College, Inc. (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

This segment introduces the concept of for-profit education, highlighting the booming business of finding students loans and providing them with diplomas. It discusses the appeal of online universities and the concerns about the fast-foodization of higher education. The role of educational entrepreneur Michael Clifford is explored, including his acquisition of failing universities and his partnership with significant investors like Jack Welch. The story of Clifford's personal transformation and entry into the world of academia is also detailed.

The second paragraph delves into the transformation of higher education in America, driven by entrepreneurs like Clifford. It discusses the demand for education from adult students and the failure of community colleges to keep up with this demand. The paragraph also explores the for-profit model of education, exemplified by the University of Phoenix, which has seen significant growth and has attracted substantial investment. The University's approach to education, including its teaching methods, facilities, and the business strategies that have made it successful, are also covered.

This section focuses on the profitability of online education and the capacity for rapid expansion it provides. It discusses the high cost of online courses and the simplicity of the online learning format, which primarily consists of instructor-led discussion groups. Concerns are raised about the potential loss of quality in education due to the convenience and ease of online learning. The importance of maintaining a traditional campus to anchor the university and build its brand is also highlighted.

The fourth paragraph examines the marketing and advertising strategies of for-profit schools, which rival those of multinational brands. It discusses the high costs associated with sales and marketing in comparison to the spending on teaching. The paragraph also touches on the recruitment tactics used by these institutions and the pressure they face to continually add students to maintain growth. Concerns about unethical practices and the industry's history of legal issues and negative press are also mentioned.

This segment discusses the importance of regional accreditation for colleges, which allows them to access federal financial aid funds. It follows Michael Clifford's efforts to save Patten University, a struggling institution, by leveraging its accreditation. The potential deal between Patten and the Dream Center, a non-profit Christian mission, is explored, along with the challenges and risks associated with turning around a failing college.

The sixth paragraph continues the discussion on the deal between Patten University and the Dream Center. It outlines the intentions to keep the operations non-profit while still seeking investors if necessary. The paragraph also addresses the political and regulatory challenges facing for-profit education, with a focus on the potential impact on students and the broader education sector.

The seventh paragraph examines the role of the government in regulating for-profit educational institutions. It discusses the potential for the government to intervene in cases where students have been misled, and the broader issue of student debt. The paragraph also highlights the debate over the value and purpose of for-profit education and the need for greater oversight to protect students and taxpayers.

The eighth segment focuses on the contentious debate over proposed regulations for for-profit colleges, particularly the gainful employment rule. It discusses the potential impact of these regulations on the industry and the efforts by for-profit colleges and their lobbyists to resist them. The paragraph also touches on the challenges faced by for-profit institutions in maintaining accreditation and the ongoing tension between investors and regulators.

The final paragraph steps back to consider the broader implications of the for-profit education model, both domestically and internationally. It suggests that the Obama administration may need to rely on the growth of for-profit colleges to meet its educational goals and raises questions about the sustainability and ethics of treating education as a business. The segment ends with a teaser for the next episode of 'Frontline/World,' which will explore the challenges of international aid and development.