We cordially invite you to attend an insightful guest presentation by Sophie McGuiness, a distinguished Ph.D. candidate from Vanderbilt University. This event is planned to take place on Thursday, March 7, at noon in Claxton Complex, Room 206.
Sophie McGuiness, a member of the Leadership, Policy, & Organizations Program at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, is set to deliver a presentation titled “Can Public Investment in Community Colleges Draw Learners Away from For-Profits?” McGuiness will share her expertise and findings from her comprehensive research. This forward-looking discussion will explore the impact of for-profit colleges in the landscape of adult education and reskilling in the United States. Despite the apparent benefits these institutions offer, McGuiness will examine the contrasting outcomes for graduates from for-profit colleges versus their public sector counterparts, such as the disparities in debt, earnings, and employer callback rates.
Leveraging historical and recent federal investments in community college capacity, McGuiness will present her research on whether increasing funding to these institutions can shift student enrollment preferences away from for-profit colleges. Utilizing data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Department of Education, she will present the preferences of students at open-access institutions, filling a crucial gap in educational literature. The presentation promises to unveil significant findings, such as the sensitive response of for-profit enrollments to public sector funding, and the effects of targeted grants, which could potentially lower the odds of community college applicants also applying to for-profit colleges. Students, faculty, and those interested in educational policy and economics are encouraged to attend this engaging session. It will be an exceptional opportunity to gain insights into the dynamics between public investment and educational institution choices, and how community colleges can position themselves in the competitive market.
Mark your calendars for what promises to be an incredible session with Ph.D. Candidate Sophie McGuiness. We look forward to seeing you at Claxton Complex, Room 206, next month for a thought-provoking presentation and discussion.