Fail State 2018
"Subprime goes to college"
Fail State (2018) peels back the polished veneer of America's higher-education system to reveal a predatory underbelly where for-profit colleges lure students with empty promises while siphoning billions in federal aid.
Director: Alex Shebanow
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fail State (2018) about?
This explosive documentary uncovers the deceptive practices of for-profit colleges in the U.S., exposing how they exploit students and taxpayers through fraudulent schemes and aggressive recruitment tactics. Through interviews and investigations, it reveals the devastating consequences for borrowers trapped in a cycle of debt and broken promises.
Who directed Fail State?
Fail State was directed by Alex Shebanow, a filmmaker whose work focuses on systemic issues and social justice.
Who stars in Fail State?
The documentary features prominent voices like politician Tom Harkin and Representative Maxine Waters, alongside survivors and advocates who share their harrowing experiences.
Is Fail State (2018) worth watching?
As an unsettling yet essential documentary, Fail State holds real value for anyone concerned about education policy or financial exploitation. Its unflinching look at systemic failures makes it a compelling watch, even if the topic is heavy.
How long is Fail State?
Fail State runs for 94 minutes, making it a concise yet impactful documentary you can watch in one sitting.
🎥 Trailer
About Fail State (2018) — A Hard-Hitting Documentary on America's Broken Higher-Education System
Fail State (2018) peels back the polished veneer of America's higher-education system to reveal a predatory underbelly where for-profit colleges lure students with empty promises while siphoning billions in federal aid.
Director Alex Shebanow crafts a meticulously researched exposé that tracks the human cost of a broken system—students buried in debt, veterans cheated out of benefits, and whistleblowers silenced—all framed within a gripping narrative that blends investigative journalism with raw personal stories. The film's tense atmosphere mirrors the urgency of the issue, blending archival footage with candid interviews to create a documentary that's as unsettling as it is eye-opening.