This monograph on proprietary vocational education provides an overview of proprietary education which is intended for vocational educators who may not be familiar with proprietary schools. The author begins with a description of numbers and types of proprietary schools and includes information on population characteristics, chartering, licensing, accreditation, patterns of corporate organization, and enrollment statistics. Distinctive operating characteristics are then discussed, such as length of programs and costs; student recruitment; instructional methods and faculty; and placement services. The nature of proprietary school students, training outcomes, consumer abuse and government regulation are also discussed. In conclusion, the author summarizes prospects for the future. (BM)