Internal industry documents reveal that for-profit colleges targeted “isolated” individuals with “low self-esteem” to boost enrollment during the 2000s.
Synopsis
Internal industry documents reveal that for-profit colleges targeted “isolated” individuals with “low self-esteem” to boost enrollment during the 2000s.
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Synopsis
F. King Alexander, a former university president, appears alongside students and lawmakers in Fail State, a documentary that investigates the rise of for-profit colleges in the United States. Directed by Alexander Shebanow, the film traces the origins of predatory practices to a 1970s congressional decision that shifted federal aid from colleges to students. Interviews with experts and former recruiters reveal tactics used to target vulnerable populations. The film premiered at the Austin Film Festival in October 2017 and later aired on STARZ.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See how federal aid fueled predatory college growth.
- Meet students affected by for-profit college scams.
- Find out about the 1970s policy shift impacting education.
Did You Know
- The film premiered at the Austin Film Festival on October 28, 2017.
- Fail State was directed by Alexander Shebanow, marking his directorial debut.
- For-profit colleges specifically targeted 'isolated' individuals with 'low self-esteem'.
- The documentary features interviews with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the documentary Fail State?
Alexander Shebanow directed Fail State, which marks his directorial debut.
What significant policy change in the 1970s contributed to the growth of for-profit colleges?
In the 1970s, Congress switched from providing aid to colleges to allocating grants and loans to students, which contributed to a market-based system that targeted vulnerable populations.
When did Fail State have its world premiere?
Fail State had its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival on October 28, 2017.
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