Published: June 2016

Strong student protections still critical in higher education industry

Consumer Action joined a coalition of advocates in urging the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Provisions (HELP) to ensure any changes made to the Higher Education Act prioritize students above all else. The letter comes in response to concerns that Congress is considering ways to reduce oversight of colleges by implementing recommendations about higher education de-regulation by a task force made up of only representatives of the higher education industry and not a single student, consumer advocate or non-industry representative. This comes at a time when, more than ever, higher education regulations and oversight need to be strengthened and improved to better protect students and taxpayers and to reduce unnecessary burdens on colleges that serve students well.

Coalition advocates urge the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions to ensure any changes to the Higher Education Act (HEA) prioritize policies that advance student outcomes above all else. Advocates are concerned by reports that the Committee is moving forward with a bill, based on the Task Force on Government Regulation of Higher Education, which would loosen accountability for institutions at a time when countless students are leaving college without a credential or with crippling debt far beyond the value of that credential. It’s imperative that any task force reviewing such legislation includes students, consumer advocates, or non-industry representatives to ensure the committee meets its responsibility of protecting the needs and interests of students and families. Schools that pose greater risks to students and taxpayers receive more oversight and scrutiny, not less.

Lead Organization

Center for American Progress

Other Organizations

American Association of University Women (AAUW) | Center for American Progress | 
Center for Responsible Lending | 
Consumer Action | Consumers Union | 
Demos | 
Faculty Forward Network
 | Generation Progress
 | Higher Ed, Not Debt
 | Institute for America's Future
 | League of United Latin American Citizens | 
Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition | 
National Association for College Admission Counseling | National Association of Consumer Advocates | National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients) | National student debt jubilee project
 | One Wisconsin Now | 
People's Action | Progress Virginia | 
Project on Predatory Student Lending at the Legal Services Center of Harvard Law | SEIU | 
SEIU Local 500
 | Student Debt Crisis
 | The Institute for College Access & Success
 | Veterans Education Success
 | Young Invincibles

More Information

For more information, please visit Center for American Progress.

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Strong student protections still critical in higher education industry   (BurdenLetter.pdf)