USC Faces Lawsuit from Former Master of Social Work Graduates

Former students of the University of Southern California’s (USC) Master of Social Work (MSW) program are taking legal action against the institution, alleging it failed to deliver on its educational promises for online students. Spearheaded by the Project on Predatory Student Lending (PPSL), a non-profit legal aid organization advocating for students’ rights, the lawsuit highlights discrepancies between USC’s assurances and the actual online learning experience.

Since 2010, USC, in collaboration with the for-profit company 2U, has expanded its MSW program significantly, accommodating over 3,000 students per cohort, with a substantial portion enrolled in online courses. The lawsuit contends that USC misrepresented the parity between its online and in-person programs, providing online students with a substandard educational experience marked by limited support and educational quality compared to their on-campus counterparts.

In response to inquiries, a spokesperson from 2U emphasized their commitment to addressing allegations of wrongdoing, clarifying that while not named as defendants, they refute the claims made by the plaintiffs. However, Eileen Connor, President of PPSL, asserts that USC exploited its reputable brand to attract students to an inferior online MSW program, prioritizing financial gain over educational integrity.

Aside from concerns about the program’s high cost, the lawsuit raises additional issues. It alleges that USC misrepresented the faculty composition, with many instructors being adjunct faculty not affiliated with the in-person program. Moreover, essential support services, including clinical placements, were purportedly misrepresented as provided by USC when, in reality, they were managed by 2U. Additionally, the suit suggests that the program targeted recruitment towards students of color, implying discriminatory practices.

This legal action is not an isolated incident but indicative of broader concerns surrounding online programs facilitated by Online Program Managers (OPMs). These partnerships, increasingly prevalent in higher education, have raised questions about their impact on educational quality, tuition fees, and compliance with federal regulations. A 2022 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlighted the proliferation of OPM contracts and potential regulatory violations, calling for enhanced oversight from the Department of Education.

Students like Luna express disillusionment, noting the contradiction between USC’s professed values of social advocacy and the alleged exploitation they experienced. While OPMs defend their role as financial enablers for universities, critics argue they perpetuate predatory recruitment tactics and inflate tuition costs, ultimately undermining the reputation of partner institutions.

Analysis from the Urban Institute underscores the prevalence of high-debt, low-earning graduate degrees, particularly in fields like social work and counseling, at private non-profit universities. In contrast, programs affiliated with public colleges tend to yield more favorable debt-to-earning ratios, highlighting disparities in educational affordability and outcomes.

USC’s response indicates a willingness to address the lawsuit upon receipt, emphasizing the need for comprehensive review and accountability. For students like those represented by PPSL, the lawsuit represents a stand against what they perceive as exploitation by a prestigious institution.

The outcome of this legal battle, coupled with ongoing scrutiny from governmental bodies, will shape the trajectory of graduate-level programs supported by OPMs, influencing policies aimed at safeguarding students’ rights and ensuring educational integrity.