About the Predatory For-Profit College Industry
For decades, the predatory for-profit college industry has exploited the promise of higher education. The industry specifically targets low-income students, people of color, immigrants, veterans, and others trying to build a better life for themselves, their families and their communities. Many are the first in their family to attend college. This industry draws nearly all its revenue from taxpayer dollars and relies on deceptive and relentless sales tactics to recruit students, leaving them worse off than they started. The Project’s landmark cases on behalf of student borrowers work to end these predatory practices and hold those who enable them accountable.
Featured Cases
Britt v. Florida Career College
Lawsuit against Florida Career College (FCC), a Florida-based for-profit college chain that has been systematically targeting Black students and selling a predatory product using false representations and high-pressure sales tactics.
It's as if I never attended any higher education institution and just have bad credit with a massive debt with no real job prospects.
Manuel A., Sweet v. DeVos
“The Department of Education recognizes that I was defrauded by this school, but because of a ridiculous formula, I only get 10% relief. It’s insulting. I have worked hard to succeed despite all the harm that Everest caused to my life and career. I am not looking for a handout. I just want accountability and a process that is fair for everyone”
-Sammia Pratt, Pratt v. DeVos
We were overcharged and undereducated and then Everest left us high and dry... I was poor my whole life and didn’t want my family to put up with the same thing. And here I am, 6 years later with nothing to show for my education and a lot of wasted time.
Andrea S., Calvillo Manriquez v. DeVos
News
Judge: By Resigning, DeVos Opens Door to Deposition on Student Debt Relief | Courthouse News Service
As a cabinet official, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos was virtually immune to demands that she be grilled about long delays and mass denials of student debt relief claims in a pending lawsuit. When she resigned from office last week, that changed.
Betsy DeVos Leaves a Controversial Legacy that Could Soon be Reversed | Washington Post
Betsy DeVos spent four contentious years as education secretary as a tireless advocate for school choice, an ally of for-profit colleges and a frequent opponent of federal consumer regulations and civil rights protections.
Betsy DeVos Stalled Obama’s Student Loan Relief Program. Borrowers Hope Biden Will Fix It | CNN
Just before President Barack Obama left office, he made it easier for students defrauded by for-profit colleges to apply for the federal debt relief they had long been entitled to. But the Trump administration, which disagrees with the policy, allowed a massive backlog of more than 200,000 claims to pile up — leaving some borrowers waiting throughout the entire administration to hear whether they’ll get a break.
Get Help
If you attended a for-profit college and need legal help with student debt problems, contact us by leaving a message on our hotline, 617-390-2669, or filling out our online intake form.
Sign Up for Email Updates
Join our email list to get the latest updates on our cases.