In a sign that it's getting tougher on for-profit colleges, the Department of Education has ordered the resignations of the CEO and CFO of the International Education Corporation, the company in charge of Florida Career College. The decision comes as a result of allegations that FCC manipulated federal student aid eligibility tests. These “ability to benefit” tests are used to assess the readiness of students without a GED to attend and benefit from a higher-education institution. These manipulated eligibility tests were used to enable otherwise ineligible students to attend FCC. 

According to Kristen Donoghue, chief enforcement officer at the Office of Federal Student Aid, the vast majority of FCC students who were encouraged to cheat on the ability to benefit tests were left with student loan debt and no certificates. FCC formally closed its doors in February after being cut off from Department of Education financial aid. The resignation order highlights the shady tactics used by some for-profit colleges and hopefully will set a precedent for regulation in the sector. 

If your for-profit college has left you high and dry, either leading you into debt through misleading promises or by manipulating your eligibility criteria, the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm can help. Call us today at (888) 535-3686 or send us a message online. 

How For-Profit Colleges Put Profits Over Students 

For-profit colleges have been under increasing scrutiny for putting profit margins over quality education and the welfare of students.  

Manipulating the federal financial aid system as FCC is alleged to have done can leave students burdened with debt while failing to deliver on the promise of education and support. The case against FCC is hardly an isolated event, as many for-profit colleges have been penalized for deceptive and unethical practices. These businesses often market to low-income and minority students with the promise of a brighter future but, in the end, leave them saddled with debt and no valuable job skills.  

Students at for-profit colleges deserve and need vigilant representation to prevent exploitation. 

The reason behind for-profit schools' predatory practices is simple: they are businesses that put shareholder profits above the interests of their students. This leads to aggressive recruitment tactics, misleading promises about future careers, and lackluster educational resources. When students face issues, they confront powerful institutions that are more concerned with the bottom line than students' best interests. 

The Role of Lento Law Firm in Advocating for Students 

When for-profit colleges prioritize profits over students, having an advocate in your corner can make all the difference. Whether you're facing unfair disciplinary decisions, disputing allegations of academic misconduct, or navigating the financial aid system, the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team is committed to ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are upheld. 

The recent actions against IEC and FCC are a reminder of the dangers of the for-profit college industry. They also highlight the importance of student advocacy and the role of legal professionals in defending student rights. At the Lento Law Firm, we're committed to standing up for students in the treacherous world of for-profit education. Call the offices of the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or send us a message online today to ensure you have someone looking out for you.