Many exist solely in cyberspace, like Concord University, the first online law school, created in 1998.

CNN: Do virtual classrooms make the grade?

"They're worried about the Harvard trademark, and they seem to be saying I'm diluting it by allowing some of my materials to be used at Concord Law School, Concord University, " Miller said.

CNN: Do virtual classrooms make the grade?

It starts with after-school educational centers called Score, moves to the core test-prep business, on to Concord University School of Law, the nation's first online law school, and right up through BrassRing, a career development service Kaplan formed with Accel Partners and the Tribune (TRB) Co. last year.

CNN: Kaplan is starting an online college -- minus the keggers