A class action lawsuit has been filed against Florida Metropolitan University on behalf of students who were unable to transfer their credits to another university. Also named in the suit were the University's parent companies Rhodes Colleges Inc. and Corinthian Colleges Inc., of Santa Ana, California. The suit alleges that the school informed the lead plaintiff that it was seeking accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, however it dropped its plans, and the credits were not transferrable.
According to the plaintiffs attorney, "They basically led the student to believe they were a fully accredited school and your credit or your degree can pass on for further education."
If you feel you qualify for damages or remedies that might be awarded in this class action please fill in our form on the right to submit your complaint.
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Reader Comments
Posted by
Franklin Vilcsek
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Franklin Vilcsek
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I attended Tampa college / FMU in 1991'ish and was unable to finish up due to family issues.. I tried to attend else where and was told that the credits were completely useless.
Anyone been able to get info on the class action that was filed?? Im trying to find out how to have my student loans included.
Anyone been able to get info on the class action that was filed?? Im trying to find out how to have my student loans included.
Posted by
Gina
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Gina
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I am curious if anyone has been answered back or has any help by posting here? I am searching high and low for help regarding all of the same problems most of you here have had.
I attended FMU in the early 2000’s. I was told I would only pay a certain amount per class and would not have to pay until I was completely finished with school and received my degree. After 1 years I was informed I needed to fill out fasfa paper work and when I did they said I didn’t turn it in on time. They demanded I pay them $5000+ within a day. When I explained I didn’t have that and that was way more than what I should owe them they kicked me out of school. I offered to pay them what they originally told me I would owe them when I started (around $2300) they refused. I then received bills for the $5000+ and also was being contacted by the government for 2 loans that were taken out on me by them. My IRS check was garnished and I had was sent to collections. I’ve been paying for over 10+ years and I still have 3 years to go. This has been very stressful and emotionally upsetting. I could never go to another college when I asked Everest university once they changed hands that since I had been paying could I transfer my credits the Dean actually told me and my father on the phone “No!” The credits could not be transferred and I was not entitled to them regardless of payment or not. Even though I had a 3.8 GPA. I am looking to be reimbursed for what I paid and for my years wasted and missed wages, raises and job promotions from my jobs and to write off the rest that the government is still making me pay along with 6.8% interest.
I attended FMU in the early 2000’s. I was told I would only pay a certain amount per class and would not have to pay until I was completely finished with school and received my degree. After 1 years I was informed I needed to fill out fasfa paper work and when I did they said I didn’t turn it in on time. They demanded I pay them $5000+ within a day. When I explained I didn’t have that and that was way more than what I should owe them they kicked me out of school. I offered to pay them what they originally told me I would owe them when I started (around $2300) they refused. I then received bills for the $5000+ and also was being contacted by the government for 2 loans that were taken out on me by them. My IRS check was garnished and I had was sent to collections. I’ve been paying for over 10+ years and I still have 3 years to go. This has been very stressful and emotionally upsetting. I could never go to another college when I asked Everest university once they changed hands that since I had been paying could I transfer my credits the Dean actually told me and my father on the phone “No!” The credits could not be transferred and I was not entitled to them regardless of payment or not. Even though I had a 3.8 GPA. I am looking to be reimbursed for what I paid and for my years wasted and missed wages, raises and job promotions from my jobs and to write off the rest that the government is still making me pay along with 6.8% interest.
Posted by
Anita Bullard
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Anita Bullard
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I attended FMU during 2001-2003 for Criminal Justice. However, when I tried to transfer to other universities it was very difficult. Non of my credits were transferrable which means I would have had to start all over from scratch. The loans in which they requested were enormous. I didn't understand at the time what was going on however all I know is that I am left with a huge repayment.
Posted by
Joseph Purdy
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Joseph Purdy
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I went to FMU in the early 2000's was just stared to attend school when a family tragedy struck and I need to drop out of school to take care of the family members . I filled out the paper work and writing out a letter that explaned why I had to drop and giving it to the clerk I was assued that the florida dept of education will be notified and be ok not to worry
well that was over 10+ years ago and I have been houned ever sence by every bill collector you could imagen
I am not looking any money just for them to put in the paper work that I filled out and get the story stright that own no money to anybody because I follow the rules put forth by Florida dept of education and FMU to fully be release
well that was over 10+ years ago and I have been houned ever sence by every bill collector you could imagen
I am not looking any money just for them to put in the paper work that I filled out and get the story stright that own no money to anybody because I follow the rules put forth by Florida dept of education and FMU to fully be release
Posted by
David Moraga
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David Moraga
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I have 2 degrees from FMU and cannot transfer any of my credits
Posted by
Edie
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Edie
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I attended FMU from 2005-2007 and got an Associates Degree in Medical Assistant. When I received my transcript they were a mess and when I tried to transfer my credits was told that the school was not accredited and that I had no credits to transfer. I am in debt in the amount of $28,151.28 and I feel that this is unfair because the school was not accredited but no degree as well. The creditors have ruined my credit and I need help to resolve this problem.
Posted by
RJ
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RJ
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I attended FMU from 2005-2009. I was supposed to receive “job placement” in the Criminal Justice field. That never happened. My transcripts are a hot mess. They say “Everest University...formerly known as FMU”. I was informed about this matter about a month before I received my degree that my degree would say Everest University because FMU lost their accreditation. I have so many student loan accounts on my credit it’s ridiculous; and it’s because of this school. I’ve been trying to settle this matter for years with the Department of Education. I, like many others would just like the loan to be taken off or my credit or some type of reimbursement.
Posted by
Felicia Kennedy
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Felicia Kennedy
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FMU in lakeland Florida was a absolute waste.I was working at the time of attending. I paid them about 350 a month and still they called me Into the office to sign for funding which I felt pressure and knew nothing about.I have never used that degree because its worthless.The lady whom was teaching the class I later saw her working in A retail store.
Posted by
Roberta Gonzalez
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Roberta Gonzalez
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I attended FMU from 2001 to 2002. I experienced the same issues as you all have and want to know how I can get either the loan discharged or my credits to be transferable. I have read everything I could find regarding this school and the issues, but have not found anything in regards to a resolution.
Posted by
Joel Callender
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Joel Callender
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I was told the school was accredited as well and took out $10,000 in school loans which are now on my credit. I am so upset by this whole fiasco. This was a GIANT WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY. I WANT IN ON THIS LAWSUIT THIS RUINED MY CREDIT AND ITS 13 YEARS LATER. SOMEONE PLEASE ADVISE
Posted by
Robin C Howland-Baez
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Robin C Howland-Baez
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I am victim as well. Is there any relief in sight?
Posted by
Meleah Gard
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Meleah Gard
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I attended the Clearwater campus in 2002 -2003 for Criminal Justice. They supposedly got me a big loan for financial aid however, I never saw a penny of the money but I got charged double on paying the money back TWICE !!! I finally JUST FINISHED paying the bs loan last year and they were even taking over $100 out of my disability check and I have 2 young kids to support !!!! Anytime I tried to fight that , I was ignored by the Dept. Of Education as well as the social security office too. Last time I checked, I was already involved in a class action suit against FMU this exact class action suit but I moved and got married and never found out what happened with the verdict of the case. I was hoping to find out by going on here and looking up information but so far, I still do not know if I have an unclaimed check from years ago. Please let me know any info you can tell me about a previous class action suit I believe from 2010-2011. My last name was Wagner back then. I hope to hear something about this very soon. Good luck to you all with getting your money back from these frauds , they did a horrible thing to all of us although some worse than others obviously and I truly hope that all of you get the outcome you so deserve from these scumbags that pretended to care about each of us so much , when all they cared about was fattening up their wallets !!!! Much luck & love.
Posted by
Lisa
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Lisa
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Same here. I attended back in 1997 - 1998 and was told I could transfer credits, yeah right! That's one of the reasons I left after 1 semester, besides some of the other issues with the school.
Still paying on a $3000 bogus loan that has now turned into $15,000 because I was talked into consolidating my loan for a lower rate and now my credits shot. I've never been able to recover even after fighting for years.!.
Still paying on a $3000 bogus loan that has now turned into $15,000 because I was talked into consolidating my loan for a lower rate and now my credits shot. I've never been able to recover even after fighting for years.!.
Posted by
Melissa
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Melissa
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I also attended FMU. My degeee is worthless as well and my credits wont transfer. I am also in debt with student loans. I feel that the school should pay back the money and not us that were scammed.
Posted by
Kimberly Gowdy
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Kimberly Gowdy
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They not only screwed up and didn’t put my final grades in which somehow ended up in me oweing the college 6,000 . They made me take out 4,000$ in student loans. I feel since this school was a complete scam that both debts be erased or paid for by this phony college that gave people hope for a better future to turn around and put them into debt. Dispicable .
Posted by
Tiffany A Lowe
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Tiffany A Lowe
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I attended FMU online back in 2001. I am now $32,000 in debt for student loans and now I am unable to get financial assistance for college. I looked back on my SARS and I think they got loans for more than they said it would cost and I have nothing to show! Are we ever going to get a loan forgiveness???
Posted by
Michelle VB
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Michelle VB
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I attended FMU Melbourne in 2002 - 2006 I graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice with honors. I have the same issues as everyone above, worthless degree and huge student loan... does anyone know if there is anything that can be done? At a minimum forgive the bogus loan for the bogus degree!!??
I went there as a full time student at night while working full time during the day and raising 2 children as a single parent. I think I/we all deserve our loans forgiven AND make them pay US the loan amount for our sacrifices we all put in to get a FAKE degree!
I went there as a full time student at night while working full time during the day and raising 2 children as a single parent. I think I/we all deserve our loans forgiven AND make them pay US the loan amount for our sacrifices we all put in to get a FAKE degree!
Posted by
Daniel
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Daniel
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Danielle B. ... I am also struggling with this FMU / Everest fiasco. I was able to find out that Everest is now Zenith Education Group. I was able to find Zenith does have a record of my attending FMU but it has no record of my graduating. Worthless degree!
I might be able to help you with your garnishment issue. I used to help people in garnishment. I was able to help literally over a thousand people get out of garnishment and keep their tax refunds. However, I am reluctant to post my personal information here. See if you can use the email link up above, ("Email Us"), to see if the site will provide me with your email so I can contact you. It's worth a try and I really would like to help. If we can't connect, good luck.
I might be able to help you with your garnishment issue. I used to help people in garnishment. I was able to help literally over a thousand people get out of garnishment and keep their tax refunds. However, I am reluctant to post my personal information here. See if you can use the email link up above, ("Email Us"), to see if the site will provide me with your email so I can contact you. It's worth a try and I really would like to help. If we can't connect, good luck.
Posted by
Daniel
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Daniel
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I was told ''all credits would transfer to any other college or university in the country" but this was a lie. I was later told by other colleges that to get my Master's degree I would have to retake my entire Bachelor's program and probably some of my Associate's program as well. Now, Zenith Education Group, that has taken over for Everest College that took over from FMU, has no record that I even graduated so I have no way to prove I even went there and so my degree is worthless and so I can longer use this information on my resume. AND I am stuck with the student loans. Can anybody out there help?
Posted by
Bob R Parks
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Bob R Parks
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like so many of the stories above I also had a
terrible experience with FMU, They not only told
Me they were accredited, But I made it clear I did
not want any Guaranteed Student loans, I was told
my Tuition would be covered by all Grants then a Mth
into the schooling I get a Statement from ACS in
California informing Me I have a Student loan for close to $30,000 pertaining to FMU I called them and they told Me FMU submitted paper work with My
signature for the Funds which I did not sign. only
Paper work signed was regular enrollement forms.
now I know why they closed there doors and sold out because cheating so many people its terrible.
terrible experience with FMU, They not only told
Me they were accredited, But I made it clear I did
not want any Guaranteed Student loans, I was told
my Tuition would be covered by all Grants then a Mth
into the schooling I get a Statement from ACS in
California informing Me I have a Student loan for close to $30,000 pertaining to FMU I called them and they told Me FMU submitted paper work with My
signature for the Funds which I did not sign. only
Paper work signed was regular enrollement forms.
now I know why they closed there doors and sold out because cheating so many people its terrible.
Posted by
Danielle B.
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Danielle B.
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FMU shut down or was bought out by Everest shortly after i graduated with a worthless degree. Not only did FMU not provide employment in the field of study i attained but any employment since i graduated in 2006, have informed me that FMU aka Everest has NO RECORD of me ever attending the school!
I have not been able to file taxes due to a garnishment and my credit is shot because of this. I've been trying to research all facets of student loan forgiveness due to this worthless degree by the gov but havnt been successful. Does any know how to help???
I have not been able to file taxes due to a garnishment and my credit is shot because of this. I've been trying to research all facets of student loan forgiveness due to this worthless degree by the gov but havnt been successful. Does any know how to help???
Posted by
Sc
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Sc
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My complaint as those listed. Stuck with a student loan and a worthless degree
Posted by
Maricela Spratt
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Maricela Spratt
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Does anyone know how those affected can get help? My criminal justice degree is worthless.
Posted by
Takella Green
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Takella Green
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I am also a victim of this school's. I was never able to use my Criminal Justice degree and would like to know if it's still possible to submit a claim for this lawsuit.
Posted by
Denice Salvato
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Denice Salvato
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I attended Florida Metropolitan University for two years in the surgical tech program. The total charge was $33,000. I had trouble getting my internships from the school and had to drop out during my last semester due to no internships available at the hospitals in Florida. Now my paycheck is being garnished because of the money That I/O in crazy student loans. I did contact the Florida Department of education during my enrollment at Florida Metropolitan University and was told there was nothing they could do that the school was legitimate. I do not feel that I OU this money to the school that committed fraud against its students. Thank you so much
Posted by
Christine
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Christine
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I enrolled in the business administration degree program. The course was all online and I understood that going in. I could never get instructors to return contact and once I was told "they were too busy". We were grouped for projects, however there was no accountability for those not pulling their weight and those that were, were basically screwed. After learning the school was NOT infact accredited as they had told me they were, I stopped attending. My student loans were sent to collections which ended up garnishing my pay and income tax returns. My loans are paid in full now, but they should have been forgiven or reimbursed.
Posted by
Cynthia Jones
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Cynthia Jones
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Same as everyone !
Posted by
Michael brady
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Michael brady
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They signed me up for student loans even after I told them I never graduated high school they said the credits would go towards that and my film and video degree
Posted by
Lillian Jackson
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Lillian Jackson
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I attended FMU and Corinthian and I have the same problems. My student loans were paid off through insurance. I'm now my wages are granish.
Posted by
Elizabeth
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Elizabeth
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My story is the same as these folks here. $96k in Student loan debt for nothing...
Posted by
Richard
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Richard
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Back in approximately 2003-2005 I attended FMU and they told me the same thing about transferring credits, also accreditation. I was doing well in school as i was working full-time and attending their Orlando campus. Later to find out that they had lost their accreditation and all I have done was worthless. Now I am stuck with Sallie Mae and bad credit scores because of student loan. Without going into in depth details, I'm experiencing the same results as other students that attended that school.
Posted by
Kelly Jenkins
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Kelly Jenkins
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I attended FMU from 2002 to 2006. I was 6 credits short from getting my bachelor's degree in business/Accounting and excited to go to UCF to continue my education. I then found out that UCF wouldn't accept me because the credits from FMU were non transferable. I got so upset and bewildered by this because when I first started at FMU I asked that specific question about transferring and they told me that they are an accredited school and if I wished to transfer that I could. Once I found out I couldn't, even though I was already years into the program and about to earn my bachelor's, I yelled at them and told them that I refuse to give them another dime of my money and walked out. I never went back because I felt completely let down and lied to by this school. Now they are saying I owe $58,000 to them and they want to garnish my wages. For what? Charging me for classes I didn't attend, books I never received, and Lord knows what else. I've started the process of disputing my wage garnishment. I am so happy to see that I am not alone in this matter.
Posted by
David
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David
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I graduated in 1999 with a worthless MBA. Still paying the loan. The degree is worthless and I have had to omit it from my resume. Looking for any type of restitution that may be available.
Posted by
Louisiana
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Louisiana
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I enrolled for a week, dropped the entire course before the deadline. I spoke to a representative named Roth, but he didn't drop the class on time, now I'm being billed for 3K, and being sued. I was impacted by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, evacuated, and the school showed no sympathy. I explained that the school went under, and I shouldn't be obligated to pay this debt.
Posted by
Ruben
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Ruben
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I have $24,000 in student loan debt and no job related to the course I studied since 2004. I was confident that I would get a decent career but no, FMU did very little to help and most jobs were out of state. I went to another University and when I gave them the letter inside the envelope that indicated my credits, they immediately said that FMU credits are not transferable. This is without even opening the letter!! Wow.
Posted by
Kelly Quigley
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Kelly Quigley
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Told was going to be grant ended up doing four months was suspended for no reason and almost $12,000 in the whole never return any of $$
Posted by
melonie
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melonie
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I too have been a victim of FMU's fraud. I attended in 2001 and now have been contacted by the department of education for repayment of loans, mind you my education is useless as the credits are not transferable and like most of you guys cannot get a copy of my transcripts. How were they allowed to operate...
Posted by
Kimone Miller
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Kimone Miller
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I was charged for classes I did not attend, and asked to pay out of pocket. Upon my refusal to do so, I was basically prohibited from attending classes. In addition to that they red flagged me so that I was unable to receive any further student loans.
Posted by
Melissa Howell ( Sheldon)
on
Melissa Howell ( Sheldon)
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I am still trying to get my transcripts from them as well. I wasted my time and money in this school. does anyone know where the lawsuit stands?
Posted by
Chris
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Chris
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Has anyone received any student loan relief that attended FMU/Everest. I Attended FMU Brandon Fl campus from 99 to 04, my loan debt is astronomical! $100,000 plus with a useless degree.
Posted by
DEBRA ARMFIELD
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DEBRA ARMFIELD
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I wasted 3 years of my life and cant get my transcripts and they will not transfer to any other school.
Posted by
Teresa Mutton
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Teresa Mutton
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I graduated in 2007, but I couldn't get my massage therapy license because they didn't teach us what we needed to know to pass the test, we had an instructor out sick for 4 months! The school broke the contract by doing this, now I still have collectors bothering me! Got a call today! I need retribution!
Posted by
Melissa
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Melissa
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I would please like further information RE: this case. I had to retake classes at another school in order for them to transfer, so I am paying duplicate for these classes
Posted by
Jose Luis Vazquez
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Jose Luis Vazquez
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I need information on this matter
Posted by
Jennifer Hart
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Jennifer Hart
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I would also like any information that is available on this lawsuit. I have some worthless and expensive credits I am paying for. I now have to start all over and inquire more debt because these credits are non transferable. What did they think I was looking to make an investment? Why would I waste my time, money and credit worthiness for nothing. It's like buying a broken and unfixable car, its pointless.
Posted by
Lorena I Gutierrez
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Lorena I Gutierrez
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How can I get this form, I sat in their class 1 day and got a loan to pay back for a class I never sat in.
Posted by
steven koops
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steven koops
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I have 30k in student debt from this school and I can not even get a transcript from the three years I went to school there. They kept telling me they were working on getting accreditation but they never did. They even accepted me when I did not even graduate high school. They are now taking my tax refunds and 10 percent of every check I get while I am making less then 11 dollars an hour. If anyone can help me or any lawyers can include me in there action please contact me. Thank you
Posted by
cindy
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cindy
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I attended FMU- brandon fl 2004-2007 I was told they would place me in a job and help with transition from school to career. I was told the course was 19, 000 and I had $12, 000 in grants and $7, 000 in loans. The $7, 000 turned into $35, 000 I uave been denied jobs and credit. I was advised the college was acredited. I have been to three different colleges and non will take the credits so I have to start all over again.
Posted by
Florida
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Florida
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I was led to believe FMU was an accredited university and I would get a quality education from them by attending online and would be able to transfer my credits when I needed to. This was all false and the credits could not be accepted at any other college when I attempted to do so.
Posted by
Florida
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Florida
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My biggest complaint other than the fact that I now understand that my degree is worthless is that when I was enrolled there I was never offered any kind of an internship and that their job placement assistance was a complete joke. The job service center had the very same information that is available to anyone online at websites such as Mandy.com or the Florida Blue Book.
Posted by
Florida
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Florida
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I attended this university in hopes of making a better life for myself. I was misled and now I am thousands of dollars in debt. The degree I have is useless. When I was informed that I had to complete my BS to transfer my credits to USF, I was leary but I did it anyway. Now I am a single mother with loans in default and not enough income to make the payment. I have a job that I could have gotten without a degree. My dream was to work for the state of Florida but that has been shattered with the misrepresentation of Florida Metropolitian University.
Posted by
Florida
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Florida
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Not only did they lie about the credit issues. I have also found out that even if I graduate, the degree will be worthless. I have wasted thousands on student loans that I might never be able to pay off and I am stuck at FMU because their credits do not transfer. FMU has just changed it's name to Everest, I think they did this to throw people off because of all the bad PR.
Posted by
Florida
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Florida
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I wasted 1 1/2 years at a fake college that lied to me about their accreditation. I now owe around 25,000$ for going to school there, received all kinds of collection letters and threatening phone calls, and my paycheck is being garnished now because of it. I do not believe I owe them anything, if anything they should be paying me money for lying and wasting my time going there. I wasted almost 2 years of my life working a fulltime job and going to school there fulltime at the same time. Its hard enough doing both working fulltime and going to school fulltime, but to be going for no reason and then get charged 25,000$ is crazy. That school has ripped of too many people and I hope they get what they deserve.
