With an economy – and numerous industries – that have apparently gone south, many are hopping on the continuing education bandwagon to obtain training in more lucrative professions. However, the increased demand for higher education has led to longer waiting lists for the required courses to complete degrees. This is particularly true at community colleges, where many adult students turn to shift career gears. Has this glut in higher education resulted in a black market for popular classes?
A recent advertisement on Craigslist may indicate that a black market for college classes is thriving, at least at Columbia Basin College in Washington. According to an article on Inside Higher Ed, the ad read as follows: "So I heard that some people are registering for classes that are in high demand to sell their spots in them, and Biology 160 is one of those classes. My roommate and I need into that class summer quarter, so if anyone is currently enrolled in any of the Bio 160 classes for SUMMER QUARTER and is willing to sell their spot on it or knows anyone who is, please, please, please let me know ASAP."
The sender of the email ad has been conspicuously anonymous throughout, refusing to respond to email messages from Inside Higher Ed. The posting was removed a few days later, and no one knows if a spot in the course was actually sold. Some doubt the legitimacy of the request and believe the posting was done