The exact same thing happened to me. I did my own audit and discovered that not all the classes from the Associates Program transfer to the Bachelors program which is what I was told when I first enrolled. The Recruiter, knowing my educational goals up front, lied and said that all credits transferred. Then I discovered that three of the classes I had taken did not apply to the program that I’ve been enrolled in. I am so livid. Wednesday was supposed to be my last day. I have also been given the run around. I spoke with Ashley Long, the Director of Academics. She basically told me there was nothing she or anyone else could do and maybe I would be reimbursed for those classes they scheduled me for but that weren’t required.

I don’t know if this will help but the Dean’s name is Jennifer Cooper. Ashley Long’s number is 412-395-7779. I am so upset. I have been going to school at for SIX years have over 180 credits and still am not eligible to graduate. Sadly, after so much blood, sweat and tears of working full-time, going to school and raising a child on my own, I cannot say that I will be very proud about receiving a degree from this poor excuse for a school.

Seeing bad reviews isn’t shocking…and shouldn’t be to most people. A simple Google search for any company, private or public, will likely yield the same results. I’m no Ai supporter for those wondering. I feel we’re overworked the same as the instructors posted above. However, I think this is pretty widespread at any proprietary (read as FOR-PROFIT) school. Full Sail, Univ. of Phoenix, Westwood…they’re all the same and all have a lot of negative feedback on the internet from places just like this one. Seriously, go to a state school where you can apply for the federal Pell grand AND state grants. Ai-Online doesn’t and can’t accept state funded grants…even in PA where they are based. Go to a state school and receive funds you don’t have to repay with interest. Ai and schools of the sort pay off for some…but rarely as far as I can tell.

First and foremost, I fully understand where you are coming from. While my situation may not be exactly the same as yours; it was similar to the point that compelled me to rely. You are not alone.

I have been attending The Art Institute of Pittsburgh-Online Division since 2009 for an associates degree in Graphic Design. With the exception of only a couple of instructors, the overall learning experience has been, in my own case, decent. However, the conduct from all of my advisory staff is a completely different story.

My counselors, both academic and financial have been changed multiple times. I would say I have had 3-4 of each since I began. I believe this is where part of the problem lies. Keep in mind, I also understand that I am not the only student who is assigned to these new counselors. Anyway, in June-July of 2011 I received a form in my email stating that my program of Graphic Design had undergone a change. Seven or so classes had been cut from the 104 credit program which turned it into a 91 credit program. The same form with said information presented me with a button to accept these changes and become apart of the new 91 credit program. Before proceeding, I contacted my academic counselor asking in detail (with a copy of the email I had received) what I needed to do and most importantly at the time, what exactly this meant for me if I decided to accept the changes. My academic counselor replied to my email stating that by accepting to be apart of the 91 credit program would allow me to and I quote, “graduate sooner.” Another tidbit in the email also reassured me that there would be no financial ramifications and would actually benefit me in this regard by taking fewer classes. He also stated all I had to do was to accept the changes and I would be in the new program. A couple of months later, he had contacted me for one reason or another, and I spoke with him about graduation date. He told me I would be graduated by Spring of 2012 as I only had 20 credits left to go. Beyond excited, I told my family and my friends my projected graduation date. My own mother even planned to pay for a vacation to celebrate my graduation because she proud of me.

Fast forward to February of this year, I notice some questionable items going on in my financial aid summary (a loan was “stuck”) that prompted me to get ahold of my financial aid counselor. She told me that I had reached my loan limit and at this point I needed to begin figuring out alternative ways to pay for my remaining schooling. It was at that point that she told me I still had five classes left to take, which was an incredible blow to me. She then put me on hold and contacted my academic counselor, who I was transferred to after my financial aid counselor had a word with her. Interestingly enough, the academic counselor I was now speaking to was NOT the same one listed on my campus common page who was assigned to me two weeks prior to this phone call. As of today, it still lists the same person who I have never spoken to as my academic counselor. Nevertheless, this academic counselor told me that I had an option of switching to the 91 degree credit program because I was still in the 104 credit program and instead of five additional classes I would only have four so that meant I could graduate in September of 2012! What? I told her that to my knowledge, I was in the new program since I hit accept on the form I received in July 2011. I still have this form, it doesn’t have any other requirements besides accept agreement. I told her that I thought I was in the 91 credit program and she replied, “You had to accept this agreement verbally. What I think must have happened is your counselor at the time couldn’t reach you by phone and this is where the problem lies.” Essentially, she has placed all of the blame on me. All of this despite the fact that I was in contact with my academic counselor the entire time the program had changed. I still have a copy of the email from me to my counselor at the time asking what exactly I had to do and what it meant. I still have the email from my counselor stating all I needed to do was accept the changes if I wanted into the new program. Not to mention the financial benefits it meant to accept on top of the most important aspect to me– sooner graduation date.

Immediately after breaking this news to me, while I sat there in shock, I was quickly transferred back to my financial counselor who began speaking about private loans and sending me emails for a ton of websites who provided loans. She also ensured me that I would finish school and that I could even make a payment plan if I needed to pay out of pocket. Lastly, she FINALLY realized the original intent of my contact with them (the “stuck” loan) and said she just realized that I DID have some money left from my loans that could be applied. She then told me to give her a week and she promised to call me back to let me know exactly how much was applied from the loans to know where we stood. It has been almost three weeks now and she has not tried to contact me back and I received a bill for over $1000 to be paid or I cannot move on to my next class in two weeks. Needless to say, I am beyond livid.

I’m sitting here with these emails and I am not sure what kind of action I should take. I have full on proof that in July of 2011 I should have been in the 91 degree credit program, and graduated within a couple of weeks. If that were the case, I would have had just enough loans to cover my entire tuition costs to receive my diploma without an outstanding balance. Because of the failure on their part, I unknowingly took classes that didn’t apply to the new program!!

I have read other stories of students who tried to voice their concerns in a civilized matter and were basically threatened by their counselors. With that being said, I’m afraid to bring up this e-mail proof that I have to them first because I am thinking of speaking to a lawyer about it first. It’s either that, or should I try and contact the dean of the schools with my concerns and copies of the proof? I am conflicted here because I don’t know if it’s the best idea to bring up this undeniable proof to my counselors, or to go above and beyond for assistance.

I wish you the best of luck to you Grace and to all of the other students who may be facing similar roadblocks to getting their degree.

James

I am a veteran of the military and I would like to share some helpful hints about how to find a military friendly school.

Check out the local community colleges (in your area) and the programs that they offer. Tuition at community colleges tends to be less expensive than tuition at private, for-profit schools.

Research the colleges’ and/or universities’ background. Find out if they are an accredited facility and if their credits will transfer to other colleges and universities.

Research the number of students enrolled at the school, as well as, the student turnover rate and graduation rate.

Also, check to see if the school offers a military discount.

Hope this information helped.