Enzi: For-Profit Education Essential Part of Developing Strong Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today urged Congress and the Administration to use a scalpel rather than a machete in their efforts to excise bad actors from for-profit education, warning that for-profit institutions provide the only practical means for many working adults to develop the skills and knowledge they need to obtain better jobs.

“Unfortunately, as in other industries, there are bad actors in the for-profit sector.  Some for-profit schools have attempted to game the system in order to gain access to more federal aid dollars,” Enzi said in a hearing regarding for-profit schools today. “That is unacceptable and I applaud the Department of Education’s commitment to ending this kind of behavior.  However, in combating this behavior, it is essential that we use a scalpel and not a machete.  Whatever protections are put in place must eliminate bad actors and ensure that we do not unintentionally harm students in legitimate programs.”

“These schools are increasingly reaching more Americans who are not served by traditional higher education.  They are an essential part of our efforts to provide every American with the skills necessary to be a valuable part of the workforce,” Enzi added.  “Thousands of students have chosen for-profit schools because they offer the flexibility in scheduling and training not readily available at traditional institutions of higher education.”

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