KW - Help I am divorced mom who was looking to get a raise and a promotion at work. I enrolled in the Business Administration course at KW in 2003. After easily completing 2 or 3 classes I got into financial trouble. I have a loan through Sallie Mae. I found out that because it is a government loan it can not be forgiven in a bankruptcy. Next, I contacted KW and told them I could no longer afford to complete my courses. I was told "sorry" it has to be finished. No matter how long it takes I will be charged $100 per month indefinetly until all courses are completed. Currently, I can't even afford the textbook for the next class let alone the Sallie Mae payment. After reading all of the threads on this and other web sites, I see that even if I get a degree from KW it doesn't really mean anything anyway. I don't know what to do now. Any suggestions?
Unfortunately, you are correct. KW is a notorious degree mill. It's not accredited by anything that has any real standing anywhere....uh, except Liberia that is.
How is KW charging you? Are they billing your credit card directly each month? There is no legitimate school that will force you to complete all courses and charge you against your will.
reply So far they haven't billed be. Due to my bankruptcy, I don't have credit cards. I guess you have 18 months to finish the course. If it's not completed by then they begin to bill you the $100 monthly until the course is complete.
Every legitimate school has a drop-out policy for those unable to finish their studies. There are also policies governing refunds of any fees or tuition already paid. You should find out what K-W's policies are, and if you signed anything with them, read it over carefully to see how tight of a corner they painted you into. That being said, I would write them a letter informing them of your intention to drop out, and that you will not be continuing your studies with them. Notify them that if they try to bill you in any way for courses you have no intention of taking, you will refer them to your state attorney general's office, who might be interested in their business practices. I would send the letter certified, with return receipt requested, and keep a copy. That way, you have proof you sent the letter, and when they sign for it, you'll have proof they received it. Be prepared to make good on your promise if they fail to comply, and show the AG your proof.
Like most diploma mills, KWU charges per degree rather than per class. Their view is that once you sign their contract, you owe them for the whole degree whether or not you drop out of their program or not. Some have posted that they do have a refund policy but IIRC it was not very generous and you only had a very short time to withdraw and have any of the fee excused or returned.
That sound unethical, if not illegal. I would still fight it, if I were her. On a related note, check out this Help Wanted ad for an "admissions counselor" for Kennedy-Western I found on Careerbuilder: ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR (INSIDE SALES) Kennedy-Western University is a highly reputable nationally recognized educational corporation which has afforded busy professionals with a convenient and flexible method for earning Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate level degrees. By leveraging the power of the Internet we have refined the academic process and opened up countless opportunities to adult learners. Currently we are seeking DYNAMIC, SUCCESSFUL, ADMISSION COUNSELORS to join our growing team. INSIDE SALES experience is preferred. We offer a COMPETITIVE BASE SALARY AND BONUS STRUCTURE ALONG WITH BENEFITS and a tremendous growth opportunity. Training is provided. The role of an Admissions Counselor is to telephonically screen and qualify prospective students who have responded to national advertising. This position is ideal for successful inside salespeople who want: A Career-track position 40-hour workweek Stability and security Warm Leads Provided – NO COLD CALLING! Base Salary of $30,000 $55,000-$75,000+ Possible First Year Base and Commission REQUIREMENTS Successful Admission Counselors should possess the following Excellent active listening skills Friendly/warm demeanor Ability to control conversational flow Well-organized and self-driven Proven track record in a similar position/capacity 3 to 5 years Inside/Outside Sales Experience keywords(sales, inside sales, account executive, account representative, sales representative, business development, sales manager)
The ads used to read a lot different in the past. They toned these ads down after they were posted on some forums.
The funny thing is that ad sounds almost exactly like the AIU ad. They don't pay nearly as well though!
