Complaint Review: Kaplan University - Davenport Iowa

I just graduated from Kaplan University (online) on December 23, 2008 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business. Only after graduating did I realize I had a balance on my account of over $6,500. Kaplan University never contacted me to tell me my subsidized and unsubsidized loans ran out as well as my Financial Aid. I only found out when my request for an official transcript was denied. They sent a rude email stating not to contact them in reference to requesting an official transcript until my balance was paid. Half of my balance was due to Financial Aid not paying for three of my semesters in 2006. After several months (I don't know why so long since they have in the past paid it immediately) Financial Aid did pay what they owed only because of a result of my persistance several times a week. However, they still refuse to pay $800 from what they owe me in 2006 saying it is too late and it won't make a difference because I still owe $3,775.20. Because I owe a balance they will not release any official transcripts nor my diploma until my balance is at $0.

The problem is that Kaplan received over $34,000 for me to attend their online program through student loans and funding that they won't even give me a $5 official transcript in which I have to pay the $5 for it. I do not even qualify for personal loans nor the loans the college provides. I do not have the $3,775.20 to pay the college. I am currently going through a certification program (not through Kaplan) to become a teacher. In order for me to become a teacher I need an official transcript in which Kaplan will not provide until my balance is paid.

Believe me if I had the money I would pay for it but being a single parent I am in a financial bind. I have two small children ages 6 and 8 in whom I must provide for. The only job I can hold is a Substitute Teacher in which I make less than $10,000 a year. I have to sub because I can't afford after school care and at least I am working when they are in school. I also have a part time home job to also help with the expenses. I can't afford health insurance and food stamps because they say I make too much to qualify for their programs and am forced to pay out of pocket when they have to go to the hospital to be seen. The children's father does not pay child support. Therefore, I need this job as a teacher because I can finally support them and provide insurance for them. I told Kaplan with this job I will be able to pay all that I owe. I didn't get a college education for nothing - well, maybe I did get it for nothing at Kaplan. Several thousands of dollars and nothing to show for it. However, Kaplan has told me that they don't care about my circumstances and what I face because it's policy and policy says no and it doesn't matter who I talk to. I just want to get ahead in life and I am trying to keep us from being homeless. It is so hard when you are trying to get somewhere and there's no help. I am bringing this in hopes of some help from someone. I have worked very hard in hopes to a promising and prosperous future in which Kaplan is holding up this progress. I could miss out on a great job opportunity.

I have even tried to contact the President of Kaplan in hopes that he could be understanding and make one exception and I have been told that he does not have time to talk to students; He has other things to do.

Joeleen

Killeen, Texas

U.S.A.