Complaint Review: University of Phoenix

In 2007/8 I contacted UOP inquiring about classes. I am 100% disabled and am on very low income.  I Specifically told him that I could not pay Any out of pocket expenses. The man I spoke to said that my income was so low that grants would pay for all of my classes.

I signed up because I wanted to learn a skill I could do from home as my health allowed and get OFF low income disability. I attended online classes for one year and got straight A's. Just as I was preparing to start the second year I received a bill for over $10,000.00! They said I signed forms agreeing to it! I NEVER signed Any forms agreeing to pay Anything!

They are Still hounding me 4 years later! I was contacted by U.S. Department of Education Direct Loans Servicing Center who said they were a Government Program that would pay off UOP and Fannie May and that my low income would qualify me for a "Hardship Waiver" They sent me the application which I filled out and returned.

Last month they sent me their decision on the hardship waiver. I am to pay $97.00 per month until paid off. It might as well be $900. My total income is $1,300. a month. From that I pay rent, utilities, phone, medical insurance, medication co-pays and food. I am usually over-drawn at the end of the month by $10 to $20.

I can't pay it. I Shouldn't HAVE to pay it. I will Not pay it!  Now they are threatening to attach my Social Security Disability.

My only child died in 04, my husband died in 08.  I was trying to start over, find something to keep me moving forward, when I believed them and signed up for classes.  Now, I just want them to Leave Me Alone!

The only proof I have of any of this would be in their records. But, since they doctored the forms to say that I signed them agreeing to pay they have probably already doctored the rest of the records too.

I can prove my low income all the way back to 06 when I was first put on permanent disability. Why would any sane person agree to pay over $20,000 for a degree when they are barely scraping by on 1,300.00 on permanent disability??? I can also prove the death of my husband in 08 when I signed up for classes looking for a way to take care of myself and get a better quality of life than what disability provides. Now I am afraid to try anything. The stress of years of their hounding is unbelievable! I do not think this will end well for me but I hope it does end well for you.  

If you are considering becoming a "Phoenix"...STOP! If you are low income and they have told you that grants will cover everything...STOP! They are LYING! If you are on permanent disability and are considering learning a new job skill-set that will get you off low income disability....STOP!

It's hard surviving on disability, it's a crappy life...but Believe me it is so much better than the hell that the University of Phoenix and the US Department of Education; Direct Loan Servicing Center will put you through.