Inside Higher Ed

The Century Foundation released a report Thursday detailing the “deeply unsettling picture” of online program management companies’ involvement in higher education.

The report adds to recent scrutiny of the companies. And the progressive think tank advised colleges to steer clear of for-profit OPMs that incorporate tuition sharing, lengthy terms and bundled services in their contracts.

“If schools act quickly and effectively, they can make a lot of progress in curtailing this crisis, protecting their students and themselves in the process,” the report said.

After analyzing 41 contracts between private OPMs and public colleges and universities, Stephanie Hall, a fellow at the foundation, and Taela Dudley, a policy associate, laid out five “don’ts” for college administrators who want to pursue online education responsibly.

Don’t buy bundled services, they advised, and instead purchase specific, necessary ones. Insist on contracts that prohibit changes to pricing, recruiting or admissions standards based on enrollment in the program…. (continue reading)