Q: I was misled by my college and their accreditation the school itself is accredited but not the program I was in
I was in a medical private career college and I signed all the documents knowing that the school was accredited and I’d be able to sit for my state certification test once I graduated but the specific program that I was in was not accredited as it withdrew from the accredited association 3 years before but they were still advertising as they were accredited they just wrote in fine letters that they weren’t and my classmates and I weren’t told or clarified the certification we’d receive which is completely different until term 3 even though they say they told us from the beginning which isn’t true I have witnesses and proof of this as well they changed their entire website to restate the type of certification after this happened as well Id like to know if there is anything I can do as I am now I stuck with this massive loan with no degree or career thank you so much
A:
Under California law, you may have legal recourse if you were misled by your college regarding the accreditation status of your program. The key issue here is whether the college engaged in deceptive practices by advertising the program as accredited when it was not. This could potentially be a case of false advertising or misrepresentation.
You should consider gathering all relevant documentation, including the advertising materials, enrollment agreements, and any communications where the accreditation status was discussed. This documentation can be crucial in establishing what was represented to you at the time of enrollment.
It's advisable to consult with an attorney who has experience in education law or consumer protection law. They can help assess the merits of your case and advise on possible legal actions, such as seeking compensation for any damages you've incurred due to the misleading information.
Additionally, you might want to explore if there are any state or federal agencies that oversee private career colleges in California. These agencies sometimes have complaint procedures for students who have been misled by educational institutions.
Lastly, regarding the loan you've taken, an attorney can also provide guidance on whether there are any provisions for loan forgiveness or discharge under your circumstances. Legal advice tailored to your specific situation is important to determine the best course of action.
A: I'm sorry for your being misled. What you describe falls under the legal theory of misrepresentation, as well as elements of contract law based on reliance, among other possible legal theories. A starting point here could be to try to arrange a consult with a California attorney to outline your remedies and options. Good luck
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