Argosy University

Anonymous March 18, 2007 at 7:07 p.m.

This is the worst school I have ever attended. Of the inital class I began with, nearly HALF have been dismissed. Most did not pass the clinical competency exams. Most were 3.5 and up students with no academic problems. Many had over $100,000 in student loans invested as well.

The problem is that the faculty are AFRAID of the administration and the administration's sole purpose is ensuring "placement" of its students. Several faculty have confided in me that they HATE Argosy.

If I could go back in time, I NEVER would have stepped foot in Argosy.

Anonymous August 17, 2007 at 8:16 p.m.

What a great program! caring Instructors, personable administration. Courses at my pace, but academically challenging. Best decision I ever made was to enroll!

Yeah right October 22, 2007 at 1:53 a.m.

I'm finishing up my third class and considering transfering NOT because it's a bad school but because you have to complete 51% in a blended mannor meaning the course is online but you must attend three classes (a weekend) and I don't want to travel the three hours or leave my child. I have had some good teachers and 1 butt hole!!!

Ripped-off Student December 3, 2007 at 10:52 p.m.

I would not send my dog to Argosy University. There is nothing educational about any of the classes. The professors know very little of the subject matter they teach. The university's sole purpose is promoting political agendas and milking students out of money. Students who have the ability to think for themselves are harassed, mistreated, and referred to student disciplinary committees. The programs are very unorganized and staff changes constantly so no one can ever help you out with any issues. Students are withdrawn from courses, receive unmerited failing grades, charged inaccurate fees, and lied to about the courses they have left to take. Attending Argosy is like being trapped in quicksand. You never get out. The longer you try the more trapped you become by debt. Whites (especially those who identify as Christian) are ridiculed, belittled, and blamed for all of society's problems. They advertise the programs as being convenient for individuals who work full-time. They fail to inform you that they expect you to quit your job to complete the internship your last year. Issues are never addressed and complaints are never resolved. It is better to remain uneducated than to be screwed by Argosy University.

Very Pleased Student December 5, 2007 at 10:11 p.m.

I am currently in my 8th class on the DBA program with a concentration in Information Systems. I have nothing but great things to say about AU and I have a couple of friends that have attained there PhD's from AU already, which is why I chose it. The professors are great and being that I am already working in the IT industry and have been for the past 10 years, my core classes are easy to me. What I have seen from students that are complaining is that they don't comprehend the material and get upset becasue of that. With any University you have to buckle down and hit the books when you are home on a Friday or Saturday night, you can't go out partying and you have an assignment due on Sunday. I have about 8 more class left, plus my comps and dissertation. Just call me Doctor.

Ripped-off student 2 December 5, 2007 at 10:53 p.m.

Vera - I also have never met an Argosy student in person who was happy or who would refer anyone to the university. Ditto on the Argosy sucks. I challenge any student who claims to have had a good experience at Argosy (and has actually graduated and secured employment) to post their real name.

PISSED OFF December 7, 2007 at 3:26 a.m.

I would advice NO PERSON to attended this school!! WAST OF MONEY!!!!!! RUN FAR AWAY!!!!!!! Most people drop out of thier clinical psych. program thier first semester!!! That should say somthing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Argosy theft victim December 10, 2007 at 4:29 p.m.

I have observed that Argosy preys upon the following vulnerable groups of students...

1) Students with a poor academic record who may not be able gain admission to a more reputable college.

2) Students who are uninformed about their education options and the importance of weighing cost vs. value. Many students are not aware of how just how great the variety is in educational quality and reputation among for-profit private schools.

3) Adult students with children who have responsibilities and are attracted to the convenience of online or evening programs.

NCU Student Now December 10, 2007 at 7:36 p.m.

My experience with Argosy University was not a pleasant one. The professors that I took classes with, some were just recent graduated from other universities and there was one that did not have any etiquette when it came to grading, he just put the grades to everyone to see, I requested him that in the future my feedback and grade to be sent privately and not open to anyone to see, the professor told me that was oaky to that, since everyone could see all my mistakes. I was fine with criticism but not with the open exposure of the grading. Anyway I told my advisor about this, and they did not do anything.
The classes share the same format as University of Phoenix, are canned and always using group project, and there very inflexible and are bound for 7 ½ weeks format, I hated to be in group project, because you have to hunt down the other group members to participate and or they did not do their fair share of their work, Argosy forces you to register in classes in advance when you use student loans, I found the program not flexible you have to be enrolled in every term of the threaten you to drop.
Another issue is that the University had, they seem not to have reciprocity among their campuses. For instance I was doing an online program DBA and was told that I need to go to Chicago Illinois to attend their residency, I told them that it was very difficult for me to attend this residency when I was told to do it, so basically I was told by my Advisor that I was required to attend the residency before my 5 fifth class or the university would drop me. I asked if I could attend a near campus of Argosy for my residency, and I was told I could not do it due to their format.
I questioned this because all their campuses are accredited from the same accrediting agency and it should not be a problem to transfer or take classes on the other campuses, I was told that the program were not the same and the format was different and they could not guarantee transfer of credit to other campuses. That sealed the deal to leave. I had enough and I transfer out, I loss about $7000.00 in the deal.

voice of experience December 13, 2007 at 5:37 p.m.

The one thing that applies to all Argosy programs and campuses is that Argosy is a business first and foremost and an educational institution second. Consequently almost every aspect of their programs is colored by their #1 goal which is to make a profit. This can be seen in their high tuition rates, their low teacher salaries (and high staff turnover), and the fact that they admit as many students as possible knowing full well that they cannot graduate all of them even if they are all excellent students. They have to find a reason to fail or dismiss students at some point because they admit more students than they can place clinically. If there are not enough poor students then they will fabricate reasons to get students off track or dismiss them altogether. This leaves many Argosy students left with massive debt and nothing to show for it.

I have had some good instructors at Argosy, but I have never seen a good instructor stick around for very long because Argosy does not value quality education enough to incent good teachers to stay.

voice of experience December 31, 2007 at 4:08 p.m.

Transfer - What you say is true. Argosy is a business that employs people. Some people are caring, ethical and knowledgable and some are uncaring, unethical, and poorly qualified. People are people.

The pattern that I have seen at Argosy which disturbs me is that they do not incent good teachers to stay. For example, they employ a lot of part-time adjunct faculty and they only pay them for classroom time. Argosy does not pay these instructors for prep time or time for grading exams. I only attended Argosy for 24 months and by the time I had left, 11 of the 13 instructors I had were gone.

Meanwhile, mediocre teachers who were loyal to the company were rewarded and promoted.

Rate it! January 13, 2008 at 7:21 p.m.

Anonymous Jan 11, 2008,

If you are so proud of your accomplishment, please rate the University officially in this site. That way credibility can be added to your statement, if not you may be someone from the university giving positive feedback. Sorry, but you sound fake and systematic.

NCU January 17, 2008 at 7:27 p.m.

Wow, compared to other discussions when looking for programs this board is terrible on Argosy. At least the NCU dicussion had some people who had a good experience, unlike Argosy which seems like nobody likes.

Jane January 19, 2008 at 10:13 p.m.

argosy sucks. end of story!

liknmylife January 23, 2008 at 3:25 p.m.

I was enrolled in the Psy.D. program in clinical psych. at AU Washington, DC. Many of my instructors were Argosy graduates themselves with NO teaching experience. There is NO library to speak of and one is expected to have access to a REAL library to make up for it. Many fellow classmates were total MORONS who were enticed in by the possibility of having "Dr." in their names. The business offices are in a nice building while classes are held in a not-so-nice building full of young, undergrad, inner city, obnoxious youth. Obviously a business first and quality of education last. There isn't even any benefit of flexibility in this program. They want you to quit your job and run up loans, classes are all in person- nothing at a distance, and there is a time limit. Plus, the job market is going to be saturated with these types and getting a job is going to be tough.

Minnesota January 28, 2008 at 10:47 p.m.

Sarasota - It is true that students are free to study as much or as little as they like at any college...so in that respect, yes an education is what you make of it.

However, for tuition that is about 3 times that of comparable state college programs one would expect the quality of instruction to better instead of much worse.

The other serious issue with Argosy, especially in the health sciences is that clinical training is all too frequently a problem. In most programs at Argosy, clinical training does not take place until after all classroom work has been completed. By this time students are already committed and massively in debt when they find out that Argosy does not have a clinical site for them. Those students lucky enough to receive a clinical site will often have to move out of state further compounding the cost of an education at Argosy.

Plan on having to quit your job and find another place to live. If you are self-employed with a mobile business and you live in an RV then Argosy is the school for you.

Chicago January 29, 2008 at 8:53 p.m.

Think - You are right that one person's experience would not be representative of all Argosy campuses. An overwhelming number of negative reviews from different students and campuses, however, would seem to support the existence of a pattern of substandard academics and ethics inherent in Argosy's business practices.

Minimum GPA to enter Argosy February 1, 2008 at 5:48 p.m.

I found the following on WikiAnswers...

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Minimum_GPA_to...

It would be funny if it weren't so painfully true. I should never have attended Argosy. I could have been admitted to almost any school in the nation but chose Argosy because it was close, they had immediate openings (now I know why), and I didn't want to move my family. I wasted a TON of money at this school and I have nothing to show for it because (as is all to common with this school) they leveled false allegations against me and dismissed me (but not until after I had virtually paid for their entire program). I was a straight A student and even worked as a tutor for Argosy! I am still stunned to this day at how quickly they turned on me when they needed to shed students because they were short on clinical sites. Argosy does not care about its students. They only want your money.

Online Degree Diva February 4, 2008 at 9:46 a.m.

I notice that some posters refer to the Ph.D. degree and Argosy University in the same sentence so I would like to clarify. Argosy University does not award the Ph.D. degree - the only true and valued doctoral degree. The institution is not of sufficient quality to offer a Ph.D. in any field. Instead you earn the second rate "practitioners" degree in field such as an Ed.D., D.B.A,. of Psy,.D. Don't kid yourself...these are imitation Ph.D. degrees and true academics know it. The MOST you can hope to achieve with one of these very flimsy degrees "earned" at a for profit institution is 1) promotion in your current workplace (maybe) or 2) initial employment on the fringes of your field. If you are one of the delusional students who think this degree is a passport to becoming a college or university "faculty member" and you are trying to buy your way into the "ivory tower" - forget it. Most academics holding the Ph.D. degree will laugh behind your back when you use the "Dr." title with a degree from any for profit institution. The only persons not laughing are the grossly overpaid executives of the companies from whom you are purchasing your degree which is best described as a discounted commodity of questionable use or value. Graduates students of Ph.D. quality never need to buy the degree for tens - if not hundreds - of thousands of dollars. For most, and definitely the best, it cost them nothing because outstanding academic performance and exceptional intelligence merited (remember that word?) them a graduate assistantship or fellowship with free tuition and stipend. If someone else doesn't pay for the doctoral degree for you - it is probably going to do you little or no good. That's the way "real" graduate school works. At for profit schools you pay them and this is one time you will not get what you "pay for" by any stretch of the imagination. You can not buy credibility or reputation or intelligence no matter how much you pay or what the nice admissions (and very well trained!) person tells you. All you are buying is a lifetime of debt and regret that you were so easily fooled. If you are not smart enough to avoid the "for profit" education trap you are definitely not smart enough to call yourself "Dr.". Hard words that - if heeded - will save you much money and heartbreak. Go on vacation instead as that will provide a better education and more life value.

former student 2 February 12, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.

Former Administrator - It looks like Argosy is busy hiring more ex-University of Phoenix staff (see link below). I suspect that the University of Phoenix has peaked now that the public and the Department of Education are on to their scam. High level administrators are taking their profits and moving on to their next scam (Argosy), leaving hundreds of thousands of students worse off than they found them. Eventually the public will catch on to Argosy and the administrators will move on again in search of new victims and bigger profits. The sad thing is that no matter how corrupt these private companies are eventually found out to be, students are always left behind in massive debt, with worthless degrees, and no recourse. In my view the Department of Education needs to be much more proactive about investigating the predatory business practices of some of these private, for profit "education" companies. Sanctioning the companies years after the fact does nothing to help the students who are being harmed now.

I also firmly believe that legislation needs to be enacted to provide greater transparency in higher education. It is very difficult for students to find out what is really going on at a school before attending.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/education/1...

former student 2 February 23, 2008 at 7:08 p.m.

Reality - are you in admissions at Argosy?

I have no issue with schools maintaining high academic standards. In fact, if Argosy were to weed out 90% of new students in the first two semesters - I would have no issue. As long as they gave everyone a fair chance.

The problem is, Argosy has no incentive to weed out unqualified students during the admissions process or during the first couple of semesters. The more students they keep enrolled, the more money they make.

Consequently people end up having experiences like mine, where I completed (and paid for) 84% of their program, maintained straight A's and was still dismissed because the school had more students than clinical sites.

Now I have a ton of debt and nothing to show for it. If Argosy had weeded out some of their underperforming students early they could have had plenty of clinical sites. They would have had to part with big $$$ to do so, however, so don't expect this to happen until the regulators force them to.

As long as Argosy's #1 goal is to make money, marketing and keeping enrollment high will be priorities while educating and serving their students will be minimally funded.

Reality February 28, 2008 at 2:25 a.m.

former student2 and Reality - CHECK,

I have no problem with onlinedegreereviews.ORG or any other site (by the way, you can buy a '.org' just as easily as you can buy a '.com' - so don't think that is an entitlement to anything.) My point is that quality Clinical Psych degrees are not online programs.

As far as not having incentive to weed out unqualified students, the APA has STRICT standards when it comes to attrition rates, so if the school is APA accredited, it must meet these requirements. The APA doesn't goof around.

I am not in the Clinical program at Argosy, but I have worked as a workstudy. I did talk to students within the Clinical program and yes, they have complaints. But when I asked about clinical internship placement they told me that 86% were placed last year and most of the ones that didn't were not placed due to their own geographic restrictions. MOST of the students complained about the "3 c's and you're out" rule. Sounds like weeding out to me...

Reality - CHECK,
Get real. There are schools out there that pump out degrees with no academic checks and balances - for those that just want to ante-up and get the paper. I definitely can "bash" the other students that show up to class, attach themself to a good student, and expect to graduate off of their merits.

For-profit schools are a business. Like any other business, if you do not have a quality product, it will fail - unless your selling a lesser quality product for a good price. Argosy ain't cheap - I'm paying for it. We'll see if was worth it when I'm done...

former student 2 February 28, 2008 at 9:48 p.m.

What do you mean when you say you have "worked as a workstudy"? If you are not in Argosy's clinical psych program then who are you and what qualifies you to comment on their program?

86% clinical placement is still not good enough. That means that 14% of the people who paid for almost all of their program were not able to finish their degree. They have a very large program and it is not ok to charge people $100,000 and then not let them finish their degree.

Besides I would be VERY suspicious of that 86% figure. I have received inconsistent information from Argosy regarding job placement statistics, for example.

I was told that in my program Argosy had a 98% placement rate. Then I found out that as many as 40% of these students just "chose" to take jobs in other fields. So...a job flipping burgers is considered a "successful placement"? It is if you went to Argosy. Also they exclude students who don't want to move out of state (don't want to move to Alaska? Too bad.). They exclude students who are going to school again...what Argosy's degree didn't get me anywhere?...and the list goes on and on. If you want to find out the truth, ask them for the actual numbers, not statistics. Who was it that said "there are lies, damn lies, and there are statistics"?

Please post what you find out here. I am very curious to know what you find out.

skeptical too March 3, 2008 at 2:44 a.m.

Could someone who has had a good experience at Argosy please share their experience AND post a verifiable name? I attended Argosy and I consulted with my peers often and I have NEVER met anyone in person who had good things to say about Argosy.

I am skeptical that the people who have posted positive reviews of Argosy are real. Someone please prove me wrong.

Reality March 5, 2008 at 3:05 p.m.

I am in the Education program at Argosy. "Workstudy" is an part-time on-campus job helping out in various roles within the administrative offices - answering student questions, helping out during orientations/openhouse, manning the phones, etc.

I found Argosy through a friend that is also an educator. She finished her Ed.S and is currently in the Ed.D program (both of wich qualifies her for pay increases through the state.) I teach at an Early Ed. private school, so I am not paid on the state's salary schedule.

The Clinical Psych program is the only traditional format (day program) at my campus. My workstudy hours were during the day, so I have had extensive contact with Clinical students. I am also possessed a natural curiosity about the other programs at Argosy.

As far as my qualifications, what do I need to qualify as an opinion on this site? I am a student at Argosy with a bit more insight into the administrative side than most students. That's all. My opinion is here for the taking or leaving.

Those that are looking for hard statistics should contact the student services director. That is where all the statistics are compiled. I agree that this information should be better disbursed to the admissions side, but a call to the director of student services at any campus should give you more numbers then you can shake a stick at.

The clinical internship is a paid, interviewed position. Students hold some responsibility in interviewing well. If it were a question of the degree, the internship interview would not have been granted in the first place. When I was there (as a workstudy,) Psy D students from the Atlanta campus had filled 33% of the internship positions at Vanderbilt (3 out of 10.) One had been placed at Johns Hopkins. Now I do sound like an admissions employee - but, apparently, anyone that voices a somewhat positive position on this thread will invariably be discredited with that. One student told me that the those students that limit their internship geographically have a more difficult time being placed, but they were told during their entire program to BE OPEN TO RELOCATION. Find me a school with a 100% placement rate.

I have no doubts that people have had bad experiences. I've had very bad experiences at public universitites WELL beyond anything I've experienced at Argosy. I am not attempting to sugarcoat anything here, either. I get annoyed with an uneven balance of criticism. The point is, do your research, ask the right questions and make a decision based off more than disgruntled and unverifiable posts.

Clinical psych program March 12, 2008 at 4:20 a.m.

I am enrolled in the clinical psych program at argosy. I got my MA and am almost done with the psyd. I am do not know if ppl on this site are aware of the history of how argosy was formed. Argosy was originally individual state schools of profesional psychology. ISPP, the illinois school of proffesional psych was the first profesional school of psych that existed period. Ask ppl in the field, psychologists, they will tell you that ISPP has a good reputation. during the 90's the psych schools and the u in sarasota and a medical school in mn, i think, formed together and made "agrosy unuversity"
(If I messed up some small detail in describing this dont crucify me.)

The PSYCHOLOGY PSYD program is in a different league then the rest of the stuff going on at argosy. The Psyd at argosy is based on a very solid and reputable program that has been around since the APA created the Psyd degree.

I know a number (about 5 or 6) graduates of ISPP (argosy) who are very gainfully employed, you can do your own google search, instead of typing in argosy, type in ISPP and you wil find many gainfully employed respected psychologists.

That being said, I am in the program now, and I know the ups and downs of it. we just had match day for internship a bit over a month ago, and on my campus the match rate was 96%. We only have one student now without a site and that is bec of her geographic limitation.

What are the negatives of the PsyD program here?

1- It is very competitive to get practicum sites, keep in mind you need 2 or 3 of them b4 internship.
2- Argosy does not have their own counseling site.
3- Tuition is out of control

I think argosy is trying to piggyback business and education programs off of the Psych programs good record, and that is not fair to us psych students who work off our tails and hear that other students are getting an easy ride from argosy.

Rianne March 12, 2008 at 9:02 p.m.

Well, now looking at these reviews, I'm sticking with UH Hilo. I don't care if I eventually have to travel to another island, or to the main land to get my PhD. I am very happy with MCC. They are realisitic, have an excellent staff, and I can get my BA here on maui. I am not into "online study programs".

LOST FRIENDS March 18, 2008 at 12:50 p.m.

I can only say this now, as I am about to complete my PsyD internship at the Argosy Tampa campus. Several of my classmates had complained about a professor's harassing behavior towards them. Although the professor was (eventually) terminated for his behavior, ALL OF MY CLASSMATES THAT HAD COMPLAINED HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE PROGRAM. The administration used excuses such as ‘anger problems’ or ‘forging practicum hours’ (all of which were untrue). My closest friend (who had a 3.8 GPA) failed her comprehensive exam by HALF A POINT! It was a subjective assessment, and she was never given any justification for the grade! The appeals process was an absolute joke, and now, a woman who was TWO CLASSES AWAY FROM GRADUATION is out over $100,000 USD.

As a foreign student, I was afraid to speak up. Had I, I probably would have been thrown out like my 5 colleagues. THIS SCHOOL IS HORRIBLE! SAVE YOUR MONEY, AND GO ELSEWHERE!

planning on attending March 19, 2008 at 2:15 a.m.

I'm planning to attend argosy this june and now that I've read all this I'm freaking scared.

but luckily I'm in the psych program and what I've read so far -- tells me that everything'll be okay.

but seriously, Can someone stop being so negative and tell the full on truth. I'm sick of this constant negativity. It's making me shake with nervousness that I picked the wrong place.

Someone give a review.. not an angry complaint.

Lost 2 March 20, 2008 at 3:17 p.m.

Dear LOST FRIENDS,

The best chance for a quick resolution for your friends may be for them to take their story to the media. (See the posting by "Anonymous" above about the AU Chicago Psych student whose dismissal was only reversed after the Chicago Sun Times picked up the story).

SDSUgrad March 26, 2008 at 4:47 a.m.

Does anyone have any information about the MA,Counseling Program in San Diego?

Rate it! March 28, 2008 at 4:05 p.m.

To Amazing!!

Please rate your experience above.

J. Durham April 3, 2008 at 1:43 a.m.

There are a few good professors, but most are mediocre. There are a few racist professors,but the administration pretends "racism" doesn't exist. They are about making money and students for as much money as possible. My suggestion.....go some place else. It is not worth it.

luv4learning April 9, 2008 at 5:46 a.m.

I recently withdrew from Argosy-Atlanta campus EDD Instructional Leadership program. I completed one year and I haven't learned $30,000 worth of knowledge. Argosy is hungry for money and I will never serve a meal to feed. The staff is rude and never available to assist students when needed. Argosy is the worst. I'm going to Walden University.

OMG April 15, 2008 at 6:06 a.m.

I am currently planning to attend argosy and I am in shock with all of this feedback... I feel lost.

New enrolled student April 18, 2008 at 7:42 p.m.

I am signing up with Argosy (San Franciso) Alemeda location and they said I can do 20% of my classes on campus and 80% online. I am a transfer student with 60 credits and will be obtaining a BA in Psychology. Does anyone go to this campus? I am looking for some insight into this particular location.

THANK YOU ALL !! April 19, 2008 at 2:02 p.m.

I was contemplating attending AU, but thanks to all of you who posted your personal experiences on here, I am running AWAY from the idea!! I can't tell you how grateful I am for coming across this website and for all of you who cared enough to share. I am so sorry for all of the hardship that many of you have gone through with this school! Shame on AU!!

Specifics Please... April 20, 2008 at 4:29 a.m.

With so many locations across the USA (and online) as well as the numerous programs each has, I would really appreciate it if those of you who are current or past students would be more specific about what program you are in, for what degree, and at which campus.

I'm scheduled to be enrolled at Dallas in the Fall for the PsyD...any thoughts?

UOP April 28, 2008 at 9:10 a.m.

What does Argosy have to do with UOP? The UOP executives they hired will help turn a failing university around. If you want to forgo the growing pains just go to UOP who has been the leader in distance learning ever since the idea became a reality.

I didn't listen May 11, 2008 at 4:57 p.m.

I didn't listen to the advice of my professors and I ignored the comments on the messageboads. Instead I went to the Argosy Tampa campus. I am finishing my first year, and WILL NOT RETURN! What a waste of time and money! The professors are horrible. They YELL AND SCREAM and TREAT STUDENTS LIKE GARBAGE! They put out conflicting information in separate classes. Many of the 2nd and 3rd year students are getting kicked out for NO GOOD REASON! I think they are getting rid of us because they DON'T HAVE ENOUGH PRACTICUM SLOTS FOR EVERYONE NEXT YEAR!!! I was told by my advisor that this happened before. More and more sites are refusing to take Argosy students... and I don't blame them. I don't care if I lose time and money. I'm applying elsewhere! I can't stress this enough. DON'T GO HERE!!!

argosysucks.com May 15, 2008 at 4:52 p.m.

checkout Argosysucks.com to voice your concern!

Chicago 2 May 21, 2008 at 2:33 a.m.

If I could do college over again I would NEVER attend a college that does not publish a student directory. This should be a RED FLAG! There is a reason why crooked schools do not want students to be able to contact each other. They do not want students to be able to compare notes on their experiences for fear of class action lawsuits! Run from any school that deliberately impedes communication between students and between students and alumni!

Don't Bother with Argosy May 31, 2008 at 8:47 a.m.

I like this one better
DBA=Don't Bother with Argosy

Financial Aid Slight of Hand June 2, 2008 at 11:14 p.m.

I attended Argosy and all I have to show for it is a mountain of debt. Looking back one of the things that irritates me the most is the way Argosy's financial aid office is run. Argosy insists that all student loan funds be transferred directly from from the lender to Argosy's coffers. This way the student never has possession of the money he or she is spending. But make no mistake, the student is spending it and the lender will relentlessly pursue the student for the rest of his or her life. Because the student never the money in hand, her or she does not have to evaluate the opportunity cost of plunking down $5,000 for a semester at Argosy or say...buying a car. Furthermore, if a student takes out extra money for living expenses (not tuition) it also goes to Argosy. Then Argosy gives the living expense money to the student making it "feel" like Argosy is doing you some kind of favor and giving you money. This is a deceptive scam designed to keep students from feeling the real pain of paying outrageous tuition until after it is too late.
Shame on you Argosy!

Get Help June 5, 2008 at 9:53 p.m.

I am currently in the process of bringing a class action law suit against Argosy University for discrimination, retaliation and inefficiency. If you have any supporting information or you would like to join this suit please reply to jamiacole@yahoo.com.

M.Ed. Graduate June 12, 2008 at 7:29 p.m.

It was convenient but expensive. AU is not meant for most, for me it served its purpose. I received my M.Ed from AU. which allowed me to obtain the promotion to a new position with a new co (very reputable co.). That said if I had the time and money I would have gone to a more reputable institution of higher learning.
I find solace in knowing I graduated maintaining a 4.0 throughout the program. Though I suppose that is akin to saying I ran circles around 4 year olds while playing them in basketball...it is to be expected as long as you make minor effort.
For those considering the school:
It is true that it's run like a business
Some prof's are outstanding. For me all were less one
Before making the commitment, know that you have to have to desire and interest to push forward regardless of the distraction from the AU machine.

I complete my program in less than 12 month (about 50 weeks) this was another plus as we were expecting our first child 1 week after the semester came to an end.

Scratching My Head July 10, 2008 at 6:02 a.m.

I've been thinking about transferring to Argosy, looking into their doctoral program in counseling psychology. I am currently enrolled in the same program at Walden. The thing I'm finding strange here is that this whole thread could have been written about Walden -- unresponsive to students, ignoring problems, trying to blame students for the university's problems, etc. Strangely, I find the internet peculiarly free of negative comments about Walden. I think everything has at least *some* positives and negatives, but is Walden the only thing in the known universe that has "no" problems whatsoever? Is somebody running a giant Hoover that removes negative comnments about Walden from the internet? I'm just finding it all very, very strange, how so many of these comments are dead-on about my own experiences at Walden. Can anybody direct me to any information that would help clear up this mystery? Hello? Is Sherlock Holmes still for hire?

Speaking from Experience August 14, 2008 at 3:40 p.m.

I have read a number of posting about Argosy and they are (in most cases) Negative. I must say, I have not had that experience at the Atlanta campus. There have, however, been a professor or two that were less than desirable, but for the most part, my experience has been spot on. I am in the DBA Information Systems concentration and my background is Information Systems for the past 10 years. A lot of the complaints that I see here are from the Psych and Ed students which has a number of other organizations that your must prove yourself with. I guess the bottom line for me is that Argosy catered to my busy schedule and a Technology Manager and was a good fit for ME, but what works for ME may not work for others. If one is not satisfied with Argosy or any other place of higher learning, that person has the option of moving on to something that suits them better, and all I can say is GOOD LUCK in all of your endeavors.

Believe it or not, Argosy and other school like it are her to stay because that is a need for it. I looked into Georgia State; however, they did not want you to work at all while pursuing your Doctorate, which was not going to work. I looked in the UoP, but did not like the format. I looked into Walden and decided against it. Argosy was my choice and I have been successful in my studies with them. This degree is a goal for me on a personal level. I make good money already, I am with a company that I love, but to have a Doctorate is a personal goal for me and to show my nieces and nephews that you can achieve anything you want in life.

Remember as you read these comments, you have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself. If you ultimate goal is to complete your terminal degree, then let no comments from disgruntle individuals with personal agendas stop your from achieving that goal. Again, GOOD LUCK!!! AND GODSPED.

Mary August 18, 2008 at 9:10 a.m.

I am surprised this institution is not shut down. They do a lot of things way out of compliance.

Re: Speaking from Experience August 21, 2008 at 7:59 p.m.

How much you ended paying for your degree?
Simple question and Simple answer.(Did not answer the question)

It is accredited (good) and if you were able to afford it or someone paid for it(employer), then good for you. I have no problem with the academics, what I do have a problem with, is the cost of it and services to students, same as UOP, you pay a premium for a degree that you can get elsewhere for less.

afraid to list September 27, 2008 at 1:45 a.m.

I am currently working on my Psychology Competency Exam at Argosy Seattle and have to say RUN to anyone considering entering that program. I began the program 3 years ago and it is scary to think that the university has gone through 3 Presidents and the entire counseling department has changed. The only people still there is the head of the department and the practicum chair (who must have you bow and lick his feet if you want any type of decent score). The current staff is full of individuals who will tell you that they want you to use the style that works best for you when in actuality they want you to use the style that they understand. Any theory that goes outside of their common knowledge is a threat to them. It is also very clear that depending on who is on your review panel there are different requirements. In preparation for this final event you are not allowed to have your professor review your paper, nor are you allowed to get any assistance on the actual writing of your paper from any staff member. If you have a question about the manual you can expect to get a copy and paste of the manual back. I was lied to going into the program. My admissions representative was actually fired for lying to potential students and none of us were ever told that she had been lying and by the time most of us found out we were 1.5 - 2 years into the program. I even came to find out that my advisor is no longer at the school and I was never notified. All I can say is don’t do it. The headache is not worth it. I am actually filing a lawsuit.

prospective international student September 29, 2008 at 2:55 p.m.

I am an International student and I just got a call from the student advisor at Argosy. She was asking me for my credit card number and that she would fill the application all by herself. I wonder how she can do it without my school GPA's and personal details. I felt the admission process is very vague and I didnt like it when they said that I need not submit my GMAT scores. I was browsing through this site when I read your comments. Thanks to all of you...I dont think I would want to join this university.
Thanks again :)

MSG TO "Prospective International Student"... October 14, 2008 at 8:07 a.m.

FYI, the reason why they didn't even look at your history, is because they could give a crap less--they NEED students badly. It doesn't matter whether you've worked hard for a 4.0 GPA or have a 1.2 GPA..they simply want your $$$$ :)

WOW October 20, 2008 at 7:16 p.m.

As soon as I requested more information about their school and got a call within two minutes I was shocked. I was like what a great school, they really care about me. I wanted to enroll in clinical psychology in chicago but I am not anymore after reading all these negative comments. I do not want to pay so much money and never be able to pay it off, and even worst find a job. I feel very very bad for all of you that had such a bad experience but thank you very very much for giving us future students this information. The reason why I wanted to attend Argosy is because they do not require GRE. I took the GRE and did not score very high and on top of that I am late to take a suject GRE in psychology. I think I will study and prepare for GRE and apply next year in december. I thank you all again

To Speaking from experience November 8, 2008 at 7:55 p.m.

Insults will get you know where...you are proabably one of those people that start something and never finish, but you want to be critical of others that have made success. To that end, I feel sorry for you.

Finally December 11, 2008 at 10:54 p.m.

The administrator is watching over the blog since I saw most of the comments were gone.

New Student December 23, 2008 at 3:52 p.m.

I have read some of the comments, your education experience is what you make it, no matter what school you attend. A degree does not guarantee you a job, it can only help. For those of you who are getting a DBA to obtain a job, you need to ask yourself, if I am not going into education why would I need an advance degree. As for the person who said that a EdD, Psy.D, DBA, is a second rate degree you are wrong. It is a degree where that says you are not entitle to do research. Most jobs with PH.D's they do research. If you are going this route you just want to enhance your carre oppportunities. I have seen people who have attended schools I know are low , but they still have very good and hig paying (six figure jobs). I think many of the experiences on here are fom students who are traditional students and need to be in a classroom setting. Also as a instructor myself, alot of times when programs are starting the school hire new instructors because they need to get instructors in. It is like starting a new company. You don't always start out with the best you have to weed them out as you go along. That is what they are doing. AS far as the school being a degree mill. i think ever school is one now. I remember when I went to college ( about 16 years ago) it was very hard. You had to actually work, you had to
go to the library and do research. Now it is so much easier due to the internet and email. So more people are going back to school to get an education and advanced degrees. So don't take anyone opinion atleast try it for yourself and see if you like it. Understand many instructors are adjunct professors and not tenured. So if you have a problem contact your advisor and let them know how you feel rather than voice it on this page. In numbers we are strong. You can actually get them to change if you contact your Director of student affairs and voice your concerns.

Frustrated, Angry and former Argosy Student December 30, 2008 at 12:07 a.m.

This is a reply to Randy.

I cannot personally recommend Argosy University. (See my post just a few above yours). That said, I recommend you look into whatever school you want to attend. Check with the APA and see who is accredited and who is not. I know that the branch of Argosy I attended tried to get accreditation but was denied. I cannot speak to all campuses of Argosy just the one I attended. I would opt for your State University if it were me. Its also a lot cheaper.

Someone Qualified to Comment January 2, 2009 at 8:28 a.m.

Once you are in the system, they won't return calls any time soon, they will be unavailable for month/s, if you have a problem, no one will be kind enough to help you in a kind way. If you need something, forget it! You have now made yourself a target. You will be punished for making changes to your schedule, requesting anything, and for just being a student at Argosy. They have such LIMITED manpower that one or two people can't possibly handle all of the students' requests/ changes, so people get in trouble because the Administration can't help the students - then the Administration blames the students for complaining about anything that goes wrong. It's amazing. I am talking about at a campus - not online.

Leigh January 8, 2009 at 10:25 p.m.

Wow! How many employees of Univ of Phoenix, Ashford and Kaplan were writing the negative reviews? Only people that don't have what it takes to complete their secondary education would have something negative to say about Argosy. They are the only school that was up front about what is expected. I am not treated like a number. I have a lot of support from faculty and staff. If you can't afford to pay for an education, go to a community college!!!!!!!

Pondering January 17, 2009 at 10:44 p.m.

I am so thankful to you all for the comments - it so help me to make a decision. NO ARGOSY. The tution is EXTREMELY high for a online school. Money is hard to keep these days, and time is precious.
And Leigh community colleges DO have supportive staff.

concerned January 22, 2009 at 2:40 a.m.

Has anyone had any good experience with their online degree programs? I was thinking about getting my BA in psychology online from there but now I'm not sure.

Argosy Student January 29, 2009 at 12:41 a.m.

I do not know why my post above posted multiple times. Sorry for the error!

Frustrated, Angry and former Argosy Student February 1, 2009 at 9:39 p.m.

This is to James. I'm glad that you have had a positive experience with your particular campus and program. I think that your response is a bit ridiculous and childish. So I wish you luck and hope that your experience is better than mine.

For all potential Argosy students I would like to state that it comes down to each individual location and program. Each program at each location works as an independent entity from another. The PsyD program at my location (which I would never recommend) has no idea what is happening in the Counseling program. If fact the PsyD and EdD programs are being made aware of how the Counseling program is being handled and its not looking good for the Counseling department. The school is being investigated and lawsuits are being discussed.

If you are looking at attending any Argosy campus, my recommendation is to find people who have attended that specific program at that specific location and get their opinions. Ask the questions of the recruiters they are required to tell you what the drop out rate is, what the graduation rate is, etc. Ask the local education facilities and credentialing boards about complaints.

Yes your experience is what you make of it, but you don't have control over the behavior of the administrators. For me I loved most of my professors, but I disagree with administration and their behavior and actions. In my program alone there is not one professor teaching there now that was there when I started the program (3 year program) I think that says something about the program.

Concurring with Negative Comments February 3, 2009 at 11:56 p.m.

My experience at Argosy was deplorable! Contact gbplattner@plattnerlaw.com to provide your story for a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT against Argosy. Stop them from leaving more students in debt with no degree!

Not a Scam...I have too was treated unfairly February 4, 2009 at 6:51 p.m.

In response, I am not collecting information for spamming and I am not sure what lead you to this conclusion. I experienced many of the same complaints that others on this site have made against Argosy. 4.0 student, told to take responsiblity for behaviors that weren't wrong, and Argosy finding reasons to drop me from the program prior to practicum. I have legit complaints against Argosy and have sincere concerns about them being stopped before they do this to other students. If the lawyers find the complaints of others to substantiate a case, they will move forward. I am writing here to locate those who have had a bad experience at Argosy that left them with student loans and no degree to show for it. If any one has questions or information they want to provide, the email to the lawyer looking into this is gbplattner@plattnerlaw.com If there is another way of me locating students who have been unfairly treated by Argosy University, let me know.

Copurnikus February 9, 2009 at 8:03 p.m.

Unfortunate.
I wish I had found this site BEFORE I enrolled at Argosy. I see now that I am just one of thousands who has had their pockets drained by the university. My specific issue was transferring credits. Argosy agreed to accept my credits from a previous school. TWO MONTHS after I enrolled they changed their mind. It has been one story after another and nothing is reliable. Six months into the program, I am on my third advisor. I encourage all of you to contact the accrediting agency ---Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1.800.621.7440, www.ncahlc.org).

Please understand we were all forced into an Arbitration agreement in order to enroll. Use the process --- This arbitration provision shall survive the termination of the student’s relationship with Argosy University. If the student has a question about the arbitration administrators mentioned above, the student can contact them as
follows: JAMS, 45 Broadway, 28th Floor, New York, NY, 10006,
www.jamsadr.com, 800.352.5267; National Arbitration Forum,
P.O. Box 50191,Minneapolis, MN, 55405, www.arb-forum.com,
800.474.2371.

WOULDN'T IT BE WORTH $500 TO GET YOUR MONEY BACK?!?!

HATE ARGODY February 13, 2009 at 3:48 p.m.

Argosy sucks in the twin cities. There are a bunch of clicks and the atmosphere is like high school. This school suck and the advisors suck. The recuiters promise flexibility but NOT TRUE.

I have been harassed by other students. Some students who witnessed this even filed a claim of harassment. And what does the faculty members do. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!

My reputation has been ruined and other students whisper behind my back. I have been isolated from my peers in that program.

I wished that I never attend and was big waste of my money and more importantly MY TIME!!

Saddened February 21, 2009 at 7:31 p.m.

I am currently a student at Argosy-Tampa. Unfortunately, I have been disappointed with Argosy in every way. Initially,prior to enrolling in Argosy, I was led to believe that it was "flexible" program with online and weekend classes. That is not true. There are no online classes for the Psy.D. program. Generally, there is one maybe 2 dates/times for each class and you either rearrange your life to fit that class in your schedule or you take it next year. The faculty are unapproachable, elitst, and sometimes downright mean. If they do not like you, you WILL somehow get kicked out of the program. The faculty has the upper hand because there is ZERO student representation and ZERO acccountability for the profressors. A substatial number of "core" faculty have left and are being replaced by former Argosy students. It seems that this is ideal for the faculty still on staff, because by bringing back former students as faculty, they are less likely to "make waves" or stand up to the status quo. I would NOT recommend this school to ANYONE. Find a reputable, established, state school.

Run February 23, 2009 at 3:58 p.m.

RUN! AS FAST AS YOU CAN AWAY FROM ARGOSY! DO NOT GO HERE

Frustrated, Angry and former Argosy Student March 4, 2009 at 5:19 p.m.

I am a former student at the Seattle Campus in the MA Counseling program. I can tell you that this program is just horrible. During my time in the program there was a complete change over in staff (several times), there are only two staff members still there that were there when I started and one of them is being investigated becasue of the number of complaints that have been filed against him. I was also informed that the Head of the Department failed to notify the administration of these complaints. I personally had filed complaints against this idividual and he was still placed on my final panel. This was not a good situation. Do your research and be careful. I've heard some good things about some of the other programs at that campus but I would definately avoid the Counseling Psych program. I have a lawsuit filed.

Perfection March 9, 2009 at 9:23 p.m.

Let me just say one more thing. I'm not making excuses for Argosy. I mean I've had some anal professors, but overall I can say I learned what I needed to learn. Yeah you can fly your way through the process that's why you have to make the most of it. I still am sorry to see all these reviews. Boy, I will keep watching this post to see what happens. And I'm just speaking for myself. I found the program sustainable and when I went to graduation, I met other professionals in the education system working at the administrative level. So I really don't know what to say. Judging from all the negative reviews, it might be worth the time to reassess. I never had an issue because I graduated cum laude. I don't work for the school either. I can only speak for the education program. They had quite of few people in the field of education for several years when reading the teachers' pedigree. Maybe this is one of the more acceptable programs.

KMB March 16, 2009 at 11:54 a.m.

I am surprised by the negative statements pertaining to Argosy. I wonder if the specific location and degree program influences the experiences people are having. I went to Atlanta and had a positive experience. I graduated last year with my MA in Professional Counseling. The faculty and staff were available and helpful, the students were mostly individuals who were already in professional fields who wanted to further their education. Many of the students had a graduate degree in another field and were simply looking to change careers. The professors were almost always working as a psychologist/therapist and so we got a great deal of real-world information. I've also known others who have attended Argosy and were just as pleased and successful. I am currently working in my field and am going toward my licensure, something Argosy works to make as a smooth transition.

Campus wide March 16, 2009 at 6:47 p.m.

After reading all the reviews, I find it interesting that a number of students at various Argosy locations seem to be failing their CCE. I can tell you at the Tampa location-it is an epidemic. The general sentiment among students is that Argosy is a business first. Argosy seems to accept anyone and eveyone into the program and then systematically fail a certain percentage of students. Most people are kicked out of the program based on the CCE. As other people have noted, alot of the students who fail have high GPA's, have successfully completed 2-3 years worth of coursework, yet somehow manage to fail to meet the bare minimum on the CCE. There is something wrong with how Argosy is operating and it is bordering on, if not outright unethical. How many people at other campuses are experiencing people failing their CCE?

Good Luck March 26, 2009 at 3:39 a.m.

The problem with Argosy is that there is no accountability, no true valuable education, and too many possible land mines to fall into. Most of the teachers are not trained as teachers, they have a high turn over of staff and Presidents so no one can be held responsible for the disasters that will happen to you or people you know. Any time you make a change to your classes or program - ZAP! You've entered Argosy Hell- and you may not make it out. Ask for help? Zap! You're now a problem. Complain? Zap! You're out! SUE SUE SUE... that's the only way to stop the illegalities from continuing to be rampant. Everyone who was canned from a counseling program illegally were A students. Why? Stupid reasons pertaining to program director's LIKABILITY standards. She tried to kick someone out because she said she was "too secxksy", another because she was too quiet, others for medical reasons, a couple of others for sticking up for their friends, etc. etc. You want to suffer???? Go to Argosy, but don't say you weren't warned! You will suffer - or be a worse off person for it. DO you like Argosy??? It takes a special type of person to have no life experience, be a kiss ass, never challenge any wrongs. That's what they want. However, the largest harm is to the whole of society who allows this company to continue to stay in business. They have no conscience, no ethics, no morals, no genuine kindness. They definitely should not have a mental health program. This is the true harm - turning out people that have little value to the mental health profession. They passed 3 guys that I know of who were certified nut jobs. One guy kept talking about how he couldn't wait to get out of class to go get high. When someone gave him a dirty look about that, that woman got written up for "not getting along with classmates". The list of horror stories goes on and on. Don't have time to tell it all here, but the complaints are legitimate. Don't believe, go there and find out. If you don't have a hard time, you are lucky! Most people had a hard time and were constantly over-stressed and exasperated by the poor education, administration, and most of the teachers. SOme of the teachers were good - but most were sub-par and didn't have any teaching experience. I am talking about on campus. Good luck! You're going to need it!!!!!!!!!!!

Amara April 4, 2009 at 10:20 a.m.

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I am from Croatia and know bad English, give true I wrote the following sentence: "Cheap international flights tickets to sweden, cheapest airfare to sweden, flights airlines tickets to sweden, cheap discounted tickets by."

Thanks for the help :P, Amara.

RE: Online MBA Student April 13, 2009 at 8:47 a.m.

Have you not read the comments above?????????
FIND ANOTHER SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!
You'll find all the reasons NOT to attend in all the posts--please take the time to read them :)

Argosy student May 10, 2009 at 10:21 p.m.

I don't get why all of you are bashing Argosy. I think it is a great school.

Frustrated, Angry and former Argosy Student May 18, 2009 at 3:47 p.m.

To Check Yourself First: I think that you have a point on certain issues. I think that if you read all of the above postings you will find that while some are people venting that things didn't go their way you will find that others had legitimate complaints. There are lawsuits being filed against this school (particularly in the MA in Counseling Program), at several campus' including Florida, Hawaii, California, and Washington. I find that if there are a few people complaining then it can be overlooked as people upset that they did not get their way, however when you look at the complaints and realize that they are coming from several campus' and are similar in nature then there is a problem with the program and its staff.

I am not saying that all of their programs are bad as I only have experience with one campus and one program within that campus but what I am saying is that everyone needs to do their research and make their own decisions.

I've hired an attorney June 1, 2009 at 4:22 p.m.

I am in the same boat. I have hired an attorney and am going forward with plans to sue the school and get at the very least my money back. I had very good grades, never heard from any professor that I was lacking in any way, shape, or form and was told after my PCE that I failed. There was a list of all of my faults and when I posed the question how can you get through this program with these grades, never being told that your lacking (in fact you hear over and over again your doing great, your going to make a great....., you'll have no problems with this even by your internship professor) and fail your final. My campus hired a man who had been filed from his previous institution for his treatment of students and they put him in as the Director of Training. I filed complaints against him and he was put on my panel. It's a sad sort. I've heard that lawsuits are being filed in Florida, California, Washington, and Hawaii. I was lied to by the recruiter, when the school found out they fired her but didn't tell any of the students that they had been lied to. It’s a sad situation.

Unbelievable! June 18, 2009 at 12:19 a.m.

My comment is about the people I've met who have attended Argosy. One has a Masters in Counseling and is an airheaded dolt who runs off at the mouth with profanities in the work place. She appears to have no insight into people's problems or any ability to form a therapeutic relationship with a client. I was literally shocked when I heard her say she had a Masters Degree. She was complaining how no one will hire her with the degree... (No doubt!) Then there was this other gal who is currently in the "doctorate" program. What a joke! She said they suddenly hiked up the tuition to some astronomical amount and have barred anyone from taking a break in the program or they will be kicked out of it. From my estimation she is paying well over 100k for the "degree". But she's such a bubble head that she acted as if it was just an unexpected hurdle of life, oh well. I asked her if she would be earning a Ph.d and she said no, the equivalent, a "PSY-D". She then seemed surprised I had never heard of it and explained further, "It's just like a Ph.d but without the research". Then she willingly admitted that the school is currently unaccredited as if she has no idea how bad that is in terms of how her education will be valued by future employers. She was a clueless bimbo. I seriously doubt there are any admission requirements, such as a minimum grade point average on undergratuate work or a GRE. You pay the money and you're in. It's disgusting that this person may be walking around someday having others call her "doctor". Good grief.

dtk June 18, 2009 at 6:14 p.m.

Hello,

I was former student of Argosy University in Seattle studying toward a Masters Degree in Psychology. Due to Argosy’s policies and procedures, I was failed and forced to drop out. I received almost all perfect grades and was still failed. Argosy has a proven track record of doing this. They appear to be a “for profit” institution and have no intention to assist students in higher learning and obtaining advanced degrees.

If you are, or have been a student of Argosy University and feel as if you have been wrongly failed, not placed in a practicum or forced out due to no circumstances of your own, we might have a solution.

I have spoke to an attorney who is willing to file a class action lawsuit against Argosy if we can find more victims of their unscrupulous practices. Please contact me at with your story at d_kirschbaum@comcast.net and I’ll pass it along to the lawyer for review. Don’t continue to pay student loan bills for corruption and greed.

Argosy Class Action Lawsuit

Angry Former Student July 2, 2009 at 4:31 p.m.

To Rick

I would be careful of any location. There are lawsuits being filed against this school in Florida, Washington, California, and Hawaii. At this point I wouldn't attend any of these campus' until all of that is over.

Angry Former Student July 3, 2009 at 4:56 p.m.

To Former Student:

You should look into a lawyer as well especially if you feel that you were unjustly released from the program. A couple of posts up from DTK is a class action suit being filed. This is legitimate as I have talked with this person and my attorney has talked with the attorney for this lawsuit. Its time the students stand up and say enough is enough.

Almost a Student July 14, 2009 at 10:57 p.m.

Thanks so much for the reviews! I was just about to enroll in Argosy, but I pulled out. Thoughts of promises not kept or forgotten and of being dismissed from the program with a significant student loan to pay back frightened me. Best of luck in your lawsuits! I'm interested in hearing how they go.

Former Student July 19, 2009 at 6:12 a.m.

To Huh?

Let me first preface by saying that your note did not mention which campus or program you were applying to. I was like you a working mom with limited resources. I was provided good support during my admissions process. I came to learn 2 years into my program that I had been lied to. The school found otu that the recruiter was lying and fired her, however they failed to notify any of the students that she had enrolled that they had been lied to. My advisor changed regularly and I was never notifed. I usually found out when I went to who I thought was my advisor to find out that I had been transferred. My admissions counselor was changed 3 times and I was never notified. While the majority of my professors were great, not one of the professors that were employed by Arogsy were still there when I finished the program. My campus (Seattle MA in Counseling) applied for APA accreditation but was give the option of withdrawing or being denied for the PsyD program. I was told that the MA program was APA accredited (its important to note that the APA does not accredit MA programs). There are current lawsuits being filed in Florida, Hawaii, California, and Washington all in the MA Counseling programs. The school has a tendancy to fail students after their Subjective Oral Comp Exams, even when their practicum supervisor's had given them good reviews, and they have phenomenial GPA's. My recommendation depends on which program and campus you are applying to. If you looking at any campus for the MA in Counseling program I say find a different program The cost that you pay is not worth the possibility of not getting your degree.

Psych student July 26, 2009 at 4:47 a.m.

I was in the Psyd program and I must say it was a terrible time for me.... unsupportive faulty, and staff.. I withdrew my second semester.. Please RUN FAR WAY DO NOT GO TO THIS FAKE SCHOOL!!!!!

Rick August 4, 2009 at 2:14 a.m.

I take it that most of the negative comments on this site are from students who have failed courses or failed their comps. Dude, it doesn't matter if your GPA is outstanding, or if your work is excellent. The graduate program only works for those who succeed in the comp exam phase and eventually the dissertation phase.

I can tell from the writing alone on these posts that many of you did not belong in the program at any Argosy. If you can't make verb tenses agree on basic statements, how in the world are you going to articulate a response when it comes time to your comps?!? Let alone an idea for an original dissertation.

I love my campus at Argosy Inland Empire, and I am happy to be an EDD student with excellent grades. But none of that matters if I don't do well on the comps! So grow up, and realize that most of you should never have applied into any graduate program!

Go buy your degree at University of Pheonix instead and stop making excuses for taking out loans: which no one forced you to take.

Peace out whiners... Cali Rules!!!

Arrogance irritates me August 4, 2009 at 5:58 p.m.

To Rick:

You are a sad sort. It makes me wonder if you receive extra credit from Argosy or are an employee for responding to posts. I find your comments absolutely uneducated, especially for one in an EDD program. It scares me to think that you, once licensed, will be able to assist in guiding those working toward their degrees.

While your campus may be a decent facility, you make broad based statements regarding campuses for which you have no knowledge or understanding. You have no idea why these individuals did not pass their comps. Could it be that they filed complaints against their panel members, that their panel was not familiar with their theoretical approach, had a quota of a number of students that had to be failed, the panel did not like the student with a mind of their own who was willing to question the panel on their lack of knowledge about a certain topic, or that the campus could not keep faculty for more than a year and they were ill equipped to sit and judge comp exams.

I find that your arrogance just irritates me. I am glad that you are enjoying your program, but ask that you remember that there is more to an education than getting the alphabet soup behind your name.

SAY NO TO AUO!!! August 8, 2009 at 5:47 p.m.

I stumbled upon this website searching for Texas (non for profit) University and this called my interest.

LISTEN CAREFULLY EVERYONE!!!! If you are contemplating attending a private college that has not held a good long standing relationship within your community DO NOT ATTEND.

YOU THE ONE WHO HAS NOT ACCEPTED THE FA PACKAGE. DO NOT DO IT. SIMPLY CALL YOUR LOAN BORROW AND CANCEL IT SEND A LETTER BY REGISTER MAIL, FAX AN EMAIL AND A PHONE CALL TO ALL STAFF IN THE UNIV.

ONCE YOU CANCEL THEY CANNOT GET YOUR MONEY.

People please do not attend a private university unless it has been around for more than the beginning of time such as SMU, NOTRE DAME....

Phoenix was sued sometime ago and had to refund some money back to students ( they were sued by the state)

Go to a public college its cheaper they have online courses too! Also some of the public universities are going that route too! If you attend a private school that is not well respected...YES PEOPLE YOU ARE BUYING A DEGREE! For that you might as well print up yourself at home or at your local library.

As one person has mentioned yes you will be laughed at by those who earned the right to be called "Dr." You see what these schools do not tell you is what your earning is a LIBERAL ARTS DEGREE NON TRADITIONAL!

I used to work at a private university and at the most part enjoyed meet a few awesome people and it was great until my eyes began to see the light.

I learned so much in that time and in the experience in such an ugly atmosphere everytime I hear someone say I want to go back to school I inform the pro's and con's of a private university. And the truth of the matter is its always con's.

I apologize but, I really wish are government would do something about this awful mess of private school they ruin lives and put people into depth yet people refuse to recognize the dangers and do not even do their research.

Most of you have yourself to blame! You all know that your actually buying a degree but, the fantasy of being "a somebody" clouds your judgement.

Arrogance irritates me August 16, 2009 at 5:51 a.m.

To Rick:

Again I am sorry for you less than open mindedness. If you had actually read my post you would have noted that I very clearly stated that your campus may very well have a qualified staff however there are many campus' which have pending lawsuits.

You do not know my status and either a current or former student. I posted several options for the possible pending lawsuits yet you immediately attack. Several of the filed lawsuits are specifically about the topics mentioned. You can specifically reference Hamel V Argosy which provides legitimacy for the possibilities outlined in my response to you.

I never stated that I believed that I was superior to everyone in fact I tell those who inquire from me about this school that they need to look at the individual location they are planning on attending as each location has different numbers and ratios.

You stated in both posts that "not everyone belongs in graduate school" and perhaps there is some truth in that statement. However I must then ask you, if these students that are not passing their comp exams are not appropriate candidates for a graduate program, how are they making through a two/three year program and to their comp exams? Shouldn't the school and its staff have noticed their lack of competency long before their final comp exam? I wish you the best of luck in your program but when you talk about open mindedness you may want to look in the mirror.

Dr. Shamasta August 19, 2009 at 10:29 p.m.

For most of you young, undecided citizens do your research. There is nothing better than getting an education but it's important to look at the reputation of the place you will attend; after all your degree means you graduated from a university and it's history does follow you. This means you will be seen as a joke or not. Don't try to take the easy way out. Read, research and respect your studies.

Until next time good luck to each and everyone of you.

Former ArGoSy student September 4, 2009 at 12:19 a.m.

This school is not APA credentialled. During the entrance interview, the Argosy professor I interviewed with FALSELY claimed the school had applied for APA accreditation and would be APA accredited by the time I graduated! This was a total lie! To this day, Dallas Argosy University has not even applied to the APA for credentialization! The APA has verified this!

Former Student September 9, 2009 at 4:32 p.m.

When it comes to APA accreditation some campus' are and some are not. I highly recommend that you check the status of your campus if you are thinking of attending. Do not take the school's word for it as I was told my program was accredited only to then find out that they had only applied. By the time I left the program the school was given the option to either withdraw their application or have it denied. They are still not accredited but are still telling people they are.

Biology Instructor September 10, 2009 at 2:28 p.m.

I am currently enrolled in the EdD educational leadership program and I am finishing my first 33 credits. I am having a good experience with Argosy. The only is the cost. I know the comp. exam is the determining point and if I am doing well in all my classes it does not mean that I am going to pass that exam. I know I have to study hard. Having the first 12 credits from Argosy added to my resume has helped me a lot in getting a full time position. Also I have just got a promotion from my current employer since I have finished 30 credits on top of my MS in biology. I am having promises to get even higher places when I graduate. I have gotten my MS in Biology from a State University and these negative comments also apply to it. They were prejudiced, inconsiderate, and every thing you can say. However, Let us just blame ourselves. If I like to get a degree from public or state universities which shows a state name on it I would not come to Argosy because it is not a name of a state. Therefore, from my experience ONLY with this University, I can only say it is a POSITIVE one. I don't work for admissions as some will like to say here. I am just a student with GOOD experience and having tangeable benefits from this University.

The Counselor September 13, 2009 at 3:49 p.m.

To Terrified:

1. Check other online schools which are accredited and of high quality, like Capella University

2. While you are enrolled you do not have to pay student loans

3. A lot of your classes will transfer since Argosy (like Capella) is HLC accredited (Higher Learning Commission).

4. Part of the current government stimulus package there are new options to restructure student loans, with a small portion of it even being forgiven.

5. Summary: find a more suitable school, transfer classes and continue your studies. Large debt and no degree is much worse than large debt with (potentially better) degree.

6. If you are enrolled in a doctoral program, start promoting yourself as an expert in the field, build a blog, network on LinkedIn, etc. If you start getting even small consulting gigs, you might be able to write off part of your education expenses.

7. Be creative, confident, and trust your gut feelings!

Cheers,
The Counselor

I've filed a lawsuit September 24, 2009 at 4:31 p.m.

This program is really sad, lots of lies, failure to follow through, staff turn over like I've never seen.

I've hired an attorney. I recommend that if you have or are also having trouble that you talk to an attorney.

There is one lawsuit filed in Florida with Mager & Mager 954-763-2800 Scott Mager Esq. www.magerlawyers.com and one in Seattle with Wershow & Ritter 206-223-0868 Matt King Esq.

The more of us that start standing up the stronger we are.