[eas]

I've always wondered why we really haven't seen more franchising of U.S. schools among the higher-tiers (beyond ITT Tech, U of Phoenix, etc.). And what's the real reason we see NYU-Qatar but not NYU-Los Angeles?

For example, is it the risk of brand dilution? Local competition relative to int'l--it's relatively easy money out there? That many schools actually operate at a loss (excluding endowment) ex:[1]? Do you think that the lower costs of int'l education (labor, infrastructure) changes that dynamic, since it seems they are outsourcing everything except the name and "curriculum"? Does doing it internationally make it easier since most of the U.S. alumni won't drive by the franchises on the highway? The benefits of international R&D collaboration and the ready supply of customers as TheTarquin mentions? Just curious.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swarthmore_College