FIDM Fashion Institute of Design Merchandising FIDM uses heavy sales tactics to pressure kids into years worth of outrageous loans san Francisco, California

My niece got out of high school and was checking out her school choices and went out to FIDM where she became enthralled with what they offered her in the meeting. She had some learning issues in high school but they swore they had individualized teaching and they said there "tests" showed she could do well. Unfortunately she was overwhelmed.  They encouraged her to keep trying because the longer she stayed in the more tuition they could reap. their contracts aren't like regular schools where you pay by the quarter. You are liable for the whole year so we were hesitant to pull her out and see over $20,000 go down the drain so she continued on. At the end of the 3rd quarter they put her on academic leave and you cant get any tuition back after the 3rd quarter.  How convenient for them and how devastating for her that she is kicked out and owes $7,000+ in loans. They encouraged her father who was out of  at the time do get a government loan for $14,000 and told him not to worry because he wouldn't have to start paying until she graduated. But as soon as she was dismissed the loan companies were knocking at the doors. To add insult to injury they are making her pay an extra $600 for a makeup class she had to take. w she cant even go to community college because she has to work to pay her loans and help with her dad's since he has an injury right now and can't work.  I feel our family has been scammed and that they knew she wasn't ready but took advantage of her dreams and our hopes for her future to make money. Since then I have read and heard the same story from others. Something has to be done about the tactics and contracts private schools like FIDM use. We will not financially recover from this for years.  If there is a class action suit against them I would like to know about it. We would at least like to recover some of the college fund her grandfather set up for her so she can go back to a state college.