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U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC-5th), the chair of the House Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness, apparently believes that for-profit colleges are more efficient and effective than real colleges.
According to a piece at Inside Higher Ed:
For-profit colleges have done a better job of being mindful about efficiency and effectiveness than their nonprofit peers, [she] said during a panel discussion on Monday. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools [an accreditor for many for-profit colleges] hosted the event, which was on workforce training. Representative Foxx, a North Carolina Republican, also said the federal government has not scrutinized nonprofit colleges with the same vigor as for-profits, noting that “accountability hits the new kid on the block hardest.”
The graduation rate at for-profit colleges is about 19 percent (it’s 22 percent at community colleges). The average student loan debt of students at for-profit colleges is $33,050 (it’s about $20,000 for public colleges).
How is this sector more effective?
Also, one would think Foxx would know better; she used to be the president of a North Carolina community college. [Image via]





















Bill Frank on December 07, 2011 5:47 PM:
Graduation rates and tuition costs should not be the determining factor on effectiveness. Profits tell you how effective an institution is. Institutions that make profits make campaign donations.
Joel on December 07, 2011 8:52 PM:
"How is this sector more effective?"
It's not. Foxx is a liar.
C. Stewart Stafford on December 08, 2011 8:24 AM:
ThIs is so untrue...the public higher education institutions in her district are excellent.
This statement is not a "vote getter." Maybe she has out grown " her
raising." Time to return to the hills, Rep. Foxx