How Corinthian Colleges Contributed to the Student Loan Debt Crisis (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

FRONTLINE investigates allegations of fraud and predatory behavior in the troubled for-profit college industry and examines the 2015 collapse of the Corinthian Colleges chain. (Aired 2016)
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In “A Subprime Education,” correspondent Martin Smith explores how for-profit colleges have often been advertised as the best option for low-income students who can’t afford a more traditional four-year degree. Yet some of these colleges have been collecting money and leaving students in debt, without degrees, and unprepared to face the job market - despite aggressive recruitment pitches promising the contrary.
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FRONTLINE is produced at GBH in Boston and is broadcast nationwide on PBS. Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Additional funding is provided by the Abrams Foundation; the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Park Foundation; the Heising-Simons Foundation; and the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation, and additional support from Koo and Patricia Yuen.
CHAPTERS:
The Rise of For-Profit Colleges - 00:00
Congress Starts Paying Attention - 9:38
Kamala Harris & the Corinthian Colleges Investigation - 15:15
Corinthian Colleges Files for Bankruptcy - 19:48
Tightening Regulations for For-Profit Colleges - 25:38
Credits - 28:03

[@putler965]

Don't go to a school that has commercials in the morning between ads by personal injury lawyers.

[@roc2588]

This is good and practical advice.

[@anonymoushuman8443]

Or advertises during Jerry Springer breaks

[@mrmartywaring]

Exactly!

[@katrinaumana2127]

These companies tried to pressure me to sign up for their Medical Billing & Coding classes in 2014. Almost did it but decided against it. The ringing if the bell & other bs almost suckered me in.

[@Shannete572]

Exactly I agree with you. I was in a for-profit college called GCU, i did got accepted in a public community college called CUNY Lehman college back in 2020. I made a huge mistake on going to a for-profit, now it’s all about learning from my mistake

[@FaithandNova]

Now that I'm older and fully paying attention I see now how disrespectful those Everest commercials were.

[@SuperlativeCG]

Thank you student loans for getting me through college. I don't think I can ever repay you.

[@akanta5746]

LOL

[@mlewelk]

@Superlative CG 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@renegrace1]

🤡😂🤡

[@scott7388]

😂😂😂😂

[@mrmartywaring]

😂😂😂😂

[@slamballer97]

The scariest issue now is how many accredited, state colleges are now moving into for-profit models. Largely online, exorbitantly expensive, lower quality of teaching, reduced material/testing and relaxed admissions. This is evidenced by expedited MBA, JD and other advanced degrees. Mark my words this is the new wave of this issue as degree inflation continues

[@ivanvillalobos7734]

You could also make the argument on what exactly is a student paying for? I have my ba in history and work with people with masters/mba's and I have to educate them on basic tasks: how to write an e-mail, how to pickup the phone and hold a meeting, how to do stuff in excel. So idk lol

[@slamballer97]

@@ivanvillalobos7734 good call. Like Larry the cable guy said: “you can’t fix stupid.” I assume that means with formal education as well 😂

[@ivanvillalobos7734]

@@slamballer97 to be fair - I commented before I saw the video and this point was touched upon by multiple people. Including the “let’s wait three years until after someone takes on a bunch of debt/wasted their time/government subsided/ lost income” debt trap of a degree materializes. If ever.

[@BudgetHousingHub]

hmmmmm.... Interesting Jordan - can give us an example of a regionally accredited, state college that has moved to non profit model?

[@slamballer97]

@@BudgetHousingHub sorry I may have misspoke. It feels like many prestigious, accredited universities are employing for profit tactics. I.e., largely online, accelerated courses that cost just as much (normally more), reduced professor interaction, easier materials/testing, oversees travel credits instead of course credits. Basically several tactics that adversely impact the quality of the degree, increase their profit and don’t help you succeed in a new career. The certificate gets you in the door but you need the education to keep you there

[@johnr7279]

As usual, Frontline shakes out the truth and exposes things unlikely seen on network news. Bravo!

[@wolfejar]

In general I really only get my news from NPR, PBS News Hour and Frontline. Why? Because it’s actual journalism is being done here. This is a lost profession.

[@mimipanini17]

@@wolfejar ☝🏻

[@kishascape]

I like how the Credit Suisse guy trys to make excuses when his organization has been busted repeatedly in leaks over the past 10 years for tax evasion and fraud and laundering.

[@dirtypimpbird]

@@wolfejar Your are a lost soul.. I am sure you you think Lets go Brandon is a great president. Oh by the way, how old is the video. Learn to think for yourself.

[@TejasM14]

That is not the case. PBS is increasingly reliant on corporations for its funding. Only 15% comes from the federal government. PBS is increasingly towing the line of corporations. The question is, is America still a democracy? Certainly none of its institutions function like such.

[@MikaelChoi]

Moral of the story: Don't go to private for profit schools.

[@jakebredthauer5100]

There are some bad ones. The prospective student should research the quality, price and suitability of the school. What if a private for-profit school refused government money? That would be a different situation, wouldn't it?

[@cbrindle91]

Not to mention how for-profit schools drove up the cost of education for all institutions. Its also difficult to figure out where some institutions stand on profit.

[@katheodenweller2292]

🧐Honestly, I would avoid Private Colleges altogether. Many of the Private Colleges may be on the books as a nonprofit, but that in NO way means the ppl running the school are not making HUGE PROFITS.💰 In the US, Academia is as GREEDY a business, as the Real Estate business is‼️🤑

[@katheodenweller2292]

@@cbrindle91 I definitely agree. I believe ALL PRIVATE Colleges and Universities are HUGE-PROFIT institutions, otherwise they would be PUBLIC institutions. Most of the Private Colleges and Universities are listed on the books as NON-profit institutions, but they really DO make HUGE PROFITS. The laws are very loose regarding the requirements for NON-profit educational institutions.

[@jakebredthauer5100]

@@katheodenweller2292 Letting the government fund and operate a school gives the government way too much unwarranted power. Those institutions are a threat to the free society that we allegedly have. Why you think our country is being destroyed? It is those perverse ideas taught in those government-funded colleges.

[@jhathaway8026]

Spent two years at a Corinthian college school and realized that I had been taken advantage of. They tried to keep me by selling more loans so I could get a Bachelor's degree but I knew that it was all empty promises. The job placement was a joke. The classes were useless. I've been paying for that mistake for a very long time. Just found out they are cancelling and refunding my loans. It feels like a giant weight has been lifted. I can't help but feel bad for those folks that spent even more time and money than I did. The people that ran this scheme should be in jail.

[@RacerX1971]

This is like Healed college. Friend was pissed off cuz he couldn't transfer his units to SJSU...I tried to tell him before he attended Heald but of course he didn't listen. He could of went to a Jr. College and cheaper and units would have transferred

[@Shannete572]

I agree

[@JosephineEze79]

So you got back all the money you paid for the loans?

[@jhathaway8026]

@@JosephineEze79 no, not yet. The process has been at a glacial pace

[@MimiKeel]

Never attend a college that has a late night commercial or a jingle. 🎶🎵

[@TaureanRuler]

Back when I was a senior 2005-2006 We had school guidance counselors asking us about what colleges we were considering and they would always tell you if you want to transfer you must go to an accredited colleges and they always listed which accredited where in our state that would allow us to transfer if we did not have the money for a 4 year college. I remember these for profit colleges being around when i was in HS but we had administrators taking the time to tell us why we should consider certain schools... its a shame so many people got trapped by these people.

[@kishascape]

Those Zenith CEOs need their heads knocked together.

[@Ay-B]

That's great advice! All high schools should get that message to their students. Some won't get that info at home.

[@sbclaridge]

When I was in high school (2009-2010 school year) we had for-profit college recruiters coming to visit and speak to classes at my school. They even came to visit AP classes. When I learned about the predatory practices of for-profit colleges several years later, I felt a little disgusted that the principal didn’t put a stop to this. I know that not everyone was aware of their practices at the time, though, including school administrators and other faculty. I’m glad that didn’t fall for one of these colleges; I went to a community college and then transferred to a non-profit private university with regional “brand name” status.

[@charlesbosse9669]

I have a better understanding now, of what's happening with student debt. They trapped these youngsters into serious problems that only a miracle could get them out of it. Who do you punish for this!!? The colleges don't care about these kids or their problems. They just want to get paid very well, and indeed they did. Scumbags!!

[@elliebellie7816]

We had one high school guidance counselor for 1,200 high school students. How many "college" chats do you think I had with him prior to graduation? Exactly NONE. As my parents weren't college grads and knew nothing about college, I was left on my own to sort it all out. I knew nothing about what $550 per college hour meant or what a liberal arts college was about - I wasn't even in the top 30% of my class and wasn't ranked by ACT to be successful at any college anywhere! But I was courted by them all. Fortunately a lady at my church sat me down and explained a lot of things and helped me navigate a college education and I eventually went on to get my master's degree. Thank god for Mrs. Ivey.

[@conquerunderstanding7517]

Glad I never fell into their trap, I almost went to ITT in 1998 but I used my public library’s computer to do research, I read where the fine print stated the college was not responsible to get you employed and payments would be due 2 weeks after graduating. That told me it was a loan scam.

[@truther001]

Exactly!!!

[@genxx2724]

Their target market is people who aren’t smart enough to look into things.

[@NotLikeUs869]

@@genxx2724 A lot of military and veterans fell into this “trap” and ended up being the main ones losing for a class action lawsuit so maybe you should have “looked more” into your sources before putting your foot in your mouth.

[@genxx2724]

@@NotLikeUs869 I stand by my statement. It’s embarrassing that we have military and veterans who aren’t smarter than that. It also strikes me as odd that some people leave the military without having learned a marketable skill. Sad.

[@jc.1191]

My friend fell for it. No IT job, he drove a truck.

[@KandyGTV]

I just looked at my school bill and my university has added $1000 in miscellaneous fees, for stuff I don't even use, to my summer tuition. It's disgusting how these schools can overcharge students for anything they choose.

[@clemzahrobsky2137]

my son went to pitt and we had to pay for medical insurance and when we said he has it thru my work their answer was not everyone does so i paid for them.

[@razorsharplifestyle101hard9]

College debt is evil its forcing females to do onlyfan x rated content and prostitute.Smh

[@jazzyj6640]

I would have asked for an itemized bill for that charge.

[@jennyb4069]

“Recruit anyone with a pulse.” - sort of says it all…

[@WaterproofSoap]

For profit housing... For profit healthcare... For profit education.... Can't capitalistic avarice and ambition be satisfied with the myriad of markets that would still exist without these fundamental human needs being exploitable to the Nth degree??

[@victoriancu7358]

Thank the government for all its subsidies in these markets.

[@ewanfraser]

Are you breathing free air? Enjoy it while you can.

[@DAWN001]

The three Hs must be wrangled out of the hands of profiteers

[@Ignorantintellectual]

@@ewanfraserI can’t enjoy the air where I live due to living in “diesel death zone” and near a bunch of factories. AND I’m in California…. Capitalism ruins everything lol

[@AmericanAntiCorruptionAct]

Student debt isn't about irresponsible young people taking out more loans than they'll be able to pay back. It's about a corruption cycle between loan companies, lobbyists, and our lawmakers, designed to make them rich and powerful - AT YOUR EXPENSE.

[@frankgrabasse4642]

Notice it's democrats calling out the problems. Republicans defending the status quo and allowing the problems to continue.

[@chippy89ify]

yes exactly that is the problem

[@LemonDropYum]

Imagine wanting to be a nurse and having this option available. It's complete fraud.

[@user-go8vi5lb6u]

Most people were conned,scammed and suckered into getting those loans,when most students were encouraged to go to college when they did NOT have the grade point average required and did not get a high enough score on their SAT/ACT,, therefore got suckered into taking those bogus college entrance exams to get in that placed students in high school remedial courses to catch up college level,,that were 0 credit courses,,so when students were required to complete those remedial courses along with their Full-time required courses within that semester,,most could not complete all that work in that timeframe,, therefore most lost their financial aid and then wind up quitting and dropping out...smh😑

[@dyneslair3158]

Making a school for profit in the first place is a huge problem because it incentives profits over the quality of education for students. I understand arguments about it making the cost of school cheaper and what not but in the end for profit colleges means the students loose everytime. Same can be said for many things like for profit prisons etc.

[@ZMAN_420]

It's part of our great CAPITALISTIC/DEMOCRACY? Scam as much money as possiblle. And if things go real bad and you have to file chapter 7 all your debt is GONE! EXCEPT STUDENT LOANS? SCAM! Edit and ruin the country in the mean time. This is sickening!

[@ryanharvey9800]

Same thing with Healthcare

[@ZMAN_420]

@@ryanharvey9800 Agree, unfortunately it's true. Very sad! Makes me want to throw up!

[@ryanharvey9800]

@@ZMAN_420 yup its absolutely pathetic we been fed propaganda for decades saying America is the greatest country when in reality were a shithole fuck I have to go to Mexico to get my dental work done that makes us garbage

[@bjmajor]

Add for profit health care to that list!!

[@cindyeisenberg8367]

Years ago I got my associates degree at the community college. It was very difficult. But, I got a quality education, was able to sit for boards and had no debt. Fortunately, I have a disability and am unable to work. But, I am much happier.

[@keciaaskew5166]

@cindyeiseberg8367 congratulations.

[@jessicasmith5728]

Years ago, those clowns from for profit colleges tried to get me to sign up. First, it was Kaplan and then it was Argosy University. Student loans is just a trap. I had to skip college because I knew I could not afford it. I now see it was a good decision considering I could be poor with debt.

[@leo-wr6do]

I walked in one of those places to get some info and I almost couldn't come out.

[@jessicasmith5728]

@@leo-wr6do They're very predatory too. Worse than if you decided to enroll in a state college. It's bad enough college in general is expensive.

[@kishascape]

I can't remember if it was everest or not but I almost signed up for one of those too cuz they kept saying I would get a free laptop to keep.

[@jessicasmith5728]

@@kishascape It could've been Independence University. I remember seeing a commercial from them years ago where they said they'll give you a free laptop if you sign up for their classes. They're still in business too. Still, getting a college degree even from an accredited state college is a gamble. When it comes to getting a good job in your field it's about who you know not what you know. Many employers want the ideal candidate to have experience in addition to their degree. There's an unwritten rule that you have to work an internship in your field of study the last two years of college regardless of whether or not you get paid a living wage. If your full time internship pays little to no money, you have to get a second job on top of that and still juggle college. And sometimes you could do all that work for nothing and still not get hired in your field. Sorry for the rant here.

[@jragon9215]

I went and graduated with a bachelors degree and all the debt wiped out by borrowers defense to repayment

[@Anonymous-pm7jf]

There are similarities between the current student debt crisis and that of the mortgage crisis. This is extremely simplified but the similarities stand. The mortgage crisis: In part to what contributed to the mortgage crisis is that the banks would make money writing loans to borrowers regardless of whether they felt they could make payments. Then they would offload the loan (and risk) to the government (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). Student debt crisis: College and universities can charge whatever they want to students because they know the students will have to take on a loan and the loans usually come from the government. The government guarantees the loans whether the student could make payments now or in the future. The colleges get their money and the risk is transfered to the government.

[@jennyb4069]

Targeting unsophisticated clientele/homeless… don’t even start me on the bridge loans they offered Vets - ugh!

[@eshin2422]

You also left out one huge difference. At least in the mortgage crisis... as horrible as it was as terrible as it got. You could say screw it, I've messed up, I need to start over, and file bankruptcy. That option is not there (except in VERY limited cases) for student loans. You take this debt on, you are stuck with it.

[@Dchane]

@@eshin2422 I have also heard in some cases the loans were passed on to family if the borrower had passed away. That is so messed up...

[@RobertRoberts329]

Correct. All these issues of debt and degree inflation happened only after the federal government started guaranteeing loans to anyone for any degree regardless of likely outcome.

[@ElenaSanchezMora]

Since this was produced by Frontline, Trump became president and made Betsy DeVos the head of the Dept. of Education. She quickly turned things around to favor for-profit colleges and thus people kept getting screwed.

[@jennifertarin4707]

I went to an open house for what was Parks College in Arlington, Virginia. I ended up being enrolled that same day despite not being ready to settle on a career program. Within a year, it became Everest College and within 10 years, they closed their doors and my transcript and degree were useless. I was not able to work in my chosen field until almost 10 years after leaving the school. I liked the professors who were attorneys and many were still practicing law or were in the military. Now, I owe thousands of dollars in student loans that I can't afford to pay and I can't afford to pay to go back to school to get a real degree.

[@extra_ice_girl]

I hope your loans are forgiven since you did not receive what you paid for.

[@1Letter23Numbers.]

I hope this situation is resolved in your favor and that if you are still able and want to return to school you are able to do so. Best of luck to you.

[@thebadhombre9917]

Dummy

[@darrellmortensen9805]

You got a stupid tax. What where u thinking? Didn't u think u must pay back? No just jumping in!

[@MikaelChoi]

The higher education system of this country should seriously reform. It's become blatantly childish.

[@olivertaltynov9220]

Man, you should reform the country as whole.

[@jakebredthauer5100]

The United States should not be funding education.

[@olivertaltynov9220]

@@jakebredthauer5100 The US should represent the will of citizens. If the citizens want it or that, the US policy should follow. It is called a democracy. It is pretty obvious that the US are not a democracy. At least not at the federal level.

[@jakebredthauer5100]

@@olivertaltynov9220 We need liberty, not democracy. A republic, not democracy. In a democracy, the minority has no rights. Do you want to abolish the US Constitution? Are you an atheist?

[@jenh7004]

@@olivertaltynov9220 First, the US is a representative democracy, not a pure democracy. Second, each state has autonomy inside a Republic. Think Rome.

[@tjmichael8773]

back in 2007 Phoenix kept after me for about a year to finish my undergrad. I kept trying to say I would pay as I go but they kept insisting I take out loans so i told them no. I ended up completing undergrad in 2013 at a state school with 17k of debt that I was able to pay off in a few years.

[@nicholasthompson7690]

I'm sorry

[@lailaaljazairia7884]

Also how Caribbean medical schools contributed and are still contributing to student debt crisis. Should investigate this subject.

[@KingTriton1837]

The higher education system in this country is embarrassing when you compare it to other countries.

[@Morning.Coffee]

Art Institute of Atlanta, Georgia conned my son out of 2 years worth of learning time, and me out of 2 years worth of widow's pension, before we realized what a scam this system was! Very heartbreaking for a mom and her bright student with high hopes!

[@moresalad221]

Im sorry this has happened to you. This administration looks to be putting those schools feet in the fire. My sister got loan forgiveness from some crappy college that misled her and didn't even help her get a job. Im in debt with 30K from a school that has closed down named Santa Barbara Business College. Since then, I have recently graduated with my Bachelors and going to grad school with only 5k in loans. How are vulnerable populations supposed to thrive in an entrapped environment and society that keeps them poor their whole life?

[@adrianaalcala9693]

I was one of those Corinthian College enslaved debt scammed students. It has been a nightmare. Supposedly I got forgiveness months ago and I'm still waiting on my refund........ I went to Heald College. Because of this scam I was delayed home ownership and other things

[@leabush2608]

Clark Atlanta university

[@angieware735]

This is why the cancellation of some student loan debt is absolutely o.k. with me. To watch these executives carrying on about the bundles of cash they made all while peddling snake oil infuriates me to no end. They should be the ones shouldering this debt- not the tax payers but I digress, I do not mind if my tax dollars are used to alleviate the mess the for- profit college industry created.

[@frankgrabasse4642]

They need to claw back the money from the thieving executives who took it, We have a problem in this country. If you shoplift $5 in goods to feed yourself you get 60 days. You rip off $100M wearing a tie you get to keep it.

[@valhallabound4912]

@@frankgrabasse4642 you fn nailed it... Also why does it take 4 years to get a degree when you can get the same degree in Europe in 3 years? ANSWER..... 1 more year to milk the student of more money.

[@kishascape]

The debt students owed from the corinthians was announced to be canceled actually earlier this month. Though the President and Department of education has been dangling stuff like that in front of everyones noses for 2 years now about other loans without ever actually following through on it.

[@cortezyvonne]

AMEN

[@Manx123]

Holy, how are you alleviating anything, you stupid bitch? The Federal Government is the one that owns these loans, meaning it simply loses that money with the money being cancelled, not to mention most of those loans are for these types of universities anyway. To think these are the stupid fuckers that hear a program like this and think it's swell. Thank God the Supreme Court is going to stop this nonsense.

[@nitsellecotto]

I had a teacher that would come in every morning asking us (the students) what did she say we were going to do today in class. it looked like she winged it everyday. I'm paying thousands for this class I shouldn't have to remind a teacher of our assignment on the daily or feel I'm learning nothing. I was so upset I didn't even present my final. I just handed it to her.

[@katheodenweller2292]

I do remember having several classes like that‼️🫤 By the time I got to grad school, I spoke out a lot more. Whenever an instructor did NOT grade, and hand back our papers before the next assignment was due, I would ask during class, in front of everybody; What are the changes to the syllabus, as we don't have our papers back yet, and we have another paper due next class?. And I only remember one instructor being a jerk about changing it, and being very rude. I do recall other instructors definitely making it a point to do his/her job right. I guess some ppl just aren't accountable, unless they're held accountable.🙄 Higher Education can be really tough. I think getting through it, is much harder than the actual academics of it, especially if you have to work. 🙂

[@noongourfain]

@@katheodenweller2292 If I told you what my 4 year degree BA consisted on in the 1980's? I think you might believe me! My professors were just there to get a paycheck, first I was accused of cheating when I hadn't.....then they outright told me to cheat!!! What is the point of paying 60K PLUS a year for a 4 year BA degree?? I cannot understand why people still pay for their kids to do this?!?! Meeting the "right" people? Making the "right" connections??? Higher education can be a SCAM! buyer beware!!!

[@Trolltastically]

I’ve been waiting for an update on this topic! Please do not for profit colleges next. - signed, a tenured professor at a “normal” public college that treats students the same way as for profits, about to be laid off and replaced by adjuncts

[@1Letter23Numbers.]

That is so messed up.

[@keciaaskew5166]

I attended an online college called Grand Canyon University. I didn’t do my research on the college. When I did my research Grand Canyon University is a for-profit college. And I have to pay for my student loan. I blame myself because I knew I got myself in a situation that I can’t get out of.

[@Trolltastically]

@@megatunnage1 untrue. But luckily the faculty didn't get laid off at my college. 250+ other people did though, including my secretary. And all the adjuncts did. I left anyway. It was soul crushing and untenable

[@Trolltastically]

@@keciaaskew5166 did you know you can apply for loan forgiveness through the dept of Ed? They're super fraudulent. You might qualify. Check it out and their requirements!

[@elliebellie7816]

@megatunnage1 Actually, you CAN get laid off even if tenured. In my state, any person in any profession can get fired/laid off/whatever you want to call it for any reason/no reason at any time with no notice. Even though we have tenure, we sign annual contracts telling us this. You can always sue and hopefully get some sort of compensation but nobody is guaranteed anything.

[@blaisetelfer8499]

4:16 that guy wants to brag about the actual salary but can't because he probably reported something a lot lower to the IRS

[@Psychology]

That's definitely the impression I got from it

[@Chopsuey087]

I remember the itt tech recruiter calling me in 2008. He would put me down and say things like if I didn't sign up I'd be poor my whole life. Glad I didn't listen to him and went to community College instead. Graduated with no debt and multiple job offers.

[@keciaaskew5166]

@Chopsuey087 Omg that’s crazy, unbelievable.

[@douglasmasone7144]

Everyone associated with Phoenix was part of the plot. What I was told, they only had so many chairs in a classroom. They designed the student turnover deliberately to promote turnover because they were getting paid even for a year students were attending. Now Phoenix is basically online and they use a different model. They have survived, survived financially, survived criminally except for the students.

[@stoneymcneal2458]

And the American tax payer foots the bill for this fraud. Sounds just like the bank bailout of 08/09.

[@xtscarfacem8255]

Geez and all this in the "best country in the world". Americans should forget about that label for good!

[@Jay-jb2vr]

Lmfao

[@James-mw7zv]

Greediest country in the world

[@whywelovefilm7079]

Better than any other country. By far…

[@theycallmetundraboy914]

It honestly makes me sick how predatory these companies are. Telling a homeless person to take out more loans. Just horrible....

[@KandiKlover]

Seems it's part of a cult. They said they went to the scientology anti-psychiatry museum for their psych rotation. Scammmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[@kishascape]

That poor Jame Jone guy thinking they were actually going to give him real architectural training.

[@1Letter23Numbers.]

That made my heart hurt. He wanted to do better in life and he got a major slap in the face. I hope he landed on his feet and is doing well.

[@1Letter23Numbers.]

"Accredited by the commission for non Accredited schools." 🙄

[@meejinhuang]

Who allowed them to operate? Someone was asleep on the job.

[@m.woodsrobinson9244]

More like someone got paid very well!

[@ZMAN_420]

The politicians profit also from this SCAM. They also need the lobbyist money to get re elected.

[@fitawrarifitness6842]

You can never awaken someone pretending to be asleep.

[@scott7388]

Note they showed the stock market 📈.

[@kmlund42]

Our corrupt politicians do not cease to dissapoint. Taking advantage of the poor and people who may not be ready for a rigorous education is shameful.

[@Durgenheim]

Since I graduated from a large state university 5 years ago, my alma mater has spent tens of millions of dollars on new campus buildings. The administration keeps approving themselves for pay raises while faculty pay remains stagnant and tuition continues to rise. It's very disheartening to see a system which should be used to build a better future for the country is instead simply another all-too-familiar American moneymaking enterprise that damages the fabric of society.

[@Trolltastically]

Tenured SUNY prof here. I’ve seen it over and over again too. I’m about to be laid off and replaced by an adjunct army while admin hires more consultants. My campus and other area public campuses build new buildings for enrollment purposes when academic buildings are literally crumbling. We keep gettin new VPs of nobody knows but the title is 15 words long. When I was a grad student I remember watching documentaries from Jonathan Kozol and other people in his realm about the divide in public inner city and rural education compared to private schools or elite public schools. How urban and rural schools suffer similar issues of underfunding, no heat, leaking ceilings, bathrooms in disrepair. I had no idea that when I became a professor I’d be stepping into this landscape, and essentially being treated like a disrespected public school teacher. Do more with less, take on more work, pass everyone and if you don’t, admin will harass you. I want the last 20 years of my life back

[@koms1121]

If you’re interested in this subject, The Debt Trap: How Student Loans Became a National Catastrophe, by Josh Mitchell is a fantastic book released last year that shows the history of the student loan program in America up to today

[@LSUtiger607]

Let’s summarize. The federal government gives two homeless people a $30K loan and colleges make large profits. The federal government cancels federal student loans and these colleges go out of business. Anyone else see a pattern here? Did I miss the part when the journalist asks a government employee, “how did a homeless couple qualify for $30k?”

[@lostpony4885]

Its an educational loan stupid. Everyone qualifies. The lies of job placement and the lack of promised job skills lead to default not the creditworthiness of the victims.

[@daveg4963]

College is a racket.

[@daveg4963]

@@sillyseattlecat you don't get it.

[@fumanpoo4725]

@@daveg4963 Are you getting it? Really getting it?

[@daveg4963]

@@fumanpoo4725 while the getting is good mate!

[@LemonDropYum]

Went to community college, transferred to University, graduated debt free. How people can get into huge debt like that breaks my heart.

[@camaya9065]

This was a really good documentary. I can not believe those nursing students went to a daycare and a Scientology location for their rotations. They weren’t even offering an accredited program. No accreditation board is going to let you do something so silly.

[@sbclaridge]

Absolutely disgusting. This should not be happening. Get more people information and the facts about for-profit colleges, especially those vulnerable to their tactics, and the sector might either dry up or be forced to improve.

[@robertfeinberg748]

Univ. of Phoenix had a stadium but no team or cheerleaders.

[@bradhicks4057]

That's Naming Rights, just like all the stadiums with corporate names.

[@robertfeinberg748]

@@bradhicks4057 I know, but for scandalized cos, they should be taken down, as occurred with Enron, and I think Wells Fargo's charter should be cancelled and Buffett should be fined billions.

[@qondohmbokwana9013]

Man: "they want to get this $288 from us" Woman: "from you"

[@erics9489]

How do they make these incredible documentaries so quickly after a story breaks?!?!

[@BlueBaron3339]

The story that broke was the student loan debt forgiveness. This doc was originally broadcast shortly after Corinthian's demise in 2015.

[@nitsellecotto]

This aired in 2016.

[@erics9489]

@@BlueBaron3339 that makes more sense.

[@Pcarnevaaa]

Frontline popping out these bangers recently

[@supermodestmouse]

So how does the government not go after the people responsible for making the colleges? They obviously know where these people are... How do the government continue to allow these "colleges" that teach little to nothing and have non transferable credits to still exist? Let's stop the bleeding before we start cleaning up the mess otherwise it's just a losing battle. Also, let's re-encourage trade schools. College isn't the only option.

[@ZMAN_420]

Because alot of Politicians personally profit from these SCAM SCHOOLS. And the Politicians need the lobbyist money to get elected. That's why are CAPITALISTIC/DEMOCRACY IS NOT ALL THAT? Unless your in on the scam.

[@patriciawalker5208]

We should have never taken the trades training out of high school.

[@ZMAN_420]

@@patriciawalker5208 Dam rite I went to work at 18 got lucky became a member of a union and it's good. Now im 39. But I do understand not everyone gets that lucky.

[@FaithandNova]

You didn't hear the Clintons benefitted from it so how many other govt officials benefitted?

[@ZMAN_420]

@@FaithandNova Everyone single politician benefits. Especially with the stock market they have insider knowledge? But for normal ppl INSIDER TRADING GETS YOU PUT IN PRISON.

[@samanthaandrea790]

[@johnnicholson7026]

"Trading with an expert is the best strategy for newbies and busy investors who have little or no time to monitor trade.

[@haydenwilliams5047]

"I strongly advise you against self trading, it's really dangerous and had brought so many investors down, you need someone with the knowledge and strategies, someone dedicated to the crypto currency market business, and I will strongly recommend expert, Mrs Debra Dianne Brooks.

[@samanthaandrea790]

[@haydenwilliams5047]

@Lei Wei "tell her i referred you.

[@graceweber4512]

" Thank you for providing her contact here because this is not the first time I am hearing about Debra Dianne Brooks and her trading exploits, she has really made a name for herself. I would reach out.

[@lanaydeangelo7849]

Just received my discharge letter today! Loan has been completely discharged. I graduated valedictorian in massage therapy. Best I could make was $14 an hour. Everest completely lied. I was told by a massage envy hiring manager and a couple chiropractors that I didn't know what I was doing and to find a diff career.

[@xxyyzz8464]

I was already employed before this crap, and I saw from the inside that our recruiters and those doing hiring would NEVER hire any from the University of Phoenix or any of these schools. Anyone with that on their resume went straight to the shredder. I tried to convey this to a University of Phoenix student in the nicest way, and even saw how horrible their curriculum and teachers were, but they didn’t or wouldn’t believe me and finished their last year took on another $12k+ of debt and never got a job in their field…. ever. It was another “start over” story.

[@sunnyd4734]

21:21 - Ok, who is this guy's barber? 😆🤣😂😃

[@zaidagrace2263]

I'm still paying on loans from The Art Institutes. It was the most expensive mistake I made.

[@lesliestockerdill4625]

The Corinthian College founders made a fortune due to government backed student loans funneling students to their worthless college. Do a story on where the founds are now and how they spend their money.... paid for by US taxpayers.

[@Rancher247]

I tutored a student in a statistics class at the University of Phoenix prior to graduating. What I was helping the student with were the same formulas I learned in my 2nd week at a State University statistics class. University of Phoenix education is pathetic....

[@1Letter23Numbers.]

To be fair, unless that was an advanced class, maybe they were just taking their stats class to complete their requirements. What was their degree in?

[@Rancher247]

@@1Letter23Numbers. just happened, they were both in the 101 level. That’s funny, I would not compare advance to a basic course.

[@dfinite4089]

So imperatively informative.

[@Val-kp6fs]

Many recruiters and employers I’ve talked to see the degrees from those schools as sub par. For ex. if you have a Bachelors from one of those schools, I’ve been told that’s viewed as having an Associates to the hiring party. Also they are super expensive some charging 3-4 x what the local community college does.

[@DharmaTime-is-now]

Hey Frontline, how do you do this story and leave out the part that student loans are the ONE kind of debt- apart from taxes--- that can't be discharged via Chapter 11? People are on the hook for the loans until they die so there is no disincentive for the finance companies.

[@jaboulhosn3809]

This!!!!!!

[@susiefairfield7218]

Everytime they say Corinthian....i hear Ricardo Montalbán's Voice 😂

[@kadewells214]

Smooth Corinthian Leather

[@griffinfornell]

Wouldn’t it have just been easier for the White House to post this on their feed?

[@BlueBaron3339]

"Accredited by the association of unaccredited colleges and universities." 😂 🤣 Oh, those ads!

[@_nimrod92]

I almost fell into this trap with ITT and Devry when I was looking for a CS program when I was much younger and thank god I took the slow route of going to a CC and then transferring into a public 4 year after. My degree is accredited by the Cal State University system bearing full national and state degree program accreditations. It was difficult to get my degree as it should be. I know all colleges are businesses at the end of the day but reputable established systems with curriculums that garnered present day professionals aka alumni must be taken into account as a measure of gauging on the quality of education you will be obtaining.

[@derekm424]

What a bunch of crooks

[@Forensource]

I worked in a technology company. Every so often, we would get a DeVry College grad to an interview. They always seemED so cocky - but their skill set was bizarrely lacking. They might know how to use an oscilloscope, which had nothing to do with our business. But they would not know how to troubleshoot a Windows desktop.

[@virginianative847]

The first 2 mins of that guy talking is sick, I’m sorry for everyone that got took advantage of these schools.

[@JL_Lux]

This guy is doing an amazing job in these interviews!!

[@MikaelChoi]

We need a part 2.

[@ElenaSanchezMora]

You mean where Betsy DeVos decided these for-profits were the best thing since sliced bread? Maybe after TFG goes to prison…

[@jritz619]

This is why I have trust issues. I’m glad I don’t listen to my teachers about going to college.

[@jragon9215]

I’m glad I never got married and and kids and would of had an even bigger problem.

[@juliboi08]

This is America!

[@osogreat4557]

I went to Wyotech. Graduated in 9 months and was offered $6.00/hr. How was I go pay student loans when I can’t afford to eat. Jobs said that the education received there was just like preparation to get in the door that they had to train me. People who did not go to school was getting the job that I was in debt for.

[@Otaku155]

Can we just finally admit that part of the problem is that hiring for jobs is no longer based on merit?

[@landshass2849]

As a business deal, paying money for a college course to get 3 credit hours is a risky business. You pay to get educated and end up with a arrogant professor who has a full power to give you an F with no one in the universe to question him/her.

[@frankgrabasse4642]

This is completely wrong. Get the school handbook. Lookup grade appeal.

[@Jay-jb2vr]

Reminds me of my time at Everest in Dearborn 2012..

[@TheTarrMan]

Say it with me. . . "McVersities"

[@katheodenweller2292]

Private Colleges & Universities should NEVER be FUNDED by Government Guaranteed Student Loans. Private Colleges & Universities charge outrageously more than Public Colleges and Universities, for what is very often an "inferior" education. With the money Private Universities make off the students who attend those institutions, they could provide their own Student-Lending Services, which would, at the very least, force the Private Colleges and Universities to be accountable. I went to a well-known private university in Colorado, and they literally went after Veterans to get students who potentially had GI Bills, along with their Government Education Grants, as well as the potential students qualifying for their Federally Guaranteed Student Loans.🙄

[@truthteller4442]

Then they wouldn’t have any students, because no one intelligent has ever gone to these schools. That’s just the truth. All colleges are for-profit (as is anything in life), and all colleges take accept federal student loans. The only difference is regular (good) colleges are properly accredited….these so-called “for-profit” colleges (again, EVERYTHING in life is for-profit) are not. These schools were developed solely to be taxpayer loan scams. That’s the sole purpose they exist. Instead of calling them “for-profit,” just call them what they are…..”scam schools.”

[@tetchuma]

Why not penalize any recruiter that was involved in these scams???

[@brianwideman2342]

Home of the free , land of the greed.

[@jazzyj6640]

Wow, I can’t believe this is actually legal. It’s disgusting.

[@csantana1971]

I did attend FMU that later was Everest Univesity and I did attend Corinthian College classes online. I hope this cuts at least half of my $51K debt.

[@jennifertarin4707]

My debt will likely still stand because I attended BEFORE they were indicted on all of these charges which really, really sucks.

[@1Letter23Numbers.]

If they shuttered their doors you should have your debt wiped. Anything less is wrong and unfair. I hope this is resolved in your favor.

[@MikaelChoi]

Frontline teaches a lot more gold knoweldge in an hour than college does in 4 years.

[@DrPirateDinosaur]

Martin Smith? LETS GO

[@quintinmason3723]

any way we can discharge our student loans since we was taken advantage of?

[@559bman]

Ethics applies to everyone in the government except those elected officials who impose ethics on government workers. This is one of the major enablers keeping issues like this occurring in multiple industries. Edit: IMO take the money out of lobbying meaning no campaign contributions.

[@ZMAN_420]

Agree 100% 👍

[@jennyb4069]

Ethics, yes!! Don’t forget “appointed.” Look at DeVos’ financial disclosures, distressed debt student loans. DOE is in charge of Title IV funds…

[@ZMAN_420]

@@jennyb4069 In my opinion CAPITALISM/DEMOCRACY ARE EVIL!!!

[@RGuzmanish]

I blame students for not doing their research!!! This is equivalent to blaming fast food for obesity...the consumer needs to understand the consequences for thier actions!!! Its about the program (certifications, licenses, and job market) not the school! This video is targeting weak minded to develop a victim mentality!

[@OCFilmFan]

It wasn’t just Corinthian Colleges. It was all for-profit universities whose enrollment policy is to ‘admit’ students based solely on their FAFSA eligibility. These for-profit universities were basically cashing in on social security numbers. The U.S. government could have put a stop to this simply by capping the amount of student loans any one school could have outstanding at any given time. Once a school hits its student loan cap, the school can no longer receive federal funds until existing loans issued to their students are in repayment.

[@Zxx459]

" the myth - THE ECONOMY RECOVERS AND EVERYONE GETS A JOB"

[@cajunyankee785]

Countless private, not-for-profit, public, and even community colleges do this to an extent, too. Millikin University in Decatur, IL has misrepresented job placement statistics for decades. When I attended they claimed that "98% of our students are employed within 6 months after graduation." After I graduated, went to 50 interviews, and was still jobless, I went back and spoke to them. Their attitude was "our responsibility was to educate you, not to get you a job." Funny, that's not what they told me BEFORE they robbed me of $30,000 and my time. The government went after Corinthian because they were the largest and most egregious example, but they don't have the resources to go after every college that does this, because doing so would topple higher education, both public and private. DON'T GO TO COLLEGE. IT'S A RIPOFF IN EVERY WAY.

[@aolvaar8792]

I went to the Highest median starting salary from a public institution in the USA. $1000/year, which was paid by a former alumnus. The Highest 20-year ROI from a public institution in the USA. 115 IQ 1450 SAT Top 1% 3.75 GPA min Why loan money to a 70 IQ village idiot? He does not meet the above standards.

[@onceuponadime978]

As usual wealth runs from the bottom to the top and takes advantage of the most vulnerable

[@FollweilerHealth]

wow. I'm not sure what to say, but this was well produced

[@josephmarzullo]

Unfortunately the government is corrupt. I have always advocated for liquidating it and replacing it with a fair government that doesn't take bribes from private industry. But I am just the canary in the mine Everyone deserves to follow their passion without roadblocks. Want to be a nurse, engineer, etc? There needs to be a clear and transparent way to get there. Not everyone can make the cut, but you shouldn't go into debt to find out.

[@bizquikboy]

25:30 This Secretary of Education said almost word-for-word the exact same thing as the 2010 Secretary of Education in Frontline's previous companion piece when posed with the same question. Unbelievable.

[@horoszkodevora4824]

As a student that's attended the junior college system, the California State University system and for profit College system, I can say that the Corinthian system is a mockery of education.

[@renegrace1]

The school should be responsible in getting their students employment in the field that you got a degree. If you don’t get a job, (of course there needs to be guidelines), than students should not be accountable to pay back their student loans. It’s a shame all that money and time spent for nothing! Rotten, evil 👿, greedy folks!

[@sejembalm]

We could use the budget of the Department of Education to directly pay 75% of the cost of state schools. The FREE COLLEGE debate was introduced to me years back during the Obama administration when some statistician discovered that the Federal government could just pay for 75% of college tuition for state colleges without increasing the ~65 billion dollar budget of the Dept. of Education. The plan was the Federal government would pay for 75% of the cost of books & tuition in public schools. The state that the school is located in could pay for the rest, a lesser percentage, or nothing if they want to, but the states are in charge of maintaining high standards and pressuring their colleges to keep the tuition costs down. Private schools and for-profit colleges are exempt from this proposed program (as they should be because taxpayer funds should not subsidize such private enterprises). For-profit colleges are giant rip-offs that only train around 13% of the students, but comprise 50% of the amount of student loans and around 50% of student loan defaults, so let them get by on non-federally insured loans. And this plan would also cut out the needless middleman of banks that administer the federally insured student loans. Let's do it! If not totally free college, then only having to pay 25% of the outrageous cost of college (less if the states want to contribute to make their public colleges attractive and competitive) would be good without raising the budget of the Department of Education.

[@jakebredthauer5100]

Why should the government be funding education?

[@cbrindle91]

@@jakebredthauer5100 why shouldnt it? They pay for k-12, dont they? Or rather, the taxpayers do. Where would you want your tax dollars to be spent? Education and healthcare for every citizen in "the greatest country on the planet?" Or paying private military contractors, oil and coal barons, bailing out wall street gamblers, and all the other shady shit that happens with our tax dollars?

[@jakebredthauer5100]

@@cbrindle91 Your argument is bad because you have offered only two choices.

[@RazgrizWing]

@@jakebredthauer5100 You've offered nothing productive to the table other than "government bad".

[@jakebredthauer5100]

@@RazgrizWing Chris asked Where I wanted tax dollars to be spent. Maximum liberty is achieved when the government is not funding things it does not need to be funding. Close the department of education.

[@dominikfele9247]

This is sick. From prospective of european standards. This is just making money from poors

[@martingainty9623]

What happens to all the money these people gave to these schools?

[@bradhicks4057]

It went for operating expenses - buildings, instructor pay, staff, those bonuses to recruiters, Shareholders, lobbyists, lawyers, executives, those huge advertising campaigns covered it the story, etc.

[@katheodenweller2292]

@@bradhicks4057 That's definitely NOT where ALL of the money went‼️🤑Those 5 CROOKS who started the company ALL OWN SEVERAL MANSIONS, YACHTS, etc., and are big republican campaign funders. In fact, that's where MOST of the money went; to fund their new lifestyles‼️🙄

[@marwinsteiner5817]

Where can I find the report about zenith education group? (23:39) I'd like to get my hands on that if possible. It's for a scientific research piece.

[@MsJobs-fc9jp]

How did these students not know this was fraudulent? There's no mention of admissions qualifications, no ACT or SAT requirement and no entrance or placement exam like what occurs at real colleges. It appears they were given a hard sales pitch and vigorously encouraged to sign up for student loans. How sad.

[@dadvsdiabetes4621]

Yea they got me. I was hoping to change my life after being a failure. “No upfront costs@ works well for people with low income. Fell for it plain and sinker.

[@Deathtofrogleghorn]

You’d be surprised. I knew at a young age not to even go there. I knew since elementary school these places were sketchy. As a kid, I started hearing horror stories about them like their credits not transferring to other colleges. Then those credits were only valid in that municipality and/or state if they met the state’s education requirements. A lot of these for profit colleges here in Ohio didn’t. Then you saw a lot of their graduates working at fast food joints. I knew something was wrong then. I did notice that that the students they were taking in were not the brightest bulbs or quick witted. They often struggled in school and no college would take them. They were too stupid to pick up on the high pressure sales tactics as well. When someone is getting that pushy to get you to sign up for something, that should tell you something is wrong with that entity. That’s how ITT Tech got my classmate. She had a learning disability in high school and enrolled. She was easily manipulated into doing stuff and is easily sweet talked into anything. She also missed all of the bad news coverage ITT Tech was getting right before they shuttered like them getting financial aid stopped, them filing for bankruptcy, etc. They still enrolled her and she had almost completed her degree when they closed. The sad part is, the teachers still but on a “graduation ceremony” for them because they felt bad that the school closed before it but that didn’t change the fact that 1, they didn’t even do finals, and 2, their degrees are now useless since the school is gone. The diploma wouldn’t have been valid because they didn’t complete the course since they closed a week before the semester was over. Another for profit got my neighbor who was in some massage therapy program and they shuttered right before she was done. She too wasn’t all together upstairs either.

[@FaithandNova]

You have to think about many of the ppl who signed up felt no hope, was sold a dream and were easily manipulated. It happens all the time to ppl in different areas of life. Look how many ppl Madoff scammed, he sold them a dream.

[@dadvsdiabetes4621]

@@Deathtofrogleghorn your right I was uneducated I was a single father who worked at target who couldn’t get accepted into any school that didn’t have the time to go to a traditional school. I wasn’t into school to begin with hence why I worked at target. I looked for a change and was fooled into signing up. It took me 1 year to realize how bad this school was. My parents pressure kept me from de enrolling I didn’t want to be another failure again. Then by the time I was about to finish my “degree” they shut down leaving me in debt. I felt like the world was against me. You have no idea how much this loan discharge is going to help me and my daughter. I don’t have any other debt but from this school. And at last I will be free.

[@katheodenweller2292]

@Ms. Jobs That's exactly what happened. The qualifications were qualifying for student loans.

[@Ceek2353]

A many others left their graduates with the same problem - no assured employment and neck deep in student loans

[@guybeauregard]

That's the end? If so, that's incredibly depressing.

[@Swordart2022]

In my country schools are tested a lot and they don't give you stamp go make a school without needing X Y or Z and without accreditation.

[@jedimaster6442]

I received an email getting all debt waived, I use to watch commercials from Maury tV show about these schools. I went to ask information and the lady didn’t even ask what I’m interested, it’s like she just signed me up and brainwashed me during the whole process . I just turned 18 and the pressure was crazy to sign up