Call Now 800-261-2946
Official logo of Berkeley College

Berkeley College Borrower Defense: Were You Misled?

If you attended Berkeley College, you may be eligible to cancel your federal student loans through the Borrower Defense to Repayment (BDR) program. This relief is specifically for students who were misled, defrauded, or harmed by their school’s illegal or deceptive practices—and Berkeley College has a long record of lawsuits, investigations, and allegations that directly support BDR claims.


Major Lawsuit: State of New York v. Berkeley College

In 2022, the New York State Attorney General filed a sweeping lawsuit against Berkeley College (Index No. 452329/2018, Supreme Court of NY), alleging widespread fraud and illegal practices. The case exposed:

  • False promises of employment: Berkeley allegedly misled students by inflating job placement rates and claiming strong employer connections.
  • Predatory recruitment tactics: Admissions staff targeted low-income and minority students, pressuring them to enroll without providing accurate information.
  • Misrepresentation of transfer credits: Students were led to believe that their Berkeley credits could transfer easily—many later discovered they could not.
  • Deceptive financial aid practices: The school was accused of manipulating financial aid documents and pushing students into unaffordable debt without proper disclosures.
  • Illegal debt collection: Berkeley attempted to collect illegal fees and withheld transcripts from students who disputed charges.

This lawsuit, combined with years of complaints and internal records, provides powerful evidence for Borrower Defense claims.


Key Allegations That Support Borrower Defense

The Borrower Defense to Repayment program allows loan forgiveness if your school:

  • Substantially misrepresented the quality of its education or job placement services
  • Made false promises about cost, transfer credits, or accreditation
  • Withheld important information, such as licensure requirements or certification eligibility
  • Engaged in unfair financial aid or debt collection practices

In Berkeley College’s case, the following misconduct was reported or litigated:

  • Inflated job placement rates to entice enrollments
  • Misled students about transferability of credits
  • Provided false timelines for graduation
  • Misrepresented the actual cost of attendance
  • Enrolled students who didn’t meet minimum admissions criteria
  • Pressured students to sign incomplete financial aid documents

Who May Qualify for Loan Forgiveness?

You may qualify for full federal loan discharge if:

  • You were misled about job placement, salaries, or internships
  • Your credits didn’t transfer as promised
  • You were pushed into taking unaffordable loans based on false cost estimates
  • You were told your program would lead to a license or certification, but it didn’t
  • Berkeley withheld your transcripts or used debt collection threats to silence complaints

Even if you graduated, you could still qualify if the school’s conduct caused long-term harm, such as missed job opportunities, unpaid certification fees, or useless credits.


Need Help Filing? We’ve Got You Covered

✅ Do-It-Yourself Guide

Want to file on your own? Follow our free step-by-step Borrower Defense DIY Guide that walks you through every part of the application with examples, tips, and links to find supporting evidence.

✅ We Can Help

If you're overwhelmed or need support writing your BDR application, our expert team can handle the process for you. From organizing evidence to submitting your application, we're here to fight for your discharge.


See Similar Schools That Got Sued

Berkeley College isn’t alone. Dozens of other for-profit schools were sued or investigated for similar misconduct. Read about them in our Latest News, including:

You can also browse the full list of schools to see if yours is on it.


Don’t Wait. Take Back Your Future

Thousands of students have already submitted their Borrower Defense applications and had their loans forgiven. If you went to Berkeley College and feel you were misled, you are not alone—and you may be entitled to a fresh financial start.

Let us Help You Get the Justice and Relief You Deserve!

Bold call-to-action graphic urging Berkeley College students to explore Borrower Defense options for student loan relief

Related Articles

Broadview University Loan Forgiveness & Borrower Defense Options
Broadview University Loan Forgiveness & Borrower Defense Options

Broadview University students may qualify for Borrower Defense due to fraud, misrepresentation, or misconduct. See if you’re eligible today...

Read More...
Bay State College Lawsuit: Get Full Loan Forgiveness Now
Bay State College Lawsuit: Get Full Loan Forgiveness Now

Bay State College misled students about job placement & career outcomes. File your Borrower Defense claim now before collections restart...

Read More...
Baker College Lawsuits & Borrower Defense Forgiveness Option
Baker College Lawsuits & Borrower Defense Forgiveness Option

Baker College under investigation for deceptive practices. Learn how to apply for Borrower Defense and erase your student loans...

Read More...
Atlantic Union College Borrower Defense Alert: Misled, Unaccredited & Shut Down
Atlantic Union College Borrower Defense Alert: Misled, Unaccredited & Shut Down

Atlantic Union College lost accreditation, closed amid financial and legal turmoil—see how this supports your Borrower Defense claim. Take action now...

Read More...
Colorado Technical University Lawsuits | Borrower Defense to Repayment Help
Colorado Technical University Lawsuits | Borrower Defense to Repayment Help

Learn how legal actions against Colorado Technical University could help you qualify for full federal student loan forgiveness through Borrower Defense....

Read More...
CollegeAmerica Borrower Defense to Repayment – Loan Forgiveness Info
CollegeAmerica Borrower Defense to Repayment – Loan Forgiveness Info

Attended CollegeAmerica? You may qualify for student loan forgiveness through Borrower Defense. Learn about lawsuits, fraud findings, and how to apply...

Read More...
Antonelli College Borrower Defense Guide – Student Loan Forgiveness Help
Antonelli College Borrower Defense Guide – Student Loan Forgiveness Help

Learn how former Antonelli College students may qualify for borrower defense to repayment due to lawsuits and misrepresentation. Start your loan forgiveness process now....

Read More...
American Public University System Lawsuits | Borrower Defense Eligibility
American Public University System Lawsuits | Borrower Defense Eligibility

Learn how lawsuits and regulatory actions against the American Public University System (APUS) may help you qualify for federal student loan forgiveness through Borrower Defense to Repayment....

Read More...
Allied American University Lawsuits and Loan Forgiveness – Borrower Defense
Allied American University Lawsuits and Loan Forgiveness – Borrower Defense

Attended Allied American University? Learn how to apply for Borrower Defense to Repayment. Explore AAU’s closure, misconduct, and your loan relief options....

Read More...
Minnesota School of Business Lawsuits & Loan Forgiveness – Borrower Defense Guide
Minnesota School of Business Lawsuits & Loan Forgiveness – Borrower Defense Guide

Attended Minnesota School of Business or Globe University? Learn how to qualify for Borrower Defense loan forgiveness. Legal cases, misrepresentation, and lending violations explained....

Read More...
Western International University – Potential Borrower Defense Claim
Western International University – Potential Borrower Defense Claim

Former student of Western International University? You may qualify for full student loan forgiveness under Borrower Defense or Closed School Discharge. Learn how to apply now....

Read More...
Capella University Lawsuit & Loan Forgiveness | Borrower Defense Help
Capella University Lawsuit & Loan Forgiveness | Borrower Defense Help

Former Capella University student? You may qualify for student loan forgiveness through Borrower Defense. Learn about lawsuits, misrepresentation, and how to apply....

Read More...