Complaint Review: Colorado Tech University Online

This is my letter that I wrote Jeremy Wheaton, Chief Executive Officer on April 12, 2012 to this day I have not heard from anyone with the exception of a collection agency. I informed the collection agency that I would like a full explanation on how I end up owing the CTU $14,000.00 this is not included with my Pell Grant and Stafford Loans.

I am writing this letter because I recently graduated from Colorado Technical University Online with a BSN degree in Criminal Justice on July 19, 2011. To this day I have not received my degree because the financial aid department says I owe the school $14,000.00. I do not believe that I owe them anything because my financial aid and my husbands GI bill benefits were supposed to cover my total tuition. 

Upon contacting the school, they informed me that, in order for me to get my degree I have to pay the said amount.  I am on a fixed income and was not aware of this amount until I graduated. It was understood that they would take out any amount that was needed to pay my tuition from financial aid and the GI bill. I am 58 yrs. young so in other words I will never see my degree that I earned through sweat, tears, and suffering. 

As a young woman, I did not have the opportunity to go back to school so when I was able I made a commitment to get my AA and BSN degree.  Although, some jobs would rather have a copy of your degrees but the only thing I have is a copy of the graduation class listing. I feel that it is not fair to me that I have taken to further my education only to be told that the school will not be releasing my degree.

My problem is how this school can get away with doing something like that; I believe that if you work hard at something especially when it comes to your wellbeing such as your education or a promotion on a job you have earned the right to see your accomplishments. In addition, I also requested to speak to a supervisor or manager within Student Accounts but I was refused.

I feel that what has happen to me is like one big slap in the face, in other words the school is actually telling me that you did all this work for nothing.  

I know you think that I am writing this letter out of anger, to tell you the truth I am mad as hell and anyone that has gone through something like this should be as well.  

It seems that our school system is setup for the unprivileged or the older people not to exceed but to fail in order for them to get their stats based on age, gender, race, etc...  For me this was the highlight of my life to have achieved this honor especially with my husband being sick and dying a month before I graduated.

What I want is for you to take an interest and look at this school Colorado Technical University and other schools to see how things like this can happen. I am sure that I am not the only one this has happen too nor will I be the last.  I look forward to hearing from you regarding this matter. Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,