Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Beware DeVry
Here's the deal...
If anyone has had an experience with DeVry University that they think would be of value to others, here's the place to put it out to the world. My experience follows, and I hope it will serve as a warning to others...
I was a model student at the Columbus campus of DeVry University since January of 2005. I was disabled, so the online classes offered were a blessing. I was referred to this college by several people who touted it as having excellent job placement and career assistance.
For four years, maintained straight A grades, and earned the utmost respect from my professors. A few of these professors even have kept in touch outside of the classroom.
Then in January of 2009, my life took a very serious turn...I had an aortic dissection. I was rushed to the hospital, and fortunately, got excellent care from a very skilled surgeon. Please note that this is a condition in which only about 30% of people even make it to the hospital. (It is also how John Ritter died.) I was actually "dead" twice before it was announced that I would be around for a few more years! I survived the surgery, but this caused many questions concerning my student status.
I had to communicate with the school through third-parties, since I was confined to hospital beds and even a nursing home for several months. At this point, I only had 1 class to complete before graduating with my B.S. in Computer Information Systems. I was, at that point, assured that all financial issues would be resolved if I wanted to complete this last course when I was able to return home.
On this advice, I returned home in March of 2009, I registered for the class, and finished my degree. I learned, halfway through the class, that part of the funds provided by student loan programs was taken back because I was not technically a full-time student for this last term.
I was allowed to walk in the graduation, but was told I would not receive my degree until the school was paid this final amount, which amount to a little more than $5,000.
I have since tried to communicate with several people and departments of DeVry including financial representatives, and even the President of the University. After explaining my extenuating circumstances numerous times, and requesting some sort of leeway in repayment, my only response indicated that I had done nothing to indicate reason for not being able to pay this debt immediately. In fact, I received no response at all from the President of the University.
After several attempts to explain my situation, subsequent responses consisted of continuing notices that I was not communicating, and even a "demand notice" that threatened litigation if I did not pay.
I was also told that there was just no help or assistance that the University was willing to offer.
Surviving on a small Social Security Disability check, pending student loans, and owing countless medical bills, I have requested that the college forgive this relatively small amount so that I may try to get my life back on track...in vain...
My only recourse at this point is to make it known that DeVry University does not care about its students if adversity strikes. I will continue this blog, hopefully with some backup stories from others in similar situations, until I can get some response and satisfaction from DeVry that my situation is important, and that I am a valued student.
Incidentally, I graduated Summa cum laude...you would think they would appreciate my dedication to my education, and return that integrity.
Please note that this is no place for unwarranted badmouthing, so I will be deleting any posts that I feel are slanderous. Aside from that, please post your thoughts, and maybe someone will decide that negative publicity is not going to encourage future enrollment.
Thanks for visiting!
