It Is More Than a Degree: Exploring Consumer Protection Laws in Higher Education for For-Profit Colleges

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  In Roundtable Session: Understanding Labor, Social Mobility, and Opportunity Outcomes in Higher Education (Table 29)

Abstract

The escalating costs of college tuition have made higher education challenging to access, leading to an increasing reliance on student loans. This paper explores the implementation of consumer protection laws in higher education, particularly focusing on for-profit colleges. Neoliberal policies and critical race theory are used as lenses to understand the impact of market-oriented approaches and the potential perpetuation of inequality. The study emphasizes the importance of state-level regulation and the need to protect students from fraudulent practices. State governments must establish consumer protection measures to ensure accountability, and quality education, and safeguard students from financial burdens. This paper advocates for a state-centric approach to enhance consumer protection in higher education and foster equitable opportunities for students.

Author

• Filiz Akyuz, Indiana University