) raising the level of lender risk-sharing
from two to five percent. There can be no assurance that any legislation
resulting from the DOE's current proposals will not include statutory language
that is different from, or in addition to, that which is currently being
proposed by the DOE or that in the future there will not be enacted other
different legislation amending the HEA or otherwise impacting institutions,
guaranty agencies or lenders.

Student Loan Defaults

The Company is substantially dependent on continued participation by its
institutions in the student loan programs included in the Title IV Programs.
For the 1996-97 award year (July 1, 1996 to June 30, 1997), federally
guaranteed or funded student loans represented approximately 55% of the
Company's U.S. tuition and fee revenue. Under the HEA, an institution could
lose its eligibility to participate in some or all of the Title IV Programs if
the defaults of its students on their FFEL or William D. Ford Federal Direct
Loan ("FDL") loans exceed specified rates for specified periods of time. An
institution's annual cohort default rate on FFEL or FDL loans, including a
"weighted average" cohort default rate for institutions that participate in
both loan programs, is calculated as the rate at which borrowers scheduled to
begin repayment on such loans in one year default on those loans by the end of
the following year. If an institution's cohort default rate is 25% or greater
in any one of the three most recent federal fiscal years, the DOE may
determine that the institution lacks administrative capability and may place
that institution on "provisional certification" status for up to four years.
Provisional

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<PAGE>

certification does not limit an institution's access to Title IV Program
funds, but does subject that institution to closer review by the DOE and
possible summary adverse action if that institution commits violations of the
Title IV Program requirements. If an institution has cohort default rates of
25% or greater for three consecutive federal fiscal years, that institution
will no longer be eligible to participate in the FFEL or FDL programs for the
remainder of the federal fiscal year in which the determination of
ineligibility is made and for the two subsequent federal fiscal years. An
institution whose cohort default rate for any federal fiscal year exceeds 40%
may have its eligibility to participate in all of the Title IV Programs
limited, suspended or terminated. In addition, if an institution's cohort
default rate for loans under the Perkins program exceeds 15% for any federal
award year, the DOE may determine that the institution lacks administrative
capability and place the institution on provisional certification status for
up to four years. See "Financial Aid and Regulation--Federal Oversight of the
Title IV Programs--Cohort Default Rates."

None of the Company's institutions has published FFEL or FDL cohort default
rates of 25% or greater for three consecutive federal fiscal years, and none
has a published FFEL or FDL cohort default rate of 25% or greater for federal
fiscal year 1994, which is the most recent year for which rates have been
published. Two of the Company's institutions have had a cohort default rate
exceeding 25% in one of the last three federal fiscal years for which such
rates have been published. One of the Company's institutions, The Katharine
Gibbs School, Norwalk, Connecticut ("Gibbs-Norwalk"), has a "prepublication"
cohort default rate of 27.1% for federal fiscal year 1995. Such prepublication
cohort default rate will be subject to revision by the DOE at the time that
final rates are officially published, which is expected to occur in the fall
of 1997. The Company has reviewed the data with which the federal fiscal year
1995 prepublication cohort default rate for Gibbs-Norwalk was calculated and,
pursuant to DOE regulations, has filed the necessary documents to seek certain
corrections in such data, but the Company expects the cohort default rate for
Gibbs-Norwalk to exceed 25% when published as official. Nine of the Company's
institutions have Perkins cohort default rates in excess of 15% for students
who were scheduled to begin repayment in the 1996-1997 federal award year, the
most recent year for which such rates have been calculated. These institutions
are Allentown, Brown, Collins, Gibbs-Boston, Gibbs-Melville, Gibbs-Montclair,
Gibbs-New York, Gibbs-Norwalk and Gibbs-Providence, which collectively
accounted for approximately 59% of the Company's 1996 pro forma net revenue,
reflecting the Company's acquisitions of Western Culinary, SCT, Gibbs, IAMD-
U.S. and IAMD-Canada as if they had occurred as of January 1, 1996 ("1996 Pro
Forma Net Revenue"). The Perkins program cohort default rates for these nine
institutions ranged from 20.7% to 64.3%. Thus, these institutions could be
placed on provisional certification status, which would subject them to closer
review by the DOE and possible summary adverse action if they commit any
violation of the Title IV Program requirements. To date, none of these
institutions has been placed on such status solely for this reason. In 1995,
the Gibbs institutions voluntarily chose to discontinue their participation in
the Perkins program. The loss of eligibility to participate in any or all of
the Title IV Programs by any of the Company's institutions could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and
financial condition.

Financial Responsibility Standards

The HEA and its implementing regulations establish specific standards of
financial responsibility that must be satisfied in order to qualify for
participation in the Title IV Programs. Under such standards, an institution
must: (i) have an acid test ratio (defined as the ratio of cash, cash
equivalents and current accounts receivable to current liabilities) of at
least 1:1 at the end of each fiscal year, (ii) have a positive tangible net
worth at the end of each fiscal year and (iii) not have a cumulative net
operating loss during its two most recent fiscal years that results in a
decline of more than 10% of the institution's tangible net worth at the
beginning of that two-year period. In order to make this determination, the
DOE requires an institution annually to submit audited financial statements
prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles ("GAAP"). The DOE may measure an institution's financial
responsibility on the basis of the financial statements of the institution
itself or the financial statements of the institution's parent company, and
may also consider the financial condition of any other entity related to the
institution. In reviewing the Company's acquisitions in the last 12 months, it
has been the DOE's practice to measure financial responsibility on the basis
of the financial statements of both the acquired institutions and the Company.
In 1996, the DOE issued proposed

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<PAGE>

regulations that, if promulgated, would significantly revise the present
financial responsibility requirements, primarily by replacing the three
separate numeric ratios described above with a composite figure based on three
new ratio calculations. The DOE has not yet issued new regulations in final
form, but has stated its intent to do so by December 1, 1997 and to make the
new regulations effective July 1, 1998.

An institution that is determined by the DOE not to meet the standards of
financial responsibility on the basis of failing to meet one or more of the
specified numeric indicators is nonetheless entitled to participate in the
Title IV Programs if it can demonstrate to the DOE that it is financially
responsible on an alternative basis. An institution may do so by posting
surety, either in an amount equal to 50% (or greater, as the DOE may require)
of the total Title IV Program funds received by students enrolled at such
institution during the prior year or in an amount equal to 10% (or greater, as
the DOE may require) of such prior year's funds if the institution also agrees
to transfer to the reimbursement system of payment for its Title IV Program
funds. The DOE has interpreted this surety condition to require the posting of
an irrevocable letter of credit in favor of the DOE. Alternatively, an
institution may demonstrate, with the support of a statement from a certified
public accountant and other information specified in the regulations, that it
was previously in compliance with the numeric standards and that its continued
operation is not jeopardized by its financial condition. See "Financial Aid
and Regulation--Federal Oversight of the Title IV Programs--Financial
Responsibility Standards."

Company Compliance with Financial Responsibility Standards

In its review of the Company's annual financial statements and interim
balance sheets, as filed with the DOE in connection with the Company's
applications for DOE certification of institutions acquired subsequent to
September 1996 to allow such institutions to participate in the Title IV
Programs, the DOE has questioned whether the Company's financial statements
are acceptable and therefore an authoritative basis upon which to determine
the Company's financial responsibility under the applicable DOE regulations.
Specifically, the DOE has questioned the Company's accounting for certain
direct marketing costs and courseware and other instructional materials.
Further, the DOE has asserted that the Company did not satisfy the 1:1 acid
test ratio based on its fiscal 1996 financial statements. The audited
financial statements included in this Registration Statement have been
restated to expense as incurred all direct marketing and advertising costs
which had previously been deferred. This change in accounting method is
disclosed in the audit opinion and footnotes to the financial statements and
is permitted in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 20.

In lieu of accepting the Company's previously filed 1996 audited financial
statements, the DOE has offered the Company the alternative of posting an
irrevocable letter of credit in favor of the Secretary of Education with
respect to each institution the Company has acquired since September 1996 in a
sum sufficient to secure the DOE's interest in the Title IV Program funds
administered by the applicable institution. While the Company continues to
disagree with the position taken by the DOE, in order to obtain certification
of the institutions to resume participation in the Title IV Programs in a
timely fashion, and thus to avoid any material interruption in Title IV
Program funding for the acquired institutions, the Company has posted and
currently has outstanding a letter of credit in the amount of $1.9 million,
which expires on September 30, 1998, with respect to Western Culinary, and a
letter of credit in the amount of $800,000, with an expiration date of July
31, 1998, with respect to SCT.

The Company has agreed to the DOE's directive, dated September 9, 1997, to
submit a letter of credit in the amount of $15.2 million, to expire on October
31, 1998, with respect to the six Gibbs institutions. Consequently, the six
Gibbs institutions were certified to resume participation in the Title IV
Programs as of October 1, 1997, and the Company must post the letter of credit
with the DOE no later than November 9, 1997. In addition, the Company is
considering the DOE's request to increase, no later than November 15, 1997,
the letter of credit with respect to SCT by $721,000 in order to maintain
SCT's eligibility to participate in the Title IV Programs. Further, upon the
DOE's request, the Company is prepared to post an additional letter of credit
with respect to IAMD-U.S., which the Company estimates will be in the range of
$3.0 million to $5.0 million, in order to reestablish the eligibility of the
two IAMD-U.S. institutions to participate in the Title IV Programs in the near
future.

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The original letters of credit for Western Culinary and SCT represented 50%
of each institution's Title IV Program funding in the prior award year. In
September 1997, the DOE increased the level of surety for SCT to, and
established the level of surety of Gibbs at, 100% of the Title IV Program
funds that students enrolled at each such institution received in the previous
award year. Beginning in September 1997, the DOE has imposed a condition that,
for up to the next 12 months, SCT and Gibbs may not disburse Title IV Program
funds in excess of the sum secured by the applicable letter of credit for each
institution. The DOE has advised the Company that the same conditions will
apply to the IAMD-U.S. institutions, and any other institutions that the
Company may acquire prior to a determination by the DOE that the Company
satisfies the standards of financial responsibility when such institutions
apply for recertification to participate in the Title IV Programs.

As a result of the DOE's requirement that the Company provide letters of
credit to secure the participation of newly acquired CEC institutions in the
Title IV Programs, the Company will have to utilize approximately $22.6
million of availability under its credit agreement. In addition, if the DOE
limits the aggregate dollar value of the Title IV Program participation of
SCT, Gibbs and IAMD-U.S. to the amount of the letter of credit posted with
respect to each such institution, such a limitation could significantly reduce
the Company's ability to provide financial assistance to additional students
at those institutions, which in turn could reduce the Company's ability to
enroll such additional students. The inability of the Company to significantly
increase aggregate enrollment at the newly-acquired institutions could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and
financial condition and on its ability to generate sufficient liquidity to
continue to fund growth in its operations and purchase other institutions. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operation--Liquidity and Capital Resources."

Subsequent to the October 1, 1997 certification of the Gibbs institutions
and the restoration of their participation in the Title IV Programs, the
Company and the DOE continue negotiations regarding the size and terms of the
sureties to allow for growth in the Company's operations. Therefore, before
the Company is required to post the expanded surety for SCT or any surety for
Gibbs and IAMD-U.S., agreement may be reached to provide for a material
reduction in the amounts and terms of such sureties and to provide a mechanism
to allow the Company to utilize additional Title IV Program funds in the event
of increased enrollments. However, there can be no assurance as to the outcome
of such continued negotiations.

As a result of the Offering, the Company expects to receive net proceeds of
approximately $ , which will significantly enhance the Company's
financial position. See "Use of Proceeds." The Company believes that such
proceeds and the cash expected to be generated from operations during the
remainder of 1997 will enable the Company and each of its U.S. subsidiaries to
present audited 1997 financial statements which will satisfy each of the DOE's
standards of financial responsibility, including the acid test ratio and
tangible net worth test. Applicable law and regulations require the DOE to
consider only an institution's most recent audited annual financial statements
in making a determination of the institution's financial responsibility.
Accordingly, the Company intends to seek the DOE's review of its audited 1997
financial statements on an expedited basis in the spring of 1998. Once the DOE
has determined that the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries satisfy each of the
DOE's standards of financial responsibility, applicable law and regulations
require the DOE to release the Company from the requirement that it post the
sureties described above and from the limitations on Title IV Program funding
in excess of the surety amounts. However, there can be no assurance that the
DOE will expedite its review of the Company's 1997 financial statements, or of
the outcome of such review.

Under a separate standard of financial responsibility, if an institution has
made late Title IV Program refunds to students in its prior two years, the
institution is required to post a letter of credit in favor of the DOE in an
amount equal to 25% of the total Title IV Program refunds paid by the
institution in its prior fiscal year. Based on this standard, since July 1,
1997, the Company has posted a total of $310,000 in additional letters of
credit with respect to Brown, Collins, Gibbs-Montclair, Gibbs-New York, SCT
and Western Culinary. As of July 1, 1997, this standard has been modified to
exempt an institution if it has not been found to make late refunds to 5% or
more of its students in either of the two most recent fiscal years and has not
been cited for a reportable condition or material weakness in its internal
controls related to late refunds in either of its two most recent fiscal
years. The Company believes that its institutions satisfy this modified
standard and intends to allow its current letters of credit for late refunds
to expire without further action.

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State Authorization

In order to operate and award degrees, diplomas and certificates and to
participate in the Title IV Programs, a campus must be licensed or authorized
to offer its programs of instruction by the relevant agency of the state in
which such campus is located. Each state has its own standards and
requirements for licensure or authorization, which vary substantially among
the states. Typically, state laws require that a campus demonstrate that it
has the personnel, resources and facilities appropriate to its instructional
programs. Each of the Company's U.S. campuses is licensed or authorized by the
relevant agency of the state in which such campus is located. If any of the
Company's campuses were to lose its state license or authorization, such
campus would lose its eligibility to participate in the Title IV Programs,
which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results
of operations and financial condition. See "Financial Aid and Regulation--
State Authorization."

Accreditation

In order to participate in the Title IV Programs, an institution must be
accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the DOE. Accreditation is a
non-governmental process through which an institution submits to qualitative
review by an organization of peer institutions, based on the standards of the
accrediting agency and the stated aims and purposes of the institution. The
three types of accrediting agencies are (i) national accrediting agencies,
which accredit institutions on the basis of the overall nature of the
institutions without regard to their locations, (ii) regional accrediting
agencies, which accredit institutions located within their geographic areas,
and (iii) specialized accrediting agencies, which accredit specific
educational programs offered by an institution. An accrediting agency
primarily examines the academic quality of an institution's educational
programs, as well as the institution's administrative and financial
operations. Certain states require institutions to maintain accreditation as a
condition of continued authorization to grant degrees. The HEA specifies
certain standards that each accrediting agency must utilize in reviewing
institutions in order for such accrediting agency to be recognized by the DOE.
Each of the Company's U.S. institutions is accredited by an accrediting agency
recognized by the DOE, namely, the Accrediting Council for Independent
Colleges and Schools ("ACICS"), the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools
and Colleges of Technology ("ACCSCT"), and the Accrediting Commission for
Community and Junior Colleges/Western Association of Schools and Colleges
("WASC/ACCJC"). If any of the Company's campuses were to lose its
accreditation, such school would lose its eligibility to participate in the
Title IV Programs, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, results of operations and financial condition. See "Financial Aid
and Regulation--Accreditation."

The HEA requires accrediting agencies recognized by the DOE to review many
aspects of an institution's operations to ensure that the education or
training offered by the institution is of sufficient quality to achieve, for
the duration of the accreditation period, the stated objective for which the
education or training is offered. Under the HEA, a recognized accrediting
agency must perform regular inspections and reviews of institutions of higher
education, including unannounced site visits to institutions, such as the
Company's schools, that provide career-oriented education and training. An
accrediting agency may place an institution on "reporting" status in order to
monitor one or more specified areas of the institution's performance. An
institution placed on reporting status is required to report periodically to
its accrediting agency on that institution's performance in the specified
areas. While on reporting status, an institution may be limited in opening and
commencing instruction at new locations without first receiving a waiver from
its accrediting agency.

Regulatory Consequences of a Change of Ownership or Control

When the Company expands through the acquisition of an institution that is
eligible to participate in the Title IV Programs, that institution undergoes a
"change of ownership" that results in a "change of control," as defined in the
HEA and applicable regulations. In such event, that institution becomes
ineligible to participate in the Title IV Programs and may receive and
disburse only previously committed Title IV Program funds to its students
until it has applied for and received from the DOE recertification under the
Company's ownership. Approval of an application for recertification must be
based upon a determination by the DOE that the institution under its new
ownership is in compliance with the requirements of institutional eligibility.
The time required to

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<PAGE>

act on such an application can vary substantially and may take several months.
If an institution is recertified following a change of ownership, it will be
on a provisional basis. Provisional certification does not limit an
institution's access to Title IV Program funds, but does subject that
institution to closer review by the DOE and possible summary adverse action if
that institution commits violations of the Title IV Program requirements.

Each of the U.S. institutions acquired by the Company, other than IAMD-U.S.,
has undergone a recertification review under the Company's ownership and has
been recertified to participate in the Title IV Programs in accordance with
the DOE's change of ownership requirements and procedures. The DOE recertified
such institutions within periods ranging from two and one-half to five months
from the dates of their respective acquisitions. Of the U.S. institutions that
have been recertified, 11 are presently participating in the Title IV Programs
under provisional certification. With respect to IAMD-U.S., the Company has
submitted to the DOE the application of IAMD-U.S. for recertification to
participate in the Title IV Programs under the Company's ownership. IAMD-U.S.
is waiting to receive such recertification so that it can resume its
participation in the Title IV Programs.

Under the HEA and its implementing regulations, a change of ownership
resulting in a change in control would occur upon the transfer of a
controlling interest in the voting stock of an institution or such
institution's parent corporation. For a corporation such as the Company that
is, prior to the Offering, neither publicly traded nor closely held (as
defined under the HEA), a change of ownership resulting in a change in control
would occur if any person either acquires or ceases to hold at least 25% of
such corporation's total outstanding voting stock and that person gains or
loses actual control of the corporation. With respect to a publicly-traded
corporation, which the Company will be following consummation of the Offering,
a change of ownership resulting in a change in control occurs when there is an
event that would obligate that corporation to file a Current Report on Form 8-
K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") disclosing a
change of control. A change of ownership and control also could require an
institution to reaffirm its state authorization and accreditation. The
requirements of state and accrediting agencies with jurisdiction over the
Company's schools vary widely in this regard. See "Financial Aid and
Regulation--Federal Oversight of the Title IV Programs--Restrictions on
Acquiring or Opening Additional Schools and Adding Educational Programs."

If the Offering were determined to constitute a change of ownership
resulting in a change in control, the Company would be required to reestablish
the state authorization and accreditation of each of its U.S. campuses and
apply to the DOE to reestablish the certification of each of its institutions
to participate in the Title IV Programs. Based upon its review of the HEA,
applicable federal regulations and applicable state and accrediting agency
standards, the Company does not believe that the Offering will constitute a
change of ownership resulting in a change in control for purposes of the HEA
or a change of ownership and control for state authorization or accreditation
purposes, except as identified immediately below. The Offering will constitute
a change of ownership under the standards of ACICS, which provide that a
change from a privately owned corporation to a publicly traded corporation is
considered a change of ownership. As a result, ten of the Company's U.S.
institutions will be subject to review by ACICS to reaffirm their
accreditation. Also, ACCSCT will treat the Offering as a substantive change
that requires its review. In addition, the Offering will constitute a change
of ownership under the standards of the State of Arizona where the transfer of
20% or more of the stock of an institution or its parent corporation is
considered a change of ownership, so that the Company will be required to
reestablish the license of Collins. A significant delay in reobtaining or the
failure to reobtain state authorization, accreditation or Title IV Program
certification for any or all of the Company's institutions could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and
financial condition.

Once the Company is deemed to be publicly traded, the potential adverse
implications of a change of ownership resulting in a change in control could
influence future decisions by the Company and its stockholders regarding the
sale, purchase, transfer, issuance or redemption of the Company's capital
stock.

Canadian Financial Aid and Regulation

The Company estimates that approximately 81% of the students attending IAMD-
Canada receive student financial assistance from Canadian federal and/or
provincial financial aid programs. The total financial assistance

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received from all Canadian sources in 1996 exceeded 78% of the revenue of
IAMD-Canada and 7% of the Company's 1996 Pro Forma Net Revenue. Specifically,
Canadian students, other than those who reside in the province of Quebec, are
eligible to receive loans under the Canada Student Loan ("CSL") program.
Students who are residents of the province of Quebec are eligible to receive
loans from the Quebec Loans and Bursaries Program ("QLBP"). Students who are
residents of the province of Ontario receive financial assistance under both
the CSL program and the Ontario Student Loans Plan ("OSLP").

With respect to students who reside in the province of Ontario, the Ministry
of Education and Training ("MET") provides financial assistance to eligible
students through the Ontario Student Assistance Program ("OSAP"), which
includes two main components, the CSL program and the OSLP program. To
maintain its right to administer OSAP, an institution, such as the IAMD-Canada
campus in Toronto, must, among other things, be registered and in good
standing under the Private Vocational Schools Act ("PVSA") and abide by the
rules, regulations and administrative manuals of the CSL, OSLP and other OSAP-
related programs. During the first two years of initial eligibility, the
institution must have its administration of OSAP independently audited, and
full eligibility will not be granted unless these audits establish that the
institution has properly administered OSAP. The institution can only
administer CSL funds, and cannot administer OSLP funds, until it has gained
full eligibility. Once an institution has gained OSAP eligibility, the
institution must advise MET before it takes any material action that may
result in its failure or inability to meet any rules, regulations or
requirements related to OSAP.

An institution cannot automatically acquire OSAP-designation through
acquisition of other OSAP-eligible institutions. When there is a change of
ownership, including a change in controlling interest, in a non-incorporated
OSAP-eligible institution, MET will require evidence of the institution's
continued capacity to properly administer the program before extending OSAP
designation to the new owner. The Company does not believe that the Offering
will be considered a change of ownership for purposes of OSAP. Given that MET
periodically revises its regulations and other requirements and changes its
interpretations of existing laws and regulations, there can be no assurance
that MET will agree with the Company's understanding of each MET requirement.

IAMD-Canada, in Toronto, is required to audit its OSAP administration
annually, and MET is authorized to conduct its own audits of the
administration of the OSAP programs by any OSAP-eligible institution. The
Company has complied with these requirements on a timely basis. Based on the
most recent annual compliance audits of IAMD-Canada, in Toronto, that
institution has been found to be in substantial compliance with the
requirements of OSAP and the Company believes that it continues to be in
substantial compliance with these requirements. MET has the authority to take
any measures it deems necessary to protect the integrity of the administration
of OSAP. If MET deems a failure to comply to be minor, MET will advise the
institution of the deficiency and provide the institution with the opportunity
to remedy the asserted deficiency. If MET deems the failure to comply to be
serious in nature, MET has the authority to: (i) condition the institution's
continued OSAP designation upon the institution's meeting specific
requirements during a specific time frame, (ii) refuse to extend the
institution's OSAP eligibility to the OSLP program, (iii) suspend the
institution's OSAP designation or (iv) revoke the institution's OSAP
designation. In addition, when MET determines that any non-compliance in an
institution's OSAP administration is serious, MET has the authority to
contract with an independent auditor, at the expense of the institution, to
conduct a full audit in order to quantify the deficiencies and to require
repayment of all loan amounts. In addition, MET may impose a penalty up to the
amount of the damages assessed in the independent audit.

As noted above, IAMD-Canada, in Toronto, is subject to the PVSA. The Company
may not operate a private vocational school in the province of Ontario unless
such school is registered by the Superintendent under the PVSA. Upon payment
of the prescribed fee and satisfaction of the conditions prescribed by the
regulations under the PVSA and by the Private Vocational School Unit of the
MET, an applicant or registrant such as IAMD-Canada, in Toronto, is entitled
to registration or renewal of registration to conduct or operate a private
vocational school unless the institution fails to meet certain general
criteria concerning financial responsibility and conduct of the institution's
operations. IAMD-Canada, in Toronto, is currently registered under the PVSA,
and the

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Company does not believe that there will be any impediment to renewal of such
registration on an annual basis. If a corporation is convicted of violating
the PVSA or the regulations under the PVSA, the maximum penalty that may be
imposed on the corporation is $25,000.

The PVSA provides that a "registration" is not transferable. However, the
Private Vocational Schools Unit of the MET takes the position that a purchase
of shares of a private vocational school does not invalidate the school's
registration under the PVSA. The Company does not believe that the Offering
will invalidate the registration of IAMD-Canada, in Toronto.

As noted above, students who reside in the province of Quebec are eligible
to receive funds under the QLBP subject to certain student eligibility
criteria. Under this program, student financial assistance is initially
provided in the form of a loan. In addition, IAMD-Canada, in Quebec, is
subject to the Act Respecting Private Education ("ARPE"). In accordance with
ARPE, a company may not operate a private educational institution without
holding a permit issued by the Minister of Education ("Minister") for the
institution itself and for the educational services to be provided. The
Minister will issue the permit after consulting with the Commission
Consultative de l'Enseignement Prive concerning the particular institution and
the educational services to determine if such institution and services meet
certain conditions. Permits cannot be transferred without the written
authorization of the Minister, and any entity holding a permit must advise the
Minister of any amalgamation, sale or transfer affecting such entity. The
Minister, after consultation with the Commission, has the authority to modify
or revoke a permit where the holder of the permit, among other things: (i)
does not comply with the conditions, restrictions or prohibitions relating to
the institution or (ii) is, or is about to become, insolvent.

The legislative, regulatory and other requirements relating to student
financial assistance programs in Ontario and Quebec are subject to change by
applicable governments due to political and budgetary pressures, and any such
change may affect the eligibility for student financial assistance of the
students attending IAMD-Canada which, in turn, could materially adversely
affect the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY; RISKS OF INTEGRATING ACQUISITIONS

The Company was incorporated in January 1994 and has grown rapidly since
that date. Although all the Company's current schools have been in existence
for substantial periods of time, the Company itself has only a limited
operating history upon which to evaluate the Company and its prospects.
Particularly since 13 of the Company's 18 campuses have been acquired in 1997,
the Company's campuses have operated together, as parts of a combined entity,
for a very limited period of time. Although comprised of individuals with
substantial education industry experience, the Company's senior executive team
has somewhat limited experience in managing the Company's schools. In
addition, the Company's rapid growth could place a strain on the Company's
management, operations, employees and resources. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to maintain or accelerate its current growth
rate, effectively manage its expanding operations or achieve planned growth on
a timely or profitable basis. If the Company is unable to manage its growth
effectively, its business, results of operations, financial condition and
regulatory compliance could be materially adversely affected.

The anticipated benefits of the Company's most recent acquisitions may not
be achieved unless the Company successfully integrates these schools into its
operations and is able to effectively manage, market and apply its business
strategy to these schools. The difficulties of integration may initially be
increased by the necessity of integrating personnel with disparate business
backgrounds and corporate cultures. Management's focus on the integration of
acquired companies and on the application of the Company's business strategy
to these schools could interrupt, or cause loss of momentum in, other ongoing
activities of the Company, which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, results of operations, financial condition and regulatory
compliance. See "Business--Overview."

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RELIANCE ON AND RISKS OF ACQUISITION STRATEGY

The Company expects to continue to rely on acquisitions as a key component
of its strategy for growth. There can be no assurance that the Company will
continue to be able to identify educational institutions that provide suitable
acquisition opportunities or to acquire any such institutions on favorable
terms. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that any acquired institutions
can be successfully integrated into the Company's operations or be operated
profitably. Acquisitions involve a number of special risks and challenges,
including the diversion of management's attention, assimilation of the
operations and personnel of acquired companies, adverse short-term effects on
reported operating results, possible loss of key employees and difficulty of
presenting a unified corporate image. Continued growth through acquisition may
also subject the Company to unanticipated business or regulatory uncertainties
or liabilities. No assurance can be given that any potential acquisition will
succeed in enhancing the Company's business and will not ultimately have a
material adverse effect on the Company. See "Business--Growth Strategy."

When the Company acquires an existing school, a significant portion of the
purchase price for such school typically will be allocated to goodwill and
intangibles (e.g., non-competition agreements). The Company amortizes goodwill
over a period of 40 years and intangible assets over periods of three to five
years. In addition, the Company's acquisition of a school would constitute a
change in ownership, resulting in a change of control with respect to such
school for purposes of eligibility to participate in the Title IV Programs.
Generally, the Company intends to acquire schools subject to the condition
that they be recertified promptly for such eligibility by the DOE. The failure
of the Company to manage its acquisition program effectively could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations,
financial condition and regulatory compliance. See "--Dependence on Financial
Aid; Potential Adverse Effects of Regulation--Regulatory Consequences of a
Change of Ownership or Control," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Financial Aid and
Regulation--Federal Oversight of the Title IV Programs--Restrictions on
Acquiring or Opening Additional Schools and Adding Educational Programs."

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH EXPANSION PLANS

Although to date the Company has added new schools only through
acquisitions, in the future the Company expects to develop, open and operate
new schools, most likely as additional locations of existing schools, but
possibly also as entirely separate, freestanding institutions. Establishing
new schools would pose unique challenges and require the Company to make
investments in management, capital expenditures, marketing expenses and other
resources different, and in some cases greater, than those required with
respect to the operation of acquired schools. In addition, in order to open a
new school, the Company would be required to obtain appropriate state or
provincial and accrediting agency authorizations and approvals. In addition,
to be eligible for Title IV Program funding, such schools would need federal
authorization and approvals. In the case of entirely separate, freestanding
U.S. institutions, a minimum of two years' operating history would be required
for them to be eligible for Title IV Program funding. Because the Company has
not yet established a new school, there can be no certainty as to the
Company's ability to be successful in any such endeavor or as to the ultimate
profitability of any such school. Additionally, while the Company expects that
its career-oriented school business will continue to provide the substantial
majority of its revenue in the near term, the Company plans to expand its
contract training business, currently only offered to a limited extent by a
few of the Company's schools, and may also decide to provide other education-
related services, such as distance learning or educational publishing. There
can be no assurance as to what, if any, new service areas the Company will
decide to enter nor as to the Company's ability to succeed in markets beyond
its current career-oriented school business. Any failure of the Company to
effectively manage the operations of newly established schools or service
areas, or any diversion of management's attention from the Company's core
career-oriented school operating activities, could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, results of operations, financial condition
and regulatory compliance. See "Business--Growth Strategy" and "Financial Aid
and Regulation--Federal Oversight of the Title IV Programs-- Restrictions on
Acquiring or Opening Additional Schools and Adding Educational Programs." The
Company may also consider acquiring or establishing operations outside of the
United States and Canada. See "--Risks of International Operations."

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RISK ASSOCIATED WITH CHANGES IN MARKET NEEDS AND TECHNOLOGY

Prospective employers of graduates of the Company's schools increasingly
demand that their entry-level employees possess appropriate technological
skills. Educational programs at these schools, particularly programs in
computer technologies and visual communications, must keep pace with such
shifting requirements. The inability of the Company to adequately respond to
changes in industry requirements for whatever reason could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial
condition.

SEASONALITY

The Company's results of operations fluctuate primarily as a result of
changes in the level of student enrollment at the Company's schools. The
Company's schools experience a seasonal increase in new enrollments in the
fall, traditionally when the largest numbers of new high school graduates
begin postsecondary education. Furthermore, although the Company encourages
year-round attendance at all schools, Brooks has a traditional summer break
for its fashion design and interior design students. As a result of these
factors, total student enrollment and net revenue are typically highest in the
fourth quarter (October through December) and lowest in the second quarter
(April through June) of the Company's fiscal year. The Company's costs and
expenses do not, however, fluctuate as significantly on a quarterly basis. The
Company anticipates that these seasonal trends at its schools will continue.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations--Seasonality."

COMPETITIVE MARKET

The postsecondary education market is highly competitive. The Company's
schools compete with traditional public and private two-year and four-year
colleges and universities and other proprietary schools. Certain public and
private colleges and universities, as well as other private career-oriented
schools, may offer programs similar to those of the Company's schools.
Although tuition at private nonprofit institutions is, on average, higher than
tuition at CEC's schools, some public institutions are able to charge lower
tuition than CEC's schools, due in part to government subsidies, government
and foundation grants, tax-deductible contributions and other financial
sources not available to proprietary schools. Some of the Company's
competitors in both the public and private sectors have substantially greater
financial and other resources than the Company. See "Business--Competition."

RISKS OF INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

Although the Company's operations have thus far been limited to the U.S. and
Canada, the Company intends to explore opportunities outside those markets.
There may be difficulties and complexities associated with any expansion by
the Company into international markets, and there can be no assurance that the
Company's strategies will succeed beyond the U.S. and Canada. International
operations present inherent risks, including currency fluctuations, varying
political and economic conditions, unanticipated changes in regulation, trade
barriers, staffing and management problems and adverse tax consequences. Also,
in expanding internationally, the Company would be required to comply with
different, and potentially more onerous, regulatory requirements. There can be
no assurance that such factors will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, results of operations or financial condition in the
future. See "Business--Growth Strategy."

OWNERSHIP AND SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE OF PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

After consummation of the Offering, Heller Equity Capital Corporation
("Heller"), Electra Investment Trust P.L.C. and Electra Associates, Inc.
(collectively, "Electra"), and the current executive officers and directors of
the Company, collectively, will own approximately % of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock (approximately % if the Underwriters' over-
allotment option is exercised in full). As a result of such concentration of
ownership, if Heller, Electra and the current executive officers and directors
of the Company, or some combination thereof, vote together, they will have the
ability to control the policies and affairs of the Company and corporate
actions requiring stockholder approval, including the election of all members
of the

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<PAGE>

Company's Board of Directors. This concentration of ownership could have the
effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the
Company, including any business combination with an unaffiliated party, and
could also affect the price that investors might be willing to pay in the
future for shares of Common Stock. See "Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management" and "Description of Capital Stock."

FUTURE CAPITAL NEEDS

The Company believes that funds from operations, cash on hand and
investments, and borrowings under the $80 million credit agreement, dated as
of May 30, 1997 and amended as of September 25, 1997 (the "Credit Agreement"),
among the Company, as borrower, the lenders named therein and LaSalle National
Bank, as agent, together with the net proceeds of the Offering, will be
adequate to fund the Company's current operating plans for the foreseeable
future. However, the Company may need additional debt or equity financing in
order to carry out its strategy of growth through acquisition. The amount and
timing of financing which the Company may need will vary principally depending
on the timing and size of acquisitions and the sellers' willingness to provide
financing themselves. To the extent that the Company requires additional
financing in the future and is unable to obtain such additional financing, it
may not be able to implement fully its growth strategy. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--
Liquidity and Capital Resources."

DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL

The Company's success to date has depended in large part on the skills and
efforts of John M. Larson, the Company's co-founder, President and Chief
Executive Officer, William A. Klettke, the Company's Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer, and the Company's other key personnel. Additionally,
the Company's success depends, in large part, upon its ability to attract and
retain highly qualified faculty, school presidents and administrators and
corporate management. Due to the nature of the Company's business, it may be
difficult to locate and hire qualified personnel, and to retain such personnel
once hired. None of the Company's employees is subject to an employment or
noncompetition agreement other than Mr. Larson and Lawrence Gross, the
Company's Managing Director of Operations--Canadian School Group. The loss of
the services of Mr. Larson, Mr. Klettke or any of the Company's other key
personnel, or the failure of the Company to attract and retain other qualified
and experienced personnel on acceptable terms, could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial
condition. See "Management."

NO PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK

Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Common Stock
and there can be no assurance that an active trading market will develop or be
sustained after the Offering. The initial public offering price for the Common
Stock will be determined by negotiations between the Company and the
Underwriters, based upon several factors, and may not be indicative of the
price that will prevail in the public market. There can be no assurance that
the market price of the Common Stock will not decline from the initial public
offering price. After consummation of the Offering, the market price of the
Common Stock will be subject to fluctuations in response to a variety of
factors, including quarterly variations in the Company's operating results,
announcements of acquisitions by the Company or its competitors, new
regulations or interpretations of regulations applicable to the Company's
schools, changes in accounting treatments or principles and changes in
earnings estimates by securities analysts, as well as general political
economic and market conditions. The market price for the Common Stock may also
be affected by the Company's ability to meet or exceed analysts' or "street"
expectations, and any failure to meet such expectations, even if minor, could
have a material adverse effect on the market price of the Common Stock. In
addition, the stock market has from time to time experienced significant price
and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices of
equity securities of certain companies and that have often been unrelated to
the operating performance of such companies. In the past, following periods of
volatility in the market price of a company's securities, securities class
action litigation has often been instituted against such a company. Any such
litigation initiated against the Company could result in substantial costs and
a diversion of management's attention and resources, which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and
financial condition. See "Underwriting."

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ANTITAKEOVER EFFECTS OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAW PROVISIONS

Upon consummation of the Offering, the Company's Board of Directors will
have the authority to issue up to shares of undesignated preferred
stock and to determine the price, rights, preferences, privileges and
restrictions, including voting rights, of those shares without any further
vote or action by the Company's stockholders. The rights of the holders of
Common Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights
of the holders of any preferred stock that may be issued in the future. The
issuance of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in
connection with possible financings, acquisitions and other corporate
purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party
to acquire a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the Company. The
Company has no present plans to issue such shares of preferred stock. Further,
certain provisions of the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws and of Delaware law could delay
or make more difficult a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving the
Company. See "Description of Capital Stock."

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

The sale of a substantial number of shares of Common Stock, or the
perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing
market prices for the Common Stock. Upon consummation of the Offering, the
Company will have a total of shares of Common Stock outstanding,
of which the shares offered hereby will be eligible for immediate
sale in the public market without restriction unless such shares are held by
"affiliates" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 144 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The remaining
shares of Common Stock outstanding upon completion of the
Offering will be "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144 under
the Securities Act (the "Restricted Shares"), and of such
Restricted Shares will be subject to lock-up agreements (the "Lock-Up
Agreements") under which the holders of such shares agree that they will not,
directly or indirectly, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common
Stock, or securities or other rights convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for any shares of Common Stock, for 180 days after the date of the
Offering without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation. An additional shares of Common Stock are issuable at
various dates upon exercise of options heretofore granted to certain
employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company pursuant to
stock option agreements. Upon expiration of the Lock-Up Agreements (or earlier
upon the consent of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation), of
the currently outstanding Restricted Shares will be eligible for sale under
Rule 144, subject to volume and other limitations of such rule. An additional
Restricted Shares will then be eligible for sale without any
volume or other limitations pursuant to Rule 144(k). Subject to the Lock-Up
Agreements, the holders of Restricted Shares of Common Stock also
have been accorded registration rights under the Securities Act. No prediction
can be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of shares, or the
availability of shares for future sales, will have on the market price of the
Common Stock prevailing from time to time or on the Company's ability to raise
capital through an offering of its equity securities. See "Description of
Capital Stock," "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and "Underwriting."

IMMEDIATE AND SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION

The initial public offering price of the Common Stock offered hereby is
substantially higher than the net book value of the currently outstanding
Common Stock. Therefore, purchasers of the Common Stock offered hereby will
experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value
of the Common Stock. See "Dilution."

ABSENCE OF DIVIDENDS

The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends or distributions
on its common stock. The Company currently intends to retain its earnings to
finance future growth and therefore does not anticipate paying any cash
dividends on the Common Stock in the foreseeable future. See "Dividend
Policy."

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THE TRANSACTIONS

The Company's outstanding capital stock currently consists of (i) four
classes of common stock: Class A Voting Common Stock, $.01 par value (the
"Class A Common Stock"); Class B Voting Common Stock, $.01 par value (the
"Class B Common Stock"); Class C Non-voting Common Stock, $.01 par value (the
"Class C Common Stock"); and Class E Non-voting Common Stock, $.01 par value
(the "Class E Common Stock") (the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock,
Class C Common Stock and Class E Common Stock are collectively referred to as
the "Existing Common Stock"); and (ii) three classes of Preferred Stock:
Preferred Stock, Series A, $.01 par value (the "Series A Preferred Stock");
Preferred Stock, Series C, $.01 par value (the "Series C Preferred Stock");
and Preferred Stock, Series D, $.01 par value (the "Series D Preferred Stock")
(the Series A Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock and Series D Preferred
Stock are collectively referred to as the "Existing Preferred Stock").

Prior to the consummation of the Offering, (i) all Existing Common Stock
will be converted into Class A Common Stock (which Class A Common Stock will
become shares of Common Stock after the Certificate Amendment, as
defined below); (ii) all outstanding warrants to purchase Class D Non-voting
Common Stock, $.01 par value (the "Class D Common Stock"), and Class E Common
Stock (collectively, the "Warrants") will be exercised (the "Warrant
Exercise") for an aggregate of shares of Class D Common Stock
(which Class D Common Stock will become shares of Common Stock
after the Certificate Amendment) and shares of Class E Common Stock
(which Class E Common Stock will become shares of Common Stock
after the Certificate Amendment), respectively; and (iii) the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company shall be amended to
provide, among other things, for (a) only two classes of capital stock,
consisting of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, (b) the
conversion of all shares of Existing Common Stock into Common Stock at the
rate of shares of Common Stock for every share of Existing Common
Stock and (c) the conversion of each Existing Preferred Stock into Common
Stock at a rate determined by dividing the liquidation value of the shares of
Existing Preferred Stock by the initial public offering price of the Common
Stock in the Offering (the "Preferred Stock Conversion") (the "Certificate
Amendment" and, together with the Warrant Exercise, the "Transactions"). The
consummation of the Offering and the Transactions are conditioned upon one
another.

PENDING ACQUISITION

On September 26, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the
Los Angeles Culinary Institute ("LA Culinary") from Chefs Unlimited, Inc.
Student population at LA Culinary currently is approximately 80 students. The
cash purchase price for the proposed LA Culinary acquisition will not be
material to the Company and will be provided by borrowings under the Credit
Agreement. The completion of the proposed LA Culinary acquisition is subject
to a number of conditions, including approval by the California Council for
Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. There can be no assurance as
to when the proposed LA Culinary acquisition will be completed, if at all.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the shares of Common Stock
offered by the Company hereby, after deduction of the estimated underwriting
discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company, are
estimated to be approximately $ million, assuming an initial public
offering price of $ per share (approximately $ million if the
Underwriters exercise in full the over-allotment option granted to them by the
Company and certain of its stockholders). The Company intends to use
approximately $29.4 million of its net proceeds from the Offering to repay the
outstanding revolving credit borrowings under the Credit Agreement (based upon
amounts outstanding as of June 30, 1997), approximately $4.1 million to repay
the remaining aggregate outstanding indebtedness on notes payable to the
former shareholders of IAMD-U.S. and IAMD-Canada, approximately $2.1 million
to pay the liquidation value of accrued paid-in-kind dividends on certain of
its Existing Preferred Stock (based upon dividends accrued as of June 30,
1997) (the "Dividend Payment") and the remaining approximately $ million
for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures, possible
future acquisitions of schools and working capital. From time to time, the
Company is involved in the evaluation of, and discussions with, possible
acquisition candidates, although the Company currently has no agreements,
commitments or understandings with respect to any acquisitions, other than the
Company's proposed LA Culinary acquisition. See "Pending Acquisition."

The outstanding revolving credit borrowings under the Credit Agreement
(including borrowings under a predecessor credit agreement refinanced through
borrowings under the Credit Agreement) were incurred by the Company in
connection with its acquisitions of Gibbs, IAMD-U.S. and IAMD-Canada. Interest
is payable by the Company on outstanding obligations under the Credit
Agreement at various rates, as defined in the Credit Agreement (see
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources"), and these obligations are
scheduled to mature on May 31, 2002. The notes payable to the former
shareholders of IAMD-U.S. and IAMD-Canada were issued by the Company in
connection with the acquisitions of these schools, bear interest at a rate of
7% per annum and mature on June 30, 2001. The notes payable to IAMD-U.S. and
IAMD-Canada are subject to mandatory repayment upon consummation of the
Offering.

If the Underwriters exercise the over-allotment option granted to them by
the Company and certain of its stockholders (the "Selling Stockholders"), the
Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares sold by the
Selling Stockholders. See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management."

DIVIDEND POLICY

The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends or distributions
on the Existing Common Stock. The Company does not anticipate paying cash
dividends or other distributions on the Common Stock in the foreseeable
future, but intends instead to retain any future earnings for reinvestment in
its business. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the
discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will be dependent upon the
Company's financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and
such other factors as the Company's Board of Directors deems relevant. The
Company is prohibited from paying any dividends on the Common Stock under the
terms of the Credit Agreement.

23
<PAGE>

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth the Company's cash and cash equivalents and
capitalization (long-term debt plus stockholders' equity) (i) as of June 30,
1997, (ii) pro forma to reflect the Transactions and (iii) pro forma as
adjusted to reflect the Transactions and the sale by the Company of
shares of Common Stock offered hereby at an assumed initial public offering
price of $ per share, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and
commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company, and the application
of the net proceeds therefrom to repay certain indebtedness and for the
Dividend Payment as described under "Use of Proceeds." The information set
forth below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the financial
statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, 1997
------------------------------
PRO FORMA
ACTUAL PRO FORMA AS ADJUSTED
------- --------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents....................... $ 9,745 $ 9,745 $
======= ======= =======
Long-term debt, net of current maturities....... $47,651 $47,651 $
Redeemable preferred stock:
Series A Preferred Stock, $.01 par value,
50,000 shares authorized,
7,852 shares outstanding, at redemption
value, including $1,911 of unpaid dividends
(1).......................................... 9,763 --
Series C Preferred Stock, $.01 par value,
5,000 shares authorized,
4,954 shares outstanding, at redemption
value, including $0 of unpaid dividends (1).. 4,217 --
Series D Preferred Stock, $.01 per value,
25,000 shares authorized,
22,500 shares outstanding, at redemption
value, including $159 of unpaid dividends
(1).......................................... 17,717 --
Redeemable warrants:
Exercisable into 23,636 shares of Class D
Common Stock................................. 1,032 --
Exercisable into 3,514 shares of Class E
Common Stock................................. 260 --
Stockholders' investment:
Common Stock, $.01 par value, 1,100,000 shares
authorized;
81,898 shares issued and outstanding,
including 5,250 shares of Class A Common
Stock, 5,100 shares of Class B Common Stock,
69,900 shares of Class C Common Stock, no
shares of Class D Common Stock and 1,648
shares of Class E Common Stock, actual;
shares issued and outstanding, pro
forma and as adjusted (2).................... 1 1
Warrants...................................... 4,788 --
Additional paid-in capital.................... 60 37,837
Accumulated deficit........................... (3,761) (3,761)
------- ------- -------
Total stockholders' investment.............. 1,088 34,077
------- ------- -------
Total capitalization........................ $81,728 $81,728 $
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Pursuant to the Preferred Stock Conversion, shares of
Preferred Stock will be converted into shares of Common
Stock.
(2) Does not include as of June 30, 1997 (i) shares of Common Stock
issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options at a weighted average
exercise price of $ per share and (ii) shares of Common
Stock reserved for issuance under the Stock Plans (as defined under
"Management--Stock Plans"). See "Management--Stock Plans," "Description of
Capital Stock" and Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.

24
<PAGE>

DILUTION

The net tangible book value of the Company as of June 30, 1997, after giving
effect to the Transactions, was approximately $ , or $
per share of Common Stock. Net tangible book value per share represents the
amount of total tangible assets of the Company reduced by the amount of its
total liabilities and divided by the total number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding. After giving effect to the sale of the shares of
Common Stock offered hereby at an assumed initial public offering price of
$ per share, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and
commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company, the pro forma net
tangible book value of the Company as of June 30, 1997 would have been
approximately $ , or $ per share of Common Stock. This
represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $ per
share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $ per
share to new stockholders. The following table illustrates this per share
dilution:

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Assumed initial public offering price per share......... $
Net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 1997.. $
Increase per share attributable to pro forma
adjustments...........................................
--------
Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of June
30, 1997...............................................
Increase per share attributable to new stockholders.....
Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of June
30, 1997 after the Offering............................
--------
Dilution per share to new stockholders.................. $
========
</TABLE>

The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of June 30, 1997,
the difference between the existing stockholders and new investors with
respect to the number of shares of Common Stock purchased from the Company,
the total consideration paid to the Company and the average price per share
paid (before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and
offering expenses payable by the Company):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES
PURCHASED TOTAL CONSIDERATION AVERAGE
--------------- --------------------- PRICE
NUMBER PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT PER SHARE
------- ------- ---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Existing stockholders....... % $ % $
New investors............... $
------- ----- ---------- ---------
Total................... 100.0% $ 100.0%
======= ===== ========== =========
</TABLE>

The foregoing calculations do not give effect to, as of June 30, 1997, (i)
shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding
warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $ per share and (ii)
shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding
options at a weighted average exercise price of $ per share. To the
extent any such options and warrants are exercised, there will be further
dilution to new investors. See "Capitalization," "Management--Stock Plans,"
"Description of Capital Stock" and Note 15 of the Notes to the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements.

25
<PAGE>

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of
operations of the Company give effect to (1) the acquisitions of Western
Culinary, SCT, Gibbs, IAMD-U.S. and IAMD-Canada (the "Acquisitions"), (2) the
Transactions (as defined under "The Transactions") and (3) the sale by the
Company of shares of Common Stock in the Offering and the
application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom to repay certain
indebtedness and for the Dividend Payment as set forth under "Use of
Proceeds," as if they had occurred at the beginning of each period presented.

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for
the year ended December 31, 1996 reflects the audited statements of operations
of the Company, the unaudited historical statement of operations of SCT,
Gibbs, IAMD-U.S. and IAMD-Canada for the year then ended and the unaudited
historical statement of operations of Western Culinary for the nine months and
21 days ended October 21, 1996. The results of Western Culinary's operations
from the date of its acquisition, October 21, 1996, have been included in the
Company's historical financial statements. The unaudited pro forma condensed
consolidated statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 1997
includes the audited statements of operations of the Company and the unaudited
historical statements of operations of IAMD-U.S. and IAMD-Canada for the six
months ended June 30, 1997, of SCT for the two months ended February 28, 1997
and of Gibbs for the five months ended May 31, 1997. The historical results of
operations of SCT and Gibbs have been included in the Company's financial
statements subsequent to the dates of their acquisition. For the purpose of
preparing the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of
operations only, the historical statements of operations for IAMD-Canada
described above were translated from Canadian dollars (IAMD-Canada's
functional currency) to U.S. dollars at the approximate average exchange rate
for the respective periods.

The unaudited pro forma financial data are a presentation of historical
results with accounting and other adjustments. The unaudited pro forma
financial data do not reflect the effects of any of the anticipated changes to
be made by the Company in its operations from the historical operations, are
presented for informational purposes only and should not be construed to be
indicating (i) the results of operations or the financial position of the
Company that actually would have occurred had the Acquisitions, the
Transactions and the Offering been consummated as of the dates indicated or
(ii) the results of operations or the financial position of the Company in the
future.

The unaudited pro forma financial data reflect the Acquisitions using the
purchase method of accounting. The acquired assets and liabilities of Western
Culinary, SCT, Gibbs, IAMD-U.S. and IAMD-Canada are stated at values
representing a preliminary allocation of the purchase cost based upon
estimated fair market values at the dates of acquisition. The final purchase
accounting allocations will be determined based upon final appraised values
and are not expected to differ significantly from the estimates used herein.

The following unaudited pro forma financial data and accompanying notes are
qualified in their entirety by reference to, and should be read in conjunction
with, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations," the financial statements and notes thereto of CEC, IAMD-U.S.
and
IAMD-Canada and the other historical financial information included elsewhere
in this Prospectus.

26
<PAGE>

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HISTORICAL
----------------------------------------------------
WESTERN
CULINARY
(THROUGH
OCTOBER 21, IAMD- IAMD- PRO FORMA OFFERING
CEC 1996) SCT GIBBS U.S. CANADA ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS
------- ----------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ----------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue:
Tuition and
registration
fees, net......... $29,269 $4,297 $6,206 $25,831 $6,404 $7,633 $ $79,640 $
Other, net........ 4,311 304 9 2,932 226 54 7,836
------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- -------
Total net
revenue......... 33,580 4,601 6,215 28,763 6,630 7,687 87,476
Operating Expenses:
Educational
services and
facilities........ 14,404 697 2,063 11,085 2,970 2,479 33,698
General and
administrative.... 14,623 3,476 3,807 14,730 3,508 4,566 (1,011)(1) 43,699
Depreciation and
amortization...... 2,178 18 205 2,235 478 430 5,058 (2)(3) 10,602
------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- -------
Total operating
expenses........ 31,205 4,191 6,075 28,050 6,956 7,475 4,047 87,999
Income (loss)
from operations. 2,375 410 140 713 (326) 212 (4,047) (523)
Interest expense... 672 1 55 1,038 107 145 2,946 (4) 4,964 (8)
------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- -------
Income (loss)
before provision
(benefit) for
income taxes.... 1,703 409 85 (325) (433) 67 (6,993) (5,487)
Provision (benefit)
for income taxes... 208 164 34 -- (173) 27 (260)(5) -- (5)
------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- -------
Net Income (Loss).. 1,495 245 51 (325) (260) 40 (6,733) (5,487)
Dividends paid or
accrued on
preferred stock... (1,128) -- -- -- -- -- 1,128 (6)(11) --
Accretion to
redemption value
of preferred
stock and
warrants.......... (230) -- -- -- -- -- 230 (6)(11) --
------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)
attributable to
common
stockholders....... $ 137 $ 245 $ 51 $ (325) $ (260) $ 40 $(5,375) $(5,487) $
======= ====== ====== ======= ====== ====== ======= ======= =======
Net income (loss)
per share
attributable to
common
stockholders....... $
=======
Weighted average
number of shares
outstanding........ (7) (9)
======= =======
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
AS ADJUSTED
FOR THE
OFFERING
---------------
<S> <C>
Revenue:
Tuition and
registration
fees, net......... $
Other, net........
---------------
Total net
revenue.........
Operating Expenses:
Educational
services and
facilities........
General and
administrative....
Depreciation and
amortization......
---------------
Total operating
expenses........
Income (loss)
from operations.
Interest expense...
---------------
Income (loss)
before provision
(benefit) for
income taxes....
Provision (benefit)
for income taxes...
---------------
Net Income (Loss)..
Dividends paid or
accrued on
preferred stock... --
Accretion to
redemption value
of preferred
stock and
warrants.......... --
---------------
Net income (loss)
attributable to
common
stockholders....... $
===============
Net income (loss)
per share
attributable to
common
stockholders....... $
===============
Weighted average
number of shares
outstanding........ (7)(9)
===============
</TABLE>

27
<PAGE>

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HISTORICAL
---------------------------------------------
SCT GIBBS PRO FORMA
(THROUGH (THROUGH AS ADJUSTED
FEBRUARY 28, MAY 31, IAMD- IAMD- PRO FORMA OFFERING FOR THE
CEC 1997) 1997) U.S. CANADA ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS OFFERING
------- ------------ -------- ------ ------ ----------- --------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue:
Tuition and
registration fees,
net................... $23,073 $1,155 $11,606 $4,119 $7,841 $ $47,794 $ $
Other, net............ 2,579 -- 1,222 63 37 3,901
------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Total net revenue... 25,652 1,155 12,828 4,182 7,878 51,695
Operating Expenses:
Educational services
and facilities........ 11,090 408 5,029 1,966 3,007 21,500
General and
administrative........ 10,942 1,071 6,078 2,091 3,542 23,724
Depreciation and
amortization.......... 2,109 6 901 387 649 1,430 (1)(2) 5,482
------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Total operating
expenses............ 24,141 1,485 12,008 4,444 7,198 1,430 50,706
Income (loss) from
operations.......... 1,511 (330) 820 (262) 680 (1,430) 989
Interest expense....... 985 7 242 103 324 940 (3) 2,601 (7)
------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Income (loss) before
provision for income
taxes............... 526 (337) 578 (365) 356 (2,370) (1,612)
Provision (benefit) for
income taxes........... 210 (135) 231 (146) 142 (302)(4) -- (4)
------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Income (Loss) before
extraordinary item..... 316 (202) 347 (219) 214 (2,068) (1,612)
Dividends on
preferred stock....... (738) -- -- -- -- 738 (5) --
Accretion to
redemption value of
preferred stock and
warrants.............. (271) -- -- -- -- 271 (5) --
------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item
attributable to common
stockholders........... $ (693) $ (202) $ 347 $ (219) $ 214 $(1,059) $(1,612) $ $
======= ====== ======= ====== ====== ======= ======= ======= =======
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item per
share attributable to
common stockholders.... $ (6) (8) $ (6)(8)
======= =======
Weighted average number
of shares outstanding..
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

28
<PAGE>

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AS OF JUNE 30, 1997
(IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA
AS ADJUSTED
HISTORICAL PRO FORMA OFFERING FOR THE
CEC (10) ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS OFFERING
---------- ----------- --------- ----------- -----------
ASSETS
------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current assets.......... $ 19,154 $ -- $ 19,154 (8) $
Property and equipment,
net of accumulated
depreciation and
amortization........... 47,088 -- 47,088
Other assets:
Goodwill, net......... 20,208 -- 20,208
Covenants not to
compete, net......... 12,627 -- 12,627
Other noncurrent
assets............... 1,690 -- 1,690
-------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total other assets.. 34,525 -- 34,525
-------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total assets........ $100,767 $ -- $100,767 $ $
======== ======= ======== ======== ========
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
- ------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current liabilities..... $ 15,404 $ -- $ 15,404 (8)
Long-term debt, net of
current maturities..... 47,651 -- 47,651 (8)
Deferred income tax
liabilities............ 3,635 -- 3,635
-------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total liabilities... 66,690 -- 66,690
Redeemable preferred
stock and warrants..... 32,989 (32,989)(11) --
Stockholders'
investment............. 1,088 32,989 (11) 34,077
-------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total liabilities
and stockholders'
investment......... $100,767 $ -- $100,767 $ $
======== ======= ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>

29
<PAGE>

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL DATA

The following notes identify the pro forma adjustments made to the
historical amounts in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial
data:

(1) Management fees charged to Western Culinary by its parent related to non-
recurring business activities totaling $1.0 million have been eliminated.

(2) The preliminary appraised values of the acquired fixed assets of Western
Culinary, SCT, Gibbs, IAMD-U.S. and IAMD-Canada have been assigned to the
respective assets. Depreciation of fixed assets based on appraised values
and their remaining estimated useful lives, which range from one to 31
years, in excess of the historical amounts is recorded as an adjustment.

(3) The historical intangible assets of Gibbs have been eliminated because
new values were assigned to intangible assets at the date of acquisition.
Intangible assets recorded in conjunction with the acquisitions of
Western Culinary, SCT, Gibbs, IAMD-U.S. and IAMD-Canada include goodwill
of $18.0 million, covenants not to compete of $13.2 million and student
contracts of $52,000. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis over
its estimated useful life of 40 years. Covenants not to compete are
amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from three to
five years, using the sum of years' digits method. Amortization expense
has been adjusted to reflect the new values and amortization of these
intangible assets for the entire periods presented, as opposed to
historical amounts, which were only recorded from date of the
acquisitions to the end of each period.

(4) This adjustment represents additional interest expense associated with
approximately $53.3 million of debt incurred to finance the acquisitions
of Western Culinary, SCT, Gibbs, IAMD-U.S., and IAMD-Canada which would
have been outstanding for the entire periods presented. Interest on bank
borrowings is imputed assuming a 9% borrowing rate for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 1997.

(5) Due to the historical losses experienced by the Company and the pro forma
loss derived therefrom, the historical income tax provision/(benefit) has
been eliminated, and no income tax benefit has been reflected in the
unaudited pro forma consolidated condensed statements of operations for
the year ended December 31, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 1997.

(6) Redeemable preferred stock (exclusive of accrued dividends) and warrants
will be converted into Common Stock prior to the consummation of the
Offering. Accrued dividends and any accretion to redemption value related
to shares of preferred stock and warrants assumed to have been issued at
the beginning of each period presented to consummate the acquisitions
would be added back to income attributable to common shareholders to
derive pro forma income attributable to common shareholders. Therefore,
such amounts are eliminated.

(7) Includes the dilutive effect of (i) actual Common Stock outstanding, (ii)
options and warrants issued during the preceding twelve months, (iii)
common stock equivalents and (iv) shares of Common Stock to be
issued upon the Transactions (as defined under "The Transactions") and
assumes that shares (representing the approximate number of
shares which are being sold by the Company at an assumed initial public
offering price of $ per share to fund the Dividend Payment (as
defined in "Use of Proceeds") of $2.1 million) of the Common Stock being
offered by the Company hereby were outstanding during the periods
indicated. See "The Transactions" and "Use of Proceeds."

(8) The Company's net proceeds from the Offering, estimated to be
$ net of expenses and fees, will be applied as described in
"Use of Proceeds."

(9) This adjustment represents the increase in the weighted average shares
outstanding related to proceeds from the issuance of shares of
Common Stock to be sold by the Company in the Offering, assumed to be
applied as described under "Use of Proceeds."

(10) The historical balance sheet of the Company at June 30, 1997 includes the
effect of all of the acquisitions because they were all consummated on or
before June 30, 1997.

(11) The redemption value of the preferred stock, except for the accrued
dividends, will be converted into common stock.

30
<PAGE>

SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

The following selected historical consolidated financial and other data are
qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, the
financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations." The selected statement of operations data set
forth below for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and the six
months ended June 30, 1997 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 1995
and 1996 and June 30, 1997 are derived from the audited financial statements
of the Company included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The selected statement
of operations data set forth below for the six months ended June 30, 1996 are
derived from the unaudited financial statements of the Company included
elsewhere in this Prospectus, which in the opinion of management have been
prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and contain all
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a
fair presentation of the Company's financial condition and results of
operations for those periods. The balance sheet data as of December 31, 1994
are derived from audited financial statements of the Company which are not
included in this Prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER SIX MONTHS ENDED
31, JUNE 30,
-------------------------- ------------------
1994(1) 1995 1996 1996 1997
------- ------- ------- -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Revenue:
Tuition and
registration fees,
net................... $ 5,794 $16,330 $29,269 $ 12,716 $ 23,073
Other, net............. 1,692 3,066 4,311 2,074 2,579
------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Total net revenue.... 7,486 19,396 33,580 14,790 25,652
------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Operating Expenses:
Educational services
and facilities........ 3,074 8,565 14,404 6,320 11,090
General and
administrative........ 4,887 9,097 14,622 7,406 10,942
Depreciation and
amortization.......... 980 1,344 2,179 973 2,109
------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Total operating
expenses............ 8,941 19,006 31,205 14,699 24,141
------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Income (loss) from
operations............. (1,455) 390 2,375 91 1,511
Interest expense........ 134 297 672 225 985
------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before
provision for taxes and
extraordinary item..... (1,589) 93 1,703 (134) 526
Provision for income
taxes.................. -- 24 208 -- 210
------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item..... (1,589) 69 1,495 (134) 316
Extraordinary loss on
early extinguishment of
debt (net of taxes of
$233).................. -- -- -- -- 418
------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Net income (loss)....... $(1,589) $ 69 $ 1,495 $ (134) $ (102)
======= ======= ======= ======== ========
Income (loss)
attributable to common
stockholders:
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item,
as reported........... $(1,589) $ 69 $ 1,495 $ (134) $ 316
Accrued dividends on
preferred stock (2)... (393) (777) (1,128) (557) (738)
Accretion to
redemption value of
preferred stock and
warrants (3).......... -- (96) (230) (115) (271)
------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item,
attributable to common
stockholders........... (1,982) (804) 137 (806) (693)
Extraordinary loss,
net................... -- -- -- -- 418
------- ------- ------- -------- --------
Net income (loss)
attributable to common
stockholders........... $(1,982) $ (804) $ 137 $ (806) $ (1,111)
======= ======= ======= ======== ========
OTHER DATA:
EBITDA (4).............. (475) 1,741 4,563 1,072 3,627
EBITDA margin (4)....... (6.3)% 9.0% 13.6% 7.2% 14.1%
Cash flow provided by
(used in):
Operating activities... (1,000) 235 5,275 570 (2,797)
Investing activities... (2,372) (3,478) (9,518) (365) (38,192)
Financing activities... 6,014 4,566 8,076 (1,703) 42,936
Capital expenditures,
net.................... 153 897 1,231 365 482
Student population (5).. 1,131 3,361 4,537 2,273 7,697
Number of campuses (6).. 2 4 5 4 18
</TABLE>

31
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------- JUNE 30,
1994 1995 1996 1997
------- ------- ------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents................... $ 2,642 $ 3,965 $ 7,798 $ 9,745
Working capital............................. 578 1,314 1,379 3,750
Total assets................................ 11,704 23,584 36,208 100,767
Long-term debt, net of current maturities... 1,890 6,725 13,783 47,651
Redeemable preferred stock and warrants..... 8,243 13,628 14,561 32,989
Total stockholders' investment.............. (1,982) (2,756) (2,589) 1,088
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Commencing January 5, 1994, the date of the Company's incorporation.
(2) Represents the dividends paid on, or added to the redemption value of
outstanding preferred stock. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3) See Note 2 of the Notes to the Company's Consolidated Financial
Statements.
(4) For any period, EBITDA equals earnings before interest expense, taxes,
depreciation and amortization (including amortization of debt discount),
and EBITDA margin equals EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue. EBITDA and
EBITDA margin are presented because the Company believes they allow for a
more complete analysis of the Company's results of operations. EBITDA and
EBITDA margin should not be considered as alternatives to, nor is there
any implication that they are more meaningful than, any measure of
performance or liquidity as promulgated under GAAP.
(5) Represents the total student population at the Company's schools (a) in
the case of each full year, as of October 31 and (b) in the case of the
six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997, as of June 30.
(6) Represents the total number of campuses operated by the Company as of the
end of the period.

32
<PAGE>

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the
Selected Historical Consolidated Financial Data and the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW

CEC is one of the largest providers of private, for-profit postsecondary
education in North America, with more than students enrolled as
of October 31, 1997. CEC operates nine schools, with 18 campuses located in 13
states and two Canadian provinces. These schools enjoy long operating
histories and offer a variety of bachelor's degree, associate degree and non-
degree programs in career-oriented disciplines within the Company's core
curricula of (i) computer technologies, (ii) visual communication and design
technologies, (iii) business studies and (iv) culinary arts.

Net revenue, EBITDA and net income have increased in each of the years the
Company has operated. Net revenue increased 349%, to $33.6 million in 1996,
from $7.5 million in 1994; EBITDA increased to $4.6 million in 1996, from a
loss of $0.5 million in 1994; and net income increased to $1.5 million in
1996, from a loss of $1.6 million in 1994. Student population at the Company's
schools increased %, from approximately 3,361 students at October 31,
1995 to approximately students at October 31, 1997. During the
period 1994 to 1996, the Company acquired five schools (Allentown, Brooks,
Brown, Collins and Western Culinary). The Company has invested significant
amounts of capital in the hiring of additional personnel and increased
marketing and capital improvements at each of the acquired schools. The
increased costs of personnel and marketing are expensed as incurred and are
reflected in general and administrative expenses. Additional depreciation and
amortization are reflected as a result of the capital improvements.

The Company believes that EBITDA, while not a substitute for GAAP measures
of operating results, is an important measure of the financial performance of
the Company and its campuses. Management believes that EBITDA is particularly
meaningful due principally to the role acquisitions have played in the
Company's development. CEC's rapid growth through acquisitions has resulted in
significant non-cash amortization expenses, because a significant portion of
the purchase price of a school acquisition by CEC is generally allocated to
goodwill and other intangible assets. In a number of the Company's recent
acquisitions, a large portion of the purchase price has been allocated to non-
competition agreements. As a result of its ongoing acquisition strategy, non-
cash amortization expenses may continue to be substantial.

The Company's principal source of revenue is tuition collected from its
students. The academic year is at least 30 weeks in length, but varies both by
individual school and program of study. The academic year is divided by term,
which is determined by start dates which vary by school and program. Payment
of each term's tuition may be made by full cash payment, financial aid and/or
an installment payment plan. If a student withdraws from school prior to the
completion of the term, the Company refunds a portion of the tuition already
paid which is attributable to the period of the term that is not completed.
Revenue is recognized ratably over the period of the student's program.

The Company's campuses charge tuition at varying amounts, depending not only
on the particular school, but also upon the type of program (i.e., diploma,
associate or bachelor's) and the specific curriculum. Each of the Company's
campuses typically implements one or more tuition increases annually. The
sizes of these increases differ from year to year and among campuses and
programs. Tuition at the Company's campuses as of October 31, 1997 represented
an average increase of 5.2% over the same date in 1996.

Other revenue consists of bookstore sales, placement fees (Gibbs only),
dormitory and cafeteria fees (Brooks only), and restaurant revenue (Western
Culinary only). Other revenue is recognized during the period services are
rendered.

33
<PAGE>

The Company categorizes its expenses as educational services and facilities,
general and administrative and depreciation and amortization. Educational
services and facilities expense generally consists of expense directly
attributable to the educational activity of the schools, including salaries
and benefits of faculty, academic administrators, and student support
personnel, including financial aid personnel and registrars. Educational
services and facilities expense also includes costs of educational supplies
and facilities (including rents on school leases), certain costs of
establishing and maintaining computer laboratories, costs of student housing
(Brooks and SCT only) and all other physical plant and occupancy costs, with
the exception of costs attributable to the Company's corporate offices.

General and administrative expense includes salaries and benefits of
personnel in recruitment, admissions, accounting, personnel, compliance, and
corporate and school administration. Costs of promotion and development,
advertising and production of marketing materials, and occupancy of the
corporate offices are also included in this expense category.

Depreciation and amortization includes costs associated with the
depreciation of purchased computer laboratories, equipment, furniture and
fixtures, courseware, owned facilities, capitalized equipment leases and
amortization of intangible assets, primarily goodwill and non-competition
agreements with previous owners of the schools.

1997 ACQUISITIONS

In the first six months of 1997, the Company completed the following four
acquisitions, each of which was accounted for as a purchase:

On February 28, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital
stock of SCT for a purchase price of approximately $5.5 million, subject to
adjustment. In addition, the Company paid $1.8 million to the former owners of
SCT pursuant to non-competition agreements.

Effective May 31, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital
stock of Gibbs for a purchase price of approximately $20.0 million, subject to
adjustment. In addition, the Company paid $7.0 million to the former owner of
Gibbs pursuant to a non-competition agreement.

On June 30, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock
of IAMD-U.S. for a purchase price of $3.0 million, which amount may be
increased by up to $5.0 million based on future revenues of IAMD-U.S.
operations and which amount is otherwise subject to adjustment. In addition,
the Company paid $2.0 million to the former owners of IAMD-U.S. pursuant to
non-competition agreements.

Also on June 30, 1997, the Company acquired all of the capital stock of
IAMD-Canada for a purchase price of $6.5 million, subject to adjustment. In
addition, the Company paid $2.0 million to the former owners of IAMD-Canada
pursuant to non-competition agreements.

34
<PAGE>

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table summarizes the Company's operating results as a
percentage of net revenue for the period indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS
YEAR ENDED ENDED JUNE
DECEMBER 31, 30,
--------------------- -------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue:
Tuition and registration, net......... 77.4% 84.2% 87.2% 86.0% 89.9%
Other, net............................ 22.6 15.8 12.8 14.0 10.1
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Net revenue......................... 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Operating expenses:
Educational services and facilities... 41.1 44.2 42.9 42.7 43.2
General and administrative............ 65.2 46.9 43.5 50.1 42.7
Depreciation and amortization......... 13.1 6.9 6.5 6.6 8.2
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total operating expenses............ 119.4 98.0 92.9 99.4 94.1
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Income (loss) from operations....... (19.4) 2.0 7.1 0.6 5.9
Interest expense........................ 1.8 1.5 2.0 1.5 3.8
Income (loss) before provision for
taxes and extraordinary item......... (21.2) 0.5 5.1 (0.9) 2.1
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.... -- 0.1 0.6 -- 0.9
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Income (loss) before extraordinary item. (21.2) 0.4 4.5 (0.9) 1.2
Extraordinary loss on early
extinguishment of debt (net of taxes).. -- -- -- -- (1.6)
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Net income (loss)....................... (21.2) 0.4 4.5 (0.9) (0.4)
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Net income (loss) attributable to common
stockholders........................... (26.5)% (4.1)% 0.4% (5.4)% (4.3)%
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996

Revenue. Net tuition revenue increased 81% from $12.7 million in the first
six months of 1996 to $23.1 million in the first six months of 1997, due to a
17% increase in the average number of students attending the schools which
were owned by the Company during the 1996 period and tuition increases
effective in 1997 for these schools, as well as added net tuition revenue of
$7.3 million for schools acquired after 1996. Other net revenue increased 24%,
from $2.1 million in the first six months of 1996 to $2.6 million in the first
six months of 1997, due to an increase in student population for schools owned
during the 1996 period and the addition of $0.3 million from schools acquired
after the 1996 period.

Educational Services and Facilities Expense. Educational services and
facilities expense increased 75%, from $6.3 million in the first six months of
1996 to $11.1 million in the first six months of 1997. Of this increase, $2.7
million was attributable to the increase in student population for schools
owned during the 1996 period and $2.1 million was attributable to the addition
of educational services and facilities for schools acquired after the 1996
period.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expense increased
48%, from $7.4 million in the first six months of 1996 to $10.9 million in the
first six months of 1997. The increase was primarily attributable to costs
totaling $0.2 million related to increased personnel at the corporate level to
enhance the Company's infrastructure and increased advertising and marketing
of $0.6 million for schools owned during the 1996 period, as well as the
addition of $2.0 million of expenses for schools acquired after the 1996
period. The increase in advertising and marketing expenses reflects, in part,
the fact that the former owners of the acquired schools had reduced their
expenditures in these areas prior to their acquisition by the Company.

35
<PAGE>

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense
increased 117%, from $1.0 million in the first six months of 1996 to $2.1
million in the first six months of 1997. The increase was due to increased
capital expenditures for schools owned during the 1996 period and related
increased depreciation expense of $0.3 million in the first six months of
1997. Additionally, depreciation expense increased $0.3 million due to the
depreciation expense for schools acquired after the 1996 period. Amortization
expense increased 167%, from $0.3 million in the first six months of 1996 to
$0.8 million in the first six months of 1997, primarily due to additional
amortization of non-competition agreements for the acquisition of schools
after the 1996 period.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased 338% from $0.2 million in the
first six months of 1996 to $1.0 million in the first six months of 1997. The
increase was primarily due to interest expense on borrowings used to finance
the acquisition of schools after the 1996 period.

Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes increased from an
immaterial amount in the first six months of 1996 to $0.2 million in the first
six months of 1997.

Income before Extraordinary Item. Net income before extraordinary item
increased to $0.3 million in the first six months of 1997 from a net loss of
$0.1 million in the first six months of 1996.

Extraordinary Item. During the first six months of 1997, the Company
recorded an extraordinary expense of $0.4 million, net of tax, due to the
early retirement of debt related to a credit facility which was terminated and
replaced by the Company's current facility.

Net Income (Loss). The Company had a net loss of $0.1 million in both the
first six months of 1996 and the first six months of 1997.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders. Net loss attributable
to common stockholders decreased from a loss of $0.8 million in the first six
months of 1996 to a loss of $1.1 million in the first six months of 1997. The
primary reasons for this decrease were the extraordinary item referred to
above; increased dividends on preferred stock, primarily due to the issuance
of additional shares; and increased accretion in the redemption value of
preferred stock and warrants as a result of the Company's growth. All
outstanding preferred stock will convert into Common Stock and all outstanding
warrants will be exercised prior to the consummation of the Offering. See "The
Transactions."

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995

Revenue. Net tuition revenue increased 79%, from $16.3 million in 1995 to
$29.3 million in 1996, due to a 28% increase in the average number of students
attending the schools which were owned by the Company during 1995 and tuition
increases effective in 1996 for these schools, as well as added net revenue of
$1.1 million for schools acquired in 1996. Other net revenue increased 41%,
from $3.1 million in 1995 to $4.3 million in 1996, due to an increase in
student population for schools owned during 1995 and the addition of $0.1
million from schools acquired after 1995.

Educational Services and Facilities Expense. Educational services and
facilities expense increased 68%, from $8.6 million in 1995 to $14.4 million
in 1996. Of this increase, $5.3 million was attributable to the increase in
student population for schools owned during 1995 and $0.5 million was
attributable to the addition of educational services and facilities for
schools acquired in 1996.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expense increased
61%, from $9.1 million in 1995 to $14.6 million in 1996. The increase was
attributable to costs totaling $0.7 million related to increased personnel at
the corporate level to enhance the infrastructure and increased advertising
and marketing of $4.3 million for schools owned during 1995, as well as the
addition of $0.5 million of expense for schools acquired in 1996. The increase
in advertising and marketing expenses reflects, in part, the fact that the
former owners of the acquired schools had reduced their expenditures in these
areas prior to their acquisition by the Company.

36
<PAGE>

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense
increased 62%, from $1.3 million in 1995 to $2.2 million in 1996. The increase
was due to increased capital expenditures for schools owned during 1995 and
related increased depreciation expense of $0.7 million in 1996. Additionally,
depreciation expense increased $0.1 million due to the depreciation expense
for schools acquired in 1996. Amortization expense increased 14%, from $0.4
million in 1995 to $0.5 million in 1996, primarily due to additional
amortization of non-competition agreements for the acquisition of schools in
1996.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased 126%, from $0.3 million in 1995
to $0.7 million in 1996. The increase was primarily due to interest expense on
borrowings used to finance the acquisition of schools in 1996.

Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes increased to $0.2
million in 1996 from an immaterial amount in 1995.

Net Income. Net income increased from an immaterial amount in 1995 to $1.5
million in 1996, due to the factors discussed above.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders. In 1996, net income
attributable to common stockholders was $0.1 million, as compared to a net
loss attributable to common stockholders of $0.8 million in 1995. This change
was attributable to the factors discussed above, offset in part by increased
dividends on preferred stock and increased accretion in the redemption value
of preferred stock and warrants.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994

Revenue. Net tuition revenue increased 182%, from $5.8 million in 1994 to
$16.3 million in 1995, due to a 35% increase in the average number of students
attending the schools which were owned by the Company during 1994 and tuition
increases effective in 1995 for these schools, as well as added net revenue of
$5.4 million for schools acquired in 1995. Other net revenue increased 81%,
from $1.7 million in 1994 to $3.1 million in 1995, due to an increase in
student population for schools owned during 1994 and the addition of $0.2
million from schools acquired in 1995.

Educational Services and Facilities Expense. Educational services and
facilities expense increased 179%, from $3.1 million in 1994 to $8.6 million
in 1995. Of this increase, $3.0 million was attributable to the increase in
student population for schools owned during 1994 and $2.5 million was
attributable to the addition of educational services and facilities for
schools acquired in 1995.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expense increased
86%, from $4.9 million in 1994 to $9.1 million in 1995. The increase was
attributable to costs totaling $0.7 million related to increased personnel at
the corporate level to enhance the infrastructure and increased advertising
and marketing of $1.3 million for schools owned during 1994, as well as the
addition of $2.2 million of expense for schools acquired in 1995. The increase
in advertising and marketing expenses reflects, in part, the fact that the
former owners of the acquired schools had reduced their expenditures in these
areas prior to their acquisition by the Company.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense
increased 37%, from $1.0 million in 1994 to $1.3 million in 1995. The increase
was due to increased capital expenditures for schools owned during 1994 and
related increased depreciation expense of $0.2 million in 1995. Additionally,
the Company incurred a slight increase in depreciation and amortization
expense related to schools acquired in 1995. Amortization expense decreased
26%, from $0.6 million in 1994 to $0.4 million in 1995, primarily due to
accelerated amortization of student contract intangibles.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased 122%, from $0.1 million in 1994
to $0.3 million in 1995. The increase was primarily due to interest expense on
borrowings used to finance the acquisition of schools in 1995.

37
<PAGE>

Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was immaterial in
both 1994 and 1995.

Net Income (Loss). The Company generated an immaterial amount of net income
in 1995, as compared to a net loss of $1.6 million in 1994, due to the factors
discussed above.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders. Net loss attributable
to common stockholders was $0.8 million in 1995, as compared to a net loss
attributable to common stockholders of $2.0 million in 1994. This change was
attributable to the factors discussed above, as well as increased dividends on
preferred stock and increased accretion in the redemption value of preferred
stock and warrants.

SEASONALITY

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Since its formation, the Company has financed its operating activities
through cash generated from operations. Acquisitions have been financed
through a combination of additional equity investments and credit facilities.
Net cash provided by operating activities increased to $5.3 million in 1996
from $0.2 million in 1995 and $(1.0) million in 1994, due primarily to
increases in depreciation and amortization and net income. Net cash used in
operating activities was $2.8 million in the first six months of 1997,
compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $0.6 million in the
first six months of 1996, due primarily to post-acquisition expenditures
relating to SCT and Gibbs, along with the suspension of Title IV funding for
these schools while awaiting recertification.

Capital expenditures increased to $1.2 million in 1996 from $0.9 million in
1995 and $0.2 million in 1994, and increased to $0.5 million in the first six
months of 1997 as compared to $0.4 million in the first six months of 1996.
These increases were primarily due to investments in capital equipment as a
result of increasing student population. Capital expenditures are expected to
continue to increase as new schools are acquired, student population increases
and the Company continues to upgrade and expand current facilities and
equipment. The Company does not have any material commitments for capital
expenditures in 1998.

The Company's net receivables as a percentage of net revenue decreased to 9%
in 1996 from 14% in 1995 and 16% in 1994, and increased to 28% in the first
six months of 1997 as compared to 10% in the first six months of 1996. These
changes were primarily due to student receivables at acquired schools. Based
upon past experience and judgment, the Company establishes an allowance for
doubtful accounts with respect to tuition receivables. When a student
withdraws, the receivable balance attributable to such student is charged to
this allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company's historical bad debt
expense as a percentage of revenue for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995
and 1996 was 5%, 3% and 2%, respectively, and for the six months ended June
30, 1997 was 3%.

On May 30, 1997, the Company entered into the Credit Agreement with LaSalle
National Bank and prepaid approximately $21.2 million of revolving credit
notes and term loans that were outstanding under its previous credit
agreement. The Credit Agreement was amended and syndicated on September 25,
1997. Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Company can borrow $65 million
under a revolving credit facility and $15 million under

38
<PAGE>

a term loan, and obtain up to $20 million in outstanding letters of credit.
Outstanding letters of credit reduce the revolving credit facility
availability under the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement matures on May
30, 2002; however, availability under the revolving credit facility is reduced
by $10 million on May 30, 2001. The term loan is payable in equal quarterly
installments of $0.75 million, commencing September 30, 1997. The Company's
borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, payable quarterly, at
either (i) a base rate equal to the greater of the (a) bank's prime rate plus
.75% or (b) the federal funds rate plus .50%, or (ii) LIBOR plus 2.00%, at the
election of the Company. Under the Credit Agreement, the Company is required,
among other things, to maintain certain financial ratios with respect to debt
to EBITDA, interest coverage and fixed coverage and to maintain a specified
level of net worth. The Company is also subject to restrictions on, among
other things, payment of dividends, disposition of assets and incurrence of
certain additional indebtedness. The Company has pledged the stock of its
subsidiaries as collateral for the repayment of obligations under the Credit
Facility. At June 30, 1997, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $26.0
million under the revolving loan facility and $12.5 million under the term
loan. Additionally, the Company had $11.5 million of outstanding letters of
credit as of such date.

The Company intends to use approximately $29.4 million of its net proceeds
from the Offering to repay outstanding revolving credit borrowings under the
Credit Agreement (based upon amounts outstanding as of June 30, 1997). The
Company does not intend to use any of its net proceeds to repay outstanding
borrowings under the term loan. The Company expects that its interest expense
in the period following the Offering, assuming no material acquisitions during
this period, will be lower, and will have a lesser proportionate impact on the
Company's net income, as compared to the period prior to the Offering.

The Company also intends to use approximately $4.1 million of its net
proceeds from the Offering to repay the remaining aggregate outstanding
indebtedness on notes payable to the former shareholders of IAMD-U.S. and
IAMD-Canada, approximately $2.1 million for the Dividend Payment and the
remaining approximately $ million for general corporate purposes,
including capital expenditures, possible future acquisitions of schools and
working capital.

The DOE requires that Title IV Program funds collected by an institution for
unbilled tuition be kept in separate cash or cash equivalent accounts until
the students are billed for the portion of their program related to these
Title IV Program funds. In addition, all funds transferred to the Company
through electronic funds transfer programs are held in a separate cash account
until certain conditions are satisfied. As of June 30, 1997, the Company held
approximately $0.2 million in these separate accounts, which are reflected as
restricted cash, to comply with these requirements. These restrictions on cash
have not significantly affected the Company's ability to fund daily
operations.

The HEA and its implementing regulations require each higher education
institution to meet an acid test ratio (defined as the ratio of cash, cash
equivalents, restricted cash and certain accounts receivable to total current
liabilities) of at least 1:1, calculated at the end of the institution's
fiscal year. The acid test ratios of all of the Company's institutions met
this DOE requirement at June 30, 1997.

The Company's cash flow from operations on a long-term basis is dependent on
the receipt of funds from the Title IV Programs. For 1996, the Company's U.S.
institutions derived approximately 52% to approximately 82% of their
respective tuition and fee revenue from the Title IV Programs. The HEA and its
implementing regulations establish specific standards of financial
responsibility that must be satisfied in order to qualify for participation in
the Title IV Programs. In connection with the Company's acquisitions of
Western Culinary, SCT, and Gibbs, the DOE has reviewed the Company's annual
financial statements and questioned the Company's accounting treatment for
certain direct marketing costs and courseware and other institutional
materials and whether the Company's financial statements are acceptable for
purposes of determining the Company's financial responsibility. Further, the
DOE has asserted that the Company did not satisfy the 1:1 acid test ratio
based on its fiscal 1996 financial statements. However, the Company has
maintained the eligibility of Western Culinary and SCT to continue
participating in the Title IV Programs by posting irrevocable letters of
credit in the aggregate

39
<PAGE>

amount of $2.7 million in favor of the DOE, which amount is set at
approximately 50% of the Title IV Program funds received by students enrolled
at Western Culinary in the prior award year. In September 1997, the DOE
increased the level of surety for SCT to, and established the level of surety
of Gibbs at, 100% of the Title IV Program funds received by students enrolled
at each such institution in the prior award year. The Company must post, no
later than November 9, 1997, a letter of credit in the amount of $15.2 million
with respect to Gibbs and anticipates that it will be required to post a
letter of credit in the approximate range of $3.0 million to $5.0 million with
respect to IAMD-U.S., representing 100% of the Title IV Program funds received
by IAMD-U.S. in the prior award year. In addition, the Company is considering
the DOE's request to increase SCT's letter of credit by $721,000 to maintain
its eligibility to participate in the Title IV Programs, which would have to
be done no later than November 15, 1997. As of , 1997, after
accounting for all these letters of credit in an aggregate amount of
approximately $22.6 million and giving effect to the Offering and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom as described under "Use of
Proceeds," the Company's remaining credit availability under the Credit
Agreement would be approximately $ . The Company believes that
proceeds to the Company from the Offering and cash expected to be generated
from operations during the remainder of 1997 will significantly enhance the
Company's financial position and will enable the Company and each of its
institutions to present audited 1997 financial statements which will satisfy
the DOE's acid test ratio and tangible net worth requirements with respect to
each of these institutions. The Company intends to seek the DOE's review of
its audited 1997 financial statements on an expedited basis in the spring of
1998. Once the DOE has determined that the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries
satisfy each of the DOE's standards of financial responsibility, applicable
law and regulations require the DOE to release the Company from the
requirement that it post the sureties and from the limitations on Title IV
Program funding in excess of surety amounts. To the extent the letters of
credit are reduced or eliminated, the Company will have additional
availability under the Credit Agreement. The Company believes that it will
have sufficient liquidity to increase the letters of credit should the DOE so
require. However, there can be no assurance that, if required, the Company
will be able to maintain its letters of credit or increase its letters of
credit in the future. See "Risk Factors--Dependence on Financial Aid;
Potential Adverse Effects of Regulation--Company Compliance with Financial
Responsibility Standards" and "Financial Aid and Regulation--Federal Oversight
of the Title IV Programs--Company Compliance with Financial Responsibility
Standards."

40
<PAGE>

BUSINESS

OVERVIEW

CEC was founded in January 1994 by John M. Larson, the Company's President
and Chief Executive Officer, who has over 23 years of experience in the
career-oriented education industry. The Company was formed to capitalize on
opportunities in the large and highly fragmented postsecondary school
industry. Since its inception, CEC has completed nine acquisitions. The
Company has acquired schools that it believes possess strong curricula,
leading reputations and broad marketability but have been undermanaged from a
marketing and financial standpoint. The Company seeks to apply its expertise
in operations, marketing and curricula development, as well as its financial
strength, to improve the performance of these schools. The schools acquired by
the Company and their improved enrollment are summarized in the following
table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STUDENT POPULATION
AT OCTOBER 31,
------------------
YEAR DATE PRINCIPAL ASSOCIATE DEGREE %
SCHOOL FOUNDED ACQUIRED CURRICULA (1) GRANTING (2) 1996 1997 INCREASE
------ ------- -------- -------------- ---------------- ---- ---- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AL COLLINS
GRAPHIC DE-
SIGN SCHOOL 1978 1/94 VC, CT Yes (3)
Tempe, AZ 936 %
BROOKS COLLEGE 1970 6/94 VC Yes
Long Beach,
CA 960
ALLENTOWN
BUSINESS
SCHOOL 1869 7/95 B, VC, CT, S Yes
Allentown,
PA 781
BROWN INSTI-
TUTE 1946 7/95 VC, CT, RTB, E Yes
Minneapolis,
MN 1,391
WESTERN CULI-
NARY INSTI-
TUTE 1983 10/96 CA No
Portland, OR 453
SCHOOL OF COM-
PUTER TECH-
NOLOGY 1967 2/97 CT, CA, LS Yes
Fairmont, WV 165
Pittsburgh,
PA 737
THE KATHARINE
GIBBS SCHOOLS 1911 5/97 B, S, CT Yes
Boston, MA 411
Melville, NY 353
Montclair,
NJ 465
New York, NY 969
Norwalk, CT
(4) 248
Piscataway,
NJ (5) 217
Providence,
RI (5) 257
INTERNATIONAL
ACADEMY OF
MERCHANDISING
& DESIGN
(U.S.) 1977 6/97 VC, CT Yes (3)
Chicago, IL 746
Tampa, FL 461
INTERNATIONAL
ACADEMY OF
MERCHANDISING
& DESIGN
(CANADA) 1983 6/97 VC, CT No
Montreal,
PQ 396
Toronto, ON 834
--------- ---------
Total . . . . . . . . . 10,780
========= =========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The programs offered by the Company's schools include visual communication
and design technologies ("VC"), computer technologies ("CT"), business
("B"), radio and television broadcasting ("RTB"), electronics ("E"),
culinary arts ("CA"), laser surgery technologies ("LS") and secretarial
studies ("S").
(2) All of the Company's schools, other than Brooks and IAMD-U.S., in Tampa,
also offer diploma (or certificate) programs.
(3) Also offers bachelor's degrees.
(4) The Gibbs campus in Norwalk, Connecticut, is now using the name Gibbs
College.
(5) Do not offer degree programs.

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The Company's success in completing acquisitions and improving the financial
performance of acquired schools has enabled it to achieve rapid growth. Net
revenue has increased from $7.5 million in 1994 to $33.6 million in 1996. For
the first six months of 1997, net revenue was $25.7 million. 1996 Pro Forma Net
Revenue would have been $87.5 million.

The Company's schools offer educational programs principally in four career-
related fields of study -- (i) computer technologies (including Internet and
intranet technologies), (ii) visual communication and design technologies,
(iii) business studies and (iv) culinary arts -- identified by the Company as
areas with highly interested and motivated students, strong entry-level
employment opportunities and ongoing career and salary advancement potential.

. Computer Technologies: These programs include PC/LAN, PC/Net, computer
applications, computer information systems and computer programming. The
Company recently extended the PC/Net program to Collins, commencing in
August 1997. Diplomas can be earned at selected schools and associate
degrees can be earned at Allentown, Brown, Collins, Gibbs-Melville and
SCT. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, approximately 755,000 new
jobs in the computer technology fields will be created by 2005. This
represents an increase of approximately 91% over the number of similar
jobs in 1994.

. Visual Communication and Design Technologies: These programs include
desktop publishing, graphic design, fashion design, interior design and
graphic imaging and are offered at Allentown, Brown, Collins, IAMD-Canada
and IAMD-U.S. In addition, Brooks added a visual communications program
in the summer of 1996, which now has the largest enrollment of any of
Brooks' programs. In addition to diplomas, which can be earned at
selected schools, students in these fields can earn associate degrees at
Allentown, Brooks, Brown, Collins and IAMD-U.S. and bachelor's degrees at
Collins and IAMD-U.S. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth
of approximately 30%, a gain of over 80,000 jobs, for design-related
occupations between 1994 and 2005.

. Business Studies: These programs include business administration and
business operations. Allentown and Gibbs offer diploma and associate
degree programs in business-related areas of study. According to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, over two million new jobs will be created
between 1994 and 2005 in the executive, administrative and managerial
fields.

. Culinary Arts: In these programs, students can earn a diploma in culinary
arts at Western Culinary and an associate degree in culinary arts at SCT.
The Company believes significant opportunities exist to offer culinary
arts programs at other schools, on a contract training basis and in a
short program format on weekends, and to offer additional related
programs. The U.S. Department of Labor projects approximately 14% growth
in the food preparation and service occupations by 2005. This represents
an increase of over one million jobs from 1994.

In addition to the core curricula, the Company's schools offer a number of
other programs. These include secretarial and allied health (medical assisting
and medical office management) programs at Allentown; broadcasting and
electronics programs at Brown; laser surgery technology programs at SCT; and
secretarial and hospitality programs at Gibbs.

INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

Based on estimates for 1995 by the DOE's National Center for Education
Statistics (the "NCES"), postsecondary education is a $200 billion industry in
the United States, with over 14 million students obtaining some form of
postsecondary education. Of this total, approximately 1.5 million students are
enrolled in approximately 3,000 proprietary postsecondary schools. Federal
funds available to support postsecondary education exceed $40 billion dollars
each year and have grown steadily over the last two decades. Additionally, the
federal government guaranteed over $92 billion in student loans in 1996 and is
expected to guarantee loans at comparable levels in the future. State, local
and private funds for career-oriented training are also available.

Several national economic, demographic and social trends are converging to
contribute to growing demand for career-oriented school education:

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Changes in Workplace Demands. The workplace is becoming increasingly
knowledge-intensive. Rapid advances in technology have increased demands on
employers and their employees, requiring many new workers to have some form of
training or education beyond the high school level. The increasing
technological requirements of entry level jobs are spurring demand for
specialized training which, in many cases, is not provided by traditional two-
and four-year colleges. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that jobs
requiring some form of postsecondary training are expected to increase
approximately 11% between 1994 and 2005. Furthermore, career-oriented schools
generally have the ability to react quickly to the changing needs of the
nation's business and industrial communities. Additionally, to meet the new
workplace demands, many major companies are now using career-oriented
institutions to provide customized training for their employees on a
contractual basis. Small- to medium-sized companies are also using proprietary
career-oriented schools to fill their needs for training to maintain or
increase the skill levels of their employees.

Increasing Numbers of High School Graduates. Currently, in the U.S., high
school graduates alone represent over 2.5 million new prospective
postsecondary students each year, the largest pool of potential enrollees.
Over the 18 years prior to 1993, the number of high school graduates had been
declining. However, this trend has changed favorably as children of the "baby
boom" generation are entering their high school years. These members of the
"echo boom," as it is commonly known, are expected to boost enrollment in
postsecondary educational programs to as high as 16.4 million students by
2006, an increase of 15.5% from approximately 14.2 million in the fall of
1995.

Growing Demand for Higher Education. High school graduates and adults are
seeking higher education in increasing numbers. According to the U.S.
Department of Commerce, approximately 63% of all 1995 high school graduates
continued their education that same year, compared with 53% a decade earlier.
The U.S. Department of Labor projects the number of jobs requiring at least an
associate degree or higher to grow by more than 20% between 1994 and 2005. In
addition, enrollment in postsecondary programs is expected to increase
substantially as individuals seek to enhance their skills or re-train for new
job requirements. In part because of the recent trend toward corporate
downsizing, the NCES estimates that over the next several years initial
enrollments in postsecondary education institutions by working adults will
increase more rapidly than initial enrollments by recent high school
graduates. The number of adults enrolled in higher-education programs in the
United States is estimated by the NCES to reach 6.8 million by 1999, or 45% of
the total number of people enrolled.

Recognition of the Value of Higher Education. The Company believes that
prospective students are increasingly recognizing the income premium and other
improvements in career prospects associated with a postsecondary education.
The U.S. Census Bureau reported that, in 1995, a full-time male worker with an
associate degree earned an average of 37% more per year than a comparable
worker with only a high school diploma, while a full-time male worker with a
bachelor's degree earned an average of 72% more per year than a comparable
worker with only a high school diploma. Independent research studies have
demonstrated that prospective students consider these benefits in making their
education decisions.

Reduction in Public Education Funding. The reduction of federal, state or
provincial and local funding of public educational institutions in recent
years has forced educational institutions to cut back spending on general
operations. As a result, some schools have become underfunded and overcrowded.
This trend may provide an opportunity for proprietary postsecondary
institutions to serve, at more competitive prices, the higher education needs
of certain individuals who would have otherwise attended public schools.

Decreasing Size of Military Forces. Due to defense budget cuts and the
corresponding reduction in the U.S. armed forces, the U.S. military, a
traditional provider of technical and career-oriented training, is able to
provide fewer educational opportunities. According to the U.S. Department of
Defense, the aggregate number of U.S. military personnel has declined by 32%
since 1987, with the aggregate number of individuals on active duty in the
U.S. military services declining from 2.2 million in 1987 to 1.5 million in
1996. This has left an educational void to be filled by other sources,
including proprietary career-oriented schools.

The Company believes that private, for-profit, career-oriented schools are
uniquely positioned to take advantage of these national trends. The Company
also believes that similar factors are creating a favorable climate for
career-oriented postsecondary education in Canada and other international
markets.

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BUSINESS AND OPERATING STRATEGY

The Company was founded based upon a business and operating strategy which
it believes has enabled it to achieve significant improvements in the
performance of its acquired schools. The Company believes this strategy will
enable it to continue to capitalize on the favorable economic, demographic and
social trends which are driving demand for career-oriented education, thereby
strengthening its position as a premier, professionally managed system of
career-oriented postsecondary educational institutions. The key elements of
the Company's business and operating strategy are as follows:

Focusing on Core Curricula. The Company's schools offer educational programs
principally in four career-related fields of study: (i) computer technologies
(including Internet and intranet technologies) (offered at 16 campuses); (ii)
visual communication and design technologies (offered at three campuses);
(iii) business studies (offered at eight campuses) and (iv) culinary arts
(offered at three campuses). The Company perceives a growing demand by
employers for individuals possessing skills in these particular fields.
Accordingly, the Company believes there are many entry-level positions and
ongoing career and salary advancement potential for individuals who have
received advanced training in these areas. The Company recognizes that,
largely as a result of these employment opportunities, the identified areas of
study attract highly interested and motivated students. These students include
both recent high school graduates and adults seeking formal training in these
fields as well as degrees, diplomas and certificates evidencing their
attainment of the knowledge and skills sought by employers. The Company's
experience and expertise in these attractive areas of study enable it to
differentiate itself from many of its competitors and to effectively tailor
its acquisition and marketing plans.

Adapting and Expanding Educational Programs. The Company strives to meet the
changing needs of its students and the employment market. The Company
continually refines and adapts its courses to ensure that both students and
employers are satisfied with the quality and breadth of the Company's
educational programs. Through various means, including student and employer
surveys and curriculum advisory boards comprised of business community
members, the Company's schools regularly evaluate their program offerings and
consider revisions to existing classes and programs, as well as the
introduction of new courses and programs of study within the Company's core
curricula. The Company selectively duplicates programs that have been
successful at other schools within the CEC system. For example, the Company
recently introduced a visual communications program at Allentown similar to
those already offered at Brooks, Collins, IAMD-U.S. and IAMD-Canada and
introduced a computer technologies (PC/Net) program at Collins like those
offered at Allentown, Brown and SCT.

Direct Response Marketing. The Company seeks to increase school enrollment
and profitability through intensive local, regional and national direct
response marketing programs designed to maximize each school's market
penetration. Because many of the Company's schools have been significantly
undermarketed prior to their acquisition, the Company believes that major
benefits can result from carefully crafted, targeted marketing programs that
leverage schools' curriculum strength and brand name recognition. After every
school acquisition, the Company designs a marketing program tailored to the
particular school to highlight its strengths and to improve student lead
generation and student enrollment rates. Management uses a diversified media,
direct response approach, including direct mail, Internet-based advertising,
infomercials, other television-based advertising, newspaper advertising and
other print media, to attract targeted populations. The Company places
particular emphasis on high school recruitment because this market typically
produces a steady supply of new students.

Improving Student Retention. The Company emphasizes the retention of
students, from initial enrollment to completion of their courses of study, at
each of its schools. Because, as at any postsecondary educational institution,
a substantial portion of the Company's students never finish their educational
programs for personal, financial or academic reasons, substantial increases in
revenue and profitability can be achieved through modest improvements in
student retention rates. The costs to the Company of a school's efforts to
keep current students in school are much less than the expense of the
marketing efforts associated with attracting new students; therefore, such
student retention efforts, if successful, are extremely beneficial to
operating results. The Company

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strives to improve retention by treating students as valued customers. The
Company considers student retention the responsibility of the entire staff of
each school, from admissions to faculty and administration to career
counseling services, and provides resources and support for the retention
efforts developed by its local school administrators. School personnel
typically employ an approach based upon establishing personal relationships
with students; for example, students may receive a telephone call from a
school counselor or faculty member if they miss classes. In addition, the
Company's corporate staff regularly tracks retention rates at each school and
provides feedback and support to the efforts of local school administrators.

Emphasizing Employment of Graduates. The Company believes that the high
rates of employment for graduates of its schools enhances the overall
reputation of the schools as well as their ability to attract new students.
Moreover, high placement rates lead to low student loan default rates, which
are necessary to allow for the Company's schools continued participation in
the Title IV Programs. Accordingly, the Company considers student placement to
be a high priority and allocates a significant amount of time and resources to
placement services. Due, at least in part, to this emphasis, 87% of the 1996
graduates of the Company's schools who were available for employment had found
employment relating to their fields of study within six months of graduation.
The Company is committed to maintaining or improving these graduate employment
rates and newly acquired schools will be expected to meet similar graduate
employment success standards.

Making Capital Investments. The Company makes substantial annual investments
in its facilities and equipment to attract, retain and prepare students for
the increasing technical demands of the workplace. The students at each of the
Company's campuses study in comfortable, modern facilities equipped with
current, industry-specific equipment and technology.

Emphasizing School Management Autonomy and Accountability. The Company
provides significant autonomy and appropriate performance-based incentives to
its campus-level managers, which the Company believes offers important
benefits for the organization. The Company believes these policies foster
among campus-level administrative personnel an important sense of personal
responsibility for achieving campus performance objectives. The Company also
believes its willingness to grant local autonomy provides the Company and its
schools with a significant advantage in recruiting and retaining highly-
motivated individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit. Management of each of
the Company's campuses is principally in the hands of a campus president and
local managers, who are accountable for the campuses' operations and
profitability. Business strategy, finance and consolidation accounting
functions are, however, centralized at the Company's executive offices in
Hoffman Estates, Illinois. When a new school is acquired, the Company
evaluates the capabilities of existing campus management personnel, and
typically retains a significant portion, which contributes to the Company's
ability to rapidly integrate acquired schools into its system. The Company
also determines the acquired school's needs for additional or stronger
managers in key areas and, where necessary, takes appropriate action by hiring
new managers or assigning experienced staff to the school's campuses.

The Company believes that its application of this comprehensive business and
operating strategy has been a major factor in improving the operations of the
four schools owned by the Company as of July 1995: Allentown, Brooks, Brown
and Collins. At these schools, the aggregate number of students has increased
% over the past two years, from 3,361 at October 31, 1995 to
at October 31, 1997.

GROWTH STRATEGY

The Company believes it can achieve superior long-term growth in revenue and
profitability by (i) expanding existing operations, (ii) acquiring additional
schools in attractive North American markets, (iii) establishing new campuses,
(iv) entering new service areas and (v) expanding internationally as follows:

Expanding Existing Operations. The Company believes that the Company's
existing 18 campuses can achieve significant internal growth in enrollment,
revenue and profitability. The Company intends to accomplish this growth
through the execution of its business and operating strategy, including all of
the elements described above.

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Acquiring Additional North American Schools. To date, the Company has grown
by acquiring new schools in the U.S. and Canada and then applying its
expertise in marketing and school management to increase enrollment, revenue
and profitability at those schools. The Company expects that this process will
continue to be an important element of its growth strategy. The Company makes
selective acquisitions of for-profit, career-oriented schools which have a
capable senior faculty and operations staff, as well as quality educational
programs which stand to benefit from the Company's educational focus,
marketing and operating strengths. The Company targets schools which it
believes have the potential to generate superior financial performance.
Generally, such schools demonstrate the following characteristics:

. Success--Demonstrated ability to attract, retain and place students,
while meeting applicable federal and state regulatory criteria and
accreditation standards;

. ""Schools of Choice"--Leading reputations in career-oriented disciplines
within local, regional and national markets;

. Marketable Curricula--Offering programs with high value-added content and
relevant training to provide students with the skills necessary to obtain
attractive jobs and advance in their selected fields;

. Broad Marketability--Ability to attract students from each of the high
school, adult, foreign and contract training market segments; and

. Attractive Facilities and Geographic Locations--Providing geographically
desirable locations and modern facilities to attract students and
preparing them for the demands of the increasingly competitive work
place.

The Company believes that significant opportunities exist for growth through
acquisition. Some opportunities result from institutions having limited
resources to manage increasingly complex regulations or to fund the
significant cost of developing new educational programs necessary to meet
changing demands of the employment market. The Company believes that a
substantial number of schools exhibiting the characteristics described above
exist in the U.S. market and that such schools can be successfully integrated
into the Company's marketing and administrative structure.

The Company believes that there are also a significant number of potential
acquisition candidates and opportunities for growth in Canada. The Company
believes that favorable trends, similar to those occurring in the U.S., are
positively affecting the Canadian career-oriented postsecondary education
market, but that competition in Canada is not currently as intense as in the
United States. Few of the largest U.S. operators of postsecondary career-
oriented schools presently have a significant Canadian presence. The Company
believes that, given its existing Canadian operations, it is well-positioned
to take advantage of these opportunities.

The Company analyzes potential acquisition targets for their long-term
profit potential, enrollment potential and long-term demographic trends,
concentration of likely employers within the region, level of competition,
facility costs and availability and quality of management and faculty. The
Company carefully investigates any potential acquisition target for its
history of regulatory compliance, both as an indication of future regulatory
costs and compliance issues and as an indication of the school's overall
condition. Significant regulatory compliance issues in the school's past
generally will remove a school from the Company's consideration as an
acquisition candidate.

After the Company has completed an acquisition of one or more schools, the
Company immediately begins to apply its business strategy to boost enrollment
and improve the acquired schools' profitability. The Company assists acquired
schools in achieving their potential through a highly focused and active
management role, as well as through capital contributions. The Company
selectively commits resources to improve marketing, advertising,
administration and regulatory compliance at each acquired school. Further
resources may also be committed to enhance management depth. The Company
retains acquired schools' brand names to take advantage of their established
reputation in local, regional and/or national markets as "schools of choice."
Enrollments at schools purchased by the Company have increased an average of
% annually since their acquisitions.

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By acquiring new schools, CEC is also able to realize economies of scale in
terms of its management information systems, accounting and audit functions,
employee benefits and insurance procurement. The Company also benefits from
the exchange of ideas among school administrators regarding teacher training,
student retention programs, recruitment, curriculum, financial aid and student
placement programs.

Establishing New Campuses. Although, to date, the Company has only added new
campuses through acquisitions, in the future the Company expects to develop,
open and operate new campuses itself. These new campuses will most likely be
established as additional locations of existing institutions, but also may be
established as entirely separate, free-standing institutions. Opening new
campuses would enable the Company to capitalize on new markets or geographic
locations that exhibit strong enrollment potential and/or the potential to
establish a successful operation in one of the Company's core curricula areas.
The Company believes that this strategy will allow it to continue to grow
rapidly even if appropriate acquisition opportunities are not readily
available.

Entering New Service Areas. While the Company expects that its current
career-oriented school operations will continue to provide the substantial
majority of its revenue in the near term, the Company plans to develop new
education-related services which the Company believes offer strong long-term
growth potential. Among the service areas being actively considered are
distance learning (offering educational products and services for working
adults through video, Internet and other distribution channels) and
educational publishing (producing and marketing educational publications). The
Company also plans to expand its contract training business (providing
customized training on a contract basis for business and government
organizations), currently a limited part of the operations of a few of its
schools. Though the Company has not yet actively targeted the growing market
for contract training services, the Company believes that contract training
can become a much more significant part of its business.

Expanding Internationally. The Company believes that trends similar to those
impacting the market for career-oriented postsecondary education in the U.S.
and Canada are occurring outside of North America. As a result, the Company
believes that there may be significant international opportunities in private,
for-profit postsecondary education. To take advantage of these opportunities,
the Company may acquire or establish operations outside North America.

STUDENT RECRUITMENT

The Company's schools seek to attract students with both the desire and
ability to complete their academic programs. Therefore, to produce interest
among potential students, each of the Company's schools engages in a wide
variety of marketing activities.

The Company believes that the reputation of its schools in local, regional
and national business communities and the recommendations of satisfied former
students are important factors contributing to success in recruiting new
students. CEC works to strengthen the qualities that make its schools "schools
of choice" within their geographic locations. Each school's admissions office
is charged with marketing its school's programs through a combination of
admissions representatives, direct mailings and radio, television and print
media advertising, in addition to providing the information needed by
prospective students to assist them in making their enrollment decisions.

The Company's schools employ approximately 185 admissions representatives,
each of whom focuses his or her efforts solely on the following areas: (i)
out-of-area (correspondent) recruiting, (ii) high school recruiting or (iii)
in-house (adult) recruiting. Correspondent representatives work with students
who live outside of the immediate school area to generate interest through
correspondence with potential enrollees who have learned of the school through
regional or national advertising. The Company believes it is able to
significantly boost enrollment by targeting students outside of the local
population. High school recruiting representatives conduct informational
programs at local secondary schools and follow up with interested students
outside of school, either at their homes or on the CEC school campus. The
interpersonal relationships formed with high school counselors

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may have significant influence over a potential student's choice of school.
CEC believes that the relationships of its schools' representatives with the
counseling departments of high schools are good and that the brand awareness
and placement rates of its schools assist representatives in gaining access to
counselors. In-house representatives are also available to speak with
prospective students who visit campuses and to respond to calls generated
through the school's advertising campaigns. Representatives interview and
advise students interested in specific careers to determine the likelihood of
their success in completing their educational programs. The admissions
representatives are full-time, salaried employees of the schools. Regulations
of the DOE prevent the Company from giving its employees incentive
compensation based, directly or indirectly, upon the number of students
recruited.

The Company also engages in significant direct mail campaigns. Mailing lists
are purchased from a variety of sources, and brochures are mailed regularly
during the course of the year, with frequency determined by the number of
school starts in a given year. The Company believes direct mailings offer a
fast and cost-effective way to reach a targeted population.

In addition, each school develops advertising for a variety of media,
including radio, television and the Internet, which is run locally, regionally
and sometimes nationally. While multi-media advertising is generally more
appropriate for local markets, certain initiatives have been successfully
utilized on a national basis. CEC has found infomercials to be a particularly
effective tool nationally because their length enables schools to convey a
substantial amount of information about their students, their faculties, their
facilities and, most importantly, their course offerings. The Company also
believes that the personal flavor of the presentation typical of infomercials
is well-suited to attracting potential applicants. As an additional marketing
tool, all of the Company's schools have established web sites, which can be
easily accessed for information about these schools and their educational
programs. Although the Company retains independent advertising agencies, the
Company designs and produces a portion of its direct marketing and multi-media
advertising and communications in-house, through Market Direct, Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary ("Market Direct"). While a majority of Market Direct's
operations involve designing and producing advertising for the Company, Market
Direct also provides these services to other businesses outside of the
postsecondary education industry as opportunities arise.

The Company closely monitors the effectiveness of its marketing efforts. The
Company estimates that, in 1996, admissions representatives were responsible
for attracting approximately 25% of student enrollments, direct mailings were
responsible for approximately 14%, television, radio and print media
advertising were responsible for approximately 41%, and the remaining
approximately 20% was attributable to various other methods.

STUDENT ADMISSIONS AND RETENTION

The admissions and entrance standards of each school are designed to
identify those students who are best equipped to meet the requirements of
their chosen fields of study. The most important qualifications for students
include a strong desire to learn, passion for their area of interest,
initiative and a high likelihood of successfully completing their programs.
These characteristics are generally identified through personal interviews by
admissions representatives. The Company believes that a success-oriented
student body results in higher retention and placement rates, increased
satisfaction on the part of students and their employers and lower student
default rates on government loans. To be qualified for admission to one of the
Company's schools, each applicant must have a high school diploma or a General
Education Development (GED) certificate. Many of the Company's schools also
require that applicants obtain certain minimum scores on academic assessment
examinations. For 1996, approximately 28% of entering students at the
Company's campuses matriculated directly from high school.

The Company recognizes that its ability to retain students until graduation
is an important indicator of its success and that modest improvements in
retention rates can result in meaningful increases in school revenue and
profitability. As with other postsecondary educational institutions, many of
the Company's students do not

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complete their programs for a variety of personal, financial or academic
reasons. As a result, student retention is considered an entire school's
responsibility, from admissions to faculty and administration to career
counseling services. To minimize student withdrawals, faculty and staff
members at each of the Company's campuses strive to establish personal
relationships with students. Each campus devotes staff resources to advising
students regarding academic and financial matters, part-time employment and
other matters that may affect their success. However, while there may be many
contributors, each campus has one administrative employee specifically
responsible for monitoring and coordinating the student retention efforts. In
addition, the Company's senior management regularly tracks retention rates at
each campus and provides feedback and support to appropriate local campus
administrators. Shorter programs typically have higher completion rates than
longer programs.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND FACULTY

The Company believes that curriculum is the single most important component
of its operations, because students choose, and employers recruit from,
career-oriented schools based on the type and quality of technical education
offered. The curriculum development efforts of the Company's schools are a
product of their operating partnership with students and the business and
industrial communities.

The relationship of each of the Company's schools with the business
community plays a significant role in the development and adaptation of school
curriculum. Each school has one or more curriculum advisory boards comprised
of members of the local and/or regional business community who are engaged in
businesses directly related to the educational programs provided by the
school. These boards provide valuable input to the school's education
department, which allows the school to keep its curriculum current and provide
graduates with the training and skills that these employers seek.

CEC also endeavors to enhance and maintain the relevancy of its curriculum
by soliciting ideas through student and employer surveys and by requiring
students in selected programs to complete an internship during their school
experience. CEC has developed a number of techniques designed both to gain
valuable industry insight for ongoing curriculum development and enhance the
overall student experience. These techniques include (i) classroom discussions
with industry executives, (ii) part-time job placement within a student's
industry of choice, and (iii) classroom case studies that are based upon
actual industry issues.

CEC's schools are in continuous contact with employers through their
faculty, who are industry professionals. The schools hire a significant number
of part-time faculty holding positions in business and industry because
specialized knowledge is required to teach many of the schools' courses and to
provide students with current, industry-specific training. The schedules of
business and industry professionals often permit them to teach the many
evening courses offered by the Company's schools. Unlike traditional four-year
colleges, instructors in the Company's schools are not awarded tenure and are
evaluated in part based upon student evaluations. As of October 31, 1997, the
Company's schools employed approximately faculty members, of which
approximately % were full-time employees of the Company and approximately
% had been hired on a part-time, adjunct basis.

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

CEC provides significant operational autonomy and appropriate performance-
based compensation to local school administrators who have demonstrated the
ability to undertake such responsibility, based on the Company's belief that
success is driven by performance at the local level through enrollment growth,
student retention rates and placement rates. In addition, each CEC school
requires, to a certain extent, different resources and operating tactics due
to a variety of factors, including curriculum, demographics, geographic
location and size. Management of each of the Company's schools is principally
in the hands of a school president who has accountability for the school's
operations and profitability. Each CEC school has five primary operating
departments: admissions, financial aid, education, placement and accounting.

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Business strategy, finance and consolidation accounting functions are
centralized at the Company's corporate headquarters. CEC's corporate staff
develops long-term and short-term operating strategies for the schools and
works closely with local administrators to accomplish their goals and ensure
adherence to Company strategy. CEC maintains stringent quality standards and
controls at both the corporate and individual school levels. Activities at the
corporate level include regular reporting processes which track the vital
statistics of each school's operations, including enrollments, placements,
leads, retention rates and financial data. These reports provide real-time
statistics which allow management to monitor the performance of each campus.
Each operating department at the campus level is also required to compile
certain statistical reports at regular intervals, including reports on
admissions, financial aid, academic performance and placement.

CEC uses a number of quality and financial controls. Information is tracked
through an advanced, PC-based management information system, which currently
runs on a decentralized basis, but also allows centralized access to account
information.

TUITION AND FEES

Effective with the fall of 1997, total tuition for completion (on a full-
time basis) of a 12-month diploma program offered by the Company's schools
ranges from $6,590 to $14,270, for completion of an associate degree program
ranges from $15,000 to $22,770, and for completion of a bachelor's degree
program ranges from $34,992 to $37,080. In addition to these tuition amounts,
students at the Company's schools typically must purchase textbooks and
supplies as part of their educational programs.

The Company's institutions bill students for their tuition and other
institutional charges based on the specific instructional format or formats of
the school's educational programs. Each institution's refund policies must
meet the requirements of the DOE and such institution's state and accrediting
agencies. Generally, under the DOE's requirements, if a first-time student
ceases attendance before the point in time that is 60% of the period of
enrollment for which the student has been charged, the institution will refund
institutional charges based on the amount of time for which the student paid
but did not attend. After a student has attended 60% or more of the term, the
institution will retain 100% of the institutional charges for that period of
enrollment. After the student's first enrollment period, the institution
refunds institutional charges for subsequent periods of enrollment based on
the number of weeks remaining in the period of enrollment in which the student
withdrew. Certain state refund requirements, where more beneficial to the
students, are applied when determining refunds for students.

GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT

The Company believes that employment of graduates of its schools in
occupations related to their fields of studies is critical to the reputation
of the schools and their ability to continue to recruit students successfully.
The Company believes that its schools' most successful form of recruiting is
through referrals from satisfied graduates. A strong placement office is
important to maintain and elevate the school's reputation, as well as managing
the rate at which former students default on their loans.

CEC devotes a significant amount of time and resources to student placement,
which the Company believes to be the ultimate indicator of its success. The
Company believes that its average placement rate (calculated according to the
criteria discussed below), which was in excess of 85% for calendar year 1996
graduates, is attractive to prospective students and provides a competitive
advantage. Student placement is a top priority of each CEC school beginning on
the first day of student enrollment. This approach heightens the students'
awareness of the placement department and keeps students focused on their
goal--job placement within their field of choice. Moreover, each CEC school
includes in its curriculum a career development course which provides
instruction in the preparation of resumes, cover letters, networking and other
essential communication tools. Placement office resources are regularly
available to CEC school graduates. With such assistance, the Company's
graduates find employment with a wide variety of businesses located not only
in the schools' local markets but also regionally and nationally.

50
<PAGE>

Each campus' placement department also plays a role in marketing the campus'
curriculum to the business community to produce job leads for graduates.
Approximately 50 employees work in the placement departments of the Company's
campuses. Placement counselors participate in professional organizations,
advisory boards, trade shows and community events to keep apprised of industry
trends and maintain relationships with key employers. Partnerships with local
and regional businesses are established through internships and curriculum
development programs and facilitate placement of graduates in local and
regional businesses. The placement department also assists current students in
finding part-time jobs while attending school. These part-time placements
often lead to permanent positions.

Based on information received from graduating students and employers (by
survey), the Company believes that students graduating from its schools during
the fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 obtained employment in
fields related to their program of study as of June 30 or earlier of the year
following their graduation as indicated below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
--------------------------------------
NUMBER OF % WHO OBTAINED
SCHOOL AVAILABLE GRADUATES (1) EMPLOYMENT (2)
------ ----------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
AL COLLINS GRAPHIC DESIGN SCHOOL
Tempe, AZ...................... 261 82.4%
ALLENTOWN BUSINESS SCHOOL
Allentown, PA.................. 443 91.7
BROOKS COLLEGE
Long Beach, CA................. 150 92.0
BROWN INSTITUTE
Minneapolis, MN................ 634 87.1
WESTERN CULINARY INSTITUTE
Portland, OR................... 363 97.0
SCHOOL OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
Fairmont, WV and Pittsburgh,
PA............................ 135 93.9
THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS
Boston, MA..................... 174 90.8
Melville, NY................... 361 89.8
Montclair, NJ.................. 281 84.7
New York, NY................... 467 79.2
Norwalk, CT.................... 275 86.2
Piscataway, NJ................. 263 78.3
Providence, RI................. 180 80.6
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF
MERCHANDISING & DESIGN (U.S.)
Chicago, IL.................... 88 94.0
Tampa, FL...................... 90 95.6
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF
MERCHANDISING & DESIGN (CANADA)
Montreal, PQ................... 110 91.0
Toronto, ON.................... 241 87.0
----- ----
TOTAL........................ 4,516 87.4%
===== ====
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Available graduates excludes students who are continuing their education,
are in active military service or are disabled or deceased, as well as
students from foreign countries who are legally ineligible to work in the
United States.
(2) Represents the percentage of available graduates who obtained employment
related to their program of study within six months of graduation.

51
<PAGE>

The reputation of the Gibbs schools allows them to charge fees to employers
upon placement of many of its students. The Company's other schools do not
currently receive such placement fees, nor, the Company believes, do any of
the Company's principal proprietary competitors. The Company believes that, as
an additional source of revenue, it may be able to replicate the Gibbs
placement fee program at other CEC schools.

TECHNOLOGY

CEC is committed to providing its students access to the technology
necessary for developing skills required to succeed in the careers for which
they are training. Through regular consultation with business representatives,
the Company ensures that all its schools provide their students with state-of-
the-art computer hardware, computer software and equipment meeting industry-
specific technical standards. In each program, students use the types of
equipment that they will eventually use in their careers of choice. For
example, graphic animation students use sophisticated computer multimedia
animation and digital video editing equipment and supplies, and visual
communication and design technologies students make significant use of
technologies for computer-related design and layout and digital pre-press
applications.

EMPLOYEES

As of October 31, 1997, CEC and its schools had a total of
full-time and part-time employees. Neither the Company nor any of
its schools has any collective bargaining agreements with its employees. The
Company considers its relations with its employees to be good.

COMPETITION

The postsecondary education market, consisting in the U.S. of approximately
7,000 accredited universities, colleges and schools, is highly fragmented and
competitive, with no single institution having a significant market share.
CEC's schools compete with traditional public and private two-year and four-
year colleges and universities, other proprietary schools and alternatives to
higher education such as immediate employment and military service. Certain
private and public colleges and universities may offer courses of study
similar to those of the Company's schools. Some public institutions are able
to charge lower tuition than the Company's schools due in part to government
subsidies, government and foundation grants, tax-deductible contributions and
other financial sources not available to proprietary schools. However, tuition
at private, non-profit institutions is, on average, higher than the average
tuition rates of the Company's schools. Other proprietary career-oriented
schools also offer programs that compete with those of the Company's schools.
The Company believes that its schools compete with other educational
institutions principally based upon quality of their educational programs,
reputation in the business community, costs of programs and employability of
graduates. Some of the Company's competitors in both the public and private
sectors may have substantially greater financial and other resources than the
Company.

Changes in the regulatory environment have stimulated consolidation in the
postsecondary education industry. Regulations adopted in recent years have
tightened standards for educational content, established stricter permissible
student outcomes (i.e., completion, placement and federal loan default rates)
and created more stringent standards for the evaluation of a school's
financial responsibility and administrative capability. As a result, certain
career-oriented schools have been forced to close because they lacked
sufficient quality or financial resources or could not manage the increased
regulatory burden. At the same time, despite increasing demand, potential new
entrants face significant barriers to entry due to the highly regulated nature
of the industry and the considerable expense of start-up operations.

FACILITIES

CEC's corporate headquarters are located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, near
Chicago, and its 18 campuses are located in 13 states and two Canadian
provinces. Each campus contains teaching facilities, including modern
classrooms, laboratories and, in the case of the schools with culinary arts
programs, large, well-equipped kitchens. Admissions and administrative offices
are also located at each campus. Additionally, Brooks' campus includes a
dormitory and student cafeteria, and Western Culinary leases and operates
three restaurants in conjunction with its culinary arts program.

52
<PAGE>

The Company leases all of its facilities, except the primary Gibbs facility
in Montclair, New Jersey, which is owned by the Company, and one building in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is owned by the Company and which the Company
intends to sell. The leases have remaining terms ranging from less than one to
eleven years. The following table sets forth certain information as of
September 30, 1997 with respect to the principal facilities of the Company:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE
FACILITY SQUARE FEET
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
<S> <C>
CEC CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
Hoffman Estates, IL........................................ 4,566
AL COLLINS GRAPHIC DESIGN SCHOOL
Tempe, AZ.................................................. 51,000
ALLENTOWN BUSINESS SCHOOL
Allentown, PA.............................................. 51,000
BROOKS COLLEGE
Long Beach, CA............................................. 34,000
BROWN INSTITUTE
Minneapolis, MN............................................ 118,000(1)
WESTERN CULINARY INSTITUTE
Portland, OR............................................... 26,000
SCHOOL OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
Fairmont, WV............................................... 9,500
Pittsburgh, PA............................................. 42,714
THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS
Boston, MA................................................. 26,999
Melville, NY............................................... 32,500
Montclair, NJ.............................................. 34,376
New York, NY............................................... 51,903
Norwalk, CT................................................ 17,000
Piscataway, NJ............................................. 16,745
Providence, RI............................................. 12,974
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING & DESIGN (U.S.)
Chicago, IL................................................ 45,000
Tampa, FL.................................................. 29,500
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING & DESIGN (CANADA)
Montreal, PQ............................................... 22,500(2)
Toronto, ON................................................ 56,000
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Brown will move into this facility in October 1997.
(2) IAMD-Canada, in Montreal, expects to move into a new 41,000 square foot
leased facility in December 1997.

The Company actively monitors facility capacity in light of current
utilization and projected enrollment growth. The Company believes that the
facilities occupied by most of its schools can accommodate expected near-term
growth, but that certain of its schools may need to acquire additional space
within the next few years. The Company believes that its schools can acquire
any necessary additional capacity on reasonably acceptable terms. The Company
devotes capital resources to facility improvements and expansions as
necessary.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

CEC is subject to occasional lawsuits, investigations and claims arising out
of the ordinary conduct of its business. Neither the Company nor any of its
subsidiaries is a party to any legal proceeding which the Company believes to
be material to the Company or its business.

53
<PAGE>

On February 24, 1997, 39 former and current students in Brown's PC/LAN
program brought a suit entitled Peter Alsides, et al. v. Brown Institute, Ltd.
(Fourth Judicial District, Hennepin County, Minnesota) against Brown alleging
breach of contract, fraud, and misrepresentation, violation of the Minnesota
Consumer Fraud Act, violation of the Minnesota Deceptive Trade Practices Act
and negligent misrepresentation. Plaintiffs allege that Brown failed to
provide them with the education for which they contracted and which had been
represented to them upon enrollment. Brown has answered the complaint,
asserted defenses and the parties have exchanged written discovery. One other
former student of Brown has commenced a separate individual action making
similar claims. Brown believes that all of these claims are frivolous and
without merit and is vigorously contesting the allegations.

54
<PAGE>

FINANCIAL AID AND REGULATION

ACCREDITATION

Accreditation is a process through which an institution submits itself to
qualitative review by an organization of peer institutions. Accrediting
agencies primarily examine the academic quality of the instructional programs
of an institution, and a grant of accreditation is generally viewed as
certification that an institution's programs meet generally accepted academic
standards. Accrediting agencies also review the administrative and financial
operations of the institutions they accredit to ensure that each institution
has the resources to perform its educational mission.

Pursuant to provisions of the HEA, the DOE relies on accrediting agencies to
determine whether institutions' educational programs qualify them to
participate in the Title IV Programs. The HEA specifies certain standards that
all recognized accrediting agencies must adopt in connection with their review
of postsecondary institutions. Accrediting agencies that meet the DOE
standards are recognized as reliable arbiters of educational quality. All of
the Company's U.S. campuses are accredited by an accrediting agency recognized
by the DOE. Twelve of the Company's campuses are accredited by the Accrediting
Council for Independent Colleges and Schools ("ACICS"), three of the Company's
campuses are accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and
Colleges of Technology ("ACCSCT") and one of the Company's campuses is
accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of
the Western Association of Schools and Colleges ("WASC/ACCJC"). In addition,
four of the Company's campuses are accredited by the Foundation for Interior
Design Education Research ("FIDER") and two of the Company's campuses are
accredited by the American Culinary Federation Educational Institute
Accrediting Commission ("ACFEI"); FIDER and ACFEI are not recognized by the
DOE for Title IV Program eligibility purposes.

The accrediting agencies for each of the Company's U.S. campuses are set
forth in the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCREDITING
SCHOOL AGENCIES
-------------------------------------------------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
AL COLLINS GRAPHIC DESIGN SCHOOL
Tempe, AZ............................................. ACCSCT
ALLENTOWN BUSINESS SCHOOL
Allentown, PA......................................... ACICS
BROOKS COLLEGE
Long Beach, CA........................................ WASC/ACCJC/FIDER
BROWN INSTITUTE
Minneapolis, MN....................................... ACCSCT
WESTERN CULINARY INSTITUTE
Portland, OR.......................................... ACCSCT/ACFEI
SCHOOL OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
Fairmont, WV.......................................... ACICS
Pittsburgh, PA........................................ ACICS/ACFEI
THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS
Boston, MA............................................ ACICS
Melville, NY.......................................... ACICS
Montclair, NJ......................................... ACICS
New York, NY.......................................... ACICS
Norwalk, CT........................................... ACICS
Piscataway, NJ........................................ ACICS
Providence, RI........................................ ACICS
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING & DESIGN (U.S.)
Chicago, IL........................................... ACICS/FIDER
Tampa, FL............................................. ACICS/FIDER
</TABLE>

The HEA requires each recognized accrediting agency to submit to a periodic
review of its procedures and practices by the DOE as a condition of its
continued recognition.

55
<PAGE>

The HEA requires accrediting agencies recognized by the DOE to review many
aspects of an institution's operations to ensure that the education or
training offered by the institution is of sufficient quality to achieve, for
the duration of the accreditation period, the stated objective for which the
education or training is offered. Under the HEA, a recognized accrediting
agency must perform regular inspections and reviews of institutions of higher
education, including unannounced site visits to institutions, that provide
career-oriented education and training. An accrediting agency may place an
institution on "reporting" status in order to monitor one or more specified
areas of the institution's performance. An institution placed on reporting
status is required to report periodically to its accrediting agency on that
institution's performance in the specified areas. While on reporting status,
an institution may be limited in opening and commencing teaching at new
campuses without first receiving a waiver from its accrediting agency.

STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

To provide students access to financial assistance available through the
Title IV Programs, an institution, including its additional locations, must be
(i) authorized to offer its programs of instruction by the relevant agency of
the state in which it and its additional campuses, if any, are located, (ii)
accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the DOE and (iii) certified
as eligible by the DOE. In addition, the institution must ensure that Title IV
Program funds are properly accounted for and disbursed in the correct amounts
to eligible students.

Under the HEA and its implementing regulations, each of the Company's
campuses that participates in the Title IV Programs must comply with certain
standards on an institutional basis, as more specifically identified below.
For purposes of these standards, the regulations define an institution as a
main campus and its additional locations, if any. Under this definition, each
of the Company's U.S. campuses is a separate institution, except for The
Katharine Gibbs School in Piscataway, New Jersey, which is an additional
location of The Katharine Gibbs School in Montclair, New Jersey, and the
School of Computer Technology in Fairmont, West Virginia, which is an
additional location of the School of Computer Technology in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.

NATURE OF FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION IN THE U.S.

While many of the states support public colleges and universities primarily
through direct state subsidies, the federal government provides a substantial
part of its support for postsecondary education in the form of grants and
loans to students who can use this support at any institution that has been
certified as eligible by the DOE. The Title IV Programs have provided aid to
students for more than 30 years and, since the mid-1960's, the scope and size
of such programs have steadily increased. Since 1972, Congress has expanded
the scope of the HEA to provide for the needs of the changing national student
population by, among other things, (i) providing that students at proprietary
institutions, such as the Company's institutions, are eligible for assistance
under the Title IV Programs, (ii) establishing a program for loans to parents
of eligible students, (iii) opening the Title IV Programs to part-time
students, and (iv) increasing maximum loan limits and in some cases
eliminating the requirement that students demonstrate financial need to obtain
federally guaranteed student loans. Most recently, the FDL program was
enacted, enabling students to obtain loans from the federal government rather
than from commercial lenders.

Students at the Company's institutions receive grants and loans to fund
their education under several of the Title IV Programs, of which the two
largest are the FFEL and the Federal Pell Grant ("Pell") program. The
Company's institutions also participate in the Federal Supplemental
Educational Opportunity Grant ("FSEOG") program, and some of them participate
in the Perkins program and the Federal Work-Study ("FWS") program. One of the
Company's institutions is an active participant in the FDL program.

56
<PAGE>

Some aid under the Title IV Programs is awarded on the basis of financial
need, generally defined under the HEA as the difference between the cost of
attending an educational program and the amount a student can reasonably
contribute to that cost. All recipients of Title IV Program funds must
maintain a satisfactory grade point average and progress in a timely manner
toward completion of their program of study.

Pell. Pell grants are the primary component of the Title IV Programs under
which the DOE makes grants to students who demonstrate financial need. Every
eligible student is entitled to receive a Pell grant; there is no
institutional allocation or limit. For the 1997-98 award year, Pell grants
range from $400 to $2,700 per year. Amounts received by students enrolled in
the Company's U.S. institutions in the 1996-97 award year under the Pell
program equaled approximately 12% of the Company's U.S. tuition and fee
revenue.

FSEOG. FSEOG awards are designed to supplement Pell grants for the neediest
students. FSEOG grants generally range in amount from $100 to $4,000 per year;
however, the availability of FSEOG awards is limited by the amount of those
funds allocated to an institution under a formula that takes into account the
size of the institution, its costs and the income levels of its students. The
Company is required to make a 25% matching contribution for all FSEOG program
funds disbursed. Resources for this institutional contribution may include
institutional grants, scholarships and other eligible funds (i.e., funds from
foundations and other charitable organizations) and, in certain states,
portions of state scholarships and awards. During the 1996-97 award year, the
Company's required 25% institutional match was met by approximately $110,000
in funds from its institutions and approximately $177,000 in funds from state
scholarships and grants and from foundations and other charitable
organizations. Amounts received by students in the Company's institutions
under the federal share of the FSEOG programs in the 1996-97 award year
equaled approximately 1% of the Company's U.S. tuition and fee revenue.

FFEL and FDL. The FFEL program consists of two types of loans, Stafford
loans, which are made available to students regardless of financial need, and
PLUS loans, which are made available to parents of students classified as
dependents. Under the FDL program, students may obtain loans directly from the
DOE rather than commercial lenders. The conditions on FDL loans are generally
the same as on loans made under the FFEL program. Certain of the Company's
institutions have been selected by the DOE to participate in the FDL program.
Under the Stafford loan program, a student may borrow up to $2,625 for the
first academic year, $3,500 for the second academic year and, in some
educational programs, $5,500 for each of the third and fourth academic years.
Students with significant financial need qualify for interest subsidies while
in school and during grace periods. Students who are classified as independent
can increase their borrowing limits and receive additional unsubsidized
Stafford loans. Such students can obtain an additional $4,000 for each of the
first and second academic years and, depending upon the educational program,
an additional $5,000 for each of the third and fourth academic years. The
obligation to begin repaying Stafford loans does not commence until six months
after a student ceases enrollment as at least a half-time student. Amounts
received by students in the Company's institutions under the Stafford program
in the 1996-97 award year equaled approximately 44% of the Company's U.S.
tuition and fee revenue. PLUS loans may be obtained by the parents of a
dependent student in an amount not to exceed the difference between the total
cost of that student's education (including allowable expenses) and other aid
to which that student is entitled. Amounts received by students in the
Company's institutions under the PLUS program in the 1996-97 award year
equaled approximately 11% of the Company's U.S. tuition and fee revenue.

The Company's schools and their students use a wide variety of lenders and
guaranty agencies and have not experienced difficulties in identifying lenders
and guaranty agencies willing to make federal student loans. Additionally, the
HEA requires the establishment of lenders of last resort in every state to
ensure that students at any institution that cannot identify such lenders will
have access to the FFEL program loans.

Perkins. Eligible undergraduate students may borrow up to $3,000 under the
Perkins program during each academic year, with an aggregate maximum of
$15,000, at a 5% interest rate and with repayment delayed until nine months
after the borrower ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
Perkins loans are made available to those students who demonstrate the
greatest financial need. Perkins loans are made from a revolving

57
<PAGE>

account, 75% of which was initially capitalized by the DOE. Subsequent federal
capital contributions in the same proportion may be received if an institution
meets certain requirements. Each institution collects payments on Perkins
loans from its former students and reloans those funds to currently enrolled
students. Collection and disbursement of Perkins loans is the responsibility
of each participating institution. During the 1996-97 award year, the Company
collected approximately $543,000 from its former students in repayment of
Perkins loans. In the 1996-97 award year, the Company's required matching
contribution was approximately $47,000. The Perkins loans disbursed to
students in the Company's institutions in the 1996-97 award year equaled
approximately 1% of the Company's U.S. tuition and fee revenue. In 1995, the
Gibbs institutions voluntarily chose to discontinue participation in the
Perkins program.

FWS. Under the FWS program, federal funds are made available to pay up to
75% of the cost of part-time employment of eligible students, based on their
financial need, to perform work for the institution or for off-campus public
or non-profit organizations. During the 1996-97 award year, the Company's
institutions and other organizations provided matching contributions totaling
approximately $70,000. At least 5% of an institution's FWS allocation must be
used to fund student employment in community service positions. In general,
FWS earnings are not used for tuition and fees. However, in the 1996-97 award
year, the federal share of FWS earnings represented 0.2% of the Company's U.S.
tuition and fee revenue.

FEDERAL OVERSIGHT OF THE TITLE IV PROGRAMS

The substantial amount of federal funds disbursed through the Title IV
Programs coupled with the large numbers of students and institutions
participating in those programs have led to instances of fraud, waste and
abuse. As a result, the United States Congress has required the DOE to
increase its level of regulatory oversight of institutions to ensure that
public funds are properly used. Each institution which participates in the
Title IV Programs must annually submit to the DOE an audit by an independent
accounting firm of that institution's compliance with the Title IV Program
requirements, as well as audited financial statements. The DOE also conducts
compliance reviews, which include on-site evaluations, of several hundred
institutions each year, and directs student loan guaranty agencies to conduct
additional reviews relating to the FFEL programs. In addition, the Office of
the Inspector General of the DOE conducts audits and investigations of
institutions in certain circumstances. Under the HEA, accrediting agencies and
state licensing agencies also have responsibilities for overseeing
institutions' compliance with Title IV Program requirements. As a result, each
participating institution, including each of the Company's institutions, is
subject to frequent and detailed oversight and must comply with a complex
framework of laws and regulations or risk being required to repay funds or
becoming ineligible to participate in the Title IV Programs.

Largely as a result of this increased oversight, the DOE has reported that
more than 800 institutions have either ceased to be eligible for or have
voluntarily relinquished their participation in some or all of the Title IV
Programs since October 1, 1992. This has reduced competition among
institutions with respect to certain markets and educational programs.

Cohort Default Rates. A significant component of the Congressional
initiative aimed at reducing fraud, waste and abuse was the imposition of
limitations on participation in the Title IV Programs by institutions whose
former students defaulted on the repayment of federally guaranteed or funded
student loans at an "excessive" rate. Since the DOE began to impose sanctions
on institutions with cohort default rates above certain levels, the DOE has
reported that more than 600 institutions have lost their eligibility to
participate in some or all of the Title IV Programs. However, many
institutions, including all of the Company's institutions, have responded by
implementing aggressive student loan default management programs aimed at
reducing the likelihood of students failing to repay their loans in a timely
manner. An institution's cohort default rates under the FFEL and FDL programs
are calculated on an annual basis as the rate at which student borrowers
scheduled to begin repayment on their loans in one federal fiscal year default
on those loans by the end of the next federal fiscal year. An institution that
participates in both the FFEL and FDL programs, including one of the Company's
institutions, receives a single "weighted average" cohort default rate in
place of an FFEL or FDL cohort default rate. Any institution whose cohort
default rate equals or exceeds 25% for any one of the three most recent
federal fiscal

58
<PAGE>

years may be found by the DOE to lack administrative capability and, on that
basis, placed on provisional certification status for up to four years.
Provisional certification status does not limit an institution's access to
Title IV Program funds, but does subject that institution to closer review by
the DOE and possible summary adverse action if that institution commits
violations of the Title IV Program requirements. Any institution whose cohort
default rates equal or exceed 25% for three consecutive years will no longer
be eligible to participate in the FFEL or FDL programs for the remainder of
the federal fiscal year in which the DOE determines that such institution has
lost its eligibility and for the two subsequent federal fiscal years. In
addition, an institution whose cohort default rate for any federal fiscal year
exceeds 40% may have its eligibility to participate in all of the Title IV
Programs limited, suspended or terminated. Since the calculation of cohort
default rates involves the collection of data from many non-governmental
agencies (i.e., lenders, private guarantors or servicers), as well as the DOE,
the HEA provides a formal process for the review and appeal of the accuracy of
cohort default rates before the DOE takes any action against an institution
based on such rates.

None of the Company's institutions has had a published cohort default rate
of 25% or greater for three consecutive federal fiscal years, and none has a
published cohort default rate of 25% or greater for federal fiscal year 1994,
which is the most recent year for which rates have been published. For federal
fiscal year 1994, the published cohort default rates for the Company's
institutions ranged from a low of 7.1% to a high of 19.6%. The average cohort
default rates for proprietary institutions nationally were 30.2%, 23.9% and
21.1% in federal fiscal years 1992, 1993 and 1994, respectively. Gibbs-Norwalk
is the only one of the Company's institutions that received a prepublication
cohort default rate for federal fiscal year 1995 that exceeds 25%, which
prepublication rate is 27.1%. This federal fiscal year 1995 prepublication
cohort default rate will be subject to revision by the DOE at the time that
final rates are officially published, which is expected to occur in the fall
of 1997. The Company has reviewed the data with which the federal fiscal year
1995 prepublication cohort default rate for Gibbs-Norwalk was calculated and,
while the Company is seeking corrections to certain of that data pursuant to
the DOE regulations, it expects the cohort default rate for Gibbs-Norwalk to
exceed 25% when published as official. In addition, two of the Company's
institutions have had an FFEL cohort default rate exceeding 25% in either
federal fiscal years 1992 or 1993. To date, neither of these institutions has
been placed on provisional certification status as a result of FFEL cohort
default rates in excess of 25%. The following table sets forth the cohort
default rates for the Company's institutions for federal fiscal years 1992,
1993 and 1994 and the prepublication cohort default rate of the institutions
for federal fiscal year 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COHORT DEFAULT
PREPUBLICATION RATE
1995 COHORT -----------------
SCHOOL DEFAULT RATE 1994 1993 1992
- --------------------------------------------- -------------- ----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AL COLLINS GRAPHIC DESIGN SCHOOL
Tempe, AZ.................................. 13.9% 19.3% 28.5% 20.0%
ALLENTOWN BUSINESS SCHOOL
Allentown, PA.............................. 10.8% 7.1% 14.9% 15.7%
BROOKS COLLEGE
Long Beach, CA............................. 18.2% 18.4% 16.2% 10.3%
BROWN INSTITUTE
Minneapolis, MN............................ 18.3% 19.6% 18.6% 19.7%
WESTERN CULINARY INSTITUTE
Portland, OR............................... 14.3% 11.4% 14.2% 26.1%
SCHOOL OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
Pittsburgh, PA and Fairmont, WV............ 10.9% 9.3% 14.6% 16.5%
THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS
Boston, MA................................. 19.3% 16.7% 18.6% 16.6%
Melville, NY............................... 16.1% 17.8% 18.2% 19.1%
Montclair, NJ and Piscataway, NJ........... 16.7% 16.0% 19.2% 18.6%
New York, NY............................... 14.6% 18.9% 17.5% 20.5%
Norwalk, CT................................ 27.1% 17.7% 24.0% 19.1%
Providence, RI............................. 14.7% 13.1% 17.3% 13.8%
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING &
DESIGN (U.S.)
Chicago, IL................................ 15.7% 13.3% 15.0% 10.4%
Tampa, FL.................................. 13.3% 15.0% 17.3% 14.9%
</TABLE>

59
<PAGE>

In addition, if an institution's cohort default rate for loans under the
Perkins program exceeds 15% for any federal award year (i.e., July 1 through
June 30), that institution may be placed on provisional certification status
for up to four years. Nine of the Company's institutions have Perkins cohort
default rates in excess of 15% for students who were scheduled to begin
repayment in the 1996-97 federal award year, the most recent year for which
such rates have been calculated. These institutions are Allentown, Brown,
Collins, Gibbs-Boston, Gibbs-Melville, Gibbs-Montclair, Gibbs-New York, Gibbs-
Norwalk and Gibbs-Providence. The Perkins program cohort default rates for
these nine institutions ranged from 20.7% to 64.3%. Thus, these institutions
could be placed on provisional certification status, which would subject them
to closer review by the DOE and possible summary adverse action if they commit
any violation of the Title IV Program requirements. However, to date, none of
these institutions has been placed on such status for this reason.

Each of the Company's institutions has adopted a student loan default
management plan. Those plans emphasize the importance of meeting loan
repayment requirements and provide for extensive loan counseling, methods to
increase student persistence and completion rates and graduate employment
rates, and proactive borrower contacts after students cease enrollment. They
may also include the use of external agencies to assist the institution with
loan counseling and loan servicing if students cease attending the
institution. Those activities are in addition to the loan servicing and
collection activities of FFEL lenders and guaranty agencies and FDL servicers.

Increased Regulatory Scrutiny

The HEA provides for a three-part initiative, referred to as the Program
Integrity Triad, intended to increase regulatory scrutiny of postsecondary
education institutions. One part of the Program Integrity Triad expands the
role of accrediting agencies in the oversight of institutions participating in
the Title IV Programs. As a result, the accrediting agencies which review and
accredit the Company's campuses have increased the breadth of such reviews and
have expanded their examinations in such areas as financial responsibility and
timeliness of student refunds. The Program Integrity Triad provisions also
require each accrediting agency recognized by the DOE to undergo comprehensive
periodic reviews by the DOE to ascertain whether such accrediting agency is
adhering to required standards. Each accrediting agency that accredits any of
the Company's campuses has been reviewed by the DOE under these provisions and
has been approved for recognition by the DOE.

A second part of the Program Integrity Triad tightened the standards to be
applied by the DOE in evaluating the financial responsibility and
administrative capability of institutions participating in the Title IV
Programs. In addition, the Program Integrity Triad mandated that the DOE
periodically review the eligibility and certification to participate in the
Title IV Programs of every such eligible institution. By law, all institutions
are required to undergo such a recertification review by the DOE by 1997 and
every four years thereafter. Under these standards, each of the Company's
institutions will be evaluated by the DOE more frequently than in the past. A
denial of recertification would preclude an institution from continuing to
participate in the Title IV Programs.

A third part of the Program Integrity Triad required each state to establish
a State Postsecondary Review Entity ("SPRE") to review certain institutions
within that state to determine their eligibility to continue participating in
the Title IV Programs. However, no SPREs are actively functioning. The United
States Congress has declined to provide funding for the SPREs in
appropriations legislation that has been signed into law and the DOE has not
requested any future funding for the SPREs. In its most recent draft of
proposals for the 1997 reauthorization of the HEA, the DOE has proposed that
the Congress repeal the SPRE program.

Financial Responsibility Standards

All institutions participating in the Title IV Programs must satisfy a
series of specific standards of financial responsibility. Institutions are
evaluated for compliance with those requirements in several circumstances,
including as part of the DOE's quadrennial recertification process and also
annually as each institution submits its audited financial statements to the
DOE. One standard requires each institution to demonstrate an acid test ratio
(defined as the ratio of cash, cash equivalents and current accounts
receivable to current liabilities) of at

60
<PAGE>

least 1:1 at the end of each fiscal year. Another standard requires that each
institution have a positive tangible net worth at the end of each fiscal year.
A third standard prohibits any institution from having a cumulative net
operating loss during its two most recent fiscal years that results in a
decline of more than 10% of that institution's tangible net worth as measured
at the beginning of that two-year period. In 1996, the DOE issued proposed
regulations that, if promulgated, would significantly revise the present
financial responsibility requirements, primarily by replacing the three
separate numeric ratios described above with a composite score based on three
new ratio calculations. The DOE has not yet issued new regulations in final
form, but has stated its intent to do so by December 1, 1997 and to make the
new regulations effective July 1, 1998. The DOE may measure an institution's
financial responsibility on the basis of the financial statements of the
institution itself or the financial statements of the institution's parent
company, and may also consider the financial condition of any other entity
related to the institution. In reviewing the Company's acquisitions in the
last 12 months, it has been the DOE's practice to measure financial
responsibility on the basis of the financial statements of both the
institutions and the Company.

An institution that is determined by the DOE not to meet the standards of
financial responsibility on the basis of failing to meet one or more of the
specified financial requirements is nonetheless entitled to participate in the
Title IV Programs if it can demonstrate to the DOE that it is financially
responsible on an alternative basis. An institution may do so by posting
surety either in an amount equal to 50% (or greater, as the DOE may require)
of the total Title IV Program funds received by students enrolled at such
institution during the prior year or in an amount equal to 10% (or greater, as
the DOE may require) of such prior year's funds if the institution also agrees
to transfer to the reimbursement system of payment for its Title IV Program
funds. The DOE has interpreted this surety condition to require the posting of
an irrevocable letter of credit in favor of the DOE. Alternatively, an
institution may demonstrate, with the support of a statement from a certified
public accountant and other information specified in the regulations, that it
was previously in compliance with the numeric standards and that its continued
operation is not jeopardized by its financial condition.

Company Compliance with Financial Responsibility Standards

61
<PAGE>

Consequently, the six Gibbs institutions were certified to resume
participation in the Title IV Programs as of October 1, 1997, and the Company
must post the letter of credit with the DOE no later than November 9, 1997. In
addition, the Company is considering the DOE's request to increase, no later
than November 15, 1997, the letter of credit with respect to SCT by $721,000
in order to maintain SCT's eligibility to participate in the Title IV
Programs. Further, upon the DOE's request, the Company is prepared to post an
additional letter of credit with respect to IAMD-U.S., which the Company
estimates will be in the range of $3.0 million to $5.0 million, in order to
reestablish the eligibility of the two IAMD-U.S. institutions to participate
in the Title IV Programs in the near future.

As a result of the DOE's requirement that the Company provide letters of
credit to secure the participation of newly acquired CEC institutions in the
Title IV Programs, the Company will have to utilize approximately $22.6
million available under its credit agreement. In addition, if the DOE limits
the aggregate dollar value of the Title IV Program participation of SCT, Gibbs
and IAMD-U.S. to the amount of the letter of credit posted with respect to
each such institution, such a limitation could significantly reduce the
Company's ability to provide financial assistance to additional students at
those institutions, which in turn could reduce the Company's ability to enroll
such additional students. The inability of the Company to significantly
increase aggregate enrollment at the newly-acquired institutions could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and
financial condition and on its ability to generate sufficient liquidity to
continue to fund growth in its operations and purchase other institutions. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operation--Liquidity and Capital Resources."

As a result of the Offering, the Company expects to receive net proceeds of
approximately $ , which will significantly enhance the Company's
financial position. See "Use of Proceeds." The Company believes that such
proceeds and the cash expected to be generated from operations during the
remainder of 1997 will enhance its financial position and therefore enable the
Company and each of its U.S. subsidiaries to present audited 1997 financial
statements which will satisfy each of the DOE's standards of financial
responsibility, including the acid test ratio and tangible net worth test.
Applicable law and regulations require the DOE to consider only an
institution's most recent audited annual financial statements in making a
determination of the institution's financial responsibility. Accordingly, the
Company intends to seek the DOE's review of its audited 1997 financial
statements on an expedited basis in the spring of 1998. Once the DOE has
determined that the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries satisfy each of the
DOE's standards of financial responsibility, applicable law and regulations
require the DOE to release the Company from the requirement that it post the
sureties described above and from the limitations on Title IV Program funding
in excess of the surety amounts. However, there can be no assurance that the
DOE will expedite its review of the Company's 1997 financial statements, or of
the outcome of such review.

62
<PAGE>

Restrictions on Acquiring or Opening Additional Schools and Adding
Educational Programs. An institution which undergoes a change of ownership
resulting in a change in control, including all the institutions the Company
has acquired or will acquire, must be reviewed and recertified for
participation in the Title IV Programs under its new ownership. Pending
recertification, the DOE suspends Title IV Program funding to that
institution's students except for certain Title IV Program funds that were
committed under the prior owner. If an institution is recertified following a
change of ownership, it will be on a provisional basis. During the time an
institution is provisionally certified, it may be subject to closer review by
the DOE and to summary adverse action for violations of Title IV Program
requirements, but provisional certification does not otherwise limit an
institution's access to Title IV Program funds.

In addition, the HEA generally requires that proprietary institutions be
fully operational for two years before applying to participate in the Title IV
Programs. However, under the HEA and applicable regulations, an institution
that is certified to participate in the Title IV Programs may establish an
additional location and apply to participate in the Title IV Programs at that
location without reference to the two-year requirement, if such additional
location satisfies all other applicable eligibility requirements. The
Company's expansion plans are based, in part, on its ability to acquire
schools that can be recertified and to open additional locations as part of
its existing institutions.

Generally, if an institution eligible to participate in the Title IV
Programs adds an educational program after it has been designated as an
eligible institution, the institution must apply to the DOE to have the
additional program designated as eligible. However, an institution is not
obligated to obtain DOE approval of an additional program that leads to an
associate, baccalaureate, professional or graduate degree or which prepares
students for gainful employment in the same or related recognized occupation
as an educational program that has previously been designated as an eligible
program at that institution and meets certain minimum length requirements.
Furthermore, short-term educational programs, which generally consist of those
programs that provide at least 300 but less than 600 clock hours of
instruction, are eligible only for FFEL funding and only if they have been
offered for a year and the institution can demonstrate, based on an
attestation by its independent auditor, that 70% of all students who enroll in
such programs complete them within a prescribed time and 70% of those students
who graduate from such programs obtain employment in the recognized occupation
for which they were trained within a prescribed time. Certain of the Gibbs
institutions offer such short-term programs, but students enrolled in such
programs represent a small percentage of the total enrollment of the Company's
schools. To date, the applicable institutions have been able to establish that
their short-term educational programs meet the required completion and
placement percentages. In the event that an institution erroneously determines
that an educational program is eligible for purposes of the Title IV Programs
without the DOE's express approval, the institution would likely be liable for
repayment of Title IV Program funds provided to students in that educational
program. The Company does not believe that the DOE's regulations will create
significant obstacles to its plans to add new programs.

Certain of the state authorizing agencies and accrediting agencies with
jurisdiction over the Company's campuses also have requirements that may, in
certain instances, limit the ability of the Company to open a new campus,
acquire an existing campus or establish an additional location of an existing
institution or begin offering

63
<PAGE>

a new educational program. The Company does not believe that those standards
will have a material adverse effect on the Company or its expansion plans.

The "85/15 Rule." Under a provision of the HEA commonly referred to as the
"85/15 Rule," a proprietary institution, such as each of the Company's U.S.
institutions, would cease being eligible to participate in the Title IV
Programs if, on a cash accounting basis, more than 85% of its revenue for the
prior fiscal year was derived from the Title IV Programs. Any institution that
violates the 85/15 Rule immediately becomes ineligible to participate in the
Title IV Programs and is unable to apply to regain its eligibility until the
following fiscal year. The Company has calculated that, since this requirement
took effect in 1995, none of the Company's U.S. institutions has derived more
than 82% of its revenue from the Title IV Programs for any fiscal year, and
that for 1996 the range for the Company's U.S. institutions was from
approximately 52% to approximately 82%. For 1996, the independent auditors of
the Company or prior owner, if applicable, examined management's assertion
that each of the Company's U.S. institutions complied with these requirements
and opined that such assertion was fairly stated in all material respects. The
Company regularly monitors compliance with this requirement in order to
minimize the risk that any of its U.S. institutions would derive more than 85%
of its revenue from the Title IV Programs for any fiscal year. If an
institution appears likely to approach the 85% threshold, the Company would
evaluate the appropriateness of making changes in student funding and
financing to ensure compliance with the 85/15 Rule.

Restrictions on Payment of Bonuses, Commissions or Other Incentives. The HEA
prohibits an institution from providing any commission, bonus or other
incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing
enrollments or financial aid to any person or entity engaged in any student
recruitment, admission or financial aid awarding activity for programs
eligible for Title IV Program funds. The Company believes that its current
compensation plans are in compliance with HEA standards, although the
regulations of the DOE do not establish clear criteria for compliance.

STATE AUTHORIZATION

Each of the Company's campuses is authorized to offer educational programs
and grant degrees or diplomas by the state in which such campus is located.
The level of regulatory oversight varies substantially from state to state. In
some states, the campuses are subject to licensure by the state education
agency and also by a separate higher education agency. State laws establish
standards for instruction, qualifications of faculty, location and nature of
facilities, financial policies and responsibility and other operational
matters. State laws and regulations may limit the ability of the Company to
obtain authorization to operate in certain states or to award degrees or
diplomas or offer new degree programs. Certain states prescribe standards of
financial responsibility that are different from those prescribed by the DOE.
The Company believes that each of its campuses is in substantial compliance
with state authorizing and licensure laws.

CANADIAN REGULATION

Canadian students, other than those who reside in the province of Quebec,
are eligible to receive loans under the CSL program. Students who are
residents of the province of Quebec are eligible to receive loans from the
QLBP. Students from the province of Ontario receive financial assistance under
both the CSL program and the OSLP program. CSL program loans are made by the
Canadian federal government.

With respect to students who reside in the province of Ontario, MET provides
financial assistance to eligible students through OSAP, which includes two
main components, the CSL program and the OSLP program. To maintain its right
to administer OSAP, an institution, such as the IAMD-Canada campus in Toronto,
must, among other things, be registered and in good standing under the PVSA
and abide by the rules, regulations and administrative manuals of the CSL,
OSLP and other OSAP-related programs. In order to attain initial eligibility,
an institution must establish, among other things, that it has been in good
standing under the PVSA for at least 12 months, that it has offered an
eligible program for at least 12 months, and that it has graduated at least
one class in an eligible program that satisfies specific requirements with
respect to class size and graduation rate.

64
<PAGE>

During the first two years of initial eligibility, the institution must have
its administration of OSAP independently audited, and full eligibility will
not be granted unless these audits establish that the institution has properly
administered OSAP. The institution can only administer CSL funds, and cannot
administer OSLP funds, until it has gained full eligibility. Once an
institution has gained OSAP eligibility, the institution must advise MET
before it takes any material action that may result in its failure or
inability to meet any rules, regulations or requirements related to OSAP.

In order for an OSAP-eligible institution to establish a new branch of an
existing eligible institution, it must obtain an OSAP-designation from MET,
either as a separate institution if the branch administers OSAP without the
involvement of the main campus or as part of the same institution if OSAP is
administered through the main campus of the institution. The Company does not
believe that OSAP's requirements will create significant obstacles to its
plans to acquire additional institutions or open new branches in Canada.

Institutions participating in OSAP, such as the IAMD-Canada campus in
Toronto, cannot submit applications for loans for students enrolled in
educational programs that have not been designated as OSAP-eligible by MET. To
be eligible, among other things, a program must be registered with the Private
Vocational Schools unit, must be of a certain minimum length and must lead to
a diploma or certificate. The Company does not anticipate that these program
approval requirements will create significant problems with respect to its
plans to add new educational programs.

IAMD-Canada, in Toronto, is required to audit its OSAP administration
annually and MET is authorized to conduct its own audits of the administration
of the OSAP programs by any OSAP-eligible institution. The Company has
complied with these requirements on a timely basis. Based on the most recent
annual compliance audits of IAMD-Canada, in Toronto, that institution has been
found to be in substantial compliance with the requirements of OSAP and the
Company believes that it continues to be in substantial compliance with these
requirements. MET has the authority to take any measures it deems necessary to
protect the integrity of the administration of OSAP. If MET deems a failure to
comply to be minor, MET will advise the institution of the deficiency and
provide the institution with the opportunity to remedy the asserted
deficiency. If MET deems the failure to comply to be serious in nature, MET
has the authority to: (i) condition the institution's continued OSAP
designation upon the institution's meeting specific requirements during a
specific time frame; (ii) refuse to extend the institution's OSAP eligibility
to the OSLP program; (iii) suspend the institution's OSAP designation or (iv)
revoke the institution's OSAP designation. In addition, when MET determines
that any non-compliance in an institution's OSAP administration is serious,
MET has the authority to contract with an independent auditor, at the expense
of the institution, to conduct a full audit in order to quantify the
deficiencies and to require repayment of all loan amounts. In addition, MET
may impose a penalty up to the amount of the damages assessed in the
independent audit.

As noted above, IAMD-Canada, in Toronto, is subject to the PVSA. The Company
may not operate a private vocational school in the province of Ontario unless
such school is registered under the PVSA. Upon payment of the prescribed fee
and satisfaction of the conditions prescribed by the regulations under the
PVSA and by the Private Vocational Schools Unit of the MET, an applicant or
registrant such as IAMD-Canada, in Toronto, is entitled to registration or
renewal of registration to conduct or operate a private vocational school
unless: (1) it cannot reasonably be expected to be financially responsible in
the conduct of the private vocational school; (2) the past conduct of the
officers or directors provides reasonable grounds for belief that the
operations

65
<PAGE>

of the campus will not be carried on in accordance with relevant law and with
integrity and honesty; (3) it can reasonably be expected that the course or
courses of study or the method of training offered by the private vocational
school will not provide the skill and knowledge requisite for employment in
the vocation or vocations for which the applicant or registrant is offering
instruction; or (4) the applicant is carrying on activities that are, or will
be, if the applicant is registered, in contravention of the PVSA or the
regulations under the PVSA. An applicant for registration to conduct or
operate a private vocational school is required to submit with the application
a bond in an amount determined in accordance with the regulations under the
PVSA. IAMD-Canada, in Toronto, is currently registered under the PVSA, and the
Company does not believe that there will be any impediment to renewal of such
registration on an annual basis.

The PVSA provides that a "registration" is not transferable. However, the
Private Vocational Schools Unit of MET takes the position that a purchase of
shares of a private vocational school does not invalidate the school's
registration under the PVSA. The Company does not believe that the Offering
will invalidate the registration of IAMD-Canada, in Toronto.

If a corporation is convicted of violating the PVSA or the regulations under
the PVSA, the maximum penalty that may be imposed on the corporation is
$25,000.

Students who reside in the province of Quebec are eligible to receive funds
under the QLBP subject to certain student eligibility criteria. Under this
program, student financial assistance is initially provided in the form of a
loan. IAMD-Canada, in Quebec, is subject to the ARPE. In accordance with ARPE,
the Company may not operate a private educational institution without holding
a permit issued by the Minister for the institution itself and for the
educational services to be provided. The Minister will issue the permit after
consulting with the Commission Consultative de l'Enseignement Prive (the
"Commission") concerning the particular institution and the educational
services to determine if such institution and services meet certain
conditions. Permits cannot be transferred without the written authorization of
the Minister, and any entity holding a permit must advise the Minister of any
amalgamation, sale or transfer affecting such entity. The Minister, after
consultation with the Commission, has the authority to modify or revoke a
permit where the holder of the permit, among other things: (i) does not comply
with the conditions, restrictions or prohibitions relating to the institution
or (ii) is, or is about to become, insolvent. The Minister must provide the
institution with a chance to present its views before revoking a permit.

The legislative, regulatory and other requirements relating to student
financial assistance programs in Ontario and Quebec are subject to change by
applicable governments due to political and budgetary pressures and any such
change may affect the eligibility for student financial assistance of the
students attending IAMD-Canada which, in turn, could materially adversely
affect the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

66
<PAGE>

MANAGEMENT

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Company's executive officers, directors and nominee for director:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
------------------------ --- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John M. Larson.......... 46 President, Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Director
William A. Klettke...... 45 Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Robert E. Dowdell....... 52 Director
Wallace O. Laub......... 72 Director
Patrick K. Pesch........ 40 Director
Scott D. Steele(1)...... 33 Director
Todd H. Steele.......... 35 Director
Thomas B. Lally......... 53 Nominee for Director
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Scott Steele has advised the Company that he intends to resign from the
Board prior to consummation of the Offering.

JOHN M. LARSON, the Company's founder, has served as President and Chief
Executive Officer and a Director of the Company since January 1994. From July
1993 until the Company's formation, Mr. Larson served as a consultant to
Heller, working with Heller to establish the Company. From January through May
1993, Mr. Larson served as the Eastern Regional Operating Manager of
Educational Medical, Inc., which provides career-oriented postsecondary
education. From 1989 until 1993, Mr. Larson served as the Senior Vice
President of College Operations of Phillips Colleges, Inc., overseeing a
nationwide system of 58 schools, which offered a wide range of academic
programs. From March through September 1989, he served as Senior Vice
President of Operations for the Geneva Companies, a mergers and acquisitions
firm. From 1980 to 1989, Mr. Larson was Vice President of Marketing at
National Education Centers, Inc., a subsidiary of National Education
Corporation ("NEC"), where he managed the entire admissions program, including
marketing and advertising efforts, with a team of approximately 500 employees.
Mr. Larson has also served in marketing positions with DeVry Inc., at its
Chicago and Kansas City campuses. Mr. Larson received a Bachelor's of Science
in Business Administration from the University of California at Berkeley and
has completed the Executive Management Program at Stanford University.

WILLIAM A. KLETTKE has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company since March 1996. From 1987 until 1995, Mr. Klettke was
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial officer for ERO, Inc., a licensed
distributor of children's toys. In these positions, Mr. Klettke was
responsible for finance, accounting, MIS, human resources, forecasting,
treasury, legal, acquisitions and two operating subsidiaries. From 1976 to
1987, Mr. Klettke served in various positions with The Enterprise Companies (a
paint and coatings manufacturer), a subsidiary of Insilco, starting as an
accountant and progressing to Senior Vice President of Finance and
Administration. Mr. Klettke is a Certified Public Accountant and holds
Bachelor's of Arts degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Baker University,
a Bachelor's of Science in Accounting from Illinois State University, a
Masters Degree in Management from Northwestern University.

ROBERT E. DOWDELL has been a director of the Company since its inception in
January 1994. From 1989 to present, Dowdell has served as Chief Executive
Officer and director of Marshall & Swift, L.P., a publishing company. Mr.
Dowdell is also a director of ADMS and LaQuinta Spring, L.P., in which he is
the general partner.

67
<PAGE>

WALLACE O. LAUB has been a director of the Company since October 1994. Mr.
Laub was a co-founder of NEC, where he served as Executive Vice President and
director from 1955 to 1993. From 1981 to 1990, Mr. Laub served as a director
of the Distance Education Training Council, a trade association and
accrediting agency for distance education companies. Mr. Laub is now retired.

PATRICK K. PESCH has been a director of the Company since 1995. Mr. Pesch
was designated as director of the Company by HECC. Since 1992, Mr. Pesch has
served as a Senior Vice President of Heller Financial, Inc. ("HFI"), the
parent of Heller Equity Capital Corporation ("HECC"), and also as an officer
of HECC, managing a portfolio of loan and equity investments. Mr. Pesch also
serves as a director of Kimpex, Inc., a Canadian company and as an officer and
director of Amersig Graphics, Inc.

SCOTT D. STEELE has been a director of the Company since October 1995. Mr.
Steele was designated as a director of the Company by Electra Investment Trust
P.L.C. ("EIT"). Since May 1993, he has been employed by Electra Fleming, Inc.,
an affiliate of EIT, making private equity investments, and he is currently a
principal of Electra Fleming, Inc. From August 1992 to May 1993, Mr. Steele
was an Associate with Coopers & Lybrand, providing corporate finance and
advisory services. Mr. Steele is also a director of Family Bookstores Company,
Inc., The Benjamin Company, Landmark Healthcare, Rehab Designs of America,
American Medical Plans, Inc. and Stevens Aviation.

TODD H. STEELE has been a director of the Company since its inception in
January 1994. Mr. Steele was designated as a director of the Company by HECC.
Since December 1996, he has served as Vice President of Baker, Fentress & Co.,
an investment company, making equity investments in private companies. From
May 1990 to November 1996, he served as a Vice President of Heller Financial,
Inc. and HECC, also making equity investments in private companies.

THOMAS B. LALLY will become a director of the Company upon the consummation
of the Offering. Mr. Lally has been designated to be a director of the Company
by HECC. He has been the President of HECC since 1996 and an Executive Vice
President of HFI since 1994, with direct responsibility for the asset quality
oversight of HFI's portfolio of loan and equity investments. Mr. Lally joined
HFI in 1974 and is currently a director of Kroy, Inc.

None of the executive officers and directors are related to one another.

CERTAIN OTHER SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES OF THE COMPANY

The following information is supplied with respect to certain other
significant employees of the Company.

J. PATRICK ANDREWS has served as Director of Advertising of the Company
since October 1995. From 1994 until he joined CEC corporate management, Mr.
Andrews was Advertising Manager for two of the Company's schools, Collins and
Brooks. For approximately 12 years prior to joining CEC, Mr. Andrews managed
the advertising and marketing functions for Spartan, a 2,800 student school in
Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mr. Andrews holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Journalism from the
University of South Carolina and a Masters in Marketing from the University of
Texas.

DR. JON R. COOVER joined CEC as National Director of Marketing in May 1997,
after serving for 14 months as Director of Education at the Company's largest
school, Brown. Dr. Coover's background in private career education includes
holding positions as Vice President of Marketing for the Rasmussen Business
Colleges, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Vice President of Operations at Virginia
College, Birmingham, Alabama; President of Dominion College, Roanoke,
Virginia; President of Nettle Junior College, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Co-
Director of New York Restaurant School in New York City; and Regional Director
with DeVry Institute of Technology. Dr. Coover holds a Bachelor's of Science
degree in Business Administration and an M.B.A. from California Western
University and a Ph.D. in Business from California Coast University.

NICK FLUGE has served as Managing Director of Operations--Culinary Division
(Portland, Pittsburgh and Fairmont) of the Company since July 1997. Mr. Fluge
has served as Director and President of Western Culinary since 1989. From 1984
until 1988, Mr. Fluge was Director of Retail/Restaurants and a member of the

68
<PAGE>

management team of Western Culinary. With over 20 years of experience in the
hospitality/foodservice industry and as a Certified Culinary Educator with the
American Culinary Federation, Mr. Fluge has chaired American Culinary
Federation Food Salons, judged wine competitions and written columns for
various periodicals, including The National Culinary Review. Mr. Fluge has
been a Team Leader for the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and
Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) since 1992. Mr. Fluge is a member of the
Oregon Department of Education--Career College Division. Mr. Fluge holds a
Bachelor's of Science degree in Political Science from Portland State
University.

LAWRENCE GROSS has served as Managing Director of Operations--Canadian
School Group (Toronto and Montreal) of the Company since June 1997. Mr. Gross
has been a Director and Manager of IAMD-Canada since 1981. He previously
founded National Carpet Mills and other companies in the home furnishings
industry. Mr. Gross is a graduate of the University of Chicago and earned his
M.B.A. at the University of Toronto Graduate School of Business.

JACOB P. GRUVER has served as Managing Director of Operations--Business
School Group (Allentown, Boston, Melville, Montclair, New York, Norwalk,
Piscataway and Providence) of the Company since May 1997. From August 1994 to
May 1997, Mr. Gruver served as the Company's Director of Finance. From 1989
until joining the Company, Mr. Gruver was Vice President and Controller of
Wyoming Technical Institute in Laramie, Wyoming, a moderately sized career-
oriented school. In such positions, he managed all financial functions,
including budgeting and implementation of management information/financial
systems. From 1978 to 1989, Mr. Gruver audited career-oriented schools and
other clients at a regional public accounting firm in Laramie, Wyoming. Mr.
Gruver received a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from National College.

PATRICIA KAPPER has served as Director of Education of the Company since
August 1997. From 1990 until joining the Company, Ms. Kapper was Dean of
Academic Affairs (Chief Academic Officer) of DeVry Institute of Technology,
Addison, Illinois. From 1986 until 1990, Ms. Kapper held academic management
positions with Milwaukee Area Technical College, from 1984 to 1986 as
Associate Dean of Business and Graphic and Applied Arts and from 1986 to 1990
as Dean of Business and Graphic Arts. Ms. Kapper holds a Bachelor's of Arts
degree in Business Education from the University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire, a
Master of Science in Teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin--
Whitewater, and is in the process of completing her dissertation for her
doctorate in Adult Education at Northern Illinois University.

JAMES R. MCELLHINEY was appointed Director of Regulatory Compliance of the
Company in August 1997. Mr. McEllhiney served as Director of Education of the
Company from August 1994 until August 1997. Prior to joining CEC corporate
management in August 1994, Mr. McEllhiney was the Vice President of Academic
Affairs for Phillips Colleges, Inc. In this position, Mr. McEllhiney managed
regulatory compliance, including processing change of ownership applications
for over 60 acquisitions, and oversaw corporate educational administration for
this group of 92 schools. From 1975 to 1988, Mr. McEllhiney managed regulatory
compliance and served as Chief Academic Officer for MetriData Computing, a 40
unit career-oriented school company. Prior to joining MetriData, Mr.
McEllhiney was an instructor and Academic Dean at Northwood Institute. Mr.
McEllhiney holds a Bachelor's of Science in Education and a Masters of Science
in Psychology from Indiana State University.

ROBERT W. NACHTSHEIM has served as Controller of the Company since December
1995. Mr. Nachtsheim joined CEC's corporate management with 19 years of
accounting and financial analysis experience in multiple industries. From 1993
until 1995, Mr. Nachtsheim served as Controller for Century 21 North Central,
Inc., overseeing the financial performance of 600 midwestern Century 21
franchises. His prior experience includes six years as the Director of
Financial Analysis and Reporting for Newark Electronics, a nationwide
electronics distributor, and 11 years with Amoco Corporation in various
accounting positions. Mr. Nachtsheim holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in
Accountancy from the University of Missouri and an M.B.A. in Finance from
DePaul University.

JASON L. ROBERTS has served as Director of Management Information Systems of
the Company since August 1995. Mr. Roberts has several years of experience in
proprietary school management and information technology.

69
<PAGE>

From 1993 to 1995, Mr. Roberts was a computer and networking consultant
working primarily with small businesses and proprietary schools. From 1991 to
1993, Mr. Roberts was the Director of MIS for Wyoming Technical Institute, a
moderately sized automotive technology school owned by Phillips Colleges, Inc.
Mr. Roberts holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Management Information
Systems from the University of Wyoming and has the industry recognized
credential of Certified Netware Engineer.

STEVE B. SOTRAIDIS has served as Managing Director of Operations-Visual
Communications Group (Long Beach, Tempe, Minneapolis, Chicago and Tampa) of
the Company since July 1, 1997. Mr. Sotraidis joined CEC's administrative
management team in June 1994. Mr. Sotraidis joined Brooks College in 1970 and
has managed Brooks' overall operations since 1975. Mr. Sotraidis holds a
Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and completed two years of graduate
work in Industrial Psychology at California State University at Long Beach.

MARK J. TOBIN has served as Director of Student Finance of the Company since
March 1996. Mr. Tobin joined DeVry, Inc., in 1984 and, from 1989 until joining
CEC corporate management, Mr. Tobin was Director of Student Finance for DeVry,
Inc. In that position, Mr. Tobin was responsible for student finance policy
development, technical and operations assistance and performance monitoring
for the DeVry Institutes of Technology and the Keller Graduate School of
Management. From 1984 to 1989, Mr. Tobin held corporate financial and
management positions at DeVry, Inc. Prior to his tenure at DeVry, Inc. (1984-
1996), Mr. Tobin was Director of Financial Aid at Carthage College (1978-1984)
and Marian College (1973-1978). Mr. Tobin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Psychology from Northeastern Illinois State College and a Master of Education
degree in Student Personnel Work in Higher Education from Loyola University of
Chicago.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Company's Board of Directors is divided into three classes with
staggered three-year terms. The terms of Messrs. Dowdell and Pesch expire at
the annual meeting of the Company's stockholders in 1998, the terms of Messrs.
Laub and Todd Steele expire at the annual meeting of the Company's
stockholders in 1999, and the term of Mr. Larson expires at the annual meeting
of the Company's stockholders in 2000. Mr. Lally's term will expire at the
annual meeting of stockholders in 2000. At each annual meeting of the
Company's stockholders, the successors to the directors whose terms expire at
such annual meeting will be elected for a three-year term.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR NOMINATION AS DIRECTOR

In connection with sales of the Company's capital stock, the Company and
certain of its stockholders, including Heller and Electra, entered into the
Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement, dated as of July 31, 1995 and
amended as of February 28, 1997 and May 30, 1997 (the "Stockholders'
Agreement"), which provides, among other things, that the Board of Directors
of the Company shall have six members, consisting, subject to certain
conditions, of Larson, Dowdell, two persons designated by HECC, one person
designated by Electra and one person designated by the other directors. The
Stockholders' Agreement, including the rights and obligations of the
aforementioned parties to designate directors, will terminate upon the
consummation of the Offering.

The Company and HECC are parties to an agreement, effective upon the
consummation of the Offering, pursuant to which HECC will be entitled to
designate two individuals for nomination to the Board of Directors. This
agreement provides that the Company will, among other things, cause such
individuals to be nominated and solicit proxies from the Company's
stockholders to vote in favor of such nominees, and will appoint the HECC
designees to the Compensation and Audit Committees of the Board. The number of
directors HECC will be entitled to designate will be reduced to one if HECC no
longer owns at least 25% of the aggregate voting power of the Company, and the
agreement will terminate if HECC no longer owns at least 10% of the aggregate
voting power of the Company. Messrs. Pesch and Lally will be the initial
designees of Heller.

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<PAGE>

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee and a Compensation
Committee. Both the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee are
currently composed entirely of directors who are not officers or employees of
the Company.

The Audit Committee generally has responsibility for recommending
independent auditors to the Board of Directors for selection, reviewing the
plan and scope of the annual audit, reviewing the Company's audit and control
functions and reporting to the full Board of Directors regarding all of the
foregoing. The members of the Audit Committee are Robert E. Dowdell, Patrick
K. Pesch and Scott D. Steele. Scott Steele intends to resign from the Audit
Committee prior to the consummation of the Offering, and Mr. Lally will join
the Audit Committee.

The Compensation Committee generally has responsibility for recommending to
the Board guidelines and standards relating to the determination of executive
compensation, reviewing the Company's executive compensation policies and
reporting to the Board of Directors regarding the foregoing. The Compensation
Committee also has responsibility for administering the Company's incentive
compensation plans, determining the number of options to be granted to the
Company's executive officers pursuant to such plans and reporting to the Board
of Directors regarding the foregoing. The members of the Compensation
Committee are Wallace O. Laub, Patrick K. Pesch and Scott D. Steele. Scott
Steele intends to resign from the Compensation Committee prior to the
consummation of the Offering, and Mr. Lally will join the Compensation
Committee.

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

Subsequent to the closing of the Offering, all directors who are not
employees of the Company will be paid an annual fee of $6,000 and will be paid
$1,000 for each Board meeting attended and $500 for each Board committee
meeting attended. Non-employee directors are also reimbursed for their
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending Board and committee
meetings. The Company has adopted the Career Education Corporation Non-
Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan, effective upon the closing of the
Offering, providing for annual option grants to each director who is not an
employee of the Company. See "--Stock Plans--1997 Directors Stock Option
Plan."

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

Wallace O. Laub (collectively with Constance L. Laub, "Laub"), Patrick K.
Pesch ("Pesch") and Scott D. Steele ("Scott Steele") served as the members of
the Compensation Committee during 1996.

The following information reflects a 100-for-one split of the Company's
common stock effected as of July 31, 1995 and a 10-for-one split of the
Company's Series C Preferred Stock effected as of July 26, 1996. It does not
reflect the Transactions to be effected immediately prior to the consummation
of the Offering, as described under "The Transactions."

As of February 28, 1997, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase
Agreement (the "February 1997 Agreement") with HECC, which as of October 31,
1997 beneficially owned % of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company;
Electra Investment Trust P.L.C. ("EIT"), which as of October 31, 1997 owned,
together with an affiliate, Electra Associates, Inc. ("EAP" and, collectively
with EIT, "Electra"), % of the Common Stock of the Company; John M. Larson,
the President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company
("Larson"); William A. Klettke, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer of the Company ("Klettke"); Robert E. Dowdell, a
director of the Company; and Laub. Pesch is an officer of HECC and a Vice
President of HFI (collectively with HECC, "Heller"), the parent of HECC, and
was designated as a director of the Company by HECC. Todd H. Steele ("Todd
Steele"), who served as a Vice President of HFI and HECC from May 1990 to
November 1996, was also designated as a director of the Company by Heller.
Scott Steele is a principal of Electra Fleming Inc, an affiliate of EIT and
EAP, and was designated as a director of the Company by EIT.

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<PAGE>

On February 28, 1997, pursuant to the February 1997 Agreement, the Company
issued (i) 1,391 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase
1,655 shares of Class E Common Stock to HECC in exchange for total
consideration of $1,391,000, (ii) 468 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and
Warrants to purchase 558 shares of Class E Common Stock to Electra in exchange
for total consideration of $468,000, (iii) 84 shares of Series D Preferred
Stock and Warrants to purchase 99 shares of Series E Common Stock to Dowdell
in exchange for total consideration of $84,000, (iv) 16 shares of Series D
Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 19 shares of Class E Common Stock to
Larson in exchange for total consideration of $16,000, (v) 15 shares of Series
D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 18 shares of Class E Common Stock
to Klettke in exchange for total consideration of $15,000, (vi) 26 shares of
Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 31 shares of Class E Common
Stock to Laub in exchange for total consideration of $26,000.

On May 30, 1997, pursuant to the February 1997 Agreement, the Company issued
(i) 3,995 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 4,754
shares of Class E Common Stock to HECC in exchange for total consideration of
$3,995,000, (ii) 1,348 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to
purchase 1,603 shares of Class E Common Stock to Electra in exchange for total
consideration of $1,348,000, (iii) 44 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and
Warrants to purchase 52 shares of Class E Common Stock to Larson in exchange
for total consideration of $44,000, (iv) 42 shares of Series D Preferred Stock
and Warrants to purchase 50 shares of Class E Common Stock to Klettke in
exchange for total consideration of $42,000, (v) 71 shares of Series D
Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 85 shares of Class E Common Stock to
Laub in exchange for total consideration of $71,000.

As of May 30, 1997, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement
with Heller, Electra and Klettke (the "May 1997 Agreement" and, together with
the February 1997 Agreement, the "1997 Agreements"). On May 30, 1997, pursuant
to the May 1997 Agreement, the Company issued (i) 11,127 shares of Series D
Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 26,842 shares of Class E Common Stock
to Heller in exchange for total consideration of $11,127,000, (ii) 2,376
shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 5,732 shares of
Class E Common Stock to Electra in exchange for total consideration of
$2,376,000 and (iii) 122 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to
purchase 295 shares of Class E Common Stock to Klettke in exchange for total
consideration of $122,000.

On June 30, 1997, pursuant to the May 1997 Agreement, the Company issued
1,375 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 3,317 shares
of Class E Common Stock to Electra in exchange for total consideration of
$1,375,000.

The number of shares covered by each of the Warrants issued pursuant to the
1997 Agreements (collectively, the "Warrants") is subject to adjustment in
certain events described therein. The Warrants have an exercise price of $.01
per share and expire on July 31, 2005. The holders of the Warrants are
required to exercise them concurrently with the consummation of the Offering.
It is expected that the exercise price of each of the Warrants will be paid by
surrender of a portion of such Warrant. The Series D Preferred Stock issued
pursuant to the 1997 Agreements (exclusive of accrued dividends) will be
converted into shares of Common Stock at the rate of shares of
Common Stock for each share of Series D Preferred Stock. See "The
Transactions."

The Company and Electra are parties to a Registration Rights Agreement,
dated as of July 31, 1995 (the "Electra Registration Rights Agreement"). Under
the Electra Registration Rights Agreement, Electra is entitled, subject to
certain exceptions, to cause the Company to register shares of Common Stock
held by Electra in any registration by the Company for its own account or for
the account of other security holders. Additionally, at any time that the
Company is eligible to use Commission Form S-3 for registration of securities
(expected to initially occur on the first anniversary of this Prospectus),
Electra will be entitled, subject to certain exceptions, to cause the Company
to register shares held by Electra on a registration statement on Form S-3.
The Company is required to pay certain expenses relating to any registration
effected pursuant to the Electra Registration Rights Agreement and to
indemnify Electra against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act.

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<PAGE>

The Company and Heller are parties to a Registration Rights Agreement, dated
as of October , 1997 (the "Heller Registration Rights Agreement"). Under the
Heller Registration Rights Agreement, Heller is entitled, subject to certain
exceptions, to cause the Company to register shares of Common Stock held by
Heller in any registration by the Company for its own account or for the
account of other security holders. Additionally, at any time that the Company
is eligible to use Commission Form S-3 for registration of securities, Heller
will be entitled, subject to certain exceptions, to cause the Company to
register shares held by Heller on a registration statement on Form S-3. The
Company is required to pay certain expenses relating to any registration
effected pursuant to the Heller Registration Rights Agreement and to indemnify
Heller against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act.

Pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of July 31, 1995, among
the Company and Electra, the Company is required to pay Electra an annual
portfolio administration fee in the amount of $75,000. This obligation will
terminate upon the consummation of the Transactions as described under "The
Transactions."

The Company and Dowdell were parties to a Consulting and Non-Competition
Agreement dated as of January 31, 1994 (the "Consulting Agreement") which
provided, among other things, for Mr. Dowdell to provide consulting services
related to the management and operations of the Company and prohibited Mr.
Dowdell from engaging in certain activities competitive with the Company. In
1996, pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, the Company provided an aggregate
of $50,000 in compensation to Mr. Dowdell. The Consulting Agreement expired on
January 1, 1997.

The Company has agreed that it will, upon consummation of the Offering and
from the proceeds thereof, pay to certain holders of the Existing Preferred
Stock, including Electra, Larson and Dowdell, amounts equal to the liquidation
value of accrued paid-in-kind dividends on such Existing Preferred Stock. The
amount payable to each holder will be determined by dividing the liquidation
value attributable to dividends on the Existing Preferred Stock held by such
holder by the public offering price of the Common Stock in the Offering. Based
upon an assumed initial public offering price of $ per share, the
Company anticipates paying approximately $ , $ and $ to
Electra, Larson and Dowdell, respectively. See "Use of Proceeds."

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table sets forth information with respect to all compensation
paid by the Company for services rendered during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, to its Chief Executive Officer and the other executive
officer of the Company (each, a "Named Executive Officer").

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL LONG TERM
COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
---------------- ------------
SECURITIES ALL OTHER
SALARY BONUS UNDERLYING COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS ($) ($) OPTIONS (#) ($)
---------------------------- ------ ------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John M. Larson,
President and Chief Executive
Officer........................... $185,417 $96,602 $6,951(1)
William A. Klettke,
Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer................. $116,667 $43,764 $2,996(2)
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Includes $6,615 in 401(k) matching contributions by the Company and $336
in term life insurance premium payments by the Company.
(2) Includes $2,800 in 401(k) matching contributions by the Company and $196
in term life insurance premium payments by the Company.

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<PAGE>

OPTION GRANTS IN 1996

The following table contains information concerning the grant of stock
options by the Company to the Named Executive Officers during 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE AT ASSUMED
PERCENTAGE ANNUAL RATES OF
NUMBER OF OF TOTAL STOCK PRICE
SHARES OPTIONS APPRECIATION FOR
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR OPTION TERM (3)
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION -----------------------
NAME GRANTED (#) (1) FISCAL YEAR ($/SH) (2) DATE 5% ($) 10% ($)
---- --------------- ------------ ----------- ---------- ------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John M. Larson..........
William A. Klettke......
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The options granted to the Named Executive Officers in 1996 were granted
under the Career Education Corporation 1995 Stock Option Plan. Each of
these options is an incentive stock option and vests in five equal annual
installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date;
provided, however, that these options became exercisable in full upon
stockholder approval of the Offering. See "--Stock Plans--Career Education
Corporation 1995 Stock Option Plan."
(2) The exercise price of each option equals the fair market value of the
option shares on the date of grant, as determined by the Company's Board
of Directors based on the most recent price prior to the grant date at
which the Company sold or agreed to sell Preferred Stock in capital
raising transactions.
(3) Potential realizable value is presented net of the option exercise price,
but before any federal or state income taxes associated with exercise, and
is calculated assuming that the fair market value on the date of the
grant, which equals the exercise price, appreciates at the indicated
annual rates (set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission")), compounded annually, for the term of the option. The 5%
and 10% assumed rates of appreciation are mandated by the rules of the
Commission and do not represent the Company's estimate or projection of
future increases in the price of the Common Stock. Actual gains are
dependent on the future performance of the Common Stock and the option
holder's continued employment throughout the vesting periods. The amounts
reflected in the table may not necessarily be achieved. Using the assumed
initial public offering price of $ for purposes of this calculation
(pursuant to the rules of the Commission), the potential realizable values
of the options granted in 1996 to Messrs. Larson and Klettke are
approximately $ and $ , respectively, at a 5%
assumed annual appreciation rate, and approximately $ and
$ , respectively, at a 10% assumed annual appreciation rate.

FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES

The following table contains information regarding the Named Executive
Officers' unexercised options as of December 31, 1996. Neither of the Named
Executive Officers exercised any options during 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED VALUE OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
OPTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996 (#) OPTIONS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996 ($) (1)
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
---- --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John M. Larson.......... / $ /$
William A. Klettke...... / /
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The value per option is calculated by subtracting the exercise price of
the option from the fair market value of the option shares at December 31,
1996 of $ per share, as determined by the Company's Board of
Directors based on the most recent price prior to December 31, 1996 at
which the Company had sold Preferred Stock in capital raising
transactions.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

The Company has entered into an Employment and Non-Competition Agreement
with Mr. Larson, dated as of October 9, 1997 (the "Larson Employment
Agreement"), which has an initial term ending July 31, 2000. The Larson
Employment Agreement is subject to successive, automatic employer extensions
if the Company gives written notice at least 90 days prior to the expiration
date. The Larson Employment Agreement provides for an initial base salary of
$250,000 plus bonus compensation established by the Company's Board of
Directors. The Larson Employment Agreement provides for continuation of
salary, bonus and benefits for one year following Mr. Larson's termination of
employment with the Company, other than termination by the Company for "Cause"
(as defined in the Larson Employment Agreement) or termination by Mr. Larson
without "Good Reason" (as defined in the Larson Employment Agreement). Good
Reason includes a Change of Control (as

74
<PAGE>

defined in the Larson Employment Agreement) of the Company. The Larson
Employment Agreement also prohibits Mr. Larson from disclosing confidential
information and prohibits him from engaging in activities competitive with the
Company for a period which includes the term of his employment with the
Company or service as a director of the Company and continues for two years
thereafter. However, if Mr. Larson's employment with the Company is terminated
by the Company without "Cause" or by Mr. Larson for "Good Reason," the non-
competition period will expire on the later of the termination of Mr. Larson's
service as a director with the Company or six months after the termination of
his employment. In such case, the Company may extend the non-competition
period up to an additional 18 months if it pays Mr. Larson's base salary, a
portion his of bonus and benefits during this additional period. If the term
of the Larson Employment Agreement expires and the Company refuses its renewal
or Mr. Larson refuses its renewal for Good Reason, the non-competition period
will expire on the later of the termination of Mr. Larson's employment or the
termination of his service as a director. In such case, the Company may extend
the non-competition period for up to an additional two years if it pays Mr.
Larson's base salary, a portion of his bonus and benefits during this
additional period.

STOCK PLANS

Career Education Corporation 1995 Stock Option Plan

Effective August 1, 1995, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the
Career Education Corporation 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "1995 Plan"),
pursuant to which options to acquire up to shares of Common Stock may
be granted to employees, advisors, consultants and non-employee directors as
may be determined by a committee of the Board of Directors (the "Option
Committee"). The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors serves as
the Option Committee and administers the 1995 Plan and determines with respect
to each grant the number of shares subject to the option, the exercise price,
the period of the option and the time at which the option may be exercised, as
well as any terms and conditions of the option amount. Exercise prices may not
be less than the fair market value of the Common Stock as determined by the
Option Committee as of the date of issuance of each stock option. Options may
be granted as either (i) incentive stock options (as defined in the Code), for
which the option price must be at least 100% of the fair market value of the
shares subject to the option on the grant date (110% in the case of an option
granted to a person holding more than 10% of the voting power of all classes
of stock of the Company (a "10% Holder") and which are not exercisable after
ten years from the grant date (five years in the event of an option granted to
a 10% Holder), or (ii) non-qualified stock options, which are not subject to
such restrictions.

Career Education Corporation 1997 Employee Incentive Compensation Plan

The Company's Board of Directors and stockholders have approved the adoption
of the Career Education 1997 Employee Incentive Compensation Plan ("1997
Plan"), effective upon the consummation of the Offering. The 1997 Plan is a
flexible plan that provides the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors (the "Compensation Committee") broad discretion to fashion the terms
of the awards to provide eligible participants with stock-based and
performance-related incentives as the Committee deems appropriate. The 1997
Plan permits the issuance of awards in a variety of forms, including: (i)
nonqualified and incentive stock options for the purchase of Common Stock,
(ii) stock appreciation rights, (iii) restricted stock, (iv) deferred stock,
(v) bonus stock and awards in lieu of obligations, (vi) dividend equivalents,
(vii) other stock-based awards and (viii) performance awards and cash
incentive awards. Options granted will provide for the purchase of Common
Stock at prices determined by the Compensation Committee.

The persons eligible to participate in the Employee Plan are officers,
employees and consultants of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company who,
in the opinion of the Committee, contribute to the growth and success of the
Company or its subsidiaries. The purpose of the 1997 Plan is to promote the
overall financial objectives of the Company and its stockholders by motivating
eligible participants to achieve long-term growth in stockholder equity in the
Company and to retain the association of these individuals. The 1997 Plan is
administered by the Compensation Committee.

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<PAGE>

The 1997 Plan provides for the award of up to shares of Common
Stock. At the discretion of the Compensation Committee, shares of Common Stock
subject to an award under the 1997 Plan that remain unissued upon termination
of such award, are forfeited or are received by the Company as consideration
for the exercise or payment of an award may be reissued under the 1997 Plan.
In the event of a stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, sale of
substantially all of the assets of the Company, reorganization or other
similar event, the Compensation Committee will adjust the aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock subject to the 1997 Plan and the number, class and
price of shares subject to outstanding awards.

Career Education Corporation Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan

The Company's Board of Directors and stockholders have approved the adoption
of the Career Education Corporation Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan
(the "Directors' Plan"), effective upon the consummation of the Offering. The
Directors' Plan grants nonqualified stock options for the purchase of Common
Stock to directors who are not employees of the Company. Messrs. Dowdell,
Laub, Pesch and Todd Steele will be the initial participants in the Directors'
Plan.

The purpose of the Directors' Plan is to promote the overall financial
objectives of the Company and its stockholders by motivating directors to
achieve long-term growth in stockholder equity in the Company, to further
align the interest of such directors with those of the Company's stockholders
and to retain the association of these directors. The Directors' Plan is
administered by the Compensation Committee.

The Directors' Plan provides for the award of up to shares of
Common Stock. The Directors' Plan provides for (i) the grant of an option to
purchase shares of Common Stock to each participant who is a non-
employee director of the Company on the date of the closing of the Offering
or, if after such closing date, the date such individual is first elected or
appointed as a non-employee director of the Company and (ii) a grant of an
option to purchase shares of Common Stock on the date of each
regular annual stockholder meeting after the effective date of the Directors'
Plan to each participant who is a non-employee director upon such date and
either is continuing as a non-employee director subsequent to the meeting or
who is elected at such meeting to serve as a non-employee director (other than
a meeting in the year of such participant's initial election or appointment).
Options granted under the Directors' Plan provide for the purchase of Common
Stock at the fair market value on the date of grant. No stock option granted
under the Directors' Plan may be exercisable later than the tenth anniversary
date of its grant.

Career Education Corporation 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company's Board of Directors and stockholders have approved the adoption
of the Career Education Corporation 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the
"Stock Purchase Plan"), effective as of January 1, 1998. A total of
shares of Common Stock have been reserved for issuance under the Stock
Purchase Plan. The Stock Purchase Plan, which is intended to qualify under
Section 423 of the Code, permits eligible employees of the Company to purchase
Common Stock through payroll deductions with all such deductions credited to
an account under the Stock Purchase Plan. Payroll deductions may not exceed
$25,000 for all purchase periods within any calendar year.

The Stock Purchase Plan operates on a calendar year basis. To be eligible to
participate in the Stock Purchase Plan, an employee must file all requisite
forms prior to a specified due date known as a "Grant Date." Initially, the
first day of each calendar quarter of each year (January 1, April 1, July 1
and October 1) will be a Grant Date and the last day of each calendar quarter
of each year (March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31) will be an
Exercise Date (an "Exercise Date"). However, the determination of the Grant
Dates and the Exercise Dates are completely within the discretion of the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. On each Exercise Date,
participants' payroll deductions credited to their accounts will be
automatically applied to the purchase price of Common Stock at a price per
share equal to 85% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the
Exercise Date. Employees may end their participation in the Stock Purchase
Plan at any time during an offering period, and their payroll deductions to
date will be refunded. Participation ends automatically upon termination of
employment with the Company.

76
<PAGE>

Employees are eligible to participate in the Stock Purchase Plan if they are
customarily employed by the Company or a designated subsidiary for at least 20
hours per week and for more than five months in any calendar year. No person
will be able to purchase Common Stock under the Stock Purchase Plan if such
person, immediately after the purchase, would own stock possessing 5% or more
of the total combined voting power or value of all outstanding shares of all
classes of stock of the Company.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION MATTERS

Pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"),
the Company will adopt certain provisions in its Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation which eliminate the personal liability of its
directors to the Company or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach
of their fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted by the
DGCL except for liability (i) for any breach of their duty of loyalty to the
Company or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for
unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions,
or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit. The provisions of the Company's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation will not affect a director's responsibilities
under any other laws, such as the federal securities laws or state or federal
environmental laws.

The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation will also
contain provisions which require the Company to indemnify its directors, and
permit the Company to indemnify its officers and employees, to the fullest
extent permitted by Delaware law, including those circumstances in which
indemnification would otherwise be discretionary, except that the Company
shall not be obligated to indemnify any such person (i) with respect to
proceedings, claims or actions initiated or brought voluntarily by any such
person and not by way of defense, or (ii) for any amounts paid in settlement
of an action indemnified against by the Company without the prior written
consent of the Company. The Company has obtained directors' and officers'
liability insurance and, prior to consummation of the Offering, the Company
intends to enter into indemnity agreements with each of its directors
providing for the indemnification described above.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

In addition to the transactions described under "Compensation Committee
Interlocks and Insider Participation," the Company has entered into the
following arrangements with one of its executive officers:

In December 1996, the Company issued 824 shares of Class E Common Stock and
70 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to William A. Klettke, the Company's
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in exchange for
total consideration of $100,000. At that time, the Company made an interest-
free loan in the amount of $100,000 to Mr. Klettke to be used to purchase
these shares. This loan was repaid by Mr. Klettke in full in January 1997.

The Company intends that any future transactions between the Company and its
officers, directors and affiliates will be on terms no less favorable to the
Company than can be obtained on an arm's length basis from unaffiliated third
parties and that any transactions with such persons will be approved by a
majority of the Company's outside directors or will be consistent with
policies approved by such outside directors.

77
<PAGE>

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table (including the Notes thereto) sets forth certain
information regarding the beneficial ownership of the Common Stock as of
October 31, 1997 (after giving effect to the Transactions) and as adjusted to
reflect the sale of the shares of Common Stock being offered hereby by: (i)
each person (or group of affiliated persons) known by the Company to
beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii)
each director and director nominee of the Company, (iii) each of the Named
Executive Officers, and (iv) all of the Company's directors and executive
officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated below, the persons in the
table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown
as beneficially owned by them.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF COMMON
STOCK SHARES OF COMMON
BENEFICIALLY STOCK
OWNED PRIOR TO BENEFICIALLY
THE OFFERING OWNED AFTER THE
(1)(2) OFFERING (1)(2)
----------------- --------------------
NAME (2) NUMBER PERCENT NUMBER PERCENT
-------- --------- ------- --------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Heller Equity Capital Corporation
(3)............................... % %
Electra Investment Trust P.L.C.
(4)...............................
Electra Associates, Inc. (4).......
The Provident Bank................. (5)
John M. Larson (6).................
William A. Klettke (7).............
Robert E. Dowdell (8).............. (9) (9)
Thomas B. Lally....................
Wallace O. Laub....................
Patrick K. Pesch...................
Scott D. Steele....................
Todd H. Steele.....................
All directors and executive
officers
as a group (7 persons)............
</TABLE>
- --------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Commission. The number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the
percentage ownership of that person includes shares of Common Stock
subject to options or warrants held by that person that are currently
exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of September 30, 1997.
(2) Assumes no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option. If the
Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full, the following
stockholders will sell, pursuant to such option, the number of shares of
Common Stock set forth opposite their names:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF
COMMON
STOCK SHARES OF
BENEFICIALLY COMMON STOCK
OWNED PRIOR TO BENEFICIALLY
THE OWNED AFTER THE
OFFERING SHARES OFFERING
--------------- TO BE ---------------
NUMBER PERCENT SOLD NUMBER PERCENT
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Mark A. Bounds....................
Brian A. Demkowicz................
John M. Goense....................
Ned Jesson........................
John H. Underwood.................
</TABLE>

These stockholders are all former officers of HECC and received their
shares from HECC pursuant to an equity plan.

(3) The address of HECC is 500 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661.
(4) The address of EIT and Electra Associates, Inc. ("EAI") is c/o EIT, 65
Kingsway, London, England WC2B 6QT.

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<PAGE>

(5) Assumes no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option. If the
over-allotment option is exercised in full, the total number of shares of
Common Stock to be sold by Provident would be shares and it
would own no shares of Common Stock after the Offering.
(6) Includes shares of Common Stock which may be acquired by
Larson upon the exercise of currently exercisable stock options. The
address of Mr. Larson is c/o CEC, 2800 West Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates,
Illinois 60195.
(7) Includes shares of Common Stock which may be acquired by
Klettke upon the exercise of currently exercisable stock options.
(8) Includes shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Dowdell, as
Custodian for Brian M. Dowdell under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act;
shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Dowdell, as Custodian for Sharon
T. Dowdell under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act; shares of
Common Stock held by Robert E. Dowdell Defined Benefit Plan and Trust,
under Agreement dated 12/9/96; shares of Common Stock held by
Robert E. Dowdell and Grace C. Dowdell, as Trustees under Trust Agreement
dated July 1, 1991; and shares of Common Stock which may be
acquired by Mr. Dowdell upon the exercise of currently exercisable stock
options. The address of Mr. Dowdell is 1951 Calle Roja, Santa Ana,
California 92705.
(9) Assumes no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option. If the
over-allotment option is exercised in full, the total number of shares of
Common Stock to be sold by Mr. Dowdell would be shares and he would
own shares of Common Stock, or % of the outstanding Common Stock,
after the Offering.

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<PAGE>

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

Upon consummation of the Offering, the authorized capital stock of the
Company will consist of shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per
share ("Common Stock"), and shares of Preferred Stock, $.01 par
value per share ("Preferred Stock").

The following summary of certain provisions relating to the Common Stock and
Preferred Stock does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and
qualified in its entirety by, provisions of applicable law, and by the
provisions of the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
and Amended and Restated Bylaws that are included as exhibits to the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.

COMMON STOCK

As of , 1997, shares of Common Stock were outstanding
and held by holders of record. shares of Common Stock will
be outstanding upon consummation of the Offering. Subject to the rights of
holders of preferred stock, the holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock
are entitled to share ratably in dividends declared out of assets legally
available therefor at such time and in such amounts as the Board of Directors
may from time to time lawfully determine. Each holder of Common Stock is
entitled to one vote for each share held. Subject to the rights of holders of
any outstanding Preferred Stock, upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Company, any assets legally available for distribution to stockholders
as such are to be distributed ratably among the holders of the Common Stock at
that time outstanding. All shares of Common Stock currently outstanding are,
and all shares of Common Stock offered by the Company hereby when duly issued
and paid for will be, fully paid and nonassessable, not subject to redemption
and assessment and without conversion, preemptive or other rights to subscribe
for or purchase any proportionate part of any new or additional issues of any
class or of securities convertible into stock of any class.

PREFERRED STOCK

Preferred stock may be issued by the Company in series from time to time
with such designations, relative rights, priorities, preferences,
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, to the extent that such
are not fixed in the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as the Board of Directors determines. The rights, preferences,
limitations and restrictions of different series of Preferred Stock may differ
with respect to dividend rates, amounts payable on liquidation, voting rights,
conversion rights, redemption provisions, sinking fund provisions and other
matters. The Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock
which ranks senior to the Common Stock with respect to the payment of
dividends and the distribution of assets on liquidation. In addition, the
Board of Directors is authorized to fix the limitations and restrictions, if
any, upon the payment of dividends on Common Stock to be effective while any
shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding. The Board of Directors, without
stockholder approval, may issue Preferred Stock with voting and conversion
rights which could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of Common
Stock. The issuance of Preferred Stock may have the effect of delaying,
deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company. The Company has no
present intention to issue shares of Preferred Stock.

CERTAIN CORPORATE PROVISIONS

Upon the consummation of the Offering, the Company will be subject to the
provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL. In general, this statute prohibits a
publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging, under certain circumstances,
in a "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of
three years after the date of the transaction in which the person becomes an
interested stockholder, unless either (i) prior to the date at which the
stockholder became an interested stockholder the board of directors approved
either the business combination or the transaction in which the person becomes
an interested stockholder, (ii) the stockholder acquires more than 85% of the
outstanding voting stock of the corporation (excluding shares held by
directors who are officers or held in certain employee stock plans) upon
consummation of the transaction in which the stockholder becomes an interested
stockholder or (iii) the business combination is approved by the

80
<PAGE>

board of directors and by two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the
corporation (excluding shares held by the interested stockholder) at a meeting
of the stockholders (and not by written consent) held on or subsequent to the
date of the business combination. An "interested stockholder" is a person who,
together with affiliates and associates, owns (or at any time within the prior
three years did own) 15% or more of the corporation's voting stock. Section
203 defines a "business combination" to include, without limitation, mergers,
consolidations, stock sales and asset based transactions and other
transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. A
business combination by the Company with Heller or Electra would not be
prohibited by Section 203.

The Company's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain a number of
provisions relating to corporate governance and to the rights of stockholders.
Certain of these provisions may be deemed to have a potential "anti-takeover"
effect in that such provisions may delay, defer or prevent a change of control
of the Company. These provisions include (i) a requirement that stockholder
action may be taken only at stockholder meetings; (ii) notice requirements in
the Bylaws relating to nominations to the Board of Directors and to the
raising of business matters at stockholders meetings; and (iii) the
classification of the Board of Directors into three classes, each serving for
staggered three year terms. See "Management--Executive Officers and
Directors."

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is .

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Common Stock.
Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public market, or the
availability of such shares for sale, could adversely affect the market price
of the Common Stock.

Upon completion of the Offering, the Company will have an aggregate of
shares of Common Stock outstanding, assuming no exercise of the
Underwriters' over-allotment option and no exercise of outstanding options or
warrants after . Of these shares, the shares sold
in the Offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further
registration under the Securities Act, unless held by "affiliates" of the
Company, as that term is defined in Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities
Act. The remaining shares of Common Stock outstanding upon
completion of the Offering will be Restricted Shares.

All directors and officers and certain other stockholders of the Company
have agreed with the Underwriters that, for a period of 180 days from the date
of this Prospectus, they will not offer to sell or otherwise sell, dispose of
or grant rights with respect to any shares of Common Stock, now owned or
hereafter acquired directly by such holders or with respect to which they have
the power of disposition, otherwise than with the prior written consent of
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation. As a result of these contractual
restrictions, notwithstanding possible earlier eligibility for sale under the
provisions of Rules 144, 144(k) and 701 of the Securities Act, shares subject
to Lock-Up Agreements will not be salable until the agreements expire or
unless prior written consent is received from First Boston. Any early waiver
of the Lock-Up Agreements by the underwriters, which, if granted, could permit
sales of a substantial number of shares and could adversely affect the trading
price of the Company's shares, may not be accompanied by an advance public
announcement by the Company. See "Underwriting."

Taking into account the Lock-Up Agreements, the number of shares that will
be available for sale in the public market under the provisions of Rules 144
and 144(k), will be as follows: (i) approximately Restricted
Shares will be eligible for sale immediately after the effective date of the
Registration Statement, and (ii) the remaining Restricted
Shares will become eligible for public resale following expiration of the
Lock-Up Agreements, subject in some cases to vesting provisions and volume and
manner of sale limitations.

81
<PAGE>

In general, under Rule 144 a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated)
who has beneficially owned Restricted Shares for at least one year, including
persons who may be deemed "affiliates" of the Company, would be entitled to
sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the
greater of one percent of the number of shares of Common Stock then
outstanding or the average weekly trading volume of the Common Stock during
the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a Form 144 with respect to
such sale. Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to certain manner of sale
provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public
information about the Company. In addition, a person who is not deemed to have
been an affiliate of the Company at any time during the 90 days preceding a
sale, and who has beneficially owned for at least two years the shares
proposed to be sold, would be entitled to sell such shares under Rule 144(k)
without regard to the requirements described above. The Company is unable to
estimate accurately the number of Restricted Shares that will be sold under
Rule 144 because this will depend in part on the market price for the Common
Stock, the personal circumstances of the seller and other factors.

Pursuant to Rule 144 and upon expiration of the one-year holding period, an
additional shares of Common Stock will be available for sale upon
the exercise of outstanding warrants. As of , options to purchase
shares were issued and outstanding under the Stock Plans. See
"Management--Stock Plans."

In addition, beginning 90 days after the date of this Prospectus, certain
shares issued or issuable upon exercise of options granted by the Company
prior to the effective date of the Registration Statement will also be
eligible for sale in the public market pursuant to Rule 701 under the
Securities Act, subject to the Lock-Up Agreements. In general, Rule 701
permits resales of shares issued pursuant to certain compensatory benefit
plans and contracts commencing 90 days after the issuer becomes subject to the
reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in
reliance upon Rule 144 but without compliance with certain restrictions,
including the holding period requirements, contained in Rule 144.

Following the Offering, the Company intends to file under the Securities Act
one or more registration statements on Form S-8 to register all of the shares
of Common Stock (i) subject to outstanding options and reserved for future
option grants under the Stock Plans and (ii) that the Company intends to offer
for sale to its employees pursuant to the Stock Purchase Plan. These
registration statements are expected to become effective upon filing and
shares covered by these registration statements will be eligible for sale,
subject, in the case of affiliates only, to the restrictions of Rule 144,
other than the holding period requirement, and subject to expiration of the
lock-up agreements with the Underwriters. As of , 1997,
outstanding options to acquire an aggregate of shares of Common
Stock were currently exercisable.

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

The Company and Electra are parties to the Electra Registration Rights
Agreement. Under the Electra Registration Rights Agreement, Electra is
entitled, subject to certain exceptions, to cause the Company to register
shares of Common Stock held by Electra in any registration by the Company for
its own account or for the account of other security holders. Additionally, at
any time that the Company is eligible to use Commission Form S-3 for
registration of securities, Electra will be entitled, subject to certain
exceptions, to cause the Company to register shares held by Electra on
registration statement on Form S-3. As of October 31, 1997, Electra held
shares covered by the Electra Registration Rights Agreement.

The Company and Heller are parties to the Heller Registration Rights
Agreement. Under the Heller Registration Rights Agreement, Heller is entitled,
subject to certain exceptions, to cause the Company to register shares of
Common Stock held by Heller in any registration by the Company for its own
account or for the account of other security holders. Additionally, at any
time that the Company is eligible to use Commission Form S-3 for registration
of securities. Heller will be entitled, subject to certain exceptions, to
cause the Company to register shares held by Heller on a registration
statement on Form S-3. As of October 31, 1997, Heller held shares
covered by the Registration Rights Agreement. See "Management--Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation."

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<PAGE>

Pursuant to a Warrant Agreement dated as of July 31, 1995, between the
Company and Provident, the Company has agreed to include, subject to certain
exceptions, shares of Common Stock held by The Provident Bank ("Provident") in
any registration statement filed by the Company for its own account or for the
account of other security holders. As of October 31, 1997, the
shares of Common Stock underlying the Provident Warrants were covered by these
registration rights, including shares to be sold pursuant to this
Prospectus if the Underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full.
See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management."

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<PAGE>

UNDERWRITING

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an Underwriting
Agreement dated , 1997 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the underwriters named
below (the "Underwriters"), for whom Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation,
Smith Barney Inc. and ABN AMRO Chicago Corporation are acting as
representatives (the "Representatives"), have severally but not jointly agreed
to purchase from the Company the following respective numbers of shares of
Common Stock:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
UNDERWRITER SHARES
----------- ---------
<S> <C>
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation..........................
Smith Barney Inc................................................
ABN AMRO Chicago Corporation....................................
---------
Total.......................................................
=========
</TABLE>

The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters
are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the Underwriters will be
obligated to purchase all the shares of Common Stock offered hereby (other
than those shares covered by the over-allotment option described below) if any
are purchased. The Underwriting Agreement provides that, in the event of a
default by an Underwriter, in certain circumstances the purchase commitments
of non-defaulting Underwriters may be increased or the Underwriting Agreement
may be terminated.

The Selling Stockholders have granted to the Underwriters an option,
expiring at the close of business on the 30th day after the date of this
Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of additional shares
from the Selling Stockholders at the initial public offering price, less the
underwriting discount and commissions, all as set forth on the cover page of
this Prospectus. Such option may be exercised only to cover over-allotments in
the sale of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby. To the extent such
option is exercised, each Underwriter will become obligated, subject to
certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of such
additional shares of Common Stock as it was obligated to purchase pursuant to
the Underwriting Agreement.

The Company and the Selling Stockholders have been advised by the
Representatives that the Underwriters propose to offer shares of Common Stock
to the public initially at the public offering price set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus and, through the Representatives, to certain dealers
at such price less a concession of $ per share, and the Underwriters and
such dealers may allow a discount of $ per share on sales to certain
other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price
and concession and discount to dealers may be changed by the Representatives.

The Representatives have informed the Company that they do not expect
discretionary sales by the Underwriters to exceed 5% of the shares of Common
Stock being offered hereby.

The Company, its officers and directors, the Selling Stockholders and
certain other stockholders who, immediately following the consummation of the
Offering, will own in the aggregate shares of Common Stock and
vested and exercisable options to purchase an additional shares
of Common Stock in the aggregate have agreed not to offer, sell, contract to
sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file or cause
to be filed with the Commission a registration statement under the Securities
Act relating to, any shares of Common Stock or securities or other rights
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of Common Stock
or publicly disclose the intention to make any such offer, sale, pledge,
disposal or filing, without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse First
Boston Corporation, for a period

84
<PAGE>

of 180 days after the date of this Prospectus except, in the case of the
Company issuance of Common Stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange of
convertible or exchangeable securities or the exercise of warrants or options,
in each case outstanding on the date of this Prospectus, or grants of employee
stock options pursuant to the terms of a plan in effect on the date of the
Prospectus or issuance of common stock pursuant to the exercise of such
options.

The Company and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriters against certain liabilities, including civil liabilities under
the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be
required to make in respect thereof.

ABN AMRO Chicago Corporation is affiliated with LaSalle National Bank, N.A.
("LaSalle"), which is a lender to the Company under the Credit Agreement, an
$80 million revolving line of credit (see "Risk Factors-- Future Capital
Needs"). LaSalle or its affiliates participate from time to time in various
general financing and banking transactions for the Company and its affiliates.
To date, LaSalle has advanced approximately $50 million to the Company under
the terms of the Credit Agreement, approximately $29.4 million of which will
be paid down with the proceeds of the Offering, and the Company is in
compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. The decision of ABN AMRO
Chicago Corporation to underwrite the Offering was made independently of
LaSalle, which had no involvement in determining whether or when to underwrite
the Offering or the terms of the Offering. ABN AMRO Chicago Corporation will
not receive any benefit from the Offering other than its respective portion of
the underwriting discounts and commissions payable by the Company.

Since it is anticipated that more than 10% of the proceeds from the sale of
the Common Stock, not including underwriting compensation, will be received by
LaSalle in connection with the Credit Agreement, and LaSalle is an affiliate
of ABN AMRO Chicago Corporation, a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") and one of the Underwriters, the
Offering is being conducted pursuant to Rule 2710(c)(8) of the NASD. In
accordance with such rule, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation has agreed
to act as a qualified independent underwriter pursuant to the requirements of
Rule 2720(c)(3) of the NASD. In connection with Rule 2720(c)(3), the initial
public offering price of the Common Stock will be set at a price which is no
higher than that recommended by Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, as a
qualified independent underwriter. Moreover, Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation, as a qualified independent underwriter in connection with the
Offering, has performed due diligence investigations and has reviewed and
participated in the preparation of this Prospectus.

The Company will apply for listing of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq
National Market under the symbol "CECO."

Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Common Stock.
Accordingly, the initial public offering price for the Shares will be
determined by negotiation among the Company, the Selling Stockholders and the
Representatives. In determining such price, consideration will be given to
various factors, including market conditions for initial public offerings, the
history of and prospects for the Company's business, the Company's past and
present operations, its past and present earnings and current financial
position, an assessment of the Company's management, the market for securities
of companies in businesses similar to those of the Company, the general
condition of the securities markets and other relevant factors. There can be
no assurance, however, that the initial public offering price will correspond
to the price at which the Common Stock will trade in the public market
subsequent to the Offering or that an active trading market for the Common
Stock will develop and continue after the Offering.

The Representatives, on behalf of the Underwriters, may engage in over-
allotment, stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and
penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Over-
allotment involves syndicate sales in excess of the offering size, which
creates a syndicate short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids for
and purchases of the Common Stock so long as the stabilizing bids do not
exceed a specified maximum. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases
of the Common Stock in the open market after the distribution has been
completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Penalty

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<PAGE>

bids permit the Underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate
member when the Common Stock originally sold by such syndicate member is
purchased in a stabilizing transaction or syndicate covering transaction to
cover syndicate short position. Such stabilizing transactions, syndicate
covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the Common Stock
to be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of such transactions.
These transactions may be effected on the Nasdaq National Market or otherwise
and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS

RESALE RESTRICTIONS

The distribution of the Common Stock in Canada is being made only on a
private placement basis exempt from the requirement that the Company and the
Selling Stockholders prepare and file a prospectus with the securities
regulatory authorities in each province where trades of Common Stock are
effected. Accordingly, any resale of the Common Stock in Canada must be made
in accordance with applicable securities laws which will vary depending on the
relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made in accordance
with available statutory exemptions or pursuant to a discretionary exemption
granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. Purchasers
are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of the Common Stock.

REPRESENTATIONS OF PURCHASERS

Each purchaser of Common Stock in Canada who receives a purchase
confirmation will be deemed to represent to the Company and the Selling
Stockholders and the dealer from whom such purchase confirmation is received
that (i) such purchaser is entitled under applicable provincial securities
laws to purchase such Common Stock without the benefit of a prospectus
qualified under such securities laws, (ii) where required by law, that such
purchaser is purchasing as principal and not as agent, and (iii) such
purchaser has reviewed the text above under "Resale Restrictions."

RIGHTS OF ACTION (ONTARIO PURCHASERS)

The securities being offered are those of a foreign issuer and Ontario
purchasers will not receive the contractual right of action prescribed by
section 32 of the Regulation under the Securities Act (Ontario). As a result,
Ontario purchasers must rely on other remedies that may be available,
including common law rights of action for damages or rescission or rights of
action under the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities
laws.

ENFORCEMENT OF LEGAL RIGHTS

All of the issuer's directors and officers as well as the experts named
herein and the Selling Stockholders may be located outside of Canada and, as a
result, it may not be possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of
process within Canada upon the issuer or such persons. All or a substantial
portion of the assets of the issuer and such persons may be located outside of
Canada and as a result, it may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against
the issuer or such persons in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in
Canadian courts against such issuer or persons outside of Canada.

NOTICE TO BRITISH COLUMBIA RESIDENTS

A purchaser of Common Stock to whom the Securities Act (British Columbia)
applies is advised that such purchaser is required to file with the British
Columbia Securities Commission a report within ten days of the sale of any
Common Stock acquired by such purchaser pursuant to the Offering. Such report
must be in the form attached to British Columbia Securities Commission Blanket
Order BOR #95/17, a copy of which may be obtained from the Company. Only one
such report must be filed in respect of Common Stock acquired on the same date
and under the same prospectus exemption.

86
<PAGE>

TAXATION AND ELIGIBILITY FOR INVESTMENT

Canadian purchasers of Common Stock should consult their own legal and tax
advisors with respect to the tax consequences of an investment in the Common
Stock in their particular circumstances and with respect to the eligibility of
the Common Stock for investment by the purchaser under relevant Canadian
Legislation.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the Common Stock offered hereby and certain other legal
matters will be passed upon for the Company by Katten Muchin & Zavis, Chicago,
Illinois, a partnership including professional corporations. Certain legal
matters in connection with the Offering will be passed upon for the
Underwriters by Sidley & Austin, Chicago, Illinois.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements and schedules of the Company and its
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and June 30, 1997, and
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 and for the
six months ended June 30, 1997, the consolidated financial statements of IAMD,
Limited and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1997 and for the year ended June 30,
1997, the consolidated financial statements of International Academy of
Merchandising & Design (Canada) Ltd. and Subsidiary as of June 30, 1997 and
for the ten months ended June 30, 1997, and the statements of operations and
cash flows of Western Culinary Institute (a division of Phillips Educational
Group of Portland, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Phillips Colleges, Inc.)
for the nine months and twenty-one days ended October 21, 1996, included in
this Prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration Statement, have been audited
by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in their
reports with respect thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the
authority of said firm as experts in giving said reports.

The financial statements of International Academy of Merchandising & Design
(Canada) Ltd. as of August 31, 1996 and for the year ended August 31, 1996,
included in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration Statement, have
been audited by Price Waterhouse, independent accountants, whose report
thereon appears herein. Such financial statements have been so included in
reliance on their report given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.

The financial statements of IAMD, Limited and Subsidiaries as of and for the
year ended June 30, 1996, included in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the
Registration Statement, have been audited by Gleeson, Sklar, Sawyers & Cumpata
LLP, independent accountants, whose report thereon appears herein. Such
financial statements have been so included in reliance on their report given
on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Company has filed with the Commission in Washington, D.C., a
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (of which this Prospectus is a part) under
the Securities Act with respect to the Common Stock offered hereby. This
Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration
Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto, certain portions of which
have been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission.
For further information with respect to the Company and the Common Stock
offered hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement and such
exhibits and schedules. Statements contained in this Prospectus regarding the
contents of any agreement or other document referred to are not necessarily
complete, and in each instance, reference is made to a copy of such agreement
or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. Each such
statement is qualified in all respects by such reference. The Registration
Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto may be inspected without
charge at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission,
including at the Commission's Public Reference Room, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Judiciary Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the Commission's Regional
Offices at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and
Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661.
Copies may be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section
of the Commission at its principal office in Washington, D.C. Such materials
also may be accessed electronically by means of the Commission's web site at
http://www.sec.gov.

87
<PAGE>

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
---------
<S> <C> <C>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND
SUBSIDIARIES:
Report of Independent Public Accountants....................... F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1996
and June 30, 1997............................................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and the six months ended June
30, 1996 (unaudited) and June 30, 1997........................ F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and the six months ended June
30, 1996 (unaudited) and June 30, 1997........................ F-8
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Investment for the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, and the six
months ended June 30, 1997.................................... F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................... F-11
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1996... F-35
Statements of Consolidated Operations for the period from March
7, 1994 to December 31, 1994, and the years ended December 31,
1995 and 1996................................................. F-36
Statements of Shareholder's Deficiency for the period from
March 7, 1994 to December 31, 1994, and the years ended
December 31, 1995 and 1996.................................... F-37
Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows for the period from March
7, 1994 to December 31, 1994, and the years ended December 31,
1995 and 1996................................................. F-38
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................... F-39
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE KATHERINE
GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES:
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30,
1996 and May 31, 1997......................................... F-44
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for
the six months ended June 30, 1996 and five months ended May
31, 1997...................................................... F-45
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for
the six months ended June 30, 1996 and five months ended May
31, 1997...................................................... F-46
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. F-47
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF IAMD, LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES:
Reports of Independent Public Accountants...................... F-48
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1996 and 1997....... F-50
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended June
30, 1996 and 1997............................................. F-51
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended June
30, 1996 and 1997............................................. F-52
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Investment for the
years ended June 30, 1996 and 1997............................ F-53
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................... F-54
</TABLE>

F-1
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF
MERCHANDISING & DESIGN (CANADA) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARY:
Reports of Independent Public Accountants............................... F-61
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 1996 and June 30, 1997..... F-63
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended August 31, 1996
and for the ten months ended June 30, 1997............................. F-64
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended August 31, 1996
and for the ten months ended June 30, 1997............................. F-65
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the year ended
August 31, 1996 and for the ten months ended June 30, 1997............. F-66
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................. F-67
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF WESTERN CULINARY INSTITUTE (A DIVISION OF PHILLIPS
EDUCATIONAL GROUP
OF PORTLAND, INC., A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF PHILLIPS COLLEGES, INC.):
Report of Independent Public Accountants................................ F-72
Statement of Operations for the nine months and twenty-one days ended
October 21, 1996....................................................... F-73
Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months and twenty-one days ended
October 21, 1996....................................................... F-74
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.............................. F-75
</TABLE>

F-2
<PAGE>

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Stockholders of
Career Education Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CAREER
EDUCATION CORPORATION (a Delaware corporation) AND SUBSIDIARIES as of December
31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and June 30, 1997 and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders' investment and cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 and six months ended June
30, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Career Education Corporation
and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and June 30, 1997
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1996 and six months ended June 30, 1997
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

As explained in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
has given retroactive effect to the change in accounting for deferred marketing
and advertising costs.

Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois
October 7, 1997

F-3
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31 JUNE 30
--------------- -----------------------
PRO FORMA
1995 1996 1997 1997 (NOTE 13)
------- ------- -------- --------------
ASSETS (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents (including
restricted cash of $72, $0 and $186
at December 31, 1995 and 1996 and
June 30, 1997, respectively)........ $ 3,965 $ 7,798 $ 9,745 $--
Receivables--
Students, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $258, $455
and $1,026 at December 31, 1995
and 1996 and June 30, 1997,
respectively...................... 2,414 2,159 5,007 --
From former owners of acquired
businesses........................ -- 523 845 --
Stockholder........................ -- 100 -- --
Other.............................. 250 120 1,280 --
Inventories.......................... 167 213 427 --
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets.............................. 505 725 1,207 --
Deferred income tax assets........... -- 194 643 --
------- ------- -------- ----
Total current assets............. 7,301 11,832 19,154 --
------- ------- -------- ----
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net of
accumulated depreciation and
amortization........................ 12,841 19,560 47,088 --
------- ------- -------- ----
OTHER ASSETS:
Deferred income tax assets........... -- 195 -- --
Intangible assets, net............... 2,813 3,407 32,835 --
Deposits............................. 113 154 467 --
Perkins program fund, net............ 225 262 274 --
Deferred financing costs, net........ 151 346 533 --
Organization costs, net.............. 140 452 416 --
------- ------- -------- ----
Total other assets............... 3,442 4,816 34,525 --
------- ------- -------- ----
TOTAL ASSETS........................... $23,584 $36,208 $100,767 $--
======= ======= ======== ====
</TABLE>

F-4
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31 JUNE 30
------------- ---------------------
PRO FORMA
1995 1996 1997 1997 (NOTE 13)
------ ------ ------ --------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt.......... $1,309 $2,676 $3,477 $--
Book overdraft................................ -- 683 388 --
Accounts payable.............................. 640 502 2,489 --
Accrued expenses--
Payroll and related benefits................ 505 678 922 --
Other....................................... 747 1,658 3,136 --
Deferred tuition revenue...................... 2,786 4,256 4,992 --
------ ------ ------ ----
Total current liabilities................. 5,987 10,453 15,404 --
------ ------ ------ ----
LONG TERM DEBT, net of current maturities shown
above.......................................... 6,725 13,783 47,651 --
------ ------ ------ ----
DEFERRED INCOME TAX LIABILITIES................. -- -- 3,635 --
------ ------ ------ ----
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND WARRANTS
Redeemable Series A preferred stock, $0.01 par
value; 50,000 shares authorized; 7,782 shares
outstanding at December 31, 1995, 7,852
shares outstanding at December 31, 1996, and
June 30, 1997, respectively, at redemption
value including dividends of $1,911.......... 8,729 9,432 9,763 --
Redeemable Series B preferred stock, $0.01 par
value; 1,000 shares authorized; no shares
outstanding.................................. -- -- -- --
Redeemable Series C preferred stock, $0.01 par
value; 5,000 shares authorized; 4,954 shares
outstanding at December 31, 1995 and 1996,
and June 30, 1997, at redemption value....... 4,065 4,259 4,217 --
Redeemable Series D preferred stock, $0.01 par
value; 25,000 shares authorized; no shares
outstanding at December 31, 1995 and 1996,
22,500 shares outstanding at June 30, 1997,
at redemption value including dividends of
$159......................................... -- -- 17,717 --
Warrants exercisable into 27,484 shares of
Class D common stock at December 31, 1995 and
1996, and 23,636 shares of Class D common
stock at June 30, 1997, at an exercise price
of $0.01 per share, at estimated redemption
value........................................ 834 870 1,032 --
Warrants exercisable into 3,514 shares of
Class E common stock at June 30, 1997, at an
exercise price of $0.01 per share, at
estimated redemption value................... -- -- 260 --
------ ------ ------ ----
Total redeemable preferred stock and
warrants................................. 13,628 14,561 32,989 --
------ ------ ------ ----
</TABLE>

F-5
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31 JUNE 30
---------------- ------------------------
PRO FORMA
1995 1996 1997 1997 (NOTE 13)
------- ------- -------- --------------
STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT: (UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A common stock, $0.01 par
value; 600,000 shares authorized;
5,250 shares issued and
outstanding at December 31, 1995
and 1996, and June 30, 1997....... -- -- -- --
Class B common stock, $0.01 par
value; 100,000 shares authorized;
5,100 shares issued and
outstanding at December 13, 1995
and 1996, and June 30, 1997....... -- -- -- --
Class C common stock, $0.01 par
value; 100,000 shares authorized;
69,900 shares issued and
outstanding at December 31, 1995
and 1996, and June 30, 1997....... 1 1 1 --
Class D common stock, $0.01 par
value; 100,000 shares authorized;
no shares issued and outstanding
at December 31, 1995 and 1996, and
June 30, 1997..................... -- -- -- --
Class E common stock, $0.01 par
value; 200,000 shares authorized;
824 issued and outstanding at
December 31, 1995, 1,648 shares
issued and outstanding at December
31, 1996, and June 30, 1997....... -- -- -- --
Warrants........................... -- -- 4,788 --
Additional paid-in capital......... 30 60 60 --
Accumulated deficit................ (2,787) (2,650) (3,761) --
------- ------- -------- ----
Total stockholders' investment... (2,756) (2,589) 1,088 --
------- ------- -------- ----
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
INVESTMENT.......................... $23,584 $36,208 $100,767 --
======= ======= ======== ====
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-6
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED FOR THE SIX MONTHS
DECEMBER 31 ENDED JUNE 30
------------------------- -------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
------- ------- ------- ----------- -------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
Tuition and registration
fees, net.................... $ 5,794 $16,330 $29,269 $12,716 $23,073
Other, net.................... 1,692 3,066 4,311 2,074 2,579
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total net revenue......... 7,486 19,396 33,580 14,790 25,652
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Educational services and
facilities................... 3,074 8,565 14,404 6,320 11,090
General and administrative.... 4,887 9,097 14,622 7,406 10,942
Depreciation and
amortization................. 980 1,344 2,179 973 2,109
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total operating expenses.. 8,941 19,006 31,205 14,699 24,141
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income (loss) from
operations............... (1,455) 390 2,375 91 1,511
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
INTEREST EXPENSE............... 134 297 672 225 985
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income (loss) before
provision for income
taxes and extraordinary
item..................... (1,589) 93 1,703 (134) 526
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES..... -- 24 208 -- 210
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item....... (1,589) 69 1,495 (134) 316
EXTRAORDINARY LOSS ON EARLY
EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT (net of
taxes of $233, Note 4)........ -- -- -- -- 418
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
NET INCOME (LOSS).............. $(1,589) $ 69 $ 1,495 $ (134) $ (102)
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO
COMMON STOCKHOLDERS (Note 2):
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item........... $(1,589) $ 69 $ 1,495 $ (134) $ 316
Dividends on preferred stock.. (393) (777) (1,128) (557) (738)
Accretion to redemption value
of preferred stock and
warrants..................... -- (96) (230) (115) (271)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item
attributable to common
stockholders............. (1,982) (804) 137 (806) (693)
Extraordinary loss............ -- -- -- -- 418
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)
attributable to common
stockholders............. $(1,982) $ (804) $ 137 $ (806) $(1,111)
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
PRO FORMA (UNAUDITED):
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item
attributable to common
stockholders, as reported.... $(1,982) $ (804) $ 137 $ (806) $ (693)
Dividends on preferred
stock...................... 393 777 1,128 557 738
Accretion to redemption
value of preferred stock
and warrants............... -- 96 230 115 271
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Pro forma income (loss) before
extraordinary item
attributable to common
stockholders.................. $(1,589) $ 69 $ 1,495 $ (134) $ 316
======= ======= =======
Extraordinary loss............ -- 418
------- -------
Pro forma net income (loss)
attributable to common
stockholders.................. 1,495 (102)
======= =======
Pro forma income (loss) before
extraordinary item per share.. $ -- $ --
======= =======
Pro forma net income (loss) per
share attributable to common
stockholders.................. $ -- $ --
======= =======
Pro forma weighted average
number of common and common
stock equivalent shares
outstanding................... -- --
======= =======
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-7
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31 JUNE 30
------------------------- -----------------------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
------- ------- ------- --------------- -------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)..... $(1,589) $ 69 $ 1,495 $ (134) $ (102)
Adjustments to
reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash
provided by
(used in) operating
activities--
Depreciation,
amortization and
debt discount...... 980 1,351 2,188 981 2,116
Warrants issued to a
bank............... -- -- -- -- 180
Deferred income
taxes.............. -- -- (273) 554 (203)
Loss on sale of
assets............. 2 -- -- -- --
Extraordinary loss.. -- -- -- -- 651
Changes in operating
assets and
liabilities, net of
acquisitions--
Receivables, net.. (708) (869) 385 1,167 998
Inventories,
prepaid expenses
and other current
assets........... (101) (246) (245) (95) (424)
Deposits.......... (116) 33 8 (19) (9)
Accounts payable.. (14) 118 (138) (221) 594
Accrued expenses.. (142) (233) 817 (720) (1,016)
Deferred tuition 688 12 1,038 (943) (5,582)
revenue.......... ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------------
Net cash
provided by
(used in)
operating (1,000) 235 5,275 570 (2,797)
activities..... ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Business acquisitions,
net of cash.......... (1,985) (1,622) (8,250) -- (37,717)
Acquisition and
organizational costs. (234) (959) -- -- --
Purchase of property
and equipment, net... (153) (897) (1,231) (365) (482)
Investment in Perkins -- -- (37) -- 7
program fund......... ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------------
Net cash used in
investing (2,372) (3,478) (9,518) (365) (38,192)
activities..... ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of common
stock................ -- 30 -- -- 30
Issuance of warrants.. -- -- -- -- 4,788
Issuance of redeemable
preferred stock and
warrants............. 7,850 5,070 -- -- 17,557
Redemption of
preferred stock...... -- (200) -- -- --
Dividends paid on
preferred stock...... -- (207) (495) (248) (248)
Equity and debt
financing costs...... -- (535) (553) -- (542)
Book overdraft........ -- -- 683 -- (295)
Payments of long-term
debt................. (1,836) (6,363) (1,309) (4,705) (313)
Net proceeds from
(repayment of)
revolving credit
facility............. -- 6,771 1,500 3,250 (8,246)
Proceeds from term
loan facility........ -- -- 8,250 -- 3,400
Repayments of term
loan facility........ -- -- -- -- (11,650)
Net proceeds from
revolving loans under
Credit Agreement..... -- -- -- -- 25,955
Proceeds from issuance
of term loans under -- -- -- -- 12,500
Credit Agreement..... ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------------
Net cash
provided by
(used in)
financing 6,014 4,566 8,076 (1,703) 42,936
activities..... ------- ------- ------- ----------- -------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE)
IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS............ 2,642 1,323 3,833 (1,498) 1,947
CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING
OF YEAR................ -- 2,642 3,965 3,965 7,798
CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS, END OF
YEAR................... $ 2,642 $ 3,965 $ 7,798 $ 2,467 $ 9,745
======= ======= ======= =========== =============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the
year for--
Interest.............. $ 119 $ 327 $ 407 $ 225 $ 958
Taxes paid............ -- -- 80 -- 2,480
======= ======= ======= =========== =============
NON-CASH INVESTING AND
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Accretion to
redemption value of
preferred stock and
warrants............. $ -- $ 96 $ 230 $ 115 $ 271
Dividends on preferred
stock added to
liquidation value.... 393 570 632 309 490
======= ======= ======= =========== =============
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-8
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS D CLASS E
---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
600,000 $0.01 100,000 $0.01 100,000 $0.01 100,000 $0.01 200,000 $0.01
SHARES PAR SHARES PAR SHARES PAR SHARES PAR SHARES PAR TOTAL
AUTHORIZED VALUE AUTHORIZED VALUE AUTHORIZED VALUE AUTHORIZED VALUE AUTHORIZED VALUE AMOUNT
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, January 5,
1994 -- $-- -- $-- -- $-- -- $-- -- $-- $--
Issuance of stock..... 5,250 53 5,100 51 69,900 699 -- -- -- -- 803
Dividends on preferred
stock for the year... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Net loss.............. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
----- ---- ----- ---- ------ ---- --- ---- ----- ---- ----
BALANCE, December 31,
1994.................. 5,250 $ 53 5,100 $ 51 69,900 $699 -- $-- -- $-- $803
Issuance of stock and
warrants............. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 824 8 8
Dividends paid........ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Dividends on preferred
stock for the year... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Preferred stock and
warrant accretion.... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Net income............ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
----- ---- ----- ---- ------ ---- --- ---- ----- ---- ----
BALANCE, December 31,
1995.................. 5,250 53 5,100 51 69,900 699 -- -- 824 8 811
Issuance of stock..... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 824 8 8
Dividends paid........ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Dividends on preferred
stock for the year... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Preferred stock and
warrant accretion.... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Net income............ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
----- ---- ----- ---- ------ ---- --- ---- ----- ---- ----
BALANCE, December 31,
1996.................. 5,250 53 5,100 51 69,900 699 -- -- 1,648 16 819
Issuance of warrants.. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Dividends paid........ -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Dividends on preferred
stock for the period. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Preferred stock and
warrant accretion.... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Net loss.............. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
----- ---- ----- ---- ------ ---- --- ---- ----- ---- ----
BALANCE, June 30, 1997. 5,250 $ 53 5,100 $ 51 69,900 $699 -- $-- 1,648 $ 16 $819
===== ==== ===== ==== ====== ==== === ==== ===== ==== ====
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-9
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WARRANTS
----------
CLASS E ADDITIONAL TOTAL
COMMON PAID-IN ACCUMULATED STOCKHOLDERS'
STOCK CAPITAL DEFICIT INVESTMENT
---------- ---------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, January 5, 1994...... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Issuance of stock........... -- -- (795) 8
Dividends on preferred stock
for the year............... -- -- (392,790) (392,790)
Net loss.................... -- -- (1,589,171) (1,589,171)
---------- ------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE, December 31, 1994.... $ -- $ -- $(1,982,756) $(1,981,953)
Issuance of stock........... -- 29,974 -- 29,982
Dividends paid.............. -- -- (206,800) (206,800)
Dividends on preferred stock
for the year............... -- -- (570,277) (570,277)
Preferred stock and warrant
accretion.................. -- -- (95,822) (95,822)
Net income.................. -- -- 68,543 68,543
---------- ------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE, December 31, 1995.... -- 29,974 (2,787,112) (2,756,327)
Issuance of stock........... -- 29,974 -- 29,982
Dividends paid.............. -- -- (495,400) (495,400)
Dividends on preferred stock
for the year............... -- -- (632,417) (632,417)
Preferred stock and warrant
accretion.................. -- -- (229,975) (229,975)
Net income.................. -- -- 1,494,666 1,494,666
---------- ------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE, December 31, 1996.... -- 59,948 (2,650,238) (2,589,471)
Issuance of warrants........ 4,788,563 -- -- 4,788,563
Dividends paid.............. -- -- (247,700) (247,700)
Dividends on preferred stock
for the period............. -- -- (490,493) (490,493)
Preferred stock and warrant
accretion.................. -- -- (270,642) (270,642)
Net loss.................... -- -- (102,047) (102,047)
---------- ------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE, June 30, 1997........ $4,788,563 $59,948 $(3,761,120) $ 1,088,210
========== ======= =========== ===========
</TABLE>

F-10
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

Career Education Corporation (the "Company") was incorporated in January
1994, for the purpose of acquiring operations of various for-profit
postsecondary schools. The Company manages and operates the educational
institutions acquired through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Al Collins Graphic
Design School, Ltd. ("Collins"), Brooks College, Ltd. ("Brooks"), Allentown
Business School, Ltd. ("Allentown"), Brown Institute, Ltd. ("Brown"), Western
Culinary Institute, Inc. ("Western Culinary"), School of Computer Technology,
Inc. ("SCT"), The Katherine Gibbs Schools, Inc. ("Gibbs"), IAMD, Limited and
Subsidiaries, (The International Academy of Merchandising and Design; "IAMD-
U.S."), and The International Academy of Merchandising & Design (Canada) Ltd.
and Subsidiary ("IAMD-Canada").

The Collins campus is located in Tempe, Arizona, and offers associate and
bachelor degrees in visual communications and a certificate in desktop
publishing. The Brooks campus is located in Long Beach, California, and offers
associate degrees in fashion design, fashion merchandising, interior design and
visual communications. The Allentown campus is located in Allentown,
Pennsylvania, and offers associate degrees in business administration,
accounting, marketing, secretarial, fashion merchandising and medical-related
fields, and offers diplomas in business operations, PC/LAN, office assistant
and medical-related fields. The Brown campus is located in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, and offers certificates and/or associate degrees in allied health,
visual communications, business administration, information systems management,
computer programming, electronics technology and radio/television broadcasting.
The Western Culinary campus is located in Portland, Oregon, and offers diplomas
in culinary arts. SCT is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has
campuses in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia and offers
associate degrees and diplomas in computer technology, laser technology and
specialized culinary arts. Gibbs is headquartered in New York, New York and has
campuses located in various cities through out New York, New Jersey, and New
England and offers associate degrees in secretarial arts and business
administration. IAMD-U.S. has campuses located in Chicago, Illinois and Tampa,
Florida. IAMD-Canada has campuses located in Toronto, Canada and Montreal,
Canada. Both IAMD-U.S. and IAMD-Canada offer associate and bachelor degrees in
various fields of merchandising management, fashion design, interior design,
and computer graphics.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements and related notes thereto for the six months ended
June 30, 1996 are unaudited and have been prepared on the same basis as the
audited financial statements included herein. In the opinion of management,
such unaudited financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of
normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the information set
forth herein. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1997. The principal accounting policies of the Company are
as follows:

a. Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and
balances have been eliminated in the consolidation. The results of operations
of all acquired businesses have been consolidated for all periods subsequent to
the date of acquisition.

b. Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company extends unsecured credit for tuition to a significant portion of
the students who are in attendance at the campuses operated by its
subsidiaries. A substantial portion of credit extended to students is repaid
through the student's participation in various federally funded financial aid
programs under Title IV of

F-11
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

the Higher Education Act of 1965 ("Title IV Programs"), as amended.
Approximately 70%, 73%, 72%, 72% and 64%, respectively, of the Company's net
revenue was collected from Title IV Program funds in fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996
and for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997. The Company generally
completes and approves the financial aid packet of each student who qualifies
for financial aid prior to the student beginning class in an effort to enhance
the collectibility of its unsecured credit. Transfers of funds from the
financial aid programs to the Company are made in accordance with the United
States Department of Education ("DOE") requirements. Changes in DOE funding
federal student financial aid programs could impact the Company's ability to
attract students.

c. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consists of cash in banks and certificates of
deposit with maturities of less than 30 days.

d. Restricted Cash

Cash received from the U. S. Government under various student aid grant and
loan programs is considered to be restricted. Restricted cash is held in
separate bank accounts and does not become available for general use by the
Company until the financial aid is credited to the accounts of students and the
cash is transferred to an operating account.

e. Perkins Matching Funds

The Company participates in the Perkins Loan program in order to provide
continuing long-term, low interest loans to qualifying students in need of
financial assistance. Perkins loans are available on the basis of student
financial need and are subject to the availability of Perkins loan funds at the
institution. As previous borrowers repay their Perkins loans, their payments
are used to fund new loans thus creating a permanent revolving loan fund. There
is a 25% institutional matching requirement for Perkins loans. The Company
carries its investments at cost, net of allowances for losses and collections.
At December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and June 30, 1997, the Company had
estimated that approximately $225,000, $262,000 and $274,000, respectively, of
contributions to the program are expected to be returned if the program should
cease.

f. Marketing and Advertising Costs

Marketing and advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Marketing and
advertising costs included in general and administrative expenses were
$971,000, $2,715,000, $3,494,000, $2,007,000 and $2,894,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1994, December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and the six months
ended June 30, 1996 and 1997, respectively.

g. Inventories

Inventories consisting principally of program materials, books and supplies
are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out, basis or
market.

h. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are
recognized utilizing the straight-line method over the related assets useful
lives. Leasehold improvements and assets recorded under

F-12
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated
useful lives or lease terms, whichever is shorter. Maintenance, repairs and
minor renewals and betterments are expensed; major improvements are
capitalized. The estimated useful lives and cost basis of property and
equipment at December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and June 30, 1997, are as
follows (dollars in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
--------------- JUNE 30,
1995 1996 1997 LIFE
------- ------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Buildings............................... $ 350 $ 350 $ 1,190 31 years
Classroom equipment, courseware and
other
instructional materials................ 10,237 17,905 35,712 3-15 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment....... 2,653 2,926 9,696 3-10 years
Leasehold improvements.................. 843 1,296 4,585 1-7 years
Vehicles................................ 40 40 40 5 years
------- ------- -------
14,123 22,517 51,223
Less-Accumulated depreciation and amor-
tization............................... 1,282 2,957 4,135
------- ------- -------
$12,841 $19,560 $47,088
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

The gross cost of assets recorded under capital leases included above
amounted to $39,000, $39,000 and $2,835,000 at December 31, 1995, December 31,
1996 and June 30, 1997, respectively.

i. Intangible Assets

Intangible assets include the excess of cost over fair market value of
identifiable assets acquired through the business purchases described in Note
3. Goodwill and student contracts are being amortized on a straight-line basis
over their estimated useful life. Covenants not-to-compete entered into before
1997 are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful life. Those
entered into during 1997 and thereafter are being amortized on an accelerated
method over their estimated useful life. At December 31, 1995, December 31,
1996 and June 30, 1997, the cost basis and useful lives of intangible assets
consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
------------- JUNE 30, ESTIMATED
1995 1996 1997 LIVES
------ ------ -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Goodwill.................................... $2,592 $3,128 $20,445 40 years
Covenants not-to-compete.................... 100 500 13,250 3-5 years
Student contracts........................... 1,055 1,107 -- 1 year
------ ------ -------
3,747 4,735 33,695
Less-Accumulated amortization............... 934 1,328 860
------ ------ -------
$2,813 $3,407 $32,835
====== ====== =======
</TABLE>

On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews intangible assets and other long-
lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that
carrying amounts may not be recoverable. To date, no such events or changes in
circumstances have occurred. If such events or changes in circumstances occur,
the Company will recognize an impairment loss if the undiscounted future cash
flows expected to be generated by the asset (or acquired business) are less
than the carrying value of the related asset. The impairment loss would adjust
the asset to its fair value.

F-13
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

j. Organizational Costs

Costs incurred in conjunction with the organization of the Company and its
subsidiaries are being amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated
useful life of five years. Accumulated amortization as of December 31, 1995,
December 31, 1996 and June 30, 1997, was $94,000, $153,000 and $215,000,
respectively.

k. Deferred Financing Costs

Costs incurred in connection with obtaining financing are capitalized and
amortized over the maturity period of the debt. Accumulated amortization as of
December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and June 30, 1997, was $14,000, $59,000
and $69,000, respectively.

l. Revenue Recognition

Revenue is derived primarily from courses taught at the schools. Tuition
revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the
applicable course. Dormitory and cafeteria revenues charged to students are
recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the students' program.
Other dormitory and cafeteria revenues are recognized as earned. Textbook sales
and other revenues are recognized as services are performed. If a student
withdraws, future revenue is reduced by the amount of refund due to the
student. Refunds are calculated in accordance with federal, state and
accrediting agency standards. Deferred tuition revenue represents the portion
of payments received but not earned and is reflected as a current liability in
the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as such amount is expected to be
earned within the next year.

m. Management's Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles requires management to make certain estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the
disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements
and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

n. Income Taxes

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. The Company
provides for deferred income taxes under the asset and liability method of
accounting. This method requires the recognition of deferred income taxes based
upon the tax consequences of "temporary differences" by applying enacted
statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the
financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and
liabilities.

o. Financial Instruments

The carrying value for current assets and liabilities reasonably approximates
their fair value due to their short maturity periods. The carrying value of the
Company's debt obligations reasonably approximates fair value as the stated
interest rate approximates current market interest rates of debt with similar
terms.

p. Accretion to Redemption Value of Preferred Stock and Warrants

Accretion to redemption value of redeemable preferred stock and warrants
represents the change in the redemption value of outstanding preferred stock
and warrants in each period which is being accreted to its redemption value
over the earliest period redemption can occur using the effective interest
method. The redemption values are based on the estimated fair market values of
the classes of stock and consider the amounts the Company has received for the
sale of equity instruments, prices paid for acquired businesses and operations
of the Company.

F-14
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

q. Pro Forma Income (Loss) before Extraordinary Item per Share Attributable to
Common Stockholders, Supplemental Pro Forma Income (Loss) before
Extraordinary Item per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders and
Supplemental Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) per Share Attributable to Common
Stockholders

Pro forma income (loss) before extraordinary item per share available to
common stockholders is based on the weighted average number of shares of common
stock and common stock equivalents outstanding after giving retroactive
adjustments for stock splits described in Notes 5 and 15 for all periods
presented, retroactively reflects the shares of redeemable preferred stock and
warrants converted into shares of common stock, retroactively reflects the
conversion of all shares of common stock into Class A common stock and includes
shares being sold in the offering to fund payment for the dividend as
described in Note 15. Common stock equivalents represent stock options and
warrants using the treasury stock method for all periods presented. All common
stock options and warrants issued within one year prior to the initial public
filing with a price below the estimated initial public offering price have been
included as outstanding shares for all periods presented, reduced by the number
of shares which could be purchased with proceeds from the exercise of the
options and warrants.

Supplemental pro forma loss before extraordinary item per share attributable
to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for the six
months ended June 30, 1997 of $ and $ respectively, is computed based
upon (i) pro forma income (loss) before extraordinary item attributable to
common stockholders adjusted for the reduction in interest expense (net of tax
benefit) resulting from the application of net proceeds of the contemplated
offering to reduce indebtedness of the Company and (ii) the pro forma weighted
average number of shares of common stock outstanding adjusted to reflect the
sale by the Company of approximately shares of common stock in the offering
resulting in net proceeds sufficient to pay indebtedness as described in Note
15. Supplemental pro forma net income (loss) per share attributable to common
stockholders of $ and $ for the year ended December 31, 1996 and for
the six months ended June 30, 1997, respectively, is based upon the pro forma
income (loss) before extraordinary item adjusted for the extraordinary loss on
the early extinguishment of debt.

r. Stock-Based Compensation

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123"), was issued in October, 1995. SFAS No. 123
provides an alternative method of accounting for stock-based compensation
arrangements, based on fair value of the stock-based compensation utilizing
various assumptions regarding the underlying attributes of the options and
stock, rather than the existing method of accounting for stock-based
compensation which is provided in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB No. 25"). The Financial
Accounting Standards Board encourages entities to adopt the fair-value based
method but does not require adoption of this method. The Company will continue
its current accounting policy and has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of
SFAS No. 123 for options and warrants issued to employees and directors.
Expense associated with stock options and warrants issued to non-employees/non-
directors is recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 123.

s. New Accounting Pronouncements

Earnings Per Share

In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Financial
Accounting Standard No. 128 ("SFAS No. 128"), addressing earnings per share.
SFAS No. 128 changed the methodology of calculating earnings per share and
renamed the two calculations, basic earnings per share (currently primary) and
diluted earnings per share (currently fully diluted). The calculations differ
by eliminating any common stock equivalents (such as stock options, warrants,
and convertible preferred stock) from basic earnings per share and changes
certain calculations when computing diluted earnings per share. The weighted
average number of common shares for the basic earnings per common share
calculation includes (i) all common stock outstanding during each

F-15
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

period presented, (ii) all common stock options and warrants issued within one
year prior to the initial public filing with a price below the estimated
initial public offering price, reduced by the number of shares which could be
purchased with proceeds from the exercise of the options and warrants, (iii)
the common stock that will be issued upon the preferred stock conversion, and
(iv) the common stock that will be used to fund payment of the estimated
dividends as described in Note 15. The weighted average number of common shares
for the diluted earnings per common share calculation is based on similar
assumptions and is adjusted for all other common stock equivalents that were
outstanding during each period presented. SFAS No. 128 is effective for
reporting periods ending after December 15, 1997. For the year ended December
31, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 1997, had the Company calculated
earnings per share using SFAS No. 128, the basic earnings per share would have
been $ , and $ , respectively, and the diluted earnings per share would
have been $ , and $ , respectively. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 128 on
December 31, 1997.

Capital Structure

In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
129, "Disclosure of Information about Capital Structure" ("SFAS No. 129"),
which requires all companies to disclose all relevant information regarding
their capital structure. SFAS No. 129 presentation is required for reporting
periods ending after December 15, 1997. Based on the capital structure
disclosures presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto, the Company does not believe that any additional disclosures
will be required as a result of adopting this pronouncement.

Comprehensive Income

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS No. 130"), which establishes standards
for reporting of comprehensive income. This pronouncement requires that all
items recognized under accounting standards as components of comprehensive
income, as defined in the pronouncement, be reported in a financial statement
that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements.
Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period except
those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The
financial statement presentation required under SFAS No. 130 is effective for
all fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company will adopt SFAS
No. 130 in 1998. As of June 30, 1997, the impact of adopting this pronouncement
has not been determined; however, the Company will be affected by it because it
maintains a subsidiary which has operations in Canada.

Segment Reporting

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 131,
"Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS No.
131"), which amends the requirements for a public enterprise to report
financial and descriptive information about its reportable operating segments.
Operating segments, as defined in the pronouncement, are components of an
enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is
evaluated regularly by the Company in deciding how to allocate resources and in
assessing performance. The financial information is required to be reported on
the basis that is used internally for evaluating segment performance and
deciding how to allocate resources to segments. The disclosures required by
SFAS No. 131 are effective for all fiscal years beginning after December 15,
1997. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 131 in 1998. This pronouncement will have
an effect on the Company's reporting in the subsequent periods; however, as of
June 30, 1997, the impact of this pronouncement has not been determined.

F-16
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

t. Foreign Currency Translation

The Company's wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, IAMD-Canada, acquired an
entity with operations in Canada on June 30, 1997. For periods subsequent to
June 30, 1997, revenues and expenses related to these operations will be
translated at average exchange rates in effect at the time the underlying
transactions occur. Transaction gains or losses will be included in income.
Assets and liabilities of this subsidiary will be translated at year-end
exchange rates with gains and losses resulting from such translation being
included in stockholders' investment.

3. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

COLLINS

On January 31, 1994, Collins acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of the Al Collins Graphic Design School. This acquisition was
accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the purchased assets and assumed
liabilities have been recorded at their estimated fair market values at the
date of the acquisition. The purchase price of $2,260,000 exceeded the fair
market value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, resulting in goodwill
of approximately $906,000.

BROOKS

On June 20, 1994, Brooks acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of Brooks College. This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase
and, accordingly, the purchased assets and assumed liabilities have been
recorded at their estimated fair market values at the date of the acquisition.
The purchase price of $4,100,000 exceeded the fair market value of assets
acquired and liabilities assumed resulting in goodwill of approximately
$1,075,000.

ALLENTOWN AND BROWN

On July 31, 1995, Brown acquired certain assets and assumed certain
liabilities of Brown Institute Campus of National Education Centers, Inc., and
Allentown acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Allentown
Business School Campus of National Education Centers, Inc. These acquisitions
were accounted for as purchases and, accordingly, the purchased assets and
assumed liabilities have been recorded at their estimated fair market values at
the date of the acquisition. The total purchase price of approximately
$6,993,000, exceeded the fair market value of the assets acquired, resulting in
goodwill of approximately $843,000. In connection with the purchase, the former
owner of the schools entered into a three-year covenant not-to-compete
agreement with the Company.

WESTERN CULINARY

On October 21, 1996, Western Culinary acquired certain assets and assumed
certain liabilities of Western Culinary Institute, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Phillips College, Inc. This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and,
accordingly, the purchased assets and assumed liabilities have been recorded at
their estimated fair market values at the date of the acquisition. The purchase
price, subject to certain adjustments, of approximately $8,000,000 exceeded the
fair market value of net assets acquired, resulting in goodwill of
approximately $646,000. In connection with the purchase, the former owner of
the school entered into a four-year covenant not-to-compete agreement with the
Company for a total price of $400,000.

At closing, the Company paid $7,000,000 to the former owner, assumed a
$150,000 obligation and deposited $1,250,000 into escrow. At December 31, 1996,
the Company estimated that approximately $523,000 would be returned to the
Company as a result of purchase price adjustments and has reflected such amount
as due from former owners of acquired businesses in the accompanying December
31, 1996 consolidated balance sheet. This amount was collected in January 1997.

F-17
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

SCT

On February 28, 1997, the Company, through SCT Acquisition, Ltd., acquired
100% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of School of Computer
Technology, Inc. This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and,
accordingly, the acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been recorded at
their estimated fair market values at the date of the acquisition. The
estimated fair market values of certain assets are based upon preliminary
appraisal reports. The purchase price, subject to certain modifications, of
approximately $5,450,000 exceeded the estimated fair market value of net assets
acquired, resulting in goodwill of approximately $3,032,000. In connection with
the purchase, the former owners of the school each entered into three-year
covenant not-to-compete agreements with the Company for a total price of
$1,750,000.

At closing, the Company paid $400,000 to the former owners, deposited
$5,000,000 into escrow, and assumed a $1,800,000 note payable due to the former
owners. Funds paid were raised through the issuance of $2,000,000 of Series D
preferred stock and warrants and $3,400,000 of bank borrowings. The amount in
escrow will be distributed, subject to certain adjustments for events occurring
after the closing date, in 1997. Accordingly, subsequent adjustments to the
purchase price may result in changes to the purchase price allocation.
Management does not believe that such adjustments will be material. At June 30,
1997, the Company estimates that approximately $506,000 will be returned to the
Company as a result of such purchase price adjustments and has reflected such
amount as due from former owners of acquired businesses in the accompanying
June 30, 1997 consolidated balance.

GIBBS

On May 31, 1997, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of
capital stock of The Katharine Gibbs Schools, Inc. The Katharine Gibbs Schools,
Inc. has seven wholly-owned subsidiaries, each of which owns and operates
separate campuses. This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and,
accordingly, the acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been recorded at
their estimated fair market values at the date of the acquisition. The
estimated fair market values of certain assets are based upon preliminary
appraisal reports. The purchase price, subject to certain modifications, of
approximately $20,000,000 exceeded the fair market value of net assets
acquired, resulting in goodwill of approximately $7,776,000. Subsequent
adjustments to the purchase price may result in changes to the purchase price
allocation. At June 30, 1997, the Company has reduced the purchase price by
approximately $1,093,000 as a result of estimated purchase price adjustments.

In connection with the purchase, the former owner of the schools also entered
into a covenant not-to-compete agreement with the Company for a total price of
$7,000,000. The covenant not-to-compete restricts the former owners' ability to
own or operate certain types of for-profit postsecondary schools for five
years.

At closing, the Company paid $5,400,000 to the former owner and deposited
$18,850,000 into escrow with borrowings of $12,500,000 from its new bank
financing arrangement and $15,000,000 which was raised through the issuance of
Series D preferred stock. The amount in escrow will be paid, subject to certain
adjustments for events occurring after the closing date, in 1997. At June 30,
1997, the Company estimates that $1,657,000 is still owed to the seller.

The Company has the right to rescind the transaction upon the occurrence of
certain conditions, subject to the seller's right to cure. This right expires
the earlier of November 30, 1997, or the issuance of applicable DOE approval
notices.

F-18
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

IAMD-U.S.

On June 30, 1997, the Company, through IAMD, Acquisition I, Ltd. acquired
100% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of IAMD, Limited for
$3,000,000. Subsequent to the purchase, IAMD Acquisition I, Ltd. merged with
and into IAMD, Limited and assumed its name ("IAMD-U.S."). The purchase price
may be increased by up to $5,000,000 based upon the amount by which revenue of
the acquired operations for the 12 month period ended June 30, 1998 exceeds
$8,000,000, as provided for in an earn-out provision in the purchase agreement.
IAMD-U.S. generated revenue of $7,493,000 for the year ended June 30, 1997. The
purchase price of the acquisition is subject to certain modifications in
addition to the earn-out provision. This acquisition was accounted for as a
purchase and, accordingly, the acquired assets and assumed liabilities have
been recorded at their estimated fair market values at the date of the
acquisition. The estimated fair market values of certain assets are based upon
preliminary appraisal reports. The purchase price, subject to certain
modifications, exceeded the fair market value of net assets acquired, resulting
in goodwill of approximately $1,968,000. At June 30, 1997, the Company
estimates that the purchase price will be reduced by approximately $214,000 as
a result of purchase price adjustments and has reflected such amount as due
from former owners of acquired businesses in the accompanying June 30, 1997
consolidated balance sheet.

In connection with the purchase, the former owners of the school also entered
into covenant not-to-compete agreements with the Company in exchange for
$2,000,000. The covenant not-to-compete restricts the former owners' ability to
own or operate certain types of for-profit postsecondary schools for four
years.

On June 30, 1997, the Company paid $100,000 to the former owners, issued
$1,500,000 in notes payable to the former owners and issued letters of credit
totaling $3,400,000 to secure amounts owed to the former owners to consummate
these transactions. The funds to consummate these transactions were obtained
through the issuance of Series D preferred stock and warrants and bank
borrowings. The notes, secured by letters of credit, bear interest, payable
quarterly, at 7% per annum, and the entire principal balance is due on June 30,
2001 or earlier in the event of an initial public offering of the Company.

The Company has the right to rescind the transaction upon the occurrence of
certain conditions, subject to the seller's right to cure. This right expires
the earlier of October 3, 1997 or the issuance of applicable DOE approval
notices.

IAMD-CANADA

On June 30, 1997, the Company purchased 100% of the capital stock of IAMD-
Canada for $6,500,000. This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and,
accordingly, the acquired assets and assumed liabilities have been recorded at
their estimated fair market values at the date of the acquisition. The
estimated fair market values of certain assets are based upon preliminary
appraisal reports. The purchase price, subject to certain modifications,
exceeded the fair market value of net assets acquired, resulting in goodwill of
approximately $4,543,000. At June 30, 1997, the Company estimates that the
purchase price will be decreased by approximately $125,000 as a result of
purchase price adjustments and has reflected such amount as due from former
owners of acquired businesses in the accompanying June 30, 1997 consolidated
balance sheet.

In connection with the purchase, the former owners of the school entered into
covenant not-to-compete agreements with the Company in exchange for $2,000,000.
The covenant not-to-compete restricts the former owners' ability to own or
operate certain types of postsecondary vocational schools for four years.

On June 30, 1997, the Company paid $3,820,000 to the former owners, deposited
$2,120,000 into escrow, and issued $2,550,000 in notes payable to the former
owners to consummate these transactions. The funds to

F-19
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

consummate these transactions were obtained through the issuance of Series D
preferred stock and warrants and bank borrowings. The notes are secured by
letters of credit, bear interest, payable quarterly, at 7% per annum, and the
entire principal balance is due on June 30, 2001 or earlier in the event of an
initial public offering of the Company.

The following unaudited pro forma results of operations data for the years
ended December 31, 1994, December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1996, and the six
months ended June 30, 1997, assume the business acquisitions subsequent to
January 1, 1995 described above occurred at the beginning of the year preceding
the year of the acquisition. The pro forma results below are based on
historical results of operations and do not necessarily reflect actual results
that would have occurred. The pro forma results for the six months ended June
30, 1997, are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997 (in thousands).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE
SIX MONTHS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED ENDED
DECEMBER 31 JUNE 30
------------------------ ----------
1994 1995 1996 1997
------- ------- ------- ----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenue.......................... $23,243 $32,175 $87,476 $51,695
Income (loss) before extraordinary
item................................ (902) 1,070 (5,487) (1,612)
Net income (loss).................... (902) 1,070 (5,487) (2,030)
</TABLE>

F-20
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

4. DEBT

Debt of the Company at December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and June 30,
1997, consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
-------------- JUNE 30
1995 1996 1997
------ ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Borrowings under Credit Agreement with a syndicate of
banks as discussed below--
Revolving loans....................................... $ -- $ -- $25,955
Term loan............................................. -- -- 12,500
Revolving credit notes with a bank, as discussed below,
net of debt discount of $73,000 and $57,000, as of
December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1996, respectively.. 6,698 8,182 --
Bank term loan, as discussed below...................... -- 8,250 --
Notes payable to former owner of Allentown Business
School and Brown Institute; paid in January, 1996...... 1,286 -- --
Notes payable to former owners of SCT, bearing annual
interest of 7%, interest only payable quarterly,
principal due February 28, 2001, secured by bank
letters of credit...................................... -- -- 1,800
Amount due to former owner of Gibbs, currently payable,
non-interest-bearing and unsecured..................... -- -- 1,657
Notes payable to former owners of IAMD-U.S., bearing
annual interest of 7%, interest only payable quarterly,
principal due June 30, 2001 (or earlier upon the
occurrence of an initial public offering), secured by
bank letters of credit................................. -- -- 1,500
Amounts due to former owners of IAMD-U.S., currently
payable, non-interest-bearing, secured by bank letters
of credit.............................................. -- -- 3,400
Notes payable to former owners of IAMD-Canada, bearing
annual interest of 7%, interest only payable quarterly,
principal due June 30, 2001 (or earlier upon the
occurrence of an initial public offering), secured by
bank letters of credit................................. -- -- 2,550
Equipment under capital leases, discounted at interest
rates ranging from 6.6% to 21.5%....................... 50 27 1,756
Other................................................... -- -- 10
------ ------- -------
8,034 16,459 51,128
Less--Current portion................................... 1,309 2,676 3,477
------ ------- -------
$6,725 $13,783 $47,651
====== ======= =======
</TABLE>

On May 30, 1997, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into a new credit
agreement (the Credit Agreement) with a bank and prepaid approximately
$21,187,000 of outstanding revolving credit notes, term loans and other
obligations under its previous credit agreement. On September 25, 1997, the
Credit Agreement was amended and syndicated. The amended Credit Agreement
provides for the Company and its subsidiaries to borrow up to an aggregate of
$80,000,000 on a consolidated basis, including $65,000,000 under a revolving
credit facility ("Revolving Loans") and $15,000,000 through a term loan
facility ("Term Loan"), and the ability to obtain up to $20,000,000 in
outstanding letters of credit. Outstanding letters of credit reduce revolving
credit

F-21
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

facility availability under the amended Credit Agreement. The amended Credit
Agreement matures on May 30, 2002; however, availability under the revolving
credit facility is reduced by $10,000,000 on May 30, 2001. The Term Loan is
payable in equal quarterly installments of $625,000. Beginning September 30,
1997, these quarterly installments may increase to a maximum of $750,000 if the
Company borrows $15,000,000 under the amended term loan facility. The Company's
borrowings under the amended Credit Agreement bear interest, payable quarterly,
at the amended Credit Agreement's Base Rate (defined as the greater of the
bank's prime rate plus 0.75%, 9.25% at June 30, 1997, or the Federal Funds Rate
plus 0.50%, 6.87% at June 30, 1997) or at LIBOR plus 2% (7.9375% at June 30,
1997), at the Company's election. Interest rates are subject to change based
upon the Company's funded debt levels relative to consolidated earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization on a pro forma basis for the
last four fiscal quarters. The Company is also required to pay annual
commitment fees of 0.375% on unused availability.

At June 30, 1997, the Company had outstanding, under the amended Credit
Agreement, $25,955,000 in revolving credit borrowings and a $12,500,000 term
loan and had issued various letters of credit totaling approximately
$11,545,000 (to meet certain Department of Education financial responsibility
requirements and to guarantee certain purchase price payments). At June 30,
1997, borrowings totaling $13,455,000 were at the bank's prime rate plus 0.75%,
and borrowings totaling $25,000,000 were at LIBOR plus 2%.

During 1995, the Company and its subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement
(the "Agreement") with a bank. The Agreement provided for the Company and its
subsidiaries to borrow, on a consolidated basis, $8,000,000 under a revolving
credit note and $12,000,000 through a term loan. In connection with the
Agreement, the Company also issued warrants to purchase 2,199 shares of Class D
common stock and recorded a debt discount of $79,977 for the value of the
warrants. The debt discount is amortized over the five year maturity of the
related debt. On May 30, 1997, in connection with entering into the Credit
Agreement and prepaying all amounts outstanding under the Agreement, the
Company expensed the remaining unamortized debt discount totaling $51,000,
prepayment penalty fees totaling $294,000 and the remaining unamortized
deferred financing costs totaling $306,000. The loss on the early
extinguishment of debt of $651,000, net of related tax benefit of $233,000, has
been reflected as an extraordinary item in the accompanying consolidated
statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 1997.

At December 31, 1996, the Company, under the Agreement, had $8,239,057
outstanding under revolving credit notes and had issued various letters of
credit totaling approximately $270,000 to meet certain Department of Education
financial responsibility requirements. The revolving credit facility
availability is reduced by these amounts. Amounts outstanding under the
revolving credit notes bear interest either at the bank's prime rate plus 1.25%
(9.50% at December 31, 1996), or LIBOR plus 3.5% (8.875% at December 31, 1996),
and are reduced annually over a five-year period with the balance due in July,
2000. Interest is payable monthly. At December 31, 1996, $5,239,057 in
borrowings were at the bank's prime rate plus 1.25%, and $3,000,000 in
borrowings were at LIBOR plus 3.5% rate. The term loan is payable in 35 equal
monthly installments beginning a year from the origination date of the term
loan, October 21, 1996, with any unpaid balance due in full in July, 2000.
Amounts outstanding bear monthly interest either at the bank's prime rate plus
1.25%, or LIBOR plus 3.5%. At December 31, 1996, the Company had $8,250,000
outstanding under the term loan.

The Company and its subsidiaries have collectively guaranteed repayment of
amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement. In addition, the Company has
pledged the stock of its subsidiaries as collateral for repayment of the debt.
The Company may voluntarily make principal prepayments. Mandatory principal
prepayments are required if the Company generates excess cash flows, as
defined, sells certain assets, or upon the occurrence of certain other events.
The Company is restricted from paying dividends, as defined, selling or
disposing of certain assets or subsidiaries, making annual rental payments in
excess of $14,000,000, and issuing

F-22
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

subordinated debt in excess of $5,000,000, among other things. The Company is
required to maintain certain financial ratios, including a quarterly fixed
coverage ratio of at least 1.25:1, a quarterly interest coverage ratio of at
least 3:1, certain levels of consolidated tangible net worth, consolidated net
worth, and funded debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortization, on a pro forma basis for the last four fiscal
quarters, of 3.75:1 through June 30, 1998, among others. At June 30, 1997, the
Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Agreement, as
amended.

As of June 30, 1997, the Company intends to refinance amounts owed to former
owners of acquired businesses as noted above through availability under its
amended Credit Agreement and, therefore, such amounts have been classified as
long-term.

At June 30, 1997, future annual principal payments of long-term debt mature
as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
For the 12 months ended June 30,
1999........................................... $ 3,016
2000........................................... 2,705
2001........................................... 8,406
2002........................................... 2,511
2003 and thereafter............................ 31,013
-------
$47,651
=======
</TABLE>

5. STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

COMMON STOCK

Class A and Class B common stock maintain voting rights while Class C, D and
E common stock is nonvoting. Class B common stock is convertible into shares of
Class A common stock at any time at the discretion of the holder at a ratio of
1:1. Class C common stock is convertible into shares of either Class A common
stock or Class B common stock at any time at the discretion of the holder at a
ratio of 1:1. Class D common stock is convertible into shares of Class A common
stock, subject to certain restrictions. Class E common stock may only be
converted into shares of Class A common stock upon the occurrence of certain
events.

In July 1995, the Company increased the number of authorized shares of common
stock and completed a 100-for-1 stock split. The par value of the additional
shares arising from these splits has been reclassified from additional paid in
capital or accumulated deficit (as appropriate) to common stock. The stock
splits have been retroactively reflected in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements. All references to per share amounts in this report have
been restated to reflect the stock splits.

In 1996, the Company entered into a stock subscription agreement with an
employee, whereby the employee may purchase up to $100,000 of common and
preferred stock. A receivable and the common and preferred stock to be issued
under the agreement have been recorded at December 31, 1996. This receivable
was paid in February 1997.

F-23
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

6. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

SERIES A

Series A preferred stock has a stated value of $1,000 per share, and its
holders are entitled to receive dividends at an annual rate of 7% of the
liquidation value per share, as defined. Dividends are paid in equal semiannual
installments on January 31 and July 31 of each year by increasing the
liquidation value of the Series A preferred stock. The mandatory redemption
value of the Series A preferred stock has been increased to reflect these
dividends. The Company may call the Series A preferred stock at any time and is
required to redeem the stock on August 31, 2003, at its liquidation value. The
liquidation value is $1,000 per share plus dividends, as defined.

Shares of Series A preferred stock were issued at $1,000 per share during
1995 and 1994. The Company also redeemed 138 shares of Series A preferred stock
at $1,000 per share plus dividends during 1995.

SERIES B

Series B preferred stock has a stated value of $1,000 per share, and its
holders are not entitled to any dividends on any outstanding shares. Series B
preferred stock may be called at the option of the Company at any time and must
be redeemed by the Company on August 31, 2003, at its liquidation value ($1,000
per share). At June 30, 1997, there were no shares of Series B preferred stock
issued or outstanding.

SERIES C

Series C preferred stock has a stated value of $1,000 per share, and its
holders are entitled to receive cash dividends at an annual rate of 10% of the
liquidation value per share, as defined. Dividends are payable in equal
quarterly installments on each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.
To the extent dividends are declared and not paid, they are added to the
liquidation value. The Company has paid all dividends through June 30, 1997 on
Series C preferred stock. The Company may call Series C preferred stock at any
time and is required to redeem the stock, at its liquidation value, upon the
earlier of July 31, 2003, a sale of substantially all of the assets of the
Company or a qualified initial public offering. The liquidation value is $1,000
per share plus undeclared dividends, as defined.

In July 1995, the Company issued shares of Series C preferred stocks and
redeemable warrants described in Note 7. The proceeds, totaling $5,000,000,
have been allocated to preferred stock and warrants based upon their relative
market values after considering issuance costs.

In July 1996, the Company increased the number of authorized shares of Series
C preferred stock and completed a 10-for-1 stock split. The stock split has
been retroactively reflected in the accompanying financial statements.

SERIES D

Series D preferred stock has a stated value of $1,000 per share, and its
holders are entitled to receive dividends at an annual rate of 7% of the
liquidation value per share, as defined. Dividends are paid in equal semiannual
installments on January 31 and July 31 of each year by increasing the
liquidation value of the Series D preferred stock. The mandatory redemption
value of the Series D preferred stock has been increased to reflect these
dividends. The Company may call the Series D preferred stock at any time and is
required to redeem the stock on September 30, 2003, at its liquidation value.
The liquidation value is $1,000 per share plus dividends, as defined.

F-24
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

On February 28, 1997, the Company entered into a securities purchase
agreement with existing common and preferred stockholders to raise funds for
acquisitions. The securities purchase agreement gives them the right to
purchase up to 7,500 shares of Series D preferred stock for $1,000 per share
and receive warrants, currently exercisable, for the purchase of 8,924 shares
of Class E common stock at an exercise price of $.01 per share.

Under the February 28, 1997, securities purchase agreement, the Company
issued 2,000 shares of Series D preferred stock and warrants to purchase 2,380
shares of Class E common stock to existing stockholders in connection with the
acquisition of the School of Computer Technology, Inc. On May 30, 1997, the
Company issued the remaining 5,500 shares of Series D preferred stock and
warrants to purchase 6,544 shares of Class E common stock to existing
stockholders. The proceeds (totaling $7,500,000) were used for the acquisition
of SCT and Gibbs and have been allocated to preferred stock and warrants based
upon their relative market values after considering issuance costs.

On May 30, 1997, the Company also entered into another securities purchase
agreement with existing common and preferred stockholders to raise funds for
additional acquisitions. The securities purchase agreement gives them the right
to purchase up to an additional 15,000 shares of Series D preferred stock for
$1,000 per share and receive warrants, currently exercisable, for the purchase
of 36,186 shares of Class E common stock at an exercise price of $.01 per
share.

Under the May 30, 1997, securities purchase agreement, the Company issued
15,000 shares of Series D preferred stock and warrants to purchase 36,186
shares of Class E common stock to existing stockholders in connection with the
acquisitions of Gibbs, IAMD-U.S. and IAMD-Canada. The proceeds, totaling
$15,000,000, have been allocated to preferred stock and warrants based upon
their relative market values after considering issuance costs.

7. REDEEMABLE WARRANTS

In connection with the issuance of Series C preferred stock during 1995, the
Company issued warrants exercisable into 25,285 shares of Class D common stock.
These warrants, which are exercisable at any time, have an exercise price of
$.01 per share and expire in July 2005. The number of warrants is subject to
adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. In any event, the total
number of shares the warrant may be exercised into may not be reduced by more
than 9,894 shares. Based upon the results of operations through June 30, 1997,
the total number of shares of Class D common stock into which these warrants
are exercisable was adjusted to be 23,636. The Company is required to redeem
these warrants upon the occurrence of certain events and in any event no later
than March 31, 2001, at a price based upon specified formulas and a valuation
of the Company. The holder of the warrants is required to exercise them upon a
qualified public offering, as defined. The Company is accreting the difference
between the value of the warrants at the date of issuance and their expected
redemption value over the period to the earliest date redemption can occur
using the effective interest method.

In connection with the Company's previous credit agreement entered into
during 1995 (Note 4), the Company issued warrants exercisable into 2,199 shares
of Class D common stock. The warrants, which are exercisable at any time, have
an exercise price of $.01 per share and expire in July 2005. The number of
warrants is subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. The warrants may
be called by the Company at any time after one year and can be put to the
Company after July 31, 2001, or upon occurrence of certain other events. Based
upon the terms and provisions of the credit and warrant agreements, the Company
assigned a value of $79,997 to these warrants. In connection with the sales of
Series D preferred stock through the various securities

F-25
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

purchase agreements, the outstanding warrants to purchase 2,199 shares of Class
D common stock were exchanged for warrants (with similar put and call features)
to purchase 2,199 shares of Class E common stock and also increased to include
additional warrants to purchase 1,315 shares of Class E common stock. The value
of these additional warrants, totaling approximately $180,000 was recorded as
interest expense in 1997.

8. STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS

STOCK OPTIONS

During 1994, certain stockholders were granted options to purchase shares of
common stock of the Company up to a total of approximately 13.5% of the
outstanding shares of common stock. These options, which have an exercise price
of $.01 per share, are earned and become exercisable based upon certain
financial returns earned by certain stockholders and are subject to other
conditions. As of June 30, 1997, options exercisable into 3,114 shares of
common stock had been earned and issued. They vest over a five-year period. At
December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996, and June 30, 1997, 440, 880, and 1,868
options, respectively, had vested.

During 1995, the Company adopted the 1995 Stock Option Plan. The plan
provides for the Company to grant up to 17,135 options exercisable into shares
of Class E common stock to certain members of management. The options vest and
become exercisable in five equal annual installments commencing with the first
anniversary of the grant, and expire 10 years from the date of grant, or
earlier under certain circumstances. All granted options become fully vested
upon a qualified public offering, as defined.

Stock option activity for the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan for the years
ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, and for the six months ended June 30, 1997,
was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
EXERCISE
SHARES PRICE RANGE PRICE
------ ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding as of January 1, 1995........... -- $ -- $ --
Granted................................... 6,791 36.38 36.38
Cancelled................................. (996) 36.38 36.38
------
Outstanding as of December 31, 1995......... 5,795 36.38 36.38
Granted................................... 3,298 36.38 36.38
------
Outstanding as of December 31, 1996......... 9,093 36.38 36.38
Granted................................... 7,074 129.85-137.95 136.79
Cancelled................................. (285) 36.38 36.38
------
Outstanding as of June 30, 1997............. 15,882 $36.38-137.95 $81.10
====== ============= ======
Stock options exercisable at 1,102 $36.38 $36.38
December 31, 1996.......................... ====== ====== ======
June 30, 1997.............................. 1,558 $36.38 $36.38
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>

F-26
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

The following table summarizes information about all stock options
outstanding as of June 30, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
--------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
NUMBER NUMBER
OUTSTANDING WEIGHTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXERCISABLE WEIGHTED
AS OF AVERAGE REMAINING AT AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICE RANGES JUNE 30, 1997 EXERCISE PRICE CONTRACTUAL LIFE JUNE 30, 1997 EXERCISE PRICE
- --------------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------- ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$0.01-$0.01............. 3,114 $ 0.01 6.6 1,868 0.01
$36.38-$36.38........... 8,808 36.38 8.6 1,558 36.38
$129.85-$137.95......... 7,074 136.79 10.0 -- --
------ ------- ---- ----- -----
$0.01-$137.95........... 18,996 67.81 8.8 3,426 16.54
====== ======= ==== ===== =====
</TABLE>

For purposes of determining the pro forma effect of these options, the fair
value of each option is estimated on the date of grant based on the Black-
Scholes option pricing model assuming, among other things, no dividend yield, a
range of risk-free interest rates of 5.7% to 6.8%, no volatility and an
expected life of 10 years. The weighted average fair value of the options
granted during the years ended December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996, and for
the six months ended June 30, 1997, was approximately $16.58, $16.87 and
$24.06, respectively. As of June 30, 1997, the remaining actual life of all
options was approximately 9.2 years.

WARRANTS

In connection with the issuance of Class D preferred stock through the
various securities purchase agreements, the Company issued warrants exercisable
into a total of 45,110 shares of Class E common stock during 1997. These
warrants, which are exercisable at any time, have an exercise price of $.01 per
share and expire in July 2005. The number of warrants is subject to adjustment
under certain circumstances. The Company may call the warrants, which were
valued at approximately $6,204,000 on the date of their issuance, at any time
after one year. The holders of these warrants are required to exercise them
upon a qualified public offering, as defined.

F-27
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

A summary of warrant activity, including redeemable warrants, for the years
ended December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996, and for the six months ended June
30, 1997, is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES UNDER WARRANT
--------------------------
CLASS D CLASS E
COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK
------------- ------------
SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE
------ ----- ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding as of January 1, 1995................ -- $ -- -- $ --
Issued......................................... 27,484 0.01 -- --
------ ------
Outstanding as of December 31, 1995.............. 27,484 0.01 -- --
Issued......................................... -- -- -- --
------ ------
Outstanding as of December 31, 1996.............. 27,484 0.01 -- --
Issued......................................... -- -- 46,425 0.01
Cancelled...................................... (1,649) 0.01 -- --
Exchanged...................................... (2,199) 0.01 2,199 0.01
------ ------
Outstanding as of June 30, 1997.................. 23,636 0.01 48,624 0.01
====== ===== ====== =====
Warrants exercisable at December 31, 1996........ 27,484 $0.01 -- $ --
====== ===== ====== =====
Warrants exercisable at June 30, 1997............ 23,636 $0.01 48,624 $0.01
====== ===== ====== =====
</TABLE>

The fair value of each warrant is estimated on the date of grant based on the
Black-Scholes option pricing model assuming among other things, no dividend
yield, a risk-free interest rate of 6.59%, an expected volatility of 0.70 and
expected life of 8-10 years.

The weighted average fair value of warrants to purchase Class D common stock
issued during the year ended December 31, 1995, was approximately $36.38. As of
June 30, 1997, the remaining contractual life of these warrants was
approximately 8.1 years. The weighted average fair value of warrants to
purchase Class E common stock issued for the six months ended June 30, 1997 was
approximately $132.93. As of June 30, 1997, the remaining contractual life of
these warrants was approximately 8.1 years.

PRO FORMA RESULTS

Had the Company accounted for its stock options in accordance with FASB No.
123, pro forma income (loss) before extraordinary item attributable to common
stockholders and pro forma income (loss) before extraordinary item per share
attributable to common stockholders would have been as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31 JUNE 30
------------------ --------------------
1995 1996 1996 1997
------- ---------- ----------- --------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Pro forma income (loss) before
extraordinary item attributable
to common stockholders.......... $64,441 $1,475,004 $(142,657) $302,341
Pro forma income (loss) before
extraordinary item per share at-
tributable to common stockhold-
ers............................. $ $ $ $
</TABLE>

F-28
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

The pro forma disclosure is not likely to be indicative of pro forma results
which may be expected in future years because of the fact that options vest
over several years, pro forma compensation expense is recognized as the options
vest and additional awards may also be granted.

OTHER

The Company has the right to purchase the shares of certain common and
preferred stock upon the termination, disability or death of certain
stockholders.

9. INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1994,
December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996, and for the six months ended June 30,
1996 and 1997 consists of the following (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR FOR THE SIX
ENDED MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31 JUNE 30
-------------- -------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
---- ---- ---- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Current--
Federal........................................ $-- $-- $150 $ -- $ --
State and local................................ -- 24 260 -- 225
---- ---- ---- ------ ------
Total current................................ -- 24 410 -- 225
---- ---- ---- ------ ------
Deferred--
Federal........................................ -- -- (172) -- --
State and local................................ -- -- (30) -- (15)
---- ---- ---- ------ ------
Total deferred............................... -- -- (202) -- (15)
---- ---- ---- ------ ------
Total provision for income taxes................. $-- $ 24 $208 $ -- $ 210
==== ==== ==== ====== ======
</TABLE>

A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the
effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 1994, December 31,
1995, December 31, 1996, and for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997,
is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER SIX MONTHS
31 ENDED JUNE 30
---------------------- -----------------
1994 1995 1996 1996 1997
------ ------ ------ ----------- -----
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory U.S. Federal income tax
rate............................... 34.0% 34.0% 34.0% 34.0% 34.0%
State income taxes, net of Federal
benefit............................ 4.6% 17.0% 10.0% 8.8% 8.8%
Permanent differences and other..... 1.4% (11.2%) 4.8% (2.8%) (2.8%)
Valuation allowance................. (40.0%) (14.0%) (36.6%) (40%) -- %
------ ------ ------ ----- -----
Effective income tax rate........... -- % 25.8% 12.2% -- % 40.0%
====== ====== ====== ===== =====
</TABLE>

F-29
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

Components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the
following at December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996, and June 30, 1997 (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31 JUNE 30
------------- -------
1995 1996 1997
------- ---- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Tax net operating loss carryforwards............... $ 967 $281 $ 796
Allowance for doubtful accounts.................... 103 182 410
Other.............................................. 114 49 322
------- ---- ------
Total deferred tax assets........................ 1,184 512 1,528
------- ---- ------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization...................... 137 86 4,431
Other.............................................. 2 37 89
------- ---- ------
Total deferred tax liabilities................... 139 123 4,520
Valuation allowance................................ (1,045) -- --
------- ---- ------
Net deferred income tax.......................... $ -- $389 $2,992
======= ==== ======
</TABLE>

The Company has generated a tax net operating loss carryforward and has also
purchased certain tax net operating loss carryforwards in connection with its
business acquisitions. At June 30, 1997, such tax net operating loss
carryforwards totalled $1,990,000 and begin to expire in 2010.

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

In conjunction with the acquisition of Collins, the Company entered into a
three-year consulting agreement with one of the former stockholders. Under the
terms of this agreement, which expired in January, 1997, the Company was
obligated to compensate the former stockholder $135,000 per annum in exchange
for consulting services. Total expenses under this agreement for the years
ended December 31, 1994, December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996, and the six
months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 was $124,000, $135,000, $135,000, $68,000
and $11,000, respectively.

LITIGATION

The Company is subject to occasional lawsuits, investigations and claims
arising out of the normal conduct of its business. In certain cases, claims
against acquired businesses relating to events which occurred during the
periods the Company did not own the acquired businesses are indemnified by the
former owners. Management does not believe the outcome of any pending claims
will have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position or
results of operations.

LEASES

The Company rents its school facilities and certain equipment under non-
cancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through July, 2006. The
facility leases require the Company to make monthly payments covering rent,
taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Rent expense, exclusive of taxes,
insurance and maintenance of the facilities and equipment for the years ended
December 31, 1994, December 31, 1995, and December 31, 1996, and for the six
months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997, was approximately $595,000, $1,589,000,
$2,649,000, $1,406,000, and $1,570,000, respectively.

F-30
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

Future minimum lease payments under these leases as of June 30, 1997, are as
follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL OPERATING
LEASES LEASES TOTAL
------- --------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Remainder of--
1997.......................................... $ 826 $ 5,550 $ 6,376
1998.......................................... 1,096 9,593 10,689
1999.......................................... 347 8,602 8,949
2000.......................................... 74 7,554 7,628
2001.......................................... 13 6,780 6,793
2002 and thereafter........................... 2 13,185 13,187
------ ------- -------
2,358 $51,264 $53,622
======= =======
Less--Portion representing interest at a 602
weighted average rate of 21.9%................. ------
Principal payments.............................. 1,756
Less--Current portion........................... 977
------
$ 779
======
</TABLE>

11. REGULATORY

The Company and its U.S. schools are subject to extensive regulation by
federal and state governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular,
the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the "HEA"), and the regulations
promulgated thereunder by the DOE subject the Company's U.S. schools to
significant regulatory scrutiny on the basis of numerous standards that
schools must satisfy in order to participate in the various federal student
financial assistance programs under Title IV of the HEA (the "Title IV
Programs"). Under the HEA and its implementing regulations, certain financial
responsibility and other regulatory standards must be complied with on an
institutional basis in order to qualify to participate in the Title IV
Programs. Under such standards, each institution must, among other things: (i)
have an acid test ratio (defined as the ratio of cash, cash equivalents, and
current accounts receivable to current liabilities) of at least 1:1 at the end
of each fiscal year, (ii) have a positive tangible net worth at the end of
each fiscal year, (iii) not have a cumulative net operating loss during its
two most recent fiscal years that results in a decline of more than 10% of the
institution's tangible net worth at the beginning of that two-year period,
(iv) collect 85% or less of its revenues from Title IV Program funds in any
fiscal year, and (v) not have cohort default rates on federally funded or
federally guaranteed student loans of 25% or greater for three consecutive
federal fiscal years. Any regulatory violation could be the basis for the
initiation of a suspension, limitation or termination proceeding against the
Company or any of its U.S. institutions. To minimize risks associated with
noncompliance with DOE requirements, the Company conducts periodic financial
reviews of its subsidiaries.

In 1996, the DOE issued proposed regulations that, if promulgated, would
significantly revise the present financial responsibility requirements,
primarily by replacing the three separate numeric ratios described above with
a composite score based on the three new ratio calculations. The DOE has not
yet issued new regulations in final form, but has stated its intent to do so
by December 1, 1997 and to make the new regulations effective July 1, 1998.

The process of reauthorizing the HEA by the U.S. Congress, which takes place
every five years, has begun and is expected to be completed by 1998. It is not
possible to predict the outcome of the reauthorization process. Although there
is no present indication that the Congress will decline to reauthorize the
Title IV Programs, there can be no assurance that government funding for the
Title IV Programs will continue to be available or maintained at current
levels, nor can there be assurance that current requirements for student and
institutional participation in the Title IV Programs will be unchanged. Thus,
the reauthorization process could result in revisions to the HEA that increase
the compliance burden on the Company's institutions. A reduction in funding
levels for federal student financial assistance programs could impact the
Company's ability to attract students.

F-31
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

With each acquisition of an institution that is eligible to participate in
the Title IV Programs, that institution undergoes a change of ownership that
results in a change of control, as defined in the HEA and applicable
regulations. In such event, that institution becomes ineligible to participate
in the Title IV Programs and may receive and disburse only previously committed
Title IV Program funds to its students until it has applied for and received
from the DOE recertification under the Company's ownership. The Company is
waiting to receive such recertification for IAMD-U.S.

In its review of the Company's annual financial statements and interim
balance sheets, as filed with the DOE in connection with the Company's
applications for DOE certification of institutions acquired subsequent to
September 1996, to allow such institutions to participate in the Title IV
Programs, the DOE has questioned whether the Company's financial statements are
acceptable and therefore an authoritative basis upon which to determine the
Company's financial responsibility under the applicable DOE regulations.
Specifically, the DOE has questioned the Company's accounting for certain
direct marketing costs and courseware and other instructional materials.
Further, the DOE has asserted that the Company did not satisfy the 1:1 acid
test ratio based on its fiscal 1996 financial statements. The financial
statements included herein have been restated to expense as incurred all direct
marketing and advertising costs which had previously been deferred. This change
in accounting method is permitted in accordance with Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 20. (Note 14)

In lieu of accepting the Company's previously filed 1996 audited financial
statements, the DOE has offered the Company the alternative of posting an
irrevocable letter of credit in favor of the Secretary of Education with
respect to each institution the Company has acquired since September 1996 in a
sum sufficient to secure the DOE's interest in the Title IV Program funds
administered by the applicable institution. While the Company continues to
disagree with the position taken by the DOE, in order to obtain certification
of the institutions to resume participation in the Title IV Programs in a
timely fashion, and thus to avoid any material interruption in Title IV Program
funding for the acquired institutions, the Company has posted and currently has
outstanding a letter of credit in the amount of $1.9 million, which expires on
September 30, 1998, with respect to Western Culinary, and a letter of credit in
the amount of $800,000, with an expiration date of July 31, 1998, with respect
to SCT.

The Company has agreed to the DOE's directive, dated September 9, 1997, to
submit a letter of credit in the amount of $15.2 million, to expire on October
31, 1998, with respect to the six Gibbs institutions. Consequently, the six
Gibbs institutions were certified to resume participation in the Title IV
Programs as of October 1, 1997 and the Company must post the letter of credit
with the DOE no later than November 9, 1997. In addition, the Company is
considering the DOE's request to increase, no later than November 15, 1997, the
letter of credit with respect to SCT by $721,000 in order to maintain SCT's
eligibility to participate in the Title IV Programs. Further, upon the DOE's
request, the Company is prepared to post an additional letter of credit with
respect to IAMD-U.S., which the Company estimates will be in the range of $3.0
million to $5.0 million, in order to reestablish the eligibility of the two
IAMD-U.S. institutions to participate in the Title IV Programs in the near
future.

F-32
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

and established the level of surety of Gibbs at, 100% of the Title IV Program
funds that students enrolled at each such institution received in the previous
award year. Beginning in September 1997, the DOE has imposed a condition that,
for up to the next 12 months, SCT and Gibbs may not disburse Title IV Program
funds in excess of the sum secured by the applicable letter of credit for each
institution. The DOE has advised the Company that the same conditions will
apply to the IAMD-U.S. institutions, and any other institutions that the
Company may acquire prior to a determination by the DOE that the Company
satisfies the standards of financial responsibility when such institutions
apply for recertification to participate in the Title IV Programs.

The Company expects that the consummation of the offering described in Note
15 will significantly enhance its financial position. The Company believes that
such proceeds and the cash expected to be generated from operations during the
remainder of 1997 will enable the Company and each of its U.S. subsidiaries to
present audited 1997 financial statements which will satisfy each of the DOE's
standards of financial responsibility, including the acid test ratio and
tangible net worth test. Applicable law and regulations require the DOE to
consider only an institution's most recent audited annual financial statements
in making a determination of the institution's financial responsibility.
Accordingly, the Company intends to seek the DOE's review of its audited 1997
financial statements on an expedited basis in the spring of 1998. Once the DOE
has determined that the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries satisfy each of the
DOE's standards of financial responsibility, applicable law and regulations
require the DOE to release the Company from the requirement that it post the
sureties described above and from the limitations on Title IV Program funding
in excess of the surety amounts. However, there can be no assurance that the
DOE will expedite its review of the Company's 1997 financial statements, or of
the outcome of such review.

12. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company maintains short-term employment and consulting agreements with
certain stockholders. Total expenses under these agreements were approximately
$200,000, $292,000, $298,000, $113,000, and $200,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.

In July 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with a stockholder
whereby the stockholder provides certain consulting services to the Company.
Total expenses under this agreement were $31,000, $75,000, $37,500 and $37,500
for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and the six months ended June 30,
1996 and 1997, respectively.

The Company has also entered into a stock subscription agreement with an
employee, as discussed in Note 5.

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN

The Company maintains a CEC contributory profit sharing plan established
pursuant to the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code which
provides retirement benefits for eligible employees of the Company. This plan
requires matching contributions to eligible employees. The Company's matching
contributions were $6,000, $89,000, $279,000, $130,000 and $183,000, for the
years ended December 31, 1994, 1995, 1996 and the six months ended June 30,
1996 and 1997, respectively.

F-33
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

(INFORMATION FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 IS UNAUDITED)

14. CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING METHOD

The Company had previously deferred certain marketing and advertising costs.
In connection with the initial public offering, the Company changed its
accounting for such costs to a more preferable method of expensing marketing
and advertising costs as incurred. The Company has restated the accompanying
financial statements for all periods presented.

15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AND PRO FORMA DATA (UNAUDITED)

On October 10, 1997, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-1
under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1933 to sell shares of its Class
common stock in an initial public stock offering. The Company intends to pay
a dividend of $ to holders of all series of preferred stock, repay
outstanding revolving credit loans under its amended Credit Agreement totaling
$ , and repay approximately $ of amounts owed to former owners of
acquired businesses. The unaudited pro forma balance sheet and statement of
operations information gives effect to (i) the conversion of all outstanding
shares of all series of preferred stock into Class A common stock (ii) the
conversion of all shares of common stock into Class A common stock and (iii)
exercise of all warrants. No other contemplated transactions in connection with
the proposed offering are included in the unaudited pro forma balance sheet.

On , 1997, the Company adopted the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option
Plan. The plan provides for the Company to grant up to options
exercisable into shares of common stock to certain nonemployee directors.
Each person who is a director on the effective date shall become a participant
and shall be granted an option to purchase shares of common stock. Each
person who is subsequently elected as a director shall become a participant and
shall, on his date of election, be granted an option to purchase shares of
common stock. Each participant shall receive additional grants in subsequent
years.

On , 1997, the Company adopted the Stock Incentive Compensation Plan.
The plan provides for the Company to grant stock options, stock appreciation
rights, deferred stock and other awards (stock bonus and awards in lieu of
obligations) which are exercisable into shares of common stock to certain
directors, officers and employees of the Company. The option period of each
stock option and the term of the stock appreciation right shall be fixed by the
Company; provided that no stock option or appreciation right shall be
exercisable more than ten years after the date of grant. Stock options may be
either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options. During any
calendar year, stock options and stock appreciation rights to purchase no more
than and , respectively, shares of common stock shall be granted to
any participant.

On 1997, the Company adopted the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
The plan provides for employees of the Company to purchase shares of common
stock through payroll deductions (not to exceed $25,000 per person within any
calendar year).

In , 1997, the Company increased the number of authorized shares
of common stock to and completed a -for-1 stock split.

F-34
<PAGE>

THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996
------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash...................................................... $ 5,507 $ 6,296
Receivables:
Students, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
approximately $520 and $443 at December 31, 1995 and
1996, respectively..................................... 1,464 1,067
Other................................................... 456 630
Prepaid expenses and other current assets................. 599 103
------- --------
Total current assets.................................. 8,026 8,096
------- --------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, Net................................. 3,995 4,082
------- --------
OTHER ASSETS:
Intangible assets, net.................................... 21,364 20,285
Investment in Perkins loan program, net................... 50 29
Other non-current assets.................................. 217 292
------- --------
Total other assets.................................... 21,631 20,606
------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS................................................ $33,652 $ 32,784
======= ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S DEFICIENCY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable.......................................... $ 1,605 $ 1,201
Accrued expenses.......................................... 2,117 2,312
Advance student payments.................................. 1,999 2,395
Deferred tuition revenue.................................. 1,727 1,072
Other current liabilities................................. 1,173 791
Current maturities of capital lease obligations........... 96 29
------- --------
Total current liabilities............................. 8,717 7,800
------- --------
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Capital lease obligations, less current maturities........ 39 89
Payable to K-III Communications Corporation............... 26,679 26,851
Other non-current liabilities............................. 653 805
------- --------
Total non-current liabilities......................... 27,371 27,745
------- --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDER'S DEFICIENCY:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 1,000 shares authorized,
1,000 shares issued and outstanding...................... -- --
Accumulated deficit....................................... (2,436) (2,761)
------- --------
Total shareholder's deficiency........................ (2,436) (2,761)
------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S DEFICIENCY.............. $33,652 $ 32,784
======= ========
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-35
<PAGE>

THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 7, 1994 TO DECEMBER 31, 1994, AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995 1996
------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Tuition and registration fees, net................. $18,142 $22,343 $25,831
Other, net......................................... 1,507 2,507 2,932
------- ------- -------
Total revenues................................... 19,649 24,850 28,763
------- ------- -------
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Instruction........................................ 4,719 5,945 6,427
Selling, general and administrative................ 11,959 16,937 18,991
Depreciation and amortization...................... 1,804 2,400 2,235
Management fees charged by K-III Communications
Corporation....................................... 159 354 397
------- ------- -------
Total operating costs and expenses............... 18,641 25,636 28,050
------- ------- -------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS........................ 1,008 (786) 713
INTEREST EXPENSE..................................... 1,264 1,394 1,038
------- ------- -------
NET LOSS............................................. $ (256) $(2,180) $ (325)
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-36
<PAGE>

THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S DEFICIENCY

FOR THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 7, 1994 TO DECEMBER 31, 1994, AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK
------------- ACCUMULATED
SHARES AMOUNT DEFICIT
------ ------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at March 7, 1994.............................. 1,000 $ -- $ --
Net loss............................................ -- -- (256)
----- ----- -------
Balance at December 31, 1994.......................... 1,000 -- (256)
Net loss............................................ -- -- (2,180)
----- ----- -------
Balance at December 31, 1995.......................... 1,000 -- (2,436)
Net loss............................................ -- -- (325)
----- ----- -------
Balance at December 31, 1996.......................... 1,000 $ -- $(2,761)
===== ===== =======
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-37
<PAGE>

THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 7, 1994 TO DECEMBER 31, 1994, AND

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994 1995 1996
---- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss.......................................... $ (256) $(2,180) $ (325)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization.................... 1,804 2,400 2,235
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in:
Accounts receivable--students.................. 5,986 463 397
Accounts receivable--other..................... (32) (195) (174)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets...... (460) (121) 496
Other non-current assets....................... (134) (29) (75)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses........ 1,654 1,087 (209)
Advance student payments and other current
liabilities................................. (521) (1,158) 14
Deferred tuition revenue..................... (7,465) 639 (655)
Other non-current liabilities................ 454 199 152
-------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by operating activities... 1,030 1,105 1,856
-------- ------- -------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment--net.......... (2,151) (1,025) (1,157)
Investment in Perkins loan program, net........... (4) 9 21
Payment for business acquired..................... 20,000) -- --
-------- ------- -------
Net cash used in investing activities....... (22,155) (1,016) (1,136)
-------- ------- -------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments under capital lease
obligations...................................... (51) (85) (103)
Increase in payable to K-III Communications
Corporation...................................... 25,013 1,666 172
-------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by financing activities... 24,962 1,581 69
-------- ------- -------
NET INCREASE IN CASH............................... 3,837 1,670 789
CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD.......................... -- 3,837 5,507
-------- ------- -------
CASH, END OF PERIOD................................ $ 3,837 $ 5,507 $ 6,296
======== ======= =======
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Business acquired:
Fair value of assets acquired.................... $ 34,599 $ -- $ --
Liabilities assumed.............................. (14,599) -- --
-------- ------- -------
Cash paid for business acquired................... $ 20,000 $ -- $ --
======== ======= =======
Interest paid..................................... $ 31 $ 26 $ 16
======== ======= =======
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES--
Equipment acquired under capital lease
obligations...................................... $ -- $ 57 $ 86
======== ======= =======
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-38
<PAGE>

THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 7, 1994 TO DECEMBER 31, 1994, AND

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND GENERAL

The Katharine Gibbs Schools, Inc. (which together with its subsidiaries is
herein referred to as the "Company") is headquartered in New York, New York,
and has wholly-owned subsidiary campuses in New York, New York; Melville, New
York; Boston, Massachusetts; Montclair, New Jersey; Piscataway, New Jersey;
Norwalk, Connecticut; and Providence, Rhode Island. The schools are private
post-secondary vocational schools which are engaged in the instruction of
business career education programs leading towards degrees or certificates of
completion in secretarial arts, business administration, hospitality
management, and hotel and restaurant management.

On March 7, 1994, the operating assets and liabilities of the Company were
acquired from Phillips Colleges, Inc. by The Katharine Gibbs Schools, Inc.
(formerly K-III KG Holdings Corporation), a wholly-owned subsidiary of K-III
Communications Corporation (the ultimate parent company, "K-III").

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation--The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of The Katharine Gibbs Schools, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All
significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in
consolidation.

Concentration of Credit Risk--The Company extends unsecured credit for
tuition to a significant portion of the students who are in attendance at the
schools. A substantial portion of credit extended to students is repaid
through the student's participation in Federally funded financial aid
programs. The Company generally completes and approves the financial aid
packet of each student who qualifies for financial aid prior to the student's
beginning of class in an effort to enhance the collectibility of its unsecured
credit. Transfers of funds from the financial aid programs to the Company are
made in accordance with the United States Department of Education (the "DOE")
requirements.

The Company participates in various Federal student financial aid programs
under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended ("Title IV
Programs"). Approximately 46%, 62% and 63% of the Company's net revenue was
collected from funds distributed under these programs during the period from
March 7, 1994 to December 31, 1994, and the years ended December 31, 1995 and
1996, respectively.

Investment in Perkins Loan Program, Net--The Company participates in the
Perkins Loan program in order to provide continuing long-term, low interest
loans to qualifying students in need of financial assistance. Perkins loans
are available on the basis of student financial need and are subject to the
availability of Perkins loan funds at the institution. There is a 25%
institutional matching requirement for Perkins loans. The Company carries its
investment at cost, net of an allowance of $19 at December 31, 1995 and 1996.

Marketing and Advertising Costs--Marketing and advertising costs are
expensed as incurred. Marketing and advertising costs included in selling,
general and administrative expenses were $2,849, $4,282 and $5,687 for the
period from March 7, 1994 to December 31, 1994, and the years ended December
31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.

Property and Equipment, Net--Property and equipment are stated at cost less
accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are
recognized utilizing the straight-line method over their useful

F-39
<PAGE>

THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 7, 1994 TO DECEMBER 31, 1994, AND

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over their useful lives or lease
term, whichever is shorter. Improvements are capitalized while maintenance and
repairs are expensed as incurred. The estimated useful lives and cost basis of
property and equipment at December 31, 1995 and 1996, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996 LIFE
------ ------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Building................................... $ 608 $ 633 31.5 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment.......... 4,040 5,194 5 to 7 years
Leasehold improvements..................... 844 908 1.5 to 11 years
------ ------
Total at cost.............................. 5,492 6,735
Less accumulated depreciation and
amortization.............................. 1,497 2,653
------ ------
$3,995 $4,082
====== ======
</TABLE>

The cost of equipment acquired under capital leases was $256 and $143 at
December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Accumulated amortization of
equipment acquired under capital leases was $138 and $18 at December 31, 1995
and 1996, respectively.

Intangible Assets--Intangible assets include the excess of purchase price
over net assets acquired resulting from the business acquisition described in
Note 1. Intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over
their estimated useful life. At December 31, 1995 and 1996, the cost basis and
useful lives of intangible assets consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996 LIFE
------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Excess of purchase price over net assets
acquired...................................... $ 9,464 $ 9,464 40 years
Trademarks..................................... 6,569 6,569 40 years
Non compete agreement.......................... 1,000 1,000 2 years
Curriculum..................................... 7,038 7,038 12 years
------- -------
24,071 24,071
Less accumulated amortization.................. 2,707 3,786
------- -------
$21,364 $20,285
======= =======
</TABLE>

The recoverability of the carrying values of the excess of the purchase
price over the net assets acquired and other intangible assets is evaluated
quarterly to determine if an impairment in value has occurred. An impairment
in value will be considered to have occurred when it is determined that the
undiscounted future operating cash flows generated by the acquired business is
not sufficient to recover the carrying values of such intangible assets. If it
has been determined that an impairment in value has occurred, the excess of
the purchase price over the net assets acquired and other intangible assets
would be written down to an amount which will be equivalent to the present
value of the future operating cash flows to be generated by the acquired
business.

Revenue Recognition--Revenue is derived primarily from courses taught at the
schools. Tuition revenue is recognized ratably over the length of the
applicable course. Textbook sales and other revenues are recognized as
services are performed. If a student withdraws, future revenue would be
reduced by the amount of refund due to the student. Refunds are calculated in
accordance with Federal, state and accrediting agency standards. Deferred
tuition revenue represents the portion of payments received but not earned and
is reflected as a current liability on the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets. Advance student payments represents payments received in excess of
amounts billed and is reflected as a current liability on the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets.

F-40
<PAGE>

THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 7, 1994 TO DECEMBER 31, 1994, AND

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Deferred Rent Obligations--Certain of the schools' facility leases include
rental concessions, as defined in the various lease agreements. The Company
recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the various
leases, ranging from 7 to 11 years. Rent expense recognized differs from the
actual cash payments required to be made under these lease agreements.

Use of Estimates--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reported periods. Actual results may differ from these
estimates. In 1996, the Company recorded an adjustment to reduce certain
liabilities established in prior periods, which decreased net loss by
approximately $341.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments--The fair value of financial instruments
approximates carrying value.

3. INCOME TAXES

The results of operations of the Company are included in the consolidated
Federal income tax return of K-III. The income tax provision has been computed
as if the Company filed a separate return. At December 31, 1996, the Company,
on a stand-alone basis, had aggregate net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $4,200 for Federal and state income taxes. As a result of the
disposition of the Company on May 31, 1997 as discussed in Note 8, K-III will
retain all net operating losses up to the date of disposition. Deferred income
taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes
and the amounts for income tax purposes.

The components of the deferred income tax assets consist of the following at
December 31, 1995 and 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996
------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Allowance for doubtful accounts.................................. $ 212 $ 195
Book depreciation over tax depreciation.......................... 13 136
Deferred rent obligations........................................ 23 352
Intangible assets................................................ 99 190
Operating loss carryforwards..................................... 1,200 1,675
Other............................................................ 493 250
------ ------
Total deferred tax assets...................................... 2,040 2,798
------ ------
Less valuation allowance......................................... 2,040 2,798
------ ------
Total............................................................ $ -- $ --
====== ======
</TABLE>

4. CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

The Company leases certain equipment under capital leases. The Company
incurred interest expense related to these capital leases of $31, $26 and $16
for the period from March 7, 1994 to December 31, 1994, and the years ended
December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.

F-41
<PAGE>

THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 7, 1994 TO DECEMBER 31, 1994, AND

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

The future minimum payment on the obligations under capital leases as of
December 31, 1996, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1997................................................................ $ 37
1998................................................................ 37
1999................................................................ 37
2000................................................................ 31
2001................................................................ 5
----
147
Less portion applicable to interest at rates ranging from 5.18
percent to 10.38 percent........................................... 29
----
Principal obligations under capital leases.......................... 118
Less current portion................................................ 29
----
$ 89
====
</TABLE>

5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases--The Company rents seven of its eight administrative and
classroom facilities and certain equipment under noncancellable operating
leases. The facility leases require the Company to make monthly payments
covering rent, taxes, insurance and maintenance costs and expire at various
times through 2007. Rent expense under operating leases exclusive of taxes,
insurance and maintenance of the facilities and equipment for the period from
March 7, 1994 to December 31, 1994, and the years ended December 31, 1995 and
1996, was approximately $2,804, $3,418 and $4,098, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under these noncancellable operating leases as
of December 31, 1996, are approximately as follows:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1997............................. $ 3,646
1998............................. 3,590
1999............................. 3,611
2000............................. 3,690
2001............................. 3,295
2002 and thereafter.............. 7,441
-------
$25,273
=======
</TABLE>

Litigation--The Company is subject to occasional lawsuits, investigations
and claims arising out of the normal conduct of its business. Management does
not believe the outcome of any of these legal actions and claims will have a
material adverse impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Regulatory--Each of the Company's schools has Federal financial assistance
programs which are subject to ongoing program reviews by the DOE and Title IV
program audits by external auditors. Any regulatory violation could be the
basis for the initiation of a suspension, limitation or termination proceeding
against the Company. To minimize risks associated with noncompliance, the
Company conducts periodic reviews of its schools' financial conditions.
Changes in DOE funding of Federal student financial aid programs could impact
the Company's ability to attract students.

F-42
<PAGE>

THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONCLUDED)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM MARCH 7, 1994 TO DECEMBER 31, 1994, AND

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Each of the Company's schools is also required to meet certain financial and
other standards in order to qualify to participate in Title IV programs. These
include maintaining an acid test ratio (defined as cash and current accounts
receivable to current liabilities) of at least 1:1, having a positive tangible
net worth at the end of each fiscal year, to collect less than 85% of its
education revenues from Title IV funds, not to have cumulative net operating
losses during the most recent fiscal years that result in a decline of more
than 10% of the individual school's tangible net worth at the beginning of
that two-year period, and a student default rate on their Federal student
loans of less than 25% for three consecutive years, amongst others. At
December 31, 1996, each of the Company's schools was in compliance with such
requirements.

6. TRANSACTIONS WITH PARENT COMPANY

The payable to K-III Communications Corporation includes a note payable to
K-III of $13,865 and $11,413 as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
Interest accrues on the note payable at K-III's weighted average borrowing
rate. Interest expense of $1,233, $1,369 and $1,021 on the note payable to K-
III has been recorded for the period from March 7, 1994 to December 31, 1994,
and for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The
intercompany note payable with K-III is payable on demand, however, K-III has
no intention of demanding payment in the next twelve months. The Company pays
K-III management fees for cost and expenses incurred by K-III on behalf of the
Company for services including treasury, consulting, insurance, tax, financing
and other services.

7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company participates in a K-III contributory profit sharing plan,
established pursuant to the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code, that provides retirement benefits for eligible employees of the
Company. This plan requires matching contributions to eligible employees. The
Company's matching contributions were $0, $12, and $23 for the period from
March 7, 1994 to December 31, 1994, and for the years ended December 31, 1995
and 1996, respectively.

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On May 31, 1997, K-III sold 100% of the outstanding shares of capital stock
of the Company to Career Education Corporation ("CEC") for approximately
$20,000. The sales price is subject to certain adjustments. In connection with
the sale, K-III also entered into a covenant not-to-compete agreement with CEC
for proceeds totaling $7,000. The covenant not-to-compete restricts K-III's
ability to own or operate certain types of post-secondary vocational schools
for a period of five years.

* * * * * *

F-43
<PAGE>

THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

JUNE 30, 1996, AND MAY 31, 1997

(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE
30, MAY 31,
1996 1997
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash....................................................... $ 5,992 $ 1,157
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
of approximately $668 and $607 at June 30, 1996, and May
31, 1997, respectively.................................... 1,495 2,987
Prepaid expenses and other current assets.................. 617 75
------- -------
Total current assets..................................... 8,104 4,219
------- -------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net.................................. 4,082 3,901
------- -------
OTHER ASSETS:
Intangibles, net........................................... 20,751 19,830
Other noncurrent assets.................................... 259 60
------- -------
Total other assets....................................... 21,010 19,890
------- -------
TOTAL ASSETS................................................. $33,196 $28,010
======= =======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S DEFICIENCY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of capital lease obligations............ $ 68 $ 83
Accounts payable........................................... 934 282
Accrued expenses........................................... 2,354 1,782
Deferred tuition revenue................................... 2,558 3,772
------- -------
Total current liabilities................................ 5,914 5,919
------- -------
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES, net of current portion.............. 767 1,069
------- -------
PAYABLE TO K-III COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION.................. 29,754 23,170
------- -------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDER'S DEFICIENCY:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000 shares authorized,
issued and outstanding at June 30, 1996, and May 31, 1997. -- --
Accumulated deficit........................................ (3,239) (2,148)
------- -------
Total shareholder's deficiency........................... (3,239) (2,148)
------- -------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S DEFICIENCY............... $33,196 $28,010
======= =======
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-44
<PAGE>

THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996, AND

FOR THE FIVE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1997

(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, 1996 MAY 31, 1997
------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
Tuition and registration fees, net................ $12,179 $11,606
Other, net........................................ 1,316 1,222
------- -------
Total net revenue............................... 13,495 12,828
------- -------
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Instruction....................................... 3,247 5,029
Selling, general and administrative............... 9,261 6,028
Depreciation and amortization..................... 1,199 901
Management fees charged by K-III Communications
Corporation...................................... 82 15
------- -------
Total operating expenses........................ 13,789 11,973
------- -------
Income (loss) from operations................... (294) 855
------- -------
INTEREST EXPENSE.................................... 509 242
------- -------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes. (803) 613
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.......................... -- --
------- -------
NET INCOME (LOSS)................................... $ (803) $ 613
======= =======
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-45
<PAGE>

THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996, AND

FOR THE FIVE MONTHS ENDED MAY 31, 1997

(UNAUDITED, DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, MAY 31,
1996 1997
-------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES........................ $(1,436) $(1,057)
-------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment, net.................. (542) (134)
-------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase (decrease) in Payable to K-III Communications
Corporation.............................................. 2,464 (3,948)
-------- -------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH............................. 486 (5,139)
CASH, beginning of period................................... 5,506 6,296
-------- -------
CASH, end of period......................................... $ 5,992 $ 1,157
======== =======
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Capital leases entered into for the purchase of equipment. $ 34 $ 158
======== =======
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-46
<PAGE>

THE KATHARINE GIBBS SCHOOLS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JUNE 30, 1996, AND MAY 30, 1997

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do
not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally
accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the
opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial
position and the results of operations and cash flows have been included, and
the disclosures made are adequate to prevent the information presented from
being misleading. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 1996,
and the five months ended May 31, 1997, are not necessarily indicative of the
results that may be expected for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996 and
1997. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with, and have
been prepared in conformity with the accounting principles reflected in the
financial statements and related notes of The Katharine Gibbs Schools, Inc.
and Subsidiaries (the "Company") as of and for the year ended December 31,
1996.

2. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On May 31, 1997, K-III Communications Corporation ("K-III"), the sole
shareholder of the Company, sold 100% of the outstanding shares of capital
stock of the Company to Career Education Corporation ("CEC") for approximately
$20,000,000. The sales price is subject to certain adjustments. In connection
with the sale, K-III also entered into a covenant not-to-compete agreement
with CEC for proceeds totaling $7,000,000. The covenant not-to-compete
restricts K-III's ability to own or operate certain types of postsecondary
vocational schools for five years.

3. USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reported period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

F-47
<PAGE>

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

IAMD, Limited and Subsidiaries

Chicago, Illinois

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of IAMD, LIMITED
AND SUBSIDIARIES as of June 30, 1996, and the related consolidated statements
of operations, stockholders' investment and cash flows for the year then
ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of IAMD, Limited
and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1996, and the results of its operations and
cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

As explained in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
has given retroactive effect to the change in accounting for deferred
marketing costs.

Gleeson, Sklar, Sawyers & Cumpata LLP

Skokie, Illinois

August 16, 1996

(except for Notes 4, 8 and 9, as to which the date is October 23, 1997)

F-48
<PAGE>

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Stockholders of

IAMD, Limited and Subsidiaries:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of IAMD, LIMITED
(an Illinois Corporation) AND SUBSIDIARIES as of June 30, 1997, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' investment and cash flows
for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all materials respects, the financial position of IAMD, Limited and
Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1997, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for the year ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois

September 16, 1997

F-49
<PAGE>

IAMD, LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash............................................... $ 407,432 $ 25,869
Receivables--
Students, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
approximately $83,500 and $56,000 in 1996 and
1997, respectively.............................. 203,274 195,384
Other............................................ 61,136 4,625
Refundable income taxes............................ -- 180,749
Inventories........................................ 43,751 59,765
Prepaid expenses and other current assets.......... 69,277 30,445
Deferred income taxes.............................. 183,800 215,927
----------- -----------
Total current assets........................... 968,670 712,764
----------- -----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net.......................... 658,389 1,407,511
----------- -----------
OTHER ASSETS:
Deposits and other assets.......................... 45,889 28,450
Cash surrender value of life insurance policy...... -- 35,869
Deferred income tax assets......................... 48,600 297,549
----------- -----------
Total other assets............................. 94,489 361,868
----------- -----------
TOTAL ASSETS......................................... $ 1,721,548 $ 2,482,143
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long-term debt............... $ 227,811 $ 1,091,086
Accounts payable................................... 145,549 125,439
Accrued expenses................................... 120,692 181,712
Student deposits................................... 592,252 934,135
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities...................... 1,086,304 2,332,372
----------- -----------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt, net of current maturities shown
above............................................. 718,360 769,367
Deferred rent...................................... 174,980 258,331
----------- -----------
Total long-term liabilities.................... 893,340 1,027,698
----------- -----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT:
Preferred stock, $100 par value; 1,450 shares
authorized; 1,268 shares issued and outstanding... 126,885 126,885
Common stock, no par value; 27,300 shares
authorized; 20,360 shares issued and outstanding.. 848,220 848,220
Stockholders' notes receivable..................... (143,850) --
Accumulated deficit................................ (1,089,351) (1,853,032)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' investment................. (258,096) (877,927)
----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT....... $ 1,721,548 $ 2,482,143
=========== ===========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-50
<PAGE>

IAMD, LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
Tuition and registration fees, net.................. $6,192,335 $ 6,849,785
Other, net.......................................... 152,891 642,900
---------- -----------
Total net revenue................................. 6,345,226 7,492,685
---------- -----------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Educational services and facilities................. 4,137,733 4,523,813
General and administrative.......................... 1,954,283 2,994,915
Depreciation and amortization....................... 304,339 679,318
---------- -----------
Total operating expenses.......................... 6,396,355 8,198,046
---------- -----------
Loss from operations.............................. (51,129) (705,361)
OTHER EXPENSES:
Interest expense.................................... 95,072 288,301
Loss on sale of property............................ -- 15,769
---------- -----------
Total other expenses.............................. 95,072 304,070
---------- -----------
Loss before benefit for income taxes.............. (146,201) (1,009,431)
BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES.............................. (53,735) (389,600)
---------- -----------
NET LOSS.............................................. $ (92,466) $ (619,831)
========== ===========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-51
<PAGE>

IAMD, LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
--------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss............................................. $ (92,466) $ (619,831)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by operating activities--
Depreciation and amortization...................... 312,545 679,318
Deferred income taxes.............................. (78,797) (281,076)
Loss on sale of property........................... -- 15,769
Changes in operating assets and liabilities--
Receivables, net................................. (16,966) 64,401
Refundable income taxes.......................... -- (180,749)
Inventories...................................... 12,840 (16,014)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets........ (22,734) 38,832
Deposits and other assets........................ (17,439) 17,439
Cash surrender value of life insurance policy.... -- (35,869)
Accounts payable................................. 46,030 (20,110)
Income taxes payable............................. (19,730) --
Accrued expenses................................. 54,272 61,020
Student deposits................................. 177,840 341,883
Deferred rent.................................... -- 83,351
--------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities...... 355,395 148,364
--------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment, net............. (103,629) (1,418,111)
--------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under long-term debt...................... 30,000 1,417,904
Payments on long-term debt........................... (251,028) (529,720)
--------- -----------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities.................................... (221,028) 888,184
--------- -----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH........................ 30,738 (381,563)
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR................................ 376,694 407,432
--------- -----------
CASH, END OF YEAR...................................... $ 407,432 $ 25,869
========= ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for--
Interest........................................... $ 85,428 $ 261,143
Taxes.............................................. 85,218 7,669
========= ===========
Noncash financing activities--
Acquisition of property and equipment in exchange
for issuance of long term debt.................... $ 101,164 $ --
Acquisition of machinery and equipment under
capital leases.................................... -- 26,098
Distribution of stockholders' notes receivable..... -- 143,850
========= ===========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-52
<PAGE>

IAMD, LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK
---------------------- ----------------------- STOCKHOLDERS'
1,450 SHARES $100 27,300 SHARES NO NOTES ACCUMULATED
AUTHORIZED PAR VALUE AUTHORIZED PAR VALUE RECEIVABLE DEFICIT TOTAL
------------ --------- ------------- --------- ------------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, June 30, 1995.. 1,268 $126,885 20,360 $848,220 $(143,850) $ (996,885) $(165,630)
Net loss............... -- -- -- -- -- (92,466) (92,466)
----- -------- ------ -------- --------- ----------- ---------
BALANCE, June 30, 1996.. 1,268 126,885 20,360 848,220 (143,850) (1,089,351) (258,096)
Stockholders'
distribution.......... -- -- -- -- 143,850 (143,850) --
Net loss............... -- -- -- -- -- (619,831) (619,831)
----- -------- ------ -------- --------- ----------- ---------
BALANCE, June 30, 1997.. 1,268 $126,885 20,360 $848,220 $ -- $(1,853,032) $(877,927)
===== ======== ====== ======== ========= =========== =========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-53
<PAGE>

IAMD, LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

IAMD, Limited and Subsidiaries ("International Academy of Merchandising and
Design" or the "Company") is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and has wholly
owned subsidiaries which own and operate campuses in Chicago, Illinois, and
Tampa, Florida, and bookstores at each campus. These private, postsecondary
vocational schools are engaged in the instruction of merchandising and design
programs leading toward associate and baccalaureate degrees in the fields of
merchandising management, fashion design, interior design, advertising design,
interactive media and computer graphics.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and
balances have been eliminated.

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

The Company extends unsecured credit for tuition to a significant number of
students who are in attendance at the schools. A substantial portion of credit
extended to students is repaid through the students' participation in federally
funded financial aid programs. The Company generally completes and has approved
the financial aid packet of each student who qualifies for financial aid prior
to the student beginning class in an effort to enhance the collectibility of
its unsecured credit. Transfers of funds from the financial aid programs to the
Company are made in accordance with the United States Department of Education
(the "DOE") requirements.

The Company participates in various federal student financial aid programs
under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ("Title IV Programs"), as
amended. Approximately 68% and 75% of the Company's net revenue for the years
ended June 30, 1996 and 1997 was collected from funds distributed under these
programs.

RESTRICTED CASH

Cash received from the U.S. Government under various student aid grant and
loan programs is considered to be restricted. Restricted cash is held in
separate bank accounts and does not become available for general use by the
Company until the financial aid is credited to the accounts of students and the
cash is transferred to an operating account. As of June 30, 1997, there was no
restricted cash.

INVENTORIES

Inventories consisting principally of program materials, books and supplies
are stated at the lower of cost, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or
market.

F-54
<PAGE>

IAMD, LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are
recognized by utilizing the straight-line method over their useful lives.
Leasehold improvements and assets recorded under capital leases are amortized
on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives or lease term,
whichever is shorter. Maintenance, repairs, minor renewals, and betterments are
expensed as incurred; major improvements are capitalized. The estimated useful
lives and cost basis of property and equipment at June 30, 1996 and 1997, are
as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSET DESCRIPTION 1996 1997 LIFE
----------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Classroom equipment, courseware and other
instructional materials................. $2,037,766 $3,132,730 3-13 years
Equipment and leasehold improvements..... 83,492 436,313 5 years
---------- ----------
2,121,258 3,569,043
Less--accumulated depreciation and
amortization............................ 1,462,869 2,161,532
---------- ----------
Property and equipment, net.............. $ 658,389 $1,407,511
========== ==========
</TABLE>

The gross cost of assets recorded under capital leases included above
amounted to approximately $81,000 at June 30, 1997.

DEFERRED RENT OBLIGATIONS

Certain of the Company's schools' facility leases included rental
concessions, as defined in the various lease agreements. The Company recognizes
rent expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the various leases,
ranging from 7 to 10 years. Rent expense recognized differs from the actual
cash payments required to be made under these lease agreements.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue is derived primarily from courses taught at the schools. Tuition
revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the
applicable course. Textbook sales and other revenues are recognized as services
are performed. If a student withdraws, future revenue is reduced by the amount
of the refund due to the student. Refunds are calculated in accordance with
federal, state and accrediting agency standards. Student deposits represent
payments received in excess of amounts billed and is reflected as a current
liability on the balance sheet.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles, requires management to make certain estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying value for current assets and liabilities reasonably approximates
their fair value due to their short maturity periods. Cash deposits at
individual banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to
$100,000. The carrying value of the Company's debt obligations reasonably
approximates fair value as the stated interest rate approximates current market
interest rates of debt with similar terms.

F-55
<PAGE>

IAMD, LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

3. LONG-TERM DEBT

As of June 30, 1996 and 1997, debt of the Company is secured by inventory,
chattel paper, accounts receivable, equipment and fixtures and is also
guaranteed by the owners of IAMD, Limited and Subsidiaries and consists of the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
-------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Notes payable to a bank, interest at 1% above the prime
rate due August, 1997
(8.25% and 8.5% at June 30, 1996 and 1997, respectively).. $400,000 $ 700,000
Bank note payable in monthly principal and interest in-
stallments of $2,104,
through December 1998, bearing interest at 9.25%.......... 55,973 36,919
Bank note payable in monthly principal and interest in-
stallments of $12,213,
through April 1998, bearing interest at 9.25%............. 256,128 137,890
Bank note payable in monthly principal and interest in-
stallments of $32,984,
through September 1999, bearing interest at 9.25%......... -- 823,638
Bank note payable in monthly principal and interest in-
stallments of $4,873,
through March 1999, bearing interest at 16.21%............ 129,080 95,807
Bank note payable in monthly principal and interest in-
stallments of $805,
through March 1999, bearing interest at 16.21%............ 21,338 15,838
Bank note payable in monthly principal and interest in-
stallments of $1,004
through June 2000, bearing interest at 18.87%............. 33,661 --
Bank note payable in monthly principal and interest in-
stallments of $1,356
through March 1997, bearing interest at 13.85%............ 10,647 --
Capital lease obligations-interest ranging from 10.6% to
15.9%, expiring
through 1999.............................................. 39,344 50,361
-------- ----------
946,171 1,860,453
Less-Current portion....................................... 227,811 1,091,086
-------- ----------
$718,360 $ 769,367
======== ==========
</TABLE>

At June 30, 1997, future principal payments of long-term debt mature as
follows:

LINE OF CREDIT

The line of credit consists of a note payable to a bank collateralized by
substantially all the Company's assets, bearing interest at 1% above prime rate
(8.25% and 8.5% at June 30, 1996 and 1997, respectively). The maximum permitted
borrowings under the line of credit at June 30, 1996 and 1997 were $400,000 and
$700,000, respectively. Repayment of $400,000 of the line is due in August
1997, and in the event of a sale the Company, $300,000 is payable immediately
upon the sale. All outstanding debt of the Company was repaid in connection
with the sale of the Company (Note 8).

F-56
<PAGE>

IAMD, LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

4. STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

PREFERRED STOCK

Holders of preferred stock are entitled to cumulative dividends at a rate of
18% but do not retain any voting rights. The Company may call preferred stock
at any time after October 1992, at par plus accumulated dividends in arrears.
As of June 30, 1996 and 1997, the accumulated dividends in arrears totaled
approximately $114,000 and $137,000, respectively.

STOCKHOLDERS' NOTES RECEIVABLE

In 1991, the Company issued notes receivable totaling $143,850 to certain
stockholders. The notes bear interest at 8.5% and were to be repaid upon
demand. These notes receivable were transferred into escrow during 1997 in
connection with the sale of the Company. This transaction was treated as a
dividend to the stockholders of the Company. The amount is reflected as an
increase in accumulated deficit during 1997.

5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

REGULATORY

The Company has federal financial assistance programs which are subject to
ongoing program reviews by the Department of Education (the "DOE") and Title IV
program audits by external auditors. Based upon the results of such audits and
reviews, the Company may have to repay funds previously granted to its students
through loans and grants, and pay interest, fines and/or penalties. Management
believes such amounts would be minimal and does not expect them to have a
material effect on the results of operations of the Company.

The Company's institutions are required to meet certain financial and other
standards in order to qualify to participate in Title IV programs. These
include maintaining an acid test ratio (defined as cash, cash equivalents, and
current accounts receivable to current liabilities) of at least 1:1, having a
positive tangible net worth at the end of each fiscal year, collecting less
than 85% of its education revenues from Title IV funds on an annual basis, not
having cumulative net operating losses during the most recent fiscal years that
result in a decline of more than 10% of the Company's tangible net worth at the
beginning of that two-year period, and having a student default rate on their
federal student loans of not more than 25% for any three-year consecutive
period, amongst others. At June 30, 1997, the Company's institutions were not
in compliance with some of the regulatory requirements.

OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

The Company leases its administrative and classroom facilities and certain
equipment under noncancellable operating leases which expire at various times
through 2006. The facility leases require the Company to make monthly payments
covering rent, taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Rent expense, exclusive
of taxes, insurance, and maintenance of the facilities and equipment for the
years ended June 30, 1996 and 1997, was $738,773 and $1,136,889, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under these operating leases as of June 30,
1997, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Remainder of 1997........................... $ 639,598
1998........................................ 1,158,031
1999........................................ 1,186,389
2000........................................ 1,219,145
2001........................................ 1,254,001
Thereafter.................................. 2,937,869
----------
Total..................................... $8,395,033
==========
</TABLE>

F-57
<PAGE>

IAMD, LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

LITIGATION

The Company is subject to occasional lawsuits, investigations and claims
arising out of the normal conduct of its business. At June 30, 1997, the
Company is not a party to any material legal action.

6. INCOME TAXES

The Company files a consolidated tax return. The Company provides for
deferred taxes under the asset and liability method for income taxes. Under
this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of
"temporary differences" by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to
future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts
and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities.

The benefit for income taxes for the years ended June 30, 1996 and 1997,
included in the accompanying statements of income consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
-------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Current--
Federal........................................... $ 10,255 $ (68,898)
State and local................................... 14,807 (39,626)
-------- ---------
Total current................................... 25,062 (108,524)
-------- ---------
Deferred--
Federal........................................... (66,977) (238,914)
State and local................................... (11,820) (42,162)
-------- ---------
Total deferred.................................. (78,797) (281,076)
-------- ---------
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes...... $(53,735) $(389,600)
======== =========
</TABLE>

A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the
effective income tax rate for the years ended June 30, 1996 and 1997, is as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate....................... 34.0% 34.0%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit................... 4.6 4.6
Permanent difference and other............................... (1.9) --
---- ----
Effective income tax rate.................................... 36.7% 38.6%
==== ====
</TABLE>

F-58
<PAGE>

IAMD, LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

At June 30, 1996 and 1997, deferred income taxes of the Company consist of
the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets--
Net operating loss carryforward..................... $ -- $204,000
Recruiting and marketing costs...................... 154,000 225,000
Deferred rent....................................... 59,400 103,000
Bad debt allowance.................................. 33,400 23,000
Other............................................... 200 7,976
-------- --------
Total deferred tax assets......................... 247,000 562,976
Deferred tax liabilities--
Depreciation........................................ (10,800) (10,800)
Other............................................... (3,800) (38,700)
-------- --------
Total deferred tax liabilities.................... (14,600) (49,500)
-------- --------
Net deferred tax assets........................... $232,400 $513,476
======== ========
</TABLE>

Realization of deferred tax assets associated with the Company's future
deductible temporary differences and net operating loss carryforwards is
dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income prior to their expiration.
Although realization of the deferred tax assets is not assured, management
believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be
realized through future taxable income. Management will assess whether it
remains more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. If
management determines that is no longer more likely than not that the deferred
tax assets will be realized, a valuation allowance will be required against
some or all of the deferred tax assets.

7. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A shareholder of the Company provides legal services for the Company. Total
expenses billed to the Company for such services were $0 and $35,000 in 1996
and 1997, respectively.

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On June 30, 1997, the shareholders of IAMD, Limited sold 100% of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company to Career Education
Corporation ("CEC") for $3,000,000. The purchase price may be increased by up
to $5,000,000 based upon the amount by which revenue of the Company for the
twelve-month period ended June 30, 1998, exceeds $8,000,000, as provided for
in an earn-out provision in the purchase agreement. The purchase price of the
acquisition is subject to certain modifications in addition to the earn-out
provision. Also, in connection with the purchase, the former owners of the
schools also entered into covenant not-to-compete agreements with CEC for
total proceeds of $2,000,000. The covenants not-to-compete restrict the former
owners' ability to own or operate certain types of postsecondary vocational
schools for four years. In connection with the sale, CEC repaid all
outstanding long-term debt of the Company.

9. RESTATEMENT

The Company had historically deferred certain marketing costs. During 1997,
the Company changed its method of accounting for deferred marketing costs to
the preferred method of expensing marketing costs as incurred. The Company has
retroactively restated its statements of operations for the year ended June
30, 1996

F-59
<PAGE>

IAMD, LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

JUNE 30, 1996 AND 1997

and stockholders' investment as of June 30, 1996 to reflect the change in this
method. The effect of this change was to increase the accumulated deficit by
approximately $136,000, net of a deferred tax benefit of $91,000 as of June 30,
1995.

10. RECLASSIFICATIONS

Certain reclassifications have been made to the June 30, 1996 financial
statements in order for them to be in conformity with the June 30, 1997
presentation.

F-60
<PAGE>

AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Stockholders of

International Academy of Merchandising &

Design (Canada) Ltd.:

We have audited the balance sheet of International Academy of Merchandising &
Design (Canada) Ltd. as at August 31, 1996, and the statements of operations,
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of International Academy of
Merchandising & Design (Canada) Ltd. as of August 31, 1996, and the results of
its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

Price Waterhouse

Chartered Accountants

Toronto, Canada

October 11, 1996

F-61
<PAGE>

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Stockholders of

International Academy of Merchandising &

Design (Canada) Ltd.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of INTERNATIONAL
ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING & DESIGN (CANADA) LTD. (an Ontario corporation) AND
SUBSIDIARY as of June 30, 1997, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for the ten months ended June
30, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of International Academy of
Merchandising & Design (Canada) Ltd. and Subsidiary as of June 30, 1997, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for the ten months ended
June 30, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in
the United States.

Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois

September 17, 1997

F-62
<PAGE>

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING &
DESIGN (CANADA) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF AUGUST 31, 1996, AND JUNE 30, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AUGUST 31, JUNE 30,
1996 1997
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash................................................. $ -- $ 15,546
Receivables--
Student, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
$35,000 and $56,000 at August 31, 1996, and
June 30, 1997, respectively....................... 408,681 955,705
Other.............................................. 103,392 74,868
Stockholders' advances............................. 93,807 --
Deferred income tax assets........................... 34,279 51,002
Prepaid expenses and other current assets............ 173,808 54,667
---------- ----------
Total current assets............................. 813,967 1,151,788
---------- ----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET............................ 1,559,588 2,498,768
---------- ----------
OTHER ASSETS:
Deposits............................................. 95,511 219,232
Deferred income tax assets........................... -- 300,276
---------- ----------
Total other assets............................... 95,511 519,508
---------- ----------
TOTAL ASSETS........................................... $2,469,066 $4,170,064
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Bank overdraft....................................... $ 70,571 $ 281,270
Current maturities of long-term debt................. 446,652 1,037,216
Accounts payable..................................... 630,698 545,853
Accrued expenses..................................... 136,915 533,431
Students deposits.................................... 499,680 957,326
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities........................ 1,784,516 3,355,096
---------- ----------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt, net of current maturities shown
above............................................... 219,231 587,851
Deferred income tax liabilities...................... 9,078 --
Deferred rent........................................ 45,215 39,461
---------- ----------
Total long-term debt............................. 273,524 627,312
---------- ----------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, no par value, unlimited shares
authorized; 45,347 shares and 43,667 shares issued
and outstanding at August 31, 1996, and June 30,
1997, respectively.................................. 298,547 206,743
Cumulative translation adjustment.................... (5,241) (7,946)
Retained earning (deficit)........................... 117,720 (11,141)
---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity....................... 411,026 187,656
---------- ----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY............. $2,469,066 $4,170,064
========== ==========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-63
<PAGE>

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING &
DESIGN (CANADA) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996, AND
THE TEN MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AUGUST 31, JUNE 30,
1996 1997
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUE:
Tuition and registration, net.......................... $7,279,325 $8,407,718
Other, net............................................. 30,658 9,234
---------- ----------
Total net revenue.................................... 7,309,983 8,416,952
---------- ----------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Educational services and facilities.................... 3,028,745 3,252,155
General and administrative............................. 3,355,940 4,119,594
Related party rent expense............................. 197,320 159,440
Depreciation and amortization.......................... 375,677 813,094
---------- ----------
Total operating expenses............................. 6,957,682 8,344,283
---------- ----------
Income from operations............................... 352,301 72,669
INTEREST EXPENSE......................................... 134,315 271,349
---------- ----------
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for taxes... 217,986 (198,680)
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES..................... 92,349 (69,819)
---------- ----------
NET INCOME (LOSS)........................................ $ 125,637 $ (128,861)
========== ==========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-64
<PAGE>

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING & DESIGN (CANADA) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996, AND THE TEN MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AUGUST JUNE 30,
31, 1996 1997
--------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)..................................... $ 125,637 $ (128,861)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities--
Deferred income taxes............................... (17,759) (326,077)
Depreciation and amortization....................... 375,677 813,094
Changes in operating assets and liabilities--
Increase in receivables........................... (30,818) (518,500)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other
current assets................................... (80,400) 119,141
Increase in deposits.............................. (18,844) (123,721)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses. 135,960 311,671
Increase in students' deposits.................... 329,218 457,646
Decrease in deferred rent......................... -- (5,754)
--------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating activities....... 818,671 598,639
--------- ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment, net.............. (556,660) (272,959)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of capital lease obligations............... (271,929) (597,002)
Bank overdraft........................................ 70,571 210,699
Repayment of bank loans............................... (38,682) (31,744)
Deposits returned from Ministry of Education.......... 74,450 --
Stockholders' loans................................... -- 108,615
Stockholders' advances................................ (93,807) --
--------- ----------
Net cash used in financing activities........... (259,397) (309,432)
--------- ----------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH................. (4,384) (702)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH......................... (1,770) 15,546
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR................................. 1,770 --
--------- ----------
CASH, END OF YEAR....................................... $ -- $ 15,546
========= ==========
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Equipment purchased through capital leases............ $ 422,683 $1,479,315
Share redemption and retirement....................... -- 91,804
========= ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for--
Interest............................................ $ 134,315 $ 271,349
Taxes paid.......................................... 97,819 80,729
========= ==========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-65
<PAGE>

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING & DESIGN (CANADA) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996, AND THE TEN MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNLIMITED ADDITIONAL CUMULATIVE
SHARES PAID-IN TRANSLATION RETAINED TOTAL
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL ADJUSTMENT EARNINGS AMOUNT
---------- ---------- ----------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, AUGUST 31,
1995................... 45,347 $298,547 $ 1,852 $ (7,917) $ 292,482
Net income............ -- -- -- 125,637 125,637
Cumulative translation
adjustment........... -- -- (7,093) -- (7,093)
------ -------- ------- --------- ---------
BALANCE, AUGUST 31,
1996................... 45,347 298,547 (5,241) 117,720 411,026
Share redemption and
retirement........... (1,680) (91,804) -- -- (91,804)
Cumulative translation
adjustment........... -- -- (2,705) -- (2,705)
Net income............ -- -- -- (128,861) (128,861)
------ -------- ------- --------- ---------
BALANCE, JUNE 30, 1997.. 43,667 $206,743 $(7,946) $ (11,141) $ 187,656
====== ======== ======= ========= =========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

F-66
<PAGE>

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING & DESIGN (CANADA) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AUGUST 31, 1996, AND JUNE 30, 1997

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

International Academy of Merchandising & Design (Canada) Ltd. ("the Company"
or "IAMD-Canada") is located and operates a campus in Toronto, Ontario and has
a wholly owned subsidiary (International Academy of Design Inc.), which
operates a campus in Montreal, Quebec. These private, postsecondary vocational
schools are engaged in the instruction of merchandising and design programs in
the fields of merchandising management, fashion design, interior design,
advertising design, interactive media and computer graphics. The assets and
liabilities relating to the Montreal campus were transferred to International
Academy of Design Inc. on September 1, 1996. Prior to that date, the operations
of the Montreal campus were included as a division of the Company.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of
the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany
transactions and accounts have been eliminated. For presentation purposes, both
periods reflect the Montreal accounts as being consolidated since they are
included in the total in both periods.

The Company's accounts are recorded in Canadian dollars ("$CD") and the
balance sheets at August 31, 1996 and June 30, 1997 have been translated to
U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of 0.73 and 0.72. The income statements for
the year ended August 31, 1996, and the ten months ended June 30, 1997, have
been translated at an average annual exchange rate of 0.74 and 0.73,
respectively.

FINANCIAL AID

The Company extends credit for tuition to a significant number of students
who are in attendance at the schools. A significant portion of the Company's
students receive financial assistance from both federal and provincial
financial aid programs which is used to repay the credit granted to the
students. Student financial assistance is received by the students in the form
of either loans or bursaries administered by the ministries of education of the
provinces. The total financial assistance received from all Canadian sources
amounted to 75% and 79% of the Company's net revenue for the year ended August
31, 1996 and ten months ended June 30, 1997, respectively.

The Company pays an annual premium to an insurance company which provides an
insurance policy to secure the governmental funding. The insurance policy
insures liability amounts of $152,061 ($CD 210,000) for Toronto and $72,410
($CD 100,000) for the Montreal campus. Shareholders have also issued personal
guarantees related to such policies at August 31, 1996 and June 30, 1997.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is recognized
utilizing an accelerated method. Leasehold improvements and assets recorded
under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over their
estimated useful lives or lease term, whichever is shorter. Maintenance,
repairs and minor renewals and

F-67
<PAGE>

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING &
DESIGN (CANADA) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
betterments are expensed as incurred; major improvements are capitalized. The
estimated useful lives and cost basis of property and equipment at August 31,
1996, and June 30, 1997, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AUGUST 31, JUNE 30,
ASSET DESCRIPTION 1996 1997 LIFE
----------------- ---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Furniture and fixtures..................... $ 337,233 $ 363,123 5-8 years
Machinery and equipment.................... 1,105,535 1,100,636 4-6 years
Leasehold improvements..................... 599,503 787,958 5 years
Computer software.......................... -- 22,631 1 year
Capital lease equipment.................... 958,085 2,460,635 4-6 years
---------- ----------
3,000,356 4,734,983
Less--Accumulated depreciation............. 1,440,768 2,236,215
---------- ----------
Property and equipment, net................ $1,559,588 $2,498,768
========== ==========
</TABLE>

The gross cost of assets recorded under capital leases included above
amounted to approximately $243,000 at June 30, 1997.

DEFERRED RENT

Certain of the Company's leases include rental concessions, as defined in
the various lease agreements. The Company recognizes rent expense on a
straight-line basis over the terms of the various leases, ranging from 2 to 7
years. Rent expense recognized differs from the actual cash payments required
to be made under these lease agreements.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue is derived primarily from courses taught at the schools. Tuition
revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the
applicable course. If a student withdraws, future revenue is reduced by the
amount of the refund due to the student. Student deposits represent payments
received in excess of amounts billed and are reflected as a current liability
in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles, requires management to make certain estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying value for current assets and liabilities reasonably
approximates their fair value due to their short maturity periods. The
carrying value of the Company's debt obligations reasonably approximates fair
value as the stated interest rate approximates current market interest rates
of debt with similar terms.

3. LONG-TERM DEBT

At August 31, 1996, and June 30, 1997, long-term debt of the Company
consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AUGUST JUNE 30,
31, 1996 1997
-------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Business improvement loan, bearing interest at Canadian
prime plus 1.5% (6.25% at June 30, 1997), requiring quar-
terly principal payments of $1,267, secured by related as-
sets, repaid in connection with the sale of the Company
(Note 10)................................................. $ 10,233 $ 7,603
Business improvement loan, bearing interest at Canadian
prime plus 1.5% (6.25% at June 30, 1997), requiring quar-
terly principal payments of $2,595, secured by related as-
sets, repaid in connection with the sale of the Company
(Note 10)................................................. 68,095 38,981
Stockholder loans, bearing interest at 6.75%; repaid in
connection with the sale of the Company (Note 10)......... -- 108,615
Capital lease obligation discounted at a weighted average
interest rate of 16.0% and 24.5% at August 31, 1996 and
June 30, 1997, respectively, secured by related equipment
(Note 6).................................................. 587,555 1,469,868
-------- ---------
665,883 1,625,067
Less--Current portion...................................... 446,652 1,037,216
-------- ---------
$219,231 $ 587,851
======== =========
</TABLE>

F-68
<PAGE>

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING &
DESIGN (CANADA) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

In February 1997, the Company amended its credit agreement with a Canadian
chartered bank. Under the amended agreement, the total amount the Company may
borrow through operating lines of credit and business improvement loans cannot,
at any time, exceed $243,117 ($CD 335,750). Amounts outstanding under lines of
credit are limited to the lesser of $181,025 ($CD 250,000) or 75% of the
receivables, as defined, less priority claims and receivables over 90 days.
Outstanding borrowings under the line of credit and business improvement loans
bear interest at the Canadian prime rate (4.75% at June 30, 1997) plus 1% and
the Canadian prime rate (6.25% at June 30, 1997) plus 1.5%, respectively.
Accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and all other assets serve as
collateral for amounts outstanding under the agreement.

Under the amended agreement, the Company must maintain certain covenants
under the credit agreement including debt to effective equity ratio, as
defined, of not more than 3:1, capital expenditures for the current fiscal year
not to exceed $1,013,740 ($CD 1,400,000) and that no lien on present or future
company assets can be obtained without the Bank's consent.

4. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

In fiscal 1996, the Company advanced $93,807 ($CD 126,000) to its
stockholders. In 1997, the Company redeemed and retired 1,680 shares of common
stock from these stockholders. The advances to stockholders were collected in
exchange for these shares.

5. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company leases one of its campus facilities from an entity with common
ownership. Rent expense under this lease amounted to approximately $197,000 and
$159,000 for the year ended August 31, 1996, and the ten months ended June 30,
1997, respectively.

See stockholder loans as described in Note 3 and stockholder advances as
discussed in Note 4.

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

LEASES

The Company leases equipment under capital leases expiring in various years
through 2002. Also, the Company leases its facilities and certain equipment
under operating leases through 2002. Rent expense, exclusive of taxes,
insurance, and maintenance of the facilities and equipment for the year ended
August 31, 1996, and the ten months ended June 30, 1997, was approximately
$553,275 and $600,759, respectively. The following is a schedule by year of
future minimum payments under these capital and operating leases:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL OPERATING
LEASES LEASES TOTAL
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Remainder of 1997........................ $ 613,911 $1,180,026 $1,793,937
1998..................................... 846,359 1,884,954 2,731,313
1999..................................... 199,862 1,375,332 1,575,194
2000..................................... 20,647 880,817 901,464
2001..................................... 5,634 868,599 874,233
Thereafter............................... 1,303 1,033,483 1,034,786
---------- ---------- ----------
1,687,716 $7,223,211 $8,910,927
========== ==========
Less--Portion representing interest at a
weighted
average interest rate of 24.53%......... 217,848
----------
Equipment under capital leases........... 1,469,868
Less--Current portion.................... 882,017
----------
$ 587,851
==========
</TABLE>

F-69
<PAGE>

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING &
DESIGN (CANADA) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 1996 AND JUNE 30, 1997

LITIGATION

The Company is subject to occasional lawsuits, investigations and claims
arising out of the normal conduct of its business. At June 30, 1997, the
Company is not a party to any material legal action.

7. INCOME TAXES

The Company provides for deferred taxes under the asset and liability method
of accounting. This method requires the recognition of deferred income taxes
based upon the tax consequences of "temporary differences" by applying enacted
statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the
financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and
liabilities.

The income tax provision (benefit) for the year ended August 31, 1996, and
the ten months ended June 30, 1997, consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AUGUST JUNE 30,
31, 1996 1997
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Current income taxes.................................. $110,108 $256,258
Deferred income taxes (benefit)....................... (17,759) (326,077)
-------- --------
Net income tax provision (benefit).................... $ 92,349 $(69,819)
======== ========
</TABLE>

A reconciliation of the statutory tax rate computed as weighted average of
federal and provincial tax rates to the effective income tax rate for the year
ended August 31, 1996, and the ten months ended June 30, 1997, consists of the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AUGUST 31, JUNE 30,
1996 1997
---------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Tax provision (benefit) for income taxes based on
federal statutory tax rates......................... 29.1% (29.1)%
Provincial income taxes, net of federal benefit...... 15.2 (13.2)
Permanent difference and other....................... (1.9) 7.2
---- -----
Effective income tax rate............................ 42.4% (35.1)%
==== =====
</TABLE>

At August 31, 1996, and June 30, 1997, deferred income taxes consist of the
following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AUGUST 31, JUNE 30,
1996 1997
---------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Recruiting and marketing costs........................ $43,593 $ 51,002
Net operating loss carryforward....................... -- 311,390
Lease inducements..................................... 18,870 16,574
------- --------
Total deferred tax assets........................... 62,463 378,966
------- --------
Depreciation.......................................... 27,948 27,688
Other................................................. 9,314 --
------- --------
Total deferred tax liabilities...................... 37,262 27,688
------- --------
Total net deferred tax assets....................... $25,201 $351,278
======= ========
</TABLE>

F-70
<PAGE>

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING &
DESIGN (CANADA) LTD. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 1996 AND JUNE 30, 1997

8. BENEFIT PLAN

The Company maintains a benefit plan for eligible employees. The plan
requires matching contributions (58% of the costs) for eligible employees. The
Company's matching contributions were $38,613 and $44,354 for the year and
period ended August 31, 1996, and June 30, 1997, respectively.

9. NONRECURRING CHARGES

In fiscal 1997, the Company identified an employee who misappropriated
corporate funds totalling approximately $87,000. The individual resigned from
the Company. The loss associated with this activity resulted in a reduction of
operating income in fiscal 1997.

10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On June 30, 1997, the shareholders of IAMD-Canada sold 100% of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company to Career Education
Corporation ("CEC") for $6,500,000. In connection with the purchase, the former
owners of the school also entered into covenant not-to-compete agreements with
CEC for at total price of $2,000,000. The covenant not-to-compete agreements
restrict the former owners' ability to own or operate certain types of
postsecondary vocational schools for four years. The note payable to a former
stockholder and all bank loans were repaid in connection with the sale.

F-71
<PAGE>

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors of

Phillips Educational Group of Portland, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying statements of operations and cash flows for
the nine months and twenty-one days ended October 21, 1996 of WESTERN CULINARY
INSTITUTE (a division of Phillips Educational Group of Portland, Inc., a
wholly owned subsidiary of Phillips Colleges, Inc.). These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the Western Culinary Institute results of operations
and cash flows for the nine months and twenty-one days ended October 21, 1996
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Notes 8 and 9, on October 21, 1996, the assets and certain
liabilities of the Western Culinary Institute were sold in accordance with
provisions of the agreements with Phillips Colleges, Inc., the U.S. Department
of Education, U.S. Department of Justice and various banks.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Chicago, Illinois

October 24, 1997

F-72
<PAGE>

WESTERN CULINARY INSTITUTE

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS AND TWENTY-ONE DAYS ENDED OCTOBER 21, 1996

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
REVENUE:
Tuition and registration fees, net................................ $4,296,565
Other revenue, net................................................ 304,350
----------
Total net revenue............................................... 4,600,915
----------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Educational services and facilities............................... 697,345
General and administrative........................................ 2,032,711
Depreciation and amortization..................................... 17,736
Management fees to parent......................................... 1,443,970
----------
Total operating expenses........................................ 4,191,762
----------
Income from operations, before provision for income taxes....... 409,153
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.......................................... 163,661
----------
NET INCOME.......................................................... $ 245,492
==========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

F-73
<PAGE>

WESTERN CULINARY INSTITUTE

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS AND TWENTY-ONE DAYS ENDED OCTOBER 21, 1996

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income........................................................ $ 245,492
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities--
Depreciation and amortization................................... 17,736
Changes in operating assets and liabilities resulting in an
increase (decrease) in cash--
Student receivables........................................... (344,355)
Inventories................................................... 18,652
Prepaid expenses and other current assets..................... (11,251)
Accounts payable.............................................. (414,549)
Accrued expenses.............................................. 35,709
Deferred tuition revenue and advance student payments......... 532,801
---------
Net cash provided by operating activities................... 80,235
---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Capital contribution from parent.................................. 76,999
---------
NET INCREASE IN CASH................................................ 157,234
CASH, beginning of period........................................... 77,217
---------
CASH, end of period................................................. $ 234,451
=========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Approximate cash paid during the period for--
Interest........................................................ $ 1,000
Income taxes.................................................... $ --
=========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

F-74
<PAGE>

WESTERN CULINARY INSTITUTE

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS AND TWENTY-ONE DAYS ENDED OCTOBER 21, 1996

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

Western Culinary Institute (the "Company" or the "School"), located in
Portland, Oregon, is a private post-secondary vocational school that offers a
degree in culinary arts. The Company is a division of Phillips Educational
Group of Portland, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Phillips Colleges, Inc.
("Phillips"). Phillips manages and operates educational institutions through
its wholly owned subsidiaries.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

The Company extends unsecured credit for tuition to a significant portion of
the students who are in attendance at the school. A substantial portion of
credit extended to students is repaid through the student's participation in
various federally funded financial aid programs under Title IV of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 ("Title IV Programs"), as amended. Approximately 52% of
the Company's net revenue was collected from Title IV Program funds during the
nine months and twenty-one days ended October 21, 1996. The Company generally
completes and approves the financial aid packet of each student who qualifies
for financial aid prior to the student beginning class in an effort to enhance
the collectibility of its unsecured credit. Transfers of funds from the
financial aid programs to the Company are made in accordance with the United
States Department of Education ("DOE") requirements. Changes in DOE funding for
federal student financial aid programs could impact the Company's ability to
attract students.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is recognized
utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets which range from three to eighteen years for financial reporting
purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the
asset or the lease term. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals and
betterments are expensed; major improvements are capitalized.

MARKETING AND ADVERTISING COSTS

Marketing and advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Marketing and
advertising costs included in general and administrative expenses were $109,000
during the nine months and twenty-one days ended October 21, 1996.

INCOME TAXES

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with Phillips and
state income tax returns with its Oregon affiliates. Liabilities related to the
Company's current year taxable income are included in the capital contribution
from Phillips during 1997 (Note 4). Current and deferred income taxes are
allocated to the Company as if it were a separate taxpayer. There are no
significant temporary differences and the Company's effective tax rate on a
stand-alone basis is equal to its statutory rate of approximately 40%.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenue is derived primarily from courses taught at the schools. Tuition
revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the
applicable course. Textbook sales and other revenues are recognized as services
are performed. If a student withdraws, future revenue would be reduced by the
amount of refund due to the student. Refunds are calculated in accordance with
federal, state and accrediting agency standards.

F-75
<PAGE>

WESTERN CULINARY INSTITUTE

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

MANAGEMENT'S USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the
disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements
and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period.
Actual results could differ from these estimates.

3. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Prior to January 31, 1996, eligible employees of the Company participated in
the Phillips Colleges, Inc. Employee Retirement Savings Plan (the "Plan"), a
defined contribution plan. Effective January 31, 1996, the Plan was terminated
by Phillips. The Plan was fully funded after termination and Plan assets were
subsequently paid out to Plan participants. The Company made no contributions
to the Plan during the nine months and twenty-one days ended October 21, 1996.

4. PHILLIPS' INVESTMENT

The change in Phillips' investment in the Company for the nine months and
twenty-one days ended October 21, 1996 consists of the following:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Balance, January 1, 1996...................................... $(374,606)
Net income for the period..................................... 245,492
Capital contribution from parent.............................. 76,999
---------
Balance, October 21, 1996..................................... $ (52,115)
=========
</TABLE>

The Company had a net receivable due from Phillips of $648,089 at December
31, 1995, for which no formal note agreement exists. The realizability of this
amount is uncertain given the insolvency of Phillips (Note 8) and, therefore,
its amount has been recorded as a reduction in Phillips' investment in the
Company at January 1, 1996. Phillips' investment in the Company has not been
reduced for any contingent liabilities described in Note 7 or 8.

5. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company pays management fees to Phillips for certain administrative
services provided. Management fees charged to the Company by Phillips during
the nine months and twenty-one days ended October 21, 1996 were $1,443,970.

6. OPERATING LEASES

The Company leases its administrative and classroom facilities under two
operating leases which expire July 31, 1997 and October 31, 1998. Rent expense
under these agreements for the nine months and twenty-one days ended October
21, 1996, was approximately $256,000.

Future minimum lease payments under these leases as of October 21, 1996, are
approximately as follows:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Remainder of 1996............... $ 58,000
1997............................ 199,000
1998............................ 56,000
--------
$313,000
========
</TABLE>

F-76
<PAGE>

WESTERN CULINARY INSTITUTE

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

REGULATORY

The Company is subject to extensive regulation by federal and state
governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular, the Higher
Education Act of 1965, as amended (the "HEA"), and the regulations promulgated
thereunder by the DOE subject the Company to significant regulatory scrutiny
on the basis of numerous standards that schools must satisfy in order to
participate in the various federal student financial assistance programs under
Title IV of the HEA (the "Title IV Programs"). Under the HEA and its
implementing regulations, certain financial and other regulatory standards
must be complied with in order to qualify to participate in Title IV programs.
Under such standards, the school must: (i) have an acid test ratio (defined as
the ratio of cash, cash equivalents, and current accounts receivable to
current liabilities) of at least 1:1 at the end of each fiscal year, (ii) have
a positive tangible net worth at the end of each fiscal year, (iii) not have a
cumulative net operating loss during its two most recent fiscal years that
results in a decline of more than 10% of the Company's tangible net worth at
the beginning of that two-year period, (iv) collect less than 85% of its
education revenues from Title IV funds on an annul basis, and (v) not have a
student default rate on federal student loans of more than 25% for three
consecutive federal fiscal years, among others. The DOE may measure the above
standards on a school-by-school basis or on a corporate consolidated basis.
Any regulatory violation could be the basis for the initiation of a
suspension, limitation or termination proceeding against the Company.

In order to operate and award degrees, diplomas and certificates and to
participate in the Title IV Programs in the U.S., a school must be licensed or
authorized to offer its programs of instruction by the relevant agency of the
state in which such school is located. The Company is licensed or authorized
by the relevant agency of the state in which such campus is located. In
addition, in order to participate in the Title IV Programs, an institution
must be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the DOE. The Company
is accredited by at least one accrediting agency recognized by the DOE.

TERMINATION OF TITLE IV FUNDING

A notice of intent to terminate the availability of Title IV funding to
Phillips was issued by the DOE on August 18, 1995. This notice resulted from
the expiration of the Financial Responsibility Agreement between Phillips and
the DOE and the subsequent claim by the DOE that Phillips failed to meet the
acid test ratio required by the current financial responsibility regulations.
Additionally, Phillips received a decision on an administrative appeal made to
the Secretary of Education which resulted in an assessment of liability
related to commissioned sales practices by Phillips' colleges during the
period from 1987 to 1991 in the amount of approximately $114 million. The
total assessed liability of approximately $114 million related to the
commissioned sales issue has been recorded as a corporate liability in
Phillips' financial statements as of December 31, 1995.

8. ORDERLY SALE OF ASSETS

On October 11, 1996, Phillips reached agreements with the DOE, U.S.
Department of Justice and various banks which called for the orderly sale or
closure of all schools owned by Phillips by December 31, 1996. The agreements
require that upon sale of a school, one-third of the net proceeds from the
sale of the assets of the school, as defined, be distributed to the DOE and
two-thirds distributed to banks which had outstanding obligations to Phillips
totaling $8.2 million at October 11, 1996. In addition, Phillips had letters
of credit totaling approximately $1.7 million at October 11, 1996. The
proceeds distributed to the DOE are to be applied to the commissioned sales
liability. The terms of the agreement provide that prospective buyers of
Phillips colleges would not be required to assume any portion of the
commissioned sales liability as a trailing liability.

F-77
<PAGE>

WESTERN CULINARY INSTITUTE

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)

At October 21, 1996, all assets of the Company and Phillips other schools are
pledged as collateral under the debt agreement entered into by Phillips. In
addition, each of Phillips' subsidiaries have guaranteed, jointly and
severally, the payment of amounts outstanding under the bank agreement.

9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On October 21, 1996, Phillips sold certain assets and liabilities of the
Company to WCI Acquisition, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Career Education
Corporation ("CEC"), for a sales price, subject to certain adjustments, of
approximately $8,000,000. Simultaneously with the purchase, WCI Acquisition,
Ltd. changed its name to Western Culinary Institute, Inc. In connection with
the sale, Phillips also entered into a covenant not-to-compete agreement with
CEC for proceeds totaling $400,000. The covenant not-to-compete restricts
Phillips from owning or operating certain types of post-secondary vocational
schools for four years. In connection with the sale, the net proceeds were
distributed in accordance with the agreements disclosed in Note 8.

F-78
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The Valuation and Qualifying Account
Schedule is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a
required part of the basic financial statements. This information has been
subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the basic
financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material
respects in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Chicago, Illinois
October 7, 1997

S-1
<PAGE>

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE NET CHARGES
AT TO INCREASE DUE BALANCE AT
BEGINNING OPERATING TO END OF
OF PERIOD EXPENSES ACQUISITIONS PERIOD
--------- ----------- ------------ ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Student receivable allowance
activity for the year ended
December 31, 1994............. $624 $ (91) $-- $ 533
Student receivable allowance
activity for the year ended
December 31, 1995............. 533 (433) 158 258
Student receivable allowance
activity for the year ended
December 31, 1996............. 258 167 30 455
Student receivable allowance
activity for the six months
ended June 30, 1997........... 455 378 193 1,026
</TABLE>

S-2
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFOR-
MATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, ANY SELLING STOCKHOLDER OR ANY UNDER-
WRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO
ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEI-
THER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS COR-
RECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO
CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE SUCH DATE.

-----------

TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary........................................................ 3
Risk Factors.............................................................. 8
The Transactions.......................................................... 22
Pending Acquisition....................................................... 22
Use of Proceeds........................................................... 23
Dividend Policy........................................................... 23
Capitalization............................................................ 24
Dilution.................................................................. 25
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Data................. 26
Selected Historical Consolidated Financial and Other Data................. 31
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations............................................................... 33
Business.................................................................. 41
Financial Aid and Regulation.............................................. 55
Management................................................................ 67
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions............................ 77
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management............ 78
Description of Capital Stock.............................................. 80
Shares Eligible for Future Sale........................................... 81
Underwriting.............................................................. 84
Notice to Canadian Residents.............................................. 86
Legal Matters............................................................. 87
Experts................................................................... 87
Additional Information.................................................... 87
Index to Financial Statements............................................. F-1
Financial Statement Schedule.............................................. S-1
</TABLE>

-----------

UNTIL , 1997 (25 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THE OFFERING), ALL DEALERS EF-
FECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE REGISTERED SECURITIES, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING
IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN
ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS
UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOGO

Common Stock

PROSPECTUS

CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON

SMITH BARNEY INC.

ABN AMRO CHICAGO CORPORATION

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

Set forth below is an estimate of the approximate amount of fees and
expenses (other than underwriting commissions and discounts) payable by the
Registrant in connection with the issuance and distribution of the Common
Stock pursuant to the Prospectus contained in this Registration Statement. The
Registrant will pay all of these expenses.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPROXIMATE
AMOUNT
-----------
<S> <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee........... $15,682
NASD filing fee............................................... 5,675
Nasdaq National Market application fee........................ *
Accountants' fees and expenses................................ *
Blue Sky fees and expenses.................................... *
Legal fees and expenses....................................... *
Transfer Agent and Registrar fees and expenses................ *
Printing and engraving........................................ *
Miscellaneous expenses........................................ *
-------
Total..................................................... $ *
=======
</TABLE>
- --------
*To be provided by amendment

All expenses other than the Securities and Exchange Commission registration
fee and NASD filing fee are estimated.

ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Article XII of the Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation will provide that the Registrant shall indemnify its directors
to the full extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware and may indemnify its officers and employees to such extent, except
that the Registrant shall not be obligated to indemnify any such person (i)
with respect to proceedings, claims or actions initiated or brought
voluntarily by any such person and not by way of defense, or (ii) for any
amounts paid in settlement of an action indemnified against by the Registrant
without the prior written consent of the Registrant. Prior to consummation of
the Offering, the Registrant will enter into indemnity agreements with each of
its directors. These agreements may require the Registrant, among other
things, to indemnify such directors against certain liabilities that may arise
by reason of their status or service as directors, to advance expenses to them
as they are incurred, provided that they undertake to repay the amount
advanced if it is ultimately determined by a court that they are not entitled
to indemnification, and to obtain directors' liability insurance if available
on reasonable terms.

In addition, Article XII of the Registrant's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation will also provide that a director of the
Registrant shall not be personally liable to the Registrant or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of his or her fiduciary duty as a
director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of
loyalty to the Registrant or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not
in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation
of law, (iii) for willful or negligent conduct in paying dividends or
repurchasing stock out of other than lawfully available funds or (iv) for any
transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit.

Reference is made to Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State
of Delaware which provides for indemnification of directors and officers in
certain circumstances.

II-1
<PAGE>

The Registrant has purchased a directors' and officers' liability insurance
policy.

Under the terms of the Underwriting Agreement, the Underwriters have agreed
to indemnify, under certain conditions, the Registrant, its directors, certain
of its officers and persons who control the Company within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), against certain
liabilities.

ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

The following information reflects a 100-for-one split of the Registrant's
common stock effected as of July 31, 1995 and a 10-for-one split of the
Registrant's Series C Preferred Stock effected as of July 26, 1996. It does
not reflect the Transactions to be effected immediately prior to the
consummation of the Offering, as described in the Prospectus under the heading
"The Transactions."

On January 31, 1994, the Registrant issued (i) 500 shares of Class A Common
Stock and 50 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to John M. Larson ("Larson")
in exchange for total consideration of $50,000.50, (ii) 3,000 shares of Class
A Common Stock and 300 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to Robert E. Dowdell
("Dowdell") in exchange for total consideration of $300,003, and (iii) an
aggregate of 2,700 shares of Class B Common Stock, 27,300 shares of Class C
Common Stock and 3,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to Heller Equity
Capital Corporation and Heller Financial, Inc. (collectively, "Heller") in
exchange for total consideration of $3,000,030.

On June 20, 1994, the Registrant issued 45,000 shares of Class C Common
Stock (2,400 shares of which converted into Class B Common Stock of the
Registrant on June 27, 1994) and 4,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to
Heller in exchange for total consideration of $4,500,045.

On June 27, 1994, the Registrant issued (i) 250 shares of Class A Common
Stock to Larson in exchange for consideration of $0.25, (ii) 1,500 shares of
Class A Common Stock to Dowdell in exchange for consideration of $1.50, and
(iii) 2,400 shares of Class B Common Stock to Heller as a result of a
conversion of Heller's Class C Common Stock.

On July 31, 1995, (i) pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement dated as
of July 31, 1995, the Registrant issued 5,000 shares of Series C Redeemable
Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 25,285 shares of Class D Common Stock
to Electra Investment Trust P.L.C. and Electra Associates, Inc. (collectively,
"Electra") in exchange for total consideration of $5,000,000.00, and (ii) as a
condition to the obligations of The Provident Bank ("Provident") under a
credit agreement with the Registrant, the Registrant issued Warrants to
purchase 2,199 shares of Class D Common Stock to Provident.

On September 1, 1995, the Registrant issued 824 shares of Class E Common
Stock and 70 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to Wallace O. Laub and
Constance L. Laub, as joint tenants (collectively, "Laub"), in exchange for
total consideration of $99,982.06.

In December 1996, the Registrant issued 824 shares of Class E Common Stock
and 70 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to William A. Klettke ("Klettke") in
exchange for total consideration of $99,982.06.

On February 28, 1997, pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement dated as
of February 28, 1997 (the "February 1997 Agreement"), the Registrant issued
(i) 1,391 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 1,655
shares of Class E Common Stock to Heller in exchange for total consideration
of $1,391,000, (ii) 468 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to
purchase 558 shares of Class E Common Stock to Electra in exchange for total
consideration of $468,000, (iii) 84 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and
Warrants to purchase 99 shares of Series E Common Stock to Dowdell in exchange
for total consideration of $84,000, (iv) 16 shares of Series D Preferred Stock
and Warrants to purchase 19 shares of Class E Common Stock to Larson in
exchange for total consideration of $16,000, (v) 15 shares of Series D
Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 18 shares of Class E Common Stock to
Klettke in exchange for total consideration of $15,000, (vi) 26 shares of
Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 31 shares of Class E Common
Stock to Laub in exchange for total consideration of $26,000.

II-2
<PAGE>

On May 30, 1997, pursuant to the February 1997 Agreement, the Registrant
issued (i) 3,995 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase
4,754 shares of Class E Common Stock to Heller in exchange for total
consideration of $3,995,000, (ii) 1,348 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and
Warrants to purchase 1,603 shares of Class E Common Stock to Electra in
exchange for total consideration of $1,348,000, (iii) 44 shares of Series D
Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 52 shares of Class E Common Stock to
Larson in exchange for total consideration of $44,000, (iv) 42 shares of
Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 50 shares of Class E Common
Stock to Klettke in exchange for total consideration of $42,000, (v) 71 shares
of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 85 shares of Class E
Common Stock to Laub in exchange for total consideration of $71,000.

On May 30, 1997, pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of May
30, 1997 (the "May 1997 Agreement"), the Registrant issued (i) 11,127 shares
of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 26,842 shares of Class E
Common Stock to HECC in exchange for total consideration of $11,127,000, (ii)
2,376 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 5,732 shares
of Class E Common Stock to Electra in exchange for total consideration of
$2,376,000 and (iii) 122 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to
purchase 295 shares of Class E Common Stock to Klettke in exchange for total
consideration of $122,000.

On June 30, 1997, pursuant to the May 1997 Agreement, the Registrant issued
1,375 shares of Series D Preferred Stock and Warrants to purchase 3,317 shares
of Class E Common Stock to Electra in exchange for total consideration of
$1,375,000.

No underwriters were involved in any of the transactions described above.
All of the securities issued in the foregoing transactions were issued by the
Registrant in reliance upon the exemption from registration available under
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, including Regulation D promulgated
thereunder.

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) EXHIBITS.

<TABLE>
<C> <S>
1* Form of Underwriting Agreement.
2.1+ Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of September 30, 1996, among
the Registrant, WCI Acquisition, Ltd., Phillips Educational
Group of Portland, Inc., and Phillips Colleges, Inc. Schedules
and exhibits to this Asset Purchase Agreement have not been
included herewith, but will be furnished supplementally to the
Commission upon request.
2.2+ Stock Sale Agreement dated as of April 7, 1997, between K-III
Prime Corporation, Inc. and the Registrant. Schedules and
exhibits to this Stock Sale Agreement have not been included
herewith, but will be furnished supplementally to the Commission
upon request.
2.3+ Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of June 30, 1997, among IAMD
Acquisition I, Ltd. and Clem Stein, Jr., Marion Stein, Leonard
Rutstein, Barbara Ann Scott King, Thomas V. King, William W.
Wirtz and David Powell. Schedules and exhibits to this Stock
Purchase Agreement have not been included herewith, but will be
furnished supplementally to the Commission upon request.
2.4+ Share Purchase Agreement dated as of June 30, 1997, among the
Registrant and Clem Stein, Jr., Leonard Rutstein, Barbara Ann
Scott King and Lawrence N. Gross. Schedules and exhibits to this
Share Purchase Agreement have not been included herewith, but
will be furnished supplementally to the Commission upon request.
3.1* Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Registrant.
3.2* Form of Amended and Restated By-laws of the Registrant.
4.1* Specimen stock certificate representing Common Stock.
4.2+ Credit Agreement dated as of May 30, 1997 among the Registrant,
as borrower, the lenders named therein and LaSalle National
Bank, as agent, as amended.
5* Opinion of Katten Muchin & Zavis as to the legality of the
securities being registered (including consent).
10.1* Career Education Corporation 1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended.
10.2* Form of Option Agreement under the Registrant's 1995 Stock
Option Plan.
10.3* Career Education Corporation 1997 Employee Incentive
Compensation Plan.
</TABLE>

II-3
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<C> <S>
10.4* Form of Option Agreement under the Registrant's 1997 Employee
Incentive Compensation Plan.
10.5* Career Education Corporation 1997 Non-Employee Directors' Stock
Option Plan.
10.6* Form of Option Agreement under the Registrant's 1997 Non-
Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan.
10.7* Career Education Corporation 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
10.8* Second Amended and Restated Option Agreement dated as of October
, 1997, between the Registrant and John M. Larson.
10.9+ Supplemental Option Agreement dated July 31, 1995, between the
Registrant and John M. Larson.
10.10* Second Amended and Restated Option Agreement dated as of October
, 1997, between the Registrant and Robert E. Dowdell.
10.11* Employment and Non-Competition Agreement dated as of October 9,
1997, between the Registrant and John M. Larson.
10.12* Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Executive
Officers.
10.13+ Career Education Corporation Amended and Restated Stockholders'
Agreement dated as of July 31, 1995, as amended on February 28,
1997 and May 30, 1997.
10.14* Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 31, 1995, between
the Registrant, Electra Investment Trust P.L.C. and Electra
Associates, Inc.
10.15+ Warrant Agreement dated as of July 31, 1995, between the
Registrant and The Provident Bank, and related Warrant
Certificate.
10.16+ Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of July 31, 1995 among
the Registrant, Electra Investment Trust P.L.C. and Electra
Associates, Inc. (the "Electra 1995 Agreement").
10.17+ Form of Warrant Certificate issued pursuant to the Electra 1995
Agreement.
10.18+ Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of February 28, 1997,
among the Registrant, Heller Equity Capital Corporation, Electra
Investment Trust P.L.C., Robert E. Dowdell, John M. Larson,
Wallace O. Laub and Constance L. Laub and William A. Klettke
(the "February 1997 Agreement").
10.19+ Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of May 30, 1997 among the
Registrant, Heller Equity Capital Corporation, Electra
Investment Trust P.L.C. and William A. Klettke (the "May 1997
Agreement").
10.20+ Form of Warrant Certificate issued pursuant to the February 1997
Agreement and the May 1997 Agreement.
10.21+ Form of Management Fee Agreement between the Registrant and each
of its subsidiaries.
10.22+ Form of Tax Sharing Agreement between the Registrant and each of
its subsidiaries.
10.23* Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October , 1997,
between the Registrant and Heller Equity Capital Corporation.
10.24* Agreement dated as of October , 1997, between the Registrant
and Heller Equity Capital Corporation, regarding designation of
directors of the Registrant.
11* Statement regarding computation of per share earnings.
21+ Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP with respect to financial
statements of Career Education Corporation and Subsidiaries.
</TABLE>

II-4
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<C> <S>
23.2* Consent of Katten Muchin & Zavis (contained in its opinion to be
filed as Exhibit 5 hereto).
23.3+ Consent of Thomas B. Lally
23.4 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP with respect to the financial
statements of Western Culinary Institute (a division of Phillips
Educational Group of Portland, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary
of Phillips Colleges, Inc.).
23.5 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP with respect to the financial
statements of IAMD, Limited and Subsidiaries.
23.6 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP with respect to the financial
statements of International Academy of Merchandising and Design
(Canada), Ltd. and Subsidiary.
23.7 Consent of Gleeson, Sklar, Sawyers and Cumpata LLP with respect
to the financial statements of IAMD, Limited and Subsidiaries.
23.8 Consent of Price Waterhouse with respect to the financial
statements of International Academy of Merchandising and Design
(Canada), Ltd. and Subsidiary.
24+ Power of Attorney (included on the signature page hereto).
27+ Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- --------

+Previously filed as part of this Registration Statement.
*To be filed by amendment.

(b) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Public Accountants S-1
Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts S-2
</TABLE>

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS

The Registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To provide to the Underwriters at the closing specified in the
underwriting agreement, certificates in such denominations and registered in
such names as required by the Underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each
purchaser.

(2) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(3) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, (i)
the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration
Statement as of the time it was declared effective and (ii) each post-
effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof.

II-5
<PAGE>

SIGNATURES

PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
HAS DULY CAUSED THIS AMENDMENT TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON
ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF
CHICAGO, AND STATE OF ILLINOIS ON THE 30TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 1997.

Career Education Corporation

/s/ William A. Klettke
By: _________________________________

William A. Klettke

Senior Vice President

PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS AMENDMENT
TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS
IN THE CAPACITIES INDICATED ON OCTOBER 30, 1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----

<S> <C>
* President, Chief Executive Officer
___________________________________________ (Principal Executive Officer) and a
John M. Larson Director
William A. Klettke Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
___________________________________________ Officer (Principal Financial and
William A. Klettke Accounting Officer)
* Director
___________________________________________
Robert E. Dowdell
* Director
___________________________________________
Wallace O. Laub
* Director
___________________________________________
Patrick K. Pesch
* Director
___________________________________________
Scott D. Steele
* Director
___________________________________________
Todd Steele
</TABLE>

/s/ William A. Klettke

*By: ___________________________

William A. Klettke

Attorney-in-fact

II-6
<PAGE>

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
------- --------------------
<C> <S> <C>
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP with respect to financial
statements of Career Education Corporation and Subsidiaries.
23.4 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP with respect to the financial
statements of Western Culinary Institute (a division of
Phillips Educational Group of Portland, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of Phillips Colleges, Inc.).
23.5 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP with respect to the financial
statements of IAMD, Limited and Subsidiaries.
23.6 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP with respect to the financial
statements of International Academy of Merchandising and
Design (Canada), Ltd. and Subsidiary.
23.7 Consent of Gleeson, Sklar, Sawyers and Cumpata LLP with
respect to the financial statements of IAMD, Limited and
Subsidiaries.
23.8 Consent of Price Waterhouse with respect to the financial
statements of International Academy of Merchandising and
Design (Canada), Ltd. and Subsidiary.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use in this
registration statement of our report dated October 7, 1997 on the financial
statements of CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES included herein and
to all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.

Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois
October 30, 1997

<PAGE>

Exhibit 23.4

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use in this
registration statement of our report dated October 24, 1997, on the financial
statements of WESTERN CULINARY INSTITUTE (a division of Phillips Educational
Group of Portland, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Phillips Colleges, Inc.)
included herein and to all references to our Firm included in this registration
statement.

Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois
October 30, 1997

<PAGE>

Exhibit 23.5

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use in this
registration statement of our report dated September 16, 1997, on the financial
statements of IAMD, LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES included herein and to all
references to our Firm included in this registration statement.

Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois
October 30, 1997

<PAGE>

Exhibit 23.6

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use in this
registration statement of our report dated September 17, 1997, on the financial
statements of INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MERCHANDISING AND DESIGN (CANADA), LTD.
AND SUBSIDIARY included herein and to all references to our Firm included in
this registration statement.

Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois
October 30, 1997

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EXHIBIT 23.7

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated August 16, 1996 (except
for notes 4, 8 and 9, as to which the date is October 23, 1997) relating to the
financial statements of IAMD, Limited and Subsidiaries which appears in such
Prospectus. We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Experts"
in such Prospectus.

Gleeson, Sklar, Sawyers & Cumpata LLP
October 30, 1997

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EXHIBIT 23.8

[LETTERHEAD PRICE WATERHOUSE] [LOGO]

October 29, 1997

Consent of Independent Accountants

We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this
Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated October 11, 1996 relating
to the financial statements of International Academy of Design and Merchandising
(Canada) Ltd. which appears in such Prospectus. We also consent to the
references to us under the headings "Experts" in such Prospectus.

/s/ Price Waterhouse

Chartered Accountants