Profits, Pell Grants, and College Degrees
Do for-profit businesses have a legitimate role in ensuring more Americans secure that college degree that is quickly becoming a non-negotiable in today's economy? With commercials for the University of Phoenix and Kaplan University on what seems like a constant loop on television, it is a question few ask. We seem to assume, in today's day and age, that for-profit institutions of higher education are a permanent part of the landscape, quickly becoming no different than distinguishing between public and private colleges.
Discussions of academic quality, growth, and such was left to the regional accreditation bodies. Yes, we've targeted the diploma mills who exchanged checks for diplomas. But if a for-profit could convince a team higher ed officials (most from traditional NFPs) that they had a legitimate plan, they were in business. Some focused on a particular state or geographic region. Others, like Phoenix, went national. And some have focused
Discussions of academic quality, growth, and such was left to the regional accreditation bodies. Yes, we've targeted the diploma mills who exchanged checks for diplomas. But if a for-profit could convince a team higher ed officials (most from traditional NFPs) that they had a legitimate plan, they were in business. Some focused on a particular state or geographic region. Others, like Phoenix, went national. And some have focused
