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Report: #216711

Complaint Review: Kaplan University - Boca Raton Florida

  • Submitted:
  • Updated:
  • Reported By: Abingdon Illinois
  • Author Confirmed What's this?
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  • Kaplan University 6409 Congress Ave Boca Raton, Florida U.S.A.

Kaplan University Scam School! Boca Raton Florida

*Consumer Comment: me to

*Consumer Comment: FOR Janet Hillsboro

*REBUTTAL Individual responds: Petition!

*General Comment: Kaplan FA Dept

*General Comment: FAFSA Updates done by school LEGAL

*General Comment: Do not believe this person.

*General Comment: Pleas econtact Carrie

*General Comment: Kaplan IS a ripoff

*Consumer Comment: No Scam; Just Reality

*Consumer Comment: No Scam; Just Reality

*Consumer Comment: Kaplan Situation

*Consumer Comment: REPORT STUDENT LOAN FRAUD

*Consumer Suggestion: You May Be Able to File a Complaint With the Palm Beach County Division of Consumer Affairs

*Consumer Suggestion: Kaplan University Help for those who have outstanding debt Fort Lauderdale Florida

*Consumer Suggestion: Kaplan University Help for those who have outstanding debt Fort Lauderdale Florida

*Consumer Suggestion: Kaplan University Help for those who have outstanding debt Fort Lauderdale Florida

*Consumer Suggestion: Kaplan University Help for those who have outstanding debt Fort Lauderdale Florida

*Consumer Comment: Kaplan Owes ME Money!

*Consumer Comment: Very Glad I Didn't Enroll!!

*UPDATE EX-employee responds: Current Lawsuit Against Kaplan

*Consumer Comment: Kaplan Ripofff

*Consumer Comment: It pays to investigate before acting

*Consumer Comment: Another note about Kaplan...

*Consumer Comment: I have the same issues with Kaplan online University...

*Consumer Comment: I am having HUGE issues with Kaplan....

*Consumer Comment: "Kaplan University Scam School! Boca Raton Florida"

*Consumer Comment: Consider Using Yahoo Forum

*Consumer Suggestion: High Level Contact Information for Kaplan University

*Consumer Comment: They did it to me too!!

*Consumer Comment: Kaplan cannot edit your Fafsa

*Consumer Comment: Thank you!

*Consumer Comment: pulled out of classes

*Consumer Comment: Please Contact

*Consumer Comment: This is getting ridiculous

*Consumer Comment: Thank you

*Consumer Comment: Kaplan Rip-off...I feel your pain

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My Education with Kaplan started in April of 2005. At that time I spoke with an Academic Adviser who assured me that (1) I would not have any unexpected bills showing up and (2) that I would have a total student loan of around $26,000 when I was finished with school. Sounded great so I agreed to enroll.

I was assigned a student adviser and together we worked out my degree plan, major, minor, and chose the classes for me to take. From that point on I could not get in contact with him. I would leave messages for him to call me back, but he never would. It came time to enroll for the classes and I had still not heard from him so I chose to talk to the "next available student adviser".

At that point was was told about the Accelerated Scholars Award, and was told that if I take three classes I would be eligible for this scholarship. I then contacted Financial Aid to ensure that I would be covered for three classes. I was told that I was indeed eligible. I then contacted the student adviser and enrolled for three classes, faxed the paperwork to the school, and began my next term on schedule.

The following two terms I went through exactly the same steps, contacting the student adviser, then financial aid, and back to the student adviser again to enroll. Each time I was assured that I was good to go, so to speak.

At the end of the term I received a letter from Kaplan claiming that I owed them nearly $1,851 and that I had to pay that money before I could continue with school. At this point I contacted Kaplan to find out why I owed this money. I was told that I was only covered by financial aid to take three classes once per quarter, and now I owe them for the last two terms. I explained that I had spoken with someone in financial aid each term and was assured that everything was OK and I could take these extra classes because of the scholarship.

At that time I was told that the scholarships had not yet been applied to my account. From that point on I received statements that remained unchanged, until August when I received a statement from them claiming that I had an account balance of $1,851 and a past due amount of $3, 975. I contacted my Financial aid officer to find out what the problem was and he told me that he was going to do a complete check to make sure that the money paid by financial aid and my student loans were going to the correct places.

I then received an email saying that he had done all he could do and that I was was 1 credit from being a level 3 to absorb the costs. At that time I mentioned the Scholarships. He had no idea what I was talking about and NO WHERE on my account had it been stated that I had these scholarships. Later that day I received an email from my new student adviser introducing herself and explaining that they were working on the account issues and that she would get back to me ASAP. In the mean time I was taken off the blacklist and allowed to go to school for the term.

About a week later I received notice that her supervisor needed me to send in all the forms that I had originally faxed over so that they could get the scholarships credited to my account ASAP. I faxed them over, but was told a day later they were never received. I faxed them again, and this time was told they were received and being reviewed. A week after that I was told that they were approved and were in the process of being applied to my account. In the mean time I am receiving my confirmation letters for my student loans where they are making payments to Kaplan in the amounts of $3,500 and $4,000, the final payment being in 2007.

The next term begins November 8, 2006. At this point, I have already begun payments for that term. I received a statement in the mail from Kaplan stating that now I owe them not only the $3,975, but I also now have an account balance of $4,000 (up from $1,851 just 3 months before).I tried to contact my Financial Adviser but to no avail. To top it all off, I receive an email today (this is the actual email that I received):

"Dear Kaplan University Student,

The end of the term is approaching and your account is severely past due with Kaplan University. If your account is not brought current by the end of the term, a block will be placed on your account. You will
not be able to continue into your next term until the past due balance is paid in full.

Please contact our Student Accounts department at 1-800-817-8272 to make a payment or discuss an alternative loan. You can also go to the MAKE A PAYMENT tab on your desktop to make a payment.

Thank you,

Student Accounts Department
Kaplan University"

My questions that I want answered are:
(1)If according to my FASA I am only responsible for $2,890 a year, how can I possibly owe the school ANYTHING??? This would mean that Financial Aid is covering all but $2,890. My Student Loans should not exceed $2,890.

(2)What happened to my Scholarships? Why have these not been applied to my account?

(3)If Citibank is making payments from my student loans, and financial aid is paying, how could I possibly have an account balance with Kaplan???

If anyone at all has a class action lawsuit or is thinking of getting one started PLEASE contact me. I have the names of several other students that have been down this very road and are willing to be part of this as well!

Carrie
Abingdon, Illinois
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 10/19/2006 06:37 PM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/kaplan-university/boca-raton-florida-33487/kaplan-university-scam-school-boca-raton-florida-216711. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
0Author
35Consumer
1Employee/Owner

#36 Consumer Comment

me to

AUTHOR: BrookieRoo - (United States of America)

POSTED: Friday, March 01, 2013

Kaplan has kicked me  out of school for not going even though i turned in paper work to have a month off now they will not let me come back i was told by mark ali to submit an essay to the dean to be re enrolled into the school that was back in nov and i still have not heard anything and in the mean time i keep getting letters saying i own them large amounts of money.... I think they will never let me back in and all they want to do is take my money and destroy my credit.......If you are gonna take them to court i am in just let me know where to sign......Brooke

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#35 Consumer Comment

FOR Janet Hillsboro

AUTHOR: Rachel - (United States of America)

POSTED: Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Please contact me via facebook @ Rachel Gallant-Douglas or email me at douglasrachel98atyahoo regarding your post about Kaplan University.  I am looking for individuals who want to join in this fight!

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#34 REBUTTAL Individual responds

Petition!

AUTHOR: dewittinfl - (United States of America)

POSTED: Friday, May 06, 2011

I am one of these students that this school had stole Pell grants from as well as other  issues! I have the proof and have confronted them everyday till this day...and they still push me away! These links show you what is really going on! Stop this from happening any longer! I signed the petition "STOP KAPLAN UNIVERSITY!". Now... I'm asking you to sign this
petition to help us reach our goal of 5,000 signatures. I care deeply about this cause, and I hope you will support our efforts.



(((ROR REDACTED)))



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#33 General Comment

Kaplan FA Dept

AUTHOR: Gator - (United States of America)

POSTED: Wednesday, March 16, 2011

I am also a former Kaplan student. I started in August 2010 but did not complete my first term.
The FA department kept losing my paper work or I would get an email saying that paper work
I had submitted was wrong. I would call and be placed on hold for hours waiting to talk with someone. There was never an explaination as to why the paper work was wrong and or how
to correct it. I would resubmit as requested and would not get a response for several days.
I would again recieve an email stating that the form was not filled out properly. This continued
week after week until I became so frustrated that I withdrew. Now It's March 2011 and I am recieving emails regarding my PWD (Post Withdrawal Form) and my Financail Aid Acceptance
forms saying they have not been submitted and were filled out incorrectly. Here we go again!
I still have not recieved my financial aid 7 months later and am getting calls from FA regarding my payments. I have faxed at least a full ream of paper trying to get my paper work to their specifications. I do not think that FA's right hand knows what the left hand is doing. These people
are incompatent. There is to many people with their hands in the cookie jar. I have kept a file of every email that was sent by Kaplan and every response I returned. I would be very interested in joining a Lawsuit as well.

Shad Hall
Gainesville, Ga.
U.S.A.

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#32 General Comment

FAFSA Updates done by school LEGAL

AUTHOR: Financial Aid Advisor - NOT WITH KA - (United States of America)

POSTED: Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Hello! I have been an financial aid advisor for over 8 years now.  I can GUARANTEE YOU that schools making changes to your FAFSA is completely 100% legal.

30% of all students who file a FAFSA are selected by the federal government for "verification" - this means that the school must verify that what was filed on the FAFSA matches EXACTLY the tax returns.  This is a FEDERAL REQUIREMENT prior to any loan or grant funds being disbursed to the student's account.  The school will REQUIRE you to provide your last year's tax return and potentially some other forms (they differ from school to school).  If, after reviewing the information, it is discoved that you misfiled or incorrectly listed income or assets on your FAFSA it is our responsibility as Financial Aid Advisors to correct your FAFSA.  A Financial Aid Officer/Advisor works as a liason between the USDOED, the student and the IRS.  We can and will also tell you that you must refile or correct your taxes if you filed improperly.  All of this is well within the law and the federal regulations surrounding Federal Aid.  Please feel free to look this up online or by calling the 800 number 4FedAid. 

For the lady that contacted the IRS when Kaplan asked for taxes, you are ridiculous - if you don't give Kaplan what they ask for (which ultimately, the government is asking for) then you don't get aid. Period.

I think you all have to understand - Federal Financial Aid has far too many rules, regulations and overseers to make it possible for these people to scam you.  There are rules based on the number of days a school can keep a credit (stipend) on account prior to it being cut to you along with a MULTITUDE of other rules. 

Now, please understand, the billing and financial aid departments are two seperate offices at Kaplan (and every school I've ever went to or worked for).  FA is FA.  Someone can't do their own thing in Federal Aid.  However, in the Business Office/Bursar/Student Accounts/Billing they can do as they please.  Charge you additional fees or whatever (within the guidlines of the contract or enrollment agreement YOU signed).

I worked for a for-profit and I'm not defending them - I did see some shady things, but NEVER did FA do anything shady as the Federal Goverment makes it 99.9% foolproof against FAO fraud.

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#31 General Comment

Do not believe this person.

AUTHOR: anonymous28428 - (United States of America)

POSTED: Friday, November 12, 2010

Whoever wrote has to be an employee of Kaplan. I have counted over 500 complaints in just 2 hours from former Kaplan students with the same problems. They have my extra loan funds and are telling me that the loan compnay has never sent them. I called Direct Loan and they stated that Kaplan has had my loans for over a month. I can never get in touch with anyone at Kaplan. They never return emails or phone calls. Anyways, whoever wrote this,, do not believe any of this. Kaplans classes are on a quarter, not a semester. If this person went there they would know that. Kaplan will not tell you they are on a quarter. They have you believe that you are on a semester. It cost more per semester at Kaplan than any other online college. Kaplann 5 credits are only worth 3 credits in any state college or private university and most of them will not transfer. Concord law school, which is a part of Kaplan is not certified by the ABA (American Bar Association). They tell you they are acredited. The truth is that only in California can you test for the bar with a Kaplan law degree. The ABA does not reconize any online law schools. I could go on and on. To many people are complaining and its people like this who want you to believe that everyone of them are"confused". Google Kaplan complaints and see what you come up with.

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#30 General Comment

Pleas econtact Carrie

AUTHOR: Ejennison - (United States of America)

POSTED: Wednesday, October 20, 2010

My Girlfriend just graduated with Kaplan University in the criminal justice forensic degree and is having similar issues with her financial department there. Please contact me Carrie so she may be able to discuss her experience with you and yours with her. We are very interested in what happened to you and the others you know have been through this. I told her she may want to contact a lawyer to file a lawsuit and I feel she may need as many people with the same problems to join her in this if she does go ahead with it. Please contact us at your convenience to gather insight into her problems. My email is (((Redacted))). Sorry it said i couldn't add emails.


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#29 General Comment

Kaplan IS a ripoff

AUTHOR: Elizabeth - (USA)

POSTED: Saturday, April 17, 2010

Hello to the inital post I am very sorry for your ordeal I am too having a sever one with them which is recently posted as the location Jolon C.A.  To add to the most recent from that one and to the one speaking highly of Kaplan.  First I understand things take time but not a year.  I have been trying for over a month to get my situation fixed.  I had a manger call my cell phone (which unfortunately does not get good signal at home) and leave a voice mail stating that he is a FA manger and he was going to have another one that specialized in issues that I was having to call me Friday morning.  I waited and when I did not get a call from the one that specializes in it I called the FA manager who left me the message back leaving a message to call me along with a new house phone so I know when someone is calling.  I have called everday for a week now and no response.  My academic adviser who has always called me back called Monday and told me I needed to call him in a message.  So I continued to call EVERYDAY and leave a message at all times.  Still no response from him I called her Friday and will wait until Monday when she normally gets back with me when I call on a Friday and see if she has heard.  Funny thing is I have been getting Kaplan calls yesterday and today (Saturday) and when I answer they hang up!  Yes things take time but not this much along with no responses.  I had talked to the IRS and FAFSA about situations.  Which the IRS had told me what they wanted me to with tax papers was ILLEGAL which I already knew and called them first before doing anything.  I will be taking the proper steps which I have given them more than enough time and if no return calls from them will go higher up.  To the person who said this is not a scam this is reality sounds like to me it is a Kaplan employee trying to discourage you in a "nice and concerning way."  I went to a community college before moving and received a Pell Grant that did cover everything through that college and when there was money left over I would go and pick up a check for the rest which was used for gas or supplies.  Another funny thing is the first two and second two set of classes I took I got a My CAA for military spouses along with my pell grant.  This is over $10,000 total so when someone does the math and the tution is only $9,993.00  why I am getting calls saying I owe over $1800?  I too have been going to college for a long time and have never had to deal with what Kaplan has put me through and I understand exactly what the deal is no misunderstanding and this is NOT reality! 

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#28 Consumer Comment

No Scam; Just Reality

AUTHOR: Straight Facts - (United States of America)

POSTED: Saturday, April 17, 2010

I have read some of the situations that people have gone through with Kaplan. Kaplan is a regionally accredited university, which means they have rules and regulations that must be followed. In regards to financial aid, the government disperse funds at certain times throughout the academic year. I have personally attended Kaplan and obtained my BS with them. I have took advantage of the accelerated scholarship where a person takes 3 classes and can get a discount, so I believe I have a good understanding.

First, I understand that when we want things done we want them done now, but in reality things take time and people have to understand that. Things are subject to human error and no one here can say they have never made a mistake.

Second, my scholarships were not applied immediately as well, so it showed a balance on my account and I did receive emails. I knew the situation was being handle and I went through the proper channels, as many people are doing here. In the end, I did owe, but I knew I would owe something because financial aid did not cover 100% of my TOTAL tuition cost. Yes, some of the terms were covered completely, but again financial aid will only grant you the amount indicated by your EFC. Financial aid is based on financial NEED. I owed about $1400 when it was said and done. I paid it because I understand how financial aid works.

Also schools charge per credit hour and as you move through your degree the classes get higher and so do the credit hour per course. So, one term you might take 15 credit hours (3classes) and then in another term you might take 18 credit hours (3classes). Why is that? Because the first term I took 3 5credit hour courses and in the second term I took 3 6credit hour courses, but Financial aid is only going to pay out a specific amount. Anything over is an out of pocket expense. So, the first term was covered in full and the second term wasn't based on the TOTAL amount of credits per term.

I know that financial aid is totally confusing. First financial aid's fiscal year doesn't start in January like our normal year, so it throws everything off balance to the normal thinking that we have. Financial aid might grant you a particular amount but they do not give the school all the money upfront, which may show a balance on your account. Once the government releases those funds to the school then the balance owed will disappear or there will be a balanced owed if the funds did not cover everything.

Financial aid's year goes from July - June. Example, if you start school in April 07 for the first time then from April to the last day of June 07 is covered in the Financial Aids 06 year. After July 1, 2007 it starts over again, now you are in Financial Aid's 07 year. New funding plan!

Now if you went to a previous school and they used up some of your financial aid, then you went to Kaplan that is a totally different scenario because, now some of your financial aid money is not going completely to Kaplan its going to the school you went to previously and Kaplan is now short changed and you are going to have an out of pocket with Kaplan because Financial Aid (gov) had to pay part of those funds to your previous school.

I have been going to school for years and it took me years to understand all of this. Believe me you have right to feel frustrated, confused, and even cheating. I am not saying that you don't because I once did. But, once you understand how it works and see that is mainly the problem, a lack of understanding the process. If you are not grasping how it works you're going to naturally think (human response) that someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

Universities CANNOT change your FAFSA. The only thing they can do is walk you through any corrections that may be needed, for example helping you correct the school code, but they are not the ones who change it! You are! Kaplan's Financial Aid Advisors cannot physically touch anybody's FAFSA. No educational institution can!

Another thing is that when you complete a certain amount of credits your loan amounts can increase to help cover the cost of your tuition. For example, if you qualify for X amount unsub and Y about sub loans and you are now considered a Junior in college your X amount of unsub and/or Y amount of sub loans can be increased through the government. This helps students to NOT have any out of pocket expenses. It is your responsibility to ask about it! If and when you have an out of pocket - ask if there can be an increase of your loans, do you qualify?

Now, the statement that was mentioned above don't confuse this. The total amount that you are allowed will not increase. I mean the TOTAL period - the last I checked it was about 57.5k in a lifetime (undergrad, includes both sub and unsub loans only-not any grants)- not everyone may qualify for this amount, remember Financial Aid is based on Financial Need! But how much they disperse out at a time can increase. (The amount that you may be allowed per term, not to exceed the TOTAL that you qualify for through the government) This is how people have out of pockets because they might increase the amount you get over a term depending upon your level, but it can not exceed what you qualify for. That is how people owe money toward the end of their degree programs. Because they were saved those out of pocket expenses they were going to have anyway until the end because more money was allotted upfront! - I hope you get that, not trying to confuse anyone here :-)

Anyway it goes, get a better understanding of how financial aid works. Go to the fafsa.ed.gov website and contact the government directly for explanations and ask how things work. I am just telling you all based on my experience and understanding because it is a headache trying to understand it all and it can be frustrating. Believe me, I feel your pain.

But I personally do not believe that Kaplan is trying to scam anyone, if you think about it they really do not have to. Now, do I believe that someone can make mistakes, absolutely everything is subject to human error. I will never pass judgment, but definitely get more information. Many people fear what they do not understand.

I have personally graduated from Kaplan and I believe they offer a great education. They have some of the best professors in the country providing students with tremendous amounts of knowledge. I just encourage you to not let a misunderstanding of how things work stop you from obtaining a great education. This topic is not easy to understand, though it is part of the process, not unless you have a savings account set aside to fund your education in full. I hope this posting helps some individuals. In reality, its not going to help everybody, but if it helps one person I am happy with that.

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#27 Consumer Comment

No Scam; Just Reality

AUTHOR: Straight Facts - (United States of America)

POSTED: Saturday, April 17, 2010

I have read some of the situations that people have gone through with Kaplan. Kaplan is a regionally accredited university, which means they have rules and regulations that must be followed. In regards to financial aid, the government disperse funds at certain times throughout the academic year. I have personally attended Kaplan and obtained my BS with them. I have took advantage of the accelerated scholarship where a person takes 3 classes and can get a discount, so I believe I have a good understanding.

First, I understand that when we want things done we want them done now, but in reality things take time and people have to understand that. Things are subject to human error and no one here can say they have never made a mistake.

Second, my scholarships were not applied immediately as well, so it showed a balance on my account and I did receive emails. I knew the situation was being handle and I went through the proper channels, as many people are doing here. In the end, I did owe, but I knew I would owe something because financial aid did not cover 100% of my TOTAL tuition cost. Yes, some of the terms were covered completely, but again financial aid will only grant you the amount indicated by your EFC. Financial aid is based on financial NEED. I owed about $1400 when it was said and done. I paid it because I understand how financial aid works.

Also schools charge per credit hour and as you move through your degree the classes get higher and so do the credit hour per course. So, one term you might take 15 credit hours (3classes) and then in another term you might take 18 credit hours (3classes). Why is that? Because the first term I took 3 5credit hour courses and in the second term I took 3 6credit hour courses, but Financial aid is only going to pay out a specific amount. Anything over is an out of pocket expense. So, the first term was covered in full and the second term wasn't based on the TOTAL amount of credits per term.

I know that financial aid is totally confusing. First financial aid's fiscal year doesn't start in January like our normal year, so it throws everything off balance to the normal thinking that we have. Financial aid might grant you a particular amount but they do not give the school all the money upfront, which may show a balance on your account. Once the government releases those funds to the school then the balance owed will disappear or there will be a balanced owed if the funds did not cover everything.

Financial aid's year goes from July - June. Example, if you start school in April 07 for the first time then from April to the last day of June 07 is covered in the Financial Aids 06 year. After July 1, 2007 it starts over again, now you are in Financial Aid's 07 year. New funding plan!

Now if you went to a previous school and they used up some of your financial aid, then you went to Kaplan that is a totally different scenario because, now some of your financial aid money is not going completely to Kaplan its going to the school you went to previously and Kaplan is now short changed and you are going to have an out of pocket with Kaplan because Financial Aid (gov) had to pay part of those funds to your previous school.

I have been going to school for years and it took me years to understand all of this. Believe me you have right to feel frustrated, confused, and even cheating. I am not saying that you don't because I once did. But, once you understand how it works and see that is mainly the problem, a lack of understanding the process. If you are not grasping how it works you're going to naturally think (human response) that someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

Universities CANNOT change your FAFSA. The only thing they can do is walk you through any corrections that may be needed, for example helping you correct the school code, but they are not the ones who change it! You are! Kaplan's Financial Aid Advisors cannot physically touch anybody's FAFSA. No educational institution can!

Another thing is that when you complete a certain amount of credits your loan amounts can increase to help cover the cost of your tuition. For example, if you qualify for X amount unsub and Y about sub loans and you are now considered a Junior in college your X amount of unsub and/or Y amount of sub loans can be increased through the government. This helps students to NOT have any out of pocket expenses. It is your responsibility to ask about it! If and when you have an out of pocket - ask if there can be an increase of your loans, do you qualify?

Now, the statement that was mentioned above don't confuse this. The total amount that you are allowed will not increase. I mean the TOTAL period - the last I checked it was about 57.5k in a lifetime (undergrad, includes both sub and unsub loans only-not any grants)- not everyone may qualify for this amount, remember Financial Aid is based on Financial Need! But how much they disperse out at a time can increase. (The amount that you may be allowed per term, not to exceed the TOTAL that you qualify for through the government) This is how people have out of pockets because they might increase the amount you get over a term depending upon your level, but it can not exceed what you qualify for. That is how people owe money toward the end of their degree programs. Because they were saved those out of pocket expenses they were going to have anyway until the end because more money was allotted upfront! - I hope you get that, not trying to confuse anyone here :-)

Anyway it goes, get a better understanding of how financial aid works. Go to the fafsa.ed.gov website and contact the government directly for explanations and ask how things work. I am just telling you all based on my experience and understanding because it is a headache trying to understand it all and it can be frustrating. Believe me, I feel your pain.

But I personally do not believe that Kaplan is trying to scam anyone, if you think about it they really do not have to. Now, do I believe that someone can make mistakes, absolutely everything is subject to human error. I will never pass judgment, but definitely get more information. Many people fear what they do not understand.

I have personally graduated from Kaplan and I believe they offer a great education. They have some of the best professors in the country providing students with tremendous amounts of knowledge. I just encourage you to not let a misunderstanding of how things work stop you from obtaining a great education. This topic is not easy to understand, though it is part of the process, not unless you have a savings amount set aside to fund your education. I hope this posting helps some individuals. In reality, its not going to help everybody, but if it helps one person I am happy with that.

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#26 Consumer Comment

Kaplan Situation

AUTHOR: Teresa - (United States of America)

POSTED: Thursday, January 28, 2010

I have an similar situation with Kaplan University On-line.  Although I am just starting I am devastated by your situation.  The following is what I reported to the Attorney General and Consumer Affairs.  I have also sent information to the local news affiliates.  I think if we all put our heads together we can find a solution to solve our situations.   This is the first step to stopping the madness but we can help make things right if we really want to.

To Whom It May Concern: I attended online courses through Kaplan University On-line. After two classes, 4.0 grades, I was dismissed for academic performance due to some ratio they have. This is because I took two classes in 2004 and withdrew due to personal reasons. The situation did not make sense to me and I am still fighting it. However, now they have mangled my financial aid that I applied for through Direct Loans. The financial aid representative told me that if I did not apply for a loan through Citibank that my loans most likely will not go through. Not only do I have to worry about being dismissed for 4.0 grades but now all of a sudden I do not have financial aid. I have researched the situation online and there seems to be way too many complaints against this school for this issue and others. I should have done the research before hand but was very excited about going back to school. What should be my plan of attack to fix this situation since they do not want to help? Thank you!

I would entertain any ideas others have for consolidation of forces.

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#25 Consumer Comment

REPORT STUDENT LOAN FRAUD

AUTHOR: Joe - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, April 20, 2009

REPORT STUDENT LOAN FRAUD

# An improper accounting of a student loan concerning a collection agency or loan service center. (contact the FSA, Ombudsman's Toll Free Number 1-877-557-2575)
# Financial Aid Information. (contact Federal Aid Information Center on 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243))



https://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OIG/englishhotlineform.cfm
OK AS REGARDS THE REST OF IT, YOU WANT TO GO TO AN ATTORNEY AND SEE IF THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE NATIONAL CONSUMER LAW CENTER AND THE MANUAL THEY WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IS STUDENT LOAN LAW.
http://www.consumerlaw.org/publications/manuals/student_loan.shtml
IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING APPLIES TO YOU, YOU NEED TO CHECK WITH A LAWYER!
IT COULD BE FRAUDULENT INDUCEMENT TO SIGN AN UNCONSCIONABLE CONTRACT OR FRAUD ..AND YOU WANT TO SEE IF YOU CAN GET EXEMPLARY AND PUTATIVE DAMAGES.CHECK THIS OUT. IF ANY OF THIS APPLIES TO YOU, GO SEE A LAWYER ASAP!

Collections, Intercepts, Deferments, Discharges, Repayment Plans, and Trade School Abuses

The Bad News

Millions of Americans, delinquent on their student loans, often because of financial hardship or trade school fraud, feel the full brunt of federal collection:

* Tax refund intercepts
* Administrative wage garnishment
* Seizure of Social Security or other federal benefits
* Lawsuits with no statute of limitations
* Shockingly high collection fees
* Private collector harassment
* Sharp limits on bankruptcy discharges
* Bad credit records; and
* Ineligibility for new federal loans and grants.

The Good News

A legal practice manual that for the first time comprehensively analyzes all the remedies and strategies for students delinquent on their loans:

* Financial hardship and other loan deferments
* Affordable repayment plans, income-contingent loan consolidations, loan rehabilitation, and compromise and write-off authority
* Rights to stop tax intercepts, wage garnishments, and seizure of Social Security benefits.
* Legal claims against unfair or deceptive collection practices
* Loan discharge based on school closure, fraud, or failure to make owed refunds
* Discharge based on disability
* Strategies to deal with student loans in bankruptcy
* Minimizing collection fees
* Trade school abuses and raising school misconduct as a loan defense.

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#24 Consumer Suggestion

You May Be Able to File a Complaint With the Palm Beach County Division of Consumer Affairs

AUTHOR: PBC Consumer Affairs - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, April 17, 2009

You May Be Able to File a Complaint With the Palm Beach County Division of Consumer Affairs

Division of Consumer Affairs
50 S. Military Trail Suite #201
West Palm Beach, FL 33415
(561) 712-6600 - Ask for Investigator Daniel Dodson
(561) 712-6610 Fax

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#23 Consumer Suggestion

Kaplan University Help for those who have outstanding debt Fort Lauderdale Florida

AUTHOR: Tim - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, April 04, 2009

To everyone who has found out that they graduated with outstanding debt due to financial aid dept failure of checks and balances. There are a number of things that have to be done first before seeking legal help. The first and foremost is try to remedy the situation in house. This means to report to the financial aid department and see if they will do anything for you. If after several attempts and no results, then report them to the BBB in Florida. This is the only BBB that handles Kaplan University. After that, then send a letter to your local congressman explaining the situation. This is called making a formal congressional inquiry. Then file a report with the Dept of Education-Inspector General.



Once that is done, report the situation to the consumer protection agency. Finally, send a letter to the Dean of your Program or President of the University. Before going any further, you should wait for a response from the Congressman and the BBB as well as the Dept of Education. You will not get a response from the FTC of consumer protection agency, they only catalog complaints.



For those who are wondering why I am stating all of this is because I am going through the same issue and want to help my fellow students. I am a graduate and loved the school and have no issues with the programs, but the financial aid department has mismanagement, misscommunication and no checks and balances in place that sets up an audit on an account if a loan or schloarship is not processed.



Good luck to you all.



William

Norfolk, Virginia

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#22 Consumer Suggestion

Kaplan University Help for those who have outstanding debt Fort Lauderdale Florida

AUTHOR: Tim - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, April 04, 2009

To everyone who has found out that they graduated with outstanding debt due to financial aid dept failure of checks and balances. There are a number of things that have to be done first before seeking legal help. The first and foremost is try to remedy the situation in house. This means to report to the financial aid department and see if they will do anything for you. If after several attempts and no results, then report them to the BBB in Florida. This is the only BBB that handles Kaplan University. After that, then send a letter to your local congressman explaining the situation. This is called making a formal congressional inquiry. Then file a report with the Dept of Education-Inspector General.



Once that is done, report the situation to the consumer protection agency. Finally, send a letter to the Dean of your Program or President of the University. Before going any further, you should wait for a response from the Congressman and the BBB as well as the Dept of Education. You will not get a response from the FTC of consumer protection agency, they only catalog complaints.



For those who are wondering why I am stating all of this is because I am going through the same issue and want to help my fellow students. I am a graduate and loved the school and have no issues with the programs, but the financial aid department has mismanagement, misscommunication and no checks and balances in place that sets up an audit on an account if a loan or schloarship is not processed.



Good luck to you all.



William

Norfolk, Virginia

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#21 Consumer Suggestion

Kaplan University Help for those who have outstanding debt Fort Lauderdale Florida

AUTHOR: Tim - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, April 04, 2009

To everyone who has found out that they graduated with outstanding debt due to financial aid dept failure of checks and balances. There are a number of things that have to be done first before seeking legal help. The first and foremost is try to remedy the situation in house. This means to report to the financial aid department and see if they will do anything for you. If after several attempts and no results, then report them to the BBB in Florida. This is the only BBB that handles Kaplan University. After that, then send a letter to your local congressman explaining the situation. This is called making a formal congressional inquiry. Then file a report with the Dept of Education-Inspector General.



Once that is done, report the situation to the consumer protection agency. Finally, send a letter to the Dean of your Program or President of the University. Before going any further, you should wait for a response from the Congressman and the BBB as well as the Dept of Education. You will not get a response from the FTC of consumer protection agency, they only catalog complaints.



For those who are wondering why I am stating all of this is because I am going through the same issue and want to help my fellow students. I am a graduate and loved the school and have no issues with the programs, but the financial aid department has mismanagement, misscommunication and no checks and balances in place that sets up an audit on an account if a loan or schloarship is not processed.



Good luck to you all.



William

Norfolk, Virginia

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#20 Consumer Suggestion

Kaplan University Help for those who have outstanding debt Fort Lauderdale Florida

AUTHOR: Tim - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, April 04, 2009

To everyone who has found out that they graduated with outstanding debt due to financial aid dept failure of checks and balances. There are a number of things that have to be done first before seeking legal help. The first and foremost is try to remedy the situation in house. This means to report to the financial aid department and see if they will do anything for you. If after several attempts and no results, then report them to the BBB in Florida. This is the only BBB that handles Kaplan University. After that, then send a letter to your local congressman explaining the situation. This is called making a formal congressional inquiry. Then file a report with the Dept of Education-Inspector General.



Once that is done, report the situation to the consumer protection agency. Finally, send a letter to the Dean of your Program or President of the University. Before going any further, you should wait for a response from the Congressman and the BBB as well as the Dept of Education. You will not get a response from the FTC of consumer protection agency, they only catalog complaints.



For those who are wondering why I am stating all of this is because I am going through the same issue and want to help my fellow students. I am a graduate and loved the school and have no issues with the programs, but the financial aid department has mismanagement, misscommunication and no checks and balances in place that sets up an audit on an account if a loan or schloarship is not processed.



Good luck to you all.



William

Norfolk, Virginia

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#19 Consumer Comment

Kaplan Owes ME Money!

AUTHOR: Kaplan Owes Me Money! - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, March 28, 2009

I am getting the run around from the Kaplan Financial Aid department, and am completely fed up and frustrated. I have written a complaint but want to copy it to higher ups in the University. Such as Dean, president, head of financial aid, etc. but those clever cats make it impossible to find them. They leave you stuck in the same loop of hopeless dead ends. No wonder why the FA department have such superior attitudes, you can't complain even if you want too. Does anyone know how I can get those emails??? Please help.
Thank You
Kris

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#18 Consumer Comment

Very Glad I Didn't Enroll!!

AUTHOR: Kathy - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, June 26, 2008

Wow, after reading all your responses and then seeing so many new topics, I am very glad I did not enroll. I also learned on this site that Kaplan is not even accredited college. If I had gone through with the courses like I did at Ashworth which might I add is not accredited and is a scam too, I would have been HIGHLY upset all the work I had done would not get me into Law School or a job after completing.

I am so very sorry to hear what you have gone through. If I learn of a college that is legit (accredited w/o being a scam), I will definitely let everyone know. However, I am beginning to think any college that is online unless its your local college or University, is going to end up being a scam.

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#17 UPDATE EX-employee responds

Current Lawsuit Against Kaplan

AUTHOR: Star - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, April 26, 2008

FYI - I have seen all of this within Kaplan. Know your rights when you're getting involved with them. Your education is important, don't let any issues stop you from getting it.

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
TAMPA DIVISION
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
ex rel. Carlos Urquilla-Diaz, Relator,
Jude Gillespie, Relator,
Ben Wilcox, Relator;
Civil Action No.8:07CV669-T23TGW
FILED IN CAMERA AND
UNDER SEAL PURSUANT
TO 31 U.S.C. 3730(b)(2)
v.
Kaplan University a/k/a
Kaplan College a/k/a/ Iowa
College Acquisition Corporation;
Kaplan Higher Education Corporation,
a division of Kaplan, Inc.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Washington Post Company;
Defendants.
___________
FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES
AND OTHER RELIEF UNDER THE FALSE CLAIMS ACT
Plaintiffs and Relators Jude Gillespie, Carlos Urquilla-Diaz, and Ben Wilcox allege as follows:
I. Introduction

1. (a) This is an action to recover damages and civil penalties on behalf of the United
States of America, arising out of false claims approved and presented by
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 1 of 16

Defendants to obtain
over one-half billion dollars annually from the United States Department of
Education pursuant to the Higher Education Act, Title IV ("HEA"), from at least
January 1, 1999 continually through the present.
(b) Defendant Kaplan University (hereafter known as Kaplan) is one of the largest
recipients of HEA federal student financial aid funds from the United States
Department of Education.
(c) In requesting and receiving at least one-half billion dollars annually, Defendants
falsely represent every year that they are in compliance with HEA's and all of the
Federal regulations that are required for eligibility of the Title IV
funds.
(d) Defendants had, and continue to have, actual knowledge that they are not adhering
to the HEA regulations that their representations of adherence were and are false,
and that they therefore were and are submitting false or fraudulent representations
of compliance.
(e) Alternatively, Defendants act and acted with deliberate indifference and/or
reckless disregard as to the truth or falsity of the claims. (f) Relators assert causes
of action under the False Claims Act for submission of a knowingly false or
fraudulent claims for payment or approval, and knowingly false records or
statements to get a false or fraudulent claim paid or approved, in violation of 31
U.S.C. 3729(a)(1) and (2).
II. Jurisdiction and Venue
2. (a) This is an action brought pursuant to the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. 3729,
et seq., and subject matter jurisdiction is invoked pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1331.
(b) This case arises from the wrongful conduct of the Defendants incident to
obtaining funds from the United States of Department of Education pursuant to
the Higher Education Act, Title IV.
3. This Court has in personam jurisdiction over the Defendants under 31 U.S.C.
3732(a), which authorizes nationwide service of process.
4. (a) 31 U.S.C. 3732(a) provides "Any action under section 3730 may be brought
in any judicial district in which the Defendant or, in the case of multiple
Defendants, any one Defendant, can be found, resides, transacts business, or in
which any proscribed by section 3729 occurred."
(b) Venue is proper in the Middle District of Florida because Defendants
maintain and operate some of its offices within this District.
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 2 of 16

(c) Or conducts business in this district.
III. Plaintiffs
5. (a) Qui Tam Plaintiffs Jude Gillespie (Hereafter Gillespie) is a citizen of the
United States of America and is a resident of Dade County, in the State of Florida.
(b) Gillespie has worked for defendant Kaplan from August 2004 through April
2005 as a Department Chairman and a Professor of Paralegal Studies at
defendant's South Florida campus in Ft. Lauderdale.
(c) Gillespie brings this action on behalf of the United States of America.
6. (a) Qui Tam Plaintiff Carlos Urquilla-Diaz (hereinafter "Diaz") is a citizen of the
United States of America and is a resident of Kansas.
(b) Diaz has worked for defendant Kaplan from August 2004 through April 2005
as a Department Chairman and a Professor of Paralegal Studies at Defendant's
South Florida campus in Ft Lauderdale.
(c) Diaz brings this action on behalf of the United States of America.
7. (a) Qui Tam Plaintiff Ben Wilcox (hereinafter Wilcox) is a citizen of the United
States of America, and is a resident of Illinois.
(b) Wilcox is a former Dean of Kaplan University.
(c) Wilcox brings this action on behalf of the United States of America
8. (a) As required under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. 3730(a)(2), Relators,
simultaneously with or prior to the filing of this Complaint, provided to the
United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida and the Department of
Justice a statement of all material evidence and information related to this
Complaint.
(b) This disclosure statement supports the existence of "submission of a
knowingly false or fraudulent claim for payment or approval," under the False
Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3729(a)(1)).
9. The United States of America is here named a plaintiff because funds of the
United States of America ("Federal funds") were and are awarded to defendant
Kaplan, pursuant to the HEA, Title IV, as a result of the false claims alleged in
this Complaint.
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 3 of 16

IV. Defendants
10. (a) Defendant Kaplan is one of the nation's largest private, for-profit higher
education institution providing educational programs for working adult students.
(b) Kaplan maintains online campuses throughout the country, including its Ft.
Lauderdale campus located within the jurisdiction of this Court.
(c) Kaplan has approximately 79 campuses nationwide and an online program,
enrolling approximately 25,000 students.
(d) Each campus has multiple sites, also known as learning
centers.
(e) The bulk of Kaplan's revenue arises from its online programs,
(f) Kaplan purchased Quest College in Davenport, Iowa in order to get into the
online education business.
(g) Kaplan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of
the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
(h) Through its online program and learning centers, Kaplan offers certificate
programs, graduate, and undergraduate degree programs.
11. (a) Relators are unaware of the true names and capacities of the Defendants sued
as does 1 through 50.
(b) Plaintiffs will amend their complaint when the true names and capacities have
been ascertained.
(c) Each Doe Defendant is responsible in some actionable manner for the events,
occurrences, injuries and damages alleged herein.
12. The terms "Defendants" will refer collectively to the aforesaid Defendants acting
by and through their managerial employees, and each of them.
13. Managerial employees of the Defendants, in doing the acts and things described in
this complaint, were acting within the course and scope of their respective
agencies and/or employment with the Defendants, and each of them, with the
knowledge and consent of the Defendants, and each of them, unless otherwise
indicated.
14. At all relevant times each Defendant was the authorized agent of each other
Defendant.
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 4 of 16

V. Specific False Claims and Fraudulent Statements
A. Summary of the Fraudulent Conduct
15. (a) HEA, Title IV, requires all colleges and universities to certify annually that
they are in compliance with all Federal regulations, Federal laws, State laws, and
that they meet the proper requirements of the accrediting agency in order to
receive the Federal financial student loans.
16. (a) The United States Government awards approximately $6 billion a year to help
students obtain their educations at colleges and vocational schools.
(b) The federal funds, however do not go to the students.
(c) Instead, the educational institution requests the funds of the United States
Department of Education or a third party intermediary lender.
(d) The United States Government or the lender wires the funds directly into the
institutions' accounts.
(e) The institutions then credit their students for tuition.
17. (a) Students are responsible for paying back the United States Government once
they graduate or stop attending the university.
(b) Students disqualified from a university must still repay the federal loans.
(c) These students, unable to complete their education and obtain a decent paying
job to repay their federal loans, are forced into dire financial situations.
(d) Or, rather than being dropped from Kaplan, Kaplan requires the students to
take additional courses, costing them on average $1,000 per course.
(e) The institutions, meanwhile, retain the fraudulently obtained federal funds.
(f) To boost its enrollment numbers, Kaplan urges enrollment
counselors to enroll students without reviewing their transcripts to determine their
academic qualifications to attend the university.
(g) This process leads to student disqualification from Kaplan (or additional
financial costs for the students to take additional classes) and financial disaster for
the students forced to repay the federal loans while Kaplan collects the federal
funds for these fraudulently "enrolled" students.
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 5 of 16

18. (a) One of the requirements that a university must have in place is a program that
complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C. Section 794
(b)(2), and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. Sections
12101-12117.
(b) Kaplan University / Kaplan Higher Education Corporation / Kaplan Inc. / must
be compliant under U.S.C. Section 794 (b)(3)(A)(ii), in order for a division to
receive Federal financial assistance.
(c) Kaplan and the EEOC entered into a resolution agreement in 2005 or 2006
which Kaplan would become compliant. However, to the best of Gillespie's
knowledge Kaplan has failed to become compliant with this provision as of yet.
(d) As a result of Kaplan's failure to meet the compliance requirements, it is not
entitled to receive Federal financial assistance.
(e) Any monies received by Kaplan while they are out of compliance would be
received under false pretenses.
19. (a) The upper level management of Kaplan's online School of Paralegal Studies
put pressure on the professors and the department chairmen to keep the students
enrolled, even if work was not turned in, or they had bad grades.
(b) Dean Connie Bosse noted in her email to the department chairmen that given a
C for no work was not the best idea.
(c) There was emphasis by upper management to give higher, unearned grades in
order to keep students enrolled.
(d) Upper management also pressured department chairs not to renew the contract
of those professors who did not grade leniently.
(e) Professors were graded on a student survey, which was basically a popularity
contest based on the grades the student's received.
(f) Upper management put emphasis on doing whatever was necessary to keep the
students enrolled, so the cash flow would continue to come to Kaplan.
(g) Counselors would recruit minority students who were not qualified for college,
as they either did not take the SAT exam, or received poor grades on the exam.
(h) A key tactic used by Kaplan was to recruit at risk students who would most
likely fail in a traditional classroom, based on Kaplan's research.
(i) Kaplan would attempt to assure students that they would do fine in the online
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 6 of 16

courses, when in fact, Kaplan knew that the students were not prepared to enter
that academic program.
(j) When the students failed courses, Kaplan kept re-enrolling the students until
the Federal financial aid was cut off. It was only then that Kaplan would dismiss
the student.
Scheme Inducing Students to Misuse Funds
20. (a) Kaplan would pursue at risk students and inform them that the US
Government would give them loans that would not have to be repaid for some
time, and that they could use the funds leftover after tuition was paid in any way
they wished.
(b) The fraud is then perpetrated when the student uses some of the loan money
to buy a car, and does not even go to class.
(C) Kaplan had an informal referral system due to students telling their friends
about how easy it was to get these loans, and then not have to go to class.
(d) Kaplan knew that many of these students would be very unlikely to meet the
course requirements and obtain a job in that particular field, yet Kaplan continued
to encourage the enrollment and improperly kept its share of the money for huge
profits.
Online Diploma Mill
21. (a) Kaplan attempted to make the courses so easy that no one would fail them.
(b) The curriculum did not prepare the student to acquire a job, and failed to
prepare them for the job itself.
(C) An employer would find out within just a few days that the so-called diploma
and / or degree from Kaplan was provided to the student without requiring the
student to demonstrate the proficiency level to obtain the degree.
(d) If a student obtained a degree, when the employer tested a potential employee,
the new graduate would not have adequate skills that they should have acquired in
obtaining that degree.
(e) As a result, the new graduate would either not obtain the job, or not be able to
maintain it.
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 7 of 16

Violations of the 90/10 Rule
22. (a) In order for the institution to be eligible to receive Federal financial aid, the
institution must comply with the 90/10 Rule.
(b) To qualify for the Rule, the institution must receive at least 10% of the
student's tuition funds in cash, rather than student loans.
(c) If the institution receives more than 90% of its income from student loans, it is
no longer eligible to receive Title IV funds.
(d) In violation of this Rule, Kaplan pays its employees to become students at
Kaplan University to give the appearance that Kaplan is meeting the Rule.
Falsified Documents for Accreditation
23. (a) Kaplan University officials, with the approval of the upper management,
falsified documents which were presented to the HLC for accreditation for certain
college degree programs.
(b) Kaplan knew that without the falsified documents, it would not receive the
accreditation it desired.
(c) After receiving the false accreditation, Kaplan applied for Federal financial aid
for its students in those degree programs.
(d) Kaplan continues to receive the Federal funds under false pretenses.
Kaplan's False Certifications of Compliance to the Government,
Required by Law for Eligibility to Receive the Federal Funds
24. (a) Educational institutions request Title IV funds for eligible students through
several programs, including the Federal Pell Grant Program ("Pell"),the Federal
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program ("FSEOG"), the Federal
Perkins Loan Program ("Perkins") and the Federal Family Education Loan
Program ("FFELP").
25. (a) For an educational institution to be eligible to receive these Title IV grant
funds, the federal statutes and regulations require the institution to certify to the
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 8 of 16

United StatesGovernment that the institution will comply with the HEA and DOE
requirements through a Program Participation Agreement ("Agreement"). HEA,
Sec. 487(a) and (a)(20); 34 C.F.R. Sec. 668.14(a)(1) and (b)(22)). This
certification is a core prerequisite for an institution's eligibility to request and
receive Title IV funds.
26. (a) An educational institution is ineligible to receive Title IV funds without the
Agreement certification of compliance with the HEA and DOE requirements.
(b) The Agreement conditions the initial and continued participation of an eligible
institution in any Title IV, HEA program.
(c) The Agreement expressly states, in bold print, highlighted in a box on the first
page: The execution of this Agreement by the Institution and the Secretary is a
prerequisite to the Institution's initial or continued participation in any Title IV,
HEA Program.
27. The Agreement's first paragraph furthermore provides that the institution's
participation in the Title IV program is subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
28. (a) One of the "terms and conditions" of the Agreement is the HEA and DOE
requirements.
(b) In the Agreement, the educational institution certifies that "[i]t will not
provide . . . any commission, bonus or other incentive payment based directly or I
indirectly on success in securing enrollments . . . (Agreement, p. 5, para. 22,
quoting directly from the HEA, Sec. 487(a)(2) and the federal regulations, 34
C.F.R. Sec. 668.14(b)(22)).
29. (a) Educational institutions violating the HEA and DOE requirements must return
the Title IV funds, along with interest and special costs incurred by the DOE.
30. (a) Kaplan, in requesting and receiving its over one-half billion dollars a year in
Title IV funds, every year falsely certifies to the DOE compliance with the HEA
and DOE requirements in the Agreement it submits annually to the DOE.
(b) Kaplan falsely induces the Government to approve and/or pay out the Title IV
funds, based on its false promises to comply with the HEA and DOE
requirements.
(c) The promises when made are false.
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 9 of 16

(d) Upon making its promises and certifications, Kaplan knowingly engages in the
illegal incentive compensation schemes detailed below.
31. (a) Kaplan every year also falsely asserts compliance with the incentive
compensation ban in "management assertion letters" written by Kaplan
management for an annual compliance audit.
(b) Kaplan must submit to the United States Government this annual compliance
audit performed by an independent certified public accountant.
(c) Participation in the Title IV program is conditioned upon Kaplan submitting
these audits certifying compliance with the HEA HEA and DOE requirements.
(d) Kaplan is ineligible to submit any claims for HEA funds unless it
submits this annual audit.
32. (a) As a required part of the audit, Kaplan certifies in a management assertion
letter that it had "not paid to any persons or entities any commission, bonus, or
other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing
enrollments . . . for each year at issue."
(b)Kaplan knows this certification is false because Kaplan intentionally violates
the incentive compensation ban by providing trips and club rewards to the highest
producing enrollment counselors.
Kaplan's Claims for the Federal Government
33. (a) Upon entering the Program Participation Agreement with the United States
Secretary of Education, Kaplan is eligible to request the Title IV funds from the
United States Secretary of Education (for Pell Grant funds) or from third party
lenders (for government-insured loans).
34. (a) For Pell Grant funds, Kaplan submits a request for those funds directly to the
Secretary of the United States Department of Education.
(b) The request for funds is not a student application but a request prepared and
transmitted by Kaplan to the Secretary of the United States Department of
Education, stating the requested amount of funds.
(c) The United States Department of Education transfers the Pell Grant funds
electronically directly into a Kaplan account.
(d) Upon receiving the Pell Grant funds, Kaplan credits various Kaplan students
for tuition paid.
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 10 of 16

(e) A Kaplan student does not request or receive a dime of the Pell Grant funds.
35. (a) Kaplan's claims for the Pell Grant funds are fraudulent.
(b) When Kaplan requests, receives and retains the Pell Grant funds, Kaplan
knows it is ineligible for those funds because of its intentional violations of the
Higher Education Act HEA and DOE requirements.
(c) Kaplan knows that compliance with the Higher Education Act funding statute
incentive compensation restriction is a core prerequisite for an institution's
eligibility to request and receive Title IV funds.
36. (a) For government-insured loans, including the FFELP, Kaplan submits the
request for those funds directly to a private lender.
(b) The Kaplan request for government-insured loan funds,
arranged, managed and prepared by Kaplan, includes a student application that
contains an express certification by Kaplan that the student is an eligible student
under the Title IV program.
(c) The claim for government-insured loans must include this Kaplan certification.
(d) Kaplan knows that this claim for funds is false because Kaplan knows its
students are not eligible under the Title IV program due to Kaplan's violations of
the HEA HEA and DOE requirements.
(e) Only students at eligible Title IV schools may receive credit for Title IV
government-insured loan funds disbursed by private lenders to educational
institutions.
(f) Kaplan's fraudulent violations of the HEA and DOE requirements make it an
ineligible educational institution to request and disburse Title IV funds, and thus
its students are ineligible under the Title IV program.
(g) The lender, typically a bank, transfers the government-insured loan funds
directly into a Kaplan account.
(h) Upon receiving the government-insured loan funds, Kaplan credits various
Kaplan students for tuition paid.
37. (a) Kaplan's claims for the government-insured loan funds are fraudulent.
(b) When Kaplan requests, receives and retains the government-insured loan
funds, Kaplan knows it is ineligible for those funds because of its intentional
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 11 of 16

violations of the Higher Education Act HEA and DOE requirements.
(c) Kaplan knows that compliance with the Higher Education Act
funding statute incentive compensation restriction is a core prerequisite for an
institution's eligibility to request and receive Title IV funds.
38. (a) The United States Government pays all interest on the government-insured
loans while the students are enrolled in classes and during authorized grace
periods.
(b) The loans are guaranteed by state agencies or non-profit organizations (called
"guarantee agencies"), and are subsidized and reinsured by the United States
Department of Education.
(c) If a student defaults, the guarantee agency reimburses the lender.
(d) If the guarantee agency cannot collect from the student, the Department of
Education reimburses the agency.
39. (a) The United States Department of Education monitors loan defaults of post
secondary schools and calculates a "cohort default rate" every year for Kaplan.
(b) The Department of Education calculates the loss to the United States
Government relying upon this rate.
Enrollment Counselors Are Rewarded With Trips, Gifts, and Contest Awards
40. (a) Kaplan rewards the enrollment counselors by providing trips to exotic resorts,
free membership in certain clubs, and provides other contest awards.
Kaplan Pressures to Enroll Student Who Could Not Qualify
41. Kaplan pressured its enrollment counselors to recruit students who would not
qualify under normal standards.
First Cause of Action:
Knowingly Filing False Statements to Get a False or Fraudulent Claim Paid or Approved,
in Violation of the False Claims Act,31 U.SC. 3729(a)(1)
42. Plaintiffs re-allege, and fully incorporate herein by reference, paragraphs 1
through 41 herein.
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 12 of 16

43. In performing all of the acts set out herein, Defendants defrauded the United
States of America by knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, to one or
more officers, employees or agents of the United States of America, a false and
fraudulent claim for payment or approval, in contravention of the False Claims
Act (31 U.S.C. 3729(a)(3)), to the damage of the treasury of the United States of
America, by causing the United States to pay out money it was not obligated to
pay.
44. (a) Relators estimate that, as a proximate result of Defendants' conduct described
herein, the amount of damages sustained by the United States of America is in
excess of a half billion dollars per annum, from January 1, 1999, through the
present.
Second Cause of Action:
Knowingly False Records or Statements to Get a False or Fraudulent Claim Paid or
Approved, in Violation of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. 3729(a)(2)
45. Plaintiffs re-allege, and fully incorporate herein by reference, paragraphs 1
through 44 herein.
46. By virtue of the acts described above, Defendants have knowingly made, used or
caused to be made or used, a false record or statement to get a false or fraudulent
claim paid or approved by the United States of America, in contravention of the
False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3729(a)(2)), to the damage of the treasury of the
United States of America, by causing it to pay out money it was not obligated to
pay.
47. Relators estimate that, as a proximate result of Defendants' conduct described
herein, the amount of damages sustained by the United States of America is in
excess of a half billion dollars per annum, from January 1, 1999, through the
present.
Individual Claim of Carlos Diaz for 3730(h) (FCA)
Diaz realleges and incorporates paragraphs 1 through 47 of this Complaint.
48. (a) Diaz, as an employee of Kaplan, notified Kaplan that they were putting
pressure on professors to inflate grades in violation of HLC.
(b) Diaz notified Kaplan that Kaplan was not being truthful with HLC regarding
meeting the HLC requirements.
(c) Diaz notified Kaplan of his concerns regarding the way Kaplan recruited
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 13 of 16

students, including the easy loans.
(d) Diaz also notified Kaplan of other potential violations.
(e) Diaz indicated to Kaplan that he was notifying the proper Federal and State
authorities of Kaplan's wrongful deeds.
49. As a result of the above complaints, he was engaged in protective activities.
50. As a result of the above actions, Kaplan retaliated against him by firing him.
51. As a result of being fired, Diaz has lost wages, been unable to obtain any other
employment until recently, suffered emotional distress, and claims all damages
that are available under 3730(h)
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs request the following relief:
1. Judgment in favor of the United States of America against Defendants, jointly and
severally, by reason of the violations of the False Claims Act as set forth above, in
an amount equal to three times the amount of damages the United States has
sustained because of Defendants' actions, plus a civil penalty of not less than Five
Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), and not more than Ten Thousand Dollars
($10,000.00), for each violation, plus three times the amount of damages which
the United States Government has sustained, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3729(a);
2. Award to Relators, as the Qui Tam plaintiffs, of the maximum amount allowed
pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3730(d) of the Federal False Claims Act on the United
States' recovery;
3. Award to Relators of all reasonable expenses which the Court finds to have been
necessarily incurred, plus reasonable attorneys' fees and costs;
4. Punitive damages on all causes of action, to the extent allowable by law; and
5. Such other and further relief as the Court deems proper.
DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
Plaintiffs demand a trial by jury, pursuant to FRCP 38.
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 14 of 16

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished by U.S.
Mail to the following with the original to the Clerk of Court this 15th day of May, 2007.
Attorney General
U.S. Dept of Justice
Washington, D.C. 20530
United States Attorney
Middle District of Florida
Charles Harden
Assistant U.S. Attorney
400 N. Tampa St., Ste 3200
Tampa, FL 33602
J. TROY ANDREWS, ESQ.
Florida Bar # 105635
hangfire@ix.netcom.com
JOHN W. ANDREWS, ESQ.
Florida Bar #178531
jwa@ix.netcom.com
ANDREWS LAW GROUP
3220 Henderson Blvd.
Tampa, Florida 33609
Telephone: (813) 877-1867
Fax: (813) 872-8298
andrewslawgroup@ix.netcom.com
Attorneys for Plaintiffs/Relators
Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 15 of 16

Case 1:07-cv-22511-PCH Document 63-3 Entered on FLSD Docket 03/03/2008 Page 16 of 16

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#16 Consumer Comment

Kaplan Ripofff

AUTHOR: Ashley - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, April 14, 2008

In December 2007 I called Kaplan after attending since August 2007 that because of my difficult pregnancy I was put on bed rest and couldn't get online to my account. I was assured everything would be fine hat I would just start again next semester no problem. I call Kaplan about 2 weeks after I had my baby and told them I was trying to log on and I cant they told me I didn't log on for 30 days and I was dropped. I was then told I had a balance of 379. 00.

My tuition was paid for in full and I was getting sent an extra 300.00 every 3 months called Stiffen. So when I asked how to resolve this they told me re-apply to school and we will take the balance from the new money that will come in for your tuition for this semester. It made sense to me. Unfortunately with two babies and bills I couldn't even come up with the 25.00 on time but when I had the money I called.

Today I spoke to a women called Corrette Flemming who was very rude and transferred me over to some the Financial dept called Katrina Dudley she told me there nothing I can do till suddenly she says well if you reapply you will be taking care of and she tells me my balance is 86.00. I was totally confused all of a sudden a part of my due was paid.. So she transfers me back over to Ms.Flemmings telling me there should be no issue. I'm was speaking to Ms.Flemming and she called me a liar telling me its wasn't true you cant do that I tell her to contact Mrs. Dudley she tells me its not her job she's speak to who she needs to and puts me on hold and tells me when she gets back someone will contact me and before I could tell her I have a new number she hangs up on me.

I am confused and irate I wrote to yahoo hoping they can get me my delete emails because I have an email from someone there saying to just pay the 25. 00 "upon agreement". I am not the first person to complain about this problem with mysterious balances with no resolution if you go to rip off report.com there are numerous complaints.

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#15 Consumer Comment

It pays to investigate before acting

AUTHOR: Chris - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, March 08, 2008

I just wanted to say a few things.

I have attended a community college, a private (small) college, and a large University. For different reasons, I felt like none of the above were a good "fit" for me. I recently enrolled in Kaplan, and I am getting ready to take my first courses.

For the record, I want to say the Financial Aid is confusing to most people. It doesn't matter where you go to school - you are always going to have questions. Even if you have an EFC of 0, that doesn't mean that you will pay nothing. Nowhere on any FAFSA paperwork are you going to find that your costs will literally be zero. The EFC stands for "Estimated Family Contribution"; meaning that it is just that - an estimate. The actual amounts will differ depending on several factors - where you attend school, how much that school charges, whether you get other loans (government or private), how many credits you have that transfer, etc.

When you apply for a loan and you sign your MPN, you are stating that you will repay any monies loaned to you. It doesn't matter if you decide you hate the school, if you feel as though you were mislead, if you dropped out, or if you had a family emergency.

I think that for the most part, people are going to get out of something whatever they put into it. True, there are always going to be people who are only looking out for themselves - but that doesn't mean that you can't protect yourself by doing some research first. As with everything, there is never going to be 100% satisfaction by every single person who ever attended or attempted to attend Kaplan.

As consumers, we have the right and the responsibility to check out the facts before we make decisions. Some of the complaints here will be fact - but others are just dissatisfied customers who want to vent, but don't really have a legitimate complaint. As for me - I have reviewed all of my paperwork, kept copies of everything I've sent and recieved, and have had no problems reaching anyone to get my questions answered.

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#14 Consumer Comment

Another note about Kaplan...

AUTHOR: Andrea - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, February 16, 2008

Another person made a comment regarding graduation....

My projected graduation date with Kaplan was February 2008...well it is not February anymore and because of everything I have gone through with getting them to accept my AA degree my Graduation date is now not till October 2008 some time. I may as well have attended a regular college campus. The whole time, I received a degree from a community college (2yr) and have spent almost 4years with Kaplan in total.

Frustrating!!!

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#13 Consumer Comment

I have the same issues with Kaplan online University...

AUTHOR: Andrea - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Saturday, February 16, 2008

I have been attending Kaplan University online for quite some time now. Several years ago I signed up for a certificate program and completed it. My experience was great and my financial agreement was accurate... (At that time!!)

A few years had passed in which I completed my AA degree at a community college and I decided to go back to Kaplan online to complete my BS since I had a good experience last time. However, one of my class mates told me not to because she was ripped off, but I went anyway feeling confident I would have the same experience!!!...

Boy was I wrong!! Before starting Kaplan, I told them I had completed an AA degree from a community college but I had to apply for graduation and await the approval. I was told that I would be put in the Advance start Bachelor program once my AA degree came through from the community college. In the mean time until then, my classes would transfer and I would attend class accordingly....

From the transfer credits, most of the ones I took from the community college were rejected (though technically they were part of an AA degree transferable to any credited college). I called the main office and I was told to discuss it with my advisor. My advisor said we would go over it when my AA would go through from the community college.

I did not want to take unnecessary classes adding up to the cost of my financial aid (I do have to pay back) as well as wasting my time. At first my advisor kept scheduling me mainly courses related to my major in the event my AA would go through.

Well, it took time...I had to apply and await an approval (took several months). Then I received an approval conformation stating that my AA would take several weeks to be processed and sent via mail. I contacted my Advisor (emails, phone calls) for months I heard nothing back. I then look for other assistance in which I noticed I was given a new advisor with out being warned.

They supposedly could not find my previous Advisor who was ignoring my e-mails and calls and failed to pass them along. My new advisor passed my issues to a senior advisor. In which at this point I am debating whether or not it is worth it to call.

It has been so long I have been continuing the curriculum of the school, I was told I would be put in the advanced start and I wasn't...I am almost done at this point anyway that it would not make a difference if I were put on it now.

ON top of that I have been having a hard time all year to get this school to send a deferment to my previous loans, in which all they have to do is send them proof that I am attending the school with Kaplan...

ALSO!!!...I have a balance of over $15,000.00 with Kaplan when Citibank supposedly distributed several amounts equaling to two amounts of $5,500.00 equaling to $11,000.00 and the rest I am told I have to pay out of pocket in which I would be re-applying with Citibank in separate amounts of roughly $718.00. I applied with Citibank two payments with this amount. I called Kaplan's financial aid department and they said I would be good till March in which I would pay the balance remaining just over $1,000.00 then I receive a balance in the mail of over $2,000.00. I called the financial aid department in which the person I spoke to was rude and forwarded me to an unknown voice mail, no one returned my call. I contacted my advisor and again he gave me another number to call someone else. All of the sudden I get a letter from Citibank stating that Kaplan did not accept the amount I applied for in the loan and that the loan was not accepted. I check my account with Kaplan on line and I have a balance of over 15,000.00.

AM I A VICTIM? I do not know!! But I feel like I may be...

My questions?...
What happened to my Stafford subsidized and unsubsidized loan?
What happened to my pell grant amount?
What happened to my additional loan that the Stafford loans and grant did not cover? (Or do I just not understand things)
Considering the tuition cost and units taken does the amount total to the correct amount?
Why is it so hard for them to send a deferment to my previous loans from Kaplan?
How is an online communications class higher level then an in class setting?

At this point I do not want to deal with Kaplan for anything...I do not have time to keep doing this or the will to be taken advantage of if that is the case. I work full time and have a family to take care of and I have come so far and almost at the end of my rope here with this school. I just want to get my degree and be done with it but I am dissatisfied this second time around and definitely feel the concerns of the others in this matter.

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#12 Consumer Comment

I am having HUGE issues with Kaplan....

AUTHOR: R. Smith - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, January 22, 2008

I've read through all of the comments above. If you could please provide information on what steps you took to get your tuition refund back, I would be extremely thankful. If there is a class-action lawsuit against Kaplan, please inform. Otherwise, I'll find a lawyer. I'd rather pay a lawyer then Kaplan!

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#11 Consumer Comment

"Kaplan University Scam School! Boca Raton Florida"

AUTHOR: Susan - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, May 11, 2007

Thank you for posting your experiences. You have confirmed my suspicions that something is shady with Kaplan's financial aid dept. I have previous experience obtaining federal loans, and it should be a simple procedure. Kaplan has been rushing me to fill out their papers, their financial award spreadsheets(which they made several errors on). I was in the process of enrolling this week, when their ineptness made me question their legitimacy.

The enrollment advisor also failed to provide the financial advisor with the accurate info.(they both blamed each other). The catolog had errors, to which they answered, "oh it needs to be updated" It seems they say what they want.

I searched online for complaint postings earlier and did not come across rip off reports. Next time I'm checking in with Rip-Off Reports first!
I'm also sorry for all of you who real problems. Don't give up.! You can also contact me. I can give more specific details on what I believe is illegal practices. Good luck!

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#10 Consumer Comment

Consider Using Yahoo Forum

AUTHOR: Liz - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Thursday, March 15, 2007

I too have had nothing but problems with Kaplan. I've posted here as well. I suggest using Yahoo as a forum for this. That way we can all exchange information and work together.

I am willing to take part in this, but I don't feel I can moderate. My home burned down in January and I am living in a motel. I only get online a couple of days a week.

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#9 Consumer Suggestion

High Level Contact Information for Kaplan University

AUTHOR: Cindy - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Friday, March 09, 2007

The President of Kaplan University is Andy Rosen

arosen@kaplan.edu

Andy Rosen
888 Seventh Ave.
New York, NY
10106

When this person became the president of Kaplan University the problems started.

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#8 Consumer Comment

They did it to me too!!

AUTHOR: Janet - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, February 27, 2007

I have news for you, Kaplan can and will go in and correct your FASFA. They did it to me and I can prove this. This is such a scam with this school that I am going to see an attorney. They told me I would graduate in Dec. 2007, and as of today February 27, 2007, they are now telling me I won't graduate till April,2008. And at that point I will be shy $5,000.000 in money to graduate. This is unfair and we need to start getting all of our stories together and get this company out of business. They are killing us with their scam.

I understand that this website does not allow us to post our email address or any information for contact, which I feel is wrong. How are we supposed to get in contact with everyone. I wish everyone the best of luck and hope that one day we can all ban together and put an end to this scam company.

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#7 Consumer Comment

Kaplan cannot edit your Fafsa

AUTHOR: Mark - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Sunday, February 11, 2007

Common problems are that most people assume that they are getting more then they are due. Most students do not realize that there might be out of pocket costs each month. Unless you have an EFC (estimated family contrabution) of 0 and make less then $15,000.00 a year (combined with spouse income) there might be out of pocket exspenses. Most students hear they might have to pay 50-300 a month and think that is for their loan. No this is to cover the amount that the student loans and grants do not cover.

Can go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and look at your student aid report. If you had an efc over 0 you had out of pocket that you had to pay each month. If you are in the 1000+ efc score then you would have a $300+ out of pocket each month.

lastly Kaplan University CAN NOT make changes to your FAFSA. It is impossible for them to do so with out your pin number, and they do not have access to your federal goverment pin.

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#6 Consumer Comment

Thank you!

AUTHOR: Lenora - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, December 18, 2006

Thank you so much for reporting Kaplan. I was in the process of attending this school when I came across this site. Kaplan was never up here on this site until recently. I'm glad I didn't attend that school.

I am attending the University of Phoenix Online and let me tell you, those people are the biggest ripoff in the country today. The financial aid department will lie through their teeth to get you to pay out of your pocket. I found out that my financial aid had been processed and my financial aid advisor lied and told me that it wasn't processed and that I had to pay over $3000 out of pocket expense. I tell you what....I REFUSE TO PAY THEM ONE RED CENT. They will not even get the lint that is stuck to my pocket.

I can't stand UOP and I refuse to ever go back to that school. It seems like there are no good legitimate schools out there for people who need to continue their education online. I'm sorry you all got ripped off. It's a shame how people act these days.

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#5 Consumer Comment

pulled out of classes

AUTHOR: Rhonda - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, December 11, 2006

I was enrolled in Kaplan at Nov 8, After two weeks I found this website and found that I should not be a Kaplan. On Nov 27 I de-enrolled myself because of all the problems I read. I went to class for only a week. They said I went 33% of the time so I owe 75% of my tution. I dont know about you but 75 + 33 is 108%. I think they need to go back to school for math. I refused to pay anything. They said that I could start my classes before they recieved my federal funding. I told them I did not want to do that. But they said I have to start to get my funding. I should not have believed them. My funding was sent to them on Nov 11 and 16. IF they have my money why so I have to pay? I would love to be part of any class action against them.

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#4 Consumer Comment

Please Contact

AUTHOR: Janet - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Monday, December 11, 2006

Hello all, my name is Janet and I am from Ohio. I am having the exact same problem with Kaplan that everyone else seems to be having. The difference is I am going to see an attorney to file a class action against them. This is ridiculous and we all should have a right to our money. This all started in June 2006 for me. I have sent them 11 copies of the information they requested including my social security card.

My financial aid and loans were approved in June 2006 and Kaplan did not request the money from Citibank until November 2006. In their policies, it states that they have 31 days after the first term to get your finances. Well 6 months is very different from 31 days. I have received nasty emails from them. They have accessed my FASFA and made corrections so that they get more money. When is this fraud going to end? I have talked to people in Mississippi, New York, Georgia, Texas, Kentucky, and Ohio that are all experiencing the same treatment by this school. We all have to ban together and stop this from taking place any longer. Any who would like to be included in this lawsuit needs to contact the woman who is working with me to get this lawsuit going or myself.

This is not a joke. We are all being scammed. I am sure that we all ban together we can make this fraud stop and get the money that is rightfully owed to us or at least get our accounts straightened out. If you know someone else, whom this has happened to or is happening, to right now tell him or her to not wait and get a hold of us now! We are not in any way affiliated with Kaplan we are students attending the school. Feel free to check out who we are. We have had enough of the fraud. Please do wait and join the suit to stop Kaplan from its fraud game on students.

CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

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#3 Consumer Comment

This is getting ridiculous

AUTHOR: Charity - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, November 28, 2006

I have called the school several times and taped my calls They explained that my pell grants had not been applied to my account. This is a commom error now it seems. I sent a dispute letter to pinnacle and the school told me I could send a dispute letter as well. I wish there was a lawyer out there that would be willing to help they are admitting that the department in charge of applying funds were at fault and not me so why am I responsible the funds were there. I have evrything on tape.

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#2 Consumer Comment

Thank you

AUTHOR: Lenora - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Thank you so much for sending in this report. I was thinking about attending this school, but from I see, they are no good. I am attending the University of Phoenix Online and I am starting to believe that they are a scam as well. I don't know what to do anymore. Everyday someone is being ripped off by some company online. It's a shame. I'm sorry you had to experience that situation. I know what is going on now and I will stay away from this school.

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#1 Consumer Comment

Kaplan Rip-off...I feel your pain

AUTHOR: David - (U.S.A.)

POSTED: Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Apparently I too am a recent victim of the on-going Kaplan University scam. Until this afternoon I was able to get into my classes and conduct business as usual. Then this afternoon when I tried to log in to finish out my semester I received a message advising that my "student account was disabled".

I then made several phone calls only to be handed off to various departments ending with the financial aid office, who was less than helpful. According to what I was told, I owed the school $2200 for the October 2005 semester that was never paid for by my FAFSA grant issued by Citibank. The way this error was caught was that someone had done an audit on my account. But in the past year, no one had sent me an e-mail, letter or phoned me telling me of the error.

After getting nowhere with Kaplan, I called Citibank and found out that the school had cancelled my disbursement scheduled for Janusry 2006, which in turn set this whole issue in motion. I consider myself very fortunate that I was able to submit my final projects before this issue developed as this is the last week of classes. According to Citibank the only way to rectify this situation is to reapply for the FAFSA grant.

As far as my November 2006 semester goes, I will have to withdraw tomorrow because even if I submit the paperwork in a timely manner, it won't be approved or ready before classes start on November 8th. I would never have thought this could happento me or for that matter to so many others but apparently I was very wrong. I'm hoping that if or when I get a call back from the supervisor of financial aid I will get some answers, although I'm not holding my breath.

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