AIU Online - American Intercontinental University Ripoff! $2191 to finish an associate's degree, actually $11,832.50, surprise Hoffman Estates Illinois

When I wanted to continue my education I knew it would be difficult. My husband is a Marine and we move too often for me to start and finsh at a brick and mortar school, so I started looking into online schools. Unfortunately, I found AIU. I had been to other schools, and when I was told the cost that was it, my invoice would match.

The advisor told me it would cost $2191 to finish a degree. Mind you I had explained that we had just filed for bankruptcy and I couldn't afford much. Obviously, my finances were in bad shape already and I should have stopped when the advisor pushed on knowing my situation.

I was told I needed to sign a promissory note, and I said I needed to wait, which wasn't good enough- he wanted it signed right away. Looking at all of the emails now I really should have stopped listening to them. Anyhow I signed this promissory note, which ended up meaning I sold my soul and bank account to the devil. After starting classes I received a notice from Educaid which talked about loans.

Well I hadn't applied for any loans so I thought this was a mistake. No- I owe this school over $11,000. After I realized what was going on I tried everything I knew of to get out of this. I tried getting ahold of everyone at the school that I had spoken to with no response, wrote the BBB to get told 'well you signed the note.' I don't get the luxury of being able to attend any school because now I can't afford to and my husbands' duty stations aren't always accomodating. The job placement at AIU was a joke as all I received were work at home scams.

What's really sad is that I just found out that this school is on probation, and my credits may not be any good anywhere. So not only do I lose my money, I can't use this degree. I hope a lawsuit does come around. Maybe someone can stop them. What's really funny is that when you type AIU into a search engine, they have made sure that all of the negative results don't start until the next page. They're spending plenty of money on advertising.

Melissa
Yucca Valley, California
U.S.A.