Frontline Season 28 Episode 17 College, Inc.

In season 28, episode 17 of the acclaimed documentary series Frontline, titled "College, Inc.," viewers are given a deep dive into the world of for-profit colleges and universities. Frontline investigative correspondent Martin Smith takes viewers on a journey through the rapidly expanding industry, uncovering controversial practices that have left thousands of students in debt and without a degree.

The episode begins by revealing how the for-profit college industry has experienced an explosive growth over the past two decades due to a variety of factors, including the dwindling state and federal education budgets, the push for more Americans to obtain higher education, and the ease with which companies can obtain federal student loans on behalf of their enrollees.

Viewers are introduced to several former students of for-profit institutions who reveal how they were deceived by the promises of high-paying jobs and hands-on training, only to find themselves with a degree that was essentially worthless in the eyes of potential employers. Many of the students featured in the episode detail how they were pressured into enrolling in programs that were not a good fit for their skills or interests, and saddled with debt that they will struggle to repay for years to come.

As the episode progresses, Smith interviews former executives of some of the largest for-profit colleges and universities in the country, who reveal the inner workings of the industry and how it has aggressively pursued students at the expense of providing quality education. Viewers are shown how companies use marketing tactics to attract students who lack the necessary skills or training to succeed in higher education and how they prey on the most vulnerable populations, such as low-income students, military personnel, and single parents.

The episode also spotlights several politicians and government officials who have ties to the for-profit college industry, including former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and the late Senator John McCain, who sponsored legislation that would have enabled for-profit institutions to access more federal funding and weaken regulations safeguarding student borrowers.

Throughout the episode, Smith raises critical questions about the role of for-profit colleges and universities in the American higher education landscape and how the government should regulate these institutions to ensure that students are protected from predatory practices. Viewers are given a glimpse into the complicated and often contentious debates over the future of higher education in the U.S., and how the for-profit industry's impact on students extends beyond individual debt burdens, calling into question the overall value and accessibility of higher education for all Americans.

With compelling storytelling, expert analysis, and candid interviews with key players in the industry, "College, Inc." is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of higher education and the role of the private sector in shaping students' educational futures.