ComplaintsforEmpire Education Corp Mildred-Elley Education

• Initial Complaint

  02/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I went to Mildred Elley College back from 2012-2014 and graduated with an Associates degree in Administrative Assistant in 2014. When I was attending school I also worked in the financial aid office under the work study program. During that time of 2 years working & attending school. I was told I would be all set to graduate. I graduated and thought things were in order until recently I tried to go back to school and needed my transcript from Milderd Elley to be informed that now I have a balance of close to 400$. So now I can’t get my transcripts because I don’t have an extra 400$. Which is hindering me from advancing my education. I tried to talk to the staff but the woman Robin who is new & in charge of old debt was the most vial person I have ever experienced. I could not get my transcript & was told not to come to the school to get them. I worked hard & now they are holding my transcripts hostage for a bogus balance financial was supposed to cover. Please help

  Business response

  03/06/2024

  Our records show that there has not been any communications from Ms. **** since March 2020.  In addition, our records do not show any request made by Ms. **** for a transcript.  Additionally, the individual that Ms. **** named as the person whom she spoke with and that denied her transcript left our employment last July.  Mildred Elley does not withhold transcripts of students based on outstanding balances.  Ms. **** can request her transcript from our website at ******************************************************** , the student will have to pay the nominal fee associated with processing the transcript request, but should receive the transcript withing 2-5 business days.

  Customer response

  03/07/2024

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.I have tried to pay for my transcripts before but was give the “unofficial” transcript. I am trying to go back to school so I need the “official” transcript to provide to their registration department. I was told until this mysterious balance is paid in full. I don’t want to attempt to get them again & face the same issue.  Regards, ******* ****

• Initial Complaint

  02/15/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was enrolled as a student in Mildred Elley NYC campus. As a student there I noticed that the representatives at the school basically force you to write down your social security number so that they can fill out the FAFSA for . Then when I get into the financial aid office the manager informed me that I had to enroll as a Medical assistant before I can enroll into the LPN program. They used my financial aid to cover Medical assistant classes which they considered were prerequisites for the LPN program. None of the classes counted toward the LPN program. The day before I was due to start the LPN program the manager in the financial aid office forced me to sign a contract with *** Corporation otherwise he informed me that I would not be able to enroll into the LPN program which started the following day . When I informed the manager I don’t have a job he stated you have a Louis Vuitton bag so sell it or find money some how. I signed the paperwork and continued into the LPN . Toward the end of my program I noticed charges on my accounts that were inaccurate . When I tried to talk to someone I was basically chasing my tail . Another thing is when I enrolled into the program MIldred Elley informed me that I would be able to transfer to many different colleges of choose to continue to a registered nurse program in NYC. I have searched and all of the programs in nyc does not accept Mildred Elley credits . This school scammed me and scammed so many like me . Please help. I owe almost $30k and I am unable to get accented into a LPN to RN program . If I knew this from the beginning I would of never enrolled into there program. They deceived me with their lies.

  Business response

  03/13/2024

  To Whom It May Concern,******* ******** enrolled in the Clinical Medical Assisting (CMA) Program at Mildred Elley’s NYC Campus beginning 7/16/18.She met with an Admissions Representative on 7/2/18 and•completed an Application for Admission to the CMA Program,•signed an Enrollment Agreement for the CMA Program•Signed a disclosure confirming enrollment in the CMA program and requirements for acceptance into the Practical Nursing Program.Ms. ******** was sent a letter on 7/6/18, announcing and congratulating her on her acceptance into the CMA Program.(Application for Admission, Enrollment Agreement, and Metro CMA Disclosure signed 7/2/18 are provided) (CMA Acceptance Letter is provided)After her acceptance, the student met with a Financial Aid Representative on 7/12/18 and was presented with an Estimated Financial Aid Package with a projection of the total direct costs, grant aid, and loans for her enrollment in the CMA Program. Her eligibility was determined based on information collected on her 2018-2019 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Institutions of Higher Education are sent an Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR) after the student files the FAFSA and the data is analyzed. If a student makes a change to their FAFSA information, the changes are denoted on the ISIR with a # sign. Ms. ********’s ISIR shows that it was corrected to be sent to Mildred Elley and signed by her, thus there is no evidence to support Ms. ********’s claim that the school completed the FAFSA for her.(Estimate signed 7/12/18 provided) (pages 3 and 4 of Institutional Student Information Report 2018-19 are provided)Ms. ******** completed a Request for Program and/or Major Change Form on 7/3/19, requesting a change from the CMA to the PN Program effective for the term beginning 7/15/19. This request was approved and she signed an Enrollment Agreement for the PN Program that day. The Registrar’s Office reviewed her academic transcript and prepared a Credit Map of the remaining courses needed for the PN Program after transferring 21 credits from the CMA Program, this demonstrates that indeed classes she took in the CMA program were counted toward the LPN Program.(Program Change form, Credit Map and Enrollment Agreement provided)Albany, After her acceptance into the PN Program, the student met with a Financial Aid Representative on 7/3/19 and was presented with an Estimated Financial Aid Package, revised to include the costs and assistance for the PN Program. It was explained to Ms. ******** that her expected costs were greater than her expected financial assistance, leaving a balance due to the College. Ms. ******** was generously offered a payment plan to cover the expected unfunded balance. The student agreed to a Revolving Credit Account with *** Tuition Financing, *** manages student payment plans on behalf of our institution. Later, in was determined that Ms. ********’s was eligibility to receive a NY State TAP Grant, and the *** payment plan contract was cancelled. Ms. ******** owed a balance of $264.21 after graduation, which she paid as shown on the Student A/R Listing.(Estimate signed 7/3/19 provided) (*** contract is provided) (A/R Listing provided)The Applicant Certification Ms. ******** signed 7/2/18 upon enrolling states “I understand that the programs at the institution are designed for training students for career advancement and entry into the workforce rather than for transfer to other colleges. I understand that acceptance of transfer credit is always up to discretion of the receiving college, and that credits earned at Mildred Elley may not be transferrable or applicable to programs offered by other colleges. No one at Mildred Elley can guarantee or imply transferability of credits to other institutions.” The student was not promised that she would be able to transfer credits.(Applicant Certification provided)Sincerely,Michelle L. C**********Chief Financial Officer

• Initial Complaint

  08/12/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was informed false requirements to enroll in the LPN program. This has resulted in me being billed 10,000 for classes that I was not required to take/

  Business response

  08/24/2023

  This letter is in response to the complaint filed by Ms. ****** ***** against Mildred Elley to the Better Business Bureau. In the complaint, Ms. ***** alleges that she was not correctly informed of the requirements for admission into the Practical Nursing Certificate Program. She further alleges that she was billed $10,000 for classes she was not required to take. These allegations are not true. Supportive evidence includes the following:****** ***** executed an “Enrollment Agreement” on June 6, 2022 in the Medical Assisting Associates Degree Program. (Attachment 1). Ms. ***** also signed a “Practical Nursing Admissions Options” form on July 26, 2022 which fully discloses options with respect to transferring into the Practical Nursing Certificate Program. She certified that she was fully aware of the admissions / transfer requirements into the Practical Nursing Program. (Attachment 2).Additionally, Ms. ***** executed the “Applicant Certification” form which sets forth in specificity certifications regarding enrollment into the college. (Attachment 3).Also attached for your review is the “Transcript” for Ms. *****. (Attachment 4).Ms. ***** asserts that, because she was not correctly informed of the requirements for admission into the Practical Nursing Certificate Program, she was billed for additional classes. In fact, Ms. *****’ financial aid estimate increased because she transferred into a different academic program along with subsequent changes in her original financial aid eligibility estimate.  Specifically: Ms. ***** originally enrolled in the Medical Assistant AOS Program. At the time of Ms. ***** original enrollment, an estimated financial aid assistance package was presented to her which estimated a balance of $7,778.00 for the entire program.  Ms. ***** acknowledged that she would have a balance which she would be responsible to pay the school by signing the estimated financial package along with a payment plan for $7,778 with TFC Credit Corporation.  The financial aid office reached out to Ms. ***** several times and left messages reminding her to make her payments. Ms. ***** never made any agreed upon payments and subsequently defaulted.  The agreement was cancelled on 5/31/2023 by TFC Credit Corporation for non-payment. On July 17, 2023, Tamara transferred from the Medical Assistant AOS Program to Practical Nursing Certificate Program.  At the time of this transfer another estimated financial aid assistance package was presented to Ms. *****, which set forth that she would have an estimated balance owed to the college upon completion in the amount of $19,082.91.  Ms. ***** again acknowledged the balance that she would owe to the school by signing her estimated financial aid assistance package. Ms. ***** applied for a Sallie Mae Loan but was denied.  She was advised on August 7, 2023 by the financial aid department that if she wanted to enter into another payment agreement, we would require a 20% down payment on the balance and we would then allow her to go on a monthly payment plan for the remaining balance -- notwithstanding the fact that she previously defaulted on her payment plan.  Ms. ***** has not complied with that 20% down payment requirement.When Ms. ***** completed her 22/23 Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form in July 2022, she had an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 5680, which determined the amount of Federal and State Grant and Loan funds she would be eligible to receive to assist her in funding her education.  An EFC of 5680 made her ineligible to receive the full federal Pell Grant award, but she was still eligible for NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Grant and Federal Direct Loans.In July 2023 when Ms. ***** filed a new 23/24 award year FAFSA, her EFC increased dramatically from 5680 to 10412.  The increase in her EFC made her ineligible to receive any Grant assistance from the Federal Pell Grant or the NYS TAP Grant programs.  The loss of grant funds, estimated to be around $7,700, along with the increase in cost due to the transfer in academic programs, resulted in increasing her unfunded balance to $19,082.91. (Attachment 5).Accordingly, Ms. ***** allegations have no merit. We remain available to Ms. ***** to thoroughly explain academic requirements and her financial obligations.

• Initial Complaint

  01/30/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I began my degree at ME in February 2021. Ms. G****, financial aid and admin gave me a slew of misinformation as well as misleading facts about the program in general. Due to the institution's continuous understaffing, unprofessionalism and lack of organization, I still have not graduated an 18 month program and have been left with no choice but to completely withdrawal. Working directly with the institution's former Dean, I was forced into taking a LOA so that the staff could restructure and they could offer the classes necessary for me to graduate while operating within the constraints of my allotted financial aid funding, . When I reached out to return to the program all of the staff I had been working with had been replaced and the new staff had no idea about my schedule and were not helpful. I attended and paid for all my training at Mildred Elley as a night student, yet this new staff were not willing to let me return and finish my degree as a night student. Regarding my financial aid- the woman I worked with for all my needs while in school was demoted while I was on my LOA. While looking through my bills I discovered that ME had skimmed $8000 from my government financial aid package loan. When it was discovered they acted as though it was a clerical mistake, however that is questionable. As a student, you are not permitted to view your financial records and everything is so overcomplex and indistinct that you're unable to make sense of their billing or calculate your estimated graduation date. This institution has acted deceivingly, unprofessionally and lacks transparency about fees, graduation dates, scheduling of classes, and does not provide the structure nor environment that cultivates a NYS higher learning education program

  Business response

  02/13/2023

  ******** ****** enrolled in the Massage Therapy Certificate Program at Mildred Elley for the Spring term of 2022.  She fulfilled all entrance requirements, signed the enrollment contract and began the first module of her program on February 1, 2021 with her anticipated graduation date being September, 2022.  (Attachment A).  It was anticipated that she would take the professional boards for licensure in January of 2023. 
  The New York State Board for Massage Therapy’s licensure examinations are only given twice a year—once in January and once in August.  With Ms. ******’s assumed graduation date of September 2022, it was expected that she would take the boards in January, which would be her first opportunity to take the test.   Applications for board testing are accepted until November 1 and June 30 for the respective exams.  This information appears on the New York State Board for Massage Therapy’s website; it is also reviewed multiple times with students, specifically in two classes:  MT 111 —Professional Development and Ethics (Part I) and in the Capstone class which is the culmination of the student’s program at Mildred Elley and is offered in the student’s last semester. Ms. ******’s successfully completed MT 111 and she should have understood the testing requirements and timetables as reviewed in class.  Attached is the syllabus for MT 111 outlining the topics covered in the course. (Attachment B and B-1).
  ******** ****** was an evening student.  Evening students in massage therapy are scheduled weeknights from 5:30-9:30 pm.  It is widely known that evening massage students, upon reaching the clinical portion of their program, will have to attend clinic on Saturday for two modules.   (Attachment C).
  Ms. ****** progressed on schedule in her program until the Spring 2 term (3/11/22-5/15-22) when she requested a leave of absence due to a medical procedure (Attachment D).    She was notified at the time that the leave could put her out of sequence in her program and might delay her graduation (Attachment D-1). This is because the Massage Therapy program is small (less than 50 students in the entire program) and therefore an interruption in a student’s program may cause the student to wait for certain classes to be offered since not every class in the program is offered every term.  This is especially true as the classes become more specialized.
  Upon return from her leave of absence, Ms. ****** progressed in her program, but opted not to take her clinicals in the summer sessions, as she should have.  Clinic I and Clinic II, which must be taken in sequential order, were offered in the two summer modules of 2022 (5/23/22-7/17/22 and 7/18/22-9/11/22).  In a communication earlier in the year with Belinda G****, who at that time was the Chairwoman of the Massage Therapy Division, Ms. ****** indicated that she did not want to take clinicals throughout the summer and again that she preferred to take them on Fridays.  (Attachment E).  Again, Friday clinics were for the day students, Saturday clinics for the evening students. 
  In the first module of the Fall term of 2022 (9/11/22-11/23/22), Ms.  ****** was scheduled for two classes, Clinic I—offered per her request on Fridays.    Luckily for Ms. ******, there was room in the clinic on Fridays to accommodate her.    She refused that schedule and asked for another leave of absence stating that all the classes she wanted were not scheduled.   Looking ahead to the next module she refused that schedule as well--although HEA 251 (First Aid and CPR) was offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Clinic II was offered on Saturday.   All three of these classes were required to be taken by Ms. ******; all three of these classes were offered in time slots that she requested or knew about (Attachment F, G, H).      Kerri Cirillo, Dean, questioned this decision by Ms. ****** in an email to her dated July 5 (attachment I).
  In the Spring I and Spring II of this year (January 23-March 20, 2023 and March20 to May 14, 2023) four of the six courses remaining in Ms. ******’s program are being offered—the clinics are offered on Saturdays as originally known; the other two are offered during the day.  Unfortunately, by not accepting courses offered in the time frames she requested some of the courses she needs are not offered in the evening in this semester (attachment J).     
  On January 13, 2023, Ms. ****** opted not to take any of the courses and instead requested to withdraw from the program (attachment K)  
  With regard to financial aid, Ms. ****** funded her initial program by applying for a Pell grant and a grant from the New York State Tuition Assistance Program ( NY TAP).   Her initial estimate (dated and signed on 1/25/21) shows that Ms. ****** was awarded no NY TAP based on the fact that she had used all her TAP points at previous institutions, exhausting her lifetime eligibility and preventing further awards of NY TAP grants.    She was awarded less than a full Pell grant because she had already received several Pell grant disbursements for attendance at other institutions and was approaching her lifetime limit for the award of Pell grants.  She borrowed $10,109.88 in Federal Direct student loans at the onset of the program which provided full funding for her program (Attachment L).  It should be noted that Ms. ****** signed an authorization to hold a federal student aid credit balance (Attachment R).  This authorization permits Mildred Elley to retain federal student aid received that results in a credit balance on a students account unless instructed otherwise by the student.  It is unknown what was meant by Ms. ******’s complaint that Mildred Elley skimmed $8000 from her government financial aid package loan, but any funds held on her behalf on her account were done so with Ms. ******’s authorization.
  In September of 2021, Ms. ****** requested additional loan funding so that she could receive a stipend check for her living expenses. Her estimate was revised, offering her maximum loan funding, and she signed acceptance of this offer on 10/14/21 (Attachment M).   Funds were disbursed to Ms. ****** as follows:
  12/02/2021$2,800
  02/15/2022$2,885.70
  Ms. ****** went on a Leave of Absence (LOA) from 3/23/22 through 5/23/22. When preparing to return from LOA, she signed another revised estimate on 4/27/22, which included additional increases to her loan borrowing and included future estimated credit balances[1] (Attachment N).  These credit balances were issued to her via check as follows:
  06/23/2022 $1,500 (voided and reissued 7/6/2022)*
  09/20/2022$7,806.99
  *the check issued went to an old address and was reissued immediately upon the student informing us of this (Attachment O). 
  On 9/6/22, prior to her request for the leave of absence (10/1/22) which spanned two modules (a full semester), Ms. ****** requested a large disbursement of the credit balance on her account.  The check was issued on 9/20/22. (Attachment K).
  Copies of all checks issued are included in Attachment P.
  In conclusion, we believe the school acted in good faith and responsibly in attempting to assist the student in progressing through her program to her desired career outcome.  The student received several accommodations in response to her requests to modify her schedule and Mildred Elley’s staff and faculty tried to assist Ms. ****** in every way feasible.  Unfortunately, the school is not in the position to rewrite the schedule for the convenience of a single student (attachment Q).
  Clearly, the student is at a financial disadvantage having used all her financial aid resources, including the remaining $15,000 she took in student loans, beyond what was needed to meet her educational expenses for the program.  This tapped out her student loan access.  She previously used all her TAP points and the majority of her Pell grants at other institutions.
  We believe Ms. ****** to be a bright lady who did very well when she attended school.  We would like to be able to count her among our successful graduates.  To this end we are offering to give her an institutional grant for tuition only for the remaining six courses she needs to complete.  This amounts to a grant of $3,069 for 11 credits at $279 per credit.  This would allow her to resume her education, take the licensing examination, and upon obtaining a passing score,  apply for a license to practice the art of Massage Therapy in New York state.
  I hope this explanation satisfies all open questions of your agency.  Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. 
  
  
  [1] A credit balance arises when a student’s account has a positive balance against applicable charges for tuition and fees for the same semester.  In this instance, Ms. ****** took out loans for an amount in excess of the tuition, fees, and charge for her program, and when the loan proceeds were disbursed to her a credit balance was created.

  Customer response

  03/06/2023

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, we would like to know your view on the matter.] Regards, ******** ******Apparently whom ever is reviewing my case is not understanding the original complaint. I can not accept your offer to complete my degree with absolutely no information on the how or when. Are these night classes which is what I signed documents for? When are my classes being offered? Considering I started this degree in 2021 and it is only an 18 month program, exactly how much longer am I expected to pulled around and around in circles with no straight answers? Your offer does not address the core issues. Furthermore, in the first offer you stated it was 3,690 in a grant you were offering, or somewhere around that number. Your new response states it is over 4,000 than I am gifted. This type of response is precisely in alignment with my original complaint. Nothing that comes from Mildred Elley is transparent or useful. The institution talks in circles as to confuse and muddle situations, never giving straight answers. It has been my experience for over two years now that Mildred and it's employees, don't have straight answers because there are none. 

  Business response

  03/16/2023

  This is the final response by Mildred Elley in response to Complaint ********. In our prior responses, we tried to address the issues in the Complaint. The second supplemental statement the Complainant filed with your office indicates it is doubtful further exchanges through your office will be successful.
  Rather than accept the proposed resolution in general, with the specific details to be worked out between the parties, the Complainant tries to pick around the edges and introduce unjustified assumptions and strawman arguments. Her response suggests there can be no resolution. It is simply not productive to negotiate each detail of her continued education through your office. The offer is clear and simple. If she is interested in completing her education, she needs to unequivocally indicate that desire and the parties can proceed from that point with the details of her class schedules, etc. Just like every other student does. That process should be done between the parties after she indicates her desire to complete her education. If the Complainant would simply indicate that our offer is generally adequate, she can work with the College to figure out the details of which classes on what dates can be arranged. Perhaps no common ground can be reached if she continues to insist on a schedule that is not offered by the College, but to try to negotiate through your office using ineffective written exchanges does not seem efficient or inclined to succeed.   
  The College appreciates your efforts and respects your involvement. If the Complainant is genuinely eager to complete her education, the College has indicated a strong willingness to make that accessible to her. Her most recent submission to your office suggests that she has an alternative agenda that cannot be resolved through the efforts of your office.

• Initial Complaint

  11/20/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I graduated from Mildred Elley in 2017 with a certificate in practical nursing. I have been unable to move forward into a RN program because they will not release my transcripts. When I originally started with the program in late 2015 I was told that the credits I received would be transferable to other colleges within NY including **** and ******* ****. However upon inquiring what classes would transfer to either of those institutions I was told that they don't accept any of Mildred Elley credits. It is now almost 6 years later and my official transcripts will not be released as they say I owe a balance of something like 1800.00. I'm not sure where that balance came from to begin with and the amount of student loan debt I am in due to going to this school is absurd. The least they could do is release my transcripts so that I can advance my career and have some type of chance of paying off my 27,000 in student loan debt from here without having to choose between feeding my family and paying my loans off....life is hard yall don't have to make it harder.

  Business response

  11/23/2022

  We do not have any record of Ms. *******’ request for a transcript.  If Ms. *******’ would like to request a copy of her transcript we would not deny her request.  A request can be submitted on our website at ******************************************************** .
  As for the balance owed to the school, Ms. *******’ was advised that she had the balance, and she even signed a payment plan agreement it which she agreed to pay the balance at that time of $1,714.00 (see attached).  Ms. *******’ never made any payments on her promised payment plan, she defaulted on the agreement.  We cannot discharge this debt but we will settle the debt for $1,200. 

  Customer response

  11/23/2022

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. Upon graduation I had made multiple requests in person at the registrars office to get my official transcripts so that I could further my education and take an RN program. My request was denied on each occasion due to the outstanding balance on my student account. Now it is probably too late to see if any of the credits I obtained while there will transfer to a school in my new state of residence. As far as that agreement with TFC it was the only option that I was given. The reason for the balance was never explained to me in detail. As far as their offer to settle for $1200.00, I can not afford a 1200.00 lump sum payment. Regards, ***** *******

  Business response

  11/28/2022

  As I stated previously, we will honor Ms. *******' request for a transcript, all she has to do is submit the request on our website in the link provided previously.  As for the payment, we will accept a reasonable pay plan.

• Initial Complaint

  06/13/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I graduated in 2013 from the MA program with a degree.bHowever after moving to Kentucky, here you need a cert. From state. I found out the school charged me for boards in NY. But wasn't credited at the time and had said they were. Now I'm stuck not being able to use a degree that I have student loans on.

  Business response

  06/22/2022

  Ms. ****** nee ***** did graduate from the Medical Assistant degree program on 9/7/2012, which she attended at our Albany, New York campus. Mildred Elley is authorized to offer a Medical Assistant Associate Degree program by the New York State Education Department. In New York State, there are no certification examinations or board exams required to be employed as a Medical Assistant.  The New York State Education Department website confirms that in the state of New York “Medical assistants are unlicensed individuals who play an integral role on the healthcare team in both hospital and ambulatory settings.” http://www.nysed.gov/career-technical-education/medical-assisting  Since there is no licensing or board examination in New York State, the student was never charged for any such licensing examination. A review of the student’s ledger card confirms that the student was not charged a licensing examination fee. (ledger attached)Ms. ****** nee *****, further indicates that the institution was not accredited. In 2013, the institution was accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent College and Schools. The institution has been continuously accredited since 1997. 

• Initial Complaint

  05/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Mildred elley has students unknowing sign over the government funds such as disbursements. Yet tells financial aid and other agencies the students were being reimbursed. Attending Mildred elley I noticed a document stating Mildred elley were allowed to keep my funds, I began to ask other students. When enrolling they hand you paper work and go over it with you they never mentioned that but they make u sign this paper amongst a stack of papers. When comforted they sent me a check for $1600 , which is showing on my credit score as Covid relief. I shortly drop out and they said I owe them 3500, I refused they stole more than that from me, financial aid,and my roll grant since I am conspired disabled I’m entitled to certain grants. I’ve checked my credit score recently to buy a home there’s Mildred elley saying i out them $3500 and $1600 two differ charges which bring my credit s to a 650 I want it removed immediately. There a scam there stealing from thousands of students and government agencies and other stude

  Business response

  05/20/2022

  ******** **** enrolled in the Medical Assisting Associate’s Degree Program at Mildred Elley’s Albany Campus beginning 2/1/2021.  
  
  Upon enrolling, the student met with a Financial Aid Representative who presented her with an Estimated Financial Aid Package – a projection of the total costs and financial assistance for her enrollment period.  The Estimate which she signed to accept the offered financial plan projected costs of $35,145 for the 60 credit program, with $34,605 projected in loans and scholarship funds. It was anticipated that the remaining $540 would be funded by the NYS TAP Grant program once the application for the 2021/22 academic year was available. (Estimate signed 2/3/21 provided)
  
  Federal and state financial aid programs are sent directly to colleges to pay for student educational expenses, such as tuition, fees and books.  If funds received exceed costs and a credit balance is created on a student account, the school will issue payment for the credit balance. Students have the option of authorizing the school to retain their credit balance during an award year to ensure payment of all costs incurred during that time. Ms. **** signed the Authorization to Hold a Federal Student Aid Credit Balance when she signed the estimate (authorization form signed 2/3/21 is provided).  All documents presented for signature are explained and the student at any time can ask for further clarification before signing any documents. 
  
  A credit balance occurred on Ms. ****’s account in July 2021. The student contacted the Financial Aid Office and requested that the credit be issued to her.  A check in the amount of $1,600 was issued 8/9/21.  (Student AR Listing provided)
  
  Mildred Elley received funding through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to distribute grant funds to students whose finances were affected by the COVID pandemic. Ms. **** was issued a $1,240 check through this grant program on 9/1/21. This check is not reflected on the Student AR Listing since the HEERF Grant and CARES Grant checks were not to be used to pay college charges and were issued directly to students.
  
  Ms. **** withdrew from Mildred Elley 12/9/21. Her account was audited and the federal Return to Title IV Programs calculation was performed as required by the US Department of Education and Title IV funds were returned accordingly. This resulted in a $3,500.05 balance due to Mildred Elley.  The balance due reflects an accurate accounting of all charges and credits to the student’s account.
  
  
  Ms. **** was emailed by our Collections Manger on 1/26/22 advising her of the balance due to Mildred Elley.  This balance has not been referred to an outside collection agency or reported to a credit reporting agency.

  Ms. **** received Federal Direct Subsidized Loans ($3,500) and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans ($1,600) during her enrollment at Mildred Elley. These are reflected on her estimate and on her AR Listing.  These Loans are held by the US Department of Education and serviced by **********.  These loans are likely the items appearing on her credit report.  Mildred Elley is not the holder of these loans and cannot adjust credit reporting for them. Loan History information from National Student Loan Data System is provided)
  

• Initial Complaint

  03/03/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I applied to enroll in this school's LPN program. At the time I was assisted by admissions representative Derrick A****** I provided him my transcripts from my previous degrees (1. Bachelors Degree in Biology and 2. Masters Degree in Microbiology). The transcripts were never received and then I had to pay again to send my transcripts to ******* *******, **** ********* and ******* ******. With this being said and after reviewing my transcripts I was advised that instead of 18 months program it would only take me 13 months with the repetition of one course Anatomy & Physiology I & II. I began my first semester on September 28, 2020. I was advised that to enroll and begin the LPN program I need to only take 8 pre-requisite classes and then I would be able to bridge over to the LPN program. Instead, they have asked me to take 3 leave of absence, submit my FAFSA for every module, have me take several classes for the wrong degree which in this case is Medical Assistant courses and basically intend for me to pay for two degrees. This school is an absolute fraud and money hungry administrative staff. The president himself even asked me to be an "active student" and I honestly don't know how much more active of a student you want me to be when I already hold a 3.9 GPA since the beginning of my enrollment and the school has me taking all courses for a Medical Assistant program as oppose to the program I applied for. I also was advised to pay TFC Credit which has lowered my credit score drastically and having me pay $150 a month. This school has been my worse nightmare and for someone who came with a strong educational background seeking a degree in nursing this institution definitely has made it a difficult and long unnecessary journey. I demand to be heard and also raise awareness so that other students like myself are not continuously stuck in this same predicament.

  Business response

  03/16/2022

  Subsequent to Ms. *******'s complaint filed with BBB, the Campus President Mr. Bernie P**** & Dean of Students Ms. Carena T********* has a phone conversation with Ms. ******* in regards to her claims.  The following issues were addressed:Ms. ******* first entered Mildred Elley in the Fall of 2020.Ms. *******’s transcripts from previous colleges were received on Friday, January 22, 2021.On Saturday, Jan 30, 2021, Ms. ******* received an email from the Mildred Elley Office of the Registrar informing her that we could not accept any transfer credits toward her program.When Ms. ******* enrolled in Mildred Elley, she completed the 20-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), but she did not request the processing results to be sent to Mildred Elley.The financial aid staff at Mildred Elley assisted her in updating the process in order to receive the results.The Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR) was received on Sept. 3, 2020.Based on that information, a financial aid estimate was prepared.  The financial aid estimate detailed total cost and estimated financial aid assistance for the duration of her program.  The estimate showed that Ms. ******* was expected to incur a balance of $6,098.00.  Ms. ******* signed an agreement on 9/24/20 with TFC Credit Corporation (see attached) to make monthly payments toward her unfunded tuition.  In March, 2021, Ms. *******’s account was audited.  The account showed that she had spent more on books and supplies than was indicated on the estimate.   She signed an additional agreement to her TFC contract on 3/10/21 (see attached) increasing the total due TFC to $6,397.02 to cover these expenses.The TFC credit agreement provides information to the student that TFC “may also report transactions and experiences with you, including the way you pay your account, and otherwise disclose information about you to credit reporting agencies and others”.The Admissions Representative was correct in saying that Ms. ******* could bridge over to the LPN program once the following requirements were met:Achieve a grade of at least a “B-“ in each of Medical Terminology, Freshman Seminar, Anatomy and Physiology 1, Anatomy and Physiology 2, English Composition and Psychology. Achieve passing grades in each of Introduction to Patient Care and Document Processing.Achieve a minimum score of the Next Generation Reading Test of 260.Achieve a minimum score of 68 on the TEAS VI exam.Ms. ******* completed all of the prerequisites, noted above.As also noted, Ms. ******* needed a minimum score of 260 on the Next Generation Reading Test as a requirement to participate in the bridge program.Ms. ******* received a 247 in September 2020.In consideration, of her Bachelor and Master’s degrees, Mr. P**** waived the 260 score requirement.The Nursing Program is 10 months plus the time necessary to complete the prerequisites.Ms. ******* was enrolled in and completed all 8 prerequisites.She did not receive any transfer credits from her two previous schools.The minimum time without transfer credits would be 18 months.During the phone conversation with Ms. *******, Mr. P**** explained that Nursing courses for students first entering the nursing program are scheduled for every other mod.The school recommended courses that Ms. ******* can be enrolled in during the off mods but she declined them.The other option, which Ms. ******* accepted, was to take a Leave of Absence until the next nursing sections were offered. Ms. ******* was eligible to take the TEAS in August for the September Nursing class.When asked by Mr. Price, why she did not take the TEAS, she claimed that her advisor did not schedule her to take the test.The test is well promoted to eligible students.Mr. P**** reiterated to Ms. ******* that It is the responsibility of a student to schedule his/her test date for the TEAS.It is not the responsibility of an academic advisor.Ms. ******* questioned her schedule for the second half of the spring 2 semester and why she was still scheduled for MA classes.Mr. P**** explained to her that Mildred Elley schedules 2 new classes every 8 weeks equating to a full semester.They agreed that she would not take courses the second half of the semester.At the conclusion of the phone call the following resolutions were accepted by Ms. *******:Ms. *******’s account will be credited for the following MA courses:MA 114 – Medical Insurance, MA 200 – Hematology and Phlebotomy, MA 205 – Cardiovascular Care and Procedures, MA 210 – Specialized Procedures.Ms. T********* will be scheduling a TEAS date in accordance with Ms. *******’s schedule.Ms. ******* will be allowed a TEAS re-test if she does not meet the 68 minimum score requirement to enter the Nursing Program.Ms. ******* was very satisfied with the conversation and the accommodations agreed upon as outlined above.

• Initial Complaint

  01/11/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Mildred Elley's financial aid system is a scam! I attended there for my LPN and was setup on a monthly payment plan. I had credits transfered so I did not need to take much additional classes outside of the Nursing program other than A&P 1&2. With that being said, there should be no additional cost other than books and uniform which was already calculated in the initial agreement. What I do not understand with this school is if my plan was not changed at all why each semester (module) I'm called to the financial aid office because my loans are increased. no classes are added so I am not understanding why my cost keep going up by 2000-3000 each time. anyway I signed the scam of an agreement, "all is well." Now I am graduated and cannto move on with my life to another school because they are calling me yet again that my loans are increased and I cannot understand how and for what. I am unable to receive a transcript because they won't release it without by balance being paid off. I have $400 remaining in my current agreement to be paid, and yet again they are calling that an additional 2000 and change has been added. I need this to be rectified because I am cannot afford to pay anymore money to this school. I am hardly holding up with this payment plan that I have. Mildred Elley need to stop increasing student's loans without reasoning. I also cannot understand if I am on a payment plan, most importantly why I cannot get my transcript. I am stuck, and unable to move on to a nursing program because I cannot get my transcript from Mildred Elley.

  Business response

  01/25/2022

  ********** ***** enrolled in the Practical Nursing Program at Mildred Elley’s NYC Campus beginning 5/20/19.   Prior to enrolling, the student met with a Financial Aid Representative who presented her with an Estimated Financial Aid Package – a projection of the total costs and financial assistance for her enrollment period.  The Estimate which she signed to accept the offered financial plan projected costs of $28,582 for the 53-credit program, with $22, 500 projected in loans and scholarship funds. The remaining $6,082 was to be paid through a payment plan agreement with TFC Credit Corporation and a $200 deposit made by the student. (Estimate signed 5/9/19 and Revolving Credit Account Agreement signed 5/19/19 are provided)The Mildred Elley Registrar’s Office supplied the Financial Aid Office with an evaluation of transfer coursework, showing that 12 credits would be accepted toward the student’s certificate program.  (copy of transfer credit evaluation provided).A revised Estimated Financial Aid Package was prepared, reflecting the adjustments to cost and financial assistance due to the transferred coursework.  Projected costs of the program were reduced to $25,969, with a reduction in allowable loans to $13,918 from $20,000.  The decrease in loans was due to the fact that she was able to transfer in 12 credits which decreased her program by 1 semester in her second loan period, therefore she was not eligible for the maximum loans in for that period and they had to be prorated based on 1 semester of 12 credits, instead of 2 semesters totaling 25 credits.  This decrease in loans was the reason that she owed an additional balance of slightly over $3, 400.  The student signed this estimate, accepting the revisions.  An additional contract with TFC was never submitted to fund this remaining cost. (estimate signed 6/10/19 provided)This change in her loans, which resulted in an increase in her unresolved projected balance was the reason the student was repeatedly referred to the NYC Campus Financial Aid Office and the reason for preventing the student’s transcript from being released.  The remaining balance due Mildred Elley reflects an accurate accounting of all charges and credits to the student’s account.It is our institutions policy that transcripts will not be released if there is a balance outstanding on the students account.

• Initial Complaint

  10/27/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  When I started Mildred Elley I was told that I’m able to transfer my credits with no issues to other school such as **** and private.I mostly paid for school out of pocket. I graduated from Mildred Elley and was contacted by someone from their administration, I was sent an email with a list of school with **** school on there. So, being that I couldn’t afford the private school I decided to apply to ****. I sent my transcript from Mildred Elley I was trying to transfer my Anatomy and Physiology 1&2 however was told that **** does not credit from Mildred Elley. I reached out to the Dean because I was so confused, and I did want to pay again for classes I already taken, being that was told that I could transfer them, she sent me a letter and told me to send it to **** that should help me to transfer my credit. However I called **** headquarters and was given the same answer, they state that no **** takes the credits from Mildred Elley because they do not have accreditation they are looking for. After reaching back out to the Dean my email where ignored.

  Business response

  11/10/2021

  
  This response is related to Complaint ID ******** dated 10/28/2021 submitted by *******
  *****.
  The institution does not agree with Ms **** assertion that when she began her education at
  Mildred Elley, she was told that she would be able to transfer credits to other institutions. It is clearly stated on page 54 of the institution's academic catalog that:
  TRANSFER TO ANOTHER COLLEGE AND CAREER PREREQUISITES
  Students who intend to transfer to other colleges or enroll in four-year institutions after
  completing their program of study at Mildred Elley must determine the requirements of
  those institutions and plan their program of study accordingly.
  Mildred Elley makes no guarantee, claim, or representation that the credits earned at
  Mildred Elley will transfer to other institutions. The ability to transfer credits will be
  determined by the college to which the student is transferring.
  Students must be aware that articulation agreements differ from institution to institution.
  To obtain details regarding which Mildred Elley programs are eligible and acceptable for
  transfer, please contact the Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs.
  Similarly, students who intend to take state or foreign examinations, certifications, or
  licensure tests must determine the requirements of those jurisdictions prior to
  commencing their program of study. Mildred Elley makes no guarantee, claim, or
  representation that the programs of study completed or credits earned at Mildred Elley
  will qualify its graduates for or guarantee the passage of such examinations,
  certifications, or licensure tests.
  Additionally, when Ms. ***** enrolled at the institution, she signed an Applicant Certification
  where she attested to knowing and understanding the following, as evidenced in Attachment 1.
  I understand that the programs at the institution are designed for training students for
  career advancement and entry into the workforce rather than for transfer to other colleges.
  I understand that acceptance of transfer credit is always up to the discretion of the
  receiving college and that credits earned at Mildred Elley may not be transferrable or
  applicable to programs offered by other colleges. No one at Mildred Elley can guarantee
  or imply transferability of credits to other institutions.
  As evidenced by these two statements, including the Applicant Certification that was signed and
  initialed by Ms. ***** during the admissions process, Ms. ***** was fully aware Mildred Elley
  does not guarantee the transfer of credits to any other institution.
  We are aware that subsequent to graduating from the LPN program, Ms. ***** contacted the
  Career Services Office and asked for a list of potential transfer schools. To assist Ms. ***** with
  her career goals and aspirations, a member of the Career Services Office provided Ms. *****
  with a list of institutions with which Mildred Elley has secured written articulation agreements.
  Also included on the list of articulation agreements was a list of institutions that past graduates
  had reported they had transferred credits from Mildred Elley. The information provided on the
  latter list was not intended to convey to Ms. ***** that Mildred Elley guaranteed that those
  institutions would grant transfer credit to her, rather it was intended to assist her by providing her
  potential institutions from which she might attempt to obtain transfer credit.
  The articulation agreements are also publicly available on the Mildred Elley website at: mildredelley.
  edu/articulation. Neither that list, nor the one provided to Ms. ***** indicates that Mildred
  Elley has an articulation agreement with institutions within the **** system.
  It should be noted that this exchange occurred in July 2021, after the student had successfully
  completed and graduated from the Practical Nursing certificate program in May 2021. This
  evidence once again highlights that at no time did Mildred Elley misrepresent to Ms. ***** any
  transfer credit information before or while she was enrolled in the program or as an inducement
  to enroll.
  The institution is proud of its graduates and is always willing to assist graduates in pursuing
  employment opportunities or additional educational opportunities. Mildred Elley wishes to
  continue to work with Ms. ***** to help her achieve her career goals. We will reach out to Ms.
  ***** to explore transfer and articulation opportunities and urge her to work with the Dean of
  Nursing, Ms. B****, to explore these opportunities.
  Respectfully,
  Kenneth J. C*****. PhD
  Chief Academic Officer
  
  

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