The Rise and Fall of Education Management Corporation: A Lesson in Higher Education Ethics
The Education Management Corporation (EDMC) was once one of the largest for-profit education companies in the United States. Founded in 1962, the company operated over 110 campuses in 32 states, offering courses in areas such as business, law, healthcare, and technology. However, in recent years, EDMC experienced a major decline, eventually filing for bankruptcy in 2017. This article explores the reasons behind the company’s downfall and what it says about the state of ethics in higher education.
The Beginning of EDMC’s Rise
EDMC initially gained success in the 1990s and 2000s by partnering with some of the country’s largest corporations, including Microsoft, IBM, and Dell, to offer career-focused education programs. The company heavily marketed itself as a fast, convenient way for students to get the education they needed to succeed in their chosen fields. However, the marketing tactics employed by EDMC often came under fire, with critics claiming that the company misled students about job prospects and the value of its degrees.
The High Cost of EDMC’s Education
Another issue that plagued EDMC was the high cost of its education programs. The company charged extremely high tuition rates, often leaving students with significant debt after graduation. In 2015, EDMC paid $95.5 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the company had falsely reported placement rates to the U.S. Department of Education, leading students to believe that they would easily find jobs after completing their degrees. The company was also accused of steering students towards loans with high interest rates, resulting in even higher debt levels.
The Ethical Questions Surrounding EDMC
EDMC’s marketing practices, along with its high tuition rates and questionable use of federal financial aid, raised serious ethical questions about the company’s motives. Many critics accused the company of preying on vulnerable students who were seeking a better life through education, while others questioned the ethics of a company that was so heavily focused on profits. The company’s CEO, John McKernan, was criticized for his lavish lifestyle, which included a $25 million yacht and a $3.5 million condo, while students struggled with increasing debt levels.
The Fall of EDMC
EDMC’s downfall began in 2010, when the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into the company’s admissions practices. The investigation revealed that EDMC had paid its admissions recruiters based on the number of students they enrolled, creating an incentive to admit unqualified students who were unlikely to succeed in their courses. The company was also accused of violating federal consumer protection laws by deceiving students about its job placement rates.
The investigation resulted in EDMC agreeing to pay $95.5 million to settle the lawsuit, as well as significant changes to its business practices. The company was forced to reduce its reliance on federal financial aid, resulting in a significant decline in enrollment. In 2017, EDMC filed for bankruptcy, citing declining revenue and mounting debt levels.
The Lessons Learned from EDMC’s Decline
EDMC’s decline serves as a cautionary tale for the for-profit education industry, which has long been plagued by accusations of unethical practices. The company’s downfall highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in higher education, particularly when it comes to the use of federal financial aid. It also underscores the need for a renewed focus on ethics in the industry, with a particular emphasis on putting students first and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
In conclusion, the rise and fall of EDMC is a lesson in the importance of ethics in higher education. The company’s practices were questionable at best, and its downfall serves as a warning to other for-profit education companies that prioritize profits over students. It is incumbent upon the industry as a whole to learn from EDMC’s mistakes and ensure that their practices align with the best interests of their students.
