The Wal-Mart of higher education?

[marmar]

via the American Independent:



University of Phoenix fought against community college expansion
For-profit university lobbied against community college bachelor’s degree programs; now seeks partnerships with community colleges

Sarah Pavlus | 12.06.12 | 12:52 pm | Republish


The University of Phoenix played a key role in defeating legislation that would have allowed community colleges in Arizona to offer low-priced bachelor’s degree programs, interviews and state records show.

The for-profit college, which is one of the state’s biggest employers, provided research and political muscle for a multi-year lobbying campaign against “community college baccalaureate degrees” – out of concern that those programs would undercut its business model.

For-profit schools and community colleges generally serve the same working, non-traditional student demographic, but tuition rates at community colleges are often much lower.

Historically, community colleges have offered two-year associate’s degrees, with students then transferring to other schools to earn a bachelor’s degree – also known as a baccalaureate degree. Recent efforts by community colleges to offer their own baccalaureate degree programs have been controversial, in part because they dramatically expand the traditional mission of these schools. ................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://americanindependent.com/218052/university-of-phoenix-fought-against-community-college-expansion

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