Navigating Higher Education: A Look at Everest Community College and the Broader Landscape

Everett Community College (EvCC) stands as a beacon of educational opportunity in Snohomish County and beyond, offering a diverse range of programs designed to equip students for high-demand careers and personal enrichment. With over 125 degree and certificate programs, EvCC caters to a wide array of interests and aspirations, organized into nine pathways that support students aiming to transfer to four-year institutions, enter the workforce directly, or enhance their professional skills. However, the landscape of higher education, particularly the for-profit sector, has faced scrutiny and challenges, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making when choosing an educational path.

Everett Community College: A Foundation for Success

Founded in 1941 as Everett Junior College, EvCC has a rich history of serving the community. Starting in a converted elementary school, the college moved to its current location in north Everett in 1958 and officially became Everett Community College in 1967. Today, EvCC is governed by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges and administered by a five-member board of trustees appointed by the Washington state governor.

EvCC's commitment to equity and social justice is evident in its diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environments. The college also prioritizes sustainability, raising awareness and implementing sustainable practices. Furthermore, EvCC ensures accessibility for all students by offering various supports, including inclusive teaching practices, accommodations for students and employees, universal design approaches, and digital accessibility.

Educational Opportunities at EvCC

EvCC offers a multitude of educational options, including:

Degree and Certificate Programs: More than 125 programs are available, spanning from business to STEM to arts and humanities.
Job Upskilling Programs: Designed to enhance professional skills and prepare for career advancement.
Personal Enrichment Courses: Opportunities for lifelong learning and personal growth.
Professional Certifications: Industry-recognized credentials to boost career prospects.
Corporate Training: Customized training programs for businesses to stay competitive and profitable.
Adult High School Diplomas: Helping adults complete their high school education.

EvCC's impact is significant, with thousands of degrees and program completions awarded since its founding. The college serves as a vital educational and economic engine for the region, empowering individuals and strengthening the community.

Campus Life at EvCC

Being a Trojan at EvCC is more than just academics. The college offers a vibrant, welcoming, and supportive campus environment where students can make friends, explore their interests, and enjoy a variety of activities, including:

Student clubs and leadership opportunities
Fitness facilities
Campus events

Located near the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound, EvCC offers scenic views and peaceful green spaces. The campus features modern and classic buildings with state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, a vibrant library, and a student fitness center.

The For-Profit Sector: A Cautionary Tale

In contrast to the community-focused mission of EvCC, the for-profit college sector has faced significant criticism and legal challenges. One prominent example is Corinthian Colleges, a company that operated Everest, Heald, and WyoTech colleges. Corinthian was founded in 1995 by five executives at National Education Centers, a struggling trade school in Irvine, California. The men engineered a leveraged buyout and renamed the chain Corinthian. For a time, it was one of the world’s largest for-profit college chains - and one of the biggest moneymakers. offered hundreds of pricey trade school and technical degree programs, all of them advertised as boosting students’ career prospects. The company, traded on Nasdaq, had a profit margin of 14 percent in 2010.

Corinthian's business model relied heavily on federal education funds, as many of its students qualified for financial aid. However, the company engaged in deceptive and unlawful practices, including misrepresenting job placement rates and the quality of its programs. This led to numerous lawsuits and investigations by attorneys general in 21 states.

Deceptive Practices and Financial Exploitation

Corinthian's recruitment tactics were often aggressive, with many admissions officers being former telemarketers. The promise of career success was at the heart of the recruitment pitch. Recruiters marshaled impressive statistics to buttress their claims that a Corinthian education promised “a better career, a better life, a better way to get there,” as advertisements put it. To boost placement rates at campuses in Georgia and Massachusetts, the company allegedly paid employers to give graduates temporary jobs, federal regulators said. The placement rates were of crucial importance to Corinthian - and not just for recruiting.

Many students who enrolled at Corinthian felt deceived, complaining that their courses were not focused on relevant training or were not rigorous. For example, Corinthian began 2010 with 86,000 students and ended the year with 110,000, an increase of 24,000. But along the way, 113,000 students left.

To circumvent the Department of Education’s so-called 90/10 rule, which required for-profit colleges to derive no more than 90% of their revenue from federal student aid, Corinthian marketed "Genesis" loans to its students. These private loans had high interest rates, often exceeding 14 percent. Between 2011 and 2014, students borrowed $568 million in Genesis loans, Senate investigators found. Staff members got bonuses for collecting past-due loans. Collectors pressured students who were slow to pay by cutting off their computer access, pulling them out of class and banning them from campus.

The Collapse of Corinthian Colleges

By 2014, the Genesis defaults, investigations, and negative publicity had put Corinthian into a financial tailspin. Enrollment dropped below 75,000, and the company reported losses of more than $90 million. The Department of Education put a 21-day hold on releasing federal education aid funds to Corinthian, further reducing revenue.

In an attempt to salvage the situation, Corinthian sold 58 campuses to a nonprofit set up by ECMC Group, which also owns a major student loan collection agency. However, the remaining campuses were closed. In May 2015, Corinthian filed for bankruptcy, reporting less than $20 million in assets and $143 million in debt.

The Department of Education forgave student loans held by about 11,000 former Corinthian students, most of them in California. The California Attorney General’s Office obtained a default judgment against Corinthian, ordering restitution and penalties totaling $1.1 billion.

Read also: Florida's Everest University

Lessons Learned

The Corinthian Colleges saga serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of the for-profit education sector. It highlights the importance of:

Due Diligence: Thoroughly researching and evaluating educational institutions before enrolling.
Accreditation: Ensuring that the institution is accredited by a reputable organization.
Program Quality: Assessing the rigor and relevance of the curriculum.
Job Placement Rates: Verifying the accuracy of job placement statistics.
Financial Aid: Understanding the terms and conditions of student loans.

Rockland Community College: A Historical Perspective

Rockland Community College (RCC) offers a contrasting example of a community-focused institution with a long history of serving its community. Founded in 1959, RCC has opened its doors to more than 200,000 students seeking an affordable and accessible two-year education.

The establishment of RCC was the result of years of effort by local leaders who recognized the need for a community college in Rockland County. After initially rejecting it, state university officials had approved the proposed site for the college, a former almshouse for destitute residents set amid 26.5 acres of cabbage and tomato fields, apple orchards, a pumpkin patch and a grape arbor in the pastoral hamlet of Viola. The vote to approve the college was hard-won, with the Board of Supervisors ultimately approving the resolution by a narrow margin of 3 to 2.

RCC's early years were marked by a commitment to providing quality education and meeting the needs of the community. The college offered a range of programs designed to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or for entry into the workforce.

Making Informed Choices

Choosing the right educational path is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. While for-profit colleges may offer seemingly attractive options, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and to conduct thorough research. Community colleges like EvCC and RCC provide affordable, accessible, and community-focused alternatives that prioritize student success.

When evaluating educational institutions, consider the following factors:

Accreditation: Is the institution accredited by a reputable organization?
Program Quality: Does the curriculum align with your career goals?
Faculty: Are the instructors experienced and qualified?
Student Support Services: Does the institution offer adequate support services, such as advising, tutoring, and career counseling?
Cost: Is the tuition affordable, and are there financial aid options available?
Job Placement Rates: Are the job placement statistics accurate and verifiable?
Reputation: What is the institution's reputation in the community and among employers?

By carefully considering these factors, students can make informed decisions that will lead to a successful and fulfilling educational experience.

tags: #Everest #Community #College #history #programs