South University Online South University Rips Students OFF Internet

First, in the interest of full disclosure....I did not need any financial aid to return to graduate school. This may be part of the reason that my experience as a student of South Univ Online was so different than yours. However, I do disaggree with a number of the points you make.

Yes, they definitely pressure you to sign up. I agree wholeheartedly. In fact, while I was initally exploring online options, I had to call the school and tell the admissions people to "Leave me alone! If I decide to attend, I'll let you know!".

I found the faculty, at least at the graduate level, to be excellent, caring individuals. Then again, I was in the grad school for nursing, and nurses are supposed to be caring. They were all helpful, responded to questions and concerns almost immediately. Many of the PhD's. shared their private cell numbers if needed.

I disagree also with your comments "You are better off..... teaching yourself, that is what you will end up doing anyway. A percentage of your grade is based on classroom participation. That (means) telling your classmates what they did wrong or right and giving them information on how they can improve or asking if they can help you".

Well, how do you feel that you SHOULD be evaluated, if not by class participation? And, this IS college, and you are known as an "Adult Learner". Adults learn best by directing their own education. Who else but you, knows what you want/need out of each class? My classmates and I learned from each other, not telling each other what they did right or wrong! It was more like "You made a good observation. Can you back it up with references, research?".

As far as "sucking your pockets dry"? Well, SUO was less expensive than the majority of graduate programs I considered, online and traditional.

Yes, I had my share of frustrating experiences with advisors, just how offen I would send them a check (when my work hours were decreased), etc. But I worked at it.

I am now a graduate of their Masters in Nursing program. I have my MSN, and a new job as a Nurse Educator myself. I teach nursing students in our local Community College program.

I recieved an excellent education, my classmates would agree.......we still keep in touch.

I'm sorry that your experience was so different. But South University is NOT a rip-off. I have the credentials,the education, and pictures of hundreds fellow graduates (at the AD, BS, and MS level) to show for it.

Financial Aid, Academic and Enrollment advisors at South University need to do a better job advising students thoroughly, that is their job.  Financial Aid is a serious debt incurred that should be explained thoroughly to the student using plain English, not Financial Aid terms that the student does not understand. Each students situation is different and each student needs to be treated like an individual.  One automated email does not apply to all students in every situation.  Many students get stuck owing money that they never intended because they were not advised thoroughly and in plain English of withdrawl or Financial Aid procedures.  This happens to many students and it is not the student's fault if they were mislead or misinformed.