Higher education in America can be broken down into three categories: public, private and for profit. State-funded institutions are considered to be public, they generally have a lower cost of attendance and offer a wide array of degrees. Conversely, private colleges are independently funded, have higher tuition rates and increasingly specialized degree options. Attendance in each type varies as well, with public schools hosting massive amounts of students and private schools retaining smaller numbers. Amidst these commonly known university types rose another college format. For-profit schools gained popularity in the 1970’s, characterized as businesses rather than educational systems, they have amassed a great number of critics and even more scrutiny in recent years.

Started as a subsidiary of the International Telecommunications and Telegraph Corporation, ITT Tech gained IPO status and branched off under the name of ITT Educational Services in 1965. Since then, the incorporated company known as ITT Technical Institute has opened more than 130 campuses across 38 states. The schools offered associates, bachelors and masters degrees in roughly 50 different areas of study.

Troubles began early, with lawsuits filed against the school in the 80’s on accusations of sub-par education and falsified statistics. These accusations followed ITT Tech to present day. Numerous investigations of the colleges have revealed information on high loan default rates, loan coercion, inflated student grade point averages, and most importantly a lack of proper accreditation. Official reports from the company itself informed students of the very minimal likelihood that classes taken in the over 400 programs offered at the institutes would transfer to other accredited universities. Given these violations, the U.S department of Education barred ITT Tech from enrolling students on August 25, 2016. Repercussive of this action, ITT Tech began closing all locations starting from September 6 and no less than 10 days later, the company filed for bankruptcy.

Students, previous and current, felt the consequences of this crash but have not been left to fend for themselves. Elgin Community College, among others, has reached out in an effort to aid these students and provide them with a sense of solidarity. Tyler O’Donnell, recruitment coordinator at ECC, provided further insight. O’Donnell, who has personally met with and spoken to former ITT Tech students believes that there is “definite interest.” Members of ECC such as O’Donnell are addressing students from “all over the country” in a bid to help. While the classes offered at ITT Tech no doubt differ from courses at ECC, an effort is being made to find solutions.

“…we are doing everything we can to accommodate students from ITT and make their transition as simple as possible,” said O’Donnell while also acknowledging that in reality, many credits may not be transferable.

Impact upon ECC students does not seem to be a concern as most ITT Tech students will likely find solace in schools across the country.

“You may see a few new faces in the Spring. . .[but] effect on ECC students will likely be minimal,” said O’Donnell.

These are reassuring words from the recruitment coordinator who truly believes that while community colleges such as ECC are natural allies for the displaced ITT Tech students, no harmful influx in attendance will be seen come next semester.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances faced by many students who attended ITT Technical Institute, all hope is not lost as colleges such as ECC have put forth a helping hand and are making strides to support them.