Ostensibly prestigious universities are partnering with online programs that offer non-degree courses to the tune of more than $10,000. Prominent names like Caltech, USC, and Georgetown have lent credibility to the programs, but they are little more than a scam facilitated by Obama-era deregulation.
These programs need more consumer protection oversight. In this case, they are branded as Caltech courses, but the university had little involvement other than stamping a logo. To make matters worse, companies like Simplilearn use predatory sales tactics to pressure consumers into the programs. It’s effective only because consumers are unlikely to question the credibility of online programs branded with Caltech’s approval.
As the New York Times explained, these partnerships exploded in the wake of Obama-era deregulation. It’s been a disaster, and the Biden administration must act quickly to protect vulnerable consumers. In July, however, the Education Department announced a delay in the rollout of revised regulations. This means we won’t have stricter rules until 2025, if at all. Meanwhile these practices will go on unabated for the entirety of Biden’s administration.
Other government officials cannot sit idly waiting for the Education Department’s snail-paced revisions. We need enforcement actions from state and federal regulators against corporations that violate existing consumer protection laws.
Image Credit: “US Department Of Education” by MDGovpics is licensed under CC BY 2.0.