As with the collapse of the subprime lending industry, the showdown between for-profit colleges and the government shows how the aspirations of the underserved, when combined with lax regulation, make the rich, richer and the poor, poorer. For-profit colleges provide high-cost degree programs that have little chance of leading to high-paying careers, and saddle the most vulnerable students with heavy debt. Instead of providing a solid pathway to the middle class, they pave a path into the sub-basement of the American economy. The data presented in this brief demonstrate that "opportunity," touted as "a good chance for advancement or progress," is not the product delivered by most for-profit colleges and universities. (Contains 3 figures, 5 tables and 30 notes.)