8 Documentaries That Investigate the Business of For-Profit Education
A Critical Examination
For-profit education has grown rapidly over the past few decades, leading to significant scrutiny and debate. These institutions often promise accessible and flexible education options, targeting non-traditional students and those seeking career advancement without the constraints of traditional colleges.
Understanding the complex landscape of for-profit education through documentaries provides insight into its impact on students and the broader education system. This article explores eight documentaries that delve into the business practices, challenges, and implications of for-profit colleges, offering a comprehensive view of this controversial sector.
1) Fail State (2017)
"Fail State" is an investigative documentary that examines the for-profit college industry and its impact on American higher education.
Executive produced by journalist Dan Rather, the film delves into the policy decisions in Washington D.C. that have enabled the growth of predatory for-profit colleges.
The documentary highlights how these institutions exploit millions of low-income and minority students, drawing parallels to the subprime mortgage crisis.
Viewers are taken through decades of educational policy changes that have shaped the higher education landscape, often to the detriment of vulnerable student populations.
Directed by Alexander Shebanow, "Fail State" provides a comprehensive look at the systemic issues within the for-profit education sector.
For more information, visit the IMDb page.
2) College, Inc. (2010)
"College, Inc." explores the booming sector of for-profit higher education. Produced by FRONTLINE, the documentary focuses on how Wall Street and a new breed of universities are altering the landscape of college education.
The documentary is anchored by correspondent Martin Smith. He interviews school executives, government officials, admissions counselors, former students, and industry observers. These interviews reveal both the promise and pitfalls of for-profit education.
One key point discussed is the business model of these institutions. Many rely heavily on taxpayer money and aim for swift financial returns. This raises questions about the quality and integrity of the education provided.
The film also investigates marketing tactics. For-profit colleges often spend heavily on advertising to attract students. This aggressive approach often targets individuals looking for quick career advancements.
For further details, visit IMDB.
3) The Ivory Tower (2014)
"The Ivory Tower," released in 2014, is a documentary film directed by Andrew Rossi. It examines the spiraling costs of higher education in the United States and questions whether the investment is worthwhile. Through interviews and case studies, the film explores the impact of mounting student debt and the financial strain on educational institutions.
The documentary presents viewpoints from various stakeholders, including students, educators, and administrators. Noteworthy scenes capture student protests at Cooper Union, where frustrations about rising tuition costs come to light. Harvard's CS50 class is also featured, offering a look at one of the most popular courses in higher education.
Rossi employs a narrative approach similar to his previous work, "Page One: Inside the New York Times," bringing a "fly-on-the-wall" perspective to the educational landscape. "The Ivory Tower" contends that the current model of financing higher education is unsustainable, prompting viewers to reconsider the value and cost of a college degree in today’s economy.
For more information, visit the Wikipedia page on Ivory Tower.
4) 14 Women
"14 Women" (2007) is a documentary that provides an insightful look into the lives of 14 female senators in the United States.
This film captures the challenges and triumphs these women face in balancing their professional responsibilities with personal lives.
"14 Women" highlights the diverse backgrounds and paths that led them to the Senate, illustrating their unique journeys and individual stories.
Viewers gain an understanding of the legislative processes and the critical roles these women play in shaping the nation’s policies.
The documentary offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the U.S. Senate, showcasing the perseverance and resilience of women who have made significant strides in a predominately male institution.
For more information, visit IMDB.
5) The Hunting Ground (2015)
The Hunting Ground is a documentary that delves into the prevalence of sexual assault on U.S. college campuses. Directed by Kirby Dick, it uncovers the alarming frequency of these crimes and the subsequent institutional cover-ups that occur.
Released in 2015, this film uses verité footage and first-person testimonials to bring to the forefront the significant impact on victims and their families. It showcases the systemic failings of educational institutions in handling these cases.
The film is a poignant exposé, aiming to shed light on the grave social issues young women face in what should be safe educational environments. It also emphasizes the need for comprehensive reforms to address and prevent campus sexual assault.
For further information about The Hunting Ground, visit IMDb.
6) Education, Inc. (2015)
"Education, Inc." is a documentary directed by Brian Malone.
The film delves into the influence of corporations, billionaires, and free-market ideologues on American public education.
Malone, a parent of two public school students in Douglas County, Colorado, finances this revealing documentary himself.
It uncovers how dark money contributors fund free-market reformers to take over local school boards.
The film highlights the diversion of billions of tax dollars away from public education.
Parents, teachers, and students are shown fighting back against these changes.
The documentary paints a vivid picture of the corporate assault on public education.
It's a compelling watch for anyone interested in the intersection of education and corporate interests.
7) Killing Ed (2016)
"Killing Ed" is a documentary that brings to light the controversies surrounding charter schools in the United States. Focusing on a network of taxpayer-funded schools associated with the Gülen Movement, the film uncovers questionable academic and labor practices.
The documentary reveals how these institutions operate with substandard H1-B visa standards for teachers. This has raised significant concerns about the quality of education provided to students.
Directed by Mark Hall, "Killing Ed" offers an intimate look at the alleged corruption within this charter school system. It has been screened at international film festivals.
Fethullah Gülen, the movement's leader, remains a figure of intrigue, living in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania. The documentary aims to expose how this group's influence has permeated American education.
For more details on "Killing Ed," visit IMDb.
8) Starving the Beast (2016)
"Starving the Beast" is a documentary directed by Steve Mims that critically examines the financial and political pressures on America’s public universities. This film highlights how market-oriented forces are pushing to redefine higher education funding.
The documentary focuses on the shift from viewing higher education as a public good to treating it as a valuable commodity that should be borne by students. This paradigm shift has sparked intense debates and conflicts on numerous college campuses.
Featuring insights from policy experts and academic figures, "Starving the Beast" captures the essence of the ongoing power struggles within the public education system. It provides an in-depth look at the philosophical changes that are affecting university funding and accessibility.
The film delves into specific case studies, showcasing the real-world impact of these disruptive policies. This narrative provides a thorough exploration of the contentious issue of for-profit education within public universities.
For more information, visit the IMDb page of "Starving the Beast".
The History and Evolution of For-Profit Education
For-profit education has undergone significant changes over time. What started as small commercial institutions has grown into a major sector, impacted by various regulatory and market forces.
Early Beginnings
In the late 19th century, for-profit education started gaining traction in the United States. By 1897, a substantial number of students were enrolled in commercial courses at the high school and college levels. Over 123,000 students took part, with the majority attending newly established for-profit colleges.
These institutions emerged to meet the demands of an urbanizing and industrializing America. They focused on practical, vocational training in fields like business and trade, offering skills that traditional colleges often ignored. This laid the foundation for a more commercial approach to higher education.
Regulatory Changes
The regulation of for-profit colleges began to take shape in the mid-20th century. Prior to this, oversight was minimal, allowing a wide range of practices, some of which were questionable. As these institutions grew, so did the scrutiny.
The Higher Education Act of 1965 brought significant regulatory changes, increasing accountability and access to federal funding. This legislation required for-profits to meet specific criteria to receive financial aid, aiming to protect students and ensure educational quality. Over the decades, additional regulations followed, each aiming to tighten oversight and curb malpractice in the for-profit sector.
Modern Era Developments
By the early 2000s, for-profit colleges had become a significant part of the higher education landscape. Institutions like the University of Phoenix and DeVry University expanded rapidly, enrolling hundreds of thousands of students.
However, this growth led to increased scrutiny. Investigations, such as the College, Inc. documentary and subsequent reports, highlighted issues like high tuition costs, questionable recruiting practices, and low graduation rates. These reports spurred legislative actions aimed at better regulating the industry, including the Gainful Employment Rule, which tied federal funding to graduates' employment outcomes.
In recent years, the sector has faced numerous challenges and closures, but it continues to evolve. Newer for-profits are adapting to market demands, focusing on online education and career-oriented programs to remain competitive and relevant.
Key Players in the For-Profit Education Sector
The for-profit education sector includes prominent institutions and influential investors who drive its operations. An understanding of these key players is essential to grasp the dynamics of this industry.
Notable Institutions
University of Phoenix and DeVry University are significant entities. Both have faced scrutiny and legal challenges due to their enrollment practices and job placement promises.
Kaplan University, now part of Purdue University Global, has transformed its approach to address concerns. Ashford University, another major institution, was acquired by the University of Arizona and rebranded as the University of Arizona Global Campus.
These institutions often attract attention due to their marketing strategies and the scale of their student bodies, impacting both students and government policies.
Major Investors and Stakeholders
The Apollo Group and Graham Holdings are major players. Apollo Group, once the owner of the University of Phoenix, has been a significant force in shaping the sector.
Goldman Sachs has invested heavily in education companies, underscoring the sector's profitability. Carl Icahn, a notable investor, has holdings in various for-profit education firms, influencing their corporate strategies.
Bain Capital and Warburg Pincus are examples of private equity firms with substantial stakes in these institutions, reflecting the sector's appeal to large investment groups. Their involvement often drives operational decisions that focus on profitability.
Impact on Students and Society
For-profit education has transformed the landscape of higher learning, resulting in significant consequences for students and broader societal implications.
Student Outcomes and Debt
Students often enter for-profit institutions with the expectation of acquiring valuable skills and better career prospects. Graduation rates, however, tend to be lower compared to non-profit institutions. As revealed in various documentaries, many students leave these institutions without completing their programs.
Debt is a significant issue. For-profit college students frequently rely heavily on loans, resulting in burdensome debt levels. According to "A Subprime Education" by FRONTLINE, many graduates struggle to repay these loans due to underwhelming job placements and salaries.
High student loan default rates reflect these struggles. The financial strain can lead to long-term credit issues, impacting future financial stability. Student testimonials in these documentaries highlight the feeling of betrayal and the mismatch between expectations and outcomes.
Societal and Community Effects
The influence of for-profit education extends beyond individual students, affecting communities and society as a whole. Economic impacts are significant; communities can experience stagnation when graduates face unemployment or underemployment. This, in turn, affects local economies that rely on a skilled workforce.
There are also regulatory and policy implications. The sector's growth often leads to calls for increased oversight and reform to protect students. Documentaries like "College, Inc." explore how the aggressive marketing and business tactics of these institutions shape public opinion and policy-making.
Social trust can erode when for-profit colleges fail to deliver promised outcomes. Community investment in education is jeopardized when institutions prioritize profits over students' welfare.
These documentaries underscore the need for scrutiny and reform in the for-profit education sector, highlighting the broad-reaching consequences of its current business practices.
