Aggressive And Deceptive Recruitment tactics are at the heart of predatory practices used by some for-profit colleges. These tactics often leave students burdened with overwhelming debt and little to show for it.
Back in the fall of 2021, the Federal Trade Commission put 70 for-profit higher education institutions on notice that they would be laser focused on deceptive practices that mislead students and drive them into debt.
2024 FTC Enforcement Actions Highlight Student Loan Scams and Deceptive Practices
Nearly one-quarter of more than 150 college enrollment leaders surveyed by consulting firm “Education Advisory Board” (EAB) say they will consider going after students who have already committed to another institution. EAB’s report suggests the changes will likely result in “rapid and widespread uptake of more aggressive recruitment tactics.” (Higher Ed Dive)
Report predicts ‘widespread’ use of aggressive college recruiting tactics
If you feel you were pressured into enrolling or misled by false promises, there are pathways to relief. Learn how Borrower Defense to Repayment can help you seek justice and forgiveness for unfair student loans.
Aggressive Recruitment Tactics? Forgive Student Debt!
For-profit colleges often use high pressure techniques to coerce prospective students into enrolling. Common tactics include:
Impact of Enrollment Pressure on Admissions Teams and Students
Predatory lending practices not only inflate student debt but also jeopardize the financial well-being of graduates. Borrowers often face:
2019 State of College Admission Report
Aggressive and deceptive recruitment practices have left thousands of students with crippling debt and limited career opportunities. These cases below highlight the importance of protecting students from misleading recruitment tactics:
1. University of Phoenix Settlement: Attorney General Bonta Announces $4.5 Million Settlement with University of Phoenix for Unlawful Military Student Recruitment Tactics. (California Department of Justice)
University of Phoenix Paying $4.5 Million to Settle California Charges It Deceived Troops
2. The Art Institutes Settlement: EDMC to Pay More Than $95 Million for unlawful recruiting, forgive $103 Million in loans. (NASFAA)
2 whistleblowers described life at a college 'recruitment mill' that paid a record $95 million settlement
3. ITT Technical Institute: ITT Tech agreed to forgive $168 Million student debt for over 18,000 students after widespread allegations of deceptive recruitment tactics, including misrepresenting job placement rates and potential earnings. (NPR)
Students of Defunct ITT Tech to Receive $168 Million in Loan Forgiveness
4. Corinthian Colleges Settlement: The U.S. Department of Education forgave $5.8 billion in loans for students defrauded by Corinthian Colleges, which misled students about job placements and program costs. (US Department of Education)
U.S. will forgive $5.8 billion of loans to Corinthian Colleges students
If you’ve been defrauded by your school, you may qualify for relief through Borrower Defense to Repayment. This program allows borrowers to seek a Student Loan Discharge if they can prove misconduct by their institution.
At Defense Claims, we’re dedicated to helping defrauded students Secure Justice and Financial Relief. Learn about our proven track record on our Why Use Us page.
Pressured to Enroll? Borrower Defense Forgives Loans!
Aggressive and Deceptive Recruitment Practices can have long lasting impacts on students, leaving them burdened with debt and limited opportunities. By understanding these tactics and leveraging programs like Borrower Defense to Repayment, affected individuals can take actionable steps toward relief and recovery. Whether you’re seeking justice, loan forgiveness, or simply want to learn more, resources are available to guide you. Take the first step by exploring your options and reclaiming your financial future.
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Everglades University, previously known as American Flyers College and later Everglades College, underwent these name changes as part of its rebranding efforts to reflect evolving institutional goals and broaden its appeal to a wider student demographic....
Read More...Westwood College, a for-profit institution that promised career focused education, became a symbol of predatory practices in higher education. Its operations have been marred by lawsuits, investigations, and settlements, including a $1.5 billion federal student loan forgiveness initiative, culminating in its closure....
Read More...American Intercontinental University (AIU), a for-profit institution under the Career Education Corporation (CEC), has faced numerous lawsuits, investigations, and settlements due to allegations of deceptive practices. ...
Read More...Lincoln Educational Services, a prominent provider of career oriented post secondary education, has faced multiple lawsuits, investigations, and settlements over the years. These legal actions highlight allegations of deceptive practices, false advertising, and aggressive recruitment tactics. ...
Read More...Sanford–Brown, a subsidiary of the Career Education Corporation, was once a prominent name in for-profit education. However, the institution became notorious for deceptive practices, leading to numerous lawsuits, investigations, and eventual closures....
Read More...DeVry University, once a leading name in for-profit education, has faced significant legal and regulatory scrutiny over the years. Allegations of misleading advertising, inflated job placement rates, and aggressive recruitment practices have led to lawsuits, including the $100 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission in 2016....
Read More...The for-profit education sector has long been a subject of scrutiny, with ITT Technical Institute emerging as one of the most prominent examples of alleged misconduct. Over the years, this institution faced a multitude of lawsuits, investigations, and settlements due to its deceptive practices....
Read More...The University of Phoenix, one of the largest for-profit universities in the United States, has faced extensive legal scrutiny over the years. Among the many lawsuits and settlements tied to the institution, the Federal Trade Commission $191 million settlement stands out as a pivotal moment in the context of higher education accountability. ...
Read More...Walden University, a prominent for-profit educational institution, has been at the center of numerous lawsuits and investigations. These legal challenges have largely revolved around allegations of deceptive practices, misleading recruitment tactics, and inflated promises of academic and career success....
Read More...The Art Institutes, a chain of for-profit colleges, have been embroiled in numerous lawsuits, investigations, and settlements over the years. These legal challenges stem from allegations of Deceptive Practices, Misrepresentations and Financial Exploitation Of Students....
Read More...Grand Canyon University (GCU), a well known name in higher education, has faced significant scrutiny over the years. Allegations of Misleading Practices, Aggressive Recruitment Tactics, and Questionable Financial Decisions have led to numerous lawsuits and investigations....
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