More scrutiny for for-profit colleges in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — For-profit colleges in Maine will likely be subject to stricter scrutiny in the future due to a pending state law change.

The Maine Legislature has voted to enact a proposal by Democratic Sen. Eloise Vitelli of Arrowsic that's designed to make sure for-profit colleges meet basic education standards.

Vitelli says the bill would require an annual review of for-profit colleges by the state education commissioner. Failure to demonstrate adequate educational standards could result in the termination of degree-granting authority for the college.

For-profit schools will also have to report information such as graduation rates and the amount of money spent on instruction. Public and non-profit private colleges have to report similar data to the state.

The proposal had broad support from Democrats and Republicans.