Comment by belorn

I am not that knowledgeable with US law, but to my understanding, U.S department of education has a policy for higher education, based on the Higher Education Act of 1965, as well as educational policies set forth by Congress. The higher education act references universities as part of what it regulate.

So if I would attempt with a universal definition of what the goal of a university, it would start by being an institution that complies with the standards set by the Higher Education Act and is accredited by the U.S department of education. As part of the formal education system, the goal of the regulations and laws will be enforced onto those classified under it.

Which returns me to my original question. What benefit is there to be classified as formal education if they don't share the intention (and goals) of the formal education system?