User:WWB Too/EDMC (Political activities)

Political activities
Starting in the late 2000s, EDMC was involved in lobbying and political advocacy work. One such area was the Department of Education's June 2011 "gainful employment rule" which limits access to federal student loan money for students attending private sector institutions with high post-graduation unemployment and default rates. EDMC opposed the rule's original draft, arguing that it limited minority and low-income students access to higher education.

EDMC established a PAC in 2009 to address politically important industry issues. During the 2010 elections its PAC donated more than $50,000 to organizations of both parties and politicians, including Democratic Congressman Jason Altmire, who opposed the "gainful employment rule", as well as Republican Congressman John Kline, Democratic Senator Michael Bennet, and the DCCC. An additional $850,000 was spent on 2010 lobbying efforts.

With other private sector colleges and universities, EDMC helped form the Coalition for Educational Success in 2010. Represented by Lanny Davis, the CES lobbied for changes to the "gainful employment rule". The coalition persuaded the the Department to amend the rule, making vocational programs and programs with the highest debt and lowest loan repayment rates ineligible for federal loans. Private sector providers were also given time to comply with the changes.