Corinthian Colleges: The Predatory Institution That Exploited Black and Brown Students
For-profit colleges have been under scrutiny for years, and Corinthian Colleges Inc. was one of the institutions that epitomized all that is wrong with this industry. Corinthian owned Everest College, Heald College, and Wyotech, which it advertised as a pathway to a better future for low-income students. But in reality, Corinthian was nothing more than a predatory institution that exploited vulnerable black and brown students.
In 2015, the U.S Department of Education fined Corinthian $30 million for misrepresenting job placement rates to students; but it was too little too late for the thousands of students who were left with student loan debt, no degree or diploma to show for their time at these schools.
Corinthian’s targeting of vulnerable communities has had long-lasting effects on black and brown people seeking higher education. It was not by accident that they chose to set up shop in lower-income neighborhoods where there were limited options for higher education. These areas are typically predominantly populated by black and brown people.
The sales pitch made by recruiters at Corinthian sounded appealing – they promised prospective students access to affordable education without needing good grades or test scores. Many believed they would finally have an opportunity at upward mobility through obtaining a college degree or diploma from one of these schools.
However, once enrolled in classes at any one of its campuses across America; many found out quickly how misleading those promises were. Classes were poorly organized with unqualified instructors teaching outdated curriculums using materials not suitable for post-secondary studies – making it difficult if not impossible to transfer credits earned elsewhere should the student decide to leave before completing their program.
Corinthians’ recruitment tactics also played into racial stereotypes popularized in media narratives about Black Americans being lazy or incapable compared to white counterparts when selling programs like criminal justice administration or medical assisting.
Marketing materials featuring happy smiling students of color in the company’s advertisements were not a reflection of reality. These ads served as bait to lure students into signing up for programs that did not provide meaningful academic instruction, let alone career outcomes.
Corinthian was adept at using creative accounting methods to make it seem like they had high job placement rates. In many cases, Corinthian counted part-time jobs unrelated to the degree or diploma program as a successful outcome when calculating its graduation rates and job placements reports.
Additionally, Corinthian targeted vulnerable populations with predatory loans and financial aid schemes that preyed on their lack of knowledge about student loan debt. They would use tactics such as encouraging students to take out private loans with high-interest rates rather than federal student loans with lower interest rates.
To add insult to injury, once Corinthian’s fraudulent activities came to light; it left thousands of students with no options for continuing their education or finding gainful employment. This left them saddled with debt and no way to pay off those loans because they didn’t have any degree or certificate from the school they attended.
The impact on black and brown communities cannot be overstated – this is an issue that goes far beyond just one institution. The fact remains that these institutions continue to target low-income black and brown people who are desperate for opportunities but do not have access or resources available elsewhere due to systemic racism inherent in America’s educational system.
While there is little doubt that Corinthian Colleges Inc.’s business model was exploitative; we must recognize this case as one example of many where capitalism has failed Black Americans by creating systems designed solely for profit over serving our communities equitably.
We need education reform – specifically addressing how higher education serves Black Americans – so that future generations can avoid being exploited by institutions like Corinthian Colleges Inc. We must hold accountable those who seek financial gain through preying on vulnerable populations while working together towards building equitable systems where all individuals regardless of race or income have access to quality education.