Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our report included in this Form 10-K, into CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION's previously filed Registration Statements File Nos. 333-60339, 333-60335 and 333-84403. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP - ----------------------- ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Chicago, Illinois March 27, 2001