Look For Seven Red Flags When Applying To A For-Profit College

WALLINGFORD — Enrollment at for-profit schools — including trade schools and online universities — has skyrocketed in recent years, due in large part to high unemployment and a perception that some jobs may be gone for good. This has prompted a substantial number of unemployed people to head back to school to learn a new trade or skill.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau advises, however, that not all schools offer quality education. Enrolling in a subpar program may not only be a waste of time and money; it also may delay students’ entry into the marketplace with their newly acquired skills. In this case, homework begins long before the student ever opens a book.

Connecticut BBB President Paulette Scarpett cautions consumers that for-profit schools, like other sectors in the marketplace, have mixed reputations.

“The stakes are high,” she said. “Returning to school can be a costly investment, and unfortunately, consumers may find themselves dissatisfied unless they do their research before signing a contract.”

Researching options is the key to making an informed decision. Not all postsecondary schools offer the same level of education and tens of thousands of dollars and years of your life if can be wasted if you sign up with an institution that does not meet standards.

While for-profit schools are becoming a more popular option for students both young and experienced, a recent investigation by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that some are misleading students about the cost and quality of the education they will receive.

When researching for-profit schools, Better Business Bureau recommends watching out for a number of red flags:

The recruiter uses high-pressure sales tactics

If a sales rep is subjecting you to high pressure sales tactics — including bullying you or claiming you have to sign up immediately, just walk away. A reputable school will take the time to answer your questions, allow you to talk to a financial aid advisor. and will not push you into making a hasty decision.

The recruiter exaggerates potential income or guarantees a job

Landing a job is never a sure thing, especially in this economy. If the representative tells you how much money you will make after completing their program, confirm it with an industry insider — do not just take their word for it.

The prices are inflated when compared to other options

A recent GAO investigation alleged price gouging at some for-profit schools. As an example, one school charged $14,000 for a certification in massage therapy while a similar certification at a local public college would have cost only $520. Compare costs against other for-profit schools and public colleges.

The school is not government-accredited

Accreditation is extremely important, but not always easy to confirm. Ask the school’s representative about national and regional accreditation and then confirm with the accrediting organization. You can check with the US Department of Education at http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation to learn which postsecondary schools are accredited by approved agencies. More information on the importance of accreditation is available through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s website.

The degree or program seems too easy to obtain

Diploma mills pose as online schools and often promise to give you a cheap and easy degree. Unfortunately, such diplomas are not worth the paper they are printed on and will not be recognized by the military, employers, or other colleges. If the degree seems too easy to attain — this includes simply taking a test online or earning your degree based largely on life experience — it probably is not legitimate.

The school does not disclose information as required

Some of the for-profit schools the GAO investigated “failed to provide clear information about the college’s program duration, costs, or graduation rate despite federal regulations requiring them to do so.” Do not be afraid to ask plenty of questions when talking to recruiters and if you get the runaround instead of clear, concise answers, it is a bad sign.

The recruiter encourages you to lie on financial aid forms

The GAO report also found that some recruiters encouraged students to lie on their financial aid applications in order to get more money from the government to pay for tuition. If you get caught lying on your financial aid forms, not only will you have to pay the government back the money you borrowed, you could be fined and sent to prison.

For more advice on managing your personal finances and finding trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbb.org/us/Consumer-Tips.