More Predatory Education

I don't see how this is such a bad thing. The vast majority of entrepreneurial ventures fail, but that is not considered an argument for not trying to start a new venture. I'm a little more skeptical of especially high graduation rates and whether the associated schools have tough enough requirements.

The authors specifically propose simply adding graduation rates as an accreditation factor, they are also fully aware that there are ways of manipulating those numbers and say as much.

In any case, the major difference between markets and government is that organizations on the market tend to disappear naturally. The market doesn't "punish" anything, the firm simply ceases to have the cash-flow necessary to remain open.

I'm so tired of the rhetoric of retribution in libertarian circles.

"There is no reason that states can't quickly build newer, better, more cost-effective public universities to educate people who are currently stuck in college dropout factories."

Huh? Are these colleges' buildings infected with Legionnaire's Disease or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? How, exactly, will putting up new college building buildings improve graduation rates.

I'm sure that $578,000,000 new public school in LA will have 100% graduation rates.

I think the article can be summed up "Today, three-quarters of high school graduates go after a college degree...". Call me crazy and insensitive, but it seems to me that our problem is a national consensus that its is good policy to subsidy the education of millions of students who are likely to benefit very little in terms of knowledge or social mobility.

When even automobile rental agencies such as Enterprise Rent-a-Car require all new hires to have university degrees I think a big part of the problem lies in delusional corporate HR offices. Many people who enroll at universities don't want to be there, but companies have an obsession with hiring nothing short of a BA.

In any case, the major difference between markets and government is that organizations on the market tend to disappear naturally. The market doesn't "punish" anything, the firm simply ceases to have the cash-flow necessary to remain open.

We have on daughter in "for profit" university and one headed to a different one next year (we hope). Graduation rates must be taken into account when considering this issue. Thanks for the insight.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation did a nice study recently showing pretty well why students fail to finish. The most significant factor was financial pressures. I don't believe the answer lay in government schemes either, but rather helping parents with college bound students to be able to set aside funds. Once it is possible to attend, the student(consumer) needs to know that the investment of their time and money will yield an adequate return. Studies show a degree is worth the investment, but these young adults are not used to spending at this level.

http://www.publicagenda.org/theirwholelivesaheadofthem

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/postsecondaryeducation/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/learning/Documents/diplomas-dropouts-report.pdf

The private college I work for is in the mid 60% range for graduation rate within 6 years, and we would still like to see that at least 15% points higher (without resorting to cranking up selectivity).

There is plenty to do in helping to streamline or simplify the process as well, whether that be in choosing classes, majors, financial aid, or aiding in social integration.