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Higher Ed, Inc. The Rise of the For-Profit University
by Richard S. Ruch
Higher Ed, Inc.: The rise of the For-Profit University
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This book is a must read for anyone trying to understand why for-profit institutions of higher education have become so successful in the United States in the last ten years. Although the book was published a couple of years ago and therefore does not cover current events, it provides all the details one needs to understand the perspective of the author, an academic leader broought up in traditonal higher ed and now working in the for-profit world. Richard Ruch provides a unique perspective as a convert who knows both sides of the coin.
The book covers the majority
of the for-profit higher education world and focuses specific attention on Apollo Group (parent of University of Phoenix),
Argosy Education Group, DeVry Inc. (the author's employer), Education Management Corporation, and Strayer Education.
The book covers the history, finances, and academic culture of for-profit education in the United States.
I found the book to be balanced, although the author clearly is an advocate. Those who are not familiar with the for-profit world may finish the book surprised at the huge role that for-profits are playing in fulfilling the societal mission of providing access to effective education (and careers) to many whom the traditional system has failed. The very last section of the book entitled "What Is a Proper College Education" is worth the entire price of the book on its own, providing the best perspective I have ever read on the matter. |
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