COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2025

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation and Regulatory Matters—In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are subject to additional periodic lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings and other claims, including but not limited to claims involving students or graduates, routine employment matters and business disputes. We cannot predict the ultimate resolution of these lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings and other claims asserted against us, but we do not believe that any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Student Financing Plans—As of December 31, 2025, the Company had outstanding net financing commitments to its students to assist them in financing their education of approximately $53.3 million, net of interest.

Executive Employment Agreements—The Company entered into employment contracts with key executives that provide for continued salary payments if the executives are terminated for reasons other than cause, as defined in the contracts. The future employment contract commitments for such employees were approximately $20.3 million as of December 31, 2025.

Surety Bonds—Each of the Company’s campuses must be authorized by the applicable state education agency in which the campus is located to operate and to grant degrees, diplomas or certificates to its students. Our campuses are subject to extensive, ongoing regulation by each of these states. In addition, the Company’s campuses are required to be authorized by the applicable state education agencies of certain other states in which our campuses recruit students. The Company is required to post surety bonds on behalf of its campuses and education representatives with multiple states to maintain authorization to conduct its business. As of December 31, 2025, the Company has posted surety bonds in the total amount of approximately $20.0 million.