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Kaplan University Ripping Off Poor Students for Profit - by Stephen Lendman
Like the old "Let's Fall in Love" lyrics: Bankers do it. Insurers do it. Even (privatized) universities with poor students do it. They steal and get away with it, a Danny Weil August 18 Daily Censored article titled, "Whistleblower Exposes How Kaplan University Cheats Low-Income Minority students and the Washington Post (parent company) Benefits." More on it below.
Kaplan calls itself "an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing innovative undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional education. Our programs foster student learning with opportunities to launch, enhance, or change careers in today's diverse global society. The University is committed to general education, a student-centered service and approach, and applied scholarship in a practical (online or campus) environment."
It's part of Kaplan Higher Education Corp., part of Kaplan, Inc., a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company, producing over half of its revenue and profits - its real commitment, not students.
The web site Ripoff Report.com lists first named only victims of "scams, consumer complaints, and frauds."
Elma from Washington reported her experience after attending Kaplan's Legal Studies program. In December 2008, she said:
"I have to concur with" other complaints. "Kaplan's professionalism only extends as far as their sales training goes. They are not (academically) minded, but purely monetarily motivated - hence the magic number of $12,000," a notification saying "you are $12,000 in the arrears on your tuition, therefore we will be blocking you from classes."
The Veterans Administration (VA) paid Elma's tuition. They intervened. Kaplan retracted its statement, then told the VA she was blocked for not filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
In fact, they're voluntary, and since the VA paid Elma's full tuition, it wasn't needed. She explained further, saying:
Here's why they require it - "Because as (others encountered), they use your information to obtain monies that (students) don't see - but will be responsible for."
Alma challenged them and involved the Department of Education. Her access no longer was blocked. At issue is why it was in the first place. While at Kaplan, she "had nothing but problems," including:
-- discrimination by instructors; she complained, was transferred to another one who was uncertified by the Kentucky Bar Association, lying by claiming otherwise;
-- complaining about any Kaplan educational experience is fruitless; "it's a waste of time;" no matter how justified, it won't "go in your favor....;"
-- "Kaplan also takes advantage of minorities and low income" students, getting them hugely in debt, delivering less than they promise, sometimes nothing, and earning large profits as a result;
-- required texts often arrived late, forcing students to play catchup; and
-- "Kaplan advertises they cater to working adults, (but) they treat (them like) we are ignorant or juvenile."
