I have been battling Kapln since June 2014 over the billing and turning my account over to the credit collections department. I will submit the communication that I have sent to Kaplan, Ombudsman Group and the Chief Financial Officer of Kaplan. I still am wating for replies and assistance in this matter.
Ombudsman CASE# 1-***-*****
Good Morning,
I am a former student of Kaplan University, earlier this year I learned that am being doubled billed for a portion of my subsidized federal student loan which is being serviced by Navient, Account # 9********. This situation was brought to my attention by Navient.
In July of 2014, I was taking online courses in pursuit of my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, due to family issues I had to withdraw from 2 courses. I notified the University within the published guidelines through emails to an academic advisor that I have had three separate advisors while attending online classes. However, the University delayed processing my withdrawal, resulting in a penalty. As a result I was informed that I owed Kaplan for the courses.
In the fall of 2014 I attempted to transfer to a traditional intuition but was informed that Kaplan would not release my transcripts due to a balance owed on my account. During my several phone conversations with Kaplan, I was routinely hung up on, misdirected and belittled. The end result was that Kaplan maintained that I was responsible for $3,100.00
After 6 months of not being enrolled in classes,( my deferment period) I was contacted by Navient and informed that I would be required to pay a monthly payment of $650.00 to repay my subsidized student loans. This amount causes a severe financial hardship to both me and my family. I contacted Navient and was informed of the following:
Funds were disbursed to Kaplan University for the courses I took in July of 2014.
The amount Kaplan maintains that I owe is included in the total loan amount being serviced by Navient. (loan 15)
Since I was receiving a subsidized student loan, Kaplan University should not have billed me directly.
Navient has issued a letter to me and Kaplan stating that the balance is included in my repayment loans.
Based on the above information I have attempted to resolve this issue with Kaplan University. Kaplan University acknowledges that they received funds from Navient, however they maintain that since I did not finish the courses those funds cannot be credited to my account. Kaplan further maintains that a portion of the funds were returned to Navient. The amount Kaplan maintains that I owe is the same as the amount retained by Kaplan.
Kaplan has since referred this matter to a collection agency; I have contacted the US Department of education Ombudsman and was directed to your office by the Ombudsman. (Case # .
I am seeking resolution of this matter as follows:
Immediate release of my transcripts by Kaplan University.
Immediate cease and desist of the collection Agency.
A binding third party review of the accounting.
Full refund of monies paid to Kaplan in resolution of this matter.
I am not seeking to get over, simply get an education. My current employer, United States, Department of Veteran’s Affairs, offers a degree completion program. Currently I am unable to take part in this program because I do not have access to my official transcripts. As a working mother, I am striving to set a positive example for my children of living and working hard to achieve our goals.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Niki B.
#2Author of original report
Mon, August 17, 2015
I have spent the last 2 hours on the phone with Ombudsman Group, Navieant and a collection agency. I have found out the Ombudsman Group can't help since Kaplan has changed the terminology they are using. I will end up paying twice for a loan while attending Kaplan. Niki B Antioch, TN