I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about how
proprietary schools have changed my life for the better, and why I believe that
the “Gainful Employment” requirement is, to use familiar words “arbitrary and
capricious”.
First, I met my husband at the proprietary school where he
was returning to school after having to leave to take care of his family; I was
attending a Graduate Program while working full time. While the results of that
serendipity are significant to my own path, it is the circumstances that led to
it that I wish to highlight. Both of us were approaching 30, and had very
limited options when it came to advancing our studies given our situations.
Because of the programs and flexibility offered, as well as the financial aid
and assistance available, we have been able to advance our careers and
financial goals in ways that would not otherwise have been possible.
Second, I have worked in proprietary education since late 2008.
Having worked for two different entities (Alta Colleges and EDMC), I can tell
you first-hand about the culture of these types of schools. When I began
working at Westwood College in 2008, I was immediately imbued with pride in the
work we were doing. Our students were lower-income, from struggling public high
schools, largely Latino and other minorities, and here they were able to achieve
and afford higher education. Every person on campus, from Admissions to Career
Services was dedicated to serving and elevating our students, creating
life-long learners and giving them not just a degree, but the knowledge, skills
and credentials to succeed and thrive in the workforce.
The culture is no different at Western State College of Law.
I have only been with EDMC for a few months, but what immediately struck me is
the incredible amount of love and pride with which each member of the Staff and
Faculty approaches their work. These are dedicated educators who approach the
growth of their students with passion and verve, and I find it difficult to
avoid feeling daunted to find myself among them.
It has been disheartening over the last few years. I have
seen many in Congress target these schools that have given me so much,
personally and professionally. I hear them accused of manipulating and abusing
their students, taking advantage of their hope and poverty and tricking them
into borrowing for degrees they’ll never be able to pay off. However, the
problem of unemployment and the shrinking market of skilled entry-level jobs is
universal. An undergraduate degree from Harvard may open more doors than one
from ITT, but if there are no doors to knock on it doesn’t much matter.
Targeting proprietary schools may seem like a simple
solution to the problem of rising student debt, but that growing deficit is a
symptom of the much larger issues facing our young adults entering the
workforce. I urge you to consider that proprietary schools serve those in this
country who need higher education the most. Many graduates from Western State
are first generation US Citizens, often the first in their families to finish
undergraduate studies, let alone to achieve a higher degree. Accountability and
outcomes assessment are important to all sectors of Higher Education; however a
better rule would apply to all institutions with fair metrics that assess value
over time.
Thank you,
Self-Rescuing Princess
