I applied at Grand Canyon University and spoke to Alex Rodriguez the Enrollment Counselor. When I spoke to him, he told me all the forms I need to fill in to be able to attend the University and to obtain my Financial Aid including the Direct Loan MPN and Entrance Counseling, even after I stated few times I am not interested in applying for loans. Alex Rodriguez said I needed these forms filled in regardless and I was not aware I signed up for the Loans since he stated ""It's just a procedure"". I thought it was part of the Financial Aid (Pell Grant) and he even stated it. He told me to go ahead and start the class on 12/23/2013 so that I can activate my enrollment. I asked few times about the financial Aid and he kept on telling me I would receive a phone call from my financial adviser.
After not receiving a call, I emailed Cindy Hernandez [email protected] on 12/29/2013 which I have the email to prove that I have emailed her and asked her about the Financial Aid and how the Aid would be disbursed. When I looked at my Fafsa information I qualified enough to cover a semester. I got a call from Cindy on 12/30/2013 while I was at work and I proceeded to leave voice-mails since each time I try to get in contact with Cindy she is either out of the office due to a holiday or she is just not available. It's very hard to reach the financial advisers at GCU. I shouldn't have entered the class knowing that the whole procedure didn't make any sense and I was getting a runaround but in faith of Christianity, I gave it a chance. When I did spoke to Cindy, she advised me that she didn't have the information on my Financial Aid and what I have received. The first phone call with her yet again I stated I was not interested in Loans and she told me if I do get any I can always return them and that I had a choice to do so. She never once stated that loans were actually taken out and how they would be charged each course. I never got any accurate information at all, and if each call is recorded, there is a proof that I have stated many times my feelings on loans and not once did Cindy nor Alex acknowledge my concern about the loans. They let me believe I was only going to have the Pell Grant and I was under impression that I would be receiving loans as in scholarships that I don't have to accept. I received a bill of $2,220 and I called Alex to ask about the status on my Aid, he told me if I didn't qualify for Financial Aid I wouldn't have been able to enroll and how they will ""guarantee"" I will.
I found that very odd and the only way I did find out about the loans is when I received a letter from Nelnet. With all the runaround, I was very confused about the whole Financial Aid and I decided to research GCU and found out that they have been sued and multiple complaints with students being scammed, especially students who are not native English speakers. I believe I was a easy target to manipulate, and when I did call Cindy to talk to her about the Loans, it took a while to reach her again since she was out of the ""office"". I decided not to raise an issue or have her know that I was suspicious, and wrote down everything she has said to me. She told me all these things she has ""apparently said to me"" which is all a lie. I never got any information about my Financial Aid till it was disbursed on 2/12/2014. I was under the impression I would get $4,295.00 from Pell Grant, she said I only got $2,148.00. I asked what the GCU $ 2,170.00 Retention Tuition Credit meant, she said students get that back from what is unused and I have the choice to return it back and it would be used against my Loans. I never received that money, nor did I waned it. It makes no sense to me why they haven't used the full Pell Grant? And why would you tell me I would get unused portion back? I was very confused, which was their main target to manipulate me. I asked why were the loans taken out then, her response of course was "" You signed up for it"". She waited from December till after they made the profit and making sure I was 100% locked in two courses to put the blame on me even after I have stated multiple times I NEVER wanted loans. I wouldn't have signed up with GCU if I knew they charged three courses at once and lie that the Pell Grant wouldn't cover enough. I never accepted those awards/loans. After I spoke to Cindy, I went back to check and the ""Accpet Button"" was gone.
After I gathered all of my notes and research, and judging by their tone of voice and manipulate way of providing information I knew I was scammed from the start. It was all ready to late because I entered the first and second course without knowing about the loans and that I would own 100%, this is why I couldn't reach Cindy Hernandez until they made sure I entered those courses. I have made multiple calls about the Financial Aid and Grand Canyon should be ashamed and I am disgusted how a Christan school who hides behind God can scam students like this. Normal schools would gather all the information and wait for Financial Aid instead of lying to student to get a profit out of them. Once I figured out what was going on, I called Alex because I was unable to reach Cindy and demanded to have the Loans returned after I got a clear understanding what was taken out on my name. Alex also started to give me a round around and said I got a new Financial Adviser Kimyada Jones. I knew right there and then I was a victim with all the others, and I told Alex I refuse to be a victim and I read the complaints and the same story line was used on me. I emailed Kimyada Jones and she told me that Cindy Hernandez is still my adviser. Finally I reached Cindy and the whole blame was put on me because I signed something I had no idea it was about Unsubsidized and Subsidized Loans and was manipulated to believe it was for the Pell Grant. Cindy yet again proceeded to tell me something I had no acknowledge off and how she went over this information that was all new to me.
I was lied to from the start and If I stated many times to Alex and Cindy about my beliefs on the Loans, and each time they manipulated me to believe something completely different. I told Cindy I wanted to return the Loans and she told me the first two courses have been used and can't be returned after they made sure they made a profit. She told me I will have to pay back $1,800 in Loans and I even started I wouldn't continue because I was taken advantage off. She told me it's best to continue on, I told her I would call her back after I spoke to Fafsa and never stated I would continue with GCU. I got a letter now stating I have to pay back $2,403.63 in Loans and $1,555.00 to GCU. I called Cindy today 4/15/2014 to ask her about the Loans and she said because I didn't drop out that it went against me. Cindy did not mention anything about dropping out and that the rate would go up if I was inactive through the second course, even after she was under impression I wouldn't continue on and through the whole conversation she never once mentioned any accurate information yet again. She is very unprofessional and lied that she did go over something I never once heard from her, once she and the school made a profit, the ugly side of the truth come out of her. I am very disgusted by GCU and this school needs to be investigated and so many students are in debt because of GCU.
I do feel like I was a victim, and I never got a clear understanding how the Financial Aid would be disbursed and if they charged by each course (which I was under impression) I would have been able to afford it with Pell Grant. They take out Loans to profit off students and manipulate them to sign and believe something completely different. I refused to pay back GCU, and the Loans I will fight in court. Please investigate GCU and take actions against them, prevent others from getting scammed. Thank you
Gcu said 28 credits transferred. They did not and I was not informed until I paid to graduate. I was told to take 4 mire credits. They used all my aid and would not graduate me. I am contacting the dean and the higher learning commission. Can I also contact the student loan providers aka the fed government? This school knew they used my aid and then tried to suck more money out of me. I have a pending job and have to have the degree.
I can relate to some of the reports that students and others have posted about GCU ripping them off. When I attended GCU 2 years ago, I always had issues with my financial aid and loan disbursements and every time I would contact my financial aid advisor (Mike Pearson), he would assure me that it was correct. Which in fact it wasn’t because I feel as though they were overcharging me and keeping the majority of my Pell Grant and loan funds because I only attended GCU for about 1 ½ -2 years. I left there owing almost $40,000 in student loans with no degree and owing GCU $660 which I’m still confused about. I’ve tried to dispute this issue with the school during time I was still enrolled with them, they were not trying to hear it. My financial aid advisor no longer was reachable because he didn’t work for GCU anymore, Wow! Is it legal for schools to just take funds from students as they please & nothing gets done about it? The student is held accountable for this money that he/she borrows to further their education, this kind of unfair practice has to be stopped
This is a warning to all people thinking about attending Grand Canyon University. Please, please do not do it. I have experienced so much unneccssary stress by enrolling into this institution. I hope this letter reaches those thinking about joining this university.
I have a bachelors degree with a double major from a different actual state University. Also, I started a masters at a state university. So I do have comparsions with other colleges. I must say I have never experienced anything like Grand Canyon University.
There have been numerous issues contacting a counselor. The counselors will pass you around. If you are not on their caseload it is appareant they do not want to help you. I was not being helped so I asked for the number of the man who enrolled me at the university. The counselor said he could not help me. I asked again for the number and was provided it. I called him for help about a finance issue. Which he did say he was going to look further into. I have not heard back yet but hopefully he is trying to figure it out.
The professors have been a challenge to get a hold of or rude. When I enrolled I was told it was a work at your own pace. This is not true. There are due dates. Also, as a grad student most of us work full-time. The reason I chose this program is because I thought it would be more flexible. And yes I did think it would be slightly easier. However, there is absolutely no flexibility. And I found they require you to check in more than any other online course I have taken at two other notable universities. On top of this you are required research APA papers, endless reading assignments, discussion questions, journal, and group projects on a weekly basis. WHen you read all articles and text and complete the assignments you are putting in a lot more time than attending a grad class in a university setting.
You are also required to post a minimum of three days. At first I was told to respond to the discussion questions and respond to classmates. I was being marked down because I needed three extensive posts. Its hard to repeat yourself when you already addressed the issue. This seems just like busy work rather than valuable experience.
Since you cannot see your professor communication can be a challenge. There have been issues with grading. One professor refused to grade an assignment that was turned in on time. When she was responding to me her answers seemed like she was talking to someone else. I had to go to my counselor about it. Considering it was an assignment over 100 pts and turned in on time I thought it unjust not to be graded. When I mentioned this to the professor she was very upset and said she would report me for misconduct. I did nothing wrong and was polite the whole time. I called the counselor who said the university does allow the professor to file that, it's up to the professors discreation. So if you speak up for whats right you could be kicked out. Seems like a policy to put fear into students not justice for the ones supporting the entire university. I kept a log of our communications. My counselor told me to put in an appeal which I have but have not heard back from anyone.
This same professor bashed my writing skills. I'm not agreeing or disagreeing on my writing skills. There is always room for improvement. The issue is when the professor sent me the note she spellied my name wrong, other words were misspelled or missing, and she did not use complete sentences. Now how can I value the input of someone who should be the master in this area when they clearly cannot write?
Grand Canyon makes you pay for and enroll in a class to be a graduate. This course has nothing to do with your degree but you will be over $1100 and take a month to complete it. The procedures you learn in this class will not even carry over to your other classes. I was taught to site a lecture in the course. There was even a you tube link on how to cite a lecture. I followed this same format in my next class and was deducted points severly and was given a rude comment by that professor saying she did not write the lecture so I can't site it. Nothing is consistent. This was another thing not mentioned when I was enrolling.
The person who enrolled me into the university sold it on lies. I was told how it was run. But once I was in the courses it was nothing like I was told. I was given a price quote. This has not stayed the same. I was enticed with the promise of a TEACH grant. I filled it out, qualified, called my counselor and said it was complete but it has never posted to my account. When I tried to call for more information I was told only my actual counselor can see that screen. However, as usual she was not there and I have not heard back from anyone. The fill in counselor said if it wasn't done I can never get that money back. That was $4000!
They tell you, you can take two week breaks. My grandmother died and my father had a heart attack two days apart. I called to take a leave. When I was enrolled again no one mentioned you have to sign in the first day of class. Things were still very hectic after two weeks. Once back I planned on working on my assignments saturday which is the day the first assignment is due. Now, I chose this online university because I was told they have flexible scheduling. It is online so we can work at our pace. False. I received a call Friday one day after the class opened saying I was being dropped because I didn't log in. I told the counselor I planned on doing the assignment Saturday. No one mentioned I had to sign in the first day the class starts. This is not a real class with a time. This is online. Well this messed up my loans. Also, they could not get me into another class so it also extended my time with these people. The student ends up paying for Grand Canyons lack of communication, disorganization, and faulty unjustice policies.
These courses are so expensive. More than most universities and colleges, please do your research on this information. There are many, many online universities. This is one of the more expensive ones but they will try to tell you it's cheaper because you don't have to pay for books. These people are not for their students. They know how hard it is to communicate when your thousands of miles away. You can't just walk into a office.
Once you are in and have paid so much, you feel trapped. Most universities only transer so many credits. You know you will not be able to take them all. I wonder even if they do transfer at all. This is the worst feeling. I just keep praying I will make it through this nightmare. These people have been so disrespectful. They do not communicate with you either. So please stay on top of your stuff or they will penalize you finacially.
There is a lot more going on. I do not trust this University to make amends. This letter is more of a hope to save people from the headaches, stress, and hardships I have been through. Do your research. I wish I did mine. Instead I responded to a work email about the university. As an educator for over ten years I will make sure all of the educators in my district will know these issues. Hopefully, preventing them from this university and onto a more respectable, honest place.
I enrolled at Grand Canyon University for a start date of May 26th. I received a call from my financial counselor to let me know that I would be in overlapping status with financial aid and I could not start until June. I then received a call from my financial aid counselor who stated I would not be in overlapping status and I could start school in May.
I started school on May 26th and finished all seven weeks online. I received a call on July 11th from Margaret Anne Crites my financial advisor to advise me that I was in overlapping status and if I could not pay 3400.00 dollars to the school I would be dropped out.
I explained to her that was not my fault and because of her error the school should take care of the difference. She rudely stated that Grand Canyon would not pay for my education. I told her I dont want her to pay for my education but for her mistake.
She said all funds minus the fees for the first class would be returned back to financial aid and I could enroll at another school.
Margaret Anne was at fault, she put me in overlapping status and I get taken out of school. For a Christian school they are very greedy and are all about the money. They teach giving to others and you shouldn't discriminate but when to paying for classes, they are fast to kick you out of school. I could see if it was my fault but it was not, it was their's.
Stay away from this school, they are hiding behing the bible to get as much money as they can.
I applied at Grand Canyon University and spoke to Alex Rodriguez the Enrollment Counselor. When I spoke to him, he told me all the forms I need to fill in to be able to attend the University and to obtain my Financial Aid including the Direct Loan MPN and Entrance Counseling, even after I stated few times I am not interested in applying for loans. Alex Rodriguez said I needed these forms filled in regardless and I was not aware I signed up for the Loans since he stated ""It's just a procedure"". I thought it was part of the Financial Aid (Pell Grant) and he even stated it. He told me to go ahead and start the class on 12/23/2013 so that I can activate my enrollment. I asked few times about the financial Aid and he kept on telling me I would receive a phone call from my financial adviser.
After not receiving a call, I emailed Cindy Hernandez [email protected] on 12/29/2013 which I have the email to prove that I have emailed her and asked her about the Financial Aid and how the Aid would be disbursed. When I looked at my Fafsa information I qualified enough to cover a semester. I got a call from Cindy on 12/30/2013 while I was at work and I proceeded to leave voice-mails since each time I try to get in contact with Cindy she is either out of the office due to a holiday or she is just not available. It's very hard to reach the financial advisers at GCU. I shouldn't have entered the class knowing that the whole procedure didn't make any sense and I was getting a runaround but in faith of Christianity, I gave it a chance. When I did spoke to Cindy, she advised me that she didn't have the information on my Financial Aid and what I have received. The first phone call with her yet again I stated I was not interested in Loans and she told me if I do get any I can always return them and that I had a choice to do so. She never once stated that loans were actually taken out and how they would be charged each course. I never got any accurate information at all, and if each call is recorded, there is a proof that I have stated many times my feelings on loans and not once did Cindy nor Alex acknowledge my concern about the loans. They let me believe I was only going to have the Pell Grant and I was under impression that I would be receiving loans as in scholarships that I don't have to accept. I received a bill of $2,220 and I called Alex to ask about the status on my Aid, he told me if I didn't qualify for Financial Aid I wouldn't have been able to enroll and how they will ""guarantee"" I will.
I found that very odd and the only way I did find out about the loans is when I received a letter from Nelnet. With all the runaround, I was very confused about the whole Financial Aid and I decided to research GCU and found out that they have been sued and multiple complaints with students being scammed, especially students who are not native English speakers. I believe I was a easy target to manipulate, and when I did call Cindy to talk to her about the Loans, it took a while to reach her again since she was out of the ""office"". I decided not to raise an issue or have her know that I was suspicious, and wrote down everything she has said to me. She told me all these things she has ""apparently said to me"" which is all a lie. I never got any information about my Financial Aid till it was disbursed on 2/12/2014. I was under the impression I would get $4,295.00 from Pell Grant, she said I only got $2,148.00. I asked what the GCU $ 2,170.00 Retention Tuition Credit meant, she said students get that back from what is unused and I have the choice to return it back and it would be used against my Loans. I never received that money, nor did I waned it. It makes no sense to me why they haven't used the full Pell Grant? And why would you tell me I would get unused portion back? I was very confused, which was their main target to manipulate me. I asked why were the loans taken out then, her response of course was "" You signed up for it"". She waited from December till after they made the profit and making sure I was 100% locked in two courses to put the blame on me even after I have stated multiple times I NEVER wanted loans. I wouldn't have signed up with GCU if I knew they charged three courses at once and lie that the Pell Grant wouldn't cover enough. I never accepted those awards/loans. After I spoke to Cindy, I went back to check and the ""Accpet Button"" was gone.
After I gathered all of my notes and research, and judging by their tone of voice and manipulate way of providing information I knew I was scammed from the start. It was all ready to late because I entered the first and second course without knowing about the loans and that I would own 100%, this is why I couldn't reach Cindy Hernandez until they made sure I entered those courses. I have made multiple calls about the Financial Aid and Grand Canyon should be ashamed and I am disgusted how a Christan school who hides behind God can scam students like this. Normal schools would gather all the information and wait for Financial Aid instead of lying to student to get a profit out of them. Once I figured out what was going on, I called Alex because I was unable to reach Cindy and demanded to have the Loans returned after I got a clear understanding what was taken out on my name. Alex also started to give me a round around and said I got a new Financial Adviser Kimyada Jones. I knew right there and then I was a victim with all the others, and I told Alex I refuse to be a victim and I read the complaints and the same story line was used on me. I emailed Kimyada Jones and she told me that Cindy Hernandez is still my adviser. Finally I reached Cindy and the whole blame was put on me because I signed something I had no idea it was about Unsubsidized and Subsidized Loans and was manipulated to believe it was for the Pell Grant. Cindy yet again proceeded to tell me something I had no acknowledge off and how she went over this information that was all new to me.
I was lied to from the start and If I stated many times to Alex and Cindy about my beliefs on the Loans, and each time they manipulated me to believe something completely different. I told Cindy I wanted to return the Loans and she told me the first two courses have been used and can't be returned after they made sure they made a profit. She told me I will have to pay back $1,800 in Loans and I even started I wouldn't continue because I was taken advantage off. She told me it's best to continue on, I told her I would call her back after I spoke to Fafsa and never stated I would continue with GCU. I got a letter now stating I have to pay back $2,403.63 in Loans and $1,555.00 to GCU. I called Cindy today 4/15/2014 to ask her about the Loans and she said because I didn't drop out that it went against me. Cindy did not mention anything about dropping out and that the rate would go up if I was inactive through the second course, even after she was under impression I wouldn't continue on and through the whole conversation she never once mentioned any accurate information yet again. She is very unprofessional and lied that she did go over something I never once heard from her, once she and the school made a profit, the ugly side of the truth come out of her. I am very disgusted by GCU and this school needs to be investigated and so many students are in debt because of GCU.
I do feel like I was a victim, and I never got a clear understanding how the Financial Aid would be disbursed and if they charged by each course (which I was under impression) I would have been able to afford it with Pell Grant. They take out Loans to profit off students and manipulate them to sign and believe something completely different. I refused to pay back GCU, and the Loans I will fight in court. Please investigate GCU and take actions against them, prevent others from getting scammed. Thank you.
Grand Canyon University Reviews
I applied at Grand Canyon University and spoke to Alex Rodriguez the Enrollment Counselor. When I spoke to him, he told me all the forms I need to fill in to be able to attend the University and to obtain my Financial Aid including the Direct Loan MPN and Entrance Counseling, even after I stated few times I am not interested in applying for loans. Alex Rodriguez said I needed these forms filled in regardless and I was not aware I signed up for the Loans since he stated ""It's just a procedure"". I thought it was part of the Financial Aid (Pell Grant) and he even stated it. He told me to go ahead and start the class on 12/23/2013 so that I can activate my enrollment. I asked few times about the financial Aid and he kept on telling me I would receive a phone call from my financial adviser.
After not receiving a call, I emailed Cindy Hernandez [email protected] on 12/29/2013 which I have the email to prove that I have emailed her and asked her about the Financial Aid and how the Aid would be disbursed. When I looked at my Fafsa information I qualified enough to cover a semester. I got a call from Cindy on 12/30/2013 while I was at work and I proceeded to leave voice-mails since each time I try to get in contact with Cindy she is either out of the office due to a holiday or she is just not available. It's very hard to reach the financial advisers at GCU. I shouldn't have entered the class knowing that the whole procedure didn't make any sense and I was getting a runaround but in faith of Christianity, I gave it a chance. When I did spoke to Cindy, she advised me that she didn't have the information on my Financial Aid and what I have received. The first phone call with her yet again I stated I was not interested in Loans and she told me if I do get any I can always return them and that I had a choice to do so. She never once stated that loans were actually taken out and how they would be charged each course. I never got any accurate information at all, and if each call is recorded, there is a proof that I have stated many times my feelings on loans and not once did Cindy nor Alex acknowledge my concern about the loans. They let me believe I was only going to have the Pell Grant and I was under impression that I would be receiving loans as in scholarships that I don't have to accept. I received a bill of $2,220 and I called Alex to ask about the status on my Aid, he told me if I didn't qualify for Financial Aid I wouldn't have been able to enroll and how they will ""guarantee"" I will.
I found that very odd and the only way I did find out about the loans is when I received a letter from Nelnet. With all the runaround, I was very confused about the whole Financial Aid and I decided to research GCU and found out that they have been sued and multiple complaints with students being scammed, especially students who are not native English speakers. I believe I was a easy target to manipulate, and when I did call Cindy to talk to her about the Loans, it took a while to reach her again since she was out of the ""office"". I decided not to raise an issue or have her know that I was suspicious, and wrote down everything she has said to me. She told me all these things she has ""apparently said to me"" which is all a lie. I never got any information about my Financial Aid till it was disbursed on 2/12/2014. I was under the impression I would get $4,295.00 from Pell Grant, she said I only got $2,148.00. I asked what the GCU $ 2,170.00 Retention Tuition Credit meant, she said students get that back from what is unused and I have the choice to return it back and it would be used against my Loans. I never received that money, nor did I waned it. It makes no sense to me why they haven't used the full Pell Grant? And why would you tell me I would get unused portion back? I was very confused, which was their main target to manipulate me. I asked why were the loans taken out then, her response of course was "" You signed up for it"". She waited from December till after they made the profit and making sure I was 100% locked in two courses to put the blame on me even after I have stated multiple times I NEVER wanted loans. I wouldn't have signed up with GCU if I knew they charged three courses at once and lie that the Pell Grant wouldn't cover enough. I never accepted those awards/loans. After I spoke to Cindy, I went back to check and the ""Accpet Button"" was gone.
After I gathered all of my notes and research, and judging by their tone of voice and manipulate way of providing information I knew I was scammed from the start. It was all ready to late because I entered the first and second course without knowing about the loans and that I would own 100%, this is why I couldn't reach Cindy Hernandez until they made sure I entered those courses. I have made multiple calls about the Financial Aid and Grand Canyon should be ashamed and I am disgusted how a Christan school who hides behind God can scam students like this. Normal schools would gather all the information and wait for Financial Aid instead of lying to student to get a profit out of them. Once I figured out what was going on, I called Alex because I was unable to reach Cindy and demanded to have the Loans returned after I got a clear understanding what was taken out on my name. Alex also started to give me a round around and said I got a new Financial Adviser Kimyada Jones. I knew right there and then I was a victim with all the others, and I told Alex I refuse to be a victim and I read the complaints and the same story line was used on me. I emailed Kimyada Jones and she told me that Cindy Hernandez is still my adviser. Finally I reached Cindy and the whole blame was put on me because I signed something I had no idea it was about Unsubsidized and Subsidized Loans and was manipulated to believe it was for the Pell Grant. Cindy yet again proceeded to tell me something I had no acknowledge off and how she went over this information that was all new to me.
I was lied to from the start and If I stated many times to Alex and Cindy about my beliefs on the Loans, and each time they manipulated me to believe something completely different. I told Cindy I wanted to return the Loans and she told me the first two courses have been used and can't be returned after they made sure they made a profit. She told me I will have to pay back $1,800 in Loans and I even started I wouldn't continue because I was taken advantage off. She told me it's best to continue on, I told her I would call her back after I spoke to Fafsa and never stated I would continue with GCU. I got a letter now stating I have to pay back $2,403.63 in Loans and $1,555.00 to GCU. I called Cindy today 4/15/2014 to ask her about the Loans and she said because I didn't drop out that it went against me. Cindy did not mention anything about dropping out and that the rate would go up if I was inactive through the second course, even after she was under impression I wouldn't continue on and through the whole conversation she never once mentioned any accurate information yet again. She is very unprofessional and lied that she did go over something I never once heard from her, once she and the school made a profit, the ugly side of the truth come out of her. I am very disgusted by GCU and this school needs to be investigated and so many students are in debt because of GCU.
I do feel like I was a victim, and I never got a clear understanding how the Financial Aid would be disbursed and if they charged by each course (which I was under impression) I would have been able to afford it with Pell Grant. They take out Loans to profit off students and manipulate them to sign and believe something completely different. I refused to pay back GCU, and the Loans I will fight in court. Please investigate GCU and take actions against them, prevent others from getting scammed. Thank you
Gcu said 28 credits transferred. They did not and I was not informed until I paid to graduate. I was told to take 4 mire credits. They used all my aid and would not graduate me. I am contacting the dean and the higher learning commission. Can I also contact the student loan providers aka the fed government? This school knew they used my aid and then tried to suck more money out of me. I have a pending job and have to have the degree.
I can relate to some of the reports that students and others have posted about GCU ripping them off. When I attended GCU 2 years ago, I always had issues with my financial aid and loan disbursements and every time I would contact my financial aid advisor (Mike Pearson), he would assure me that it was correct. Which in fact it wasn’t because I feel as though they were overcharging me and keeping the majority of my Pell Grant and loan funds because I only attended GCU for about 1 ½ -2 years. I left there owing almost $40,000 in student loans with no degree and owing GCU $660 which I’m still confused about. I’ve tried to dispute this issue with the school during time I was still enrolled with them, they were not trying to hear it. My financial aid advisor no longer was reachable because he didn’t work for GCU anymore, Wow! Is it legal for schools to just take funds from students as they please & nothing gets done about it? The student is held accountable for this money that he/she borrows to further their education, this kind of unfair practice has to be stopped
This is a warning to all people thinking about attending Grand Canyon University. Please, please do not do it. I have experienced so much unneccssary stress by enrolling into this institution. I hope this letter reaches those thinking about joining this university.
I have a bachelors degree with a double major from a different actual state University. Also, I started a masters at a state university. So I do have comparsions with other colleges. I must say I have never experienced anything like Grand Canyon University.
There have been numerous issues contacting a counselor. The counselors will pass you around. If you are not on their caseload it is appareant they do not want to help you. I was not being helped so I asked for the number of the man who enrolled me at the university. The counselor said he could not help me. I asked again for the number and was provided it. I called him for help about a finance issue. Which he did say he was going to look further into. I have not heard back yet but hopefully he is trying to figure it out.
The professors have been a challenge to get a hold of or rude. When I enrolled I was told it was a work at your own pace. This is not true. There are due dates. Also, as a grad student most of us work full-time. The reason I chose this program is because I thought it would be more flexible. And yes I did think it would be slightly easier. However, there is absolutely no flexibility. And I found they require you to check in more than any other online course I have taken at two other notable universities. On top of this you are required research APA papers, endless reading assignments, discussion questions, journal, and group projects on a weekly basis. WHen you read all articles and text and complete the assignments you are putting in a lot more time than attending a grad class in a university setting.
You are also required to post a minimum of three days. At first I was told to respond to the discussion questions and respond to classmates. I was being marked down because I needed three extensive posts. Its hard to repeat yourself when you already addressed the issue. This seems just like busy work rather than valuable experience.
Since you cannot see your professor communication can be a challenge. There have been issues with grading. One professor refused to grade an assignment that was turned in on time. When she was responding to me her answers seemed like she was talking to someone else. I had to go to my counselor about it. Considering it was an assignment over 100 pts and turned in on time I thought it unjust not to be graded. When I mentioned this to the professor she was very upset and said she would report me for misconduct. I did nothing wrong and was polite the whole time. I called the counselor who said the university does allow the professor to file that, it's up to the professors discreation. So if you speak up for whats right you could be kicked out. Seems like a policy to put fear into students not justice for the ones supporting the entire university. I kept a log of our communications. My counselor told me to put in an appeal which I have but have not heard back from anyone.
This same professor bashed my writing skills. I'm not agreeing or disagreeing on my writing skills. There is always room for improvement. The issue is when the professor sent me the note she spellied my name wrong, other words were misspelled or missing, and she did not use complete sentences. Now how can I value the input of someone who should be the master in this area when they clearly cannot write?
Grand Canyon makes you pay for and enroll in a class to be a graduate. This course has nothing to do with your degree but you will be over $1100 and take a month to complete it. The procedures you learn in this class will not even carry over to your other classes. I was taught to site a lecture in the course. There was even a you tube link on how to cite a lecture. I followed this same format in my next class and was deducted points severly and was given a rude comment by that professor saying she did not write the lecture so I can't site it. Nothing is consistent. This was another thing not mentioned when I was enrolling.
The person who enrolled me into the university sold it on lies. I was told how it was run. But once I was in the courses it was nothing like I was told. I was given a price quote. This has not stayed the same. I was enticed with the promise of a TEACH grant. I filled it out, qualified, called my counselor and said it was complete but it has never posted to my account. When I tried to call for more information I was told only my actual counselor can see that screen. However, as usual she was not there and I have not heard back from anyone. The fill in counselor said if it wasn't done I can never get that money back. That was $4000!
They tell you, you can take two week breaks. My grandmother died and my father had a heart attack two days apart. I called to take a leave. When I was enrolled again no one mentioned you have to sign in the first day of class. Things were still very hectic after two weeks. Once back I planned on working on my assignments saturday which is the day the first assignment is due. Now, I chose this online university because I was told they have flexible scheduling. It is online so we can work at our pace. False. I received a call Friday one day after the class opened saying I was being dropped because I didn't log in. I told the counselor I planned on doing the assignment Saturday. No one mentioned I had to sign in the first day the class starts. This is not a real class with a time. This is online. Well this messed up my loans. Also, they could not get me into another class so it also extended my time with these people. The student ends up paying for Grand Canyons lack of communication, disorganization, and faulty unjustice policies.
These courses are so expensive. More than most universities and colleges, please do your research on this information. There are many, many online universities. This is one of the more expensive ones but they will try to tell you it's cheaper because you don't have to pay for books. These people are not for their students. They know how hard it is to communicate when your thousands of miles away. You can't just walk into a office.
Once you are in and have paid so much, you feel trapped. Most universities only transer so many credits. You know you will not be able to take them all. I wonder even if they do transfer at all. This is the worst feeling. I just keep praying I will make it through this nightmare. These people have been so disrespectful. They do not communicate with you either. So please stay on top of your stuff or they will penalize you finacially.
There is a lot more going on. I do not trust this University to make amends. This letter is more of a hope to save people from the headaches, stress, and hardships I have been through. Do your research. I wish I did mine. Instead I responded to a work email about the university. As an educator for over ten years I will make sure all of the educators in my district will know these issues. Hopefully, preventing them from this university and onto a more respectable, honest place.
I enrolled at Grand Canyon University for a start date of May 26th. I received a call from my financial counselor to let me know that I would be in overlapping status with financial aid and I could not start until June. I then received a call from my financial aid counselor who stated I would not be in overlapping status and I could start school in May.
I started school on May 26th and finished all seven weeks online. I received a call on July 11th from Margaret Anne Crites my financial advisor to advise me that I was in overlapping status and if I could not pay 3400.00 dollars to the school I would be dropped out.
I explained to her that was not my fault and because of her error the school should take care of the difference. She rudely stated that Grand Canyon would not pay for my education. I told her I dont want her to pay for my education but for her mistake.
She said all funds minus the fees for the first class would be returned back to financial aid and I could enroll at another school.
Margaret Anne was at fault, she put me in overlapping status and I get taken out of school. For a Christian school they are very greedy and are all about the money. They teach giving to others and you shouldn't discriminate but when to paying for classes, they are fast to kick you out of school. I could see if it was my fault but it was not, it was their's.
Stay away from this school, they are hiding behing the bible to get as much money as they can.
I applied at Grand Canyon University and spoke to Alex Rodriguez the Enrollment Counselor. When I spoke to him, he told me all the forms I need to fill in to be able to attend the University and to obtain my Financial Aid including the Direct Loan MPN and Entrance Counseling, even after I stated few times I am not interested in applying for loans. Alex Rodriguez said I needed these forms filled in regardless and I was not aware I signed up for the Loans since he stated ""It's just a procedure"". I thought it was part of the Financial Aid (Pell Grant) and he even stated it. He told me to go ahead and start the class on 12/23/2013 so that I can activate my enrollment. I asked few times about the financial Aid and he kept on telling me I would receive a phone call from my financial adviser.
After not receiving a call, I emailed Cindy Hernandez [email protected] on 12/29/2013 which I have the email to prove that I have emailed her and asked her about the Financial Aid and how the Aid would be disbursed. When I looked at my Fafsa information I qualified enough to cover a semester. I got a call from Cindy on 12/30/2013 while I was at work and I proceeded to leave voice-mails since each time I try to get in contact with Cindy she is either out of the office due to a holiday or she is just not available. It's very hard to reach the financial advisers at GCU. I shouldn't have entered the class knowing that the whole procedure didn't make any sense and I was getting a runaround but in faith of Christianity, I gave it a chance. When I did spoke to Cindy, she advised me that she didn't have the information on my Financial Aid and what I have received. The first phone call with her yet again I stated I was not interested in Loans and she told me if I do get any I can always return them and that I had a choice to do so. She never once stated that loans were actually taken out and how they would be charged each course. I never got any accurate information at all, and if each call is recorded, there is a proof that I have stated many times my feelings on loans and not once did Cindy nor Alex acknowledge my concern about the loans. They let me believe I was only going to have the Pell Grant and I was under impression that I would be receiving loans as in scholarships that I don't have to accept. I received a bill of $2,220 and I called Alex to ask about the status on my Aid, he told me if I didn't qualify for Financial Aid I wouldn't have been able to enroll and how they will ""guarantee"" I will.
I found that very odd and the only way I did find out about the loans is when I received a letter from Nelnet. With all the runaround, I was very confused about the whole Financial Aid and I decided to research GCU and found out that they have been sued and multiple complaints with students being scammed, especially students who are not native English speakers. I believe I was a easy target to manipulate, and when I did call Cindy to talk to her about the Loans, it took a while to reach her again since she was out of the ""office"". I decided not to raise an issue or have her know that I was suspicious, and wrote down everything she has said to me. She told me all these things she has ""apparently said to me"" which is all a lie. I never got any information about my Financial Aid till it was disbursed on 2/12/2014. I was under the impression I would get $4,295.00 from Pell Grant, she said I only got $2,148.00. I asked what the GCU $ 2,170.00 Retention Tuition Credit meant, she said students get that back from what is unused and I have the choice to return it back and it would be used against my Loans. I never received that money, nor did I waned it. It makes no sense to me why they haven't used the full Pell Grant? And why would you tell me I would get unused portion back? I was very confused, which was their main target to manipulate me. I asked why were the loans taken out then, her response of course was "" You signed up for it"". She waited from December till after they made the profit and making sure I was 100% locked in two courses to put the blame on me even after I have stated multiple times I NEVER wanted loans. I wouldn't have signed up with GCU if I knew they charged three courses at once and lie that the Pell Grant wouldn't cover enough. I never accepted those awards/loans. After I spoke to Cindy, I went back to check and the ""Accpet Button"" was gone.
After I gathered all of my notes and research, and judging by their tone of voice and manipulate way of providing information I knew I was scammed from the start. It was all ready to late because I entered the first and second course without knowing about the loans and that I would own 100%, this is why I couldn't reach Cindy Hernandez until they made sure I entered those courses. I have made multiple calls about the Financial Aid and Grand Canyon should be ashamed and I am disgusted how a Christan school who hides behind God can scam students like this. Normal schools would gather all the information and wait for Financial Aid instead of lying to student to get a profit out of them. Once I figured out what was going on, I called Alex because I was unable to reach Cindy and demanded to have the Loans returned after I got a clear understanding what was taken out on my name. Alex also started to give me a round around and said I got a new Financial Adviser Kimyada Jones. I knew right there and then I was a victim with all the others, and I told Alex I refuse to be a victim and I read the complaints and the same story line was used on me. I emailed Kimyada Jones and she told me that Cindy Hernandez is still my adviser. Finally I reached Cindy and the whole blame was put on me because I signed something I had no idea it was about Unsubsidized and Subsidized Loans and was manipulated to believe it was for the Pell Grant. Cindy yet again proceeded to tell me something I had no acknowledge off and how she went over this information that was all new to me.
I was lied to from the start and If I stated many times to Alex and Cindy about my beliefs on the Loans, and each time they manipulated me to believe something completely different. I told Cindy I wanted to return the Loans and she told me the first two courses have been used and can't be returned after they made sure they made a profit. She told me I will have to pay back $1,800 in Loans and I even started I wouldn't continue because I was taken advantage off. She told me it's best to continue on, I told her I would call her back after I spoke to Fafsa and never stated I would continue with GCU. I got a letter now stating I have to pay back $2,403.63 in Loans and $1,555.00 to GCU. I called Cindy today 4/15/2014 to ask her about the Loans and she said because I didn't drop out that it went against me. Cindy did not mention anything about dropping out and that the rate would go up if I was inactive through the second course, even after she was under impression I wouldn't continue on and through the whole conversation she never once mentioned any accurate information yet again. She is very unprofessional and lied that she did go over something I never once heard from her, once she and the school made a profit, the ugly side of the truth come out of her. I am very disgusted by GCU and this school needs to be investigated and so many students are in debt because of GCU.
I do feel like I was a victim, and I never got a clear understanding how the Financial Aid would be disbursed and if they charged by each course (which I was under impression) I would have been able to afford it with Pell Grant. They take out Loans to profit off students and manipulate them to sign and believe something completely different. I refused to pay back GCU, and the Loans I will fight in court. Please investigate GCU and take actions against them, prevent others from getting scammed. Thank you.