Several decades ago, private higher education already ranked as a major force in the higher education realm in many countries. Expansion in Latin America had begun in the 1960s, and the private sector was dominant in several key East Asian nations. At that stage, the forces shaping higher education were relatively stable. Then, in the last quarter of the 20th century, the dynamics changed dramatically, and private higher education has suddenly become the fastest-growing segment of higher education worldwide-expanding rapidly in almost all parts of the world. This book helps to highlight trends and realities of private higher education around the world. We have organized the book into two sections. The first deals with international trends and issues, while the second-much longer-section focuses on countries and regions. The majorityof the book's chapters concentrate on single countries. Authors have written from their own points of view. Some are critical of private higher education development, others express praise, whereas most offer objective observation and analysis. All are united in the belief that this phenomenon is a centrally important aspect of higher education-and one that will continue to expand.