For years, predatory for-profit schools have plagued the American higher education system, aggressively recruiting students into high-cost, low-quality education and training programs with false promises. As the abuses of this industry continue to come to light, the SBPC has launched investigations into the companies and practices that allow these schools to operate with impunity, raking in billions of dollars in federal student aid while student loan borrowers are driven deeper into debt.
Shadow Lenders
Student financing companies that partner with for-profit schools to drive students to take on risky, high-cost student debt.
Unscrupulous Debt Collection Practices
Abusive strategies deployed by debt collectors and schools, including transcript and credential withholding, excessive robocalling, and even termination of enrollment for unpaid debts.
Forced Arbitration Clauses
Predatory contract terms are buried in agreements that for-profit schools require students to sign upon enrollment. These terms are used to deny students their right to sue when schools bend the law and cheat students.
Deceptive Marketers and Lead Generators
Firms hired by schools to boost enrollment often do so by making false claims and utilizing aggressive sales tactics to recruit low-income students, students of color, and military-connected students.
CDR Manipulation Consultants
Firms paid to manipulate federal accountability metrics, such as cohort default rates, that are designed to hold schools accountable.