Is NCU trying to rip me off?

Somebody tell me if this is normal or some sort of rip-off. I attended NCU for awhile and, a short time into my third class, I decided the school was not for me. I dropped the class thinking that I would get some portion of my tuition back, but I found out that I was too late and, at that point, I didn't care. The professor was the worst I have ever had in my 23 online classes and I was willing to forfeit the tuition. I now regret not just tuffing it out, but back then I was mad and made a poor decision. Oh well, water under the bridge.

Now, 6 months later, I get an invoice. $50 for dropping the course and $30 as an enrollment fee. When I was taking the class, my balance was $0. 6 months later, they tell me I owe them $80.

What is your opinion on that? Should I just pay it, or should I fight it?

You may remember that I was defending the school, in the past. But I will not longer defend them after this experience. It's the same story, academically they are not too bad, but the service is the worst I have ever experienced.

 

If you don't pay, what happens beyond them not sending out a transcript for those six credits?

If nothing, I would blow them off and forget about it (and the two completed classes).

 

If you pay it, life will probably be easier for you. It took me almost 5 months (of email escalation) to get the technology fee charged to my credit after I ceased to attend (I dropped my first class before its official start date. So I didn't even start a class before I left). Also, if you notice, its a lot easier to get a hold of someone on the phone just before you enroll. Withdrew from the school and no one picks up the phone anymore.

Anyway, regarding the $80, if you value your credit, and if you don't want to get pissed off the more, paying it will make things alot easier for you. After all, what are you really going to do to fight it? Nothing. You can only ignore the payment, in which case, your account will be placed on your credit report. Besides, if they have your credit card number (which they probably do because you must have one on file even if your form of tuition payment is not through credit card), they will just go ahead and charge. Finally, those fees are all listed on their catalog (even though it is not easily found) so it is possible that you do owe them the $80 (I'd be thankful because it's only $80).

 

Yea, you are probably right. I will probably pay it just because it's easier. What hacks me off is that the charge appears after I have been out of the school for 6 months. Next they will probably charge me for not liking the school.

 

Yes, they are trying to rip you off.

 

I wish I would have gone to Liberty in the first place and not wasted my time and money at NCU. One of my two classes did transfer as an elective though, so it was not a total loss.

 

Stories like this (combined with my work experience at UOP) are why I will never put any of my money into a for-profit university. I know I'm painting with a broad brush, but I'm VERY skeptical of everything a for-profit does.

I know that non-profits often are just as guilty, but my work at a non-profit university doesn't seem as focused on screwing over students.

 

I know there is a "drop charge" that came out a while ago. I think it is a crock but I would just pay it and walk away feeling that you made the right choice in the end.

 

For this reason, I'd call and protest; but pay. Maybe they'd drop the fee, either way, you're going to want proof of a zero balance. Simply, this 1 class is part of a degree somewhere, so if you ever get into a situation where you need that transcript it'd be held for failed financial obligation and that's no fun.

Just curious, I have never heard of a drop fee, but what's the enrollment fee for??

 

What a crock! You loose your money on the tuition and then you pay a drop fee? I'm glad I got out when I did.

 

The enrollment fee is for the same class I dropped and neither appeared for 6 months. But that's good advice, tell them I'll pay, but I want proof of zero balance first.

 

I do think that is called rubbing salt in the wounds! That is why I would not drop - they are not getting my 50 bucks!

 

You are the man! You got through the whole thing with very little expenditure. Me, on the other hand, I just gave them money and now they are charging me a fee for giving them money!:zx11pissed:

 

A drop fee of $50 (per course) is charged whenever a course is dropped for whatever reason. An enrollment fee of $30 (per course) is charged whenever a student enrolls in a new course. I think the mistake on Michael's part was to withdraw in the middle of the course, instead of completing that one course before withdrawing from the university. So he lost the course tuition of $1800. Now, he will loose another $80 for a total loss of $1880 for the course without credit for it.

 

You are absolutely right. I kick myself now for it, but at the time I was not planning on pursuing a doctorate at all. I wish I would have stuck it out. Ahh, hindsight.

 

Yeah, I remember you always defend Northcentral University all the time in the past. At least to the point I want to attend NCU for my Ph.D; but now I am leaning toward Capella University after you had bad experiences.

I would recommend to review their fee charge information in the handbook or website. If there is no indication for dropping charge or registration fee; then fight for it. Otherwise just pay for it, unless you don't really care the those credits at NCU.

 

Yea, like I said to you before, academically they are fine. But the customer service is absolutely terrible. It appears that they couldn't care less about their students. Capella is a lot more expensive, but at least they will take care of you. Capella has a better reputation too.

I was still a mild supporter of NCU, but with this nonsense, they lost my support.

 

Why even reply with words when we can use these awesome emoticons? :Flush:

 

Depending on what a student is able to transfer into Capella's programs, it looks like Capella has the cheapest tuition among all doctoral granting online-only schools.

Tekman broke down the cost of Capella's PhD in this thread (look at post #43)