Our Mission
At the Higher Education Network, we guide learners from questions to outcomes. Our mission is to simplify the path to education and unlock real-world opportunity for every student. We connect learners to the programs, insights, and planning tools they need to turn their goals into action — with clarity, trust, and support at every step.
Our Principles
The Higher Education Network believes in providing accurate and actionable information for learners so they feel confident about their decisions. No one should be left without the resources they need to succeed.
Knowledge and Authority
As a team, we understand that decisions about education often begin with the heart but always require practical consideration. For this reason, data lies at the heart of what we do. We regularly update our experiences with the latest education and labor market numbers. We also survey thousands of educators, employers, and students nationwide each year to get their take on important issues. Combined, this data informs our content strategy across our network of sites. Learners can be sure that our research, news, and resources are informed by hard data — not just opinions.
Trust and Transparency
We ensure that our learners understand the difference between ads and editorial content on our sites by clearly displaying advertising disclosures. When learners come across sponsored content, we provide detailed information about the colleges and institutions to help them make informed decisions. We strive to be as transparent as possible in everything we do, and to build trust throughout the experience.
Editorial Integrity
Our team uses a robust fact-checking process to provide reliable and actionable information for students. Our writers and reporters carefully craft guides and articles according to strict editorial guidelines and sourcing standards. We periodically review previously published content, updating as needed with the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Proprietary Technology
Our proprietary technology provides learners with the education insights they need to make informed decisions about their future. We continually develop calculators, comparison widgets, dashboards, and other interactive tools to encompass future-forward initiatives.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Every learner, regardless of their identity or where they are in their journey, deserves support and access to the education they need to pursue their personal and professional goals. We strive to serve students equitably and without bias, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and traditionally underserved student populations.
Our History
We are building a future where students don't navigate education alone. The Higher Education Network is creating an ecosystem where trust, confidence, and real-world outcomes lead the way.
2007: How It Started
HigherEducation.com is founded by entrepreneur Patrick Gavin.
2010: Building Partnerships
We begin partnering directly with universities to match prospective students with online college programs.
2014: Our Initial Launch
BestColleges.com launches with the goal of being the most trusted source of online program recommendations for students. One year later, we publish the inaugural Online Education Trends Report.
2015 – 2018: Adding to the Portfolio
We begin building our education portfolio to better serve learners.
2015: Psychology.org
2016: Accounting.com
2018: NurseJournal.org, AffordableCollegesOnline.com
2019: Our Move to RedVentures
RedVentures acquires HigherEducation.com and begins to introduce a product and technology mindset to the business.
2023: ¡Hola, Puerto Rico!
RedVentures opens its Education headquarters in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria to reimagine a brighter future for the island.
Today
Today, the Higher Education Network is the largest organic marketplace for education in the United States.
Our Vision
We are building a future where students don't navigate education alone. With connected tools, personalized insights, and a deep understanding of learner needs, we're creating a new kind of ecosystem where trust, confidence, and real-world outcomes lead the way.