University professors have spoken out against plans to expand the number of private universities, over concerns it may lead to higher dropout rates and lower academic standards.

In a letter to the Daily Telegraph, professors say that proposals sent out in the Higher Education White Paper will “condemn generations of students” to an experience similar to that in the US where many students fail to complete their degree and struggle to pay off loans.

Many academics have called for the Government to reassess the plans which will make it easier for private providers to enter universities, The Telegraph reports.

The letter, circulated by the University and College Union (UCU) and signed by 471 professors, describes the situation in the US, where only one-in-five students at for-profit universities complete a four-year degree, whilst a fifth default on loans within three years.

“People across the political spectrum care passionately about maintaining UK universities’ hard won international reputation and this letter from so many eminent professors shows that those responsible for building our strong academic reputation have grave doubts about the government’s proposals,” Sally Hunt, General Secretary of the UCU commented.

“The experience of for-profit universities in the US, which our Government seeks to emulate, has been a disaster for the taxpayer with public subsidies soaring while completion rates have fallen.”

Despite concerns from academics and the UCU, ministers say the new system will provide more choice for students and will include structured inspections to monitor standards of institutions accepting taxpayers’ money.

The Government have also stressed that students taking out loans will only repay a proportion of earnings above £21,000.

A Spokesperson for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said: “We want to see a diverse higher education sector, with built-in quality assurance, that focuses on a high-quality student experience. Under our reforms the Higher Education Funding Council for England will have a new duty to protect the interests of students.”

“Providers accessing student loans will also have to provide information about the employment outcomes of previous graduates.”

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by Victoria Bamber
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