Consumerism as a student-oriented approach to postsecondary education is one that rests on two fundamental premises: (1) it is important that students receive fair treatment in their roles as educational consumers; and (2) some current practices in postsecondary education are not adequately responsive to student needs. Consumerism implies a…

Three objectives underlying higher education consumer protection regulations are identified: protection from specific abuses, better student selections, and program quality. The author contends that the federal government should focus on preventing abuses, the other responsibilities remaining with the private sector including the voluntary…