Status of Southwest University

I am currently enrolled at Southwest University located in Kenner, La. Does anyone know if they suffered severe damage and flooding from hurricane Katrina? I just returned from vacation and have not been able to contact anyone via phone or e-mail. I'm a bit worried they may be out of business after this terrible tragedy. Any news would be greatly appreciated.

 

Right between New Orleans and New Orleans Airport.

If they are now defunct, which seems a good bet, then some other DETC school might pick up your credits from Southwest.

Were you paid much in advance?

In the same category should be Grantham University in Slidell. The Grantham website includes this message:

 

I would imagine that Southwest will soon have some type of contigency plan....I hope.

My Aunt's house is in Slidell and she lost everything.

As for Kenner, things are very tough in that area right now to say the least.

 

This why you shouldn't (or I shouldn't) post while sleepwalking.

'Did you pay much in advance?', is what I meant to ask.

 

I enrolled last month and received my first course. Approximately $800 initial cost and the balance is paid on a monthly payment plan.

 

I guess whatever may have remained (pre-Katrina) of American Coastline and Summit universities -- both in the same tiny little house right on the water in N.O. (along with Ray Chasse's 4 or 5 other schools -- American M & N, Clayton, etc. -- will be no more

 

Money is money but you are at least not in the hole for thousands. It might be best to start looking at equivalent schools offering your subject.

 

Decimon, you are right, money is money and I might be $800 or so in the hole right now, however, it could have been worse. I'll take my losses and hope they are not out of business. If so, I'll look at another institution to complete my studies.

 

First, I am (was?) in the admissions process at Southwest. I certainly hope all is not lost. I see that their website is back up and running, though that may have no correlation to the school being such.

Second, assuming Southwest survives, I'd like to hear Dr. Bear's assessment of this school, since I saw him post earlier.

Thirdly, if Southwest is belly up, any other recommendations? Columbia Southern looks good.

 

Columbia Southern is okay...but it is not nearly as inexpensive as Southwest. Only AJU and CCU are in the same approximate price range.

 

Of those two, I prefer Andrew Jackson the best. But if I can't do Southwest, I may settle for Ashworth since the price is so good.

 

Tom...I would advise you to look at AJU instead of Ashworth, from personal experience you will probably recieve more attention from the staff at AJU than Ashworth.

 

If I do not enroll at Southwest (and I still plan on doing so if at all possible), Aspen University is my next choice.

 

Good choice. Though I think Southwest will bounce back.

 

I hope double-ought Manny is seeing this.

 

Tom...

I was looking at CCU and Cal Coast seems to be a really good deal if you decide against Southwest. However I believe the best things come to those who wait. If Southwest is your first choice, just be patient...they'll bounce back.

 

I don't have a great deal of time to wait. I have a year to do the MBA full time and the clock is ticking.

Please do not misunderstand me - there are bigger fish to fry down in New Orleans than my application to a college there. I've been working with evacuees from Katrina who have been brought to our area, so I have no delusions regarding priority here. I know that the current students deserve priority.
I'm merely saying I am hopeful Southwest bounces back sooner rather than later, in days and not weeks and months.

 

Ah...I see.

If cost is NOT a factor...Aspen is a solid program BUT...I don't believe that they are a work at your own pace school. Don't you have to work online in a semester type format? I think they have a cohor (group) and non-cohort study plans.

Then again, if cost is NOT a factor you could try to pound one out at NCU.

If cost is a factor...Andrew Jackson or Cal Coast are good. Cal Coast requires a minimum 9 month enrollment however and Andrew Jackson has a maximum pace of something like 3 assignments a week. Contact the schools themselves for more insight.

 

Aspen offers the option of doing the cohort, online program, based on 8 week terms, or you have the independent option. You can also do some of each if you wish. So their flexibility meets my needs and learning style.

 

I just visited Southwest University web site and they have posted a Hurricane update regarding their status. It can be viewed at www.southwest.edu.