Argosy University is a school that attracts the working adult. They operate traditionally and online. It is owned by the EDMC (Education Management Corporation).
According to Wikipedia.com, The Education Management Corporation (NASDAQ: EDMC) is an operator of private for-profit post-secondary educational institutions, primarily in the United States. The company’s institutions provide primarily career-focused educational programs. It is the second largest for-profit college company in the United States, after the University of Phoenix.
The company is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and employs approximately 19,000 faculty and staff and had enrollment of approximately 158,300 students as of its fall 2010 semester. EDMC was founded in 1962, and is 41% owned by Goldman Sachs. The company operates a total of 105 individual schools, plus branches, under its four subsidiary names: The Art Institutes, Argosy University, Brown Mackie College, and South University.[1]
On September 21, 2009, EDMC commenced an initial public offering of 20,000,000 shares of its common stock. The principal investors in Education Management are Providence Equity Partners, Goldman Sachs Capital Partners and Leeds Equity Partners. The leveraged buyout of EDMC was the largest buyout in the for-profit education sector to that point.[3]
The company has been the target of investigations and lawsuits alleging overzealous and inappropriate recruitment practices.
Illegal recruiting allegation
In August 2011, the Justice Department and the attorneys general of California, Illinois, Florida and Indiana intervened in a lawsuit against Pittsburgh-based Education Management Corp. Their complaint says the school broke a 1992 law prohibiting for-profit colleges from paying recruiters incentive compensation. The complaint says the company repeatedly made false statements to conceal its practices and receive $11 billion in federal and state financial aid – nearly all of the company’s revenue.[15][16]
Fraud allegations
EDMC is currently (2010) fighting a qui tam lawsuit under the False Claims Act alleging they fraudulently obtained student loans and other Federal financial aid.[17] The lawsuit filed by a former employee accuses EDMC and its South University Brand of aggressive recruiting tactics and tying recruiter compensation to the number of new student enrollments.[18] EDMC contends the suit is without merit.[19]
Lobbying and campaign contributions
In 2010, Education Management Corporation spent $410,000 on lobbying in the first nine months, an increase from $50,000 a year earlier.[20] In addition to documented lobbying expenditures and EDMC-EDU PAC contributions, corporate officers of EDMC and its subsidiaries have given money to members of Congress including Congressman Jason Altmire (D-PA).[21] Jason Altmire (PA-04) is a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor. Altmire assisted in passing legislation which has increased Federal Funding to for-profit institutions such as those owned by EDMC.[22]
Coalition for Educational Success and Lanny J. Davis
Education Management Corporation and other companies have formed a lobbying group known as the “Coalition for Educational Success”.[23] The group has retained Lanny J. Davis as their advocate. In June 2011, Education Management Corporation decided not to renew its membership with the Coalition.[citation needed]
Senate testimony
On September 30, 2010, a then current EDMC employee, Kathleen A. Bittel testified before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Bittel also wrote to the committee accusing EDMC of falsifying job placement numbers touted to prospective students.EDMC announced that it has investigated allegations of undue pressure placed upon career services advisors at the company’s Online Higher Education division and found no support for these claims.
Florida Attorney General investigation
In October 2010 the Office of the Florida Attorney General announced a civil investigation of EDMC’s Argosy University regarding alleged misrepresentations regarding financial aid; alleged unfair/deceptive practices regarding recruitment, enrollment, accreditation, placement, graduation rates, etc. The investigation focuses on consumer complaints received by the Attorney General of Florida regarding EDMC’s Argosy University.
Kentucky Attorney General investigation
In December 2010 the Attorney General of Kentucky issued a subpoena to EDMC. The subpoena requested documents and details related to the operations of Brown Mackie Colleges between Jan. 1, 2008 through the end of the 2010 calendar year.[29]
The Truth About Argosy 
Were you a victim of this? I had my academic career mismanaged and they won’t let me finish my last class.
PS Don’t listen to the critics, people are certainly reading your article…
What did they do to keep you from finishing your course? I’m asking because I have experience unsettling behaviors that would make a student think twice about trying to finish. Just know there is always a higher power in everything. I know there’s not enough space for some of the experiences of Argosy, but we are all willing to share our experiences to show a pattern of behavior WHICH can be seen as proof! Please email me at: jenniferbrown22@rocketmail.com. It’s never too late! Did you ever get your degree or attempt to finish! Attribeauty
I am a former student at Argosy, they closed doors last week with no notice!!! Two classes away from graduation, and now no recourse. I went to my states Attorney General, and filed a complaint.
My name is Bernice Wring I was in the Master’s Degree Program in Forensic Psychology at Argosy all I had left was my Comp exam. What can I do? Any information will be greatly appreciated.
My name is J. Daniels-Allen. I had just finished my chapter 3 of my dissertation when the Argosy closed. Totally scared to even try to transfer courses – as this school was closed for fraud! Attorneys won’t do a class action suit because the say the parent company is being sued up in the millions & we will never collect from the parent company. Any suggestions???? joyce.allen@ymail.com
I am presently enrolled at Argosy. I and several other students that I have been in contact with feel that the ‘facilitators’ at Argosy seem to be lacking credentials. some are Drs. but, cannot express themselves using proper English. Many of us feel that their teaching tactics, grading criteria, and rude behavior border on Psychological Bullying. When we complain, we are told that it is too late to change teachers or withdraw from class and if we do, we will be charged anyway.We are counseled to deal with it and just do our work and get through the class. Students in our support group complain of panic attacks,sleep deprivation, and downright fear. I have contacted an attorney to look into the bullying that is taking place in online programs. We do not allow our children to be bullied, should we expect less for ourselves? I am not sure what good this will do but, thank you for giving me a platform from which I can vent my frustration. My best regards to you.
Michaeline, I just completed my program and I have had virtually the same experience throughout my program. It’s most assuredly bullying and scare tactics. I went to the professor several times in a particular course to have her tell me that she has brought up the same issues with assignment inconsistencies as I have, but they refused to change he course module. She has taught the course at least 15 times this way with students complaining. When I brought the same issue up to my advisor, I was told that I could drop the course, but it would delay my graduation because I’d have to retake it with the possibility of getting the same instructor. Regardless, they all use the same teaching module. Additionally, I agree with your point about communicating adequately in English. I’m by no means an English major, but I cannot believe that these professors are doctors, or that my fellow students are even college educated. The spelling and grammar are sub-par at best. Anyway, you’re not alone. It’s unfortunate, but true. Best of luck!
My roommate has just started and already the financial bullying has started. We are in Phoenix. What state are you in ? thanks.
I believed that. They with held a lot of information from me. Then kicked me out of school before the class ended. Each of my e-mail has been twisted around. They changed why I had to withdrawal several times.
Thank you, Micheal!!!!!
I was a student at Argosy who later was dropped by the same instructor Mrs Walkins who used to call me names and even call me a chicken head and now she is being promoted. I complaint about the incident and was told if I had any proof, which I don’t and is my word against her, guess who are they going to believed? How could I be part of the law suit?
get you a recording app on your cell phone and address her by her name , example, Mrs. Walkins, I just asked you a question…or something. that way she can’t say that you didn’t talk to her.
I completely agree! And they tend to favor the students that cannot compile a sentence! Maybe because they cannot complain…
There a lot of things they with held from their student and when I had ask a question I began to become bullied by several people in different department. I was bullied by my professor their retake policy doesn’t mention being double charged for the same class. I was kicked out of school before I even knew I had been kick I had the feeling this was the case. I was told a number of things about why I was let go that change in twenty four hours. The so called balance would changed on a number of times so even if I want to pay I wouldn’t know how much to pay. I had filed an appeal without giving much to go on such as which class. My account was frozen before I had left the campus.
When I tried to get more information I was met with even more hostility. My previous academic advisor started acting as if she was high on drugs. I was told that I would be in the General Psychology class and the next day I was logged out of their campus common. The stipend checks never left the campus but I was accused of using them anyway. They can call and harassed me day and night but if I called them I am the one ending up being threaten to have legal action held against me for contacting them. They waited until several years to give just half the information that was requested to a student like me. I can retake several class substitute a failed class as long as pass one of the failed classes I am not held reliable to pay for. They take out more student loans without informing the student this information. I am barred from ever continuing my education because of what had happen. The ones that admitted it not my fault? Suddenly will not send me any written document. I transfer to another campus and was kicked out of school because of what had happen at Argosy. I haven told three manager there that I am bad mouthing their school. They would personally make sure that I am never step foot on another campus.
Please get with me experienced everything you mentioned now lets get to filing. I been looking for individuals whom experienced the same as me. You got to get the ball rolling in these complaints while still attending. I know you didn’t see it coming but TRUST ME thank a HIGHER Power for your experience, because now we have a pattern of behavior which is all the proof you need. Lets chat please email me jenniferbrown22@rocketmail.com. DON’T BE AFRAID OF THEM. I WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO FIGHT BACK. PULL THEM INTO THE LIGHT!!!!
I currently, I was enrolled for 2016 to 2018 transfered student almost completion my Bachlor degree when professor accused me of plagizing. Being that $34,000 along with previous $40,000 in debt people… get your degree. Yet I’m not getting any loans which I decided withdrawal from college because was getting frustrated of the college academic integrity that I wanted curse my professor and the school because Arogsy was jarpardizing completing education sussesfully. Don’t get me wrong, I have learned great about business administration and learned to research my subject material… I have worked really. What they care, we still can’t trust. No wonder colleges makes a great deal money…and us student really the professors college mistakes. Please excuse my writing.
I have completed two degrees at this university and was recently completing a doctoral program here (why – I’m not sure). I have had several similar issues with them over the years. I have carried a 4.0 gpa in all of my courses, so grades are not an issue for me here. My issues involve dealing with their administration. Just horrible. In one course, taken in an online format, it was so messed up – the assignments did not match the textbook readings, project instructions were unclear, strange, and the grading rubrics were just a mess. The students in this particular course got together and appealed to our department chairs, who essentially, did nothing about fixing the problems. So I wrote an email to the classmates outlining what we needed to have corrected, what admin needed to do to fix all the problems (I do this for a living in my career, so I think I can speak from experience, however, Argosy online administrator didn’t want to acknowledge that). The email was forwarded on to the assistant whatever of online programs (it was an online course) by my department chair. What ensued after this was nothing short of a travesty. He was just ridiculous and so unprofessional in his response to the classmembers. He told me to stop emailing with my classmates about the problems, and that admin was looking into how to fix the problems (which I learned from another student who took the course the following semester, they never did fix anything). Then, this moron filed a “student conduct” grievance with my department chair stating that my emails with the other students were challenging to his authority and inappropriate for a student to be making these “demands.” My department chair told him that if the course wasn’t so messed up, the students wouldn’t need to be complaining in the first place, but other than that, he did nothing to defend me against this online assistant VP idiot. I was the top student in this particular program, straight A’s, tons of professional experience, and this is how they treated me for trying to get resolution to their problems. Can you imagine how they treat students who might be struggling with their courses and don’t have experience in the field yet? The grievance was dismissed by the review committee and I never found out what happened to this assistant whatever of the online program (for the academic program I was enrolled in). I was ready to transfer to another school over this spectacle, but decided it was just easier to stay with the program and avoid getting involved in the future when the course content was messed up. So they effectively smacked me down from speaking up again, or so they thought – I still corresponded with the other students about problems and luckily was able to find and stay with a great online instructor who thought Argosy’s course content left something to be desired, too. So she always modified the assignments and projects at her own discretion. She was great, and they should have replaced the bozo I dealt with, with her. I had plenty of courses after that that were a mess. Essentially, the quality of the online courses is pure crap. So I concentrated on taking only on-ground courses, or online courses with this good instructor I found, but those were only marginally better.
I am in the process of finishing my doctoral degree at another (real) university now. I just couldn’t stand it at Argosy anymore. Right now, they are holding my transcripts hostage because I won’t pay a $50 balance that in is error and not one person there will fix. They owe me $95 for an electronic textbook fee for my course last term, when we did not have an electronic textbook for that course – we had to buy it hard copy. Because Argosy charges students’ accounts automatically for the electronic textbook fee each term, good luck getting it taken off your account if a particular course doesn’t actually have one. They will pass you back and forth between your financial aid representative, your department chair, people in the Argosy Online program…. no one will be able to do anything, they’ll point fingers at who needs to fix it, meanwhile you will never get the fee reversed. Totally inefficient and pathetic. The company I work for would fire idiot staff like this.
Based on my experience (and I have a lot of higher education with several different universities), I would avoid this school. It is really expensive (over priced), the student services and admin are horrible, you will never get resolution to anything if you have even a minor problem. No one answers their phones here (your calls will always go to voice mail), and never returns your calls or emails. I finally ended up contacting EDMC in Pittsburg, Argosy’s parent company, to get resolution to my student account problem. Just avoid Argosy – there are much better run colleges out there. Argosy likely pays crap wages to their staff (while the higher echelons each earn $1 million per year or more – here is where your high tuition is going), so they are not attracting the best and brightest employees anyway. The person who is the director of student services at my campus went through the same masters degree program as me, and I had her in two of my courses. She was not too bright and could not write well nor present/defend a coherent thought in the online student discussion portion of the courses. Now she runs the student services department at the campus I attended. Point made.
Therefore, stay with the non-profit universities and don’t waste your money here. You can get a better quality education at a state university or a private, non-profit. These non-profits are everywhere now, as you see from TV commercials and such. Good luck!
There are a lot of students as you mentioned less experienced going through deep waters with Argosy! Students are looking to file upon various different issues, including myself to prove a pattern of behaviors and minor offenses to students that are unethical and down right harmful. We can use you and your experience as a leader on a forming team! Were Fighting back (WE NEED LEADERS) not for the cause but our rights and findings that prove harm! Please think about getting on board! Attribeauty
I wish I would have done my homework BEFORE I enrolled at Argosy – I now have outrageous student loan debt and having a difficult time finding a job to allow me to pay it off. The career counseling after graduation was a JOKE!! No job on their list of “companies” paid over $10.50 an hour.
Tammy I feel your pain!!! They’re rude and no one wants to return your call!! They make you feel as if you’re annoying them by calling asking questions. I regret the day I entered their online program now I’m drowning in student loan debt!!!!
I really wish someone would have told me about the quality of this school, and now I too have enormous debt because of this school. Was it really worth it? I am currently enrolled in the undergraduate program. Makes me wonder if the Associate’s degree will be worth anything?
HI all,
I understand what is going on with Argosy, just theft takers. I have been in the proram since 2010. I had to withdrawal because my chairperson change my entire methodology for my dissertation. When I brought to his attention that his way is not functioning he stop calling and returning my calls. I stood almost a year without doing work because the editing company lost all my chapters I turned in. Moreover, change my editor three times and they didn’t have my work. Did Argosy care, NOPE. Finally, I tries to enter to other Universities, and they wouldn’t even look at my transcript from Argosy. The GCU, didn’t even bother returning my calls or e-mails. Argosy has done damages to students and left students with debt of over 75,000.00 and nothing to show for. I believe that we should all get together at call our State Attorney General to take action against the owners of the school and shut them soen all over the States. People, you that are seeking a University, forget Argosy, take it out of you google search and vocabulary. It is horrible and the staff are out for their pay-ckeck while they leave us in a debt.
Suffering the Debt without a Degree.
Im with you, about to take comp exam for the third time, long story. Plus I have to start a payment plan of 50.00 per month for one ethics class i had to take three times, but did end up with an an A, and thats the class they want payment for. If I fail the comp this time, they say they can dismiss me.Suffering as well
I just withdraw from taking the comps last month, because I was not ready!!!! Do your self a favor (Withdraw) from taking the exam, and take a few months and study your tail off! Which Argosy do you attend? I’m looking to start study group like ASAP. I don’t take the exam until October Fall this year giving me plenty of time to study. There are two different forms of the test I’m told, but either way give your self a break, study & then get your DEGREE!
I understand the issues mentioned here. I have been a President/Dean’s List student since I started in 2013 so my failing a class, more than once tends to make certain people take notice…… or so you’d think. I have also had to pay back a stipend they say I wasn’t supposed to get, I have had 5 (last count) finance advisors, I also noticed that I am paying over $1600 to retake a class that I would normally pay $775 to take. Lastly, for months I dealt with a non-functioning online classroom and accountinglab; issues which have been documented from the beginning, yet still I am given either a failing grade or an I and I have to retake the class. This has got to stop. I don’t graduate until next year and my charges are already over $65,000. Makes me sick to my stomach.
I’m with you! They’re tired of me and I ain’t going no where until they give me my degree all the crap they’ve taken me through. What a lot of students don’t understand is they got to fight and file these complaints while attending Argosy! Because then they have to respond! Fight them while you’re still paying them your student loan money, while you’re taking your comps, while you’re doing your practicum! Fight them on their grounds and put them against ropes on the matt. And don’t worry you’re going to get your degree! It’s just time to play chest! Keep me posted & we do need to get together! What Argosy do you attend! Let’s do this!!! Attribeauty
I had a, from the sound of it, a similar experience. I dropped out with a 3.8gpa after having to learn about the unsupported and outdated Rorschach for years and suffering under the ridiculously unnecessary stress that- in retrospect- seems a part of their business plan to keep students disorganized and unable to stand up to them.
I’m now 180,000$ in debt and utterly without prospects or hope. At least someone got to profit from my foolish notions of hardwork and sacrifice leading to success, right?
I’m interested in knowing “HOW” they kept you from standing up for your self! Very interested. Please share, I’m a formal student at Argosy & experienced terrible turmoil while attending. Trying to find a pattern of their behavior. Attribeauty
They kept students in Tampa whipped up in a strange paranoid froth. As a student, one had to constantly edit one’s speech, thoughts and actions. Students were kicked out or compelled to withdraw by creating a bafflingly hostile environment. Students would become non-entities if they managed to somehow rub a teacher the wrong way and other students interested in continuing studies had to toe the line in order to stay in the program by treating them like pariahs. It was precisely the opposite sort of behavior one would expect from a local, clinical scientist.
I had my advisor quit and move to a different program. He was one of the few professors that liked me and was a real source of comfort throughout my years in the program. When he left I didn’t have anyone looking out for me, which is a weird thing to say about am academic environment, but that level suspicion was necessary.
I suppose it’s hard to articulate. It went well beyond that, but going into this and thinking about it is a difficult thing. I ocassionally check around to see if anyone has gotten any sort of recourse from them to see if I could perhaps get a fresh start on life, but that’s it. Otherwise, I just toil under the constant, soul-crushing reality of my life-ruiningly high student loans and focus on the present and moving forward as much as I can. Thinking about Argosy and it’s crass, money-grabbing and weird, anti-social, cliquey professors is as far off my radar as possible.
How do you sign up for these class action law suits? I have a BA and MA in psychology through Argosy and was promised accreditation in my home state. I was informed that my degrees are essentially worthless. I now have student debt because of random withdrawals from classes for unusual reasons, etc. I also paid out to them for classes directly. I have no chances at finding a legitimate job in my field.
Did you decide to stay in the 40 credit program, or the 60 credit program? Which Argosy do you attend? I know recently they mentioned that they were switching from the 40 credit program TO THE 60 CREDIT PROGRAM! The 40 credit program is not ACCREDITED! The 60 credit program is ACCREDITED! You had to have let your program advisor know switch program you wanted to be in. Most student opted for the 40 credited program because they were either tired and wanted out, or wasn’t told that the 40 accredited program was not CACREP! I went for CACREP because CACREP IS ACCEPTED IN ALL OTHER STATES ANYWHERE! I’m assuming you wasn’t told this because who wants to pay all that money for a NON CACREP Accredited Program!!!! Let me know if you were aware of this! They must tell you this before you ultimately make a decision it’s their job!!!!
Attribeauty..
I have a BA in psychology from Argosy, and they have mismanaged my account from the beginning. How do I sign up for this in Kentucky?
I had a similar experience with dealing with a professor! I had to have proof, well proof is all of us getting together and sharing our experience and mandate them to answer. There is also other forms of truth! Emails from yourself to your professor, program advisor, and any file complaints rather they were verbally or formally written by you as a concern. We all need to get together because what we have here already is a pattern of behavior! Another thing that is very important has any student been subjected to strange behaviors on campus or off campus to deter you in any shape or form to intimidate you from filing a complaint. OR to get you to drop out of school!!! This is very important. Such as avoidance making you feel unwanted or disliked etc. Please let me know!!! Every one’s experience with them is proof. Everyone thinks it’s just happening to them well guess what you’re not alone!!!!! Tell someone reach out to other students! ASK FOR HELP THEY HAVE BOSSES TOO! AND BOSSES OVER THEM & THEN A GOVERNMENT WHERE THEY HAVE TO RESPOND!!!!!@!
OMG! This is just what I was looking for! I experience this paranoid froth! I know it’s hard and even frightening to think about, but you need to share your experience for us to show a pattern of behavior, and then go after them. Please email me your experience, and any formal documents you have or emails referencing your concerns with any entity of Argosy save them they are your evidence with other students and stories alike. Don’t be afraid they can’t stop us all!!!!
I am so glad that I decided to look before leaping. No way will I waste my time going to this money trap !! Your posts saved me from making a very serious mistake.
Hi, I finished my BA in Psychology from Argosy but now they are holding my degree claiming that I need to take more classes before I can get my degree. That means taking another loan and enrolling again, I am frustrated. I am interested in in the law suit.
Thanks, Allen / Los Angeles.
I’m no longer enrolled with Argosy, Thank God. I enrolled in 2011 for the bachelors of Psychology program. I was skeptical from the first. I completed all of the enrollment papers and applied for financial aid. The start of the term approached without any word on whether or not I had been approved for the aid and my recruiter kept assuring me it was essentially guaranteed, just go ahead and start the class and we’ll finish it later he said. Thing is he only told me these thing over the phone and would never put it in writing, not even through email. A week into class I withdrew. I knew something shady was happening. Fast forward a few years to when I enrolled in an actual community college I learn that my financial aid application had indeed been approved and Argosy had deducted an entire semesters worth of funds. Mind you, when they demanded I pay the $1200 for a week of one class I fought it. In the end though I ended up paying them a settlement amount just to have any business dealings with them over. So basically they got an entire semester of Pell funds and a check from me for about five days of the worst attempt at educating I have ever experienced. Still, I feel fortunate that I got out early. I am about halfway through my BSW at a well respected state university. I still get to do all of my coursework online, the tuition is a fraction of what Argosy would have ran me in total and I have peace of mind that my educators ore competent and regulated. stay away from these for profit schools. Trust in your state institutions. They are usually more respected in academic fields, have a better reputation among potential employers, are regulated so there is little room for funny business and in my experience they truly care about both their students success and their overall reputation.
I am currently a student at Argosy and have not received any mistreatment but am frightened by the profit portion of this educator. How do I get out of the university and this scam safety?
You don’t. You’ve already given them money.
The best you can do is cut your losses and get out or stay on defcon 1 for the next 4 to 6 years and suffer through
If financial aid is paying for everything, then switch your financial aid to another college and witdraw. Good luck.
I’ve not heard anything new about the lawsuit. I’ve searched online and only found a few references to specific instances of fraud by particular schools being taken to court. I’m pretty sure we’re boned. Sorry to hear about your troubles and good luck in future!
I am currently checking with my attorneys regarding the lawsuit and if there is anything now that they had the findings and payouts already.
Has there been an official finding? I’ve not found anything. Have there been payouts? I would love to have the crushing burden of my loans relieved by the same people who wasted them.
Hi there, I had many similar experiences and I’m wondering if you know of a lawsuit against Argosy?
What happened to me in a nutshell:
– Lofty promises of a high-paying career in clinical psychology ( which is a joke )
– overall mixed at best, experience in The PsyD program at the Minnesota argosy
– overpriced education which now leaves me with $260K in debt that I am unable to make any progress on
There is the link regarding the lawsuit:
http://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/02/argosy.aspx
How do I find out how I can have my account audited at Argosy University where I attended online for my Psychology degree.
Hi Evette,
Come file with me I filing a civil action against the school. This should be done as a group effort. Email me at: j2301528@yahoo.com ASAP I’ll be filing this summer in June 2018. I’ll lead. Let get our Degrees and our money back.
Jennifer Brown
Hello Jennifer
My name is Christine Dorsey, how do I find out more about the lawsuit, for they stop me from finishing by stating that I owe them money, this is with me taking out loans and using my financial ad. Please can you help me,
Whst was done about the Atlanta location?
Please do not go to this school. I finished my BS degree and they kept my financial aid money and I never received my diploma. This school is a rip off and do not care about any students only about how many they enroll to keep the doors open. Do more research online you will see.
Hi Tina,
Come file with me I filing a civil action against the school while. This should be done as a group effort. Email me at:j2301528@yahoo.com ASAP I’ll be filing this summer 2018. I’ll lead. Let get our Degrees and our money back.
Jennifer Brown
February 11, 2018
Dear Madam/Sir,
I attended Argosy University Online from 2009-2011. I had credits I thought were transferred over from Northern Virginia Community College from which I received an Associate Degree in General Studies around 1975/1976 under the name of Suzanne Massey.
After taking classes for two years with Argosy I called to check the status of my Bachelor’s Degree, and was told none of my classes from NOVA had transferred and I didn’t even have enough credits for an Associate’s Degree. I was never told that until after attending for two years and running up $30,000 in tuition debt.
I have every email/correspondence with Argosy. I have found nothing in my communication with them letting me know this information prior to 2011.
Now, I owe a great deal of money and don’t have a degree to show for it. Do I have any recourse against the school?
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Forkenbrock
I’m requesting information on how to file a complaint or lawsuit against Argosy University in Northern VA. I was informed that in order for me to continue I would have to pay out of pocket. They waited until I was suppose to start my summer semester to inform me of this and I do not have a way to finish my classes because I am on a fixed income and they also was charging double for classes I had already taken.
Hi Jayme,
Come file with me I filing a civil action against the school while still enrolled. This should be done as a group effort. Email me at:j2301528@yahoo.com ASAP I’ll be filing this summer in June 2018. I’ll lead. Let get our Degrees and our money back.
Jennifer Brown
So, there’s movement on this?
I am glad I found this. I complained about unprofessional faculty for a while. I put my concerns in writing and I expressed them in person to the higher ups and nothing was done. In fact they made it seem like it was on me. Some of the other students were posting some of the same things that I was saying on the student portal and I spoke with a couple in person; however, I guess no one reads he portal or cares. When I spoke with the higher ups I was bullied into not filling a complaint and when I attempted to obtain the Chancellor’s contact information and I was intercepted by someone whom I have never heard of. Faculty did not respond to some of my emails when I requested a conference call to discuss my Dissertation, knowing that is the only way to speak with him/her, at times he/she did not respond to emails regarding my Dissertation, and the higher ups would not review my documentation of this when I went to them. What is the faculty code of conduct? The student handbook only outlines what students should do, so I guess it’s ok for students to be mistreated! Now I have been academically dismissed and the only way to appeal the dismissal to accept all the blame.
For those who are interested, here is the link regarding the most recent lawsuit against Argosy.
http://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/02/argosy.aspx
In GA, Argosy is being monitored by Consumer Protection (404-656-3300). Please call and put your complaint on record. Go to Argosy’s website (argosy.edu) to find out who to call in your state. Also file a complaint with GNPEC if you have a complaint against Argosy, Atlanta. Depending on what location you attend, you would file a complaint with GNPEC or SARA. We have to go beyond this blog to be heard or nothing will happen. It will help to file a complaint with the appropriate agencies. I have already filed my complaint. There is no guarantee that the agency will investigate the complaint or resolve the complaint, but you will have verification that you were/are trying to resolve the matter(s) prior to going to court if that the course you take. I agree with Jennifer, it is going to take a group for us to be heard!
Thank you for the info. I went to Argosy Atlanta as well and have nothing but $400,000 worth of debt to show for it!
Hey Denise,
I also attended GSPP, now Argosy Atlanta. Any news re this? I’m in the same boat.
Long story short, Argosy did not follow its own dismissal appeal process and never addressed my official complaint. I filed complaints with the GNPEC; however, it appeared that the person handling my complaints did not want to be bothered and found that Argosy did nothing wrong. Keep in mind, he initially did not want to take my complaint. If you do the research, you’ll see that the GNPEC has a history of not thoroughly investigating student complaints. No one ever addressed my complaints or faculty’s unprofessionalism and unethical practices. Therefore, I have consulted an attorney. That’s all I can say now.
I had fault in my time at Argosy (was strictly an online student), I failed 3 classes and withdrew from another, today I called to find out why I couldn’t get a copy of my transcripts and was told I owe over $3000. This is going to keep me from getting into another college. I can’t make heads or tails of my student account balance and all the FA rep kept telling me was I owed the money.
I have disability accomadations that were denied in the dissertation phase of my edd. As I asserted my need for the accommodations I was ignored, lied to, and dismissed 8 credits from graduating. After $ 60000 plus being spent in loans. Now the school has maintained after 8 years of enrollment I am unable to complete the degree. I have a 3.o gpa and because I lived from my loan money I am in a state of distress. I let them know that it is illegal for them to receive federal funding for me and not apply my accommodations. And when I asked them where is it written that my accommodations are not to be given to me during the dissertation phase of my doctorate they admitted that there was written nowhere. The more I asked for help and asked for a interview concerning my concerns that was not done. I am a cancer survivor my home caught fire in 2016 I almost died of malnutrition due to 13 surgeries. I did all these things while struggling to pass and my doctorate in organizational leadership. And now the school says that they don’t think I can even finish the degree. And they let it be known that they would not work with me or accept me the next time I applied. I am a cancer survivor I used to do my homework doing chemotherapy and now I received a letter stating every negative thing that they could about my Fight For Life and graduation in these past 8 years exclusively going to Argosy University. They have ignored me and not addressed my disability needs please help me.
I’m sorry to hear that these clowns caused you a hardship. If you are in need of money, just start a fundraiser @ themunnibunnifundraising.com
Hello Everyone
I was in the online program and was told I was due to graduate in December 2019. I did not get any notice that the school was shutting down. I also found out I have about 16000 in student loans. When I was told but the counselor that I have grants that will pay for my classes. I also never received my check that was sent off in January of this year. When I called they told me that they were going to a new provider that they were going to be sending it out. I have still not received anything. When I was doing the classes online I had to figure out how to do the work by myself because half the time if you had a question about an assignment and you ask the teacher you would never get a reply or they would tell you to go read your textbooks.
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in child and adolescent psychology from Argosy 3 years ago. I personally never had a problem. All the faculty members were extremely helpful however I am now worriedbif my degree is in jeopardy. Does anybody know if they’re closing will affect people who have already obtained their disagree?
As long as your school was accredited at the time you received your degree, you have nothing to worry about. There may be a stigma associated with it, but otherwise, you’re fine.
I have heard that their psychology degrees were not accredited as they said they were. Have you pursued a career with your degree? Did they accept it if you did?
Hello,
I had 3 weeks left until I graduated. I have no idea what to do. Help please! My email is derondacopeland@outlook.com
I was on chapter 4 of my dissertation and had already successfully defended – looking forward to graduating May 2020. School closed with no notice! I had friends to actually transfer into different TEACH OUT programs. However, I chose not to – I started all over; cut my losses & got all of the loans associated with Argosy dismissed!
I just believe that due to the fact that Argosy closed for fraud – it’s a black mark and I work in a higher education institution & I’m curious about the accreditation issues that is associated with school closing for fraud.
I attended Argosy University 2016 I felt pressured to attend the school with promises of help they would provide. I maintained a 4.0 G.P.A. . The I noticed I was charged for 2 classes I did not intend and when I contactacted administration it became chaotic and could not finish my degree and owe for classes I never took. So after being contacted everyday thru the aggressive recruiting process I was hustled and scammed and now I’m at a loss and helpless due to being poor. I honestly wanted to be able to provide a better life for my children and got scammed and now can’t obtain anything due to the damage it has done to my credit.
Check out the Borrower Defense!
https://studentaid.gov/borrower-defense/
Being a student at Argosy University online I can tell you that when they went into receivership they kept all students Grants they never repaid those grants. I can still access my account and it says they still owe me 14,000 yet I haven’t seen a dime. Also when they closed they heavily suggested us to go to south university and our credits would transfer. I wasn’t getting scammed again so I just filed for student loan forgiveness. Guess what is still on my credit report… originally it said I owed them 60,000 for only a year and a half I disputed it instantly it dropped to 32,000. Still haven’t seen no forgiveness on that loan also I was charged for loans after the school had already closed. They told us that after a year and a half we would get our diploma for our associates degree I had one week til graduation when they closed. They said after we got our associates we could intern while earning our next degree but from what I heard their psychology degrees weren’t even worth the paper they were written on so we pretty much wasted almost 2 years of our lives working our behinds off for false Hopes. Takes some heartless folks to ask you while recruiting if you are a single mom and still scam you.
IDK if you’ve heard about this, but you can apply for the Borrower Defense Forgiveness through studentloans.gov. https://studentaid.gov/borrower-defense/
I attended Argosy University, Tampa from 2007 to 2011. I had a 3.65 grade point average, 79 graduate credit hours, and over 2000 hours in practicum work completed. I needed only to pass their ridiculous CCE and complete my thesis. My CCE chairs disagreed with my diagnosis and I was unceremoniously dismissed from the program. This was after being held back for a year, due to a SPDC referral for cheating on a Rorschach scoring assignment. Even after they admitted that they found no evidence of cheating, I was still told I would be unable to take practicum the following year and that I should just drop out. I was so far in debt at that point, I didn’t want to give up. I was told when I enrolled that they had a 99% internship placement rate. I wasn’t told, however, that this was due to them either capriciously dismissing, or encouraging the drop out, of over 40% of their student body on a yearly basis. I was also told that I would risk a SPDC referral if I was working during the program, and was encouraged to take out personal living loans in addition to my exorbitant tuition loans. I was never able to complete my degree and now work as a CFO in a public library. I am unable to pay even the interest that accrues on the over $300,000 in student loans I owe due to the criminal behavior of this school.
That hurts to hear, Caroline. I’m sorry.
I left Tampa in ’07 due to similar issues. Can you believe they expected us to be able to administer the Rorschach with %80 “validity”? The test is a flipping horoscope… Bates taught that, right? I think that’s the only reason they taught it- because she was there and still used the long-disregarded test.
I thought my $200,000.00 was bad… $300,000 is rough! Anyway, my heart goes out to you and I’m sorry you went through that. Their CCE process was cruel and often punitive rather than educational or instructive. Again, for what it’s worth, you weren’t anywhere near the only person they cheated, bullied or abused.
Thank you! I’m sorry you had similar issues….that school. It still haunts me. Yes, Bates taught the Rorschach and wrote the scoring manual with which we were trained. They put so much emphasis on a test that no one uses! It was maddening. I was right around $250,000 but the interest that builds up each month has put me over the $300,000 mark. Just lovely!
To be clear…I didn’t cheat.
Pingback: Does Argosy University have a law school? - What Type Degree
Pingback: Is Argosy University a legitimate school? - What Type Degree
Pingback: Why did Argosy University get sued? - What Type Degree