Affinity Agreements Still a Moneymaker for Higher Education
A common moneymaker in collegiate circles is the sale of alumni and students’ information through the use of affinity agreements. Many believed that the passage of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 would curtail these business practices, but a clause allows these credit card programs to continue provided they disclose their dealings. The act does not cover other industries. The question many parents and students are asking is “Can the school sell my personal information?” The answer is yes and it is still legal.
In higher education, affinity agreements have become an excellent way to make money and many companies take advantage these programs. They provide car rental discounts, mobile communication packages, campus Internet access and even vending machine displays. Compa