Massachusetts investigates University of Phoenix

Massachusetts is investigating University of Phoenix, demanding that the nation's largest for-profit college provide the state's attorney general with data regarding its recruiting and financing practices. Massachusetts attorney general Martha Coakley, according to the Boston Globe, is investigating whether for-profit colleges use unfair or deceptive practices in the recruitment of students and the financing of their educations. University of Phoenix's owner, Apollo Group, has disclosed that that is has been asked for nine years' worth of detailed information about its Massachusetts operations.  Massachusetts also is investigating Kaplan Career Institute in Boston, which is owned by The Washington Post Co., and the Everest Institute campuses in Brighton and Chelsea, which are owned by Corinthian Colleges, Inc.

Massachusetts sues for-profit school, alleging false promises

Massachusetts is taking action against a for-profit vocational school, alleging that it falsely promised to train its students for well-paying jobs in the medical field with misleading job placement statistics.  The Boston Globe reports that Massachusetts attorney general Martha Coakley's office has sued Sullivan & Cogliano Training Centers, Inc., contending that advertisements of a 70 percent to 100 percent placement rate were false, with many graduates actually working in fast food jobs.

NYC Officials Seeks Data From DeVry, Career Education Corp.

The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that New York City Comptroller John C. Liu is calling upon DeVry, Inc. and Career Education Corporation to disclose students' loan-repayment rates and debt-to-income ratios.  These statistics are tied to one of the most widespread problems in the for-profit school industry: gainful employment among graduates.  The Comptroller's request to two of the nation's largest for-profit schools was made via shareholder resolutions.

American Career Institute Suddenly Closes

Hundreds of adults enrolled in job-training programs at American Career Institute are reeling following the sudden closing of the school.
The school's campuses in Massachusetts and Maryland closed without warning, leaving students without immediate recourse for completion of programs for which they had paid substantial tuition and devoted considerable time.
Media reports have suggested that administrators at the ACI had notice for a period of weeks regarding financial problems at the Springfield-based company, but students appear to have been kept in the dark.
Attorneys at The Googasian Firm, P.C., a law firm that has represented thousands of students affected by improper actions by for-profit schools around the country, is investigating.  If you have a concern or question about ACI's closing, feel free to call 1-877-540-8333 or contact@googasian.com.

South University whistleblower criticizes school's recruiting tactics

A former admissions official at South University asserts that recruiters at the school are encouraged to say whatever it takes to convince students to enroll.
Jason Sobek, former associate director of admissions for South University, told an investigative news team that he also was trained to target low-income students, single mothers, and even women staying at women's shelters.
According to an "I Team" report by a Florida television news station, Mr. Sobek is claiming that the South Univesrity's parent company, Education Management Corporation, "is involved in lying to students and defrauding taxpayers."  In addition to South University, EDMC operates Argosy University, Brown Mackie College, and the Art Institutes. EDMC denies Mr. Sobek's allegations.
Florida's attorney general is reportedly investigating EDMC-operated Argosy University for alleged unfair and deceptive practices.

Butler, Sawyer Schools Suddenly Close in Connecticut

Three Connecticut business schools have suddenly closed, leaving more than 1,000 students with significant student loan debt stunned and looking for answers.
Published reports in recent days have described the sudden closing of Butler Business School in Bridgeport and the Sawyer Schools in Hamden and Hartford that have affected 1,200 students. A state law requires at least 60 days notice prior to the closing of a school, and news reports indicate that this law may have been violated by Butler and Sawyer.

Attorneys at The Googasian Firm, P.C., a Michigan law firm that pursues claims against post-secondary schools on behalf of current and former students, are investigating the closure on behalf of students.  The Googasian Firm served as class counsel for students in a class action filed against Clayton College of Natural Health, Inc.. after that natural wellness school suddenly closed in July 2010.  The firm also represents a class of students affected by accreditation issues and the closing at the Palm Beach Institute of Technology.
If you have concerns about these closings that you wish to share with an attorney at The Googasian Firm, please call 1-877-540-8333.

Closure of Global College of Natural Medicine Investigated

Global College of Natural Medicine abruptly closed on November 30, 2012, leaving thousands of students without any clear recourse for completion of their studies or return of tuition entrusted to the school.  The California-based distance education school cited an inability to renew its license as a basis for the closing.

Attorneys at The Googasian Firm, P.C., a Michigan law firm that pursues claims against post-secondary schools on behalf of current and former students, are investigating the closure on behalf of students.  The Googasian Firm served as class counsel for students in a class action filed against Clayton College of Natural Health, Inc. after that natural wellness school suddenly closed in July 2010.

If you have concerns about GCNM's closing that you wish to share with an attorney at The Googasian Firm, please call 1-877-540-8333, or fill out a concern form here.