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Education Management Corporation Securities Class Action Lawsuit

Education Management Corporation EDMC Stock Purchasers File Securities Class Action Lawsuit Complaint Against Education Management Corporation Over Alleged Recruiting Practices.

A securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against Education Management Corporation (“Education Management”) and certain of Education Management’s officers (collectively “Defendants”) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on behalf of a class consisting of all purchasers of Education Management Corporation common stock (symbol: EDMC) during the period between October 2, 2009 and August 3, 2010, inclusive (the “Class Period”), alleging that Education Management violated federal securities fraud laws by issuing a materially false and misleading registration statement and proxy-prospectus in connection with an October 2, 2009 Initial Public Offering, allegedly in violation of the Securities Act of 1933 and by making a series of materially false and misleading statements related to the Education Management’s business operations allegedly in violation of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, according to class action lawsuit news reports.

The Education Management securities class action lawsuit complaint reportedly alleges that defendants made positive statements in press releases and SEC filings regarding Education Management’s operational performance and future growth projections, but that allegedly:

  • defendants had propped up Education Management’s results by inducing students to enroll in American Education Management’s scholastic and educational programs and engaged in other allegedly manipulative recruiting tactics;
  • defendants had overstated Education Management’s growth prospects by failing to properly disclose that defendants had engaged in allegedly illicit and improper recruiting activities, which artificially inflated Education Management’s reported results and future growth prospects; and
  • Education Management did not maintain adequate systems of internal operational or financial controls.

The Education Management securities class action complaint also reportely alleges that on or about August 3, 2010, the United States General Accounting Office (“GAO”) issued a report that allegedly concluded that for-profit educational institutions like Education Management had engaged in an illegal and fraudulent course of action designed to recruit students and over-charge the federal government for the cost of such education.

If You Have Thoughts On The Education Management Securities Fraud Class Action Lawsuit, Share Your Class Action Comments Below.

{ 139 comments… add one }
  • Rachel Kerttu August 18, 2010, 10:06 pm

    Just wondering how I can get in on this suit? I was pushed into enrollment into SUO Adult Nurse Practitioner program in Nov of 2009. I asked the recruiter if the program was accredited and she stated that it was. In May I found out that the program was not accredited and that they were not sure of when it would be and that the second year of the program was not written yet! I spent 20, 000 on a year of classed that will not transfer to another reputable school and would like my loans to be credited back for the amount of my schooling! Thank you
    Rachel Kerttu

    • Melissa March 13, 2011, 12:01 pm

      I had the same exact thing happen to me. I have written complaints to the Attorney General’s office in Arizona and Florida, as well as a request for refund from SUO. To no avail, I have not seen any results. What a huge disappointment for sure. $20,000 and 8 months down the drain! Most schools will only accept 9 credits max., when transferring into another MSN-NP program. I plan to keep on writing letters until this well-known, fraudulent university is held accountable for their unethical conduct.
      Melissa

  • Kim August 23, 2010, 11:32 am

    It about time!! I know a number student that would file a suit against EDMC/Art Institute for the useless degrees that have no transfer credit ability.

    I earn a degree in Computer Animation in 1999 that has earned me one job in ten years and that was a contract job for 8 months.

    • Brenda August 24, 2010, 2:59 pm

      I would like to respond as someone that was on the receiving end of unethical, misleading and down right fraudulent practices of their recruiting practices. The person(s) that did the lieing was not the ADA in my case, but he Financial Dept. I had several, EDMC officers confirm a financial agreement prior to my enrollment. They then, refused to honor that agreement when it came time to settle up. They stated that the agreement that had been made with me was illegal, and therefore could not be honored. If it was, then they knew that when they made it, and it was only to get me to sign on the dotted line. Once enrolled, I guess that was my problem. Luckly I can prove it. I decided to withdrawal due to the lack of integrity and unethical way they handled the whole occurrence. This, then lead to more unethical behavior and practices on EDMC’s part. One problem just osculated into more problems. I understand that this particular lawsuit, is for the Investors, and Stockholders so I am here to support the claims that the practices of EDMC are very much of a manipulative, dishonest, misleading and down right fraudulent nature.This serves them well, in the financial dept, this increases their enrollment, their financial figures look good, they then create a debt for the student not only in the way of Direct Loans, but directly to the school. They manufacture charges, fees for the student, if they dare withdrawal. This is corporate america at its worst.

      I have every intentions of holding them accountable, I have given them time to review my claims against them, through the appeals board that they have provided. I’m under no illusion concerning there integrity and their willingness to do the right thing. So if I can be of any help, or if there is an Attorney out there that would like to assist me from my perspective of EDMC activities I would welcome the opportunity to speak with them. My email Danceagain80@gmail.com

      • K Bailey July 7, 2015, 3:56 pm

        I have been emailing you unsuccessfully. Please contact me at ArtInstituteStudentDebt @gmail.com

    • Nicole February 22, 2011, 12:56 pm

      I too would like to raise a lawsuit against the Art Institute Online. How can they charge me for lab fees and such when I have to buy my own equipment and programs? And the education quality was the worst I’ve ever experienced.. I did most of my research on my own. I didn’t learn a thing at AI and they should have to pay for the poor education they “supply” and the horrid dishonest tactics they use to rob you of both money and proper education.

      • Lynnette June 12, 2011, 4:29 pm

        I tried to go there for a BS in Graphic Design, told them I wanted to attend full time via online classes too. They repeatedly gave me part time classes, I only qualified for a federal pell grant and took the rest out via sallie mae. I still had to pay for classes, books and supplies out of pocket. I dropped out because I just simply could not afford it on a real income. They charged me lab fees as well, despite that I had to buy my own equipment, programs, supplies and books. I received no help from the Art Institue Online for funding my education. The classes were not nearly the quality I expected, let alone for the money. I now owe over $12k in loan debts that naturally have defaulted. I can’t go back to school either because of this, and I can’t transfer the credits I did earn. My school transcripts weren’t even correct. A class that had nothing to do with my degree and I never took or signed up for showed up on it as well. So now my credit is ruined, I have a debt I have no way of paying and I can’t even return to a creditable school until the loans are satisfied. How can I join this lawsuit?

        • Lynnette June 12, 2011, 4:40 pm

          I forgot to include my email addy: lynnettekjones@hotmail.com If anyone here who has commented or reads this page has info on a class action lawsuit against the Art Institute Online, please email me as I would like to join.

          • Andrew September 18, 2011, 3:48 pm

            I graduated from the Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago. It is the AI school in downtown Chicago. I moved all the way to Chicago from South Dakota to take their Game Art and Design program. The recruiter was very pushy and any time I talked about needing to find money to pay for school he simply told me not to worry about it. The government paid for a good portion of it while parent plus loans covered the rest. I’m really struggling to pay all of this off.

            Ethics at the school seemed to have been getting worse the longer I was there. During one term there was a scare that the government would cut off funding for the school. They then set up booths where students would be given free sandwiches if they added their name and email to a pre-made email telling the government that the school was great and should get more money. I never did it but nearly everyone did. During my last term I saw that they had begun recruiting mentally disabled students. Now I understand that everyone should be given a chance but I also have an understanding of the industry. Commercial animation studios rarely hire students out of these colleges let alone students with a disability. I feel horrible seeing those people being robbed by the system. The teachers at these schools simply aren’t trained in how to teach these students. They ask questions but are largely ignored and passed by the teachers so they don’t have to deal with the issue. There were also a couple terms where new student numbers were fairly low. The following terms saw many new minority students with fairly low levels of education. I can only imagine what recruitment changes they made.

            I really want to know how to get involved in any way I can. andrewwelbig@hotmail.com

      • Secelia November 16, 2011, 9:39 am

        Nicole, I am currently enrolled at the Art Institute Online and I am just now finding out about this. I am very upset and I am seriously thinking about withdrawing with this information. I have put way too much money into my education at this program. I want to know how I can get in a class action suit as well so I can have what I have paid them put back. I also wanted to know how they could charge me for things when I was the one paying for them. I as well have not learned anything but things I could have done on my own. I have had so many issues with this school already and this is my second year. If you know how to raise a lawsuit I would like this information.

      • Courtney Rush August 6, 2012, 8:18 pm

        I was wondering if there is a class action lawsuit against The Art Institute of Pittsburgh? If there is I am ready to join!!!!!!

    • Courtney Rush August 6, 2012, 9:29 pm

      Were you able to get in on this suit??? If so please tell me how I can!!!! Thanks:)

      • Aaron November 14, 2013, 9:09 pm

        Hello all I’m contacting an attorney to see if there is anything that can be done. Please email me if you would like to be kept updated. adock2112@yshoo.com

  • Juanita Phillips August 27, 2010, 10:21 am

    As a former employee of AiPh, I attempted to change the unethical practices at that “school”. The administration tried to shut me up, but to no avail. I even emailed the ACLU in an attempt to make a change, but nothing ever came of it and the school deemed me as having “sour grapes” over my teaching credentials. Out of sheer frustration, I quit in the middle of a class. I do however have copies of all my communications with both the administration and ACICS. If there is someone out there looking for a paper trail, please contact me at the above email address.

    • Kim August 27, 2010, 2:13 pm

      Hi Juanita

      I went AI Phoenix graduated in ’99, when were you there? If you would like email me ravenouscreation@gmail.com

      Kim

    • james July 15, 2011, 6:31 pm

      Juanita if u could email that info to me jaybase72@gmail.com thanks

    • Kim Bailey September 10, 2011, 6:15 am

      Juanita,
      I went to AIO. Can you mail that info to me? Duchess603@yahoo.com.

    • Brian Town September 15, 2011, 4:12 pm

      Juanita, I would like any info you can, mail me at thelordymir@gmail.com

      Thank you a ton.

      • nichole nash November 1, 2011, 12:30 am

        Please add email the info too!!! i went to AIW arts institute of washington. i was only there for 3 months and now i owe 22,000!!!!

        nashnichole@gmail.com

        • Jon Day April 24, 2012, 1:08 pm

          Juanita,
          I went to AIPH during the same time you attended- if you could contact me it would be of great help.

    • Caroline McCrea October 10, 2012, 10:49 am

      Hi Juanita,
      I was just informed by my AIO Financial Advisor that I will need an additional $22,000 to finish.. Needless to say I am so upset I am physically ill right now. Any info you could give me would be very much appreciated.
      thank you,
      Caroline McCrea

      • Allison Bridges December 14, 2012, 9:35 pm

        I was informed that I need 26,000. I have been researching all of this to try to just find a way to finish school! I can’t get a private loan and the school is not interested in helping. They tell me “find somebody to cosign!” I was told in the beginning that I could only go part-time because the gov’t wouldn’t pay for me to go full time. I’ve been going since 2008. I’m disgusted and angry and I want to finish my degree!

    • Aaron November 14, 2013, 9:11 pm

      We do not see an email but please send me the info I would like to contact an attorney adock2112@yahoo.com

  • Jenna Elizabeth November 22, 2010, 5:08 am

    I currently attend the Art Institute of Pittsburgh- Online Division and have account discrepancies for July and August of this year 2010. They keep telling me it’s due to a stipend that I received but it is listed in my account as tuition and several different lab fees for both July and August. It doesn’t make sense and they keep saying the same thing over and over. How is it even legal for them to list charges on my account that aren’t properly documented or labeled incorrectly. I feel like they are tryung to swindle me and or sallie mae
    Does anyone have any advice? please feel free to email me at jennadamage@yahoo.com

    • Jenna Elizabeth November 22, 2010, 5:10 am

      Also I forgot to mention I did not attend school during july or august of this year and that is why there reporting this on my account is false

    • Sean Owens January 2, 2011, 9:03 pm

      Jenna,
      This is a complaint that I have heard from so many of my classmates. I had classmates that were charged Lab Fees when they didn’t have any Lab classes. And when we were charged lab fees for the lab classes we had the product was either inferior or spoiled or not available.

      • eric January 3, 2011, 3:48 pm

        the lab fee is in every course outlined on their main page. that was something I did not understand until I looked closer there was a lab fee for classes online as I remember it was only $100
        they were upfront about that I see many people complaining here but Even back when I went there everything was where you could see it they did not hide anything the problem is people did not take the time to review all the information needed, instead they wait till class is about to start then fly through all the paper work and miss important info. I did the same thing when I went to another school but it was my fault and I paid for it.
        http://aionline.edu/tuition-financial-aid/tuition/

    • Allison Bridges December 14, 2012, 9:36 pm

      That happened to me too–I watched my account and the balances changed every day. Then they lied to me about what I owe. They sent me a stipend then turned around and added it to my bill. They charged me for classes that I did not even attend.

  • Tom December 8, 2010, 8:44 pm

    South enrolled 4300 students in October, I only see 3 complaints. Not a bad ratio to be honest.

    • Ron May 9, 2011, 4:36 pm

      Ah yes the 4300/3 ratio.

      Consider this, most of the students they prey upon are right out of high school and of lower to middle class. They come from families that most have never went to college and truly don’t know the correct questions to ask.

      You start at the school thinking that the government financial aide will cover all of your school expenses, then what around your year mark you come to find out that you are required to take out a private student loan to help cover the cost of your education. Then near the later part of your degree they suddenly point out that to finish your degree you will be required to have someone co-sign your student loans in order to finish your degree.

      The reason your not seeing the ratio to students enrolled vs the complaints is due to the fact that a large portion of the student body drops out, of those that continue on most stick to it out of fear of failure or thinking they paid this much might as well finish it out and have something for it.

      Furthermore, your never told that your credits nor your degree will NOT be allowed to transfer to the majority of colleges throughout the country. Never is it explained that even when the school is accredited it turns out that its only accredited locally and 9/10 times won’t be accepted at a college in another state.

      Beyond all this it gets even more frustrating to discover that persistence and around $5000 in software combined with doing some tutorials for a few years, comes out with just as good of a portfolio then the majority of the students at ANY branch of the Art Institute who graduate in Animation or Game Art and Design.

      Sorry one could come up with an informational DVD, a simple format, and a cost analysis of the software and hardware required and one could have nearly all the students of AI in the animation and game art degrees TENS OF THOUSANDS of dollars.

      The structure for the Art Institutes is to lure in the potential students, get as much money out of them as they can, and once they are bled dry to cast them along the side of the road and look for another potential victim.

      And after reading all this one might be considering that I do have a grudge against AI…..

      …..truth is I do and anyone who has attended the school should. Its a blatant abuse of position and authority towards the students who desire education towards the field they desire. Of those that do graduate I’d say about 10% land themselves in positions that they can pay off their student loans in a timeframe that doesn’t bleed them dry, the other 90% end up having it drawn on for many more years then the worth of the education they sought after.

      • StudentPerspective June 22, 2011, 9:14 am

        It isn’t just the undergraduate level that operates this way. Take a look at http://tampastudents.net. This website was created by a former student as a means of enlightenment for present and prospective students. The PsyD program is a doctoral level degree program in clinical psychology. There is a major problem with it however. In order for the school to maintain accrediation by the American Psychological Association (APA) all students must complete an internship after finishing their 4+ years of course work. Unfortunately, however, there is an insufficient supply of internship sites. Consequently, many students find themselves dismissed at the end of their studies for alleged poor performance. Ironically, these are students who have performed excellently throughout their time at this so-called university. These students have very high GPAs (3.7-4.0) and excellent reviews from both campus faculty and field supervisors with whom they have worked in their practicum assignments. Something is rotten in Denmark!

      • Amber Watts July 10, 2011, 5:43 pm

        I agree with you Ron, it is Corprate America at its finest. It’s sad to hear myself, along with many other victimized students about how they were manipulated into admitting into any of EDMC’s schools. I realized after I got enrolled that they were not accredited school, and I regret it now that I did not do the research needed before enrolling and signing my life away with owing loans back. The only reason of me staying enrolled there was to finish my classes and get my Bachelor’s degree, and I recently graduated from there in March of ’11 and feel like it was a waste of my money and time. They are withholding my diploma, as well, until I pay them some of the loan money I owe them which is 10k, and impossible for me to pay.

        I saw the truth after being behind the scenes at The Art Institute of Houston. I almost went to The University of Houston, and should have but I went into AiH thinking it was one of the best schools in Texas that offers a Graphic Design degree, but I was wrong. I don’t know what to do, and I don’t think my degree is worth anything now… and afraid that I wasted 3 years for nothing.

      • Allison Bridges December 14, 2012, 9:39 pm

        Amen! And if this information isn’t enough to anger you, check out this link: http://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/for_profit_report/PartII/EDMC.pdf

        And look at the take home pay of the guys that run the Art Institute. They need to be in prison.

  • Frank December 26, 2010, 6:35 pm

    I don’t own any edmc stock, but apparently they are still looking for shareholders to join this class action lawsuit. This site (http://education-management-corporation-lawsuit.com) seems to be actively recruiting for edmc shareholders. Although this probably won’t do any good to all of the students this company seems to rip off.

  • Sean Owens January 2, 2011, 8:59 pm

    After I got my Associates Degree in Culinary Arts I wanted to transfer to Denver University for their Hotel and Tourism Management Degree but I could not transfer any of my credits, so I had to continue on to my Bachelors in F&B at the Art Institute. Now I am in serious debt, these for profit schools don’t really have the students welfare in mind, some of the classes were not worth the money I paid for. What I learned and what I paid for where seriously unbalanced!!!

    • Samantha January 6, 2011, 12:25 am

      I’m in the same position went to the Ai in Los Angeles and have yet to graduate and I’m in 206,000 in debt with interest rates of 10%. I tried to look into transferring before spiraling into debt and no one would take my credits, because they are not WESC accredited. Also, Sallie Mae does not offer consolidation so I am pretty much screwed. Wish I had known more about financial aid and loans at 17.

  • Rick January 8, 2011, 3:49 pm

    Art Institute of Pittsburgh — Unite and Fight!!!

    While making ammendments for my participation at the Art Institute, I present formalities that do not support any thoroughly planned education. The mechanics of enrollment begin without proper regard for procedure and/or financing. Satisfying criteria are dropped to selective quotas that have been pre-approved. Admission sequencing is not logically arranged to accommodate the selected curriculum under current financial setting. Course consistency approved for standard conformance to non-military participation in Graphic Design; I am a veteran. Thoughtful communication with the financial aid administrators was not achieved.

    Students look to the college for answers that lead them to success, whether solidly stated or not. We (students) are all seeking a better life. College (administrators) should provide solutions that challenge the overall state of education by minimizing the cost of our obligation. Success is not a backroad that leads quickly out of town. I would actually go back and continue my education, with effort to support a cause while sharing knowledge openly. I hope this institution will understand the essential resource we offer. We pave the way to a better future, but we are not the bricks. Do not trod us over with lofty gains in tow. Loyalty and admiration depend solidly on the banner you unfurl. Be united and fight another person’s cause. What herald beckons you?

  • sarah altman January 25, 2011, 12:52 pm

    I attended SUO in Pittsbsurg, PA for sometime before knowing I was there because I registered at South University in Savannah, GA. After numerous courses that I could NOT log into, SUO cancelling my loans, then charging me to re register, showed me as “withdrawn” sending my loans into repayment, making me file for in-school deferrment, while I was attending the whole time at this time. Now I transfer to South in Savannah, where I go there in person to register, and the ADA tells me to look for an email to do admissions. Two days later, I get an email, and sign up, however, it is from Pittsburg again. Now I am registered there again, not knowing that. Then a few days later, I get a call from South in Savannah saying to please register. I tell them I did. They do not find it. During this time, classes are rolling. They are going to rush this…. I never heard from that man again. Then come to find out, I can NOT log in to PA website and I receive yet another email that I am withdrawn again. So, when it is time to start classes in Jan 2011, I find out that I have been charged for 2 courses in full, and worse than that, I received 2 F’s in the classes that I was told I was withdrawn from~

    This issue has not been addressed as of today!
    I was then referred to another lady there who was supposed to review this matter several weeks ago, she acted as if she had NEVER heard of any of this!

    Please send a lawyer….

    http://www.cnbc.com/id/38541939/GAO_Finds_For_Profit_Schools_Encouraged_Fraud

  • pamela prussel February 1, 2011, 4:54 pm

    I feel like I am one of the lucky ones only being in debt $40K. And I thought I was alone!

    I withdrew before getting my degree so as not to continue getting into more and more debt for a completely inadequate education. I wish Sallie Mae would sue the AI for their unethical practices of getting consumers into student loans for nothing. And for their fraudulent selling practice of having ” academic advisors” , who are basically sales people, rush you into a decision, give you false information regarding tuition, and promising you up to date classes as challenging as any other college or university. I would love to be part of a lawsuit, and if I could afford an attorney would start one myself!
    If anyone needs information regarding my encounter with AI please email me at
    pureandsimpledesign@yahoo.com.

  • Dianna Webster February 8, 2011, 11:00 am

    I need to get in this lawsuit! I attended Kaplan online and transferred to AIU. Some credits were not transferred. In addition, I feel I was presured into attending both online colleges & that I was charged way to much for the courses I attended. I would like to hear from an attorney. I would also like more information.

    Thank You
    Dianna L. Webster
    w_dianna@hotmail.com

    • Inclusive May 3, 2011, 4:38 pm

      You should have perhaps done more research prior to enrolling in classes. EDMC does not operate Kaplan OR AIU (American Intercontintental University). Perhaps if you knew what you were signing up for as opposed to putting your personal information all over the internet, you would be in much better shape.

      All tuition and fees are clearly outlined in both your enrollment agreement as well as in plain sight on the website. If you felt the classes were too much, simply do not go into class. I do not know a single GROUND campus where you can set foot into a class and expect to get a “free sample”.

  • Tenelle Brown March 20, 2011, 7:15 pm

    I too attended the Art Institute of Las Vegas. for 3 and a half years. The professors were not qualified. The ones who seems knowledgeable always ended up leaving the school and unable to disclose why. I had 1100 per quarter classes, where “professors” didn’t even have a curriculum, and on top of that had no idea what they were doing. I also had professors, who would tell me they were gonna give me a passing grade without me even earning it. I even ended up having classes with a professor who they began forcing to take classes because he had no college education, just experience. I ended up having to take out private loans just to finish because I started working right before I started school 10/hr and I was no longer eligible for grants. I often questioned the “accreditation” having no knowledge of the specifics of accreditation at that time. I spoke to my program adviser and he told me the school WAS accredited , NATIONALLY accredited. Which is not standard , I found out now that it REGIONAL accreditation that accepted and transferable. Long dreadful story of, inadequate teaching, and 80k in debt later (not including interest), I finished at the school. Upon graduation day, we were required to prepare for a portfolio show, for prospective employers to view our work. I was an excellent student, however I gained 98% of my knowledge from the job I ad already acquired on my own prior to beginning classes at AI. During this portfolio show, absolutely no PROSPECTIVE employers were there for my major which was Digital Media Production (and was changed to Digital Filmmaking the year after). There were 3 graduates from this major present and NOT one employer approached our boths from our career field. I had spend about 300 to 400 preparing for the portfolio provided, cards, dvds, a display and so fourth. And not one prospective employer entered out area. Not to mention, our portfolio show and graduation was in the middle of a mall. Since Ive graduation, I have received absolutely no “job placement” just job leads that are merely a link to Mandy.com listings. I could have done that on my own, without putting my self 80k + in student loan debt. I ended up with loans from all over, some old to other lenders, no notice, and a few years back I missed the deadline after Bush eliminated being able to consolidate loans while still attending school. I have been out of AI with this worthless, useless, Bachelor of Science degree in “digital media production” for 4 years, and have countless job denys, been beat out by candidates with masters degrees from reputable schools, I now feel under-educated especially for the high cost I paid or got into student loan debt paying. I decided to go get a masters only to find the credits transfer to absolutely NO WHERE. Ive resorted to joining the military , air national guard, just so I can change my career field and get tuition reimbursement from the military. So can someone please help me sue AI. I just want to be relieved of this debt. because the degree is far from respected and now the skills I managed to push myself to acquire, mostly from internet research and job experience are outdated. The jobs Ive applied for require skills of different programs that I maybe received one class on, in my attending AI. who creates your school schedule the entire time you are there. so there are numerous students who dont receive proper classes at proper times. For example im digital media production, focused on video editing, I had 2 after effects classes the same quarter, my very last quarter at the Art Institute. One beginners and one advanced, the same QUARTER! These days almost every job I apply for wanted this knowledge.

    if anyone can guide myself in the right direction to begin a suit or get in on one please advise. I have about 10 friends who has the same story.

    • JAMES June 9, 2011, 10:30 pm

      I just posted some contact information to submit complaints to so your issues may be heard in the ongoing investigations of these schools. i hope you find the information useful. my email address is jaybase72@gmail.com if you have any information i can use as i am a former student from 1999 with the same issues as you and everyone else. please share it with me as well. thank you
      ps here is the info again
      CONTACTS FOR COMPLAINTS

      Secretary of Department of Education- Arne Duncan arne.duncan@ed.gov
      Secretary of Department of Education- Martha Kanter martha.kanter@ed.gov

      Debra Wiley
      FSA Customer Experience Office/Ombudsman Group
      U.S. Dept. of Education
      830 First St. NE, M/S 5144
      Washington, DC 20202-5144
      202-377-3801
      202-377-3800 general office number
      202-275-0549 FAX

      Senator Tom Harkin
      731 Hart Senate Office Building
      Washington, DC 20510
      (202) 224-3254 Phone
      (202) 224-9369 Fax

      Senator Bob Casey- ALL of his PA office locations
      Washington D.C.

      393 Russell Senate Office Building
      Washington, D.C. 20510
      Phone: (202) 224-6324
      Toll Free: (866) 802-2833
      Fax: (202) 228-0604
      Harrisburg

      22 S. Third Street, Suite 6A
      Harrisburg, PA 17101
      Phone: (717) 231-7540
      Toll Free: (866) 461-9159
      Fax: (717) 231-7542
      Philadelphia

      2000 Market Street, Suite 1870
      Philadelphia, PA 19103
      Phone: (215) 405-9660
      Fax: (215) 405-9669
      Pittsburgh

      Regional Enterprise Tower
      425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 2490
      Pittsburgh, PA 15219
      Phone: (412) 803-7370
      Fax: (412) 803-7379
      Northeastern PA

      417 Lackawanna Avenue, Suite 303
      Scranton, PA 18503
      Phone: (570) 941-0930
      Fax: (570) 941-0937
      Erie

      17 South Park Row, Suite B-150
      Erie, PA 16501
      Phone: (814) 874-5080
      Fax: (814) 874-5084
      Central PA

      817 E. Bishop Street, Suite C
      Bellefonte, PA 16823
      Phone: (814) 357-0314
      Fax: (814) 357-0318
      Lehigh Valley

      840 Hamilton Street, Suite 301
      Allentown, PA 18101
      Phone: (610) 782-9470
      Fax: (610) 782-9474
      ADDITIONAL CONTACTS
      Alex Wexler-Accis-Accrediting for the Art Institute 1996-1999
      Attorney General Office
      Better Business Burea
      The Art Institute of Philadelphia- Frank Pearlman, Mr.Kovaleski,and others
      The Pa Dept of Education-numberous people and finally Patricia Landis Department Director
      Mayor Street and Mayor Nutter
      Senator Leanna Washington
      Senator Arlen Spector
      Congressman Chaka Fattah-most recent as April 2011- no response
      Congressman Brady
      State Representative Cherelle Parker
      City Councilwoman Marian Tasco
      Diane Sarsfield-Philadelphia Dept of Education Investigation Unit
      Nancy Gifford- Philadelphia Dept of Education Investigation Unit
      Department of Education- Arne Duncan and his people under him
      Inspector General Office
      Office of the Ombudsman-Edward Ochoa
      Debra Wiley

      • Amber July 10, 2011, 6:29 pm

        Thanks JAMES for your help!

  • Tenelle Brown March 20, 2011, 7:16 pm

    I too attended the Art Institute of Las Vegas. for 3 and a half years. The professors were not qualified. The ones who seems knowledgeable always ended up leaving the school and unable to disclose why. I had 1100 per quarter classes, where “professors” didn’t even have a curriculum, and on top of that had no idea what they were doing. I also had professors, who would tell me they were gonna give me a passing grade without me even earning it. I even ended up having classes with a professor who they began forcing to take classes because he had no college education, just experience. I ended up having to take out private loans just to finish because I started working right before I started school 10/hr and I was no longer eligible for grants. I often questioned the “accreditation” having no knowledge of the specifics of accreditation at that time. I spoke to my program adviser and he told me the school WAS accredited , NATIONALLY accredited. Which is not standard , I found out now that it REGIONAL accreditation that accepted and transferable. Long dreadful story of, inadequate teaching, and 80k in debt later (not including interest), I finished at the school. Upon graduation day, we were required to prepare for a portfolio show, for prospective employers to view our work. I was an excellent student, however I gained 98% of my knowledge from the job I ad already acquired on my own prior to beginning classes at AI. During this portfolio show, absolutely no PROSPECTIVE employers were there for my major which was Digital Media Production (and was changed to Digital Filmmaking the year after). There were 3 graduates from this major present and NOT one employer approached our boths from our career field. I had spend about 300 to 400 preparing for the portfolio provided, cards, dvds, a display and so fourth. And not one prospective employer entered out area. Not to mention, our portfolio show and graduation was in the middle of a mall. Since Ive graduation, I have received absolutely no “job placement” just job leads that are merely a link to Mandy.com listings. I could have done that on my own, without putting my self 80k + in student loan debt. I ended up with loans from all over, some old to other lenders, no notice, and a few years back I missed the deadline after Bush eliminated being able to consolidate loans while still attending school. I have been out of AI with this worthless, useless, Bachelor of Science degree in “digital media production” for 4 years, and have countless job denys, been beat out by candidates with masters degrees from reputable schools, I now feel under-educated especially for the high cost I paid or got into student loan debt paying. I decided to go get a masters only to find the credits transfer to absolutely NO WHERE. Ive resorted to joining the military , air national guard, just so I can change my career field and get tuition reimbursement from the military. So can someone please help me sue AI. I just want to be relieved of this debt. because the degree is far from respected and now the skills I managed to push myself to acquire, mostly from internet research and job experience are outdated. The jobs Ive applied for require skills of different programs that I maybe received one class on, in my attending AI. who creates your school schedule the entire time you are there. so there are numerous students who dont receive proper classes at proper times. For example im digital media production, focused on video editing, I had 2 after effects classes the same quarter, my very last quarter at the Art Institute. One beginners and one advanced, the same QUARTER! These days almost every job I apply for wanted this knowledge.

    if anyone can guide myself in the right direction to begin a suit or get in on one please advise. I have about 10 friends who has the same story.

    tnelmoniq@gmail.com

  • Josiah Pollard March 25, 2011, 11:41 am

    I have been fighting this same problem for two years now. I was recruited into the healthcare administration program but found afterward that the degree was useless. I thought I would have to cut my losses and move on…and have been on time with every payment after an arrangement was made….until I found they had also taken out four student loans in my name without my authorization. Though I have police reports and it has been under fraud investigstion, for the second year I believe they are siezing my taxes to pay for this. I have a folder full of documents….can I please receive more information regarding this lawsuit as well? I am willing to pay for what I know I accrued…but the $18000 they now say I owe is intolerable…thank you so much!

    • Barbara May 16, 2011, 6:26 pm

      That happen to me I am so livid, dont know what to do it has been a huge burden on me and my family. When I started they said it was going to cost 26,000 and that a pell grant would cover some of it, I owe 18,000 in private loans that I didnt authorize and 49,000 that I am paying for. On top of it I dont even have a job with my degree!!!

  • Josiah Pollard March 25, 2011, 11:44 am

    I forgot to add my email address! Ladyarraldesse@gmail.com. Thank you so much…I want this resolved and have been actively searching for an attorney or class suit I can join…

  • MAry Jo Spanik May 6, 2011, 10:01 am

    please contact me I want to join the suit against edmc for unethical and unlawful business and employment behavior! I am a former employee.

    • Vivian Murray June 3, 2011, 12:05 pm

      Mary Jo, I’d be interested in talking w/you. My email is: vcmurray@hotmail.com. I worked for the Seattle school.

    • JAMES July 11, 2011, 3:02 am

      MARY JO ID LIKE TO SPEAK TO YOU ALSO MY EMAIL IS JAYBASE72@GMAIL.COM

      • Kaitlin March 7, 2012, 9:51 pm

        Hi Mary Jo,

        I am exploring my legal options regarding my exorbitant loan debt from AIPH. I graduated in 2006. If you would not mind contacting me with advice/information, it would be greatly appreciated.
        marron.kaitlin@gmail.com

        Thank you,

        Kate

  • Cochelle Wilson May 10, 2011, 5:49 am

    Hello I am dealing with a lot of stuff when it comes to the this school. They really misuse funds and we the students pay for it. How sad this is they need to be accountable for their actions.

    • Cochelle Wilson May 10, 2011, 5:50 am

      I would like to be a voice in this suit as well.

      • jeney moreno March 10, 2012, 6:52 am

        I am having the same issues with suo and was wanting to knw if anything has come of a lawsuit?? Jeneykayr@yahoo.com

  • Cochelle Wilson May 10, 2011, 5:52 am
  • Alfredo Tulipan May 12, 2011, 9:07 am

    I studied computer animation at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, I graduated in the year 2000 with a 3.96 GPA. I was in the Dean’s list a couple of times, ended up with carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands after struggling with problems with their computer systems, crashes, freezes, even, several times, I had backups in the ” student folder”, and somebody deleted the files over and over, I had extra backups, that got infected by viruses, I had to do things over and over. They had ONLY 1 DVD BURNER in the whole building. After graduation, I prepared for the Portfolio review. Not one employer came, all of them about web site design, nobody about computer animation. I went to Siggraph with like 100 copies of my demo reel, and resumes. I found out that I was cooked, because I didn’t get any ” job experience”( this was promised to me) during the time I was still studying., I never ever got ONE job in the field, I still owe more than $ 40.000. I tried to enroll in, for instance nursing school, they would not give me credit at all for any subject. When i enrolled, they sold to me this career as the hottest in the next 10 years, showed me an article from usa today, I am also trying to sue them. This is my email
    altulipan@gmail.com

  • Barbara May 16, 2011, 6:18 pm

    I think that colleges misleading is wrong and fraud when I started in college they told me that they was accredited too. I want to go on with my masters at another universty and realized i had a long ways to go wasted 4 years.. Not to mention I have 18,000 worth of private loans that I thought was student loans. in the begining my degree was suppose to cost 28,000. I owe over 60,000. I think that this is greed…What can a person do??????

  • Lily Colby May 16, 2011, 6:51 pm

    I have a family member who attended Ai of California-SF and was told he was getting a great financial aid deal but was given tens of thousands in loans. I am about to start at Boalt. If you are interested in helping me help my family member start a suit please email colbyale@gmail.com

  • Lisa May 20, 2011, 10:47 am

    I also attended AI. I would love to join up on the law suit, as I hope this would provide me and hundreds of other students the opportunity to reveal the truth about the school.

    I was given “aid” in the form of loans, and told “it would be easy to structure a payment plan and work with the lender.” In actuality, the lender cares little about my financial status, and I still haven’t received my diploma from the school. Oh, and the only time the school reaches out to graduates is when they receive notice concerning potential default status.

  • Brian May 24, 2011, 1:27 am

    Recent Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale culinary honors graduate looking for information on my legal standing regarding the obviously fraudulent practices of these schools. (or a job..) Bskup0@gmail.com

  • JAMES June 9, 2011, 10:26 pm

    IF YOU HAVE NOT YET CONTACTED THESE PEOPLE REGARDING YOUR COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE ART INSTITUTE OF PHILADELPHIA,EDMC,EDMC OWNED SCHOOLS AND OTHER ART INSTITUTES UNDER THE EDMC ART INSTITUTE UMBRELLA HERE IS SOME CONTACT INFORMATION FOR YOU.
    I HOPE THIS HELPS OUT.

    CONTACTS FOR COMPLAINTS

    Secretary of Department of Education- Arne Duncan arne.duncan@ed.gov
    Secretary of Department of Education- Martha Kanter martha.kanter@ed.gov

    Debra Wiley
    FSA Customer Experience Office/Ombudsman Group
    U.S. Dept. of Education
    830 First St. NE, M/S 5144
    Washington, DC 20202-5144
    202-377-3801
    202-377-3800 general office number
    202-275-0549 FAX

    Senator Tom Harkin
    731 Hart Senate Office Building
    Washington, DC 20510
    (202) 224-3254 Phone
    (202) 224-9369 Fax

    Senator Bob Casey- ALL of his PA office locations
    Washington D.C.

    393 Russell Senate Office Building
    Washington, D.C. 20510
    Phone: (202) 224-6324
    Toll Free: (866) 802-2833
    Fax: (202) 228-0604
    Harrisburg

    22 S. Third Street, Suite 6A
    Harrisburg, PA 17101
    Phone: (717) 231-7540
    Toll Free: (866) 461-9159
    Fax: (717) 231-7542
    Philadelphia

    2000 Market Street, Suite 1870
    Philadelphia, PA 19103
    Phone: (215) 405-9660
    Fax: (215) 405-9669
    Pittsburgh

    Regional Enterprise Tower
    425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 2490
    Pittsburgh, PA 15219
    Phone: (412) 803-7370
    Fax: (412) 803-7379
    Northeastern PA

    417 Lackawanna Avenue, Suite 303
    Scranton, PA 18503
    Phone: (570) 941-0930
    Fax: (570) 941-0937
    Erie

    17 South Park Row, Suite B-150
    Erie, PA 16501
    Phone: (814) 874-5080
    Fax: (814) 874-5084
    Central PA

    817 E. Bishop Street, Suite C
    Bellefonte, PA 16823
    Phone: (814) 357-0314
    Fax: (814) 357-0318
    Lehigh Valley

    840 Hamilton Street, Suite 301
    Allentown, PA 18101
    Phone: (610) 782-9470
    Fax: (610) 782-9474
    ADDITIONAL CONTACTS
    Alex Wexler-Accis-Accrediting for the Art Institute 1996-1999
    Attorney General Office
    Better Business Burea
    The Art Institute of Philadelphia- Frank Pearlman, Mr.Kovaleski,and others
    The Pa Dept of Education-numberous people and finally Patricia Landis Department Director
    Mayor Street and Mayor Nutter
    Senator Leanna Washington
    Senator Arlen Spector
    Congressman Chaka Fattah-most recent as April 2011- no response
    Congressman Brady
    State Representative Cherelle Parker
    City Councilwoman Marian Tasco
    Diane Sarsfield-Philadelphia Dept of Education Investigation Unit
    Nancy Gifford- Philadelphia Dept of Education Investigation Unit
    Department of Education- Arne Duncan and his people under him
    Inspector General Office
    Office of the Ombudsman-Edward Ochoa
    Debra Wiley

  • Timothy June 13, 2011, 2:25 pm

    I was an academic counselor for the AI online division in Phoenix. Our job performance had absolutely nothing to do with helping the student, but rather to obtain three hours of talk time everyday. If we didn’t receive and average of three hours of talk time a week, we would get a performance write up. Therefore, what would the average academic counselor do? We would call up our most chatty students and try to catch up with the meaningful responsibilities that we weren’t being evaluated on: scheduling, responding to emails, filing appeals for pissed off students, etc.

  • Mike June 22, 2011, 7:41 am

    Any of you students that got burned, please email me.

    I’m a former student from the New England Institute of Art (AI) run by EDMC.

    My complain matches yours too. Lets do something about it.

    -Mike
    mikehext@gmail.com

  • Suzanne July 1, 2011, 9:40 am

    As a former ADA, it’s great to see students and ex-employees organizing and doing something about these “schools”. I can tell you straight that we were paid strictly on our sales numbers. No student was unqualified, and we were encouraged to do everything possible to enroll each and every student. Some ADAs would even pass around the poorly-written and barely readable emails that some of their students would send, just as a joke. Each student was nothing but a pipeline to federal money. Unless we do something fast, this will be the next financial crisis -we will all be talking about the “education bubble”.

  • Amber July 10, 2011, 6:24 pm

    The CEO of EDMC, and whoever works for him against students on the account of greed and fraud….need to be pay for what pain they have caused us (students). I appreciate former EDMC employees for taking up for us and helping in the fight against the for-profit organization. I wish I could hire a lawyer to fight against the Art Institute of Houston for coning and manipulating students (and parents) into attending their schools…it was obvious that they were committing loan scams and fraudelant offenses towards innocent people, after it was too late.

    So, I decided to finish through with my Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design last March ’11, thinking that all the money I am going to owe will at least be worth it if I completed school, but I hear it isn’t worth anything since they are a scam. I am afraid I worked hard to keep my grades up to 3.7 GPA and being on the Deans list a few times, and being on the honor society for 3 years and all of that is worthless now, I hope my degree will mean something……

  • JAMES July 11, 2011, 2:59 am

    IF YOU ARE A STUDENT OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF PHILADELPHIA OR ANY ART INSTITUTE IN PA I STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU FILE COMPLAINTS WITH THE PA ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE. I JUST FILED MINE AND ADVISED THEM OF THIS WEBSITE AND OTHERS LIKE IT WITH NUMEROUS STUDENTS WHO WERE DUPED INTO A FRAUDULENT EDUCATION AKA SHAM LIKE I WAS.
    I AM REPOSTING THE INFORMATION I PREVIOUSLY POSTED AND IMPLORE YOU TO CONTACT EACH PERSON LISTED EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT IN PHILADELPHIA OR PA. CONTACT THEM ANYWAY.
    THERE ARE CURRENT HEARINGS GOING ON SPONSORED BY SENATOR TOM HARKIN I ALSO STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU FILE A COMPLAINT ON HIS WEBSITE. GOOGLE SENATOR TOM HARKIN.
    HERE IS A REPOST OF THE INFORMATION I PREVIOUSLY GAVE OUT. AGAIN…FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OFFICE TELL OTHER STUDENTS YOU KNOW TO DO THE SAME. FILE THE COMPLAINT.
    CURRENTLY PA IS NOT INVOLVED IN THIS LAWSUIT AND WILL NOT BE UNLESS YOU FILE YOUR COMPLAINTS!!!
    HERE IS THE INFORMATION OF OTHER PEOPLE TO CONTACT AND AGAIN TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO TELL THEIR FRIENDS AND EVERYONE PLEASE FILE. THEY ARE NOT GOOGLING THESE SITES LOOKING FOR YOU. YOU HAVE TO GO TO THEM AND COMPLAIN. IM GIVING YOU THE TOOLS,INFORMATION,CONTACTS ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS STAND UP TELL YOUR STORY FILE YOUR COMPLAINT AND KEEP CALLING THEM EMAILING THE PEOPLE LISTED MAKE THEM TAKE NOTICE OF YOU AS THEY DID OF ME. I AM ONE PERSON WITH YOUR HELP WE CAN GET PA INVOLVED AND HOPEFULLY GET THIS UNFAIR DEBT FOR A FAKE EDUCATION OFF OF US.
    JAMES June 9, 2011 at 10:30 pm

    I just posted some contact information to submit complaints to so your issues may be heard in the ongoing investigations of these schools. i hope you find the information useful. my email address is jaybase72@gmail.com if you have any information i can use as i am a former student from 1999 with the same issues as you and everyone else. please share it with me as well. thank you
    ps here is the info again
    CONTACTS FOR COMPLAINTS

    Secretary of Department of Education- Arne Duncan arne.duncan@ed.gov
    Secretary of Department of Education- Martha Kanter martha.kanter@ed.gov

    Debra Wiley
    FSA Customer Experience Office/Ombudsman Group
    U.S. Dept. of Education
    830 First St. NE, M/S 5144
    Washington, DC 20202-5144
    202-377-3801
    202-377-3800 general office number
    202-275-0549 FAX

    Senator Tom Harkin
    731 Hart Senate Office Building
    Washington, DC 20510
    (202) 224-3254 Phone
    (202) 224-9369 Fax

    Senator Bob Casey- ALL of his PA office locations
    Washington D.C.

    393 Russell Senate Office Building
    Washington, D.C. 20510
    Phone: (202) 224-6324
    Toll Free: (866) 802-2833
    Fax: (202) 228-0604
    Harrisburg

    22 S. Third Street, Suite 6A
    Harrisburg, PA 17101
    Phone: (717) 231-7540
    Toll Free: (866) 461-9159
    Fax: (717) 231-7542
    Philadelphia

    2000 Market Street, Suite 1870
    Philadelphia, PA 19103
    Phone: (215) 405-9660
    Fax: (215) 405-9669
    Pittsburgh

    Regional Enterprise Tower
    425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 2490
    Pittsburgh, PA 15219
    Phone: (412) 803-7370
    Fax: (412) 803-7379
    Northeastern PA

    417 Lackawanna Avenue, Suite 303
    Scranton, PA 18503
    Phone: (570) 941-0930
    Fax: (570) 941-0937
    Erie

    17 South Park Row, Suite B-150
    Erie, PA 16501
    Phone: (814) 874-5080
    Fax: (814) 874-5084
    Central PA

    817 E. Bishop Street, Suite C
    Bellefonte, PA 16823
    Phone: (814) 357-0314
    Fax: (814) 357-0318
    Lehigh Valley

    840 Hamilton Street, Suite 301
    Allentown, PA 18101
    Phone: (610) 782-9470
    Fax: (610) 782-9474
    ADDITIONAL CONTACTS
    Alex Wexler-Accis-Accrediting for the Art Institute 1996-1999
    Attorney General Office
    Better Business Burea
    The Art Institute of Philadelphia- Frank Pearlman, Mr.Kovaleski,and others
    The Pa Dept of Education-numberous people and finally Patricia Landis Department Director
    Mayor Street and Mayor Nutter
    Senator Leanna Washington
    Senator Arlen Spector
    Congressman Chaka Fattah-most recent as April 2011- no response
    Congressman Brady
    State Representative Cherelle Parker
    City Councilwoman Marian Tasco
    Diane Sarsfield-Philadelphia Dept of Education Investigation Unit
    Nancy Gifford- Philadelphia Dept of Education Investigation Unit
    Department of Education- Arne Duncan and his people under him
    Inspector General Office
    Office of the Ombudsman-Edward Ochoa
    Debra Wiley

    • Jessica August 11, 2011, 2:31 pm

      James,

      I filed my complaint to

      CONTACTS FOR COMPLAINTS

      Secretary of Department of Education- Arne Duncan arne.duncan@ed.gov
      Secretary of Department of Education- Martha Kanter martha.kanter@ed.gov

      I hope this helps you and me and others who are going through the same thing.

      Jess

  • Rebekah Johnson July 16, 2011, 9:10 pm

    I too got screwed by them. My recruited guaranteed me that the Art Institute was regionally accredited and credits will be transferable. Now that I am 1 quarter away from getting my Associates, I wanted to transfer to another school to get my Bachelors only to find out that NONE of my credits will transfer. I will scammed and angry. Now I either have to start fresh somewhere else or stick with a scam artist school. I’m flaming pissed and when I went to discuss it with an administrator, he threatened to kick me out of school if I spread the news.

  • Jessica August 11, 2011, 2:16 pm

    Hey all I had the same problem… Now I am at my cap with student loans and still have no degree. I have been charged for the same class twice at least and no one will do an audit of my account. I was also told several times that I would not be charged for dropping a class.. but I have been and now I am unsure what to do. I have been dealing with AIo for so long and I feel powerless. If someone would like to help me or needs information about what happened to me at AIo please email me at jessicavankirk@hotmail.com. As of today I am still getting harassing emails and phone calls and no one will help me find out if I was charged twice… no one will tell me. But they keep on harassing me, no help but they can give me an ulcer.

    Jess

  • GF August 12, 2011, 4:52 am

    I’m an Arts institute of Washington alumni with the same issues.

    Debt, non-transferrable credits, pointless classes, unable to use the degree and lots of bitterness.

    My email is oceanaes@gmail.com and I’ll file complaints with the contacts provided and check with lawyers.

    Thanks.

  • S August 13, 2011, 5:05 pm

    I’d have to say the Art Institute has screwed many people over, including my friends and I. I attended the Art Institute for four years so, I should have a four year degree, but I only have an Associates degree. I was going for the Bachelors, however, I decided to switch to the Associates so I could have some type of degree and get out in the field already. With only a few more quarters left, I was offered to switch over to the “‘new program” witch made more sense to do from what I was told. They said “if you switch over, you will be saving money because you will only have to take one more class rather than four”. After I switched from the “old” program to the “new” program, I started comparing the two and found that I had now wasted thousands of dollars and time on classes that don’t apply to the “new” program. With almost 200 credits, I graduated with an Associate of Science and will be in debt for the rest of my life…I have yet to receive my diploma.

  • S August 13, 2011, 5:31 pm

    I forgot to mention…I had one week left from a quarter and had to leave due to a life or death medical emergency. Rather than finishing that one weeks worth of assignments, I had to re-take those entire classes over.

  • Scott August 19, 2011, 8:13 pm

    They are also funded partly by Goldman Sachs…bad sign.

    I go to an AI and am about to “Graduate,” Im bitter that I will have to hunt for a school to get my Masters… : (

    Shady shady school.

  • Shaun August 23, 2011, 3:11 pm

    I am an Art Institute of Philadelphia graduate. I attended AiPH from 2004 to 2007. When I started I had issues securing financial aid as my parents were not able to help me. AiPH said there was only one loan I could take out and it was a prime +7 interest rate. I now pay over 600 a month in student loans. I incurred almost another 30k in interest based off the loans they told me were my only option. Further more, My degree (Digital Media Production) was canceled while I was half way through the program. My Video editting and Motion graphics teachers refused to assist or teach me, or even directly comment on my work because I was a freelancer at the time, much like them. I learned NOTHING!. I spent another 2 years teaching myself all of the stuff I needed to know to get some kind of foot in a door somewhere. After over 700 resumes sent out I finally landed a job a 1000 miles away. My job is to NO CREDIT of the art institute. I am now 70k in debt that I can barely manage to pay. I pay as much for rent as I do on student loans. All of my siblings who didn’t go to college have better lives than me. I’m the laughing stock of the family. The college guy. I would love to find a way to hold these people accountable for the lies (like job placement) and the financial abuse they impose on their students. I will definitely be filing my complaints. Hell, I voted for the PA senators in office. Anybody with additional information or has any balls rolling please, please, please e mail me: shaunpatrick611@hotmail.com

  • Amy McElroy August 23, 2011, 10:06 pm

    I am fighting the Art Institute right now because of the same thing. I was talked into starting a session when I was accepted the day before class started & told the admissions person I was hesitant to start so suddenly because I had an old comp & money was a huge issue for me & I didn’t want to feel rushed into such a huge commitment. She told me not to worry, I would be put into a class I could handle. I WAS NOT & the very next day called to get out & she again talked me into switching into another class saying again “one that I could handle”. Again I couldn’t do it & asked to be taken out of the session & “I wished she had listened to me in the first place”. She then told me I owed money for the course, either $1500 or 25%. I wasn’t even in the class but for a day! I filed an appeal with the supervisor in financial dept., but that never got filed, & when I called & emailed multiple times, I was always told that it was a long process & they would let me know when there was word. No one ever got back in touch with me & 5 months later, I got a bill saying that I owed over $600 when it was initially $375! I spoke w/someone in collections & told her my story, she said that they dropped the ball on me & she would file another appeal for me & I have yet to receive word from that one. It has been over a month. I want to know my options.

    • Amy McElroy August 23, 2011, 10:12 pm

      I also forgot to say that I was called for weeks on a daily basis until someone got a hold of me to “talk” to me about the school. I asked to have some literature to look over & she convinced me to start the admissions process. She was very nice & assured me that they would “set me up for success”. I trusted to be led in the right direction but feel extremely deceived!!

  • Lloyd Cook August 25, 2011, 10:55 pm

    Honestly the worst decision to attend the Art Institute. The false claims of job placement and the financial nightmare they have put me in I would have been better off flipping burgers for that time! Whom ever has the Class action information please please please contact me ASAP ZX6RMICRON@GMAIL.COM
    Lloyd

  • Fritz Otiker September 2, 2011, 12:17 pm

    Im an ILIA Chicago Alumni 02 (AI), who was fraudulently recruited and told my credits were credible/transferable. They also lacked technology to keep the curriculum up to current standards with the industry. Im now in more student loan debt than I finished school with and Ive been paying it off since I graduated. They lied about job placement, internships, student housing being close to school (not in some suburb that required 1:20 min train ride), overall costs and support. There were many instances where they would deny my attendance to class if my payments were not in on an exact date. They also encouraged me to continue to seek out many co-signers to help me with my financial crisis at that school, with whom, are all now affected by this financial scam.

    Please contact me as well, ASAP.

    Fritz.otiker@gmail.com

  • Steven Adams September 2, 2011, 11:02 pm

    Just so you all know, it is never the intension of the school or EDMC to enroll and then mislead the future student. I sa a comment that the company preys upon those right out of High School, this is false. If you look the the enrolled students, the mojority of them are actually people in their 30-60’s. Before you make false accusations and statements, you had better do your homework and come to this forum with true and concrete information. The 4300/3 ratio is pretty damn good and the 3 that feel they were mislead or duped, probably desserved it by their ignorance!

  • Steven Adams September 2, 2011, 11:04 pm

    Oh and the other thing… if you want hands on and “lab equipment”, then think about it… go to school at a ground campus!

    • lisa September 4, 2011, 8:43 pm

      Why are people being charged lab fees then if they are in an online program?

  • lisa September 4, 2011, 8:29 pm

    Add me to the list of hoodwinked students. I am still in school at Ai right now, and I don’t know what to do. I was badgered, hounded, and rushed into signing up and getting the financial aid going. I have witnessed all kinds of policy changes that have adversely affected the students. Now I know that EDMC is getting sued by the Fed Gov’t and I’m sure they’ll win because there is merit to the claims. Where does that leave us–the students? I need and want a lawyer ASAP. If anyone has any info about a class action lawsuit or what I should do, please, please let me know. -Lisa

  • Teresa September 9, 2011, 8:50 pm

    I attended Ai Portland for the last year and was incredibly displeased with my experience. I was given a tour of the school before applying and shown all the facilities and high end equipment that I would have access to. Once enrolled and I actually tried to use the facilities and equipment (the reason I thought I was paying so much) I was unable to for various reasons; either I wasn’t the right major, or in the right class or the department had financial issues (not sure how this became the students problem… don’t remember getting a break in tuition). I took several photography classes and was never able to use a printer… because the department couldn’t afford ink. Again I still paid lab fees and full tuition. My last term at Ai, the equipment cage, where we checked out materials was further restricted because they couldn’t afford to staff it.

    The computers were slow due to the networking nationwide and frequently crashed. The library was pathetic and teachers frequently commandeered materials for multiple terms at a time making them unavailable to students. Many of the databases were glitchy or could only be accessed by one student at a time. Screens and projectors used for instruction frequently did not work and class time was constantly interrupted for technical issues.

    I had a mix of wonderful, average and horrendous teachers. One teacher showed up 40 minutes late to every class for the first half of the term. To top if off she wasn’t even prepared when she did finally manage to make it to class, so the entire class got to wait another 10-15 minutes while she sifted through materials. To further reduce class time the teacher could not navigate a PC as she worked on a mac and apparently did not feel it was necessary to learn in order to teach.
    I had to relearn all the material in a lab, (that I was luckily able to attend- not the case for many of my classmates) from a different teacher. However, though many students were utilizing this resource they took it away the following term. No more labs lead by a competent teacher… though they did allow a couple students to form a club and utilize the lab late friday night; instruction was somewhat lacking though the students were not doubt talented. The teacher who couldn’t be bothered to show up was pregnant by the way… wonder why HR didn’t address that issue?

    So, yeah I too feel a little swindled.

  • Kate September 11, 2011, 6:06 pm

    I’d like to join this lawsuit also. I’m a former student. Here’s my email. kaitlinbecerra@gmail.com

  • james brawner September 11, 2011, 9:52 pm

    Hello all,I posted some really helpful pertinent and important information on here. I strongly suggest you file a complaint with ALL PERSONS listed especially the attorney general office.
    If you want to get a class action suit then you need to FILE COMPLAINTS!. Next, you need to file a complaint at the federal court house at. 6th and market st in philadelphia pa. I already file a complaint PLEASE ATTACH THE CASE NUMBER TO YOUR COMPLAINT!
    The case number is 2:11-cv-04975-jhs
    VERY IMPORTANT YOU FILE COMPLAINTS WITH EACH PERSON I PREVIOUSLY POSTED AND THAT YOU FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE FED COURT AND ATTACH YOUR CASE TO MINE.
    If you do that then finding a lawyer will be a little easier and they will likely file a TRUE CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR ALL OF US…..IF YOU DO AS I’M SUGGESTING.
    If you have or need further information email me jaybase72@gmail.com
    The link to download the complaint form for the court house is
    http://www.paed.uscourts.gov/us16001.asp
    Go to GENERAL COMPLAINT

    I WISH YOU ALL WELL,GOOD LUCK AND HOPE,YOU WILL ALL TAKE HEED FOLLOW MY SUGGESTIONS AND LET US BEGIN TO HELP EACH OTHER OUT OF THIS.
    BEST WISHES AND GOOD LUCK
    JAY

    • Kim Bailey September 14, 2011, 9:42 pm

      Working on it! Composing the complaint! Will be emailing you just to confirm I downloaded the correct form.

  • james brawner September 11, 2011, 10:04 pm

    ATTENTION FOLKS!!
    The information I posted is not just for philadelphia. I STRONGLY SUGGEST you follow the steps I did FILE COMPLAINTS and contact your local senators congressman and attorney general offices and FILE COMPLAINTS. I got the ball rolling with the complaint so LIST THE CASE NUMBER IN ALL OF YOUR COMPLAINTS ALSO!!
    The govt won’t come looking for you. You have to seek and badger them to make this right. The MORE YOU COMPLAIN the MORE THEY TAKE NOTICE.
    I have been fighting for 12yrs and am JUST NOW making headway. I was the lone complainer before the whislteblower came forward.
    Now that they came forward people are listening but don’t wait on them.
    ACT NOW AND ON YOUR OWN…FILE COMPLAINTS ASAP…GO TO THE FED BUILDINGS IN YOUR AREA AND FILE COMPLAINTS..LIST MY CASE NUMBER IN YOUR COMPLAINTS.

    LET’S WORK TOGETHER AND HELP EACH OTHER WITH THIS ASAP!
    Jaybase72@gmail.com
    Good luck
    Jay

    Ps I sincerely hope ALL OF YOU WILL TAKE HEED AND FILE COMPLAINTS WITH EVERYONE I LISTED AND MORE PEOPLE. I ALSO HOPE YOU FILE COMPLAINTS AND SITE MY CASE…IT WILL HELP YOU…NOTHING TO LOSE EVERYTHING TO GAIN! TRY IT. PLEASE!!
    Jay. Jaybase72@gmail.com
    Thanks again

  • Brian Town September 12, 2011, 2:02 pm

    I would like any lawyer involved in this class action lawsuit to contact me at thelordymir@gmail.com. I would like to take part in this as I recently left the Art Institute online program and have been continuing a back and forth battle over their desire to fraud me out of money that I do not owe them as they threaten me daily.

  • sheavie September 22, 2011, 10:05 am

    I found a class action for stockholders. Is there one for the students that paid the money the stockholders are spending?

  • Anon September 29, 2011, 8:43 pm

    It’s not just The Art Institutes!

    Art Center College of Design in Pasadena California is much worse, with higher costs that put students in debt for $200,000+ after graduating. And of course there’s no guarantee that you’ll land a job that relates with anything you went to school for. I know, because unfortunately I went there and have since defaulted.

    Stop ripping on The Art Institutes – they are way less expensive, and they have several student success stories. Just like any other money sucking college.

    You can’t tell me that ‘non-profit’ colleges are any better than ‘for profit’ colleges, all of them put people in tremendous student loan debt upon graduating. It’s the American way!

  • Brie October 2, 2011, 11:39 am

    I also attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia. Luckily, I realized what a scam it was after only 1 semester. I dropped out and attended a much better art school. Now I have creditors calling me about money that I owe to AI for dropping out. This is outrageous. I am not paying them for leaving their school.

    I am also trying to get transcripts so that I may attend another school, but of course they will not give me them. Has anyone encountered this problem?? What do I do?

    It’s not like those credits will even count anyway.

    If anyone has information on a lawsuit please e-mail me. I am about to write a complaint to the Department of Education right now.

  • Jess October 18, 2011, 4:52 pm

    Any information on how this class action lawsuit will play into student debt forgiveness? Or a settlement? Sounds like most of this class action lawsuit benefits the investors and Feds. How can I as an AIP alumni get involved in this lawsuit?

  • Secelia November 16, 2011, 9:51 am

    I would like to know how to join or begin a lawsuit against EMC or The Art Institute Online. I have been attending for a year and a half and have put out more money than all of my friends that are done with college who went to four year universities. I want to know why they are charging me for things like books and software when I pay for them myself and why their education is worthless. I hear that most of their credits will not even transfer to another school. I feel like I have been robbed. I have put out so much money and I am not getting no where. I would like any information anyone has about this to be emailed to me as well. Please email me at secelialarge@yahoo.com

  • Sheila Williams December 8, 2011, 11:28 am

    I would also like to file suit against Art Institute of Pittsburg. contact me shewilliams00@yahoo.com

  • Ryan Rood December 26, 2011, 6:08 pm

    I too attended the Art Institute, am in the lower-middle class, and fell a victim to persuasive untrustworthy recruiters when I was just a curious high school student trying to ask someone what to expect. Naturally, they took advantage of that immature innocence, instead of actually educating me and telling me the truth.

    Now i’m $20,000 in debt with the government that the EDMC stole from. That money was supposed to be awarded to me so that I didn’t have to struggle through school as much as I had too. As a result, the hardships contributed to some medical problems and only a 3 years later, by chance, I landed a job that could provide medical benefits. In addition, my parents were put in a position to take out a loan for me when they were already in the process of losing their own belongings and own american pride (thanks to the bad bank loans that made my dad lose his house).

    Also, I was told my program was accredited and that the job placement was at 95% in my program. What they failed to tell me was that, my credits couldn’t be used anywhere else, I had to retake certain core classes that I already learned (in middle school), and that 45 of the 60 people in my class would drop out. The remaining 15 would get jobs, while only 5 of them would probably be related to their field.

    So if there is at all any way I can still get involved with a class action suit against the EDMC, I would love to get more information. I’d like to get fair justice for myself and for my government that they stole from.
    americanryan ‘at’ gmail ‘dot’ com

  • Raymond January 11, 2012, 12:56 pm

    Unfortunately I’m a graduate of The Art Institute Of Houston and my credits are not transferable. Please email me if a lawsuit is placed on EDMC or The Art Institute Of Houston . We need to stop these corporate thieve before more people get their lives tuned upside down too!

  • Gina Merren January 24, 2012, 9:06 am

    they wouldn’t transfer my credits from UCONN and then kept signing me up for classes that I wasn’t even taking. to top it off none of their classes are tranferrable to a “real school” . they solicited me constantly and still do. they are frauds and should be ashamed of what they have done to so many people. when I asked if I could just end this nonsense with a BA they still signed me up for an MSA with a never ending list of classes. I have to pay for this???? I withdrew before It got past the 20k mark, My employer (which is HUGE) said they wouldn’t accept the degree anyway because it’s bogus.

  • Erin Palermo February 9, 2012, 12:32 pm

    I would very much like to join a class action lawsuit against EDMC. I decided at age 27 to go back to school, while working full-time, for a new bachelor’s degree in interior design. The admissions counselor told me that, with my existing degree and applicable credits, I would be able to graduate in 2 years taking only online and night classes.

    As it turned out, a year and a half in, none of the remaining core classes I needed were offered in the evening, and I was informed that I would need to attend daytime classes if I ever wanted to get my degree. Because I was so far into the program, I requested to apply my earned credits towards the residential associates degree, because I only needed 2 more classes that were required for that program. My adviser and the head of the department both told me I had “attempted too many credits” by taking classes that were required for the bachelor’s degree, but not the associates, and I was unable to shift to the residential program. So I dropped out of school with a 3.95 GPA. I have $31K in student loans, and no degree to show for it.

    Their recruiting practices are terribly unethical and deceptive.

  • jeney moreno March 10, 2012, 6:54 am

    I am having the same issues with suo and was hoping to get some help… Anything come of a lawsuit??? Jeneykayr@yahoo.com

  • Sandra March 31, 2012, 6:21 pm

    I heard about this lawsuit from a friend of mine years ago. I have been searching hi and low, the more I dug, the more I’m finding out.

    YES, I would very much like to be included in whatever we should or need to do. I’m so sick of these Student Loans, I was told by the Department of Education, the ONES who take our money. For these worthless “COMPLETED PROGRAM”, NOT AN “ASSOCIATE DEGREE “, as we were told when we signed on the dotted line . Please contact me via email: sanditoes@live.com Thank you

  • danielle April 13, 2012, 3:50 pm

    I am a student at the art insitute of pittsburgh online division and am very interested in learning how to be come a part of this suit. I have been lied to since the first time this school called me and they are continuing to lie to me and I am tired of being forced to do nothing. It is wrong what they are doing to students and they need to change there ways. I have saved a lot of information since the day I got my admittance email.

  • Danny April 17, 2012, 9:07 pm

    I just graduated from the ART INSTITUTE, SAN DIEGO
    and I will be starting payments in July for $520 a month for the next 10 years, which isn’t cool. Now, with this $11 billion lawsuit, I want to know if there’s any kick back to go around to everyone who is in my same position.
    Does anyone know?

  • Richard Reid April 20, 2012, 5:30 pm

    My son, was talked into enrolling in graphic arts classes at “Art Institute of Pittsburgh” by EDMC recruiters online. They told him he would get grants (presumably PELL grants-Federally funded grants). He repeatedly told them that he could not pay or take a “loan”, because he was unemployed and was under going major surgery. He took one class, on-line, and started a second class when he started getting notices of money he owed. We, my wife and I have helped him file complaints with the U.S.Department of Education… but we were also told there was a class action suit pending? We would like to find out how to join that suit.

  • Patrick April 30, 2012, 3:31 am

    I am currently going through the same kind of problems with the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online. I have been going for almost a year and have been doing nothing but wasting money on transitional classes, and I was only going for the certificate program in photography. I haven’t even taken one photography class yet. When I have a problem the academic adviser only calls me when I’m at work and doesn’t like using email to solve problems. I no longer attend the school because during my last problem my academic adviser went on vacation and didn’t bother telling me so I stop going to the class I believed I didn’t need which lead me to being kicked out. The recruiter mislead me and told me I only needed to take the transitional classes then I could start my certificate program. Come to find out I also needed to take math1010 and english1010, but the academic adviser couldn’t tell me why or the correct place to find the information. Everything is very misleading and its hard to find information. Its also hard to get in contact with anyone who isn’t the course teacher, academic adviser, and financial aid adviser. If you miss there phone calls they almost never call back. There website has very little information to help you when you have a problem.

  • Steve May 1, 2012, 4:04 pm

    Hey,

    I went to the Art Institute of Las Vegas. Does anyone know of a class-action suit taking place here, or perhaps an attorney who would help to determine if we should file one?

    While I wasn’t forced to withdraw from the school for financial reasons, I still have a loan (along with my parents) that I will be paying forever, because I believed what the recruiter told me about 100% job placement, various grants and scholarships (many of which I applied for and never heard back on), and employers begging for graduates to work. None of this happened, and 4 years later, I’m $60,000 in debt with no end in sight, working at a job having nothing to do with my degree. I know several of my classmates who have had similar trouble finding work.

  • thomas saunders May 4, 2012, 1:46 am

    i have attended both art institute of houston and the north sister campus. i was lored in by false promises and false statistics. i am $700000 in debt and can not find work with this degree. i was told aih has graduate success rate of 97%. after research i found this rate is actually less than 30%. i was told aih has over 200 partnerships with companies that hire ai grads. its a lie. i have been banned from ai campuses for speaking against this. if you live in houston and like to start a protest group and file alaw suit contact me at saunderstommy@hotmail.com. in 99 students joined together and won thier case. they was reinburst thier education cost. contact me together we can stop this. saunderstommy@hotmail.com

  • Thomas Saunders May 4, 2012, 2:09 am

    I have attended both Art Institute of Houston and its North sister campus. I was lored in with false promises and false statistcs. I was told AiH has a graduate success rate of 97%. After researching I found it less than 30%. I was told I would immediately find job because AiH partnerships with 200 companies, in which they place AiH graduates. This is a complete lie. I am $70,000 in debt and this degree has yet to help me with emplyoment. I have been graduated for over a year now. I have also BEEN BANNED from all Ai campuses and events for speaking out this topic. PLEASE if you live in houston and would like to start an OCCUPY AI MOVEMENT and start a lawsuit please contact me at : saunderstommy@hotmail.com. In 1999 over 25 students suied AiH for this exact reason and won their case. Ai settled reimbursing them their education cost. TOGETHER we can stop this company from ruining the live of students trying to come up in the world. Again my email is SAUNDERSTOMMY@HOTMAIL.COM

  • Katherine May 16, 2012, 9:23 am

    Hello,

    I started at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in the fall of 2004 and graduated in spring of 2009 with a bachelors degree in entertainment design. It has been 3 years and I am working at a hotel. After graduating their ” job placement” administrator did nothing for me. I have called and called asking for help and they have recently said that it has been too long since I graduated and they can’t help me. That their focus is on current graduates.
    after paying some of my loans off I am on a graduated income based repayment plan that is only covering the interest rate on my loans (through Sallie Mae). I owe $94,000 that is impossible for me to pay off without a job in my field.
    They have done nothing to help me and changed classes and degree requirements the further into the program I got.
    If there is anyway to get in on the suit I would be more then happy to give my information.
    Please email me. kschoenweiss@gmail.com

    • Katherine May 16, 2012, 9:28 am

      I forgot to mention that they expected me to be able to pay $1000 a month right after graduation.
      I make a little over minimum wage only because I have been with the hotel for 3 years. I also can’t afford to live in an apartment on my own, I am forced to live with my parent.

  • Herbert Brown May 16, 2012, 1:55 pm

    If anyone has any information about this lawsuit I would very much like to receive ANY info! I attended the Art Institute of Washington starting in 2005, dropped out because the education was not bad but terrible and I could not afford the cost of living, working, eating, and surviving on my own… They never tell you that the credits are not transferable when you sign that paper. So trying to get into another school is impossible… They are all very dishonest in their business practices and should be sued and shutdown for good. I live in Arlington VA and see these kids everyday going in and out of that Ames Center thinking that everything will be just fine once they graduate… They don’t realize that the last two semesters before they graduate that money will more than triple per month… and I think that was me 7 years ago… So if anyone could help with any info that would be great!

    durdenart@gmail.com

  • Ginger Reynolds May 27, 2012, 6:05 pm

    Hi, I would also like to know if there is a suit in progress or in the works because I too am a former AIO student (never graduated) that was promised that it would be easy and my financial aid would cover my entire education, but that was a complete lie and my aid ran out and I couldnt afford to continue on. I agree with everyone else that there has been a great missuse of funds, please let me know what I can do to get in on this! You can contact me a ginger.reynolds@yahoo.com

  • Greg Mooney May 29, 2012, 11:41 am

    Hi everyone,

    I’m also in the same situation. I’ve actually just walked away from my student loans because it is become a joke. It’s actually laughable what Salle Mae asks me to do. I’ve started picking up the phone and using them for my own entertainment. 🙂

    Anyways, The New England Institute of Art got me into this mess when I was 18-20. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and that I was signing my life away. Many lies were told to me and well I have lost all trust in our system. I mean really? I never had a chance.

    If there is a former student lawsuit I’d like to take part. I hope I didn’t miss the boat on this one.

    My email is gregnmooney@gmail.com.

    Best Regards to all and don’t lose hope.

  • Cruz June 18, 2012, 8:39 pm

    I attended AI in San Diego, CA. I got a Bachelor’s of Science degree in graphic design in 2007. 5 years have passed and I haven’t found a job. They only helped me for 6 months after graduation. They found me a “job” just a few days before the 6 months of help. I worked for that “company”for only 2 weeks, the lady paid me cash at least. BIG mistake when I decided to attend AI, the recruiter promised me a secure job before I graduate and it never happened. Now I have this debt for the rest of my life… WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING. WE HAVE TO PROVE THEM AI IS WRONG!

    e-mail: cruzcruz300300@hotmail.com I’d like to get more information please.

  • Shayla Alexander July 9, 2012, 4:58 am

    My story is similar to all of yours. I thought it was just me for a while. Mine is with the Dallas, TX Art Institute. Even community colleges wont take their credits. It was a really bad experience. I will file my complaints as James suggested. Please include me in any class action information.

    Thanks

  • Shayla Alexander July 9, 2012, 4:59 am

    My email is alexander_shayla@yahoo.com for my above comment.

  • Ed July 13, 2012, 12:39 pm

    Please send me any information. I have been paying for this since 1996 and I’m tired of paying for something i didnt get. I withdrew from art institute of fort lauderdale decades ago. Please help! Eddmalone@gmail.com

  • Adam Manning July 16, 2012, 6:34 am

    I am still currently enrolled at AI online and have three classes left before I graduate. Two weeks ago I tried to log into my class and it told me I was blocked out due to financial reasons. After several phone calls to my financial adviser I finally found out the reason was because my aggregate loan had “expired”. The adviser told me it would take another 8K to get back into my classes and receive my degree after. This is with my 57K loan that had already expired. I was never told the cost per credit hour and was also never told it would take me 180 credits to graduate. I had transferred from another school where I had over 70+ credits most of which didn’t transfer properly based on the 180 scale. I had also been told conflicting graduation dates and from the several different advisers I’ve had. If someone can help me find out more about how I can become part of this class action suit I would appreciate it. Thanks!

  • Adam Manning July 16, 2012, 6:54 am

    My email is adammanning11@gmail.com for the comments above.

  • K.John August 2, 2012, 3:27 pm

    I too want to push for legal action against this school. I have such a long list it would be impossible to lay it all out here. I was taken advantage of and manipulated by these scum sucking pieces of shit and I want to see them on their asses in the fucking gutter, more than anyone.

  • Tina Newton September 24, 2012, 8:03 pm

    I know someone that will never be free from her debt from The art institute of Pittsburgh. So much for the job offers they mentioned and the starting salary

  • richard lee myers October 16, 2012, 7:26 pm

    i to feel i was mislead by the art institute of the inland empire promised ” we have a 90% placement ” wrong they have a zero rate they have students that scan the internet just like you and me pulling the same minimum wage jobs. also stating the average student will make a minimum of $40,000 a year after graduation again wrong either no job or minimum wage. or the best statement was in my 4th quarter 2nd week of class over hearing chef’s placing food orders and the the executive chef , chef joseph stating they have no money to by product after i had just received a statement stating they had just pulled over $600.00 from my account there were over 400 students in culinary at the time you do the math.or upon graduating in 2010 i was told i had to pay a large sum of money I declined and was told i would not graduate. I was told I applied for a loan I saw document with ” a signature but not my signature I was pissed and stated i refuse and would not pay they asked me to wait outside for a moment then about a half hour later they said okay the amount was taken care of . since when can someone sign for a loan for you.an then make it disappear? 1. paying for product and not getting 2.not being able to take home what you bought 3.having a loan for you that you did not sign . 4. and wow 1 month later you find out the executive chef is gone and rumor was embezzlement. when I wrote to Chef Nenez of Pittsburgh then the changing of the guards happened and nothing else happened still no product nothing and thing got worse no spices amazing to all you wanna be chef’s tell me how can you cook or make the recipes with no spices .and now these kids going threw these classes can’t even use a knife but are passing classes and on a inside note information from former chef’s that left were told to pass everyone no matter what period it’s a money flow scam watched a kid fail basic intro 4 times another afraid of knives and fire what the hell are they doing in a kitchen. and witnessed a counselor tell the student it was okay they wouldn’t have to learn everything to pass just keep showing up and they would pass.

  • richard lee myers October 16, 2012, 7:30 pm

    sorry for rambling on . My e-mail is ricnrie@yahoo.com and yes i want in this class action

  • christopher rodisch October 23, 2012, 2:58 pm

    I am in the same boat as all of these people and need to get into contact with someone that can help me in resolving my issues with the Art Institute that I went to in regards to my loans and what they promised and what I got. My email is crodisch23@yahoo.com. Please someone contact me asap as I am in need of getting a hold of someone.

  • william Bouge November 4, 2012, 11:37 pm

    I am interested in finding out information in filing a Class Action Law Suit against South University Online Classes out of Savanna Georgia. I too was manipulated into thinking I was going to get a Psychology degree in 2 years, and due to limited income I was told I qualified for both Pell Grant and a Student loan. Since Sept 6, 2012 my debt is now up to $3000 and none of it came out of a Pell Grant. The classes I was started out on was Time management, and who was my financial support, they asked for names and addresses of these people, I refused to give that out. Then I had another class that was to make a graduation invitation and design it etc. Well when calling someone to ask why this was important, I got no response or calls back. when e-mailing someone to find out about a more detailed list of where the money went to in each of the classes, I got a response that the financial counselor I had was transferred to a different department. I started doing some research on this University and found out that I had been lied to about the classes, and the financial aid and now I owe $3000 that I have no idea where it went. I feel bad for the people who are in debt into the $10000 range and above. I dropped out of this University about 2 weeks ago and have not been contacted by anyone except a letter that states loan money has been credited to my account which was never set up for me, Im thinking WTF the letter also stated I have the right to cancel all or a portion of the loan, but if I cancel the loan I owe a CASH PAYMENT to the school up to the amount of the loan and its due IMMEDIATELY. I want to help others not apply to this University. A class action law suit would be great. Any information that would be helpful in a lawsuit contact me at williambouge@yahoo.com

  • Jesus Salazar November 19, 2012, 10:06 pm

    I will be sending all of you emails regarding all the information I know. I spoke with the lawyer working with http://www.marcarianlaw.us/classactions.htm

    If you visit the link, it talks about the class action lawsuit against EDMC and The Art Institute. We all as previous students know at least 2 other fellow drop outs so please email away and continue to spread the word and spread the news. The only thing that can help us is word of mouth. Continue to file all the complaints, not just the loan process or the missing fafsa money and pell grants, speak up about everything!
    I attended the AI at OC in Santa Ana, CA
    I paid 10K for one year to be housed with 3 other students in a two bedroom apartment who also paid 10k. The flyer they used to sell me on student housing was advertising last years apartment complex. The previous complex was nicer, had huge pools, and a huge fitness center. When we moved in, all the students were pissed off because the apartments they put us in were not as nice and had no fitness center and only one pool. Our privacy rights were constantly violated on the grounds that we were not allowed to lock our doors during the day if we were in the apartment. Suspiciously, our belongings would always go missing. Over time, the RA’s would be changed and replaced too quickly to even question what was really going on. We never had a night where we didnt have RA snooping into our windows and screen doors. The 10k per student meant that in one year, they made 40 k off one room rented……

    AIOC was making money unethically and putting us into unhealthy situations and continued to profit off the credits of students and their co-signers and forever condemned to pay off the loans of college credits that were not transferable.

    AT THIS POINT WE CANNOT LOT ALLOW THEM TO GET AWAY WITH THE TIME WE ALL INVESTED TO IMPROVE OUR LIVE! NOW WE ALL ARE SPENDING ALL OUR TIME PAYING BACK A DEBT USED TO MANIPULATE OUR LIVES AND THE ECONOMY! FILE THE COMPLAINTS! SPREAD THE WORD! MAKE THOSE PHONE CALLS! SEND THOSE EMAILS! WRITE THOSE LETTERS! PROTEST! MAKE ART! USE THAT DRIVE WE ALL HAD TO EXPRESS OURSELVES AND AIM IT DIRECTLY AT THOSE WHO THOUGHT WE WERE NOT ABLE TO COME TOGETHER! LETS MAKE SURE WE GET MORE THAN WHAT WE LOST! AT THIS POINT THIS COMPANY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE OPERATING UNDER THE OBVIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES THAT WE ARE ALL BEING LIMITED TO REACH OUR FULL POTENTIAL AS LIVING AND WORKING CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS!

    DO NOT BACK DOWN NOT ANYMORE WE ARE ALL WORKING TOGETHER AND WE MUST ALL GET PETITIONS FROM EVEN NON STUDENTS! OUR FAMILIES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED AS WELL WE ALL HAVE A SAY IN THIS FIGHT AGAINST THE OPPRESSION OF A CORPORATE TYRANT!

    PLEASE EMAIL ALL OF YOU ABOUT YOUR IDEAS ON HOW TO ORGANIZE!

    OUR ONLY HOPE IS IN NUMBERS!

    warmbeachfeet@gmail.com

    I believe in all of you. I want my life back so I can study the true art I was looking for at the Art Institute. ” -jesus

  • Sharon Heaps December 6, 2012, 3:13 pm

    I too fell victim as all of you and have $20,000+ in student loans and haven’t even graduated. They lured me into believing 90% of my schooling would be covered and then dropped me when I had no more money to pay for classes. I am a serious student with a 4.0 and I got pounded with bills for credits that don’t matter. They just want to get you in and then whollop you with insane fees they said would be covered.

    No more. PLEASE somebody contact me for the class action. dressage72@gmail.com

    Sharon Heaps

  • Linda March 18, 2013, 9:34 pm

    AIO didn’t teach me anymore than I could have taught myself. They lied to make money. I’ll be the first one to admit that I was dumb enough to fall for it all. So yes, please let me know if there is anything that can be done. I have no respect for our education system anymore.
    lynda@ptd.net

  • Linda March 18, 2013, 9:48 pm

    Jesus Salazar, I went to the site that you have listed for the class action suite but it says California. What about the Art Institute of Philadelphia??? I need help..

  • Brenda February 28, 2014, 2:52 pm

    My daughter went to the Art Institute of Philadelphia and had $27,ooo in debt for one year and couldn’t transfer her credits to any other school, not even another Art Institute!!! This is criminal! She started over at another school and deferred her loan payments. Now interest has been added and the loan has grown to $40,000. Since I co-signed for the loan I plan to help her file a complaint with anyone who will listen!!!

  • shiloh Bryan March 24, 2014, 10:08 am

    I got duped by two schools, The Art Institute of Phoenix first. When I went to discuss enrollment the adviser led me to believe that although I had no prior art classes and was under the impression it was an art “school”, by graduation I would be presenting work similar to that which they display on walls throughout. I found out after 6 months and many less than average grades(because I could not draw already)this is verbatim by Mr. King, my photoshop teacher at the time; he said “AI is not an art “school”, you don’t come here to learn the basics, you come here to refine your talents and create a portfolio that will get you a good paying job” Great information but it would of been helpful 16,000 $ sooner. I attempted to drop out and was going to try community college but also then found out my credits were no good anywhere else. It was a scam I will pay for til I die !!! And there is no recourse no matter how fraudulent the schools are. Its a fact once you take out that loan you are stuck, never the school and they know it. Why don’t we all get together and open our own scam school and we can use the money to pay off our scam educations. Second School Scam to Follow…

  • shiloh Bryan March 24, 2014, 10:35 am

    The next College Beware is Brown Mackie of Phoenix. This school is a joke. They too lied about what I could expect to leave with upon completing the Information Technology program, which I did complete and got a worthless Associates degree for the low price of approx. $40,000.00. I want to point out that I graduated on time with good grades except in math. You would think that upon graduating I would know quite a bit more than I did when I started, right? I left knowing nothing more. Not about computers anyway. I had one instructor that was so lazy and unconcerned with our education that I could tell you everything going on in his personal life, family, money, work…but not a thing about computers! He would encourage us to leave hours early because he had to get up early. He would give us all the answers on tests and just pass everyone, it was a joke. I went to the president about it and though she attempted to resolve it, I ended up with that same instructor 3 more classes ! So I went above even her and finally was refunded my money for the 4 classes. But he still was employed, still taking on new students. That is until he quit because he got a better paying job. While I was very thankful for the reimbursement it didn’t help my education one bit. I still missed out on 4 core classes. Classes that because he passed me in I could not retake them without paying out of pocket. And I’d have to take those classes ontop of my current ones. They raised our tuition about 5 months into it, nothing we could do about that. They claimed it was for paying quality instructors and keeping up with the most current tools needed for our education. Lie . Numerous instructors informed us that the school made them part-time contract workers…no benefits…no pay increase…Just one more reason to care less about our education. Get this, before graduating they required we do a four week externship. We would be sent to a company in the field of study we were taking and we would get hands on training. Towards the end I got excited thinking that externship was going to be the only real education I was going to get before graduating. Here is where they sent me…A non-profit organization dealing with the foster kids in Az. The office had 4 employees and they all had personal laptops. However, fortunately someone had donated 5 very old computers to them so for my first week I took them home to see if they powered on or not. Very difficult. Then they wanted office on them but the school wasn’t providing the software, so I put my copies I had left on there for them. My next project which i thought up myself was to try to integrate files in excel to be more functional in another program. Problem was there was nobody who knew anything about computers there. So I had no guidance and no training. Just me and You Tube. Then I got my degree and two years later cannot even apply for a job in IT because I didn’t even receive entry level education! So to those who are siding with the Schools..more power to ya, but your kids will be going to college soon too, is this the future you want them to have? Do you have $48,000 plus to toss to a college so your kid has somewhere to hang out for 4 hours a day? These Schools know full well they are failing us, and they continue to enroll enroll enroll. Not fix the problem..add to it. $$$$$

  • shiloh Bryan March 24, 2014, 10:43 am

    I am more than willing to share my experiences with those fighting the Education Management group. They need to take responsibility. It’s time they provide what they claim and give us some of our money back. Serious if there was a test given by any of today’s employers in the IT field, I am certain I would not pass. Not because I didn’t go to class or do my homework…because the quality of education and the curriculum is poor. I am never going to be able to buy a home, or take out a loan or even qualify for certain jobs..because my credit will always suck . I’ll have defaulted loans to pay yet no job to do so.

  • Jordan June 10, 2014, 5:01 pm

    How can former AI students get involved in this? The outrageous student loans and lack of job opportunity are killing anyone who has graduated from this school.

  • Joseph DiCicco November 24, 2014, 1:13 pm

    I went to New England Institute of Art Boston, they promised me the world. I lasted one year and my parents got stuck with the parent loan which they are still paying after 8 years..Will still be paying for another 7 years…That school is the worse ever, they tell you everything you want to hear. Once you are enrolled and have all your money you learn nothing..very sad that they can get away with this…

  • Dana Ellis May 14, 2015, 11:56 am

    I want help as well. I went to Arts Institute of Pittsburgh Online and was promised the world. They told me oh don’t worry we can take care of everything. Well almost 50K later I have no degree, they disenrolled me and now they wont give me my transcripts to move on stating I owe them $275. Really!!! Im disabled and can not longer work in a normal capacity. Im waiting for my Court Case August 2015. Is there anyone that can help? I have emails on top of emails of excuses why no one gets back to me then 12/2011 a email from the Dean of Students telling me they dis-enrolled me.

  • sarah June 28, 2015, 7:56 pm

    I attended the Art Institute of Pittsburg the online division. They said my classes would transfer and promised all sorts of good things. They were horrible and I could never get a hold of my advisors at all or my teachers. It was a horrible experience. And none of my classes transferred. I’m so upset and can’t believe that I owe so much money and wasted so much of my time on them. 2 years and way too much money that I can’t afford.

  • Joseph DiCicco July 1, 2015, 8:08 am

    I really hope there is compensation for this Class Action Law Suit if it ever goes through. I have been paying this loan back for 8 years and still have 7 years to go..I received NOTHING from this so called school.. So sick and tired of companies taking advantage of consumers..

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