“… The big three testing organizations (the College Board, Act Inc., and the ETS) are all tax-exempt because of their so called educational purpose, but they are run in almost the exact same way as other taxed companies. They charge for their services (an exorbitant amount), pay their executives lots of money, invest, and lobby legislators. According to the Washington Post in 2013, the director of the ETS earned a total of $1,349,524 from the company. Also in 2013 the chief executive of the ACT earned a total of $911,073 from the company, and the head of the College Board earned a total of $734,192. This seems more like a monopoly on testing rather than an educational non-profit, because these three companies essentially control all of standardized testing and seem to not have a very high regard for students.” …
Student opinion piece.
http://tphnews.com/2017/05/end-the-tyranny-of-the-college-board
Until colleges go test optional, or unless colleges refuse to give credit for AP’s then it is a necessary evil. Of course it penalizes poorer students who cant afford the fees, but as any parent knows going through the tertiary education process in the US it is becoming more and more of a money making racket.
At the very least, they should lose their tax exempt status.
Wow didn’t know they were tax-exempt but did know its the biggest money making racket that’s going!
@elguapo1 not only poor students but also folks that are slightly above as well. I’ve put five through this process and it keeps getting more ridiculous every single year. I don’t know how most parents that aren’t wealthy afford it. In an era that sees kids apply to more than a few colleges it seems they’re already in a hole before they’re even accepted. With D #5 this year we went thru over $400 in fees between the College Board, CSS Profile and ACT. And this without counting the actual tests fee and college application fees. Since I’ve been thru this process more than a few times, I help out many parents in my community that don’t understand the process or the forms! They are all quite shocked at these ridiculous fees and even the families that had a few fee waivers had to cut back on the number of schools they’re kids were hoping to apply. Is it me or do others remember a time when you could send all the paperwork needed to apply directly to the schools. The only thing that needed to be sent third party was the official HS Transcript and Mid term grades. Today most schools are refusing tests scores if they don’t come from either the College Board or ACT when in fact you should be allowed to purchase one official transcript and send them out to as many schools that need the tests scores. Now that I know they get a tax exemption for a money making scam, I will be one of those advocating for the removal of this free ride on the backs of many who can’t afford the fees.
While I’m no fan of College Board in general, I would like to point out the following:
-
Non-profits are allowed to charge for their products and services.
-
Non-profits are allowed to pay market salaries.
@DiotimaDM yes agree with both your points but it doesn’t change the fact that:
- They shouldn’t be operating as a Non-Profit
- They shouldn’t be Tax-Exempt
Not with the amounts of money they’re hauling in.