College, Inc.

Watch College, Inc.

This an awesome PBS report on the state of privatized university in the US. These privately-run public institutions are relying heavily on sneaky sales tactics to attract new students, most of whom cannot afford university. Not only are these stupid people stuck with a huge amount of debt, but once they graduate they will also discover that their degree likely won't help them do jack shit.

Michael Clifford, who never attended college himself, has become notorious for purchasing failing universities from the US government and turning them into privatized businesses. His major investors are wealthy Wall Street businessmen, such as Jack Welch (CEO of General Electric). When asked what was needed to turn around a university Mr. Clifford replied, "Money, management, and marketing...along with compassion."

The goal of this industry is profits and high student turnover, as opposed to higher standards of education. The real question that should be asked is: "Should education be a business?"

8/10