611310 - Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

When it comes to identifying and classifying educational institutions in the United States, NAICS code 611310 plays a crucial role. This code is specifically designated for establishments that provide higher education courses and grant degrees at undergraduate and graduate levels. Whether you're a government contractor, educator, or business professional, understanding this NAICS code can open doors to opportunities in the educational services sector.

What is NAICS Code 611310?

NAICS code 611310 refers to the industry titled "Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools." This classification includes institutions primarily engaged in offering academic courses and granting degrees ranging from bachelor's to doctoral levels. Many of these institutions also conduct important research and provide professional training programs.

Key Features of NAICS Code 611310:

• Provides undergraduate and graduate academic courses
• Grants degrees in various fields of study
• May engage in research and development activities
• Offers professional training and education in specialized disciplines

Sector Overview: Educational Services

NAICS 611310 falls under the larger umbrella of the Educational Services sector. This sector encompasses a wide range of educational activities but 611310 specifically targets institutions focused on higher education and professional credentialing.

Educational Services sector includes:

• Academic instruction
• Research and knowledge dissemination
• Professional and vocational training

Typical Business Activities Covered by NAICS 611310

Institutions and programs classified under NAICS 611310 include:

• Public and private colleges and universities (excluding junior/community colleges)
• Professional schools such as law schools, medical schools, dental schools, and business schools
• Military academies offering college-level education
• Conservatories of music and other specialized art schools granting baccalaureate or graduate degrees
• Online and correspondence schools at the college level
• Seminaries and theological schools offering undergraduate and graduate degrees

Size Standard for NAICS 611310

For government contracting and eligibility purposes, the size standard for NAICS code 611310 is $34.5 million in average annual receipts. This benchmark helps determine whether an institution qualifies as a small business under federal guidelines.

Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 611310

• Public universities: State-funded research and teaching universities
• Private colleges: Liberal arts colleges, Bible colleges, and specialty institutions
• Professional schools: Law schools, medical schools, dental schools, business administration programs, hospital management schools, etc.

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Detailed Code Description Table: NAICS 611310

Establishment Type	Description
Academies, college or university	Institutions providing college-level education
Academies, military service (college)	Military academies offering degrees
Bible colleges offering baccalaureate degrees	Religious-affiliated degree-granting colleges
Business colleges or schools offering baccalaureate or graduate degrees	Business-focused academic institutions
Coast Guard Academy	Federal service academy with collegiate programs
Colleges (except junior colleges)	Traditional four-year colleges
Colleges, universities, and professional schools	Comprehensive higher education institutions
Conservatories of music (colleges or universities)	Specialized music schools granting degrees
Dental schools	Institutions training dental professionals
Hospital management schools offering baccalaureate or graduate degrees	Schools focused on healthcare administration education
Hospitality management schools offering baccalaureate or graduate degrees	Hospitality and hotel management colleges
Law schools	Institutions training lawyers
Medical schools	Schools for medical degrees and advanced health professions
Military academies, college-level	Service academies providing degree programs
Military service academies (college)	Federal military higher education establishments
Parochial schools, college-level	Faith-based higher education institutions
Private colleges (except community or junior college)	Independent degree-granting colleges
Professional schools (e.g., business administration, dental, law, medical)	Specialized professional training schools
Schools, correspondence, college-level	Distance learning colleges
Schools, medical	Medical training institutions
Schools, music (colleges or universities)	Music conservatories and universities
Schools, online, college-level (through website or mobile application)	Online higher education providers
Schools, professional (colleges or universities)	Professional degree-granting institutions
Seminaries, theological, offering baccalaureate or graduate degrees	Religious academic seminaries
Theological seminaries offering baccalaureate or graduate degrees	Institutions offering graduate theological degrees
Universities	Degree-granting public or private universities

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of institutions are covered under NAICS 611310?

NAICS 611310 covers colleges, universities, and professional schools that provide undergraduate and graduate-level academic courses and degrees. This includes public and private universities, law schools, medical schools, business schools, and other specialized professional schools.

Does NAICS 611310 include community colleges?

No, community colleges and junior colleges are typically classified under a different NAICS code (such as 611210 - Junior Colleges). NAICS 611310 excludes these institutions and focuses on degree-granting colleges and universities beyond the community college level.

What is the purpose of the NAICS size standard for 611310?

The $34.5 million size standard helps government agencies and contracting officers determine whether an institution qualifies as a small business for contracting and other federal program purposes.

Are online universities included in this code?

Yes, online schools at the college level that provide degree programs through websites or mobile applications are included under NAICS 611310.

How can knowing the NAICS code help educational institutions?

Identifying the correct NAICS code allows institutions to understand eligibility for federal contracts, grants, and funding. It also assists in marketing efforts, business development, and compliance reporting.

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Conclusion

NAICS code 611310 — Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools is essential for classifying higher education institutions engaged in academic instruction and degree-granting activities. Spanning a diverse range of organizations from public universities to specialized professional schools, this code captures a vital component of the Educational Services sector. Understanding its scope, size standards, and examples can aid businesses, government contractors, and education professionals in navigating market opportunities and compliance requirements.

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Keywords: NAICS 611310, Colleges and Universities, Professional Schools, Educational Services, Higher Education NAICS, Small Business Size Standard, Federal Contracting Education Sector, Online Schools, Professional Degree Programs