For Profit Doesn't Guarantee Quality Education

For profit education sounds like a great idea. The educational institutions that provide the highest quality for the best price will be the most successful. I wish it were so easy and true. These companies are not as private as they claim to be. The schools are approved to provide education in certain programs by the government. Accreditation agencies verify that the schools provide the education that they say they are providing. Once the schools are accredited they can enroll students who require Federally insured student loans. The loans pay for the students' education even if the quality is barely passable. Also, once students have enrolled in the program they are stuck for the loan whether they complete the courses or not. The emphasis on getting and keeping students enrolled in these schools turns out to be the sole focus in many cases. The real goal should be providing education to students who don't want to attend traditional schools and are looking for knowledge that will help them find employment. Also, as the focus remains on enrolling more and more students the school is concerned mainly on keeping students rather than making sure they meet certain requirements of the school. All of this could come down to "caveat emptor" otherwise known as let the buyer beware. I still wouldn't be thrilled about the deception that goes on with the schools, but it wouldn't be as much of a concern if all the money was coming from the student. However, the problem is that the money for these courses comes largely from Pell grants which could be used elsewhere. It is a great business model if you are only concerned about making money and aren't looking to provide a quality educational experience. Sadly, many of the students don't find out till its to late what kind of situation they have gotten themselves into. Unfortunately, there are no simple and easy solutions. There definitely needs to be closer oversight of for profit colleges. More immediate retribution for a school that doesn't provide what is promised would also help. Schools are supposed to educate individuals to improve their lives and not to be deeper in debt. Students are supposed to be lifted up and not left with a bad taste in their mouths. Their mouths should instead need to be filled with the flavor of hope and an improved future.