Kaplan University Comments

I just graduated from Kaplan in August and am currently waiting for my degree in the mail. I have actually experienced many of the things people have spoken about here. 1) The calls from the Admissions Advisor -  I honestly was always busy when he called, but he was very nice about it and always called back when it was convenient for me. 2) The Financial Aid office - I was doing good until my last term where I had to pay about 1600 which came out of nowhere, I thought, but after speaking and e-mailing MANY MANY times within the course of a week, we were able to straigthen out the problem. Regarding this, the problem that I had was that we were playing telephone/e-mail tag. E-mail is the worst way to communicate with Kaplan staff, but it provides written "evidence" so to speak, that you tried to contact them and vice versa. But once you do get in contact, they generally do help you out with what's going on. I do agree that there are incompetent people working in certain departments, but that can honestly be said about any organization. In the end however, the education I earned from the school was genuinely good. I had a great experience. I am planning on going to Law school and found this blog/post and figured I'd share my experience. I am afraid that my B.S in CJ won't be recognized by a traditional graduate school, but I guess we'll find out.

I read many of these post and I am really stunned on how little many of you really know about the enrollment process of any University . People posted that For Profit schools are bad because they are only after your money ( all schools are after your money, ask the dean at a major university when he has a house built for him/her on campus, for profit schools get your money for the convince, to attend class when you can, that’s why online is popular), you need to take an SAT( This is false, because some people do not go straight from high school to a major university, and most university have placement tests to display a future students ability) in order to enroll in a real university, and much more. These are not facts. The truth is that everyone’s situation is unique. Most people on this blog have no clue what they are talking about, so if you are deciding between the two you have some work to do. As a professional in this field, we both know that school is not cheap no matter where you go. When you do your research the first thing you should look for in a school is their graduation rate. The second thing you need to look for is student to professor ratio. Also check out the accreditation of the university, and the final most important thing you need to do, is research the projected salaries of the careers that you are looking into. The third one is very important because you can determine if the investment in the school is worth the return. When looking for an online school like Kaplan, actually talk to the adviser and be upfront on exactly what it is you are looking to do, and when you are looking to do it. Let the adviser know when you want to be contacted again, for further assistance. Those folks who posted that they get called seven times or more a day do not know the law. You can tell any one who calls you trying to provide a service, that you wish to be placed on a do not call list and by law they cannot contact you anymore. Even more powerful if you put it in writing by emailing the individual who continues to call. If you are on the fence about attending a for profit school they are all not bad! Ask yourself what is the question behind the question. People who slam any type of schooling probability failed, owe money, or are just ex-employees that are bitter at these outfits. I experienced both types of schooling. I received my undergraduate degree from a traditional university, and my graduate degree from an online for profit university, and both experiences were pretty much the same. The only difference was that I could not see my professor, but heard them during my lectures. Online just was a better fit, because I worked 50 hrs a week, spent time with my family, and went to school. Financial Aid is a whole different story. So if you have any questions or just on the fence, you can contact me at ericlan52182@aol.com, I will be glad to answer any questions.

Not all schools are for profit. Some schools are funded by taxpayers.Thats why colleges arent accepting as many applicants because federal funding is down. It costs more to the state to put them through school than you think. Most schools try to boost their image by attrating smart people that go on to startling achievements. Thats why private and public schools give out scholarships. Does Kaplan? No because all it cares about is ripping off anyone dumb enough to think the degree will be worth anything!!!! Their accredidation is bogus. If you go look at the reviews for SDSU ot UMASS or UNH or any other real university or real school no one would say this stuff about their school.

Kaplan Alumnin 2007 
Why did you get your Masters from another school if Kaplan was so great?  Kaplan offers a Masters in CJ.

Just a thought, but Kaplan nor ANY COLLEGE gives you "experience" in the work field. College is for classes relevant to your field of study. Experience has nothing to do with college. Several places won't hire because of "no expierence," but this double-edged-sword is well known.

All I'm goin to say is its horrible I graduated last May in the medical field so it will be a year n i have had 4 interviews n none will hire me cuz they say I have no experience!!! So yea Kaplan screwed me over!!!!!!!

I attended Kaplan for information technology. Compared to U of Phoenix, they are a much better school although very high pressure for sales. The counselors aren't worth anything. 
That said, the coursework was excellent and the instructors were knowledgeable, although some of them weren't very good at teaching. The UI had some issues, but the school worked with me to resolve them. All in all, I was very satisfied with my classes.

All I'm goin to say is its horrible I graduated last May in the medical field so it will be a year n i have had 4 interviews n none will hire me cuz they say I have no experience!!! So yea Kaplan screwed me over!!!!!!!

Everyone on here complaining about Kaplan are nothing but a bunch of whiners. YOU, YOU, YOU are responsible for your own  actions. Do your research, make sure you have enough financials to cover the costs of the school. If you lost a Pell grant, that tells me you lost it because you did not keep up your GPA. YOUR OWN FAULT. The school did have communication problems a couple of years ago, but is much, much better now. The ones complaining that money went back to FA, it is not your money if the first place. Why would you expect to receive those funds for your own pocket? 

Alright guys here's the thing... believe it or not I'm satisfied with my education at Kaplan. While I am currently a little confused about tuition, I can honestly say that I've learned more here than anywhere else. I am retaining more of the information I've learned than I did in high school or at the local college I attended before Kaplan. Yeah, sure, people have issues... but where do we not run into problems? 

Iam thinking to join Kaplan. Is it good University?

Financial aid at this school is the worst.  They are so rude and have zero idea on what is going on.  That is the only down fall of the experience so far.

Wow reading a lot of these hater comments just makes me laugh I actually graduated from Kaplan in September 2011 with a four year degree in IT I got my degree online in about oh two in half years. Im currently going back for my masters from Kaplan then onto UC or OSU for my PhD. I was able to get to get a job in my field with my degree within three months. I work as a tech at a local collage. So yes a Kaplan degree can get you a real job in the corporate world. 

So far I have absolutely no complaints. They have interactive classrooms and the professors are knowledgeable and answer questions. I don't know about financial aid office but they have not bothered me. Sounds like a bunch of millennials whining to me

My experience with admissions helped me with determining which program I chose to pursue. They helped me make the RIGHT decision. I took two or three classes per term in the Associates in Applied Science Accounting program in Iowa and graduated in April 2010. Through my own dedication to my classes, focus on the end result of graduation, and being persistent, I was on the Dean's list with almost a 4.0. I was employed the majority of my AAS program. I returned for the Advanced Start Bachelor's in Accounting program for the 201-2011 school year and am now two terms away from graduating again. I still made President's list once and the Dean's List. It is not easy but IT IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE. You have to discipline yourself, stay on top of your class schedules for the next term, keep up with the FA paperwork each year after you file your taxes. Keep in touch with your adviser. Contact your instructors if you are getting behind, know you have an event coming up that you even think may possibly interfere with school This is your education,  you are the one responsible for how it turns out. I was partly an on campus student. I know that it is not easy for the Financial Aid department to do all the various things that they do. You must keep track of who you talk to ask for the same person when there is a problem that needs addressed. If you are not getting the help you think you need ask someone else for help. The campus homepage contains all the contact email and phone numbers for your campus teams. You may have to pay off an existing bill. Work with a Financial Aid person to find out what the options are. I had federal loans and grants but worked with Financial Aid every term to ensure that I was receiving the funding needed to complete my coursework. I also had one term where I only took one class during my first year and paid for that one out of pocket. My bill had to be paid before I could attend graduation and receive my diploma and I worked this out ahead of time. If you do the work that is required, the reading, the homework, the discussion boards, the web field trips (not all classes have this), turn everything in on time and do your best you will succeed. The accounting program is one of the hardest achievements a student can pursue, but even my daughter who has five kids earned a 2-year degree and landed a job that she loves as a result. I have had to turn down several job offers so I can complete school without interference which is the best for me, but, that is my choice, not because I had to, not because I can't find work, and not out of laziness. If you want it bad enough; You will work hard to get it. I must ensure that I do my best and work hard to achieve my goals. We are worth it. I'm sorry so many people think they have gotten a raw deal.Don't give up on yourself if you want it go out and get it.  

I had a very bad experience.  I filled out loan papers kaplan got the money they wanted and send the rest back to citibank.  Well without that excess financial aid I couldn't afford to get internet hooked up.  therefore I tried to drop the classes and got the runaround till after add/drop date.  They kept the money for classes I never took.  So I refused to pay the loan, now the government just took my tax return.  Don't go to Kaplan they just want your money

I have attended Kaplan once before and had to withdraw for personal reasons.  Then her recently I started back and sent in ALL the paperwork required and then the day classes were to start the financial aid department blocked me from my classes saying I was missing documents.  When I called in they said that I filed my taxes wrong and that I needed to have them amended by a professional tax person (who I had do them in the first place might I add) and then submit them back to the department.  I told them that they were done right and they said they wouldn't accept them and told me I could not attend classes so they un-enrolled me.  Worst school EVER to attend.  I only had about three more terms till I would have received my BA.  Worst experience ever!!!!

Im glad I found this website.  Before anyone enrolls at this bogus college please read this and the other issues thousands of students have had.  Google Complaints on Kaplan University.  Read about the fraudulent financial aid department.  This is my own personal story.  I began attending Kaplan almost 2 years ago.  Everything was going great besides the fake balance the financial aid dept. kept trying to come up with.  Every  term they came up with some crazy problem as to why my financial wasn't paid yet, so on and so on.  Finally the next to last term I get a letter stating that I owed approx. $1000, due to my financial aid being audited and the government decided I was getting to much money.  Well, after talking to about 20 different financial aid people no one could give me a straight answer as to why they were telling the gov. that I was a full time student when I was 2 credits shy (this is why my $$ got refunded).  So, my next to last term they block me out of my classes due to the outstanding balance, which made me fail all my classes.  After that my balance magically went up to $2000.  And as of today my balance is $2998.  Coincidently the same thing has happened to my cousin who also attended Kaplan.  However she took out an additional loan and paid them the balance.  I am not being so kind, I am going forward with getting a lawyer.  There are 1000s of other complaints just like mine out there about this school.  I would not attend this college if I were you.  I feel totally scammed and ripped off.  I am still without my degree, if this would not have happened I would have my degree as of Dec. 2012 and be working on building my daycare.  :(  

My nephew went to Kalplan fo medical assistant about one and a half years ago.Just by talking to him that he felt that he did not recieve the proper in class,and on hand training that he needs. He took the intership at a doctors,office that was not fully up to date. And the person teaching was ,not been very coporative in anwsering questions that were been asked. Now he is finished and feels that he's getting a bad review from the internship doctors office. He's been looking a long time for a medical assistant job with interviews. But when they call back that. One office told him that  their is something when they contact the internship doctors office for follw up.Is there a way that the school could send him to another doctors office for the internship training.Or is going to be a waste of his money. Not not going to find the job he went to school for. 

Hi my name is Cassandra I was wondering if I can go an enroll w/o having my diploma or GED cause im 17 turning 18 in 5mths . Em I to young 

Cassandra, please finish school and don't go to Kaplan college.

You do need a high school diploma or GED to enroll. 

My name is Rachel, and I am moving to Iowa, and want to come here. I want to know how the Nursing program is and how the school is in general? It scares me seeing all these negative comments about this school. Should  I not even try to attend?

Rachel, 
My daughter took the two year medical assisting program.It was a lot of hard work as any college classes are, but if you are truly dedicated to doing it, it will pay off. She got a job after graduation which she would not have otherwise been able to get. She is raising her kids on her own and is very happy with her job. She loves it and her kids are better for it too. Good Luck with your decision. I would do an internet search to see what classes are required for the certification you are looking for and see if Kaplan will meet those needs. Then call them with any questions before enrolling. 

I am familiar with the Iowa campus and it is great!  You should visit them and all other nursing schools of interest to make the right choice for you. I see alot of bad comments here too but realize there are over 70 locations. Each campus and student is different in their needs, behaviors, and experiences. 

I have been a student at Kaplan for a year now. I couldn't be more happy with my experience. If it wasn't for distant learning and their financing my books into my loans, I wouldn't be able to attend college. I work full time and have 2 children and love being a student at Kaplan!

Kaplan is owned by Washington Post.  I am starting class action lawsuit and ask anyone interested to contact me at 321-458-1814, attn Mike Wappler.  Kaplan and parent company engaged in unconscionable collection practices for fees not owed.  When first started told grants and loans would cover classes.  Only taking 2 classes a term.  Unable to access due to technological problems, Kaplan servers down, online not available, etc., numerous times yet no credits applied.  Bogus "technology" and other fees resulted in out of nowhere owing thousands of dollars on top of grants and loans for a couple classes, most times no books even provided.  Collection Dept then calls 3 plus times a day seeking to collect fraudulent unsupported debt, debt not credited due to their technological blackouts.  I urge anyone considering Kaplan NOT TO GO THERE as they tell you when you sign up grants and loans will cover, then next thing you know, your getting collection calls 3 times a day.  Join my class action against Kaplan and the Washington Post,  Michael Wappler, 321-458-1814

Hey e-mail me vossj08@gmail.com
wife is having problems with kaplan too. 

I just enrolled in Kaplan and went through my first week.  I am opting out today.  The classes are not what I expected, the tests are ridiculously easy.  I want a real education, where I'm actually going to learn something and this isn't the right school for anyone who wants to be challenged.  

(cont.)

After finishing the term, they suddenly informed me that there had been a "mistake" and that I was actually NOT getting $7,500 in loans and would therefore have an out-of-pocket balance. When I asked how this came to be, I was at first told that it was because I was "overawarded" in unsubsidized loans. However, after I pointed out that a student of my status was eligible to receive $7,500 in unsubsidized loans per year, their excuse changed. The next thing they told me was that some of my loans had been refunded because they did not have a certain document on file for me. Let it be known that they had never mentioned this document to me in any capacity and I was never asked for it, including when I received financial aid the previous year. Even when I asked what the document was and what I needed to do to get it in to the FA Department, I received no response and found out months later that my account was sent to collections. Now they were telling me to pay $8k+. Take note that the cost of the disputed term was $4,552, so where did $8k come from? So not only were they holding me accountable for their incompetency or deceptive business practices that lead to the rejection of my financial aid, but they were now telling me that I owed an outrageous, unsubstantiated amount of money.

Fortunately, I only communicated with Kaplan via email (a decision I made after reading so many complaints about them) and have proof of every single event detailed here. I have filed a complaint with the BBB and I will also be filing a complaint with the Dept of Education, the Higher Learning Commission, and my state's attorney general. I don't know what will come of any of it, but I know I will not allow myself to be scammed.

Please call me, 321-458-1814 to join the class action lawsuit against Kaplan, same type of unconscionable collection practices waged against me!

(cont.)

The biggest reason I would advise people to look elsewhere for their education is Kaplan's business practices, which are questionable at best and downright illegal at worst. For one and half years I had no issues with them, though I had seen many complaints about them online. I was just happy that those problems weren't my problems. That all changed last year when I applied for financial aid. Mysteriously, as soon as I as I filed my FAFSA, I suddenly owed money from my first academic year that they told me I would have to sign an agreement to pay before I receive my financial aid. I had proof that I did NOT owe (up until that point, I had been paying my tuition in full), so those claims ceased...for a few awhile. Even after previously proving that I had no balance on my account, I kept receiving bills and emails stating that I owed. On one occasion I was even blocked from classes for a week before I was once again able to prove that I didn't owe. The worst part is that these bills and emails (which I have kept for my records) made claims of balances that differed wildly. One week the alleged past due balance would be $4,850, while the next week it would be $3,282, and so on. This is evidence that Kaplan's records are either seriously erroneous or they are purposely attempting to obtain monies from students that they are not owed. I fear that many students who don't keep track of their financial status with Kaplan have paid Kaplan money that they did not owe.  

Lastly, I was also a victim of the FA Department earlier this year. I filed my FAFSA and was told by Kaplan that I would be receiving $7,500 in loans, which would fully cover my last term there (I was transferring after that term). I completed the financial aid process and proceeded with my term. 

The same EXACT thing happened to me, I am contacting an attorney.  My email is xoabx@aol.com.  I would love to get contact info if you are interested in filing a class action.  There are too many people out there they have done this too!

Please contact me for class action status against Kaplan as a member of the class!    321-458-1814

I have been to a brick and mortar university and I also attended Kaplan for a couple of years before transferring back to a brick and mortar. I can tell you that Kaplan's work, in my experience, is nowhere near as challenging as the work for the courses at the brick and mortar I attend (the University of Illinois at Chicago). I would compare the work at Kaplan University to work you would do in honors high school courses, if that. There is definitely A LOT of reading and self-teaching in Kaplan courses, which I do think helps many students learn more than they would learn at a brick and mortar simply because many students at brick and mortars don't read the text very often and rely on lecture notes, but the actual work that is asked of you (which is not much compared to a brick and mortar) is not college-level work and it is often a matter of just finding the answers in the text. There is little intensive critical thinking involved. In fact, though the amount of reading was not as great, the work I had to complete for my high school classes was more challenging.
 
Additionally, on the discussion boards and in seminars, I constantly witnessed many students being unable to spell, form basic sentences, grasp basic mathematical concepts, or follow clear instructions. Despite this, these students were still being passed and many of them reported having a 4.0 GPA. These are not things that you would see at a typical brick and mortar unless the student had known developmental issues. This is not intended to insult any of my former classmates who had trouble with mathematical concepts, spelling, or grammar, as most of us have weaknesses and we all deserve an opportunity to learn, but it is an observation that has made me question the academic integrity of this school. 

I graduated from Kaplan and I think it was the best experience. I ve been to several brick and mortar schools; while I was a soldier and they are easier. Brick and mortar schools allow more students to slide by than online does. People need to wake up this is the future. This same debate happened many years ago when Black colleges, community colleges, and junior colleges were attempting to establish themselves!!!! Best wishes to all that are seeking your education. GOD speed

It is my opinion that Kaplan University is a fraud. I have had communication issues with financial, student affairs, admissions. The school had a hard time getting my finances right. Now that I am in my last term, the day before graduation, I am told that I will not graduate. This school is a fraud!!!! Think twice before enrolling; make sure you get things in writing; I would hire legal counsel to review all paperwork before enrolling.    

Please call me to join class action against Kaplan and Washington Post  321-458-1814

I am in my very last term and I graduate with my bachelor's degree in a month. Here is an overview of my experience at Kaplan:

Pros: 

1. The teachers were very well educated. Each course I had enrolled in, they have virtual seminars where the teacher would have to introduce themself and they would talk about their teaching background and credentials and alot of my teachers had PhDs. One of my teacher was a professor from Harvard University and taught for Kaplan part time to make extra income. 

2. The courses were challenging but doable. Kaplan offers many online resources for tutoring and assitance with writing papers and such. I enjoyed most of my classes and some of the assignments were quite fun. I received a quality education.

3. Kaplan is regionally accredited with the same accrediting bodies as the brick and mortar schools.

4. Online education offers a lot of flexibility for those that work full time and have kids and other responsibilities. 

Cons:

1. Tuition is extremely expensive. Prepare to spend at least $1,300-1,500 per class. 

2. Some of the teachers did not put much effort in grading the assignments. There were some papers I wrote, which I must admit I did not put as much effort in as I should because I waited until the last minute to write them, yet I would get a 100 on my assignment! I was amazed. However, there were some teachers that harshly graded the assignments to the point where I had to resubmit them. It really just depends on the teacher's grading style.

3. You dont get the same experience as you would attending a brick and mortar. I would never recommend an online education over a brick and mortar education if the student had the choice. 

4. It is really hard to get a hold of the registrar's office. I imagine it is this way with any school you attend but I highly recommend you keep track of your curriculum and credits. There were a few times they tried to say I needed to take an extra course when I knew I didnt need it for my degree plan. Made me think they just wanted to bring in more money.

5. The financial aide office sucks! These people need to go back to school and learn math all over again. I completely paid off my degree and had confirmation numbers for each payment and kept a ledger of every dollar I owed and what was paid to Kaplan and they tried to say I still owed them money yet they could not prove to me why. I eventually threatened to get the board involved and file a complaint with the BBB if they didnt get it resolved and they finally fixed their error. 

So there you have it. I do not regret my degree with Kaplan as I am happy to have it, however, if I was coming straight out of highschool, I would recommend a traditional school. I think Kaplan is best meant for those of us that are are juggling our careers and trying to obtain a college degree. 

Everyone should decide for themselves if online education is right for you. 

To megansharp, no one is expecting the school to "bow down" to them.  However, it's your tuition money (whether it's student loans or out of pocket) that pays salaries and keeps that school in business, so efficient and courteous customer service isn't too much to ask.  In addition, you're mistaken about how student loans work.  If you complete at least 60% of the course, student loans do not have to be returned and you should not owe that money.  Kaplan purposely sends student loan money back well beyond the 60% cutoff specifically for the purpose of being able to pursue you to collect.  

I promptly left this school once I realized how awful it was.  During the admissions process everyone was friendly and quick to return calls.  Once they had my money in hand I couldn't even get a simple question answered without raising hell about it.  

It's "Diploma" not deploma.

I guess Kaplan does suck!!

I was enrolled at Kaplan University's online studies from 2007-2010. When I started they were all helpful and they took care of setting up everything. they calculated my loan amount and got it approved. I zipped through classes without a concern in the world. And they never told me they miscalculated my loan amount until AFTER I was ready to get my deploma.  i waited for it come and it didn't come. When I called to find out what was going on, lady on the other end was rude and actually thought it was funny enough to laugh at me when I said I want my deploma. She told me about the miscalculation and that even though they screwed up I wasn't going to get my deploma until I paid them almost $5000. So I don't have my diploma but I have $40,000 student due  and I can't a job in the field to afford to pay my student loan. So I do not recommend Kaplan anymore. And am having to try to get enough money for a lawyer so I can sue them to get my deploma because I had no control over calculating and requesting my loan. That was suppose to be a luxury you get with the Kaplan experience is them taking care of all the important 'boring stuff' as they said to me in the beginning. BE WARE OF THIS SCHOOLS ADMINISTRATIVE 'LUXURIES' THEY CAN BE MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR!

Please contact me to sign up as a class member in class action lawsuit against Kaplan and the Washington Post, its parent corporation for fraud, extortion, theft, etc.  321 458-1814  Michael Wappler

I attended Kaplan for 6 months, during that time I received nothing that would resemble an education I am convinced that kaplan is a scam. If you feel the same way please e-mail me at frustratedkaplanstudent@gmail.com. The curriculum at Kaplan was horrible never once did a professor go over an content 

I'm frustrated with kaplan as well. They are a very unprofessional school, i have never had such a hard time getting in contact with anyone about my education. They keep you on hold for 20 mins before anyone can actually attempt to help you. Everytime i call a dept i get a different person that tells me something different you never get straight forward answers. They withdrew money from my account on the wrong date and for the wrong amount which basically left me in limbo in my personal finances and now i can't even get a response on when i will get a refund back even though i turned in everything they told me that was needed. i'm frustrasted and would never recommend this school to anyone!!

I've attend kaplan for 2 semesters or quarters or whatever it was. It's a pretty good school, Its the financial side of things I'm not fond of. I want to transfer to a better school, where I feel challenged, I get on the Dean's List and back to back and I got tired of it. How are our credits calculated?

I am graduating from Kaplan University this July, 2011 with a B.S. in Health Science. Kaplan has been a god sent. I am a divorced woman with two children and work full-time. Their program has given the flexibility I needed to complete my degree. It's an intensive learning experience, but the instructors help every step of the way. Excellent school. Thinking about returning for a Master of Public Health in the future.   

I joined Kaplan M.S. Psychology program for 2 terms and dropped out. It wasn't hard but very intensive. I am a mother of two boys and two jobs just simply cannot keep up all the readings and assignments. It's lot more intensive because it has to cover all topics supposedly for 1 quarter in 10 weeks. If you have lots of time on hand, you might be able to handle it. Otherwise, don't assume online classes are easier. It's actually harder in my opinion because of the fast pace. It's quite expansive too because it costs about $3,500 for 1 term. It's better to look for master programs that include the internship placement especially in psychology. Otherwise you have to count on your own luck!

The classes are more fast-paced, but speaking as someone who has been to two different brick and mortars and Kaplan, the actual content of the courses is nowhere near as difficult as what is taught in traditional universities. In my experience, Kaplan work was on par with what I was used to doing in high school.  

Been going to Kaplan University for a year now for my degree in IT. Best school financially. Great service and on top of that a person success is totally based on the person not the school. Stop being negative and take responsibility for your own actions hooah! 

I think this page is used ajax too. so, hard to post.

BE AWARE!!! I am a military wife here in El Paso, TX. I was recommended this institution by ACS and I am extremely disappointed! These people do not even know these proper enrollment process. I have been working with admissions and with financial aid to get enrolled and they KEEP giving me the runaround on the process.
I asked them for the Dental Assistant Program Plan to be able to submit financial aid applications and they have no idea what that is! They simply stated: "we don't have a plan" How can this be? Then, how can you know that it is a 9-month process? Oh My God! They are terrible! I am definitely going to another institution.

If you receive financial aid for an online school, do you get a refund of the leftover money like you would at a regular college?

Kaplan is having some major problme with their nusrinsing program. The core classes are great. When you hit pharmacy they do not properly prepare for the course or for the midterm exam. You could get a B in the class but if you do not have a passing grade of 75% on quizzes and exam they give you an F for the whole class and make you take it over again. If you do not pass it  the second time you out of the nursing program. The administration is not listening to what the students are saying and contintue this format. In the last class 8 out nine student failed the final until the instructor employed a curve and more students  passed and others failed. Not fair.

this is hell. hell with this university. never go to this

I graduated from Kaplan in December 2010 with an Associates in IT. I have been working in my field since January. As most people would be, I was a little nervous when I enrolled. However, my Admissions Rep. was very friendly, discussed with me my future plans and also my options. While attending Kaplan, I did both on-campus classes and online courses. The online course seemed a better fit for me, however I have no complaints about the on-campus classes. The instructors I had were very helpful and personable, they also made sure that I understood the materials presented. Tuition is more expensive than some community colleges, and student loans truly are a pain to pay back. However, unfortunately I do not come from a wealthy family, nor did I receive any athletic or academic scholarships. Furthermore, my wife began attending a traditional community college a couple of years back, did not graduate, and still had to pay back a significant amount of money.

I would recommend Kaplan to anyone who is interested in pursuing higher education. I would also choose Kaplan for any future educational pursuits.

Reading through these posts, it is mildly amusing that the vast majority of the responses with negative feedback are either written by the same person (who keeps repeating the same mantra, regardless of the post they are attempting to reply to), or by a person who misspells relatively simple words ("Hugh waist of time"?? This person even attempts to use "large" words to validate their comments, but misspells those as well.)

It quickly became evident that any response that contains a negative comment will be regarded as "fact and truth" by the "repetitive poster", whereas any comment including positive responses must be written by an "idiot" or by "stooges being paid by Kaplan".

I can assure you that I am neither idiot, nor stooge. Also, I am not being paid by Kaplan to spout praises (unless you mean that Kaplan paid me by providing an excellent education that landed me placement within a company that now pays me to do what I love to do...in that case, yeah they paid me to spout praises..not the praises of a stooge, but the honest, from the heart feelings of a proud member of Kaplan alumni.)

I am an alumni of Kaplan.  I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the support, coursework, and eLearning platform that are used at Kaplan are top notch.  I did not have any problems earning my Bachelors degree in IT from Kaplan.  When it comes to the Master level courses and support though, I have a completely different story.
The simple fact is that there is no real support for the Grad student.  If you have a problem with financials, ie like dropping a class, you will be charged out the wazoo.  The Ombudsman will not lend a helping hand when you escalate the problem either.  It is a complete nightmare and should be avoided at all costs.  Associate and Bachelor degrees at this university are good and the Master level are seriously lacking in all departments. You have been warned; STAY AWAY if you are looking for a graduate degree.

I apologize for the way both of my posts prior to this got published 4 times each. They contain very valuable information that I hope you read. Looks like I pressed the "Post" button too many times. 

I would like to add, Excelsior, Charter Oak, Penn Foster, American Public/Military University, DSST and Excelsior exams, and  many distance learning courses and certificates can help you get a professional 2-year or 4-year degree in business, technology or some area of science if you want to hit the ground running immediately after you graduate.

Don't ignore online programs offered by Arizona State University and Fort Hays State University either - you can complete all Bachelors coursework online at a rate cheaper than some on-campus in-state 4-year programs in other parts of the country. They both have a 90% acceptance rate.

Community colleges often let you take classes online as a non-degree student, and require no documentation of academic achievement to register if you are a non-degree student. I have never really explored community colleges, but there are so many out there that will let you take classes or do a 2-years program with them if you just have a GED (and sometimes even if you don't have one). You can then transfer the classes or associates program to so many number of cheap state colleges, both online and offline. Hopefully my last two posts will shed some ideas of places with very liberal acceptance policies.

www.apu.apus.edu - admits anyone with a GED or high school diploma to an associates or bachelor's. Only 250 dollars per semester credit online, or 750 dollars per 3 hour semester class online. This cost includes the textbook for every class. You don't even need an interview with them, just send proof that you completed a GED or high school diploma with supporting documentation and you are in. No SAT scores need, no GPA or merit screening.

You could also do extension class or certificates online (see www.extension.berkeley.edu), or register for CLEPs, DSST or Excelsior College exams, then transfer in all the gained credit to a place like Excelsior College (www.excelsior.edu) or Charter Oak State College (www.charteroak.edu) that also admit anyone with a GED or high school diploma, and that accept all transferred credit if it is an ACE reviewed exam or course, or regionally accredited course. You could do an associates at a place like Penn Foster, www.pennfoster.edu, then transfer in that credit to Excelsior and get a regionally accredited 4 year degree. Always try to hit regionally accredited in your highest degree, whether associates or bachelors. All colleges mentioned here just need a GED or high school diploma. You can generally register for extension classes and certificates, like at Berkeley, and for the exams mentioned, with just a credit card and no need to submit documentation. Everything mentioned is a very cheap way to get a degree, and available for everyone. 

Resources such as the 1 you mentioned right here will be extremely useful to myself! I will publish a hyperlink to this web page on my personalized blog. Im sure my site site visitors will locate that fairly advantageous.

I am in a graduate program at Kaplan for a master's of Science in Higher Education, Student Services. I completed my undergraduate education at traditional community colleges and universities.
I have found the program at kaplan to be quite rigorous, effective and informative. My instructors have all been pretty fantastic, even going so far as to be professional references and mentors. I have nothing but praise for them
As far as financial aid/student accounts, I have had no problems. I applied for and recieved federal stafford loan to pay for my education and have only had one proble. A charge of $39 that no one was sure where it came from. This lasted over two terms; I was not disenrolled because of it; and a solution was reached.
The biggest problem I had was, ironically, with academic advising. My very first advisor was attentive and supportive, however she left her position (no reason given to me) about 6 months after i started. Then I went through a series of advisors - about 4 in 6 months - and that was a little ridiculous, having no chance to create any rapport. A few months ago, they switched graduate advising to a group of advisors instead of individually assigning students to them. This is a big CF. i feel no support from that corner, and really have little use for them as I am in my practicum. My Practicum supervisor, however, is also great, responsive and attentive.

4 out of 5 stars from me. The problems I read in other people's posts strike me as the resultof not reading the fine print or paying attention to the details. These are FOR PROFIT schools - caveat emptor! 

Yes, I once felt like the majority of people here. 
The professors are cool and admin sucks... or They just want me to read... whatever you can think of ... 
 Due to a situation I had with FA and my lack of participation in class, I was dropped. I started at another college...which turned out to be a big mistake...
 I couldn't find a degree plan and into a second quarter, I still can't.
 I can't find my grades for last quarter,my advisor doesn't know my history so I am constantly repeating myself. 
 I have two degrees and they are asking / making me take lower level classes. no advance start program here.
 I don't know when I'll graduate ... I would have graduated this year with KU and it was on the website.
 The work is not easy...it is time consuming ... it will discipline you...
 The seminar is the voice of your instructor and you can ask live QUESTIONS!! This school calls a seminar a powerpoint slide show....

 KU is about education.
 The professionalism is second to not many...
 
 It is what you consider important.
 I found out that the grass is certainly not greener on the other side...I'm going back across the street....

Kind of feel it was a complete scam.  I signed up for the MCSE Boot Camp in early 2009 after an online search led me to one of those sites where they have someone from the school call you.  Asked the guy all about it; was told the coursework was interactive, a primary need of mine since I didn't have access to servers or anything to actually "learn" on.  I didn't want to just read a book.  The course was actually just a series of multiple choice tests and instructions to read a book; with only a handful of video demonstrations or "flash games" where you got to do the procedure in question in a mock windows environment.  Not nearly enough for me to actually learn much by.  I passed the course, could not afford to take the actual MCSE tests, and am now in debt $4k at 23% interest with nothing to show for it.  Not entirely Kaplan's fault, but I do feel the course was next to worthless; I paid four grand to be told to read a book and take a few practice tests.

i want to take kaplan courses at united state but at united state embassey in iraq when i attend the appointement they refused give me veza and told me to take kaplan courses online instead of going to united state because the students before me went to the states and didnot return to iraq but really i want to study their and pass the usmle then return to iraq and apply for prime menester scolarships what i should do???????

Please rethink it. Do not enroll in this school. I promise you will regret it. Tech people are rude. And most of the time you can not login. Please look for a school that knows you as a person, not a 6 digit number.
I am glad I am out. I would never advise anyone to attend Kaplan. If you do,,,you will be sorry.

I'm actually at a traditional college and it's not any better than what people here are saying Kaplan is.  I owe a lot of money in loans.  The price goes up every year.  They only want your money and there is no guarantee that I'll get a job. It seems that colleges whether online or traditional are just out for money.

Worst excuse of a Real Estate School EVER . Hugh waist of time and money .In A WORD they SUCK. its not about teaching its about them getting your money . They offer no help if a problem arises with thier newly implimented tests and refuse to admit you are a ginny pig for thier new program .

I have been searching to no avail about ga colleges who will accept my kaplan credits. I know I will probably be laughed at, that's not the point, I NEED to finish my degree at an institution where my efforts mean something. Like most of you, I have a family to support & a degree doesn't necessarily mean $$$, but if I am making this effort, I need to fix my mistake & re-route to make this thing right.

I have been going to Kaplan since late 2008 & yes, I do feel ripped off. I've never even heard kaplan until I moved to atl, ga & that was at a job fair. I figured it was legit so I went through the enrollment process (desperate to get back into school). I was going to a community college before kaplan but I moved & I knew I had to work so I needed something "convenient". I feel like I wasted 3 years of my life & money I don't even have. I feel like the "dope" somebody made a post about on here. I feel so dumb! If anyone can PLEASE direct me to ga colleges that accepts kaplan credits, it will be GREATLY appreciated! I have to get out of this, like, NOW!

as a side note when you add the school codes it is good research to look at how the school ranks by the federal government as to retention and graduation standings.. It is found as soon as you fill in the school code if you look. Many schools hide that fact and claim to not know it so as to avoid answering embarrasing questions.

you can chose. You can add as many school codes as you want to. It only gives them permission to se how much aide you get, NOT TO TAKE ANY WITHOUT YOUR FUTURE AUTHORIZATION

terrible school, terrible scholastic aide, over priced, financial aide runs scams to steal federal aide money and then double it back threw school loans to charge twice for every charge. Most people never know until they have long left the school. And no other university wants to accept Kaplan credits so ounce your shafted by them they keep right on shafting you!!

You are not obligated to attend a school by putting their school code on the FAFSA.  You may not have to pay for loans until after you leave school, but be careful, some of the loans are unsubsized.  These loans accrue interest throughout your tenure in school.

I am just wondering when i applied for my financial aid it asked for a school code i put kaplan because i felt this is where i was going. I have a few questions if someone can help if i put that on my financial aid DO I HAVE TO GO TO THAT COLLEGE OR CAN I CHOSE ANOTHER ONE and can any one recommend a good one online its just more convenient for me and my work. And i thought you only repay financial aid AFTER YOU GRADUATE NOT IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR STUDIES?

JD:  What law school did you attend?  

All of these bad postings are BS, I ACTUALLY went to Kaplan University and honestly loved it!
Yes the financial aid was a bit stressful here and there but overall it's NOT a big deal!
Students that want to own their own business one day or plan on being successful without having a boss breathing down their neck I HIGHLY recommend Kaplan too!
This school teaches you how to balance time, money, and overall life! 
Kaplan also teaches you how to become a leader, and NO this is not someone that works for Kaplan to save their a$$ I'm just explaining MY experience with Kaplan.
Only thing is I'm not sure if the credits are transferable. Other then that Kaplan University is a GREAT school and In my future as an attorney I WILL be bringing this college up in A LOT of my interviews!

it isnt even accredited. Many employers state that this university isnt accept as proper education requirement.

To You:  I agree with you on a lot of what you posted, but if you are planning to go to a traditional university, be prepared to work twice to three times as hard to finish your degree.  You wrote that you do not think the seminars are necessary, and you do not pay attention to them.  Reality check; you are required to attend class at a ground school two to three time a week for each of your four courses(full time student).  For the most part your attendance is required and you do not get to write a short paper if you miss the class.  Please be aware that online schooling is easy and be prepared to work your _ _ s off at a quality state university.  I do hope your credits from Kaplan transfer.

kaplan is not at all good for the amount of money you spend to get a degree.

Kaplan so far online is okay far as the Money that you can get back if that applies to you. The work load is crazy. I thought online was for flexibility for working member? Not here! Unless you are in a graduates program, which requires something different. I enjoy online classes, but 10 weeks of the same instructors and to include a seminar for each class, really sucks! I wish I have really thought about that before hand. If you can't attend seminar, then there goes another paper you have to write as well as your other work, which is included. If you ask me, seminars should be optional, not required for part of your grade. Half the time I don't pay them any attention,except for to show participation. I really feel like I have not learned anything new! I am almost finished and I can wait to get through! Fast, quick, and in a hurry! I have really never had to read a book to pass the class or complete the timed test. I mean I'm just here to get my name on a sheet of paper to say that I have a degree. Yes it's a lot of work, but it is easy as heck! Time consuming, but I will finish the rest of my education at a campus. Employers really look at you funny when you say at an interview that you are pursuing an education online! So, I'm glad that I'm only an undergraduate and will have loans available for my bachelors. I am only completing my associates degree online to make time shorter! So, I tell anyOne online is great, but try to do your studies at a regular school, especially if you want to get a good job with a well reputable degree! Don't listen to the school reps or anyone bout that crap of a degree online is excepted almost anywhere. There job is to keep students coming online. No students then no one can make money. It's a business everywhere you go! But regular college campus has a better value for your money, it just may take a semester or more to finish than 12 months online! Then you look crazy at an interview with an online degree, especially one in the medical field! Who's to say you completed your own work and just actually completed your externship? Never would know right! 

Michele,

do not do it...run away.

I am working on all of the paperwork right now and was getting ready to enroll,but I am glad I saw some of these posts. I may reconsider. I also just saw on the FASFA website the graduation rate is only 23%. I am confused on what the right decision is?

I just enrolled my husband at Kaplan. It works for him since he's 40+ yrs old, has 21yrs work experience, already has a very good career and just needs the diploma to take him to the next level within the same company. I am a Rutgers graduate and I can tell you even classes from community colleges were not all transferable to RU. I had friends that had lost credits along the way. So it really doesn't matter where you go if they don't want to accept them they won't. My verdict is still out on the whole administrative portion of the education but I can tell you 17 years ago when I was at Rutgers I almost didn't get a diploma b/c of parking tickets so higher education is an administrative nightmare anywhere. 

I agreed with the previous comment about the education is good. However, the administration is DISASTER!!!! The whole university needs to work together especially the financial aid office.  It was a horrible experience. In addition, the employees don't even know how to properly talk the students.  I have pre-paid tuition paid through my company.  The financial department who's responsible for this was horrible!!!!  SAD!!!!

Wow, i am reading the reviews and now wondering if I have made a mistake. I am enjoying the experience so far and doing pretty well. The cost for the school is very expensive and what troubles me is reading that the workforce does not honor the school. I currently work for a large medical facility and pray once I am done, I won't run into that proble. I guess you can say there are good and bad results when you choose do educate online. I still have a couple years to go.

Amanda,

You are obviously an employee of Kaplan. By receiving 5 credits for s class just means you pay more for your subpar education.  

Currently in my 3rd term at kaplan to recieve my aa in applied science(legal stuides, paralegal) Things have been great. I love that the classes are only 10 weeks long and ytou recieve 5 credits verses a community college they are 15 weeks and recieve 3 credits. They dont have traditional semesters they have terms this allows you to reach your goal and graduate faster. Also, their finacial aid dept has been awesome to me. No everyone is made of money. There has been a few time i havent been able to make my payments on time and as long as you communicate to them they dont mind!

Ok i see all this negative stuff about the online school but what about on campus in actual classes and where they do actually give you hands on training?

Accredited universities that accept transfer credits are usually not-for-profit organizations. I am an actual pre-med student at well known colleges who gets offers from Columbian, etc. It will not transfer since Kaplan, and many other schools are not accredited national...even though they say they are, there may only be a handful of classes that are accredited. My advice to you in this economy is to go to a community college and get a real associates degree in nursing where things are hands on and you will get financial aid very quick in comparison and there are numerous opportunities for scholarships. I would wash my hands of Kaplan and these schools. Pre-reqs can be taken online at the community college and the professor's door is open for in person office chats for help. I know all this because through the national honors society of Phi Theta Kappa that I was an officer for at a community college to cut costs for an awesome four year university transfer. I helped many with transfer issues. Good Luck!!

You people are crazy to attend a for-profit school. You can attend a community college that is far cheaper with better instructors from RESPECTED universities. Most of the classes can be done online too. You get a high GPA and join an honors society to get scholarships for a four year transfer school to something like MSU, UTA, OSU, etc with no or very little loans. Do I want to hire a graduate from Michigan State University, Ohio State, University of Texas, etc or someone from Kaplan...hmmmm...most choose the respected colleges. Don't be scammed!!!! Yes the classes are flexible, but so are online courses at a community college. I know people living in Texas taking classes at MSU in Michigan online that is still cheaper that Kaplan, Everest, Devry, and all those scams.

Best regards: 
I want to enrloo in your university for getting a master degree in education I'm an international student but a permanent resident in ca,oakland. i 've submitted to pbt my score=463 so is that acceptqble in the admission ,what the alternative choice in case if you don't accept it, also I need some details about the programs you offer and about the tuition costsfor the whole process,and how long it takes to finish the master degree.

I have been attending Kaplan online University for the past six months. I am still waiting for my financial aid to clear. I have called numerous times and each time I get a little different story. Since I am unable to connect with a person who makes decisions I have decided to withdraw from Kaplan , as it appears to me they operate like a ball of confusion when it comes to financial aid. 

I am considering doing the same. I feel that the financial aid department is very INCOMPETENT! You have 20 people calling you in a day about the same issues. And you have to keep explaining yourself to them. I don't know why they do designate an officer to a specific number of students seeking financial aid. At least that way a student will know who to contact. I'm so FED UP! I like the curriculum. The professors appear to know what they are doing! It's the financial aid department that i have a Big problem with. I really would not encourage anybody to consider them if anyone is planning to take a course with them. Look elsewhere because before you know it you will be a victim and that's going to affect your studies.

I am having problems with my current college saying that Kaplan is not Regionally Accredited. Therefore my classes from Kaplan wont transfer. Does anyone know anything about this? Im very upset!!! (It was for the nursing degree)
Thanks

Kaplan is a GREAT school.. Please dont listen to bad reviews.. No Problems ever!! Excellent student advisors and teachers!!! I completed my Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Kaplan U...I attended another school for my Masters and I wish Kaplan offered PhD's I would reenroll.

Now that I've graduated from Kaplan I plan to go on a crusade to warn as many as possible to avoid the for-profit online schools. Kaplan is a rip-off, but it's not the worst. Watch late-night TV in the Chicago area and you're inundated with cheap ads from Le Cordon Bleu culinary arts school, Westwood University, and several others. Don't fall into their trap. Most traditional schools are answering the online challenge by developing their own online courses. 

A prospective student needs to realize that not all degrees are the same. A bachelors from KU is not in the same league as one from a state school. The problem is, the for-profit schools are not doing anything illegal (I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt here). Students willingly fall into their trap with the false promise of high salaries through a relatively quick and easy online college program. Unfortunately, in this case, you are not getting what you pay for--you are getting much less. A degree that is of very little value, especially considering what you will pay for it.

I was attending Kaplan Online. Their Finance Department was excellent in providing me with what was needed. I will say that I had a problem with some of the programs that we used for class and getting responses in time from Academic Advisors. Those were the main reason's for me choosing to go to another College. My Grade Point Avereage started to suffer from the programs and I dropped from 3.97 to a 3.07 and could not afford for my GPA to suffer much more, so I transferred out. I will say not all of my credits transferred, but 21 of my 55 credits did transfer. This is with any school though sometimes you can transfer all or only some. I know that I am paying a lot less for my credit hours due to I am taking courses at the University here by the house, so I am saving money.

I would like to say that I did enjoy going to Kaplan On-Line, and it was a great experience and that with the studies they provide and all the extra's it kept me up with the On Campus life as well.

I was wondering about Kaplan, and I took the academic assessment test or whatever they call it. The questions are freakin' EASY. Here are a couple examples...


What number is the next one in the sequence?

78, 72, 66, 60, 54, __

A. 45
B. 40
C. 56
D. 48
E. 43


Are these words...?

IRK  IRRITATE

similiar
contradictory
neither similiar nor contradictory


And these are questions that qualify you to enroll in their college level classes. SERIOUSLY? My advisor tried to stroke my ego by telling me how smart I was for passing my first try, but I ain't buyin' it.

She also talked to me for like 1 hour and 1/2 the first time I called and 45 minutes the next. Geeze! She kept saying the same things over and over. Then when I said I wasn't quite sure whether or not I had made up my mind or not, she said, "But don't you want to make a change in your life? Where are you going to get if you do nothing?" As if Kaplan is my last-ditch resort to make something of my sorry life. And she didn't ask it rhetorically either, she kept repeating it until I answered it.

After reading many of your posts here (in addition to my own experience), I think I am going to say "No." the next time I get a call.

@GUS - You don't understand, he didn't transfer credits to Harvard, he got his degree from Kaplan and was accepted into Harvard.

I just started at Kaplan about 8 weeks ago and it works for me.  Reading about all the negative comments about the school and problems makes me think we don't live in a perfect world!  Imagine that?  Listen, people, there are problems no matter where you go, what you do, who you work for, who you work with, and even if you own your own company.  Life is about issues and resolving those issues. I'm not a fatalist, but a realist, so have a good perspective on life and work through the issues...you'll make it.  

The best thing I can tell you is to never quit or give up because people don't determine your destiny, you do.  You are exactly where you are today because of your decisions, good or bad.  I feel like I have to be Tony Robbins today!  Geez.