Here is an example of how motorcycle and automotive repair schools today increase profits by extending the amount of time it takes to complete their program. Back in 1978, American Motorcycle Institute said in an ad it required 3.75 months to complete their program in motorcycle repair. That's it! 4 months was enough time to produce an entry level technician. According to the ad, the option to take more classes was available to graduates of the core program. The ad doesn't say how long the additional classes were, but it was probably a couple of weeks. Back in 1978 I don't think the US governments was in the business of backing student loans, so it was unlikely most people could get loans for school. Schools had no other choice but to keep their programs reasonably short to make it affordable.
Motorcycle repair schools today take approximately 1 year or longer to complete. Students have no problem getting loans, in fact, schools have departments setup just for guiding students through the student loan process. The whole government backed student loan money encourages schools to find ways to increase their profits. You end up with overpriced schools with programs teaching content an entry level technician doesn't need.
This is exactly why I don't think the government should be involved in student loans. If things went back to the way they were, these school's would be forced to restructure and make their programs more affordable, and we wouldn't have the student loan debt problem we have today.
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