Subpoena seeks information about Northwestern's study abroad program

A spokesman says Northwestern University received a subpoena last week from New York investigators asking for information about contracts Northwestern has with outside, or affiliated, study-abroad programs.

Northwestern spokesman Al Cubbage says the subpoena asks the university to provide materials showing how officials chose the programs and whether Northwestern or its employees received money or perks from the organizations that operate them.

The office of New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is targeting 15 institutions, following up on subpoenas issued to 10 study-abroad providers last year.

The investigation is similar to that of the student-loan industry, which found that some universities received benefits from lenders in exchange for recommending the companies to student borrowers.

Critics have said deals between colleges and study-abroad providers can limit choice and drive up the price of the programs.