Career Education Report

For decades, the U.S. has prioritized the four-year degree path, but millions of workers thrive through alternative routes. In this episode, Kyle Hayes, Senior Director of Public Policy at the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), joins host Jason Altmire to discuss how one bipartisan proposal could fundamentally change workforce preparation. The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act would allow families to use 529 Savings Plans to fund short-term credentials, career training, and workforce development programs. With strong bipartisan support and minimal federal cost, this policy shift could be the key to unlocking more affordable, practical education pathways for millions.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

To Chef Robert Irvine, the star of “Restaurant: Impossible” and author of the book “Overcoming Impossible,” career schools aren't just another way to acquire an education: they're the foundation of America. Irvine tells host Jason Altmire that his experience in the military and as an entrepreneur has shown him that industry-focused schools not only outperform traditional schools, but are on the cutting edge of training workers of the future. Irvine emphasizes the importance of teaching emerging technologies, such as robotics and AI and urges educators to focus on career training that integrates these cutting-edge technologies. Yet even as education and the workforce evolve, Irvine believes the heart of education remains the same: leadership and teaching are rooted in empathy, which is why he invests in people, not products.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

The idea that a four-year degree is the only path to success is becoming increasingly outdated. Dr. Michelle Van Noy, Associate Research Professor and Director of the Education and Employment Research Center (EERC) at Rutgers University, joins host Jason Altmire to explore the expanding world of alternative education pathways. From non-credit programs and short-term credentials to community college career training, Dr. Van Noy discusses how student decision-making is shaped by geography, industry needs, and field-specific constraints. She also highlights the critical need for better data to understand which programs truly deliver results.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

How can career colleges break through the noise and reach students who are truly ready to succeed? Wharton marketing professor Dr. Cait Lamberton joins host Jason Altmire to explore how strategic messaging, authentic influencer engagement, and attention to the true wants and needs of students can reshape education marketing. Drawing on her work with the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor, Dr. Lamberton offers insights into what really motivates prospective learners—and how schools can better connect with the right students, regardless of their competing priorities. Discover how smart, student-centered marketing can drive both enrollment and meaningful outcomes.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

As students increasingly move away from the traditional college experience, many are seeking more flexible, affordable alternatives. Mega-universities, large-scale institutions offering accessible, cost-effective education, are rising to meet this demand. Dr. Bryan Penprase, Vice President for Sponsored Research and External Academic Relations at Soka University of America, joins host Jason Altmire to explore how these institutions are reshaping higher education. They discuss how mega-universities are redefining access, quality, and value for today's learners—and what traditional colleges can learn from their rapid growth and innovation.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Is a college degree the only path to success, or are skills the real key to unlocking career opportunities? Lydia Logan, IBM VP of Global Education and Workforce Development, joins host Jason Altmire to discuss the growing shift toward skills-based hiring and the rising importance of AI proficiency. They explore how individuals can future-proof their careers, the power of alternative credentials, and what this transformation means for employers and educators alike. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

In the U.S., 87% of congressional races are effectively decided in the primaries, locking in results long before voters head to the polls for the general election. This system encourages partisan politics and makes it harder for moderate candidates to succeed. Nick Troiano, the Executive Director of Unite America, joins host Jason Altmire to explore the structural flaws of the primary system and the reforms that could change the game. From ranked-choice voting to top-four primaries, they discuss how key changes could reduce polarization and create a political landscape that rewards moderation.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Higher education accreditation influences everything from institutional reputation to student opportunities, yet there are concerns that it has become more about bureaucracy than educational quality. In this episode, Christopher Bjornstad, executive director of A3STEP, joins host, Jason Altmire, to share his vision for a new accreditor that prioritizes student outcomes over excessive institutional governance. He also discusses how accreditors could better serve career education and skilled trades programs, which are often overlooked by traditional models. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

With 25% of bachelor's degrees and a staggering 43% of master's degrees showing negative return on investment (ROI), too many students are taking on student debt that outweighs the earning potential of their degree. Dr. Preston Cooper, a senior fellow at AEI, joins host Jason Altmire to break down his research on ROI in higher education. They discuss how tuition costs, low completion rates, and poor labor market outcomes create a ROI crisis in higher ed — and why taxpayers are unknowingly funding failing programs.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

As more students seek flexible and affordable education options, short-term Pell is emerging as a vital tool for creating equitable access to high-quality programs designed to meet evolving workforce needs. Kevin Stump, Vice President of Impact at the Education Design Lab, joins host Jason Altmire to share insights on this bipartisan initiative and its potential for transforming higher education. He also breaks down the Education Design Lab's micro-pathways and explains why these stackable, credit-bearing credentials are key to lifelong learning and upward mobility. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Darnell Epps, Founder and CEO of Thurgood Industries, joins host Jason Altmire to share his remarkable journey from growing up in Brooklyn's housing projects to graduating from both Yale Law School and Lincoln Tech. Together, they explore how job-focused education can bridge the skills gap, connect workers to in-demand careers, and uplift communities. Epps also reflects on the policy barriers that prevent greater access to career schools and discusses his mission to create workforce solutions through Thurgood Industries.

As 2025 ushers in a new presidential administration and potential shifts in higher education policy, host Jason Altmire sits down with Jon Fansmith, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and National Engagement with the American Council on Education. Together, they unpack the challenges of representing a diverse and sometimes conflicting range of interests in the higher ed community. Fansmith also offers thought-provoking insights on how data-driven accountability standards—focused on program success over institutional type—can pave the way for a fairer and more impactful higher education system.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

In an increasingly polarized and misinformed world, the ability to think critically and debate thoughtfully is more important than ever. Aidan Kestigian, Vice President of ThinkerAnalytix, shares how college students can sharpen these essential debating skills without creating a combative environment. She encourages the use of tools like argument mapping – a powerful teaching method that allows a group to visualize their arguments in a way that allows students to discuss the topic more neutrally. Join host Jason Altmire to see how people can argue better and how to deal with misinformation in a debate.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

The gainful employment regulations put in place by President Biden will have a devastating impact on many schools and students. Low-income and underserved communities will be hardest hit, especially those with workforce shortages and large populations of women and minority students. Join CECU's Jason Altmire and guests Josh Vasquez and Felida Villarreal as they discuss the real-world impact the gainful employment regulations will have on the communities most in need.

As AI continues to evolve, how can colleges harness its potential for good—streamlining teaching, boosting productivity, and preparing students for the workforce? Dr. Joe Sutherland, an expert in education and technology, shares his vision for using AI in the classroom. As the inaugural director of Emory University's Center for AI Learning, Dr. Sutherland is focused on helping students apply AI to real-world problems and fostering cross-disciplinary innovation. He also discusses the importance of maintaining core educational values—honesty, transparency, and a commitment to knowledge—even as technology advances faster than policy can keep up. Learn about the innovative ways Emory is preparing the next generation for success.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

In the realm of higher education, many believe there's a necessary tradeoff between acquiring a degree and gaining practical job skills. However, Ben Wildavsky, host of the “Higher Ed Spotlight” podcast and author of “The Career Arts: Making the Most of College, Credentials, and Connections,” challenges this misconception, making the case that higher education isn't as simple as choosing between two binary options.Wildavsky argues that the traditional view of higher education as a choice between theoretical knowledge and practical experience is both outdated and limiting. He emphasizes that both elements are essential for building valuable connections and achieving career success. Rather than viewing educational experiences in isolation, he advocates for a diverse approach that allows students to benefit from a variety of learning experiences to build their human capital and work towards a successful career. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

How can some of the biggest companies across New York find skilled workers to fill gaps in their workforce? Guest Kiersten Barnet may have answers. She is the Executive Director of the New York Jobs CEO Council, an organization made up of some of the biggest CEOs in New York. She tells host Jason Altmire that her organization is aiming to build a workforce and education system in New York City that benefits both workers and employers.Barnet explains that they create connections between New York CEOs and local talent from New York schools with the goal of hiring 100,000 low-income New Yorkers by 2030. They offer opportunities for high school and college students to pursue apprenticeships in their area of interest, opening a pathway to eventually securing a full-time job at that company. These opportunities can help to overcome barriers that New York students face in getting a degree, as they can get paid in a job in their field while they learn. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Biden administration officials at the Department of Education are engaging in a pattern of unfair regulatory scrutiny of for-profit institutions without applying the same scrutiny to other sectors, Michael Brickman tells host Jason Altmire. Michael is an adjunct fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and education policy director and senior fellow at the Cicero Institute with extensive experience in higher education.A former senior advisor to the U.S. Undersecretary of Education under President Trump, Brickman, says the Department often identifies a for-profit entity to raise concerns about, leading to members of Congress asking an external group to investigate. Brickman claims critics or members of Congress will then use these reports to create a snowball effect against the entire sector, leading to stringent regulations and, ultimately, government overreach of the for-profit sector. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

What if the key to effective leadership, communication and fostering good culture is as simple as just being nice? It may be, according to author and business owner Winn Claybaugh. He's the founder, co-owner, and dean of Paul Mitchell Schools, a group with more than 100 cosmetology or barbering schools throughout the United States. He tells host Jason Almire that his widely-acclaimed self-help book, “Be Nice (Or Else!),” still resonates more than 20 years and a pandemic later.Winn tells Jason that, while his background is in cosmetology and barbering, this idea of prioritizing kindness can translate to every industry because it goes to the heart of a fundamental need — people wanting to enjoy their job. He says the best leaders take responsibility for the culture of a workplace and use their influence to focus not just on systems, but making employees feel like they belong. And with that sense of belonging, he argues productivity and profits increase while absenteeism diminishes.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

With college football season upon us, Jason Altmire is joined by Chris Childers, sports radio host on SiriusXM's College Sports Radio, to discuss the seismic changes that have rocked the landscape of college sports in recent years. From the game-changing Supreme Court ruling in 2021 to the implications of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, the evolving transfer policies, and the ongoing debate over paying college athletes, Jason and Chris discuss it all. They also explore the growing role of gambling in college sports and ponder when the first major scandal might break. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Roughly 250,000 student loan borrowers were affected by more than 1,100 school closings between 2010 and 2020, according to data from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Higher Ed Dive senior reporter Ben Unglesbee shares insights from his reporting on the topic, shedding light on the factors that contribute to abrupt closures, the difficulties in anticipating financial crises, and the complexities of mergers as a potential lifeline for struggling schools with host Jason Altmire.The two discuss why colleges come to the decision to close, often to the shock of students and staff. The pair also address what can be done to protect students when colleges shutter their doors unexpectedly, emphasizing the importance of transparency, early intervention, and robust teach-out agreements.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

America's technology sector is facing an estimated shortage of 1 million to 1.5 million workers. That's according to Jennifer Carlson, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Washington Technology Industry Association Workforce Institute and Apprenti. Jennifer discusses the critical factors contributing to the shortage, including the industry's heavy reliance on college degrees, with host Jason Altmire. Jennifer explains Apprenti's innovative apprenticeship model designed to break the traditional barriers of entry into tech careers. Tune in to discover how Apprenti is reskilling candidates by offering accelerated classroom instruction and real-world job experience, all at zero cost to the apprentice.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

With over 50 years of experience, Dr. Bill Coplin shares his journey from questioning the traditional liberal arts model to pioneering a practical, skill-based approach with host Jason Altmire. Dr. Coplin says the current higher education system fails to serve students, who often view a college degree as something that should serve a direct purpose. He underscores the necessity of aligning coursework with students' interests, promoting experiential education, and emphasizing the need for internships.Dr. Coplin is the founder and professor of the undergraduate policy studies major at Syracuse University and a prolific writer. He has written over 100 books and articles. His latest book is “The Path to Equity: Inclusion in the Kingdom of Liberal Arts.”To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

In an ever-changing job market, it's more important than ever to learn skills that employers need now and in the future. Host Jason Altmire learns more as he chats with Tim Taylor, cofounder and president of America Succeeds. The conversation delves into what Tim dubs as ‘durable skills' – the skills that revolve around how employees use what they know. This can involve critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity, among others. Tim says these skills are key to the second rung of a career ladder, and that successful careers are impossible without these attributes. But importantly, Tim says these skills can be taught.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Former Vice President Mike Pence offered remarks at the 2024 Career Education Convention and sat down with CECU's CEO Jason Altmire for a live podcast recording with an audience of hundreds of career college leaders. They discussed their time in Congress together, representing opposite sides of the aisle, as well as the Vice President's views on higher education and the vital role played by proprietary career schools.

Learn about the intersection of education research and the labor market with host Jason Altmire as he chats with Jeff Strohl, Director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW). They explore the significance of certificates and certifications, the critical role employers play in workforce development, and the challenges of aligning educational programs with labor market demands.The discussion also covers CEW's annual ranking of colleges and universities. Strohl explains the variation among institutions, including the performance of for-profit institutions in delivering high-quality education to students. Additionally, they examine the benefits of short-term Pell Grants and the impact of the push toward transparency and accountability in evaluating educational outcomes.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) is an unabashed progressive, a member of the House Democratic leadership, and one of the most fiercely vocal supporters of civil liberties and racial justice. She has become an internet and social media sensation for her viral sparring matches with Republican colleagues and her relentless questioning of witnesses. She fights for issues important to her, and one of those issues is the right for all students to have access to the higher education setting of their choice, including for-profit career schools. Listen as she discusses the reasons for her support of for-profit schools, and why they are a positive career path for those from underserved communities. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Delve into the ongoing debate around for-profit education and accreditation with host Jason Altmire as he chats with Dr. Glenn Roquemore, a noted higher education consultant who served as president of both a community college and a for-profit university. Dr. Roquemore elaborates on why he thinks higher education is at a “low point” and why it is a prime opportunity to re-imagine postsecondary education.Their conversation explores the current state of higher education, with a spotlight on the declining confidence in traditional degree paths and the growing demand for career-oriented programs. Dr. Roquemore also argues that America should embrace an apprenticeship model in which businesses fund the apprenticeship, similar to that of Germany or Switzerland.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Explore the shifting roles of educational leaders with host Jason Altmire as he speaks to Melanie Ho, award-winning author and founder of the business consulting firm Strategic Imagination. Melanie explores the challenges facing leaders in today's uncertain environment and offers practical strategies for fostering collaboration, addressing cultural biases, and building trust within organizations. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders seeking to navigate change and inspire meaningful transformation in their organizations.Melanie also talks about her partnership with the Chronicle of Higher Education on a project addressing women in leadership, touching on systemic issues impacting women's advancement in higher education and beyond. The conversation explores the importance of reputation management for organizations and how leaders can navigate challenges in today's data-driven educational landscape. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Join host Jason Altmire as he delves into the transformative potential of apprenticeships in bridging the skills gap and reshaping the workforce landscape. In this episode, Altmire speaks with Ryan Craig, Managing Director at Achieve Partners and author of "Apprentice Nation." Craig, a leading expert on apprenticeships, highlights the need for alternative pathways to economic opportunity.Craig delves into why the United States lags behind other countries in apprenticeship adoption and outlines a roadmap for scaling apprenticeships across diverse sectors. He emphasizes the importance of intermediaries in facilitating apprenticeship programs and the necessity of government support to incentivize employer participation. Moreover, Craig discusses Achieve Partners' innovative approach to workforce development through its Workforce Fund.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Author Dr. Nate Klemp shares insights on the challenges posed by modern distractions and polarization with host Jason Altmire. In his book, "Open: Living with an Expansive Mind in a Distracted World," Dr. Klemp offers strategies for cultivating a more open and mindful approach to life. He also explores the impact of technology on our attention and mental well-being and outlines practical tools from his "Open Toolkit" to counteract the pull of digital overload. Nate tells Jason how modern life is causing people to “close” themselves off from discomfort, challenging emotions, or scary thoughts. Nate details the science behind what happens in a closed mind and stresses the importance of more intentional habits and strategies when consuming technology and information generally. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

The United States will have an estimated shortage of between 200,000 and 450,000 nurses next year. On top of that, more than 600,000 registered nurses plan to leave the workforce by 2027. Host Jason Altmire speaks with Patty Knecht, VP and Chief Nursing Officer for Ascend Learning, to learn more about the reasons for this drastic shortage and how to address this multifaceted problem.Patty explores strategies to address the shortage, including innovative educational approaches, support for nursing faculty, and the importance of diversity in the healthcare workforce. She also examines the role of government initiatives and the need for collaboration among stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Nicknamed “The Assassin” for her ability to bring down an entire company with her words, short seller Fahmi Quadir is renowned across the global financial markets. Driven by her trademark ruthlessness and meticulous research, she seeks to uncover wrongdoing by large companies she believes have engaged in criminality, fraud, and predatory business practices. The founder of Safkhet Capital, Fahmi has taken down giants across the financial world and has been profiled in multiple documentaries. Now, she's turning her attention to the for-profit education sector, which is the focus of this interview with CECU's Jason Altmire.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Stackable credentials can broaden access to both postsecondary education and professional training, but what exactly are they, and why are they important? Host Jason Altmire talks to Lindsay Daugherty, a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, about the value of stackable credentials. They discuss which fields offer the greatest opportunities for increased earnings through stackable credentials. Lindsay discusses steps states like Ohio and Colorado are taking to support colleges in developing these credential pipelines. Colleges play a crucial role in facilitating stackable credentials, and Lindsay explains key actions they can undertake to support the process.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

In this episode, host Jason Altmire discusses Georgia's pressing manufacturing workforce shortage with Stephanie Scearce, Director of Workforce Development at the Georgia Association of Manufacturers (GAM). The discussion unveils the challenges faced by manufacturers in the wake of unprecedented growth, particularly the surge in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing.Stephanie sheds light on GAM's proactive strategies to address immediate labor shortages while laying the groundwork for long-term workforce sustainability. Discover the challenges and opportunities in reshaping perceptions, engaging K-12 students, fostering a skilled workforce, and facilitating postsecondary partnerships to address Georgia's workforce needs.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Host Jason Altmire speaks with Edson Barton, the CEO of YouScience, an organization focused on bridging the gap between education systems and career opportunities. YouScience uses a unique approach to help students connect to future careers by understanding their natural aptitudes and aligning them with educational pathways. Edson discusses how the organization collaborates with postsecondary institutions to enhance student recruitment and retention. He also highlights how the roughly 16,000 employers within the YouScience system, ranging from Fortune 500 Companies to mom-and-pop local businesses, connect with students to meet workforce demands.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Host Jason Altmire and Cheryl Oldham, Vice President of Education Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, explore the critical issue of workforce shortages in America through the Chamber's America Works Initiative. They explore the role of education, including career schools, in addressing the skills gap and the evolving perceptions of alternative pathways. Cheryl emphasizes employer involvement in shaping the talent pipeline, particularly through their Talent Pipeline Management initiative. She also touches on the impact of childcare issues on women's workforce participation and the ongoing efforts to create a more supportive and flexible childcare system.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

In this episode, Jason Altmire speaks to Trace Urdan, Managing Director at Tyton Partners, who brings a wealth of experience in private equity research within the education sector. The conversation delves into the challenges facing higher education, including school closures and consolidations, the rising costs of college, and insight into online program management.  Trace tells Jason about the trends he's noticing in higher education, particularly how changing student demographics are affecting the finances of traditional institutions. He pushes back on the assumption that private equity is nefarious and causes bad outcomes in higher education. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

We need skilled workers to rebuild America, but for many, the barrier of education costs standsin the way. Host Jason Altmire speaks with Jennifer Maher, the executive director of theTechForce Foundation, about their commitment to helping individuals find career educationopportunities. They also discuss how individuals can apply for scholarships and grants, howschools can become involved, and other valuable resources.The TechForce Foundation will award $2.3 million in scholarships and grants this year. Mahertalks about the importance of this funding to enable workers facing financial hardship to pursuewhat she calls America's “new collar” careers.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Proficiency in AI will be crucial for students entering the job market. Higher education institutionsmust integrate AI into academic settings to better prepare students for the workforce. Guest Dr.Van Davis shares his research with host Jason Altmire. Dr. Davis explains how colleges areusing AI, as well as the benefits and challenges of incorporating AI.Dr. Van Davis is the Chief Strategy Officer for WCET – the WICHE Cooperative for EducationalTechnologies, an organization focused on digital learning in higher education. He's the co-author of a report on the use of artificial intelligence in higher education.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

It is no surprise that higher education is a complex enterprise, and within it, private and nonprofit colleges and universities face unique challenges. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with Dr. Barbara Mistick about working toward equity and navigating complicated regulatory, funding, and policy issues in higher education.Dr. Mistick is the President of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU). Dr. Mistick leads an association with a diverse membership of over a thousand private, nonprofit colleges and universities across the United States. From major research universities to liberal arts colleges, historically black colleges, and more, Barbara understands the challenges and opportunities facing higher education policymakers and administrators.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

An increasing number of Americans are losing confidence in the value of higher education. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with economist Dr. Beth Akers about the value of a college degree, the ramifications of student loan forgiveness policies, and the role of data in higher education accountability.Dr. Akers is a Senior Fellow with the American Enterprise Institute, with a focus on the economics of higher education. The conversation further explores the politics of student loan, forgiveness in addition to delving into Dr. Akers' book Making College Pay: An Economist Explains How to Make a Smart Bet on Higher Education.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Futuro Health is working to address the shortage of allied health professionals. Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health, about tackling the workforce shortage by providing a consortium of education partners and offering a human touch healthcare program, making healthcare careers accessible to a broader adult population.Ton-Quinlivan explains that, unlike traditional college processes that often screen people out, Futuro Health aims to bring individuals into the education journey by aligning qualifications with employer criteria and educational provider standards. They collaborate with education partners from all sectors of higher education to support their Futuro Health Scholars.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with Justin Draeger, President and CEO of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), about financial aid reform and the onslaught of borrower defense claims.They delve into the recent surge of borrower defense claims and how schools nationwide are grappling with them. The conversation explores questions and concerns, such as the lack of sorting at the Department of Education and the impact of these claims on schools. Draeger also discusses NASFAA's role in advocating for reforms in federal student loan programs and the challenges in balancing the desire for forgiveness with the need for systemic changes.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Student success is the most essential part of higher education. In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with Dr. Timothy Renick, the Executive Director of the National Institute for Student Success (NISS) at Georgia State University, to discuss how higher education institutions can implement strategies to get students back on track and improve graduation rates.Georgia State University successfully tackled low graduation rates and equity gaps by pioneering the application of predictive analytics. By tracking 800 unique risk factors daily, they achieved remarkable results, raising graduation rates to 70%, with particularly significant improvements for black, low-income, and Hispanic students. Dr. Altmire and Dr. Renick also discuss what steps institutions lacking resources can take to support students.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

In this episode, Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with Martha Snyder, a former senior policy advisor at the U.S. Department of Education under President George W. Bush. The discussion delves into the history and evolution of state funding for community colleges in relation to student outcomes. They explore the difficulties and advantages associated with linking state funding to accountability.Martha, Managing Director of Postsecondary Education Transformation at HCM Strategist, explains the balance between encouraging improved educational results while also ensuring inclusivity for the diverse array of students at community colleges. The conversation also touches on whether student outcomes at community colleges should be correlated to federal Title IV funding.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

In this episode, Dr. Altmire talks with Bianca Quilantan of Politico about Governor DeSantis' education philosophies, exploring his focus on both K-12 and higher education. They delve into the influence of his policies on faculty and administrators in higher education and the potential ripple effects of Florida's conservative education policies.Bianca Quilantan is an education reporter at Politico. Dr. Altmire and Bianca also discuss the intersection of higher education and politics, touching on topics such as short-term Pell Grants for career-oriented programs. Bianca believes that data will likely be a crucial sticking point regarding short-term Pell.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

In the past two decades, we have witnessed how technology has drastically shifted distance education in higher education. Dr. Jason Altmire explores this evolution with Dr. Leah Matthews, the Executive Director of the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Together, they discuss the evolution, challenges, and promising future of distance education in higher learning.Dr. Altmire and Dr. Matthews explore the upcoming rulemaking on state authorization and the significance of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Dr. Matthews shares her vast expertise and insights, on the future prospects of distance education, particularly with the emergence of AI and other education technologies.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

Cyber threats loom over every aspect of our lives, but higher education is especially vulnerable. Dr. Jason Altmire talks with Dr. Ted Reynolds about the rise of ransomware attacks in universities and businesses and how school administrators, faculty, and students can reduce the risk of cybersecurity attacks. Dr. Ted Reynolds is the Director of the Terrorism Studies Program in the Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Altmire and Dr. Reynolds discuss the critical role of cybersecurity in higher education, the impact of cyber threats on sensitive data, and strategies to ensure that third-party vendors practice good cyber hygiene. To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.

concerns and challenges surrounding the proposed gainful employment rule. Their discussion offers insights into the high school earnings test and the use of earnings as an accountability metric in higher education. Delisle's research findings reveal a considerable number of certificate programs at community colleges would fail the high school earnings threshold. Moreover, Delisle raises an important question about the government's role in subsidizing low-income credentials that hold significant value despite their lower income potential. Delisle is a non-resident senior fellow for the Center on Education Data and Policy at the Urban Institute. He is known for his extensive research on topics such as student debt, college enrollment, and the for-profit sector of higher education.

On July 1, 2023, the new borrower defense to repayment rule goes into effect. Dr. Jason Altmire speaks with Jonathan Helwink, a former senior official at the U.S. Department of Education, about some of the more alarming aspects of the new borrower defense to repayment rule that will impact all higher education institutions.Dr. Altmire and Jonathan discuss the evolution of borrower defense to repayment and the differences in approach between administrations, concerns about the backlog of claims, the involvement of third-party entities in filing claims on behalf of students, and the implications for nonprofit institutions. Jonathan is an attorney at the Duane Morris Law Firm specializing in higher education.To learn more about Career Education Colleges & Universities, visit our website.