For-Profit Higher Education

The past few weeks have seen plenty of noise regarding for-profit higher education. It seems that at least a few of us are coming to understand that public money in the form of student loans and grants is at stake. Also at stake is U.S. competitiveness and the the integrity of a U.S. industry that is envy of the world: higher education.

Sadly, this issue will probably wash over into traditional higher education. I believe that in 10-20 years we will have state-level or federal-level (or both) certification of academic programs at all post-secondary institutions. I think certification of faculty will be part of that possible future. These efforts are well-intentioned but are also driven by a form of dangerous consumerism that tries to make education into a product like a hamburger or a form of infotainment.

Check out the latest dialog at insiderhighered.com and at The Chronicle of Higher Education online.